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CW: Mild Violence l Predatory Behavior
---

It had been a while since he'd last seen his master. He was still on the same hunt that he had been on for a long while. This target was constantly on the move not to mention difficult to track. To keep the constant prickle of his body was a challenge, his song constantly changing tune. The Mockingbird wasn't happy with how long it was taking to find this one and he could only hope it'd be worth it. It was decent enough that he didn't have to see that wretched demon's face for as long as he was on the hunt. He could only wonder how the Partridge was doing with her task. Odd that she hadn't been sent out to measure his progress but perhaps the demon needed her since he himself was out. In the end, it was of no matter to him as long as everything worked out in the end.

Stretching his mouth into his mask, he caught the scent of water and not too far from where he was he could see a clear lake. It had been a while since he last taken a bath [only a day] and his mouth was feeling a bit dry. The Mockingbird began to walk closer towards the body of water as he smacked his mouth, the metal beak of his mask staying shut. Raising a hand, he clicked a button on the side of his visor, the black material fading to reveal bi-colored eyes.

It was as he was close to the water's shore that a different tune started to come from his mouth. Light was the melody with its high notes and bouncing nature. Interesting. Swiveling his ears while looking around, he soon saw why. On the other side of the lake he could see a crimson dove stepping into the water. So she was the one the song he sang belonged to? It was a song different from Nier's and the demon's. Different than other ones he sang before and that only served to fan his interest.

It was dangerous to have his interest.

Luden stepped away from the water's edge and walked towards the dove, the curvature of his beak-like mask seeming more like a smirk than a neutral expression.

"Hello there-" He mused smoothly, "I could not help but notice you were alone. Mind if I accompany you? I long for a bit of company after traveling for so long."

Muuni stared at the raven rook that had approached her. She had seen him coming but actually hadn't expected him to approach her, much less ask to join her. In all honesty, she hadn't even known it was a rook at first with how their head looked from afar and the lack of any prominent scent from them. And now that he was rather close, his mask wasn't doing much to help the wary feeling in her stomach. Maybe they were a tamed kukuri? Maybe that was why they had the weird accessories but was a tamed kukuri doing so far out in the wild? Maybe she was just being too suspicious and quick to leave a situation since Dante had been travelling much as of late too. And even if this rook tried something, she could land a powerful kick and get away.
So she gave a tentative nod with a look of warning in her eyes.

"Yeah...you can. Don't try anything with me mister-" She raised a hand to point a finger "I'm not some damsel in distress and I'm not alone. I have a partner."

Luden didn't seem to be phased by the little dove's words at all and merely blinked in acknowledgement. So she had some spirit and a partner, although he could detect no evidence of that.

"Are you sure about the latter miss?" He questioned "I do not detect any signs of another kukuri on you nor around." And the constant same light melody was still in his head.
He wondered why that was so but that was a question he intended to resolve soon enough. "It is unwise for a so called partner to leave their counterpart alone. Especially such a spirited little dove like yourself. There's many here who would love to keep such a pretty bird. Tell me, miss, I don't bite. Nor am I keen on spilling your blood but I must know, do you really have a partner or are you merely lying?" He needed to know why this melody was different than the others. She was alive. That much he was sure of.

Was her lineage? Were other beasts contaminated with blood from the ancient one's descendants and this one was not or was it something else. "If you need a protector, then I can accompany you to your location before moving onwards. No one likes a liar." Especially him. If this dove did really have a partner, it'd just be a hindrance to sating his curiosity and he didn't really want to get his hands dirty if it wasn't from the one he was hunting or for food.

Sigh.

---

Across the lake from the duo and well beyond the forest, Dante came crossing over a hill. Before him lay a vast meadow, the grass waving him welcome. He took a deep breathe as the wind came to greet him and he exhaled.
I'll be home soon. Home in the arms of my love. Oh Muuni. He thought and a smile spread across his face, his eyes sparkling by the mere thought of her sight. Of her sweet scent and angelic voice. Her golden eyes that paled the sun in comparison.
   He smiled wider and felt how he just couldn't stand still any longer and trotted gleefully down the hill and across the meadow.

The first step among the towering trees made him hesitate. A shiver ran down his spine and he shook his head. Odd. He thought but continued walking. He looked around. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. He could hear the birds singing, he took a deep whiff of all the pleasant scents. The forest was just as welcoming as it always was. Dante wasn't sure what that sudden shiver had been about. It didn't matter. The world could be on fire for all he cared, but as long as he'd get to be with Muuni nothing ells mattered. And with that thought he quickened the phase. Soon he picked up the scent of the lake. Maybe she'd be there, collecting her herbs, or maybe down for a drink. He panted slightly from all the running. He'd been at it most of the day already, eager to get home.

Seeing the water between the branches, Dante emerged from the vegetation and took in the view. He adored this place. Cattails waved in the breeze, the tall grass rattling around them. And his heart skipped a beat as he saw crimson on the other side, his smile so big now that he couldn't keep his mouth closed. He was just about to call out to her when he saw another figure near her.
   Curious. He thought and decided to keep a low profile and walk around.

---

Muuni stared at the raven rook with a look of confusion and disbelief. Wh-what...? The dove's ears pushed themselves forward as she shook her head. "I'm more than sure!" She puffed her chest out as she kept her finger pointed. "Just because you can't see or smell him it doesn't mean that I'm lying."

The fur of her cheeks felt warm for a moment at being compared to a dove, especially at being called a pretty bird. But nonetheless, her eyes narrowed at his comments. "I can take care of myself." Raising a hand, she waved him off in a 'shoo shoo' motion while taking a step back. "And I do have a partner. He's a real strong and kind rook. A true hero and warrior!"

Side-eyeing Luden, Muuni walked more into the water until it reached her chest as the rook's gaze followed her. She wasn't lying. She really did have a partner and that was...bothersome. Tilting his head upwards, Luden took in a deep breath through the holes of his mask and caught another scent amongst the trees.

Someone was watching.

Flicking an ear, Luden kept them in mind but moved it to the back of his mind. Not forgotten but not prioritized for now. Following the dove into the water, he closed his eyes at the feeling of the clean water lapping at his fur. He was especially carefully not to get his things wet and keep the water's level below his back. Opening his eyes, he tilted his head as red-blue eyes looked to the dove as he finally spoke.

"And what about me? Would you give me a chance if I were strong? Kind? I don't know about a hero but--" He moved closer to Muuni, eyes locked on her. "I would say I am pretty...admirable. Skilled." Soft singing could be heard coming from him, his low voice growing higher in pitch as he sang out her tune to her in a croon. "I can sing. Fight. Hunt. I am here unlike him."

His eyes twinkled with something, something Muuni couldn't place a finger on as she moved away, shaking her head. The curls around her cheeks were growing in size as her fur fluffed out. She wasn't used to getting this type of attention, it had been a long while but--

"No thanks! I've told you. I've got a partner. I'm not looking." She repeated, ears kept back as her gaze was starting to grow serious. "Even you tamed kukuri should know when a gal is taken, she's taken. Right? It's basic manners. Even a Mippa berry would know." Muuni informed, her voice stubborn.

Luden narrowed his eyes in amusement. "Is that what you think I am? A tamed-- no... a pet?" He shook her head, chuckling. "I'm not a pet. I'm not a...tamed kukuri." The large rook started to walk around her. He liked her spirit but... "I am very much... the opposite of that. I am a wild being little bird. Just-"

"You're...You're creeping me out. Alright! I'm sorry but bath time over." With that, Muuni ended the conversation as she made her way towards the shore. "I tried being friendly but you're clearly not getting the hints. I don't know what your deal with but I hope you find whatever you're looking for because it's not here." Stepping out onto the shore, she shook out her fur while Luden watched from within the water.

She could hear a sigh coming from him.

"I just wanted a bit of information. That's all. Is that really so much to ask for? I wanted this to be simple. You have a different song compared to everyone else and I'm interested to see why. Normally those who cooperate stay living, if they give me a hard time...it's only fair that I get something out of it for my time being wasted. Don't you think?" It was true somewhat. Normally it was just a scare tactic to get his way. He never laid a hand on a dove before nor killed anyone who didn't deserve it. He'd like to keep it that way.
He didn't have a lot of time to waste and he'd take measures to get the things he needed within a rather reasonable amount of time. Too long and he'd lose the trail of his hunt.

Muuni lowered her head, curling her lips back to show one of her fangs, blood starting to run cold. "Come closer and you'll see what I mean by not being a damsel." She wasn't the best of fighters but she wouldn't be scared into submission by this odd rook.

Luden looked at her, his amused gaze turning sympathetic yet cold.

"Wrong answer."

---

Dante shot out of the bushes behind Muuni, so fast he was but a blur of black and white as he passed her. He crashed into the other rook in a fierce headbutt and as the other tumbled back in the water, Dante steadied his posture as he defensively placed himself between his opponent and Muuni.

"That will be the only warning you get," Dante growled with his eyes narrowed. "If you even lay a bad eye on MY lady, I'll rip off that mask of yours and shove it down your throat!" The rage inside Dante was boiling so hot he felt like he might explode any second. A part of him almost hoped the rook would make a move so he could let it out. How dare he make Muuni to draw fangs. To threaten the love of his life? It was unforgivable.

Dante whipped with his tail and held it high into the air, his stance wide and head bent down low. He flicked an ear back but resisted the urge to turn and look at the crimson dove. He'd let no harm come to her. Nothing was gonna get through this wall of grey fury.

---

A gust of wind threw Muuni's curls upwards as she saw a blurr of black and white rush past her. It wasn't until the form came to stand in front of her did she see who it was. Muuni took a step forward to be behind but essentially next to her partner as she stared at the raven rook in the water.

Her eyes were wide with surprise at his reaction and behavior as his growls promised bloodshed to the rook that had been talking to her mere moments ago. She didn't know what to make of it.

"Da-Dante!" She exclaimed, ears shooting upwards in surprise and glee. He was alright. Thank Death he was alright!

Ludens saw the flash of black and white as they positioned their legs under the water and took the hit. Their gaze didn't change as they were pushed deeper into the lake but had held their ground. Rather than reply to Dante's threats with some of his own or even something witty, Ludens blinked.

"...So you must be the rook she was speaking of. I had a feeling you were the one watching." He mused as his black visor formed over his head to stare at the pair with drooping blank white eyes.

"I've been nothing but respectful to her. Not a single bad eye or even a touch. If anything, you've done this little bird more wrong by leaving her alone. After all, what fool leaves their partner alone for so long that they bear no scent." Ludens said, voice smooth and hushed. Calm. The complete opposite of Dante.

"I just wanted to know the answers to my questions. That's all. I'm a very busy fellow and didn't want to waste more of our time." The inked raven's words were soon accompanied by the sound of clicking as Ludens took a step forward, the huge odd collar around his neck shrinking to secure itself tightly around him.

"But you're going to waste even more time. Just an annoying hindrance in between me and some answers."
Muscles bunched together underneath the rook's dark pelt as his head raised higher, the clicking growing louder by the second.

"And that just won't do. So i'll have to get rid of you." Lowering his head as his spine began to arch, the 'wsshhh' of steam could be heard as it was let out from his collar.

"Good bye."

In the blink of an eye, the raven rook was by Dante's exposed flank, his mask's beak split open to reveal cruel silver trap-like jaws glinting in the sunlight while his own teeth were hiding deeper inside. Silver jaws were open wide, shooting towards the smaller pearl rook with the same deadly speed as his hands were kept close to his body.

---

Waiting for the move, Dante let the rook talk. He felt the air become more and more electric as the tension rose. He was furious but not blinded and he saw through the calm posture of the other. There was just enough of a hint in his tone that Dante detected hostility.

He observed the mask slide on, the collar hissing as it took hold like a snake trying to strangle its prey. But it was the lash out he'd been waiting for that made him respond. He barely moved fast enough to avoid the attack.

"Now!" Dante barked sharply and the water erupted behind the other rook and a black, freaky looking rabbit jumped on to the attacker's back. It was Dante's shroomie familiar. It had been almost a year since he last had used its aid, but he had put aside any doubt and called upon it while he was rounding the lake earlier.
   It scratched at the other one with sharp claws and tried to land bites. Dante spun around the rook, moving around in the water with such agility it almost looked like he was dancing. Every step was calculated, thought through. And all the while he made sure not to give an opening for his opponent to get to Muuni should he change target.

"Muuni, get out of here!" He shouted behind him and thrust himself forward with his muscular neck bent and aimed for a tackle against the other's side, trying to get him to loose his footing.

---

SNAP! Powerful steel jaws closed on nothing but air as Ludens landed on his feet where Dante once was and used the momentum to whip around back towards the other rook.

It was when the raven rook felt the sensation of small sharp claws and teeth upon his back that a black blur shot out from his neck towards the shroomie on his back. Sharp and deadly, piercing. And he stayed still as he saw Dante aiming to tackle him.

He waited.

And waited.

Until Dante got close enough to him that several dark sharp deadly tendrils shot out from Ludens' neck in quick black flashes to dig into the pearl rook.

Muuni watched the scene unfurl, her eyes wide with worry and fear. What...what was that raven rook? Was Dante really fighting them? Were...were they really fighting?

"I-I...I can't..." She stammered "I-I can't! I can't leave you behind!" Her ears pushed themselves forward as she took in a deep breath "I'm not letting you leave me behind again! I can't lose you!" The dove shouted. Kicking off from where she stood, she broke off into a sprint to slam against Dante and force him away from the tendrils in the nick of time. [20]

If only she were fast enough...

then maybe the lake's water wouldn't be stained red [2]...

Muuni's eyes were wide, mouth parted as she hung from the dark tendrils coming from Ludens' neck. They were impaled deep into her shoulder as the giant glass vials on the back of the raven rook's neck started to fill with crimson liquid for a moment.

It was nothing but eerie silence from him as clicking could be heard as he retracted them from the dove's body and back towards him. Muuni fell into the water with a loud splash, the water around her quickly turning red as the dove was still for a few moments. Her body soon twitched as she was trying to move, eyes dazed but somehow determined as she stared forward at Ludens with her jaws loosely clenched.
"Di-di...didn't we say....we...we were going to travel together? I...I want to make sure that happens too...!"

---

Dante saw his familiar fly off the rook and land in the water. It appeared a few seconds later by the shore, wounded. It was out of commission. For now.

Dante returned his attention just as he heard Muuni. He turned with a desperate look in his eyes. He opened his mouth to speak just as she leaped out. And Dante's heart stopped.

He blinked, his vision focused on nothing but Muuni down before him, the water dyed red by her blood. The fur along his neck and rose and gave him a wild look. His teeth were bared to such an extent he almost looked rabid, all the while his eyes kept down, in shrouded in darkness. He growled so deeply the water trembled around his feet. He couldn't even hear her voice.

"You-" He hissed. His paws clutched and he spread them open, ready to tear. Then his head shot up and his eyes flared with hate and rage. "You monster!" He roared and shot forward. His familiar leapt up to him, on to his back and began to melt and deform. It spread forward until his arms and head was covered, his claws turned longer, sharped, and his horns wicked. The black goo spread down across his back and dripped by the edges.

Dante slashed down and a nick appeared on Ludens ear. He looked at him with white, glowing eyes, black goo from the raven dripping from his claws. The blood was as black as ink and Dante bared his fangs in disgust before tackling him, forcing the other rook backwards, pushing him further into the lake. The water made Dante slower, but the familiar enhanced his strength and endurance and he was gonna use it to his advantage. The raven freak was gonna regret ever laying hand on Muuni. He was gonna make sure of it. He spread his black claws wide and attacked.

---

"How...inconvenient." The muffled distorted voice came from within the mask. Blank drooping eyes stared at the enraged rook in front of him, unfazed. The visor's screen 'blinked' as his vision changed, numbers and percentages reading [not that he could quite understand them] along with shifting marks all over Dante's body. They told Ludens the prime spots to hit, to wound.

It was amusing how Dante's transformation was but a cheap knock off of what Luden had gone through for his ink stained body. It was amusing but it was infuriating. Seeing their claws go down, Ludens leapt back in the nick of time as dripping red liquid quickly became thick black sludge. The blood on Dante's hand breaking its illusion to reveal more black sludge.

Seeing the rook charge towards him again, he loosened his body and let himself be tackled into the water. Let himself be pushed further out as black tendrils sprouted from the back of his neck, hidden and warped by the water as if it were his body. And as Dante raised his black claws, Ludens saw an opening.

Faster than lighting, black blurs shot from the water and dug into ash colored flesh.

Muuni screamed out a cry.

"DANTE!"

---

The pain was intense as Dante was lifted out of the water. He roared in a mix of agony and fury and slashed to his side. He cut through one of the tendrils but remained hanging, gripping hold of another as he bared his fangs. He was unable to get down.

Muunis cry caused him to glance back. For a moment his face softened when catching her eyes. The anger began to fade and his mind clear up from the bloodthirsty haze. He began to calculate the situation, the possible outcomes. The safety of Muuni should he lose.

He gazed back at Luden, the black goo melting back to the neck and exposing his face.

"What-" Dante hissed between gritted teeth. "What do you want..."

---

Thrashing about as it was severed, it fell to the water limp as black sludge began to flow from the half still connected to Ludens' collar, steadily repairing the break. The visor went transparent, showcasing dark blue and red eyes that stared at Dante with hidden anger and annoyance. The only clear emotion being painted on his face was amusement.

He walked closer to Dante while keeping then in place, he turned his head to look at Muuni for a few moments before returning his gaze to Dante. "I want her." Ludens replied lowly "I want to ask her a question. She can give me the answers. That's all. You were the one who ruined everything."

---

Dante twisted in a sudden motion in an attempt to free himself upon the statement, but it was futile. He growled deeply but resisted his familiars attempt to form back over his head.

Not yet

"What answer could she possibly have for you?" He hissed. A familiar tingle trailing up along his spine.

---

"We'll find out." Ludens curtly replied as an ear swiveled to her direction.

"Little bird, you'll give me the answer I want, right? Your so called friend doesn't need to get hurt anymore."

Muuni stared at the raven rook and then to Dante, eyes wide with worry and concerned fear. What do I do? Oh what do I do? I don't want him to get hurt?

"What...what do you want?" She asked loudly, leaning onto her uninjured side to heft herself onto her feet. Yellow eyes clouded for a moment with pain before she shook it away.

Not letting go of Dante, Ludens moved his body to face Muuni. It wasn't what he wanted, but it'd make do. At least he'd be getting the answers he wanted.

"...Are you related to the damned -- ?"

Their songs...so alike…

Muuni stared at him in disbelief. That...that was what he wanted to ask the whole time? He hurt Dante for that? She could barely shake her head with the anger coursing through her blood.

"No."

And with that, Ludens released the needle-tipped tendrils from Dante, letting him drop into the water as he walked away from the two.

Muuni hurried over with a stagger towards Dante, throwing her arms around him despite the pain from her shoulder, crying quietly.

"Wh-where are you hurt?"

---

Dante huffed from the pain when he touched down. When Muuni embraced him it was like the all his worries went away for a moment. Then he was reminded of the pain as his familiar unfused with him and sat on his back, ears folded back as it whined anxiously.

"I'm fine," He lied and pressed his head against Muunis, hiding his pained expression in her fur. "What about you? How bad is the wound?" Staggering, he tried to get up but his legs gave way. Letting out a grunting laugh, he just smiled at Muuni. "Hah, just like old times huh?"

A faint cry made Dante look up and spot a bird in the distant sky. He snorted and looked back at the rook by the shore. Dante felt his gut twist. This had not been the reunion he had wished for, and he felt ashamed he'd not been able to defend the love of his life. But he'd learned that sometimes in order to win, you must know when to stop fighting.

His familiar locked eyes on the raven with a tense glare. Dante nudged it.

"Calm Kitty, you did well," He whispered. Then he glanced at the other male again.

"Rook, tell me something, what by the wrath of Life are you,"

---

The dove pressed her head underneath his, nuzzling him from below as if burying into him. She was quiet as tears rolled down her face before she pulled back to look at him in disbelief, eyebrows furrowed at the center. "N-no you're not! D-Dante! I-I saw you get hurt-" Muuni returned to press up against him, trying to help him get out as her voice was quieter this time. "...Please don't lie to me...not about this. Not when I can help you."

A noise of distress left her as she threw her neck and arms out to soften his fall, trying to catch him. Her gazed softened with his laugh and smile, making her heart skip a beat and stomach flutter just like the old times of his words. The worry hadn't left her eyes entirely as she nodded. "Yeah..." Standing close and doing her best to support her love, she followed Dante's gaze over to Ludens, a low growl leaving her.

Just like his familiar, Muuni's ears were furled back, clearly not having forgotten nor even remotely forgiven the raven rook. If Ludens made a move, despite her injured shoulder, Muuni knew she'd fight harder than all the teeth and claws her body had.

Far from them, Ludens didn't both to turn around as he heard Dante's question. The only sign that he had heard was in the swivel of an ear.

"The hunter."

---

Dante watched the rook disappear and he felt how his entire body began to relax, not even having realized just how tense he'd been until now.
Above, the circling bird, which was gliding low enough to revile itself as a flying shroomie, began to follow the raven rook. It would alert Dante if the male decided to come back.
But so far all seemed well.

He let out a sigh and rested his head on Muuni's back. His nostrils flared as he caught the scent of her wound and he adjusted to lick it, ever so gently.

"I'm so sorry Muuni. You got hurt because of me. Maybe if I hadn't acted so rash..." He leant back to look her in the eyes. Those golden eyes, shimmering brighter than any treasure.

"I don't know what I would do if I lost you, my love," Dante said and he embraced her, clinging tight to the crimson coat, afraid that if he let go, he'd find her gone.

---

Muuni could feel how Dante's body started to grow lax compared to how tense it was just a few moments ago. It wasn't until Ludens was completely gone from view that her ears slowly rose back up after a scan of the area to make sure there were no more threats. She felt somewhat uneasy around the flying shroomie, having heard stories of what they could do to a kukuri from her father but since Dante didn't seem to act any differently about it, she ignored the creatures.

An ear swiveled at the sigh, body tensing up for a moment at Dante's head before relaxing soon after. Her head turned to look away so he wouldn't see the twitch of an eye from the small shock of pain of her wound.

"There's...there's nothing to apologize for you silly Mippa Berry..." She lightly scolded, not serious but nonetheless her heart was somewhat in her words. "You were just trying to protect me..." Stretching her head forward, she nipped lightly at his ear chastisingly. "But...I meant what I said...I...I don't want you to leave me behind...to leave me out when I can help."

Moving a hand, she held his head within her hand as she stared into those spirit-filled silver eyes. She could feel his arms around her, holding her tight, making her feel safe as she burrowed her head against the crook of his neck. His words hung heavy on her heart like a warm blanket, comforting yet was a weight nonetheless. "I don't want to lose you either...I...I can't..." She'd stay up at night thinking about Dante whenever he was gone, wondering if he was alright ever since she felt that ever familiar fluttering warmth in her heart. "Don't go where I can't follow...alright? We're a team, you and I."

---

Dante rested his head over hers, his grip tightening for a second.

"Yes, we are," he said. Then he released her.
"Muuni, I've never told anyone this, but I thought for the longest time that my purpose in life was a cause to fight for. And that it would make me stronger if I could find it. But all I found was a growing emptiness and I almost lost myself to it." He said.

Dante paused and looked away for a second, blinking the blurriness out of his eyes. "I've been lost for so long. I traveled because I didn't think I'd ever have a place where I belonged. But with you, Muuni, when I'm with you," He said and a tear broke out from the corner of his eye.

"I'm home."

Description
body div#devskin0 hr { }

CW: Mild Violence l Predatory Behavior
---

It had been a while since he'd last seen his master. He was still on the same hunt that he had been on for a long while. This target was constantly on the move not to mention difficult to track. To keep the constant prickle of his body was a challenge, his song constantly changing tune. The Mockingbird wasn't happy with how long it was taking to find this one and he could only hope it'd be worth it. It was decent enough that he didn't have to see that wretched demon's face for as long as he was on the hunt. He could only wonder how the Partridge was doing with her task. Odd that she hadn't been sent out to measure his progress but perhaps the demon needed her since he himself was out. In the end, it was of no matter to him as long as everything worked out in the end.

Stretching his mouth into his mask, he caught the scent of water and not too far from where he was he could see a clear lake. It had been a while since he last taken a bath [only a day] and his mouth was feeling a bit dry. The Mockingbird began to walk closer towards the body of water as he smacked his mouth, the metal beak of his mask staying shut. Raising a hand, he clicked a button on the side of his visor, the black material fading to reveal bi-colored eyes.

It was as he was close to the water's shore that a different tune started to come from his mouth. Light was the melody with its high notes and bouncing nature. Interesting. Swiveling his ears while looking around, he soon saw why. On the other side of the lake he could see a crimson dove stepping into the water. So she was the one the song he sang belonged to? It was a song different from Nier's and the demon's. Different than other ones he sang before and that only served to fan his interest.

It was dangerous to have his interest.

Luden stepped away from the water's edge and walked towards the dove, the curvature of his beak-like mask seeming more like a smirk than a neutral expression.

"Hello there-" He mused smoothly, "I could not help but notice you were alone. Mind if I accompany you? I long for a bit of company after traveling for so long."

Muuni stared at the raven rook that had approached her. She had seen him coming but actually hadn't expected him to approach her, much less ask to join her. In all honesty, she hadn't even known it was a rook at first with how their head looked from afar and the lack of any prominent scent from them. And now that he was rather close, his mask wasn't doing much to help the wary feeling in her stomach. Maybe they were a tamed kukuri? Maybe that was why they had the weird accessories but was a tamed kukuri doing so far out in the wild? Maybe she was just being too suspicious and quick to leave a situation since Dante had been travelling much as of late too. And even if this rook tried something, she could land a powerful kick and get away.
So she gave a tentative nod with a look of warning in her eyes.

"Yeah...you can. Don't try anything with me mister-" She raised a hand to point a finger "I'm not some damsel in distress and I'm not alone. I have a partner."

Luden didn't seem to be phased by the little dove's words at all and merely blinked in acknowledgement. So she had some spirit and a partner, although he could detect no evidence of that.

"Are you sure about the latter miss?" He questioned "I do not detect any signs of another kukuri on you nor around." And the constant same light melody was still in his head.
He wondered why that was so but that was a question he intended to resolve soon enough. "It is unwise for a so called partner to leave their counterpart alone. Especially such a spirited little dove like yourself. There's many here who would love to keep such a pretty bird. Tell me, miss, I don't bite. Nor am I keen on spilling your blood but I must know, do you really have a partner or are you merely lying?" He needed to know why this melody was different than the others. She was alive. That much he was sure of.

Was her lineage? Were other beasts contaminated with blood from the ancient one's descendants and this one was not or was it something else. "If you need a protector, then I can accompany you to your location before moving onwards. No one likes a liar." Especially him. If this dove did really have a partner, it'd just be a hindrance to sating his curiosity and he didn't really want to get his hands dirty if it wasn't from the one he was hunting or for food.

Sigh.

---

Across the lake from the duo and well beyond the forest, Dante came crossing over a hill. Before him lay a vast meadow, the grass waving him welcome. He took a deep breathe as the wind came to greet him and he exhaled.
I'll be home soon. Home in the arms of my love. Oh Muuni. He thought and a smile spread across his face, his eyes sparkling by the mere thought of her sight. Of her sweet scent and angelic voice. Her golden eyes that paled the sun in comparison.
   He smiled wider and felt how he just couldn't stand still any longer and trotted gleefully down the hill and across the meadow.

The first step among the towering trees made him hesitate. A shiver ran down his spine and he shook his head. Odd. He thought but continued walking. He looked around. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. He could hear the birds singing, he took a deep whiff of all the pleasant scents. The forest was just as welcoming as it always was. Dante wasn't sure what that sudden shiver had been about. It didn't matter. The world could be on fire for all he cared, but as long as he'd get to be with Muuni nothing ells mattered. And with that thought he quickened the phase. Soon he picked up the scent of the lake. Maybe she'd be there, collecting her herbs, or maybe down for a drink. He panted slightly from all the running. He'd been at it most of the day already, eager to get home.

Seeing the water between the branches, Dante emerged from the vegetation and took in the view. He adored this place. Cattails waved in the breeze, the tall grass rattling around them. And his heart skipped a beat as he saw crimson on the other side, his smile so big now that he couldn't keep his mouth closed. He was just about to call out to her when he saw another figure near her.
   Curious. He thought and decided to keep a low profile and walk around.

---

Muuni stared at the raven rook with a look of confusion and disbelief. Wh-what...? The dove's ears pushed themselves forward as she shook her head. "I'm more than sure!" She puffed her chest out as she kept her finger pointed. "Just because you can't see or smell him it doesn't mean that I'm lying."

The fur of her cheeks felt warm for a moment at being compared to a dove, especially at being called a pretty bird. But nonetheless, her eyes narrowed at his comments. "I can take care of myself." Raising a hand, she waved him off in a 'shoo shoo' motion while taking a step back. "And I do have a partner. He's a real strong and kind rook. A true hero and warrior!"

Side-eyeing Luden, Muuni walked more into the water until it reached her chest as the rook's gaze followed her. She wasn't lying. She really did have a partner and that was...bothersome. Tilting his head upwards, Luden took in a deep breath through the holes of his mask and caught another scent amongst the trees.

Someone was watching.

Flicking an ear, Luden kept them in mind but moved it to the back of his mind. Not forgotten but not prioritized for now. Following the dove into the water, he closed his eyes at the feeling of the clean water lapping at his fur. He was especially carefully not to get his things wet and keep the water's level below his back. Opening his eyes, he tilted his head as red-blue eyes looked to the dove as he finally spoke.

"And what about me? Would you give me a chance if I were strong? Kind? I don't know about a hero but--" He moved closer to Muuni, eyes locked on her. "I would say I am pretty...admirable. Skilled." Soft singing could be heard coming from him, his low voice growing higher in pitch as he sang out her tune to her in a croon. "I can sing. Fight. Hunt. I am here unlike him."

His eyes twinkled with something, something Muuni couldn't place a finger on as she moved away, shaking her head. The curls around her cheeks were growing in size as her fur fluffed out. She wasn't used to getting this type of attention, it had been a long while but--

"No thanks! I've told you. I've got a partner. I'm not looking." She repeated, ears kept back as her gaze was starting to grow serious. "Even you tamed kukuri should know when a gal is taken, she's taken. Right? It's basic manners. Even a Mippa berry would know." Muuni informed, her voice stubborn.

Luden narrowed his eyes in amusement. "Is that what you think I am? A tamed-- no... a pet?" He shook her head, chuckling. "I'm not a pet. I'm not a...tamed kukuri." The large rook started to walk around her. He liked her spirit but... "I am very much... the opposite of that. I am a wild being little bird. Just-"

"You're...You're creeping me out. Alright! I'm sorry but bath time over." With that, Muuni ended the conversation as she made her way towards the shore. "I tried being friendly but you're clearly not getting the hints. I don't know what your deal with but I hope you find whatever you're looking for because it's not here." Stepping out onto the shore, she shook out her fur while Luden watched from within the water.

She could hear a sigh coming from him.

"I just wanted a bit of information. That's all. Is that really so much to ask for? I wanted this to be simple. You have a different song compared to everyone else and I'm interested to see why. Normally those who cooperate stay living, if they give me a hard time...it's only fair that I get something out of it for my time being wasted. Don't you think?" It was true somewhat. Normally it was just a scare tactic to get his way. He never laid a hand on a dove before nor killed anyone who didn't deserve it. He'd like to keep it that way.
He didn't have a lot of time to waste and he'd take measures to get the things he needed within a rather reasonable amount of time. Too long and he'd lose the trail of his hunt.

Muuni lowered her head, curling her lips back to show one of her fangs, blood starting to run cold. "Come closer and you'll see what I mean by not being a damsel." She wasn't the best of fighters but she wouldn't be scared into submission by this odd rook.

Luden looked at her, his amused gaze turning sympathetic yet cold.

"Wrong answer."

---

Dante shot out of the bushes behind Muuni, so fast he was but a blur of black and white as he passed her. He crashed into the other rook in a fierce headbutt and as the other tumbled back in the water, Dante steadied his posture as he defensively placed himself between his opponent and Muuni.

"That will be the only warning you get," Dante growled with his eyes narrowed. "If you even lay a bad eye on MY lady, I'll rip off that mask of yours and shove it down your throat!" The rage inside Dante was boiling so hot he felt like he might explode any second. A part of him almost hoped the rook would make a move so he could let it out. How dare he make Muuni to draw fangs. To threaten the love of his life? It was unforgivable.

Dante whipped with his tail and held it high into the air, his stance wide and head bent down low. He flicked an ear back but resisted the urge to turn and look at the crimson dove. He'd let no harm come to her. Nothing was gonna get through this wall of grey fury.

---

A gust of wind threw Muuni's curls upwards as she saw a blurr of black and white rush past her. It wasn't until the form came to stand in front of her did she see who it was. Muuni took a step forward to be behind but essentially next to her partner as she stared at the raven rook in the water.

Her eyes were wide with surprise at his reaction and behavior as his growls promised bloodshed to the rook that had been talking to her mere moments ago. She didn't know what to make of it.

"Da-Dante!" She exclaimed, ears shooting upwards in surprise and glee. He was alright. Thank Death he was alright!

Ludens saw the flash of black and white as they positioned their legs under the water and took the hit. Their gaze didn't change as they were pushed deeper into the lake but had held their ground. Rather than reply to Dante's threats with some of his own or even something witty, Ludens blinked.

"...So you must be the rook she was speaking of. I had a feeling you were the one watching." He mused as his black visor formed over his head to stare at the pair with drooping blank white eyes.

"I've been nothing but respectful to her. Not a single bad eye or even a touch. If anything, you've done this little bird more wrong by leaving her alone. After all, what fool leaves their partner alone for so long that they bear no scent." Ludens said, voice smooth and hushed. Calm. The complete opposite of Dante.

"I just wanted to know the answers to my questions. That's all. I'm a very busy fellow and didn't want to waste more of our time." The inked raven's words were soon accompanied by the sound of clicking as Ludens took a step forward, the huge odd collar around his neck shrinking to secure itself tightly around him.

"But you're going to waste even more time. Just an annoying hindrance in between me and some answers."
Muscles bunched together underneath the rook's dark pelt as his head raised higher, the clicking growing louder by the second.

"And that just won't do. So i'll have to get rid of you." Lowering his head as his spine began to arch, the 'wsshhh' of steam could be heard as it was let out from his collar.

"Good bye."

In the blink of an eye, the raven rook was by Dante's exposed flank, his mask's beak split open to reveal cruel silver trap-like jaws glinting in the sunlight while his own teeth were hiding deeper inside. Silver jaws were open wide, shooting towards the smaller pearl rook with the same deadly speed as his hands were kept close to his body.

---

Waiting for the move, Dante let the rook talk. He felt the air become more and more electric as the tension rose. He was furious but not blinded and he saw through the calm posture of the other. There was just enough of a hint in his tone that Dante detected hostility.

He observed the mask slide on, the collar hissing as it took hold like a snake trying to strangle its prey. But it was the lash out he'd been waiting for that made him respond. He barely moved fast enough to avoid the attack.

"Now!" Dante barked sharply and the water erupted behind the other rook and a black, freaky looking rabbit jumped on to the attacker's back. It was Dante's shroomie familiar. It had been almost a year since he last had used its aid, but he had put aside any doubt and called upon it while he was rounding the lake earlier.
   It scratched at the other one with sharp claws and tried to land bites. Dante spun around the rook, moving around in the water with such agility it almost looked like he was dancing. Every step was calculated, thought through. And all the while he made sure not to give an opening for his opponent to get to Muuni should he change target.

"Muuni, get out of here!" He shouted behind him and thrust himself forward with his muscular neck bent and aimed for a tackle against the other's side, trying to get him to loose his footing.

---

SNAP! Powerful steel jaws closed on nothing but air as Ludens landed on his feet where Dante once was and used the momentum to whip around back towards the other rook.

It was when the raven rook felt the sensation of small sharp claws and teeth upon his back that a black blur shot out from his neck towards the shroomie on his back. Sharp and deadly, piercing. And he stayed still as he saw Dante aiming to tackle him.

He waited.

And waited.

Until Dante got close enough to him that several dark sharp deadly tendrils shot out from Ludens' neck in quick black flashes to dig into the pearl rook.

Muuni watched the scene unfurl, her eyes wide with worry and fear. What...what was that raven rook? Was Dante really fighting them? Were...were they really fighting?

"I-I...I can't..." She stammered "I-I can't! I can't leave you behind!" Her ears pushed themselves forward as she took in a deep breath "I'm not letting you leave me behind again! I can't lose you!" The dove shouted. Kicking off from where she stood, she broke off into a sprint to slam against Dante and force him away from the tendrils in the nick of time. [20]

If only she were fast enough...

then maybe the lake's water wouldn't be stained red [2]...

Muuni's eyes were wide, mouth parted as she hung from the dark tendrils coming from Ludens' neck. They were impaled deep into her shoulder as the giant glass vials on the back of the raven rook's neck started to fill with crimson liquid for a moment.

It was nothing but eerie silence from him as clicking could be heard as he retracted them from the dove's body and back towards him. Muuni fell into the water with a loud splash, the water around her quickly turning red as the dove was still for a few moments. Her body soon twitched as she was trying to move, eyes dazed but somehow determined as she stared forward at Ludens with her jaws loosely clenched.
"Di-di...didn't we say....we...we were going to travel together? I...I want to make sure that happens too...!"

---

Dante saw his familiar fly off the rook and land in the water. It appeared a few seconds later by the shore, wounded. It was out of commission. For now.

Dante returned his attention just as he heard Muuni. He turned with a desperate look in his eyes. He opened his mouth to speak just as she leaped out. And Dante's heart stopped.

He blinked, his vision focused on nothing but Muuni down before him, the water dyed red by her blood. The fur along his neck and rose and gave him a wild look. His teeth were bared to such an extent he almost looked rabid, all the while his eyes kept down, in shrouded in darkness. He growled so deeply the water trembled around his feet. He couldn't even hear her voice.

"You-" He hissed. His paws clutched and he spread them open, ready to tear. Then his head shot up and his eyes flared with hate and rage. "You monster!" He roared and shot forward. His familiar leapt up to him, on to his back and began to melt and deform. It spread forward until his arms and head was covered, his claws turned longer, sharped, and his horns wicked. The black goo spread down across his back and dripped by the edges.

Dante slashed down and a nick appeared on Ludens ear. He looked at him with white, glowing eyes, black goo from the raven dripping from his claws. The blood was as black as ink and Dante bared his fangs in disgust before tackling him, forcing the other rook backwards, pushing him further into the lake. The water made Dante slower, but the familiar enhanced his strength and endurance and he was gonna use it to his advantage. The raven freak was gonna regret ever laying hand on Muuni. He was gonna make sure of it. He spread his black claws wide and attacked.

---

"How...inconvenient." The muffled distorted voice came from within the mask. Blank drooping eyes stared at the enraged rook in front of him, unfazed. The visor's screen 'blinked' as his vision changed, numbers and percentages reading [not that he could quite understand them] along with shifting marks all over Dante's body. They told Ludens the prime spots to hit, to wound.

It was amusing how Dante's transformation was but a cheap knock off of what Luden had gone through for his ink stained body. It was amusing but it was infuriating. Seeing their claws go down, Ludens leapt back in the nick of time as dripping red liquid quickly became thick black sludge. The blood on Dante's hand breaking its illusion to reveal more black sludge.

Seeing the rook charge towards him again, he loosened his body and let himself be tackled into the water. Let himself be pushed further out as black tendrils sprouted from the back of his neck, hidden and warped by the water as if it were his body. And as Dante raised his black claws, Ludens saw an opening.

Faster than lighting, black blurs shot from the water and dug into ash colored flesh.

Muuni screamed out a cry.

"DANTE!"

---

The pain was intense as Dante was lifted out of the water. He roared in a mix of agony and fury and slashed to his side. He cut through one of the tendrils but remained hanging, gripping hold of another as he bared his fangs. He was unable to get down.

Muunis cry caused him to glance back. For a moment his face softened when catching her eyes. The anger began to fade and his mind clear up from the bloodthirsty haze. He began to calculate the situation, the possible outcomes. The safety of Muuni should he lose.

He gazed back at Luden, the black goo melting back to the neck and exposing his face.

"What-" Dante hissed between gritted teeth. "What do you want..."

---

Thrashing about as it was severed, it fell to the water limp as black sludge began to flow from the half still connected to Ludens' collar, steadily repairing the break. The visor went transparent, showcasing dark blue and red eyes that stared at Dante with hidden anger and annoyance. The only clear emotion being painted on his face was amusement.

He walked closer to Dante while keeping then in place, he turned his head to look at Muuni for a few moments before returning his gaze to Dante. "I want her." Ludens replied lowly "I want to ask her a question. She can give me the answers. That's all. You were the one who ruined everything."

---

Dante twisted in a sudden motion in an attempt to free himself upon the statement, but it was futile. He growled deeply but resisted his familiars attempt to form back over his head.

Not yet

"What answer could she possibly have for you?" He hissed. A familiar tingle trailing up along his spine.

---

"We'll find out." Ludens curtly replied as an ear swiveled to her direction.

"Little bird, you'll give me the answer I want, right? Your so called friend doesn't need to get hurt anymore."

Muuni stared at the raven rook and then to Dante, eyes wide with worry and concerned fear. What do I do? Oh what do I do? I don't want him to get hurt?

"What...what do you want?" She asked loudly, leaning onto her uninjured side to heft herself onto her feet. Yellow eyes clouded for a moment with pain before she shook it away.

Not letting go of Dante, Ludens moved his body to face Muuni. It wasn't what he wanted, but it'd make do. At least he'd be getting the answers he wanted.

"...Are you related to the damned -- ?"

Their songs...so alike…

Muuni stared at him in disbelief. That...that was what he wanted to ask the whole time? He hurt Dante for that? She could barely shake her head with the anger coursing through her blood.

"No."

And with that, Ludens released the needle-tipped tendrils from Dante, letting him drop into the water as he walked away from the two.

Muuni hurried over with a stagger towards Dante, throwing her arms around him despite the pain from her shoulder, crying quietly.

"Wh-where are you hurt?"

---

Dante huffed from the pain when he touched down. When Muuni embraced him it was like the all his worries went away for a moment. Then he was reminded of the pain as his familiar unfused with him and sat on his back, ears folded back as it whined anxiously.

"I'm fine," He lied and pressed his head against Muunis, hiding his pained expression in her fur. "What about you? How bad is the wound?" Staggering, he tried to get up but his legs gave way. Letting out a grunting laugh, he just smiled at Muuni. "Hah, just like old times huh?"

A faint cry made Dante look up and spot a bird in the distant sky. He snorted and looked back at the rook by the shore. Dante felt his gut twist. This had not been the reunion he had wished for, and he felt ashamed he'd not been able to defend the love of his life. But he'd learned that sometimes in order to win, you must know when to stop fighting.

His familiar locked eyes on the raven with a tense glare. Dante nudged it.

"Calm Kitty, you did well," He whispered. Then he glanced at the other male again.

"Rook, tell me something, what by the wrath of Life are you,"

---

The dove pressed her head underneath his, nuzzling him from below as if burying into him. She was quiet as tears rolled down her face before she pulled back to look at him in disbelief, eyebrows furrowed at the center. "N-no you're not! D-Dante! I-I saw you get hurt-" Muuni returned to press up against him, trying to help him get out as her voice was quieter this time. "...Please don't lie to me...not about this. Not when I can help you."

A noise of distress left her as she threw her neck and arms out to soften his fall, trying to catch him. Her gazed softened with his laugh and smile, making her heart skip a beat and stomach flutter just like the old times of his words. The worry hadn't left her eyes entirely as she nodded. "Yeah..." Standing close and doing her best to support her love, she followed Dante's gaze over to Ludens, a low growl leaving her.

Just like his familiar, Muuni's ears were furled back, clearly not having forgotten nor even remotely forgiven the raven rook. If Ludens made a move, despite her injured shoulder, Muuni knew she'd fight harder than all the teeth and claws her body had.

Far from them, Ludens didn't both to turn around as he heard Dante's question. The only sign that he had heard was in the swivel of an ear.

"The hunter."

---

Dante watched the rook disappear and he felt how his entire body began to relax, not even having realized just how tense he'd been until now.
Above, the circling bird, which was gliding low enough to revile itself as a flying shroomie, began to follow the raven rook. It would alert Dante if the male decided to come back.
But so far all seemed well.

He let out a sigh and rested his head on Muuni's back. His nostrils flared as he caught the scent of her wound and he adjusted to lick it, ever so gently.

"I'm so sorry Muuni. You got hurt because of me. Maybe if I hadn't acted so rash..." He leant back to look her in the eyes. Those golden eyes, shimmering brighter than any treasure.

"I don't know what I would do if I lost you, my love," Dante said and he embraced her, clinging tight to the crimson coat, afraid that if he let go, he'd find her gone.

---

Muuni could feel how Dante's body started to grow lax compared to how tense it was just a few moments ago. It wasn't until Ludens was completely gone from view that her ears slowly rose back up after a scan of the area to make sure there were no more threats. She felt somewhat uneasy around the flying shroomie, having heard stories of what they could do to a kukuri from her father but since Dante didn't seem to act any differently about it, she ignored the creatures.

An ear swiveled at the sigh, body tensing up for a moment at Dante's head before relaxing soon after. Her head turned to look away so he wouldn't see the twitch of an eye from the small shock of pain of her wound.

"There's...there's nothing to apologize for you silly Mippa Berry..." She lightly scolded, not serious but nonetheless her heart was somewhat in her words. "You were just trying to protect me..." Stretching her head forward, she nipped lightly at his ear chastisingly. "But...I meant what I said...I...I don't want you to leave me behind...to leave me out when I can help."

Moving a hand, she held his head within her hand as she stared into those spirit-filled silver eyes. She could feel his arms around her, holding her tight, making her feel safe as she burrowed her head against the crook of his neck. His words hung heavy on her heart like a warm blanket, comforting yet was a weight nonetheless. "I don't want to lose you either...I...I can't..." She'd stay up at night thinking about Dante whenever he was gone, wondering if he was alright ever since she felt that ever familiar fluttering warmth in her heart. "Don't go where I can't follow...alright? We're a team, you and I."

---

Dante rested his head over hers, his grip tightening for a second.

"Yes, we are," he said. Then he released her.
"Muuni, I've never told anyone this, but I thought for the longest time that my purpose in life was a cause to fight for. And that it would make me stronger if I could find it. But all I found was a growing emptiness and I almost lost myself to it." He said.

Dante paused and looked away for a second, blinking the blurriness out of his eyes. "I've been lost for so long. I traveled because I didn't think I'd ever have a place where I belonged. But with you, Muuni, when I'm with you," He said and a tear broke out from the corner of his eye.

"I'm home."