They were so screwed it wasn't even funny.
*Plink. Plink. Plink.*
Charles Morgan was a god-damned moron. The fool had forgotten that non-Sapiance did not mean stupid. While he made plans, so too did the enemy, damn them. Now he was paying the price and had to understand just how screwed he was. But the Earthling was in luck, for the foe was making the fatal mistake of gloating.
So, the Scientist did the only logical thing he could do when his life was literally being bleed out of his body. He sucked in his lower lip and bit the end hard enough to draw blood. As the blood bead began to well up, the Harpy's twisted sneer of rooting teeth widened at what she mistakenly took the self-mutilation as a sign of fear.
Morgan held his breath, fully aware that what he heard in the next few seconds would decide his fate. He tuned out all other sounds save for one in particular.
*...*
Wait for it...
*...Plink*
YES! That was precisely what he needed to hear! The fact that it took so long for the blood from his lip to fall meant the Beast's venomous cocktail was localized to only the wounded areas. Otherwise, the blood would have flowed immediately instead of pooling up and dropping.
Now, the scenario has become a fight against time.
Quickly, Morgan predicted at his current rate of exsanguination, he'd have 10 to 20 minutes before blood loss made him combat-ineffective. Granted, that was only if the vanilla Mortal could keep his heart rate beating at the same steady pace. That meant running, jumping, and direct combat were out of the question until he could stop the bleeding.
Hmm... They should be able to pull out a win with a few minor tweaks to the plan.
"Skreee-ee-ee!" The Beast sang in sadistic offkey melody as she raised her Qi-infused talons for a second cut on the root pillar. This cut only made it through a dozen or so centimeters, but that fact hadn't dampened Harpy's spirits as she raised the leg again. "Skree-ee!"
[Alright, Ego, slight change of plans.] Morgan projected as he calmly walked to the section of Pillar that was farthest from where the Harpy was.
[Only a slight change in plans?!] The Spirit demanded in a hiss as they pointed at his sorry state, then to the foe. [You look like the mosquito's equivalent of chocolate fountain while the monster coming to kill you is doing a Shining reference! How is the old plan even remotely viable?]
[Because,] Morgan chuckled dryly as he felt a chill creeping up his hands. [I still have a few aces up my sleeve.]
[...As one of those aces, I'm not precisely glowing with confidence.] They sighed and might've protested more if the foe allowed it.
"Skreee! Skre-Skre-Skre!" The Harpy practically foamed at the mouth as she made the third cut into the Pillar and began shoving her rather rank body through the triangular hole. So intense was her blood lust that when she finally made it through, a wing snagged on a protruding root. She tumbled down four, six, eight meters through the air before successfully catching the air. But instead of gaining some height for a divebomb like he planned, she barreled directly for him. Her talons, longer and sharper than even the biggest eagles, scraped the floor as she closed the distance. "Skree!"
The Professor couldn't believe his good luck.
Morgan stretched out his right arm, palm pointed at the approaching Harpy and unpacked the Dimensional Ring glittering on his finger with a simple command. "Exitus."
The SUV's back end appeared less than a meter before the Professor, while the Beast enjoyed a similar view of the car's front.
"Skree?" The Harpy chirped in what Morgan swore was a tone of utter bewilderment. Completely understandable. It's not every day that a couple of tons of alien metal suddenly pops into existence.
*WHAM!* The Pholóē native crashed feet first through the SUV's front window in a puff of feathers, wedging herself between the driver's seat and steering wheel.
Peering through the trunk window showed the monsterus bird was already attempting to free herself. There was some visible damage to be seen within the feathery flying mass tearing up his seat. One leg now bent in the opposite direction from the other, which was never a good sign, regardless of what Universe one found themselves in.
Tragically, besides a few new cuts that would leave a fresh set of scars, the Beast looked fine. She was ready and willing for the second round if the anger twisting her face was anything to go by.
[It worked?] Asked Ego before hastily backpedaling. [I mean, of course it worked!]
[Nope, I was afraid of this happening. I think she reinforced large parts of her body when a crash is imminent. For birds, surviving a collision is an evolutionary godsend. Initially, I didn't think she'd want to keep fighting after a car crash, but now I know better. This is why we will implement phase 2.] Projected Morgan as he dug around his coat for the car keys while ignoring the emotional pain from seeing the punctured and bloody lab coat. [Where the hell are my keys?]
[Professor, you left the car unlocked before storing it, remember?]
Oh yeah.
Morgan threw open the trunk, and the Harpy halted her desperate escape. A single feather swirled in the turbulent air between them.
*Plink. Plink. Plink.*
The Mortal and Beast locked eyes yet again, each studying the other. She had managed to free her feathery rump, but the broken leg had gotten caught in the handle of the steering wheel. Large gashes could be seen in the handle, evidence that she tried cutting through but found that trick harder to pull off on hardened steel.
*Plink. Plink. Plink.*
The feather began to descend. Her bright orange eyes flicked to the wheel and back; the Professor did the same at both his med kit and the cheap brown leather suitcase poking out of the pile.
The feather froze mid-air just as the tip pointed at his face.
*Plink. Plink. Plink.*
"Don't." Morgan warned.
"Skre." The Harpy snorted.
*Thwip*
"Ow!" He grunted as the feather dart bit into his flesh just above the right eyebrow, piercing flesh, but a lack of Qi meant it wouldn't do the same to bone. Which was why the clever creature aimed for his eye, the most obvious target. "Non-Sapient my ass, you spiteful little-."
"Skreee!"
Ignoring the choked giggles from the Spirit and the angry screeches, Morgan haphazardly tore the suitcase and the kit from tightly packed supplies. A crate of MREs fell to the floor, spilling food packets, and the backpack camping kit was sent flying over him. He tried not to think about the possible loss of his limited resources, but the Harpy was only seconds away from pulling her leg free. Cradling the necessary tools, Morgan made a brake for the exit, realized he'd forgotten something essential and doubled back to sling on the thrown backpack.
*Plink-plink-plink*
After squeezing through the same gap in the hollow Pillar and tucking the med kit under an arm, Morgan kept running and ripped open the case with such ferocity that the rusty hinges snapped from the force. A rainbow of small plastic items were scattered over the wooden floor, many falling and disappearing into cracks between the roots. At least the more fragile hardware remained in the half of the suitcase he still held, the hardened black foam within keeping it secure.
[Is that a shotgun?] Ego gasped beside Morgan as he doubled back to grab the only ammunition in sight, an orange shell with a stylized serpent wrapped around the shell.
*Plink-plink-plink*
Damn it, all this running was making the Earthing's heart pound, but the threat of exsanguination should be dealt with before he could bleed out. Or Morgan would get ripped apart by the Harpy. Either way, the man's cause of death would not be blood loss.
[It was all Rey Carlos was willing to sell me on short notice.] He defended, not slowing down in the slightest as he shoved the shell into a pocket and freed the firearm from the broken case. [Be grateful I could get any gun without an ID in 2074; they really cracked down on that after France started sending spies.]
The Spirit ran alongside him, their arms and legs synchronized to his. [I'm not complaining about what kind of- Wait. Who's Rey Carlos?]
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[Well until this morning, he was a trusted janitor at the university.] The Professor rambled as they both skidded to a stop a few meters shy of the exit. [By now, I believe his new occupation is student, like all-]
"SKREEE!" The pain-riddled cry cut short any speculation of his people's Fate. A backward glance at the creature scaling up the pillar wall killed any thought other than survival.
The Professor relayed 'phase 2' to the reluctant Monk. At the same time, he loaded the orange shell into the chamber and temporarily cut off circulation to his arms with two tourniquets taken from the kit. That didn't stop the blood already soaked in the coat from dripping everywhere.
*Plink. Plink. Plink.*
[This is so stupid.] Ego grumbled from the exact spot specified in the plan.
[Only if it doesn't work.] Morgan corrected as he took the proper shooting position, placing his rear knee on the ground and the other leg supporting the elbow of the forward arm. [Stop complaining and tell me what the Harpy's doing.]
[Maybe you could see if you weren't aiming in the opposite direction.] The Monk projected so low he almost didn't catch it.
[What was that?] He asked, aiming down sights at the empty tunnel stretching out before him.
[I said the Beast' just jumped through the hole, and she's making a beeline towards you.] They reported quickly. [She's 25 meters away; are you sure the backpack will hold up?]
*Thwip, Thwip, Thwip, Thwip*
Injured or not, the Harpy's aim was as immaculate as ever, as all four darts had impacted the Scientist's upper back. If not for the thick backpack and the metal camping gear within his lungs would've gained a few extra air holes.
[Yeah, I'm confident.]
[Don't be a smart-aleck.]
Ha! As if that would ever happen. Still, Morgan should focus on staying upright as the several cave entrances before him were determined to trip him up.
[She's circling overhead and gaining altitude; I'll lose track of her soon.]
*Plink. Plink. Plink.*
[Nothing yet... Wait.] The Spirit sucked in a breath as something troubling occurred to them. [How do you know the Harpy wouldn't just hide in the dark and wait for you to escape or bleed to death?]
[Same reason she didn't do that in the first place instead of coming to get me in the Pillar.]
[Ah. You're counting on that sadistic bloodlust of hers to override good sense. Good thinking, as she really dosn't like you.]The Monk paused, reflecting on what they said.
*Plink. Plink. Plink.*
[You know it's odd that a Spiritual Beast could have such a distinct personality, let alone be so self-aware. Lysander, in the brief time we spent together, told me it took time and-]
"...skrrreeeeEEE!!!" Came the bloodcurdling warcry, starting soft at first but quickly becoming deafening as the dive bomb brought her closer and closer.
[Tell me later.] Suggested Morgan as the information could be relevant to Momo's sudden behavior changes. But for there to be a later, the Human needed to lock-in.
The Professor steadied his breathing and tried to ignore the increasing chest pain or pins and needles pricking his arms. He'd literally only get one shot at this, so focus was paramount.
[19 meters.] Counted the Spirit, though it was more for their piece of mind than his. [11 meters.]
Unfortunately, a troubling memory had returned its ugly head at this critical moment. When Rey Carlos sold him the gun, he'd mention something possibly crucial about the different-colored shells. The Professor was more concerned with finding the nearest pet store on the GPS at the time, but he swore the former janitor mentioned something exotic about them.
[7 meters.] They all but yelled. [2]
Bah, the shell color was probably nothing too significant.
"SKR-"
"Hello." Greeted the Spirit.
"-EEE?!?" What started as a scream dripping with murderous intent ended in a panicked squeal as one intruder suddenly became two.
The Scientist felt the wind slap the backpack as the avian Beast tried desperately flapping in the opposite direction to abort the attack. Of course, such a notion was a pipe dream at the speed she traveled. After a freefall dive from potentially the cavern's ceiling, there was no amount of flapping several meters from the ground that would counter that level of momentum.
Meaning that whatever evasive maneuver the Harpy chose would have to account for her moving forward. However, veering left, right, or up would mean another collision. And even for a cosmic energy-enhanced mythical creature, two high-speed crashes in a single day, let alone an hour, was one too many. For the Harpy that left one option, aim for the exit and pray to every divinity with a beak that there was enough tunnel to safely slow down.
The Professor also knew there would be only one reasonable option. That was why he aimed up at the empty space a little ways into the tunnel, for the Human could lead his shots, too.
"Goodbye." Morgan deadpaned as the terrified Beast soared into view and pulled the trigger. For a fraction of a second, the entire tunnel was illuminated like an open field when lightning struck.
*BANG! ROAR!*
The bang from the gunpowder's ignition was expected. The massive jet of flames lacing forward from the right barrel surprised everyone in the cave, especially the Beast it eagerly engulfed.
If Rey Carlos were present, he might have reminded the Professor that the red shells were regular ammunition and the ones with dragons were incendiary ammunition. One shredded dinner with little metal pellets, the other cooked dinner with shredded magnesium. The former was definitely more lethal, but either would do when the goal was keeping something from successfully executing a complex aerial maneuver in a passageway of unforgiving stone and wood.
The Harpy's all too human face twisted in agony as flames burning over 2500°C scorched her naked chest, hair, and feathers. Man and Spirit watched together as her body bounced off the floor and walls before rolling into a crumpled heap a hair's breadth from the 8th turn.
"Please tell me," Began Ego in a shaky breath, "that it's over."
"You know," Morgan said aloud, "if we were still on Earth, then I would have said yes."
"Skreee…eee." Moaned the Beast as it struggled to move.
"Oh, sweet merciful Dao." Gasped the Monk, clutching the prayer beads closer to their chest. "What a tenacious creature."
"Agreed. Let's hope she's as cunning as the Bestiary reported."
"Actually, that might not be what Cunning means in the context." They corrected, perhaps feeling a need to burn off some of their nervous energy by talking. "The literature suggests it might have something to do with how a being's abilities are measured here."
"What literature?"
"Spoilers, but I'll make it worth your wild by translating it in my own words." Ego bargained, actually sounding enthusiastic at the prospect. "The text isn't exactly written in standard format... or in English."
Morgan snorted in annoyance before leveling the still-smoking empty gun at the stirring creature in a last-ditch bluff.
*Plink. Plink. Plink.*
They witnessed the foe slowly stand on her mangled avian feet, an accomplishment only achieved by holding onto the tunnel walls with a wing. Her breath came in ragged, sporadic bursts as she used the other wing to probe the latest scar in the making. In the shadowy tunnels, her orange eyes shone like twin blood moons in the autumn night sky.
*Plink. Plink. Plink.*
"SKREEEEEEE!!!" The Harpy let out the loudest and by far angriest cry yet, where every note spoke volumes of her pain and hatred.
Neither Morgan nor Ego flinched, made so much as a sound, or even acknowledged Harpy's cry. The former was far too battered and tired to care, and the latter was too scared to move.
The tantrum lasted half a minute before the Spiritual Beast turned right around and hobbled the hell out of this god-forsaken cave, perhaps off the island entirely. Honestly, Morgan can't blame the creature for moving out, as the new neighbors were a couple of nightmares.
"Praise the Heavens." Sighed Ego as they helped Morgan to his feet. "How did you know the Harpy would run rather than fight to the death?"
"Most animals- Ow." The Scientist said through gritted teeth as he yanked the first dart free from his shoulder. "Most animals are pragmatists at heart. They lack notions like pride and ideals that we sentient beings love to fight and die for. Territory isn't worth life. Now, if there were some little offspring in her nest, then it might have been a different story... I need a nap after setting up Momo's new tank."
"You can have one after I treat your wounds and we set up camp." Ego corrected as they dug through the med kit beside him. "Are you going to be okay after losing so much blood?"
"Only one way to find out."
----------------------------------------
After a quick patch-up, the two made their way to the Pillar and car at a moderate pace, discussing plans to fortify the camp from other island dwellers and creating a basic schedule for the next few days. Naturally, exploration would have to wait for the injuries to heal, but Ego seemed happy as they could binge on some of the media they brought along.
"Err!" The Princess chirped from the Pillar's opening, and she jumped to her parent the second he got within range. The tiny gecko must've found the scent of iron too harsh since she ran to the top of his head to escape it.
"Oof," Morgan grunted as the reptile hit him with more force than he expected and nearly sent him on his ass. "Hey Ego, could you start unpacking the car without me? I need to take a breather before I pass out."
"Of course, I'm always happy to help." Called over Ego as they strolled to the damaged vehicle. "But remember that I want to watch something while you sleep. Don't worry, I'll finish writing before you wake up."
Morgan gave a sleepy nod of agreement as he tried to calm the distressed Princess. There was so much to do already, but the Spirit earned their movie night. He'll just slap the flash drive into-
"Err?" Chirped Momo puzzledly as her chin scratches suddenly halted without warning.
Panic gripped Morgan's heart as he searched all his pockets for the- Aha! There was the flash drive. At some point, he must have transferred it to the back pocket of his cargo pants. For a moment, he was worried it might've fallen somewhere or, worse, broken. Thankfully, the device had escaped any damage during the fight and was in pristine condition, ready to be plugged into his laptop. Now, where did Morgan store the computer again?
He knew he had yet to pack it in the car as they left the laptop downloading overnight... In fact, when was the last time he saw it?
...Oh no...
"Whoa, are you okay?!" asked Ego as they manifested in front of the shaking man. "Your heart rate just skyrocketed. Are you going into shock?"
Morgan didn't say a thing as the Spirit waited for him to answer. He only closed his eyes and tried to enjoy the last moment of peace and quiet before the yelling started.
But that fucking Harpy had robbed him of even that.
*Plink. Plink. Plink.*