[img]https://i.imgur.com/4uuThLm.jpg[/img]

A black and red shape emerged from the shadows, with blades that crossed and glowed a radiant 'X'. The shape descended behind Umbri, and his claws un-crossed in a wide arc. Deep cuts were carved into the beast's tail, open and glowing a white-orange heat. The screech that came rattled their surroundings, yet it was white noise to Temujin, whose pitch black gaze honed in on Umbri. He skidded on a knee as he landed, grabbed her by the arms, and yanked her, out and away from the coils loosened by pain. 

The ninja tossed her over his shoulder and bolted, his steps loud and splashing across the drowned streets. He turned one corner, then another, and raced down a desolate boulevard, the serpent still hot on his tail.

[color=#A4303F][b][i]"I'm gonna throw up,"[/i][/b][/color] Umbri slurred down his back, followed by a gulp.

[color=DC091C][b]"Don't you dare!"[/b][/color] Temujin hissed, his hand clutching behind Umbri's knees to steady her. Riko's Workshop always charged extra for deep cleaning. He couldn't afford it.

The air was hot, and the shadows darker. The monster was gaining on them. Temujin had to think fast. His free hand clutched two more smoke pellets, which he hurled towards nearby detritus, and ignited. Smoke blanketed the monster's vision for a precious few seconds… before it sped right through the expanse. 

…With its prey nowhere in sight.  

The creature slowed to a stop. Its jaws rumbled with a series of clicks and chitters, its five yellow eyes peered through the darkness. What was once a park had become a rust-laden grave, cluttered with scrap and abandoned shipping containers. Beside one of which was… a shimmer. A tear. A distortion in the wind, rippling with the smallest movements. Temujin dropped to a knee, his invisible hand covering Umbri's invisible mouth. [color=DC091C][b]"Don't. Move,"[/b][/color] he commanded, the green rings fading into unseen eye sockets.