[ OSAS: Stage 2 - Sterling/Tian ]

Having fought seemingly countless corrupted gryphons so far Cerasus wasn’t surprised to hear another bout of reports come in about corrupted gryphon attacks. Are they really making any sort of dent in all these cases? It almost seemed like the corruption spread twice as fast as they were able to treat it, alas Cerasus wasn’t one to give up so yet again he slung a satchel filled with corruption cleansers across his shoulders. He could huff all he’d like about the corrupted gryphons around but it would be useless unless he actually did something.

Studying the map that showed the recent gryphon attacks Cerasus had been paired up with a partner this time, a teal wyvern with long silky fur and a similar fire to his eyes as the red gryphon. The two would quickly exchange names, Cerasus introducing himself and Odin introducing himself in return. But with pleasantries done with the two of them would quickly take off and head towards where the most recent reported attack had come from. 

It was the middle of the day with the sun beating down on the two of them, while Cerasus didn’t mind the sun and the heat he couldn’t help but notice how Odin seemed actually fueled by it. The wyvern had a sort of boost to him that made Cerasus feel a bit like he was playing catch up, while that might’ve annoyed the gryphon usually when it came to fighting all these corrupted gryphons that sort of thing would definitely be a big help. The island the two were sent to this time was a rocky one, jagged mountain peaks stretched up towards the clouds and sun. 

The two landed down onto rough stone, there was sand poking between the cracks of the stone and here and there was a thin layer of scraggly grasses covering the rocky island. It was perhaps impressive how grasses and some wildflowers still grow in such a desolate looking place merely forcing their way through the cracks of stone and facing the harsh sunlight above. There was little cover on this island so the two spotted who they had been called here to find in no time.

Two gryphon’s were stalking through the stony grasslands, the sun beating down on their white and blue feathers respectively. One of them looked like a mixture of a snow owl and snow leopard with white fur and feathers and dark grey and black markings, the other was silvery with a blue tinge to the edges of its feathers. Much like Cerasus and Odin had been able to spot the two corrupted gryphons almost immediately it was the same in return. There was no hiding around here as the four faced off.

The corrupted gryphons were letting out low rumbly growls, that telltale craze to their eyes and smell and feel of corruption festing within them. Cerasus and Odin held their ground knowing full well there was no running off and deciding against this now. There was a still tenseness as everyone waited and watched, sizing each other up and thinking over the brewing battle. The corrupted gryphons were restless and rash however and would quickly give in to charging at Cerasus and Odin.

Cerasus would duck out of the way as the white gryphon lunged towards him, the noctua’s beak snapped at air as he twisted out of its reach before it could take a part of him with it. Cerasus was quick to retaliate with his talons, lashing out at the white feathered gryphon he’d slash and hack at it, the noctua dodged some of his attacks but he could feel his talons snag feathers and flesh as he got a few hits off. The noctua would screech and hiss as it ducked away from him its fur fluffed up, Cerasus wouldn’t let up and continued to push forwards.

Odin on the other hand was grappling with the silver and blue gryphon, it was really just a flurry of blue feathers, beating wings, and lashing tails as the two were locked into a grapple. Sparks gathered around Odin as he warmed up his breath and while the corrupted gryphon attempted to squirm away from him it wasn’t fast enough to not be blasted with a harsh beam of lightning at close range. Yet another screech was heard as the blue and silver corvus writhed and shoved Odin away. Odin was able to throw himself forwards grappling the gryphon with his wings however.

Not letting the gryphon go the blue wyvern would shove it down, the teeth tore at feathers as Odin took a harsh bite out of it leaving it yelping and hissing. Feeling the sun beaming down on his feathers only pumped Odin up even more, giving him the umph to slam the gryphon into the rocky ground beneath them. Loose stones were left scattering away as the gryphon's body slammed into the rocky grasslands, weeds were crushed under it as it squirmed and writhed in Odin’s grip yet Odin refused to let go. Eventually with another hard hit of his breath attack Odin was able to knock out the gryphon leaving it limp and out cold as he turned towards Cerasus.

Cerasus and the noctua were still exchanging blows trying to match each others speed and agility and wear the other down, Cerasus was starting to get a bit worn down at this point but thankfully Odin was there to rush to his side. Launching himself onto the noctua from behind Odin would grapple at its neck and shoulders, talons and teeth digging into its white feathers. The noctua tried to thrash and buck under the blue wyvern but it just couldn't shake him off. With a heave Odin would shove the noctua into the ground just in time for Cerasus to lunge forwards and help him pin it down. Between the two the white gryphon was unable to do much of anything as it struggled against their grip and weight.

Popping the cork off a vial, Cerasus would force the viscous liquid into the noctua’s beak before pinning her head down until her struggles slowed. Soon the exhaustion of the cleanser kicked in as the noctua’s thrashing got weaker and weaker. With time the struggles were against the corruption within itself instead of Odin and Cerasus leaving the two able to finally let it go as it twitched and writhed. Odin would stay nearby as the noctua wrestled with its corruption while Cerasus on the other hand would pour another vial into the other gryphon's mouth. With a sigh of relief Cerasus and Odin would wait around to be sure that the cleanser was taking effect before jotting down their area and getting ready to return and submit their report.