[hr][sub]mentions:[@Searat][@Gentlemanvaultboy][@WindsOfFate][/sub][h1][color=white]Gou[/color][/h1]

[indent][color=gray]The wolf's jaws were still clamped shut around the Sign monster's hand. It was a struggle to hold on, and in the middle of maintaining a vicious grip, he noticed [color=00aeef]Luna[/color] accelerating from behind. There was a sense of relief, but he continued to tense his jaw around the metallic hand. As the fight went on, he made sure to jerk the Sign master's body in different directions to effectively avoid giving it a chance to hit Luna and her vehicle.

The objective to hinder the Sign Master was going incredibly well thanks to the water elementalist's efforts. However things changed fast, and suddenly Luna was up in the air. In Gou's confusion, through clenched jaws, he let out a "hm?" which only came through as a light yowl. Things fell back into place when the lady landed right on the monster itself, making good use of the opportunity to... throw jabs at its helmet. Gou forcefully choked back a laugh at this sight, not forgetting to stay attached to that hand.

Ultimately both he and Luna knew that they'd need one last turn to bid this monster goodbye. However, they were seemingly speeding towards [color=white]a white figure[/color] in front of them within moments. That person made it at the perfect time.[color=silver][i]"Yuri!"[/i][/color] His excitement caught him off guard. This last turn would go to Yuri, and he was ready for them to see this monster off.

Evidence of Yuri's magic started to take shape on Sign master's back, as though it had grown beautiful wings. Gou could feel the thing begin to slow down, and proceeded to bite down as hard as he could, trashing his side to side - he was close to tearing its hand off. He heard the mage chant his spell, signaling the Sign monster's inevitable end. A faint voice came through during his vicious effort to deal extra damage before Yuri could finish him off.

[color=white][i]Let go![/i][/color]

Gou immediately loosened his jaw and let himself fall to the asphalt, skidding along the ground until his carpeted body rolled to a halt. He shook his head and looked up just in time to witness a complete barrage of spectacular lights shoot across the air and into the Sign monster's body, embedding themselves in its metal appendages. The wolf's eyes showed a glint of satisfaction watching as the arrow lights exploded consecutively, officially signaling an end to the Sign monster's assignment.

[color=f7941d]"It was a short life and I never achieved my purpose. But I won't let it be for nothing. I was looking forward to the construction job afterward..."[/color]

The water manipulator mused next to him, expressing her thanks. Gou nodded, acknowledging the well-earned respect. The beast lowered his head and tail in respect to the red beam of light that shot towards the sky, seemingly taking the remnants of their opponent with it. There was a sense of gratitude the creature left behind, and he inwardly thanked it for being his first task.

[hr][color=white][h3]post-fight[/h3][/color]

A howl echoed from his throat on that road, hoarse and undulating. Within a minute, there now stood a man in the wolf's place. His long hair flowed to his waist, leisurely draped above the scabbard still roped across his chest. Thankfully, his loose robe pants were also still on, but that didn't stop Gou from shielding his body upon realizing he was still with Luna and Yuri.

Gou turned to face them, one arm still covering his upper torso. His ears were beet red, but his face was stern and held an air of confidence despite his lack of wear.

[color=silver]"The place I come from is far - as much as I'd like to head back, sticking around for a bit seems to be the better option."[/color] he responded with a grin, excitement evident on his face. At this point, he felt ready for anything... there was also the matter of the rest of his robes and satchel being left at the bubble site. [color=silver]"...and likewise, Elementalist. Your display of skill was impressive. Much unlike any natural magic I've seen before."[/color]

He properly turned to face her and the white-clad mage with a step. With a palm pressed firmly against his fist, he bowed in formal greeting. [color=silver]"My name is Gou, and this disciple hails from the Yuheng Sect."[/color] he cast a glance towards Yuri, trying to read his expression at the mention.[color=silver]"It has been an honor to fight alongside you both. It is just a shame that sir... Robot Bear,"[/color] Gou did his best to recall a name, any name, but failed. [color=silver]"...could not be here with us at the final stage."[/color] Gou reminisced for a moment the effort he put into helping an ally and couldn't help but feel immensely proud. Then he took a quick mental note to sharpen his blade later when time allowed.

Gou noticed Luna had been injured after her fall and decided to offer a token of his gratitude. He held up a palm in her direction and did the same for Yuri.

[color=silver]"Please, allow me."[/color]

He ignored the fact that Yuri stood there in a fresh and clean state, no evidence of a fight on him whatsoever. As much as Gou was shaken by this man's claims from earlier, there was absolutely no doubt in him that this mage's skills were insurmountable [i]at least[/i]. This mage was so incredibly strong that he came out of this fight unscathed. The disciple looked at his own scarred body and pursed his lips in distaste. [i][color=silver]There is a lot left to work on...[/color][/i] Gou proceeded to stand still and channeled the spiritual energy through his chest. It flowed seamlessly through his arms, then out through his palms.

The healing vigor glowed a light-greenish teal and floated through the wind with a purpose, swirling around both Luna and Yuri in an attempt to (hopefully) heal all minor injuries. During this process, only one question remained in Gou's mind:

[color=silver][i]"...just where on earth did that mech go??"[/i][/color]

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