[Blade Unlimited]

A rift made out of twilight seemed to open up in the ceiling above them, pixelated black and red energy ominously overshadowing the two before several black masses descended from inside; almost like the weird rift in space was spitting out a bunch of hairballs. Five black masses stuck the ground around Midna and Zelda in an oddly soft and silent landing., writhing for a good few moments before they began to unfurl into beasts that the two of them would be quite familiar with.

(x5)

The five twilight beasts hunched over onto their feet in almost perfect synchronization, wavering ominously around the group, fidgeting at odd moments as they slowly began to close in on the two princesses. Their limbs bulged with a sepia gradient as they waited for a time to strike... finally though, one lunged out; pushing it's over-sized arm onto the ground to propel itself foreward, the twilight beast attempted to strike the cucco. ((Zelda! Twilight Beast A is pretty much ramming you. Roll a 15+DEX to dodge, otherwise BOTH you and Midna will receive 20% DMG))

A cacophony of growls began emanating out of the creatures, riled up even more by their kind's first assault before more began charging. Pushing itself roughly off of the wall, the Twilight Beast situated behind Midna and Zelda took a swipe at the twilight princess above, as if to separate the two. ((Midna! Twilight Beast C is trying to grab you off of Zelda. Roll a 15+DEX to evade, otherwise you will be grappled in the monster's hands and receive 10% DMG))

Twilight Beast A, B, C, D, E
HP: 10%(x5)
Status: ? ? ?

[heirtothemonado]

Just as Midna feared, the pillars did foreshadow something terrible. As she and Zelda looked on, a whole horde of Twilight Beasts fell from the sky. Midna thought these beasts had disappeared after she and Link had defeated Zant, but evidently she was wrong.

After what seemed to be hours, One of the beast lunged at Zelda. Trusting Zelda that she would get her out of the way, Midna prepared an attack on the beast that threatened them


KA6QPryrp_1d20+2 (Midna's Twili Magic DMG 15%)

As Midna was preparing another attack, however, another Twilight Beast lunged at the pair, this time aimed directly at the Twili on top

p_1d20+5 (Midna's dodge attempt)

Midna just managed to steer Zelda out of harms way, causing to the Twilight beast to dive straight past them. While the Beast was busy picking itself up, Midna shot another ball of magic at it's back

p_1d20+2 (Critfail Twili Magic DMG 15%)

...Which missed completely, instead running into the ground and exploding there.

---

Midna
Damage 36%
Status: Sickness

1d20+2·1d20+5·1d20+2

[Mari]

Midna could feel Zelda tremble a bit underneath her. She was ...scared? The princess distinctly remembered being invaded by the twilight realm. Having her throne stormed, being taken 'prisoner' and being forced to surrender her kingdom. Those were ... bad days. Very bad days. Somehow not as bad as these days, but bad enough that they'd begun her long reign of silence, a reign that had only gotten worse since that time.

6OQj5EXNp_1d20+5 (Zelda's Ram Dodge!)

With some fancy footwork and some help from her rider, Zelda managed to hop and flutter her way away from the incoming attacks! Her fluttering gave Midna just the vantage point she needed to rain down some twilight magic upon their enemies. She was a surprisingly good mount! It helped that she was quite a bit larger than your average cucco, giving her more strength and energy to move around. Noticing a shadow beast going after Midna, she helped Midna move out of the way and put herself between her rider and the beast! Who did it thing it was, trying to attack Midna while she was standing guard! Guards are useful! ...Something she attempted to demonstrate by bouncing into the air and clawing at the shadow beast with her talons!

p_1d20+1 (Zelda's Talon Strike; Does 16% Damage)

Looks like Zelda could still fight in spite of her fear. She then turned to acknowledge the remaining threats by bouncing forward to aggressively peck at one of the other shadow beasts!

p_1d20+1 (Zelda's Peck; Does 5% Damage)
p_1d20+1 (Zelda's Peck; Does 5% Damage)
p_1d20+1 (Zelda's CRITICAL Peck; Does 8% Damage)

And then, turning upon yet another shadow beast, Zelda once again attempted to dig her talons into them and bring them to the ground!

p_1d20+1 (Zelda's Talon Strike; Does 16% Damage)

Settling back down with Midna safely on her back, she glanced about for a moment to see she hadn't been able to focus every monster. There was only one solution for that! Zelda emitted a rather half-hearted but still very powerful magical cluck to blow any remaining monsters away! Maybe Midna could tell, being in close contact with her and all, but Zelda was a little upset! She hadn't had time to catch her breath when she promptly continued attacking, pushing her body a bit harder than she probably should've in an effort to finish the monsters off.

p_1d20+0 (Zelda's Dovacluck; Does 30% Damage)

Zelda HP 110 / 110 Shield: 30 / 30 Status: Tailwind (2 Turns Left) Dovacluck CD: 2 Turns Left

1d20+5·1d20+1·1d20+1·1d20+1·1d20+1·1d20+1·1d20+0

[Blade Unlimited]

Proving to be harder to catch than the beasts had originally expected, the Twilight monsters seemed more than a bit irritated at how slippery the duo was. None of their attacks had landed, all the while the creatures of twilight were dropping like flies. One was pecked into submission, blasted by magic, carved by talons, and even another completely blown away by a magical cluck!

When the dust had settled in the aftermath of Zelda's explosive cluck however, the ominous red and black barrier surrounding the group seemed no weaker than before. The previously assaulted twilight beasts all lay, crumpled on the ground seemingly slain... except one, who had somehow braved the assault by the princess cucco's beak. Either uncaring about it's fallen comrades and injuries, or too focused on attacking it's enemies, the remaining beast charged once more; clawing at the cucco which had caused it much harm.

((Zelda! Roll a 14+DEX to dodge the Twilight Beast's claws, or else be dealt 15% DMG))

Twilight Beast
A B C D        E
HP: 2%
Status: ? ? ?

[heirtothemonado]

Midna could feel Zelda breathing hard has she pushed herself to fight the Twilight Beasts. Poor girl, pushing herself so hard to defend her rider. The gesture didn't go unappreciated by Midna, and she felt grateful Zelda valued her so much.

After the dust had settled, it seemed like all the danger had passed. But the barrier had not faded yet. Midna looked around, and sure enough, one of the Twilight Beasts was still alive, barely. Apparently unconcerned with neither its wounds not its fallen comrades, the Beast charged at them again, attempting to take them down

Before the beast made it to Zelda, Midna fired off another blast of magic. Zelda was tired enough as it is, so Midna was glad to grant her at least a small break.

oAwKgQ|2p_1d20+2 (Midna's CRITICAL Twili Magic! DMG 23%)

The ball of magic perfectly nailed the Twilight Beast between the eyes (...er, mask), shooting it out of the air, killing it once and for all. Once the beast was dead, Midna looked down at her mount. "Are you alright, Zelda?" she asked. "Be careful not to push yourself to hard." 

---

Midna
Damage: 36%
Status: Sickness

1d20+2

[Mari]

b3iFBBzIp_1d20+5 (Zelda's Dodge)

A stifled squawk of alarm was heard as Zelda found herself in the path of a shadow beast. Being as perceptive as she was, she could tell this would be a close dodge. It didn't look like she was going to make it! ...And then... crack! The turn order Midna's burst of magic saved her! Zelda fluttered a bit before regaining her ground. Goodness. She needed a moment to breathe. Midna could feel the (relatively) giant cucco underneath her breathing rather hard as she recovered. A little cluck escaped her and she turned her head to look up at Midna, seeming to nod a bit in understanding. Though she could not talk, she could be felt tensing a bit and relaxing. She felt a bit safer now, knowing she had Midna to help protect her when she became overwhelmed. Wrapping her wings back around Midna's legs again to give her that extra bit of support and warmth, she shifted a bit and began moving off at a leisurely pace in search of more light bugs. They made a good team.

Zelda HP 110 / 110 Shield: 30 / 30 Status: Tailwind (1 Turns Left) Dovacluck CD: 1 Turns Left

1d20+5

[Blade Unlimited]

Though at first it seemed like the Twilight Beast's aim rang true, Midna's turn priority magic dead-shot struck the Beast the dead-center of it's mask in the nick of time; sending the creature crashing back to it's death across the grimy, stone floor. As it's body struck the ground, a loud BANG rang throughout the passageway, accompanied by a sickening crunch that all but confirmed the creature's death.

For a few seconds, the barrier around them flickered as if it were disabled by the death of the final creature.... before an abrupt crash could be heard from the Beast's remains as it slammed a clawed hand into the ground. It's gangling appendages flexing as it doubled over, the Shadow Beast thrust it's head back before letting out an egregious roar! Although it looked as though it had done nothing to change the situation; that proved not to be the case as not even seconds later, all the previously slain Twilight Beasts began slowly clambering back to their feet and hands! 

((The Shadow Beasts' Revival Skill has been revealed! All of the beasts need to be defeated in a single turn cycle; or else the remaining one will revive the rest with it's piercing cry!))

Spurned on by their replenished bodies and a newfound anger for the two princesses, each of the shadow beasts began circling the group; prowling in a tight circle to trap their prey. Abruptly breaking the circle, two of the beasts slammed their large fists into their former princess, intending to smack her into a wall while another swiped at Midna's cucco mount in a whirlwind of clawed strikes!

((Midna! The newly revived Shadow Beasts A and B have simultaneously assaulted you! Roll a 15+DEX to dodge the sudden, joined blow or else be dealt 20% DMG by BOTH Shadow Beast's attacks!))

((Zelda! To avoid being skewered like a rotisserie cucco, roll a 13+DEX to evade the creature's claws or else suffer 18% DMG and be grappled in the vengeful clutches of Shadow Beast E!))

Twilight Beast A, B, C, D, E
HP: 8%(x5)
Status: Lazarus Cry

[Mari]

((Breaking post order just because it doesn't matter))

CrzmY0RGp_1d20+5 (Zelda's Dodge on Midna's Behalf)

Zelda turned her head, catching the twilight beasts just as they were about to make a grab for Midna. With a fluttering of her wings, she hopped out of the way of their attacks, protectively dodging on Midna's behalf! So proactive was she, perhaps, that she left herself open. A moment later, a pained cluck escaped her as a series of clawsraked across her hazelnut feathers, sending a few of them flying. This... thoroughly set Zelda off. Hey, Twilight Jerks! Can't you see I've got enough to deal with between my dead kingdom and being a freaking chicken?! I ain't about to die horribly too, you nightmare fuel short change punks! And then, as Zelda began to see red and her stress levels capped out, something amazing happened. A furious cucco battlecry heralded the twilight beast's iminent demise.

A swarm of smaller cuccos began to flock to the area, descending on the twilight beasts like a wave of merciless down. They then began to viciously peck at the twilight beasts, savagely pecking each and every one of them until they stopped fighting back and released their leader.

p_1d20+1 (Zelda's Revenge Squad Peck; Does 8% damage to every twilight beast)
p_1d20+1 (Zelda's Revenge Squad Peck; Does 8% damage to every twilight beast)
p_1d20+1 (Zelda's CRITICAL Revenge Squad Peck; Does 8% damage to every twilight beast)

Zelda HP: 92 / 110 Shield: 30 / 30 Status: Cucco Revenge Squad (4 Turns)

1d20+5·1d20+1·1d20+1·1d20+1

[heirtothemonado]

As the last Twilight beast hit the dirt, Midna breathed a sigh of relief, and indeed, the barrier around them seemed to flicker. However, only seconds passed before a howl pierced the air. Midna facepalmed. How could she have forgotten this? If only Zelda had as much maneuverability as Link did, then they could take them out all at once.

Distracted by her thoughts, Midna realised a little too late that the reanimated Shadow Beasts had their sights on her. Midna could do nothing more then brace for their attacks....

Until Zelda quickly swerved out of the way, but that left her open for another Shadow Beast to rake a few gashes into her side. A pained cluck escaped Midna's mount, but a second later, that pained cluck turned into a load CROW! Looks like Zelda's mad, now. The crow echoed into silence, but a few seconds later, a whole flock of Cuccos swarmed from...well, nowhere, actually. At first, Midna could only stare confusedly, but then she remembered. Zelda was a Cucco. This is what Cucco's did when they get angry. The twili girl smiled. Welp, those Shadow Beasts stood no chance now.

---

Midna
Damage: 36%
Status: Normal

[Blade Unlimited]

The Twilight Beasts were rendered too helpless by the murderous cucco swarm to do much by cry and writhe in pain under the merciless beaks. It didn't take long for the rage-broken princess' feathery subjects to dispatch of each individual monster; each one relentlessly pecked into submission until nothing was left by the chicken swarm but a mass of dark particles. It might've been hilarious had the failing cries of the twilight beasts not accompanied their pitiful demises. (Death by chicken is never a proud way to die.)

Nevertheless, as if whatever energy that had been fueling them vanished upon the creatures' demises, the red barrier restraining the two princesses faded away completely; this time, the pillars which previously connected it, crumbling down to unrecognizable gravel within the span of a few moments. By the passage of a minute or two more, the area around Zelda and Midna would appear no different than it had before they had been attacked to begin with, sans the structural damage to the surrounding drainage canal.

...

~KRSHHOOOOM~

Suddenly, a quake seemed to run through the entire twilight-riddled structure around the two. Clouds of dust and loose stone rained from the ceiling, set off by the ominous quake as it's rumblings shook the ground beneath Midna and Zelda's feet! Unfortunately though, the two princesses would not have even a moment's respite before another quake shook the foundation of the underground canal; this time accompanied by a disturbing roar coming from somewhere above-ground. Whatever it was that was causing all the ruckus, it clearly was not very happy.

Under the stress of the many tremors, several large portions of stone from the walls and ceiling destabilized; spilling into the toxic waters below as the area around seemed to begin deteriorating by the second. As one particularly large stone rolled by Zelda, taking with it a host of the cucco's who had spawned earlier, a nearby wall collapsed in on itself; as if by blessing of the goddesses or simple good fortune, revealed behind was none other than a staircase which seemed to lead up and out of the complex they had wandered into!

It would probably be best not to stay and dawdle for too long though. From the looks of it, whatever creature that was causing the seismic activity wouldn't cease until long after they'd be buried!

[heirtothemonado]

As the cries of the dying Shadow Beasts faded, and the pillars around them crumbled to nothing, Midna breathed a sigh of relief. Shadow Beasts were no joke, especially if you didn't know how to handle them, but it looked like her and Zelda got through that okay. Urging Zelda forward, Midna was keen to get out of there and find more Tears.

A good thing to, because only a short time later the ground started shaking violently. Rocks started to fall from the ceiling, and although neither of them got hit, Zelda's fellow Cuccos weren't so lucky. "Let's get out of here, Zelda. Before we end up getting crushed too." Midna said. Fortunately, the seismic forces also uncovered a shortcut to the outside. How convenient! Midna urged Zelda on, and hopefully once they got out they could keep finding the Tears.

---

Midna
Damage: 36%
Status: Normal

[Mari]

Y'know you wouldn't think a princess would adjust so easily to being ridden like some sort of horse. You'd think the regal ego might be an issue there. Perhaps Zelda's ego had been tamed some time ago with the death of her kingdom, or perhaps it was her kinship with Midna that helped her put it aside. Either way, Midna would find her very responsive to her urging. It only took a gentle squeeze with her legs to make her go, just like any other mount, and any leaning or tapping or pointing she did would result in Zelda turning for her. She was just as obedient as Link! How nice.

A flurry of pissed off cuccos heralded their exit, fluttering through the air moments before Zelda burst forth after them with Midna in tow! She bounded forth to get a better view, glancing around and glancing back at Midna searchingly. Though she couldn't talk, one got the impression that she wanted the other's thoughts somehow--or perhaps her approval. Both were pretty decent guesses, as was the idea that she might want both. Zelda was quietly thinking of better ways to communicate in this new form. She was quietly dealing with some body dysmorphia that she couldn't really vocalize right now.

Zelda HP: 92 / 110 Shield: 30 / 30 Status: Cucco Revenge Squad (3 Turns)

[Blade Unlimited]

As the cuccos (and a Midna) spilled out of the underground passageway, they would find themselves somehow once again back in the Castle Town: Specifically the Castle Town Square. As soon as they had finally emerged above-ground, the tremors and quakes all at once stopped... before an ominous silence rushed in to fill the void. The square was complete empty, devoid of all life and inhabitance. Every stone stucture or intecricy was either demolished into gravel or cracked beyond recognition; stalls were smashed to splinters lining the skeletons of long expired structures; and to top it all off was the sickeningly thick twilight that permeated through the air itself and glazed everything over ina grainy, muddy visage.

Even encompassed by the twilight, Hyrule Castletown was a ghost town.

...what might possibly be the most worrying fact for the two princesses and their chicken possee though, was the fact that the relentless monster howling which had previously echoed through the empty streets the last time they were aboveground had all fallen silent. It was quiet... Too quiet.

~bzzzzzzzzz~

Finally though, from the silence, a buzzing noise began to quietly emerge. At first it might've passed off as something like the wind... Except there was no wind.

~BZZZZZZZZ~

The buzzing continued to grow louder and louder, it's noise undoubtedly familiar to Midna as the deafening noise seemed to come from everywhere around them at once; and whatever was the source of it was certainly coming closer!

~BZZZZZZZZZZZZT~

Turning the corner of the street to their left, the massive creature finally revealed itself as it charged sloppily through the air. Seemingly without mind for it's surroundings, the massive being clipped the sides of several skeletal buildings with no regard, causing the structures to give way and collapse in it's wake as it barreled towards them. Finally revealed as it towered over the group in a deafening cacophony of buzzing, the Twilight Insect to end all Twilight Insect had arrived... but even by comparison to the one Midna had faced prior, this one seemed different in some regard. It's eyes were lifeless, the way it bobbed side to side in the air as if analyzing the group... but to top it all off, the dark and purple aura that covered it's body, permeating off of it's form in thick particles pointed to something worse than a regular twilight Invasion.

Electricity crackled off of the creature's putrid body as it abruptly charged up an attack; it's dead eyes glaring down at Midna and Zelda with an animistic maliciousness. Without any warning whatsoever, the group would abruptly find themselves at the center of a possessed lightning-storm as the Infected Twilight Bloat rained down a mess of purposefully aimed electric bolts!

((Zelda and Midna! The Infected Twilight Bloat has unleashed it's electric storm onto you! Roll a 16+DEX to evade, otherwise suffer 15% DMG and have a 30% chance of contracting Paralysis!))

Infected Twilight Bloat
HP: 300/300
Status: ??

[heirtothemonado]

Grasping onto the feathers on Zelda's neck, Midna hung on tight as Zelda bounded toward the exit. Once they were above ground, the Twili looked around and then back at Zelda. She smiled down at her mount, silently letting her know that she was happy that she was with her, then turned her attention to the streets around them.

It was....strangely quiet above ground. Even more so then when they had left. It was almost unnerving , because even with the Twilight's presence, you'd think that there would be at least something. After a while, Midna's ears perked up something very quiet. Almost like a drone. In a few moments, it started getting louder and louder, until Midna could barely hear herself think. This level of noise sparked a memory in Midna's head, and like the last one, this was also not very welcome.

The Twilit Bloat hovered straight at them, at speeds that it's disgustingly rotund body wouldn't hint at, while an electrical storm brewed up around Midna and Zelda. "Look out!" Midna shouted as a lightning bolt struck.

xV__q8Pap_1d20+3(Midna's failed Dodge of the lightning)
p_1d100(Midna's Paralysis resistance FAILURE)
p_1d20 (Paralysis duration: 8 turns)

Advice given, but not heeded by the one who gave it. Midna couldn't get out of the way in time, and was nailed by the lightning. The feeling so slowness returned as her body felt a little numb. Hoping that  Zelda was having a better time, Midna nevertheless tried to get the Bloat's attention by flinging some magic at it, like she always did.

p_1d20+2 (Midna's Twili Magic! 15% DMG. This is what happens when you attack while numb, Midna.)

---

Midna
Damage: 51%
Status: Paralyzed (8)

1d20+3·1d100·1d20·1d20+2

[Mari]

Zelda was somewhat daised when she emerged from the ruins back to fresh air. Her poor cucco body didn't like the strenuous atmosphere, being rather fragile compared to her normal self. But then she wasn't used to so much physical activity anyway. She'd chalk this up as a net positive, toxic air pollutio aside. Looking back to make sure that Midna was okay, Zelda caught sight of Midna smiling down at her. It ...Oh, if she could only return that smile. Beaks weren't so good for communicating joy. Thankfully, it was probably unnecessary. Midna could feel Zelda loosen up underneath her, relaxing and untensing her muscles. Her feathers bristled a bit from all the stress, but it was like sharing that glance with Midna had melted away most of it. In a way, they didn't need words to communicate. It was obvious by body language alone that Zelda felt the same way Midna did. Cucco or not, she was glad she had a friend by her --on her back.

But all was not well in the fallen kingdom Something ugly was buzzing around and Zelda knew better than to expect their presence would go unnoticed. Though she certainly felt alone, she knew she'd never spent a day of her life truly alone since the fall of her kingdom. There was always someone watching. Unfortunately, however, she wasn't able to get the away in time to protect Midna from the electricity! A cluck of alarm escaped Zelda as she began to dash away from the scene of the assault! Another bolt of lightning came at them, only to be intercepted by the sudden appearance of a transluscent piece of triforce floating in the air behind Zelda like a shield. It absorbed the blast before vanishing after a moment, leaving them both unscathed.

(( Zelda has bubble shielded the lightning bolt! No time for paralysis today~! ))

She then began to pick up speed. Zelda could tell that Midna was hurt, but thankfully her injuries wouldn't slow her down so long as she was riding Zelda. Man, the more she thought about it, this was a really useful tag-team! Perhaps more than if she'd been hylian. A cool breeze blew past them, aiding Zelda in gathering speed.

(( Zelda's tailwind activated. Her dex mod has been buffed to +5 for 3 turns. By extension, Midna's dex mod is also locked to +5 even ignoring her paralysis ))

Making a roundabout, Zelda turned back to face the twilight bloat and charged toward it, unleashing a thunderous cuckaw to create a path of destruction that would guard their approach!

lupXlvoOp_1d20+5 (Zelda's Dovacluck; Targets INT, Does 35% Damage and has a 50% chance to inflict mind-melted)

A flock of cuccos then descended upon the bloat, pecking at it to help Zelda attempt to bring it down!

16 (Cucco Revenge Squad; Does 10% Damage)
16 (Cucco Revenge Squad; Does 10% Damage)
16 (Cucco Revenge Squad; Does 10% Damage)

Zelda HP: 92 / 110 Shield: 5 / 30 Status: Cucco Revenge Squad (2 Turns)

1d20+5