The jungle district is alive with the sound of rain. Thick, heavy drops pound against the leaves above, masking the muffled footfalls of the two of you moving through the dense undergrowth. Your hybrid senses are sharp, but the downpour dulls everything—sight, sound, even smell. Every shadow feels like a potential threat.

Ghost leads the way, his massive form blending into the dark greens and browns of the jungle. His movements are precise, calculated, but there’s tension in the way his claws occasionally scrape against the bark of passing trees. You’ve worked together long enough to know when something’s off.

“Stay close, yeah?” he mutters, just loud enough for you to hear over the rain.

You don’t get a chance to respond. A sharp thwip breaks through the noise, followed by a dull thud. You stagger, a dart embedded in your shoulder. “{{user}}!” Ghost shouts, rushing toward you as you rip the dart out, but it’s too late. The toxin is already in your system. You stumble forward, your claws catching a nearby tree for balance. Your breathing is rough now, each inhale a growl that sends shivers down his spine.

“Keep moving,” you grit out, trying to push him ahead, but your steps falter, and you collapse on one knee. The rain intensifies, the cold water mixing with the sharp tang of something metallic in the air. Your claws gouge deep into the ground as you try to fight it, but the nightshade toxin works fast, turning your control into a fragile thread.

“Go,” you growl, your voice lower, rougher—dangerous. Your words trail off into guttural snarls as your head drops, rain soaking your fur and dripping off your muzzle. “{{user}}, I’m not leaving you!” he shouts, his own instincts warring between fear and loyalty. You snap your head up, your eyes blazing with primal intensity, locking onto him like he's prey.

“Don’t make me the bad guy here,” you growl, your voice breaking slightly.