Starter for @connortalbot Location: Isolated Alley Time: Shortly after Lilith Gaumond’s capture
It’s weird to see Connor again after so many years. Weirder to see him so upset - Clifford was always the more volatile one in his memory. It’s instinct that draws him after the retreating figure, leaving his fellow hunters to deal with the mess they arrived to. The few minutes after they call Connor’s name are a blur, and then there’s no time to think.
In combat, some people imagine that they would be able to fight like the movies and TV shows picture. Kel knows it's nothing more than action, reaction, repeat. Muscle memory is the only thing keeping them going in the face of powerful blows and the sting of air on open wounds. The need to keep pulling out and activating the muffling charms is highly detrimental - he keeps losing the rhythm of his movement to do it. The blood helps of course, flowing down his arm to hit the things in his palm as he draws them out of pockets that grow worryingly light. With any luck, the Unaware will think there’s a pair of alley cats fighting and shrieking.
It’s just when he wonders if the beast will kill him - and they think beast because this is not a werewolf in their right mind, Kel’s seen feral before, that Connor falters. The large form shudders a bit, then tilts in a very alarming manner. It’s instinct again that has Kel moving to support the creature that was practically wiping the ground with their face, but they can’t find it in themselves to regret it even as the weight pushes them over.
There’s an awful cracking sound, then dozens of them overlapping as the shift happens again in reverse. Kel’s never been this close, never been able to feel the muscle and flesh shifting under skin and fur, snapping back into place. It almost makes them nauseous, but they’re mostly just glad the fighting is over for now. Once the form in their arms is fully human, heaving deep rasping sobs, they’re a bit stumped. Well what now?
Hesitantly, they pat at his head, shoulders, and arms - a comfort and a check to make sure none of the blows they landed did any real damage. “H-Hey buddy, it’s gonna be okay. I got you,” the whispered nothings begin and don’t really stop as Kel takes inventory of themself - not good, and the man on the ground - more broken than they thought. The leg definitely wasn’t one of theirs, and a flash of bile rises at the reminder of the transformation’s process. “Connor, hey, can you hear me?”