[open] The Sweet Sting || Elio ||

[elio]

elio

some say I should learn to cry but I only learned how to fight
and I know everything must die but nothing fades like the light

For the first time in his life, Elio falls headfirst and willingly into the fury that longs to make him violent.

The cheery grin that had followed his empty threat turns into a vicious, wicked smile. Like the last thing a fish sees before a shark closes around its head. Blood should be there, painting his teeth red and smearing readily across his face. If he were visible, he'd look as cruel as his cursed father.

Funny, and yet not unexpected, that Elio realizes Wolfbane would be most proud of him in this moment. The chaos he now wears resembles his father's. Those ancestors of his might jeer some more, delighted that the only thing his father can teach him is a lack of control.

Celina strikes first and quickly, prehistoric teeth flashing as they find purchase right between Lio's nostrils. The invisible man whips his head back (an unfortunate movement that drives his sister's teeth deeper), taking several swift steps backward and into the trees. Elio stops - just for half of a second, but half a second is all it takes for blood to gush. It drips in what he feels like is slow motion, red droplets becoming visible once they lose the grip of his skin.

Fuck, Elio thinks, remaining invisible as he whips around the tree he had nearly backed into. Only a moment had passed, but he is not so stupid as to think a moment isn't enough to get him hurt.

While thinking a string of curse words, the pegasus gallops between tightly packed trees, leaving stray red hairs on low-hanging branches and rough bark. Leaves and twigs kick up where his hooves land and he leaves a faint trail of blood. Elio knows this can only go on for so long, and with his wings only barely growing their feathers back, his options for escape are very slim.

It was stupid of him to taunt the pair, yes, but - he doesn't regret it. He knew the moment he realized the liger was Wolfbane that their encounter would end in him getting hurt.

It was only a matter of time. Elio simply resolves to make them regret it later on.

The image of his father dead, broken, and bloodied is enough to give him strength to weather whatever the pair have in mind.

Elio should fear such violence wrapping thorned vines around his chest but -

He is almost excited.

Just a few meters ahead, the trees begin to widen, and a clearing comes into focus. Elio doubles down on his speed, dragging a bit of his energy from his waning reserves to heal the cut on his face and breaks into the sunlight. The grass here is short enough for his hoofprints to only leave minor impressions, but dirt continues to kick up until he slows his speed.

Drawing in a deep breath, Lio turns a wide circle, remaining invisible while hoping to find the faces of family.

Elio is not a skilled fighter - not yet - but the hard set of his mouth is enough to tell he will put up one hell of a fight.

@[Celina] @[Wolfbane]