Even the scream that comes from his throat seems to drain him further of his energy. It feels like fire is crawling up his breast through the wound on his chest. Cera had never felt such agony before, and his young body couldn't take it. Losing all control of his body even as he struggled fitfully on the ground. Vision turning hazy as terror gripped his mind, sinking its claws deep into his being and hanging on like a wild cat. All he can focus on is the bellow of his name that seems to shake the very forest to its roots. Yet Cera can't feel afraid, because he knows that voice. Those deep rumbles that are normally so kind, so patient with him. Hearing it in this tone, anxious and enraged, was quite the shock. The relief that takes over nearly overwhelms the pain he feels, but he's scared and shaking and he is falling quickly into seizures that shake his body far beyond his control in a way he has never felt. He's always been in control of his body, and having that taken away is terrifying.

Sight of his father is hazy and he can't seem to make his eyes focus, swaying and bubbling and transforming as delusions crept up on him. Shadowed monsters with large fangs and cackling laughter lunged and slunk from the trees around them. Eyes rolling as he tried to escape these horrible images, but unable to make his body obey. It was agonizing. More than agonizing. It shouldn't be possible in any situation for someone to endure so much pain and still be alive. Weak, gasping cries tumbled from his lips unchecked. Inhibitions shattered. Feeling distantly the hot blood that stuck uncomfortably to his chest, only furthering the haze of his vision as it leaked steadily from him. Wings fluttering like a downed chick, helpless. Scattering the moss as he jerked and twisted, trying in vain to escape a pain that seeped inside him. This wasn't something he could fight with hooves and teeth. This wasn't something he could fight at all. Throat closed partially, finding it nearly impossible to breathe as he choked and wheezed desperately. Tears flowing faster, matting the baby soft hairs on his cheeks and muzzle.

Ilaria's presence was distant, the panda sitting at his shoulder in a ball, offering as much comfort as she could. Her agony was shared through their bond, even if she was incapable of speech. Another animal landed before him, facing away but clearly in a defensive posture. Her image blurred as well, but Cera knew somewhere in his deranged mind that it was Fina. Both were welcome, even comforting presences in his shrieking mind. One that wasn't was the arrival of another pegasi. Cera would only accept his father being near, and in his fear addled state was unaware if she was friend or foe. Struggling away from her until the scent of the Throat touched his flaring nostrils, pink clearly visible as sweat beaded and foamed on his flanks and neck. Muscles working and clenching, trying to reject the poison that ran rampant. Agonized cries weakened, but they never lost their insistent nature. Pleading with somebody to help him, spots and softening edges of black creeping in on his vision. Oblivious to nearly everything around him, overwhelmed by the physical and psychological effects of the attack and the poison that tore at his insides like a greedy predator.