The owl beast rakes its claws down Manji's side, but very quickly regrets the choice to get closer. The blow lands in the space between its chest and front leg, not quite hitting any vital organs but still enough that it won't be putting any weight on that leg, and enough to see it switch entirely over to the defensive.

It lets out an ear-splitting shriek and retreats, backing away unsteadily with one paw held off the ground. It hisses and fluffs up its feathers in attempt to look more threatening, but it suddenly seems... a fair bit smaller than before.

Something twists in Eda's chest. It's the first time--in her conscious memory--that she's realised this thing can lose. That should make her feel safe, shouldn't it? That should make her feel better? That's what she wanted? But if it can lose, maybe it's less of a monster than she thought. Unbeatable nightmare monsters don't bleed, do they? Unbeatable nightmare monsters don't look... scared.

Something isn't right. Because suddenly what felt like a monster feels like a frightened animal. And Eda likes animals, even scary looking ones. She doesn't like seeing them hurt, not if they've stopped attacking. Not if they look like they might back down given the option.

"Wait--!" She hasn't moved from where she is, yet, but the word is out of her mouth before she can rethink it.