[SpringsSong]

Although it seemed as though the beast was being held at bay, the three siblings kept their weapons poised.  The thought flashed across Mariko's mind to use some of her other techniques, aside from her kunai knives.  However, after a few moments, she shook her head and kept the knives in her hands.  Akio and Kouki also kept their weapons at the ready.

"I have never seen anything like this before," Kouki said quietly.  "Maybe it is enchanted, and maybe it is not.  I guess all we can do is see what happens if we attack it."

"Wait a few more moments before attacking it, Kouki," Mariko cautioned.  "We may not need to harm this creature too much, or kill it," she said.

[ShadowStitches]

Niner kept his aim steadily at the creature. It seemed that the Thorns kept it at bay for now,
but he was not sure for how long this protection would last. tracing the form of the beast with his eyes,
he shook his head slightly. "I dont think that waiting much longer will help. it does not seem to calm down,
nor can it be reasoned with" he paused, before saying "I too think we should attack, and be it only to see if it is able to use a shield...at least against anything but thorns."
He would not do anything hastily tho, but rather wait if the whole group shared their thoughts on it. Nothing was worse then a surprising action by one of the team members, that irritated the others.

[Kylo]

"Alright then I'll use a magic attack and see if it can defend itself." Rod sent lightning hurtling from the EMR towards the learf. He waited to see if it would defend itself or not and how it would do it.

Sam sent the vines tangling at the learf's feet to see what would happen now. Hopefully they would learn more about it this way.
[2 1/5][2 1/5]

[SpringsSong]

Just like that, a kunai knife shot through a small space in the thorn wall, aimed at the Learf with precision.  Whether or not it reached its goal was another matter entirely.  Mariko, however, was certain that the knife would be returning to her.

"Was that really wise, Mariko?" Akio asked, keeping his shuriken primed to throw, and the masked female nodded.

"Yes, it was," she said.  "I won't be losing this knife..."

[ShadowStitches]

(I dont really know what to reply...sorry^^'
I think we should wait for Toxic? Oo dunno how you guys see it)

Niner tightened the grip around the Trigger of his rifle, but hesitated to shoot just yet. he was prepared, yes, and his aim was directed sharply at the what he believed most vunreable parts of the Learfs Body. But he hesitated to waste his amunition. He had quite a bit with him of course, but he was cautious. better stay on the safe side of things.

Sierra obviously did not think so. She suddenly decidet to ignore the command of her 'master' and took into the air, gaining hight and circeling above the Learf and the group. he flying style was agressive, giving away that she was boiling for the fight to finally really start. She would however wait until something would actually happen before attacking the Learf.

"Stupid girl" Niner hissed frustrated. He did not even look up when she took of, knowing fully well that she would not nosedive directly at the beast just yet. Tho he knew that she could take good care of herself, he was a bit worried.

[ToxicShadow]

The ring of plant-life did little to discourage the strange Learf, though it did enough of its job to stop its charge. Surrounded in the mass, it glanced around, seemingly calculating its next move. In reality, it was simply staying still to make everyone nervous, now more unpredictable than before as it barred its fangs. When a bolt of lightning came toward it, the creature seemingly melted into the vegetation that had ensnared its feet before reappearing outside of the ring designed to keep it in. Without a moment's notice, it launched itself toward its attacker - Rod.

[Kylo]

Rod moved to dodge and parry the attack as the learf moved through the ring of thorns and acted as if they were a part of it. Cursing under his breath he equipped a different materia and summoned a fire attack. Plants didn't do well with fire so it served to say the learf would not do well with fire either.

Sam stared in shock not really used to any creature having plant powers like himself and growled at the learf. Looked like it was time to call the thorn bushes back into the earth.

[2 2/5][2 2/5]

[ShadowStitches]

(Hey guys. since Fire has issues with the Laptop,for at least a week or so it seems, I thought I could post?
if I was wrong and you want to wait for, thats perfectly fine. just tell me, and I will delete the post imediately )

Niner was quite worried of the turn this fight was doing. This thing was even more unpredictable then he first thought it was. And it was pretty close, which did not sit too well with him either. He was well suited for medium rage 'combat', but preferred his target further away. And close range was not nescessarry his favorite thing to do. He could handle himself, but it certainly was nothing he was very good at. Oh well...better let it not come too close then. and even more important prevent i from harming his teammates. He Aimed for its head, while taking a few steps sideways to make sure he would get a good shot and not harm Rod or Sam, and fired.He knew that most likely,this would not do much damage to it, but maybe at least distract it.

Sierra chirped in surprise at the events below her, but narrowed her mechanic eyes angrily. folding her wings tightly to her body, she swooped down, aiming for the back of the creature. Her goal too was to irritate the creature and maybe stop it from charging further, not do a big amount of damage. Then again, if Rods fire attack worked, it might be...distracted already. oh well, better safe then sorry.

[SpringsSong]

(Got hubby's computer to work, so a quick reply.)

When the Learf attacked Rod, Mariko quickly pulled her kunai knives back.  Akio and Kouki looked at her, trying to guess what her move would be.  When she made a hand sign, with two fingers from each hand clasped before her mouth, they took a step back.

"Fire style!" she cried.  "Fire ball jutsu!"

"I'd step back if I were you," Akio warned.  "When she uses her jutsu, she tends to fall into the battle."

[Kylo]

Rod got out of the ninja's way and made sure to work along side his team mates perfectly. The only way they were going to win was if they worked together. He summoned another fire attack to back up Mariko.

Sam being able only to use earth magic moved out of the way of the others and the learf. He was useless in this fight it seemed.

[2 3/5][2 3/5]
(Jaden you can go you know~)

[Jaden Wolf]

Kaelii had been wandering the forest looking for the group she was supposed to meet up with. After some time, she heard the sounds of fighting nearby. With the kind of silence only a hunter of the forest could manage, she stalked up to the group to see what was happening. As she did so, she saw 6, no, 7 others fighting what looked like a...learf? But it was strange... It looked more like a Shadow being than one of this realm. Then again, there were other reasons for such odd appearances.

Regardless, it seemed she had found her group. But she wasn't sure it was a good idea to just pop up out of nowhere when the group was on edge. Didn't need to be attacked by a friendly, nope. Just before she was about to slink back and wait for a good moment to arrive, a child tumbled out into the middle of the group.
Kip! She had forgotten all about the little girl. She wasn't really worried about the kid's safety, she was stronger than she looked, but the kid wasn't the smartest and could totally mess up the situation. With a scowl, Kaelii leaped out from the trees with an inhuman speed and grabbed Kip, pulling her out of the way of the approaching fire attack. Jumping back beside the others, she gave them a quick nod while Kip squirmed and let out some strange noises resembling high pitched coos.
"Bad timing, it looks like. Pretty sure we were supposed to join you. I'm Kaelii, this bumbling critter is Kip. Need any help?"

[ShadowStitches]

(I'm a little confused about the posting order, but I think it is my turn? Oo
hope I'm right^^'')

Sierra pulled up as soon as the fire attacks where directed towards the Learf, only grazing its side with her claws slightly, and swinging back into the air.  

Niner almost Jumped when first the kid, and then the Woman more or less suddently arrived among them.
For a short moment he even pointed the rifle at them, but swiftly directed it back at the actual threat
when they introduced themselves. They could not see the slight skowl he had under his gas mask, but his whole body language was tense. "Bad timing indeed." he growled slightly. He could hear Sierra screech concerned, but he gave a short wave to the bird to signalize that the newcomers seemed to be friends."Niner" he introduced himself stiffly. taking a step to the side and shooting at the creature again "unless you know what exactly is wrong with that thing and how to defeat it, I guess you can help by keeping this kid safe." He said in a somewhat harsh way, adding lowly "the hell where you thinking to bring her anyway?"
He usually was not this rude, actually, quite the contrary. but he got caught by surprise, and he really was a bit worried about the small Kip.

[Kylo]

"Name's Rod." He didn't stop to even look over at the new arrivals and kept attacking at the learf at full speed. The last thing he needed was to be distracted by some kid. Focus on the mission and only the mission.

Sam bounded over to the two new arrivals and smiled. "Sorry about the others. We're busy as you can see. I can't do much as my attacks only help the beast."

[2 4/5][2 4/5]

[SpringsSong]

[Sorry for the shortness/lateness, I'm feeling rather ill right now...]

Akio and Kouki sprung to the side at the appearance of the child.  Mariko, who had just finished her jutsu, turned around with an inquisitive look on her face.

"More arrivals?" she asked.  "Wouldn't happen to have any clue as to what did this to the Learf, would ya?"

Her voice sounded like she was tired, but like she knew that she could not stop fighting.

[Jaden Wolf]

Kaelii frowned over at Niner as he asked why she had brought Kip. Blinking, she looked down at the kid still squirming under her arm.
"I brought her as a favor to someone. Don't worry though, she can handle herself, even if she doesn't look like it." She'd hardly given it a second thought, actually. With a shrug, she turned her attention to the others, nodding briefly as the two men introduced themselves, and then turned to the ninja-looking people.
"The learf, huh? Well...can't really say I do. There are many things I can think of that could cause this...various magical things, curses, and the like. There are also beings similar to this, but it's missing some qualities of theirs, I think. Sorry I can't be any more help with that." She had quickly skimmed over the "curse" portion, as she didn't want to risk the conversation going in the direction of what she was.
With a whine, Kip thrashed about until Kaelii relented and put the girl down. Leaning down, Kaelii covered the girl's mouth and gave her a warning glare.
"We're working with these people, so no using your voice if you don't have to," she whispered in a hushed tone before turning her attention to the battle.