Outfoxed again

[very_goodman]

Who: Barry Goodman and Hiyoko Tosaka
What: Prayer #32
When: During ageswap shenanigans
Where: The English countryside again
Warnings: More rampant stupidity

[It's clear from the size of that kitsune they ran into before that Hiyoko and Barry are going to need more firepower. Thankfully, the recent curveball thrown at them by the heavens has provided exactly what they needed - a Mirage by the name of Draug. Barry's been thrown back to his mid-twenties when he still had enough moxie to wield such a power, and even though he's a little confused about why, he's as eager as ever to help his goddess with fighting ayakashi. Even more eager than usual, really, and with a physique to match.]

Carnage Form! Draug, let's go!

[As he calls out the name of his erstwhile spiritual partner, the spectral form of a hulking knight appears before him. Barry grins and takes off running toward it, their forms merging in a bright flash of light. And once he comes out the other side, he's wearing a toga and a cape and wielding a huge labrys.]

All right, so what's the plan? Rush in and beat him down?

Comments

[talkbirdytome]

[Hiyoko didn't worry too much when Barry suddenly de aged, mostly because he's still an adult so he's probably fine. She doesn't know what she'd do if she had to take care of a little kid suddenly. And she doesn't have to find out.

Yay. Plus his pet ghost knight is super cool. But better focus on the fox at hand.]

Get his attention. Distract him while I circle around behind. Then we attack from both sides. Got it?

[very_goodman]

[Hiyoko actually kind of lucked out here. Barry's way more useful like this.]

Can do! I'm great at distractions!

[Barry lets out a loud laugh, slinging his axe over one shoulder.]

All right, then, here goes!

[And he'll begin slowly striding out of the bushes.]

[talkbirdytome]

[As soon as he strides into view, the fox opens one eye and fixes it on him menacingly. There is a soft growl. It seems to be waiting to see what he'll do, but the threat is clear.

Hiyoko all but vanishes into the bushes, stalking around toward the target's rear.]

[very_goodman]

You want some of this?

[Barry drops into a defensive stance, holding his axe out in front of him.]

Then come get it!

[talkbirdytome]

[Well, he did ask for it.

The fox stands and lashes its tails about angrily. Ever hear of kitsune fire? Because it's about to vomit some Barry's way. Hiyoko is moving as quickly as she can, trying to get into position before the fox gets too feisty, but not fast enough to spare Barry the first barrage. He better think fast.]

[very_goodman]

Awright, Hiyoko, let's get 'em!

[Barry hefts his axe, pointing toward the fox. But when she doesn't show up on his call and that gout of flame comes screaming toward him, he screeches and ducks as quickly as he can. It's still enough to set his hair ablaze, though, and moments later he's running around in circles screaming and trying to put it out.]

Ow ow ow ow ow ow!

[talkbirdytome]

[Aw geez why didn't he wait for the signal??

Actually... did she remember to mention a signal? Well, not important. Right now she has to get the fox off him.]

Hey, bushy tails! Back here!

[She jumps from the top of its cave and strikes its back with her spear. It roars and whirls around.]

You okay, Barry?

[very_goodman]

[She never said anything about a signal!]

Yeah... yeah, no problem!

[His long golden locks may never be the same, though.]

Let's turn this fight around!

[At least it's pinned down between them now. The fox turns to the side, trying to keep an eye on both of them at the same time.]

[talkbirdytome]

Right! Let's do this.

[The fox whirls suddenly, trying to strike Barry with its tails at the same time it bites at Hiyoko.]

Whoa!

[She just barely manages to avoid becoming a snack.]

That was close. He's a lively one.

[very_goodman]

Aw geez, that ain't fair!

[Attacking with its mouth and tails at the same time? This is supposed to be two-on-one! Thankfully, Barry is able to hold his ground, planting his axe and repelling the assault.]

Hey! Why don't ya pick on someone your own size, big guy?

[While it's distracted with trying to eat Hiyoko, Barry manages to score a hit to the fox's side. It whirls around, howling in pain and leaving itself open for a moment.]

[talkbirdytome]

Ha!

[Not one to let an opening pass her by, Hiyoko also strikes it. Now injured on both sides, it lets out a pained yipping noise.]

We got it on the ropes, Barry!

[Another couple of strikes, and they should be able to go in for the rend. But unknown to them, something is stirring even deeper in the cave.]

[very_goodman]

Yeah! Just a little more!

[The kitsune, sensing it's in danger, starts to back toward the cave. It lets out some pained growls as it goes.]

Oh no ya don't! We're gonna-

[And then a mighty roar sounds from inside the cave.]

...Uh. You heard that too, right?

[talkbirdytome]

[She freezes as the second roar echoes from within the cave.]

There's another one.

[Not a question, not an exclamation. Just a statement of fact. She should have seen this coming.]

Barry! Two of these is too many. We need to regroup.

[very_goodman]

...Yeah, I hear that.

[He backs up, holding his axe defensively as he keeps his eye on the cave's entrance.]

[talkbirdytome]

[Not bothering with stealth, Hiyoko jumps down from her position and runs for where Barry is just as a second fox comes charging out of the cave.]

We're booking it, let's go!

[They'll need to rethink their plan, maybe bring reinforcements....]