Knowing that an attack was imminent, Motto called the earth to his fists.  Dark soil at his feet sprang up to gather around his closed hands and harden into black stone.   Most of his forearms were covered by the heavy rock as well but Motto handled the weight with ease.  With a violent wind gust, he slowed the predator’s charge but his attempt to land a blow failed.  The monster was far more agile than he was, and both the Prince and Jin felt it’s crushing jaws on their right shoulder.   The bite was deep and Motto was lifted off his feet for a moment before a majority of his flesh was torn free; allowing him to drop.<br/><br/><a class="postlink" href="https://i.imgur.com/xktNNLy.jpg">[ img ]</a><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic"><span style="color: #00FF40">‘It’s fast..’ </span></span>Motto’s mental presence trembled.  He was no match for it and he was going to get Jin killed.   He swung his left arm backwards and cracked the evil thing’s muzzle just as it made a second snap at him.  Forcing himself to his feet, Motto let out a surprised cry as he suddenly vanished and reappeared above his attacker.<span style="color: #00FF40">  “DAH!”  </span>Flailing slightly, he landed on the thing’s back.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">‘We are faster, Sir.’</span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic"><span style="color: #00FF40">‘Cool…’</span></span><br/><br/>They delivered a powerful blow to it’s skull; causing the animal to yelp and skitter sideways.  Motto was raising his rocky fist to strike again when a hind leg clawed at his leg.  The pain was enough to confuse Jin and paralyze Motto, the bound pair falling helplessly to the ground.  A stone-covered arm lifted as foul teeth descended again and both the Prince and the demon winced as they felt the intense pressure of it’s bite.  The creature could not pierce the stoney armor however, and Motto panted heavily as it fell dead before them with an ice shard deeply embedded in it’s skull.<br/><br/>Groaning, Motto got to his feet.  He took a step and hissed at the searing pain in one of his calves.<span style="font-style: italic"><span style="color: #00FF40"> ‘Nothing a little tight wrap can’t handle..’</span></span>his mental voice was cheery.  It was awesome that Jin’s power had made it possible to defeat a nightmare beast, and Motto was sorta giddy.<span style="font-style: italic"><span style="color: #00FF40">‘Did we fly, dude?’</span></span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">‘Nope.  Teleported.’</span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic"><span style="color: #00FF40">‘Into the air.’</span></span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">‘Yup.’</span><br/><br/>Their pants had been torn into shreds where the monster scratched them which made it easy to see the injury as well as dress it.  Motto tied strips of fabric around his leg; effectively covering the wound as well as controlling it’s bleeding.  Now able to limp decently, the Elemental searched the air for Isabella’s scent and headed in her direction.  The hideous gash in their shoulder was somehow forgotten for the time being.  Motto quitely regretted his idea to play lovers on the trek into the wild, and begged Jin not to mention it.  Cute kissing and hand holding wasn’t going to make a difference with nighttime predators.  Isabella probably wouldn’t kiss him anyway.  He’d totally kiss her though..<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">‘Sir?’</span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic"><span style="color: #00FF40">‘Jin, please..distract me.’</span></span><br/><br/>They were getting closer to the Princess.  Their sharp ears could make out the faint sound of an engine.