The Time Mender slithered his way across the frosted ground, a menace in the shadows patrolling his precious homeland. Intruders must state a reason for their presence or be killed on site for their ignorance. The latter the shade much preferred, much swifter and less talking. His gilded captive, a pitiful being he had taken from a land that rightfully belonged to them, must be kept within the confines of the Basin. At least, until Psyche gave the order to set her free, as much as it pained him, the bareheaded bitch would be kept alive. So it was with simmering anger and growing arrogance that d'Artagnan presented himself before Aaron, Solstice's loud mouthed son. Always watching with amusement filling his dual pools, eyeing the boy who was many years his junior.

"Foolish child. You will die here and your mother will forever be mine" emphasizing the last word, each action and speech a taunt. Muscles surged, his twin swords lowered with hooves slamming into the hard permafrost surface and murderous eyes showing him the way. The way to the stocky splashed Aaron, horns aimed straight for his chest with body forming a powerful battering ram. If the blood steed was successful, his transparent weapons would slice the child's chest before his huge towering body powered into the Protector's for good measure.

Just before his attack locked on, there was a strange sensation of déjà vu as he flew into the heat of battle, an ancient memory of a great many years ago. One stallion had stood before him, challenging him to a dual, the shade had lost that fight and much more. That day he lost his dignity and the right to live amongst his comrades, exiled to Helovia. In Aaron he saw that stallion, laughing at his demise. Teeth grit in determination, d'Artagnan let his anger do the talking with thoughts flicking through images of broken limbs. His victim's life taken from him with the red Doctor, he had foolishly challenged, standing victorious. It was a wonderful scene and he was determined to make it a reality.

Lately it seemed those around him didn't quite fear him the way he wanted them to. The time had finally come to change that, d'Artagnan the Nightshade would be feared and no one would dare confront him like this again. Not this time, no. I will not loose was the thought that echoed through his mind. A constant incentive not to give up, and if for anyone else, for Kou. So she didn't have to live in shame at his incompetence. Like so many years ago, a reputation so painstakingly built after falling so low, was now on the line.

[w/c :: 449 | 1/4
ooc commentary :: d'Artagnan charges straight for Aaron, aiming his horns towards his chest and hopefully barging into him after.]