Post by Vio on Jul 5, 2015 10:19:53 GMT -5
Momentarily crippled by the recoil of her own attack, Scarlette Grimm-Rosa stood hunched over for a moment as the pain resonating through her abdomen started to subside, fading to nothing more than a light tingling sensation after a few more seconds had passed. The blow was forceful, but this was the first time that the murderous maiden had actually used this new ability against another being, unaware of the exact repercussions until now. There was a first time for everything, though, and now that she understood it a little more she could afford to make appropriate use of this new found power. Crimson hues were cast towards the likes of the siblings, Pluto's mouth visibly agape in a rather uncharacteristic way, the youth likely caught unawares by the sudden demonstration. Understandable, given that this was the first time anyone had seen it.
And here I thought I'd get along with them... Standing up properly and turning to face the likes of the Berserker and Cerberus, Scarlette could do nothing but frown in disappointment as the white-haired warrior showed his true colours. A selfish individual who cared not for his comrade, let alone the fate of others, who put his strength to use for no real reason that the reaper could understand. Yes, sometimes she would get carried away on her homicidal rampages, losing herself in a maelstrom of murderous intent and hysterical laughter. But that was different. Every life she claimed was for the good of others - for the greater good, in fact. It was the one thing she could take pride in. Well, it used to be the only thing. Now that she thought about it, she had other reasons to be; the protection of this chosen child known as Rebecca being one of them. And to push her own power to its limits for the sake of protecting that girl? That was something else worthy of pride.
"What? He can do that instantly!?" Watching in worrisome wonder as the Berserker raised his own massive scythe and sent it crashing into the ground, Miss Grimm-Rosa could not help but be stricken by a sense of inadequacy as a rippling blade of air was sent tearing through the pavement and towards the youngsters. Such a skill was one she had practised for some time, limited by the weapon she used and requiring at least a few seconds of 'charging up' before it could be unleashed. But this man, whose strength far surpassed her own, was more than capable of discharging such an attack with nothing more than a single swing. The dark-haired damsel was almost jealous. Almost. Concern was far more prevalent than envy at this present time, her chocolate eyes widening in similar shock as Rebecca stood before her brother. What followed was unexpected, but she had to be grateful for it. Recalling the conversation she had once had with Pluto, Scarlette watched with an uneasy smile as the black-haired boy carried his selfless sibling to safety, membranous wings of darkness spread from his back.
But her role as a spectator quickly came to an end, her stunned silence broken by a sharp whistling. The very same kind of whistle that the Berserker had made just a short while ago. And that meant-
The dogs...! Hastily pivoting on her heel, the homicidal heroine's eyes quickly settled upon the familiar forms of the two black bloodhounds as they raced toward her at bestial speed. Padded paws hammered against the ground, accompanied by their cacophonous barks and snarls as they closed the distance to their target, the likes of which apparently had no way to defend herself against a merciless mauling. But the two massive mutts were unaware of the powers of a Devil Fruit consumer such as herself, even if they had witnessed their master being flung away with their own eyes. The stench of blood was driving them wild, even if not a single drop had been spilt in the immediate vicinity. Uncertain of what to do at first, it was all the distressed devil could do to find an answer. Before, striking them had held no consequences, their bodies bound by chains and collars. But this time it was Cerberus himself who had sent them forth. And he had no reason to hold them back.
I can only cover one hand at a time... Frighteningly aware of her current limitations and lacking the presence of her scythe which still lay far from her, Scarlette settled upon one course of action in an attempt to save herself from being torn to pieces by the barbarous bloodhounds. Once more she extended her arm, scarlet serpents slithering across her skin and congregating about her clawed fingers before being wrapped more tightly about a clenched fist. It was that squeezing motion - the tightening of muscles and blood vessels - that seemed to stimulate this hidden power. The first beast pounced toward her, jaws agape and baring every single tooth, and at that moment she threw forth her fist. Right into that monstrous maw. Instinct took over, the dog's jaws snapping shut about the arm that fed it, threatening to tear flesh from bone and send a spattering of blood all about. Perhaps even shattering the skeleton beneath.
Or not?
Huh...? Opening her eyes, somewhat unaware of the fact she had even closed them to begin with, the fatal femme looked on in stunned silence as massive fangs tried to pierce the vulnerable flesh of her fist. Growling as if trying to tell her that her hand now belonged to it, the dog eyed her curiously as its muscular jaws tensed about the glowing crimson membrane that currently covered her extremity. There was no denying the bite force of such a beast, but such strength seemed meaningless at present, almost as if it were trying to chew upon a rubbery toy.
"Eee..." Unintentionally squeaking when she attempted to speak, an invisible cat apparently having stolen her tongue while this canine was trying to rob her of her hand, Scarlette tried to wrench her fist free of furious fangs. But to no avail. While the monstrous mutt struggled to do any harm, it was clear that its own strength was vastly superior to her own, able to hold her hand in place as it twisted and chewed. She could definitely feel it, but it was not at all painful. Maybe a mild discomfort. Not one that coursed through her arm, but her entire body. And that discomfort was only growing more intense, building inside her as her heart thundered faster and faster within her chest, threatening to explode out of her at any second. And that's almost exactly what happened. Unable to withstand the pressure any longer, the carmine coating about her hand ruptured, sending not only a ripple of red through the air around her, but also launching the demonic dog into a backwards roll as its jaws were forced to release their crushing grip...