03 | First Level, east side | Animal instincts, human reason.

[warriorscribe]

*Lying on the shore of a duck pond in a park is a waterlogged swan. Swimming came instinctively enough to the swan form, and so did upending for submerged food, hungry as he is

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[walksonrooftops]

[Asato didn't see it, luckily. He was too busy taking a swim in the pond, just paddling around, trying to get some exercise.

His own attempts to crawl out of the pond are really no better than the swan's. He clambers up and drags his heavy bulk out, his mane sopping wet and hanging over his face and torso. He shakes himself out, sending water splashing everywhere, but it does little to fluff up the fur on his monster body.

Through the wiry strands of wet hair, he notices the swan. He's never seen such a creature before and decides it's rather pretty, so he trots closer to have a better look.]

[warriorscribe]

*The swan's eyes are quick to detect movement, and he's instantly more alert at the sight of the creature approaching.

All too aware of how relatively defenseless he is, regardless of how strong swans are, he leaps back, wings flaring in alarm. He doesn't know how to defend himself in this form and he hopes he doesn't have to try.

As it is, though, he nearly topples over from his reaction and winds up fluttering feebly in the air to maintain his balance before settling uneasily on the ground. Not the most graceful swan, this one.*

[walksonrooftops]

[Asato snorts in surprise at the sudden fluttering of wings.]

Can't you fly?

[Not a question asked out of malice or mockery--just a genuine bit of curiosity. It doesn't impede him from coming closer.]

[warriorscribe]

*Oh, of course, this is another transformed person, isn't it? It looks so...demonic. But those eyes...*

I can, I only need a better start than that. ...Have you been trapped in that form?

[walksonrooftops]

[His eyes are probably the closest thing he has to his old form. They're deep blue and expressive, strangely gentle in his otherwise bulky and angular face. He kneels, bringing his head level with the swan.]

Maybe you can take off from my snout.

[At the question, he nods.] You have been, too?

[warriorscribe]

*Enoch dips his head. It's the swan's best attempt at the human nod. And then, in a very swan-like move, he shakes himself off, fluffing the feathers on his wings.*

I have. It must be someone's idea of a joke...

[walksonrooftops]

It's not very funny.

[Considering he can't fit inside doors anymore, the 'joke' left him on the streets for a few days, for starters. He carefully observes the swan, moving in to give him a sniff, nose nudging against the pristine white feathers.]

[warriorscribe]

*And Enoch hasn't been home for three days either, since he's afraid he won't be able to get out again if the wind or someone trying to be helpful closes the door.

He arches his neck, head tilted slightly to the side to watch the new creature as he sniffs him. There's actually a very slight ice-blue tint to his feathers, but it's hard to tell.*

I agree. Some mentors of mine take the form of swans, and now I have no idea how they stand it.

[walksonrooftops]

[Satisfied with his inspection, he pulls back.]

I don't like this very much either. I can't fit anywhere, and it's getting cold outside.

[warriorscribe]

That's terrible. *His feathers ruffle again in agitation.*

I hope this ends soon. We can't be the only ones who have so little access to things we need...

[walksonrooftops]

I don't think so. I've met lizards and rabbits and all kinds of animals, and I don't think any of them are any better off. Not unless they somehow still have hands and are tall enough to reach things they need but not too much so they can still go inside buildings.

[warriorscribe]

*Enoch sighs, and his feathers smooth down somewhat, more resigned than angry now.* I've tried using my wings to my advantage, but I can't fly for long. I thought I might be able to find some clues to this situation from the air.

[walksonrooftops]

And you haven't found anything yet? I tried to find clues too...but I'm not sure there are any. Maybe there isn't any real reason for this.

[warriorscribe]

I haven't found anything at all. But for someone or something to do this to us for no reason...

...what kind of power could do that? Or would?

[walksonrooftops]

Devils.

[It's a straightforward answer, coming quicker than it probably should. But that's precisely what he's been considering for a while now. It must be devilry--meaning someone, somewhere, has a serious grudge against this city and everyone in it.]

[warriorscribe]

I don't want to be too quick to blame this on The Darkness - it's not a force to be taken lightly.

But this is...truly sinister for a "prank".