#4. Innocence Caged

Story by deltroon1986 on SoFurry

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

#9 of Origins

Notice;

Names have been altered on purpose to protect the identities of the living and the deceased. Comments are welcome like always but, please keep all negative feedback to yourself. Merely out of respect for those that I've lost recently and over the years, Thank You.

Special Shout Out;

In loving memory of all those that showed me the way whenever I got lost or distracted. I miss all of you horribly but, I know you're still watching over me from above.

(Launa Moon Viander, Sabrina Breckenridge, Lady Azrealle aka Azzy, and Sayber are all owned by, https://xennydiemes.sofurry.com/ )


Sabrina shrugged as they regrouped with Azzy but, they noticed some thing. When the energy wave tossed them aside like rag dolls Azzy had been left alone. Before Launa or Sabrina could ask their friend about it, It turned to right and glared. From out of nowhere this ungodly roar shattered the air and tore up the ground. Though the earth was channeled into a large cascading wall that raced towards everyone.

At the last second all four women jumped clear as the rock wave continued. The wave hit an empty building and stopped then followed up by dead silence. Seconds eerily turned into minutes then the ground shook and the building exploded. A thick blanket of dust billowed out and blocked everybody's field of view. As the dust began to settle the group searched and hoped nobody was in any trouble.

Wisely everyone checked in then tried locating the strange being but, It vanished. When everyone turned to look back at Azzy, It was standing in front of her. It stood several feet away from her but, It seemed to be studying the raven curiously. Luckily Sabrina happened to be closer than the others and didn't waste anytime. Launching herself towards It, extend one arm out then reached back with the other.

Once in close she swung her fist out but, it passed right through It easily. Before Sabrina could try and recover It swung it's tail out and slapped her back. Now it felt barely like a tap then from out nowhere she went flying and landed violently. She traveled for about fifty feet leaving a deep grove in the dirt before stopping. As Sabrina unearthed herself and stood back up she growled angrily at her opponent.

Seeing as It's attention was still focused on Azzy, Sabrina tried taking advantage. Springing back into action she unleashed an intense fury of punches and kicks. Every attack she made passed right through it like It was some kind of phantom. Utilizing the situation Sayber snuck up to It then tried using a powerful submission hold. Sadly the tiopard didn't notice when It's tail moved then brushed against her cheek.

At first she didn't even feel anything then from out of nowhere she went flying. The large tiopard rocketed through the air and slammed hard into a water fountain. Launa quickly raised her arm then with a flick of her wrist and cast a restraint spell. Suddenly a series of glowing green rings appeared then instantly coiled around It. Looking down at the rings binding It and with a flick of both wrists they vanished.

Of course she was quick to follow up with a stronger spell seconds later. Only to have it cast aside also, Azzy was swift to suggest they combine their magic. Both mages brought all their magical power forth then launched a third restraint spell. As It was entrapped tightly by their combined effort but, an exhale shattered it. Meanwhile Sayber and Sabrina had recovered from It's last attack then moved in swiftly.

Like a dancer It brushed both women aside then locked onto Azzy and Launa. Since restraining It wasn't working they hit It with a wide variety of powerful spells. Unfortunately all their spells just bounced right off then It starting walking over. "Launa, we've got to try something before he decides to go on the offensive." Azzy said. The black furred feline agreed with her and that's when things took an ugly turn.

This strong blast wave of energy shook the ground as they watched in shock. As It's body started to undergo this strange and rather frightening transformation. Growing several feet, muscles bulging in proportion with the increase in height. Morphing out of a canine mix anthro into something closer to that of a primal feline. Everyone was trying their best to understand what was going on but, ended up cursing.

It had taken on a saber-tooth appearance with silver spots covering It's body. Next the fur along the spine caught fire and morphed to an ominous black color. Finally It's eyes glazed over with a purple light then fire burned from the corners. Once the morph ended and with a blood thirsty look told them this fight just started. Launa called Sabrina and Sayber over while they still had a few minutes to themselves.

"Sabrina, Sayber do everything you can to him distracted I've gotta plan. Azzy, I need you to get your feathered ass to safety things are gonna get ugly." Launa stated. They gave Launa nod then moved at full speed vanished as a pair of blurs. Fortunately they didn't pass through It like before as It was gored in the stomach. With their combined strength they pushed It back then without warning It reacted.

Grabbing them by the back of their necks then tossed them aside easily. While It's attention was on Sabrina and Sayber, Launa moved in and got ready. Reaching up with one hand then out to the side with other and summoned her weapons. In her right hand was her trusty sword Ravenaire and in the other a battle axe. With It's focus on a recovering Sabrina, Launa threw her axe with all her strength.

Upon doing so Launa gave a loud grunt alerting It's highly sensitive ears. The large double bladed weapon sailed through the air like a run away freight train. Taking a step to the left just as the large weapon reached It and kept on going. As the axe continued it appeared to be moving in slow motion right towards Sabrina. Fortunately she saw it coming towards her and quickly jumped clear at the last second.

The heavy double bladed battle axe sunk into the ground with a loud thunk. At this time Launa had launched into the air hoping to gain the upper hand on It. Being a mere fraction of a second slower, It turned around to the left and defended. When the sharpened blade of Ravenaire and It's left forearm collided together. A defining bang followed up by a shockwave and created a shallow impact crater.

Launa didn't expect It to block her prized sword so quickly or to be unharmed. Grabbing the blade with a free hand, jerked her close then slapped her aside. Sending the feline tumbling across the ground for several meters before stopping. Without warning Ravenaire instinctively reacted to the change in the situation. The large weapon yanked free from It's grasp then started to hover menacingly.

As these strange runic symbols appeared along the blade and began to glow. Ravenaire prepared to finish the job then without warning it sunk into the ground. Sabrina and Sayber watched with wonder as why Ravenaire acted so strangely. When Launa recovered she walked towards the others then called her sword. Sadly her weapon refused to budge so Sabrina said that she'd buy Launa some time.

It stared curiously at the large weapon without warning a loud crack echoed. Sabrina's right fist connected with It's jaw sending It sailing into a small building. The impact alone shook the store violently causing everything inside to collapse. Sayber jumped in then launched several powerful energy discs from her claws. This attack destroyed the building's main support beams causing it to crumble.

The building collapsed on top of It like a big house of stone and metal cards. During this Launa was able to retrieve her sword just this black mass took flight. Immediately everyone started to look for It but, had trouble where It disappeared to. Azzy had been watching the entire battle from a safe distance then felt something. Quickly spinning around and came face to face with the altered version of myself.

Azzy noticed something in It's eyes but, wasn't sure what it was until It fidgeted. Before It took over again the psychic pinged returned for an instant then vanished. "There's someone trapped inside that thing and they're barely clinging to life." Azzy stated. As It jumped out the nearby windowless opening and resumed fighting. The raven couldn't believe what she learned that there was someone trapped inside.

Sadly she didn't know how to convince the others to allow her make contact. Until this loud beastly roar echoed throughout the city then from out of nowhere. Launa burst onto the scene standing in her feral form then charged their enemy. Her shoulder slammed It hard in the chest launching It sideways into another building. As the building imploded Launa shifted back to normal then magically fixed her clothes.

Azzy had to try something standing on the sidelines was driving her batty. Giving a whistle gaining the attention of the others then flagged them to come over. The slightly battered warriors joined Azzy then knelt down and listened to her. "You might not believe this but, there's someone trapped inside of that thing. He's been calling out for help telepathically since we arrived in this place." She informed.

"Azzy, no offense but, have you finally lost your cotton picking mind?" Sabrina asked. She whipped her head in Sabrina's direction then glared hard changing her mind. Launa was quick to ask the raven what she had in mind to get It under control. Asking Sabrina and Sayber to hold it's attention for as long as they could manage. The spell she was going use needed time but, would allow her to enter It's mind.

When It pulled itself out from tons of rubble It walked towards the city square. Where another transformation was about to begin and that's when Sayber pounced. She was able to get the drop on It by hooking her arms directly under It's arms. Interlocking her fingers tightly behind It's neck then leaned back completing the hold. This gave Sabrina time to morph into her super werewolf state and assist the tiopard.

Standing close to twenty feet tall with muscles close to three times normal. "Sayber, on three let go and I'll take over, it's doubtful he's very strong physically." Sabrina stated. On the count of two Sayber started to loosen her grip then suddenly It reacted. Unleashing a huge blast wave of mental energy sending both women sailing. The strange dark personality that was using me for a vessel grew tired of playing games.

Not wasting any more time my body quickly resumed its current transformation. First my legs bulked up to Olympian size then shifted into a more animalistic state. Followed by my arms, chest, shoulders, finally my tail increased in strength and size. When Sabrina and Sayber recovered then wisely jumped back into the fight. Taking a more direct approach Sabrina landing a heavy blow forcing It back some.

With a dark snarl It back handed her across the jaw casting her aside again. Sayber quickly followed up with her own heavy blow, forcing It to double over. Burying both her fists into It's sternum then she reached down and grabbed It's leg. Using the fullest extent of her strength, flipped It up into the air then jumped up. Grabbed It's ankle, whirled a full 360 using the inertia she slammed It to the ground.

Her counter attack created a deep impact crater and kicked up tons of debris. Sabrina rose to her feet rubbing her sore and bloody jaw clean with her hand. Growling sourly in pain as she approached Sayber then saw the crater she made. As both women turned around and began to leave, these beams of lights appeared. "SABRINA, SAYBER GET THE HELL OUT OF THERE, NOW!!!" Azzy ordered.

Azzy's warning came a little too late as the ground erupted with a boom. Followed by a louder blood chilling roar at the crater's epicenter seconds later. Standing there was a creature that no longer looked neither canine or feline. Everyone saw this became confused by what they saw brooding inside the crater. "There's two very strong animal spirits at war within him." Sayber whispered quietly.

Sayber quickly passed the information she learned along to Azzy and Launa. "Interesting two animal spirits housed in one body yet, only one breed physically. Seeing as magic and even Ravenaire have proved utterly useless against him. Wait a Sec, Azzy you mentioned that someone has been reaching out since arriving? Is there anyway that you can establish a link with that second presense?" Launa wondered.

"Yeah, though who ever tried contacting me has nearly been drowned out. Who ever is taking his body for a spin is eating away at the soul in need of help. This other presense is using the energy to make itself stronger and that's about it. Sadly I don't have a clue about the innocent person trapped inside his own mind. Granted I could try breaking through to him but, I'm not sure it'll work, Launa." Azzy replied.

"Alright, I'll by you time while you think of a plan to gain entry into his mind. Sabrina, Sayber cover Azzy it's time that I evened scales so stay out of the way. Cause this is going to get ugly quick and I don't want to worry about collateral damage." Launa said. With that Launa marched forward, dug deep and unleashed her feral form again. The sound of stretching fabric told everyone that her transformation was underway.

At three times her size, strength and muscle mass her transformation finished. Her piercing golden eyes Launa set her sights on It then vaulted high into the air. Before It had a chance to react Launa plowed into It like a three ton furry boulder. The resulting impact kicked up a huge cloud of dirt and debris filling the crater. Leaving the rest of the group wondering what in the world was happening down there.

Not wasting anytime Launa unleashed a hailstorm of brutal punches and slashes. As the dust cloud dissipated everyone was able to witness the battle going on. By this time It got back into the fight and countered her attacks with It's own. Their brawl was a wide array of blow by bone shattering blow being exchanged. Sabrina didn't want It to get the upper hand on Launa and rushed in to help her friend.

Before Sabrina could get very far Sayber swiftly cut the super were wolf off. Growling angrily at the tiopard then from the crater this deafening blow echoed. Followed by this large black mass rocketed out from the crater but, was it Launa. Before either woman could ask they quickly discovered who was sent flying. Feral form Launa was still standing inside the crater as It went flying then she jumped out.

Landing just outside the rim and watched It continue to tumble through the air. Sabrina and Sayber were aware that if It was given anytime It would turn the tables. "LAUNA WHAT THE FUCK, DON'T GIVE THAT PRICK TIME TO RECOVER!" Sabrina barked. Upon hearing Sabrina's statement Launa swiftly chased after It like a missile. As the ground approached It flipped itself upright but, It's reprieve got cut off.

About forty feet from the ground Launa drove her shoulder into It's shoulder. The impact sent It flying backwards into a telephone pole then into the sidewalk. Creating a deep grove in the cement sidewalk in the aftermath there was silence. All that could be heard from their location was the sounds of buildings being destroyed. Meanwhile Azzy was still bringing all her magic forth in the hopes of breaching It's mind.

"SHOOT! I need something of his to use as a conduit for what I'm doing here." Azzy cursed. Before she could go search for what she needed Sayber handed her a tuft of fur. "I'd ask you how found this Sayber but, right now I don't even care. This is exactly what I need to break any mental barriers that are inside his mind." Azzy smiled. Next she reached into her pocket and pulled out a clear glyph shaped crystal.

Tying the long fur around the crystal then began to recite the long incantation. Sayber stayed close by just in case It sensed what's going on where they were. Luckily It was too focused on fighting Launa in her feral form and was struggling. As far as strength was concerned neither of them could gain the upper hand. Until It remembered they were relying heavily on brute strength at the cost of speed.

Quickly It kicked Launa in the stomach sending her flying into a building. Powering up then using the energy to focus on shrinking it's muscle mass down. Once It's body was at manageable state, Launa crawled out from the building. When she looked around and found It, she had a bad feeling something was wrong. Before Launa could change tactics It vanished like a phantom unnerving the feline.

She didn't have to wonder long when It's fist plastered her jaw with a crack. Sending the feral Launa sailing across the ground like three tons of dead weight. "Sayber stay here and guard Azzy I'm going in to back Launa up things got ugly." Sabrina growled. Unlocking her full super were form again and bulked up to her full power. From there she wasted zero time rushing towards ground zero where they were.

Sayber looked over her shoulder at Azzy hoping her spell was ready to be cast. "Relax, Sayber I'm almost ready but, I'll need clear line of sight can you make it happen?" Azzy asked. With a nod Sayber chased after Sabrina to inform her about the change in plan. Before she caught up to Sabrina It elbowed the superwere hard in the kidney. Casting the massive canine aside just like It did with Launa a few minutes ago.

As she crashed into an abandoned pub, Sayber was able to land a good blow. Slugging It hard in the ribcage causing It to drop to it's knees then to the ground. Next she reached down grabbed It's tail then effortlessly tossed It towards Azzy. Slamming hard into the ground several yards away surprising the young raven. When It rose to it's feet the Azzy's spell was complete then she recited the last line.

Arching her arm back then chucked the glowing ball of magic in her hand. Holding onto the crystal as the ball of energy raced towards It like a lightning bolt. The second the orb hit It in the back of the head Azzy gave the crystal a squeeze. Her eyes glazed over then traveled deep into the recesses of It's turbulent mind. Before she could traverse further someone reached over then grabbed her shoulder.

A strange and holy presence made itself known to her as Azzy turned around. "Relax, Lady Azrealle I'm not your enemy I'm here to help you reach, Nova. He's imprisoned nearby, hopefully you're able to free him from It's dark grasp. If all else fails use this should get him on his feet and It something to worry about." A border collie said. Next she handed Azzy what appeared to be a photo then vanished in a ball of light.

Confused at first yet, grateful for the small assist from the mystery woman. Lifting the photo up to see what was on it and smiled at the romantic scene on it. "I hope you're right miss about this because I'd really hate to find out differently." Azzy mumbled. She placed the photo into a pocket then traveled where the spirit directed her. Meanwhile back in the real world Launa, Sabrina and Sayber were in serious trouble.

Even with their combined strength It was still proving impossible to subdue. When ever they formulated a plan It always seemed one step ahead of the trio. Sadly on both sides of this lopsided brawl the signs of fatigue started to show. Despite being immortal even Launa was wearing down much like her friends were. It was also reaching it's physical limit but, showed no outward signs of being exhausted.

Leaning back It prepared to end this battle once and for all until It froze. Back inside my mind Azzy found my complex prison made of pure dark energy. "Did you honestly think that I wouldn't notice you or even the angel of his lover? Though I'll admit you've got some nerve coming here in the hopes of freeing that weakling." It snarled. The presence took on the shape of a black snow leopard as It approached.

Reacting quickly Azzy turn then flicked the photo she received into my prison. "NOVA, IF YOU WANT TO SEE HER AGAIN GET OFF YOUR ASS AND FIGHT." Azzy shouted. From out of nowhere It rushed in then savagely back handed her across the beak. Knocking the poor avian down and tumbling across the floor like a log. It watched her writhe in pain as I timidly reached over and picked up the photo.

Staring blankly at the photo it was of Gina and I slow dancing for the first time. My uncle took this photo without our knowledge than like a joke he mailed it. Even till today I still cannot believe how good we looked together on that night. It was at that moment the words Azzy said stirred something deep inside of me. Looking up from the photo I pressed against my heart then turned my head to the left.

When I did It was standing over Azzy mockingly then grabbed her throat. That's when something snapped digging down as deep as I could until I found it. A power much like the other presence was using then I unleashed this mighty roar. Then a massive shockwave caused my prison made of dark energy to shatter to dust. Back in the real world Launa's sword Ravenaire began glowing with strange symbols.

Next it unburied itself from the ground then raced towards me and vanished. Launa reverted back to normal then repaired her outfit once more with her magic. As her wounds healed she walked over to Sabrina and Sayber to heal them. When the trio regrouped with Azzy only to see her standing with a blank expression. The experienced goddess had seen this look before and knew where she was.

Granted she didn't like knowing Azzy was in there alone but, she was the best. If anyone could break through to that body's true owner it would be her hands down. Though what confused Launa was Ravenaire reacting on its own then vanishing. Little did she know that by some sheer force of will I called the mighty weapon. "Umm, not to look a gift horse in the mouth but, what the fuck just happened?" Sabrina asked.

"Azzy, created the mental link Launa asked for and is currently inside his mind. If I had to venture a guess Azzy awoke the trapped soul and he called Ravenaire." Sayber stated. Launa and Sabrina looked at their feline partner with amazement on their faces. Sabrina was shocked more so that she spoke but, knew the whole situation. Back inside of my mind, Azzy was doing her best to keep It distracted.

Sadly Azzy's plan was short lived when It looked and saw I had vanished. Smacking Azzy aside then as It turned I drove Ravenaire deep into his chest. It's body rocked violently in response to the sudden impact followed by silence. Tilting It's head down only to see me raging mad then the look of dread appeared. "MISS GET OUT OF HERE AND AS FOR YOU, YOUR MUTATED ASS IS MINE!" I growled.

To be continued.