Shifter's Path ~ RP! {Closed!}

Jess was always the alert type, and now her focus was split between Dante and Saiya. If they were trying anything funny, she was ready. But it seemed Dante was not interested in her. "Yeah, that can be arranged. But I think there's something else on our plate now." She turned to gaze where Dante was, spotting a few feathers. It was unlike anything she had seen, maybe it was the angle? She was tempted to shift, but did not want to do so around a cat. Even as a person she was uncomfortable around cats thanks to experiences as a squirrel.

Dante's eyes caught the movement and he hissed at the large shape that now appeared. Saiya looked up at the loud hiss, nodding at Jessica's statement. "Indeed." The startled and somewhat afraid cat had arched his back, fur bristling as he examined the owl that was just bigger than the lean feline. No part of his human brain reacting, Dante detached his claws from the bark of the tree and readied himself to either pounce or claw at the owl.

Aria Black // she-her // 22 // Australian Masked Owl // Current Emotion - Alarmed

Aria screeched as cat hissed, she held her wings up in a defensive posture to take flight if he attacked. She stared, deeply into his eyes now. She noticed and picked up on the intense fear that clouded his judgement. Is this Dante? She pondered. Attempting to consider her options she let out a hissed voice escape from her owl form. She never attempted to speak with her human voice while shifted, the word came out harsh and foreign across her tongue. “Shifter” She narrowed her eyes awaiting a response, fear flaring up in her chest. I can’t keep my form if I’m scared. I need to calm down. I can’t protect myself from all of them....

Jess heard the strangest noise she had ever heard from an owl, and it took a moment to register. 'Shifter.' What were the chances? Her curiosity about others like her was only strengthening. How many were out there? Why were some more human, and others less so? She blinked and shook her head- now was not the time for standing there and pondering matters.

Dante's head tilted at the strange voice. His tail tip flicked slightly and he backed up as Saiya muttered something under her breath, likely a curse towards his aggressiveness, but he didn't go much further. In a gesture like a nod, he dipped his head to the owl, eyes becoming slitted as he watched for her reaction.

Aria Black // she-her // 22 // Australian Masked Owl // Current Emotion - Fearful

Aria noticed the change in attitude and lowered her wings. Her shoulders quivered slightly and she began feeling hot with anxiety. She felt trapped, everyone noticed she was here and this caused a tiny internal panic. Before she could catch it she felt herself becoming heavy, hot and itchy. I’m going to shift. Not here.... I’m going to fall! Aria dipped out of the tree and launched off of the branch, she glided over the small gathered group before her body became tense and she felt a wave of heat and pain sweep over her body. Still not near the ground she shifted, wings melting away to produce heavy human arms and legs. She fell from the air, managing to catch herself in a roll she hit the forest floor with a thud. Panting she pulled her blue Jean covered legs up to her chest and pushed her back against the nearest tree. Gasping for air her eyes darted around at the others. She was trapped if they were to do anything.

"Shit!" Saiya said as the owl dived before shifting, ducking as Dante scrambled down the branches into her arms. "Hey. Uh, welcome to the party I suppose. Next time I'll bring snacks." She glanced at Jessica, stepping back. "We're not going to hurt you. I can take you back to wherever you live, or I can call a friend if you'd rather speak to another bird shifter." Saiya offered, beginning to stroke Dante's head softly as she waited for a response.

Jessica's hands flew to protect her head as the strange owl came swooping in- but the form was human when it hit the ground. With how rough that transformation was, Jess could not help but feel pity. "Hey, you alright? Sorry the cat nearly ate you, I have gotten in some close scrapes with predators myself." She slowly approached the girl. She looked young- too young to be alone like this. A frown tugged at her lips, out of pity more than anything. Having no place to call home was unimaginable for Jess.

Aria Black // she-her // 22 // Australian Masked Owl // Current Emotion - Fearful

Aria blinked, gulping as the black haired girl spoke. Aria shook her head slowly before speaking again. “N-no I’m ok. I just can’t stay shifted when I’m scared or anxious.” She rubbed her arms comfortingly as she looked at the black cat in her arms. “Y-your pet almost ate me.” She stifled an awkward laugh as a response to her statement. “I don’t have a home or place to go.” Her voice was hoarse but not with concern, it cracked from being unused, Aria gulped as she stumbled to form a sentence. “I stay shifted so I don’t need to find one” She noted quietly, she had not seen human luxury or a human home in some time, she preferred staying in owl form, evading the peering eyes of shifter hunters, and those trying to capture shifters for cruel enjoyment.

((last post for the night it’s nearly 1am and I need to work tomorrow!!! I’ll reply to your rps when I wake up ❤️))

Saiya looked down at Dante affectionately. "Oh, he's not a pet. Just prefers to act like one." In response to her cracking voice and clearly unused human form, Saiya frowned slightly. "I.... would like to have a solution. My apartment has space, but it's falling apart. I can't really dump another person with Farran and Kier although they may want to see if they could help somehow." She went quiet, thinking. "I may be able to find another place in my territory for you. Not the best quality, but it'd be somewhere reasonably safe for you."