Jin was patient and careful in his observation. Motto had raw power and strength that emanated off of him, but his skill was lacking. There was more to it than that though. He was so afraid of losing more, but he didn't know what to do about it. The searing wet heat and a sensation like an itch and shock. It was strange, painful, embarrassing, frustrating! The sound of Motto's voice rung out in their head, he tried his best to sound like he was just being tactical but he was trembling. He was worried about himself, of course; Natural survival instincts. But he was more worried about the Loss. He was worried about Jin.<br/><br/>This guy was not so bright.<br/><br/>Jin shut out their fear for a moment. Everything was surpressed and the world went black as he directed them to a more advantageous spot. If they were going to make it here, Jin was going to have to work hard and learn fast.<br/>...<br/><br/>The fight was over as soon as it had started. A slumped over pile of matted fur dripped black ichor and lay limply on the ground before them.<br/><br/>Jin had already completely given control back to Motto as he debated their next course of action. Fighting in this state seemed like a bad idea. Aside from that, Motto hadn't seemed very confident in that fight and it would only get worse from here. And even if he figured out a way to hide them well enough the whole time and just sneak to their destination he'd risk being seen by Isabella and she'd be so mad. It was understandable, having a physical body was risky. Isabella would say he's playing right into the demon's plans. He'd possessed someone who so strongly believed in destiny and fate. His mind wouldn't need to be altered far. Jin could plant a single thought and send Motto barreling down into corruption. He could be under his control with just a few well placed words.<br/><br/>But something about being here felt right. The fear lingered, but something about them being like this .... they felt okay.<br/><br/>Motto had been entirely engaged elsewhere: tidying up their injuries, worrying about the beasts, making their way forward, Lady Isabella. There was shame for a moment. So much self doubt.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">‘Sir?’</span><br/><br/><span style="color: #00FF00"><span style="font-style: italic">‘Jin, please..distract me.’</span></span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">' Oh! um,"</span>the demon's mind searched for moment. Isabella's presence wasn't too far away. Another malicious aura was there too.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">'Can we play a game?'</span>his ulterior motive was obvious but there was some genuine interest there too: he had a playmate now and he was going to take advantage of it whenever he could. Without waiting, Jin took control for a moment and alarm bells went off in his mind. His body burned and itched, the arteries throbbed and the nerves screamed! How could Motto be walking like this? Jin's mind retreated back like a scared kitten. The pain that should have been in Motto's mind was missing, as if he was just blind to it. A dull throb remained in Jin's mind as if the pain tried to following him.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">'I wanted to... I thought maybe we could try and climb but... it was selfish, I'm sorry' </span>Jin's little voice shakily spoke in their mind before the world went blank and they were sat atop a tree branch. The forest floor was almost too dark to perceive and storm clouds rumbled overhead. They had to be at least fourty feet up. A clearing was visible from where they sat maybe a two hundred yards away, illuminated by yellow high beams. A sickly white dog looked directly into the light, staring at a rumbling black utility vehicle. He felt the urge to move forward again.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">'I think we should just watch for a minute'</span><br/><br/>_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________<br/><br/>Drool cascaded from the beasts maw to the grass as it stared with a blank almost miserable expression at the car in front of it. The creature began its meek shuffling steps forward, its body fading in and out of existence as it stepped forward. Its small silent strides didn't match the break neck pace at which it approached the car. Isabella's foot had already smashed the gas pedal. The beast had meant to duck down and snap the car up in its jaws but the sudden forward jerk of the car rammed the metal front bumper guard into the beasts front legs. The legs buckled and snapped backwards with a loud crack and the beast careened over the car slamming its muzzle directly into the dirt.<br/><br/>The car jostled in place, its back wheels bounding up before landing back down and the car shot forward looking no worse for wear. It drifted in a wide arc, kicking up dirty and patches of grass as it turned to face and re-illuminate the downed beast. Isabella opened the car door, a metal bat in hand, and slowly strode over to the beast, giving the monster a wide berth as she circled to its front. She watched it kick and thrash wildly. It made an attempt to stand on its front legs before quickly collapsing back down with a high pitched whine and snapping its jaws at her. It resorted to scooting forward with its back legs to reach her. Isabella simply took two steps back before walking around to its side.<br/><br/>She hefted the bat and swung hard. The bat sunk into the beasts fur and struck hard at its ribs sending a convulsion through its body and causing it to thrash even more. Its head whipped about in wide arcs, trying its best to get at her. She struck again. Another panicked thrash as the beast kicked itself forward and weakly tried to stand. It was trying to flee now. With a final strike, the beast slumped down and its breathing became labored as it lay there.<br/><br/>She silently made her way back to the car.<br/>_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">'I think we should give her a minute to cool down before we go over there' </span>Jin whispered.