"AWWW. MAN!"

Violet Tempest pouted as the crowd swarmed over Celestial Sonata. "Getting some time with her is going to be a real pain at this rate."

The purple grumbled under her breath, her stormy eyes flickering with a stormy blend of admiration and frustration. Her fingers tapped against her thigh in a rapid, restless rhythm.

"My oh my. I shall never understand your fixation with that girl," a contralto voice tinged with a British accent chimed in, causing Violet to turn.

A familiar Magical Girl stood there, her red braided hair falling to her ankles. Her ensemble blended traditional Indian fashion with modern flair, creating a stunning piece. The top was adorned with intricate gold embroidery that seemed to come alive as it shimmered and moved.

Layers of the skirt flowed gracefully, each one a different shade of red, resembling a dancing flame. The golden bangles on her wrists jingled softly with every movement. Despite her sharp and observant gaze, her expression remained mysterious. A smile reminiscent of Earth's Mona Lisa graced her lips, catching Violet Tempest's attention.

"I mean, can ya blame a girl?" Violet Tempest muttered. "She's my favorite music idol and nobody's ever had something bad to say about her, Shasta."

Aiyrashasta, the red-haired Magical Girl, rested against a pillar with an unreadable expression but a hint of amusement. "We all have our idols, but your admiration for her seems almost mythical. It is quite intriguing."

Violet Tempest huffed, twirling a strand of her hair around her finger. "Well, she's got the whole package, doesn't she? The talent, the looks, the charm... Man oh man!"

Shasta's eyes twinkled with a hint of amusement as she tilted her head, examining Violet Tempest with intense interest. "I can't help but wonder, do you see her as just another pretty face with a pleasant singing voice? Or do you sense a deeper connection, something that strikes a chord within your own desires and ambitions?"

Violet Tempest scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "I mean, I'd think that's a 'hell yes' on both accounts. She's got it all figured out. Confidence, talent, results, a perfect track record, and hundreds of accounts from girls who've worked with her. Why would she be too different in private? I mean, look at me! And Hana here!"

Shasta shrugged, leaning away from the pillar and moving closer to Violet Tempest. "Who's to say for certain?"

Violet Tempest was about to respond before she heard a sigh and groan to her side. She looked down to find Hana with her head lowered, her hands clasped nervously. Hana's golden locks fell delicately over her shoulders, framing her soft-spoken presence.

Her eyes, a gentle shade of gold, were filled with... anxiety and uncertainty? Violet Tempest didn't quite know how to read Hana sometimes. Even now.

"This one is starting to feel..." Hana started, only to blush in embarrassment as her stomach growled loudly.

The three girls burst into laughter, the tension and seriousness of their conversation momentarily forgotten. Hana's face turned a deep shade of crimson as she covered her stomach, her embarrassment written all over her face.

Violet Tempest playfully nudged Hana's side with her elbow. "Looks like someone's hungry," she teased, a mischievous glint in her stormy eyes.

Hana let out a sheepish chuckle, her cheeks still flushed. "Hana can't help it sometimes..."

Shasta smiled warmly at them both, her voice filled with surprising kindness. "Now, now. The Assembly will be over soon enough, and then we can all indulge in a feast fit for royalty. I have it on good authority that the caterers have prepared a scrumptious spread that will leave our stomachs as full as our hearts."

Violet Tempest's eyes widened with excitement, her mind conjuring images of sumptuous delicacies and tantalizing desserts.

"I can't wait!" Violet exclaimed, her voice tinged with glee. "I've been saving up my appetite for this moment."

"For cake, you mean..." Hana side-eyed her friend, a playful smirk adorning her lips.

Violet Tempest chuckled, not even attempting to deny it. What could she say? She REALLY had a weakness for sweets.

"Alright, alright, fine! Cake is definitely at the top of my list, but I won't say no to anything else either."

Violet Tempest giggled before grinning at the small girl in front of her.

Hana had come a long way since they'd first met on the other side of the world over a... misunderstanding.

Violet Tempest knew as well as anyone that A-Rank Magical Girls were no joke, and relatively small in number. So it came as a shock to the entire Magical Girl community when Hana of the Dawn, Mayari of the Twilight, and Tara of the Stars suddenly appeared with guns blazing. The result was a devastating tragedy, with numerous deaths among their team and other Magical Girls.

Hana had been remorseful from the beginning, a fact that Violet Tempest saw clearly despite the public opinion. Violet Tempest had arrived at the scene late, as she had a terrible habit of doing, which likely spared her from a terrible fate. She still remembered seeing Hana on her knees that day, sobbing in front of the rift that had been left by the mysterious Duke-class Chaos Beast. The sight of Hana, so completely broken and shattered, had struck a chord in Violet Tempest.

Violet Tempest had never really understood the anger directed at Hana. Sure, the destruction and the aftermath had been massive. Still, it was clear to anyone who took the time to look that Hana hadn't intended for any of it to happen. It was a battle, after all, and in battles, things tended to go south fast. Especially with a pileup of misunderstandings. But people had been quick to judge, quick to blame an outsider. Especially one as clearly powerful and vulnerable as Hana.

But Violet had seen the truth in those tearful, golden eyes. The girl hadn't wanted any of this. She'd been thrust into a situation far beyond her control and had done her best under impossible circumstances.

So, Violet had reached out and offered a hand in friendship. She'd always been her own sort of trailblazer, and slowly but surely, Hana had begun to open up. They were a strange pair — the perky, outgoing artist and the introverted powerhouse far too professional for her age, but somehow, it worked. Violet's boundless energy and openness balanced Hana's more reserved nature, and the two had become quite a pair.

Violet Tempest's mind often worked in colors and shapes rather than words, a kaleidoscope of emotions and perceptions that she translated into her art. It was how she made sense of the world and connected with people. And in Hana, she had found a canvas that was as complex and profound as any she had ever encountered. Hana was a swirl of dark blues and grays punctuated by flashes of brilliant gold. She was a stormy sky with the heart of the radiant sun.

As Violet watched Hana's timid smile in response to Shasta's promise of a feast, she felt a surge of protectiveness and pride. Hana had come so far and had grown so much. She was still quiet and reserved, but she was less closed-off than she'd been before.

Violet Tempest reached for her Nexus device, opening it up to her photos and smiling at a picture she had taken of her and Hana on one of their many outings. Her mind began to wander as she entered a familiar fugue state. One she'd just slip into and daydream from time to time. Ideas and images flooded her mind, like a swirling storm of memories. She could almost see the brush strokes coming to life on the canvas, capturing the essence of their friendship.

It'd only been two weeks ago when they'd been patrolling downtown on the rooftops when they stumbled upon an ice cream shop. The sight of Hana's eyes lighting up at the array of flavors melted Violet's heart, and she couldn't resist capturing the moment. They'd stopped together on a scenic rooftop near duskfall, where Violet Tempest had started painting a vibrant sunset with hues of purple and gold. At the same time, Hana sat nearby, munching on a cone of butterscotch ice cream.

The Shoreline City portal terminal between Terran and Earth had only been completed over the past year, and she had traveled through it countless times at this point to aid in the initial wave of reclamation mission. Violet had traveled through it countless times, but each time felt like a new adventure, a chance to discover something extraordinary. Of course, once most of the entrenched Chaos Beasts had been cleaned out, the missions dried up and became more sporadic. The portal terminal was now primarily used for trading and diplomacy, but Violet Tempest still thought about the other side.

Her most recent piece had been a study on the ruins of Earth's New York City and how it contrasted with the vibrant, booming cities on this side. The remnants of humanity's past were a haunting reminder of what had been lost. It was a poignant reflection of the fragility of human civilization, and Violet Tempest had poured her heart and soul into capturing that essence on canvas. It now hung proudly in her studio, a love letter to the beauty she saw in even the most desolate places.

Hana had accompanied her for days on end as she summoned her canvas and painted the imagery from this side of the portal, her presence a calming influence. The two would sit in companionable silence, Hana observing quietly as Violet Tempest skillfully brought the scenes to life with her brushstrokes.

"Why does Violet draw?" Hana asked one day, breaking the silence between them during these sessions.

Violet Tempest paused mid-stroke, her brush hovering above the canvas. She turned her gaze towards Hana, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips.

"Hmm, why do I draw?" she repeated, her voice soft and thoughtful. "I guess it's a way for me to capture moments and emotions. To freeze them in time and share them with others."

Hana tilted her head slightly, curiosity evident in her golden eyes. "But why? Why not just take a picture?"

Violet Tempest set her brush down and faced Hana fully, her expression twisting into a grin. "Oh, you silly bean! It's because a photograph captures what is seen, but art captures what is felt. It's... an expression of my soul, sort of. My perception of the world around me. It's my way of connecting with others on a deeper level."

Hana grumbled softly, her fingers nervously tracing the edges of her skirt. "Hana wishes she had a way to express herself like that."

Violet Tempest's heart swelled with compassion as she reached out and gently took Hana's small hands in both of her own. "You may not have the same way of expressing yourself as I do, but that doesn't mean you can't find your own outlet," Violet reassured her. "Art comes in many forms, D. It could be through writing, dancing, singing, or even just articulating your thoughts and feelings with someone you trust."

Hana looked down at their intertwined hands, a mix of emotions flickering across her face. "Hana has never really thought about it like that," she admitted quietly. "Hana has only begun appreciating beauty. People always see her as a weapon, a monster... hard to think about much else."

Violet squeezed her hands gently. "Hana sweetest, it's never too late to explore new avenues of self-expression. And hey, if you ever want to try something new, I'll be right there by your side, cheering you on!"

Violet Tempest didn't truly understand why Hana was psychologically incapable of removing the narrative she had of herself. It was a quirk that Hana had developed after her... rather screwed-up childhood. A defense mechanism to shield herself from the pain and guilt that always threatened to consume her. Violet had watched as Hana retreated further and further into herself after the tragic day they'd met, wearing a mask of indifference to protect her fragile soul.

But Violet had refused to let Hana drown in her own sorrow. She swore she would do whatever it took to help her break free from the chains that bound her. Violet leaned in closer with a determined glint in her eyes, her voice filled with unwavering belief.

"Hana, you are not a weapon or a monster," she said firmly. "You are so much more than that! You are a survivor, a warrior with a heart of gold. I see the beauty in you, even when you cannot see it yourself."

Hana's lips trembled as tears welled up in her eyes.

Violet Tempest reached up and gently brushed away the tears from Hana's eyes. The touch was tender, filled with a love and understanding that transcended words. Hana leaned into the comforting gesture, allowing herself to be vulnerable in Violet's presence.

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"You are safe with me," Violet whispered, her voice soothing and gentle. "I'll always be here for you, Hana. No matter what. That's what friends are for."

A small smile tugged at the corners of Hana's lips. "Thank you, Violet."

"Of course," Violet replied, her own smile widening. She released Hana's hands and picked up her brush once more.

Violet Tempest's perception of the world had always been a bit different from most people's.

She saw the world as a delicate tapestry woven with threads of emotions and hidden meanings. This unique perspective fueled her art, allowing her to create pieces that stirred something deep within the souls of those who beheld them.

Violet Tempest was self-aware that she had difficulty picking up on social cues sometimes and wrapping her head around core ideas people took for granted, like romance and sexual attraction, which usually eluded her.

Strangely, though, her sensitivity to the intricacies of human emotion was unparalleled. It was as if she had an uncanny ability to see beyond the surface, to capture the essence of a moment with her brush strokes.

As Violet continued to paint, her strokes became more deliberate, each carrying the weight of her unspoken words. She wanted to capture not just the physical beauty of the scenes before her but also the emotional journey she and Hana had embarked on together.

"There, it's done!" Violet declared, stepping back to admire her completed masterpiece. The canvas depicted a breathtaking sunset over the city skyline, with vibrant hues of orange and pink melding together in perfect harmony. But it was the figures in the foreground that truly brought the painting to life.

In the center stood Hana, her golden eyes filled with strength and vulnerability. Her body language exuded a quiet alertness as if she were ready to face any challenge that came her way. By her side stood Violet Tempest, her own expression filled with warmth as she smiled at Hana with unwavering support.

As Hana took in the painting, her breath caught in her throat. She traced the delicate lines of her own figure, feeling a surge of emotions welling up within her. It was a revelation to see herself portrayed in such a way alongside someone who believed in her so fiercely. Violet had captured not only Hana's physical image but also her spirit's essence.

Tears pricked at the corners of Hana's eyes as she turned to Violet, her voice trembling with gratitude. "Violet... this... it's... Thank you."

Violet's eyes sparkled with unshed tears as she crossed the distance between them, enveloping Hana in a warm embrace. "You deserve to see yourself as I do," she whispered into Hana's ear. "Beautiful, strong, and worthy of love."

Violet Tempest was snapped out of her reverie by the catering staff bustling around her, setting up tables and arranging the food. She straightened her back and adjusted her flowing dress, taking a deep breath to ground herself in the present moment. She had been lost in her thoughts, reminiscing about that profound connection she had formed with Hana in the past three years and the transformative power of art.

"Glad to see you've returned to us," Shasta smirked, her accent adding a touch of charm to her words. She always had a mischievous glimmer in her eyes.

Violet chuckled softly at Shasta's comment, grateful for the distraction from her own thoughts. Shasta knew her well enough to recognize when she drifted into her reveries. It was one of the reasons why they worked so well together as a team. Shasta grounded Violet in reality when her artistic spirit threatened to carry her away.

"Yes, dearest Shasta," Violet replied, stepping forward to join Hana and Shasta. "Sometimes I become too entranced by my own imagination. I'm well aware!"

Violet Tempest frowned at the crowd of fellow Magical Girls gathered before Celestial Sonata. Violet Tempest had been dying to get an audience with the icon. Now that the opportunity presented itself, she felt star-struck.

"Aww shucks," Violet murmured, blushing at her own reaction as anxiety overtook her. "I didn't expect to feel like this..."

Hana looked over at Violet, concern etched on her face. "Are you okay, Violet? You seem a bit... off."

Violet sighed. Although she could be considered an extrovert by most standards, Violet often felt anxious and overwhelmed in social situations. The pressure to perform, to make a good impression, weighed heavily on her shoulders. She had always been more comfortable expressing herself through her art, where she could control every brushstroke and color choice. Sure, she could deal well with people she was comfortable with, like Hana and Shasta, but facing a crowd of fellow Magical Girls was a different story.

Now, faced with the prospect of meeting her idol, all of Violet's insecurities came crashing down upon her. Insecurities and anxieties that couldn't be hidden away by some fast talk and ad-libbing.

"I'm just a bit nervous, ya know?" Violet admitted in a whisper. "I've admired Celestial Sonata for so long, and now that I have the chance to meet her... I'm just a tad overwhelmed!"

"Ugh. What the heck is wrong with the signal down here?"

Her thoughts were interrupted as she noticed another older Magical Girl off to the side, muttering under her breath. The girl wore a sleek, futuristic costume that starkly contrasted the more traditional Magical Girl attire around her. Her outfit was a mix of metallic blues and silvers, adorned with glowing circuit-like patterns that pulsed softly. Her hair was a striking shade of electric blue, cut short and styled in a way that accentuated her sharp, angular features.

The girl looked up at Violet Tempest. "Do you have internet access right now? My magitech specialist and I were trying to coordinate some last-minute adjustments to my suit's firmware, but the signal down here is practically nonexistent," she complained, frustration evident in her voice.

Violet blinked, slightly taken aback by the sudden interruption.

"Uhh, sure! I can tether my phone's hotspot for you," Violet offered.

Violet's anxiety momentarily took a backseat as she reached for her Nexus device. "Un momento," she said, tapping on the screen.

To her surprise, she also had no signal. "Nope, nada. No signal here. Looks like we're in the same boat."

The tech-savvy Magical Girl sighed, gripping her hair in frustration. "Great, just what I needed today," she grumbled, then offered a small smile to Violet. "Thanks for checking, though. Name's Cybernova, by the way. Here on a sabbatical."

"Violet Tempest," Violet replied, shaking her hand. "Nice to meet you."

Cybernova shook Violet's hand, her grip firm and business-like. "Likewise," she said before glancing around the room. "Seems like a lot of people are having the same issue."

Violet nodded, her eyes scanning the room. Indeed, she noticed several Magical Girls furrowing their brows and tapping their phones in frustration. It seemed that the lack of signal was affecting everyone in the building.

She turned back to Cybernova, biting her lips. "It's strange, isn't it? I wonder if there's some sort of interference in the area. Maybe we should let the head honchos here know."

Shasta joined the group with a contemplative expression, stroking her chin. "A communication blackout in an area like this, especially during an event of such importance?" she remarked. "How quaint."

Violet and Cybernova exchanged a confused glance. "Do you think it's intentional?" Cybernova asked, her voice laced with suspicion.

"It's possible," Shasta replied, her tone filled with intrigue. "There could be someone here who doesn't want information to be leaked or shared outside this venue."

Hana also joined the conversation, narrowing her eyes.

"Something's not right," Hana murmured, her voice barely audible over the hum of conversation around them. "Hana does not believe in coincidences, and the timing of this signal blackout is too convenient. It would be hard to threaten this many Magical Girls directly but…"

"Ah come on, outages happen all the time," Cybernova countered, her voice dripping with skepticism. "But I suppose it wouldn't hurt to investigate further."

Violet Tempest's eyes lit up with a spark of curiosity. "Yeah, let's check it out," she agreed enthusiastically. "Could be something fun! Or, y'know, dangerous. But mostly fun!"

Without warning, Celestial Sonata's aura suddenly flared, casting a golden-pink glow that spread out and silenced the bustling crowd. Violet Tempest's head snapped towards the stage, her heart skipping a beat in surprise. Celestial Sonata stood with a serious expression, a stark contrast to her earlier playful demeanor.

"Sonata?" Seraphina called out.

"Something isn't right," Celestial Sonata's voice rang out, urgent and determined as she shut her eyes. "I feel a disturbance. It's...near the island?"

The atmosphere in the room shifted instantly, a palpable tension replacing the previously festive mood. Magical Girls began murmuring among themselves, their expressions ranging from concern to excitement.

"Ugh, like, my phone service and internet's down," a girl dressed in what looked like a red mink coat and holding a parasol said from the crowd, her voice carrying over the murmurs. "Can't get a signal out. Same with you girls too, yeah?"

Cybernova nodded, pulling out a small device from her belt. "Seem so, Ingenue. I have a satellite communicator that isn't dependent on local networks. Let me see if it works."

The magitech user quickly activated her satellite communicator, her fingers dancing over the device with practiced ease. The small screen lit up, but after a few seconds of attempting to connect, her expression turned grim. "No luck. It's not getting a signal either."

Violet Tempest's eyes looked around, observing the reactions of the other Magical Girls. Some were visibly anxious, while others appeared excited at potential action. Hana's expression was unreadable, her golden eyes scanning the room with a quiet intensity.

Celestial Sonata opened her eyes, her gaze sweeping the room with intensity. "Everyone, please stay vigilant. We don't know what we're dealing with yet. It could be a simple technical issue, or it could be something more. Either way, it's best to be prepared."

Violet felt a surge of adrenaline. This was what being a Magical Girl was about – facing the unknown, protecting others, and standing strong in adversity. She glanced at Hana, who gave her a slight nod, signaling her readiness.

Cybernova pocketed her satellite communicator and looked around. "Just to be safe, I think we should poke our heads outside. See what's going on."

Violet stepped forward as a trademark grin flashed across her face. "Hey! Why don't you send the three of us to the surface through the deployment apparatus? We'll fly around the island a bit. Maybe we can figure out what's going on. And in case there's a trap waiting for us, our skillsets are perfect for ambushes.

As an experienced team of B-Rank and A-Rank magical girls, they were more qualified than most to handle situations like this. Violet's artistic intuition often helped them uncover clues others might overlook, and Hana's tactical prowess was invaluable in high-pressure situations. Shasta's wisdom, close-combat capabilities, and experience rounded out their capabilities, making them a formidable team. Elite, even. That was without even considering their Signatures, which made it difficult to get the drop on them.

Celestial Sonata nodded approvingly, her golden aura pulsating with confidence. "Seraphina?" she asked, turning to the older woman beside her.

Seraphina gave a subtle nod, her eyes reflecting the gravity of the situation. "Be careful," she cautioned. "We don't know what we're up against. Keep your Nexus devices ready to send an emergency signal, should you require assistance. We don't know who would be stupid enough or brave enough to try and pull something on so many of us gathered in one place."

Celestial Sonata nodded in agreement, her eyes scanning the room before landing on Cybernova. "Cyber, can you establish a short-range link to our Nexus devices using your mesh protocol? We need to stay connected and coordinated. Regardless, I think I should follow behind them. My Signature would come in handy if this disruption is magical in nature as I suspect it to be."

Cybernova nodded, her fingers typing away on her Nexus device as she made for the room's far end. "Consider it done, Celestial Sonata," she said determinedly. "I'll establish a secure connection between our devices."

The grand hall was adorned with frescoes, polished marble, and sparkling chandeliers, serving as both a luxurious setting and a high-tech launching area for flight-capable Magical Girls. On one end of the room, multiple magitech devices stood ready for deployment. These devices acted as elevators, propelling the girls into the open sky above the island at high speeds.

Violet Tempest and her team eagerly made their way towards one of the platforms, their hearts filled with excitement and anticipation. As they approached, a member of the event staff stepped forward to assist them.

The deployment machine resembled a sleek, metallic elevator shimmering with blue energy. With Hana, Violet, and Shasta on board, Celestial Sonata watched from nearby with a mix of concern and determination in her eyes.

"Be careful out there," she cautioned, her voice filled with warmth.

Violet grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Of course, Sonata! Don't worry, we'll be back before you know it. And hey, maybe you and I can have a girl's night after all of this is over. We can watch movies, eat popcorn, and just relax."

Celestial Sonata smiled, and the worry in her eyes momentarily faded. "That... maybe," she replied.

Violet Tempest frowned as her unique senses picked up a swirl of emotions from Celestial Sonata. Apprehension, regret, and a tinge of sadness. Something was going on beneath the surface, something that Violet couldn't quite put her finger on. But now wasn't the time to delve into it. They had a mystery to solve.

The event staff member activated the deployment apparatus. With a sudden burst of energy, the platform shot upward, propelling Violet, Hana, and Shasta through a shaft. The island was surrounded by a dome of illusory energy, protecting it from casual prying eyes. The three of them shared a look before propelling themselves upward with the assistance of the platform's luminal amplifier.

A rush of wind whipped through Violet's hair and dress as the trio soared higher into the air, their bodies weightless in a magical updraft. The vast expense of the city's skyline appeared before them, shrouded in an eerie fog that blanketed the entire city. It clung to the buildings like a ghostly veil, distorting their shapes and casting an ethereal glow upon them.

Hana scanned their surroundings, eyes sharp and alert. "Something is definitely wrong," she said, her voice cutting through the wind. "This fog... it is not natural. And look at the rivers around the island. It's churning."

Directly below them, St. Antonia's Academy loomed, its grand architecture obscured by the thick fog. The once serene rivers surrounding the island now churned with unnatural energy, their waters swirling in dark, ominous patterns. Violet's heart pounded in her chest, a mix of excitement and unease coursing through her veins.

"Ya see that, girlies? Violet exclaimed. "There's definitely something fishy going on down there, and I ain't talking about the sea bass they've been serving up."

Hana and Shasta exchanged concerned looks, their eyes reflecting Violet's increasing unease. The dense fog seemed to seep into their bones, sending shivers down their spines.

"Sonata," Violet called through their secure connection, her voice filled with urgency. "I think we may have stumbled onto something big here. There's something in the water."

The only response was silence as static crackled through the connection.

Celestial Sonata remained silent, her voice drowned out by the chaotic interference disrupting their communication. The lack of response only added to Violet's unease. Something was definitely not right.

Violet Tempest cast a glance at Hana and Shasta; the determination in their eyes mirrored her own. They were on their own.

As they descended and floated closer to the churning waters, the magical girls braced themselves for what lay beneath.

The fog grew thicker, almost suffocating, and Violet could feel an eerie presence lurking beneath its surface. The air was tense as they maneuvered through the mist, their movements cautious yet purposeful.

A sudden gust of wind swept through the fog, clearing a small patch just long enough for Violet to glimpse a colossal creature emerging from the depths. Its scales shimmered with a dark iridescence, reflecting an otherworldly glow that sent a chill down her spine. A dozen eyes glowed blue with an unsettling intensity as it let out a ferocious roar.

The water around it steamed and boiled, the heat emanating from its body sending waves of scorching mist into the air.

The creature was massive, easily towering over the buildings of St. Antonia's Academy. Its serpentine body writhed with power and strength, its sharp, jagged teeth gleaming in the faint light.

"Oh for crying out loud. That's definitely no sea bass!" Violet exclaimed.

She only had enough time to briefly parse the creature's presence before it lunged towards them, its massive jaws snapping shut with a deafening crash.