Radio audio, evening.

[firstsoldier]

[It's that guy again! He still sounds pleasant at least.]

I wish to make a suggestion that we find ways to make ourselves... visibly identifiable even when in monstrous forms, as members of the convoy and thus ideally not a marauding wild beast even if we are acting like one. Something beyond our often hidden sigils, that an unthinking creature is unlikely to imitate. What exactly, I am open to recommendations for. I suspect friend-or-foe ID chips might be beyond what this place is capable of.

[The rest sounds extremely reluctant.]

I don't have as much control of the ... thing ... I become as I would like, and though I am reasonably sure I can keep from doing serious intentional harm to allies, I can't guarantee my behavior might not match that of a feral creature and thus seem to be a viable target for hunting. Especially as it seems intent on establishing a ... pecking order, and aggressively.

... I suspect I'm not the only one who has such concerns. These changes are uncomfortably unpredictable.

Comments

[bufudine]

[While he doesn't recognise the sound of a rattlesnake's warning, what Serph does recognise is a reflex, an instinct, of the monster that Sephiroth doesn't have full control over.

It isn't usually Serph who goads others with barbed words, but with the possibility of his comrades' lives being put in danger by Sephiroth's denial of himself, Serph will open Sephiroth's eyes to what must be done whether he wants it or not.]

It is weakness to deny reality.

[The brand on Serph's face glows, lines spreading across his body as he speaks.]

Do you truly believe you can maintain control by avoiding blood in this land?

[Even without blood, it is evident to him that control is fraying.]

[firstsoldier]

[Once changed, changing back isn't easy, but he's working on it. Language is difficult through a throat and mouth not designed for it, and things like blood and violence were easier to handle when not wearing a full coat of feathers and fur. Those spreading icy blue lines, like so many activating circuits, were an implied threat, as were Serph's words.

There is a difference between knowing there's a potential problem and going out of his way to encounter it.]

.... Think what you wish.

[The war between monstrous impulse and human rationality is a losing battle, forced down to a constant low rattle and newly accompanied growl. And with every moment Serph doesn't back down, it gets worse.

When the dark creature moves a step forward, it isn't as yet predatory. There's more obnoxious instincts to deal with beyond hunger, and trying to force Serph back through size and presence towards the convoy seems like a rational decision and not the unsubtle display of bestial dominance it is. It's time this ended before someone did something he'd regret later.]