[Flashback] The start of a beautiful friendship (Massacre)

[Scratch]

Warning: thread contains mature content.

Spring 89, 508

Scratch had been forming a habit lately of going out onto the plains every so often to search for her father's people. For the most part, she just wandered aimlessly, looking for any sign that they were near, but so far she'd had to give up every time and return to Riverfall before her supply of food ran out. Her heart yearned to find the Zith, her people, and the life she'd always wanted but had never been allowed to have.

She was about a day's journey from Riverfall, and she decided to take a break from walking. Soon after she sat down in the grass, she heard a rustling sound in the distance. She leaped to her feet and fell into a defensive stance, peering across the plains in search of whatever living creature was approaching her.

She soon spotted a familiar blue form making his way across the grass. Scratch cursed violently when she recognized her little brother. Mother would kill them both if she knew Aariha was out here this far from the city. She sprinted toward her brother, and when she was near enough she hissed, "What do you think you are doing? Go home right now! Stop following me!"

Despite the three years of age difference, Aariha still had over a foot of height on her. He ignored his sister's anger, which was nothing new to him, and asked bluntly, "What do you do out here? You leave the city a lot."

Always the annoyingly nosy younger sibling. With some difficulty, Scratch suppressed the urge to throttle her brother. If she didn't make him go home now, and she found what she was looking for out here, well, she didn't relish the thought of explaining THAT one to Aariha's father. "Just go home. You shouldn't be out here!"

"Neither should you -" he began before Scratch cut him of by covering his mouth with her hand, being careful not to cause any damage with her claws. She'd heard something unusual, and she looked around, trying to find out what it was.

[Massacre]

The wind whipped over his wings and through his fur as he glided through the air, his keen eyes scanning the landscape beneath him. The comforting weight of his sword and now fastened to his back was an ever present reminder of the dangers the Sea of Grass could hold for him, but he was still there. Massacre had only recently returned to the land of his birth. After the slaughter of his tribe by the Myrian's years ago he had spent his time wandering. The Zith had even attempted to enter a few cities in an attempt to learn more about the world, but most of those instances had not ended well. In the end Massacre decided to return home. He wasn't sure if he wanted to find a new tribe, though he longed for companionship, or stay alone and not have to face the loss of family once more. His hardened exterior easily hid the pain he felt every time he thought of the loss of his tribe. Any person who said a Zith did not have feelings did know the Zith, for they felt as strongly as any other race, if not more. And then Massacre spotted the pair, two people far below on the ground, out in the middle of the plains in the dark. Were they fools? The grasslands was a dangerous place, and to travel at night was almost asking for some predator to swoop in and attack. Massacre was a predator, and he was hungry. They weren't watching the skies, they didn't have their eyes on the grass, they appeared to be arguing with one another. Either they were new to the grasslands or just young and foolish, but regardless of what they were, they would become Massacre's dinner. They were two, and Massacre was one. In his youth he might have foolishly charged in with claws bared ready to fight them head on, but years of experience and the loss of his tribe had taught him the importance of being careful. Massacre twisted in the air, reaching for the bow across his back, and strung it as he started to circle back around. He pulled an arrow from the quiver at his hip, nocking it before he fell into a shallow dive. As he drew closer he recognized one of the people as male and one as female, and the male was tall and most certainly akalak. It had been some time since Massacre had tasted akalak, and the female might be worth saving for later if she wasn't too much of a fighter. Massacre let loose the taut string of his bow at watched as the arrow shot out in front of him. Suddenly the female became alert, and Massacre also noticed the fur covering her skin. He couldn't see her hands, but even from behind her body looked familiar.. Zith like. Not that it mattered at the moment, the arrow was sailing in and it wasn't likely that they could avoid it. Massacre was right behind the projectile, though he angled himself up and pumped his wings before the arrow actually struck home. He didn't see if he actually hit his Target, but a quick loop back around revealed everything. OOCThe arrow doesn't have to kill him, of course, but it would probably still hit him somewhere. Your choice.

[Scratch]

Scratch didn't have time to process what she saw, only to react to the danger. She punched her brother in the stomach in an attempt to get him to bend over. She caught him by surprise, and as a result he was a couple inches shorted when the arrow hit him. The arrow pierced his shoulder, and not his heart. Aariha cried out in pain, and Scratch lowered him quickly to the ground. Unfortunately, she had no medical experience, and she could hardly send him home in this condition. The only thing she could do now was prevent their attacker from hurting him further.

Scratch's eyes blazed with rage as she turned to face the winged man in the sky. No one was permitted to harm her brother. She clenched her fists in preparation to deliver massive punishment, but her attack was frustrated by the fact that she couldn't reach him! This both angered and worried her. Flying and attacking with a bow? That was cheating! "Come down here and fight me you coward!" she screamed, knowing full well their attacker had no tactical reason to do so. She could only hope that she could taunt him into coming within her reach.

With her brother injured, her first thought had been toward defending him, so the rest of her thoughts had taken time to catch up, but they were doing so now. She realized that this winged man was a Zith, the very people she'd been searching for, and for the first time ever, her loyalties conflicted. Her voice held a barely perceptible waver as she again screamed, "I will kill you where you stand!" If you would stand where I can reach you, she added in her mind, hardly thinking about what she was saying, just trying to taunt him into landing.

[Massacre]

Massacre didn't have to be told twice, he had every intention of landing. The Zith preferred to kill his prey up close and personal, and was more than happy to oblige. Massacre circled back around, turning sharply in the air and coming to land only a few feet away from the female and her akalak companion. Massacre took a few steps forward, tossing his bow aside. He didn't bother with the sword on his back, he wouldn't be needing it. The female, she had fire in her belly, but Massacre doubted she was very much of a threat. As he approached he noticed a few things about his prey. The fur from before, but also the claws and her eyes. Massacre had.seem half Zith before, and wouldn't be surprised to learn that he had fathered a few himself. Judging from her appearance this one hadn't been raised among Zith, as if the fact that she was traveling with an akalak wasn't proof enough. Unlike Massacre, she was clothed, groomed, and perhaps a bit better.fed than most Zith just after winter. All in all, she appeared civilized to Massacre's eyes. A civilized half Zith... He was both disgusted and intrigued. But, such thoughts were beyond the current situation. She was threatening him, and trying to defend his prey. She would need to be taught a lesson.. but not killed. Not right away, anyhow. No, Massacre would have fun with her first. It had been some time since his.. needs had been met. A fiery half Zith was just what the doctor ordered, but first to teach her some respect for her elders. "Kill me then," he said in the language of the Zith, curious if she could understand. Massacre stretched his fingers, the long sharp claws at their tips glistening in the moonlight as they waited to taste blood. The Zith cut an intimidating figure, taller than average and as well built as an Akalak. His body was riddled with the scars of battle, and he was clearly an experienced warrior. Former elder of his tribe, Massacre had only made it to the top by survivng when all those older and more experienced had perished. Massacre wasn't about to meet his end at the claws of some half-breed bitch who consorted with Akalaks. The Zith attacked suddenly, closing the distance between he and she as fast as he could, and his right hand swiped across in front of him aimed to tear a nasty gash across her chest. If he missed he would immediately bounce back a few steps to avoid her counter attack, but if he drew blood he would follow through by trying to grab hold of her arm with his left hand. He didn't want to kill her, afterall, he was toying with her. "Why do you protect this akalak," he asked as he grabbed hold of her and yanked her close, his voice dripping with distaste, though he was genuinely curious. He didn't care if she could understand him or not, he was only speaking for his own amusement. "He is a killer of your kin." Massacre would shove her away then, licking his lips as he waited for her reaction. OOCIf Massacre misses and fails to grab hold, he'll say that after he jumps back. Also, I think this is my first actual combat thread against another PC. I've fought mod controlled things and sparred with PCs on Sira, but I think you are my first real fight.

[Scratch]

Scratch hadn't expected her taunting to work quite so well... When the Zith landed, she immediately took up a defensive stance and watched him carefully. When he spoke, he intrigued her; she could not understand what he said, but the sounds he made were unlike anything she'd heard before. She didn't have long to be curious, because soon he was attacking her again.

He was way too big to block with her strength; his size was actually closer to the Akalaks she was used to sparring with. Barely having time to think, and reacting mostly on instinct, she flipped backwards in a reverse cartwheel, trying to keep herself between Aariha and the attacker. However, she wasn't quite fast enough, and the Zith's claws tore her dress, revealing a strange amulet hanging from a string around her neck.

However, unlike a young, barely trained Akalak, this man was too fast for such evasive maneuvers to be effective. By the time she'd regained her balance, he had already grabbed her arm. When he pulled her toward him, she suddenly felt an unfamiliar emotion. It was almost like what she felt when someone angered her so badly that she wanted to kill them and eat their corpses... except she didn't feel angry.

Then he began speaking to her again in that strange language that somehow felt more familiar to her that those she'd grown up speaking. It made her want so badly to connect with this man who was part of her lost heritage. When he released her, she felt secure enough to try imitating the Zith's speech. She pitched her voice at frequencies both higher and lower than those she used for Common, and tried to gauge his reaction. She had absolutely no idea what she was actually saying, but she hoped that the gesture of at least attempting the language would be enough to buy more time.

OOCThis is also my first combat thread (unless you count a "friendly" brawl between two people with no experience). Also, feel free to decide what Scratch actually says when she tries to speak Zith

[Massacre]

What she said made absolutely no sense, but Massacre was smart enough to realize that she was trying. It didn't really help though that she knew nothing of the language. Massacre took a step away from the half-breed and glanced at the injured akalak behind her. It was pitiful to see. What sort of akalak, no matter how young, allowed a woman to defend him? But then again, what sort of akalak kept the company of Zith blooded girls, either? She must have been his slave, it was the only explanation, and she must have been one for so long that she would defend her master even to the death, even if it meant she would continue to be a slave. Massacre scowled at the akalak and in broken Tukant said, "You die today, and she is free. Not slave to you." Massacre took a step toward the akalak, but when Scratched moved to block him he growled and the fight was on again. He didn't want to kill her, but he didn't want the akalak to live either. Massacre slashed furiously at the girl, not caring if is marred her flesh. The scars would only add to her appeal. Massacre wanted her alive, but in what condition wasn't all that important. His claws raked through the air, seeking flesh and fur. The Zith kept his wings in tight and always faced his opponent. He slashed and slashed, back and forth, and Scratch would be hard pressed to avoid every attack. Not that she wouldn't fight back either, but Massacre would try to block if he could. At that moment, Massacre was purely on the aggressive. He didn't mind a scratch or two if it meant victory in the end. The Zith sought to press her back, step by step, until the only place she had left to go was to back right in to her injured companion. The older Zith finally stopped, his breathing heavy but evening out quickly as it took him only a few moments to catch his breath. Massacre decided to speak again, this time in common. He knew the akalak probably understood both languages, but Massacre hoped that the female would understand too. "Let me have him, and I won't kill you. You will come with me for the night, and then you will be free. If you don't stop, I will kill you both, and yours will not be quick."

[Scratch]

Scratch was confused by the Zith's reference to slaves. She saw a ray of hope then; maybe if she just explained that Aariha was just her knuckleheaded little brother and not a slaver, everything would be okay and they could all get along.

It didn't take the Zith long to disabuse this notion. When she moved to stay between him and her brother, he attacked, and it was all Scratch could do to fend him off. She deflected several of his attacks, but he was more skilled than anyone she'd fought before, and he wasn't holding back. Her arms were soon dyed red from blood as she blocked his claws from reaching more vital areas. Once or twice, she saw an opening, but she hesitated to attack, and soon missed her opportunity.

She realized almost too late that he was forcing her back toward Aariha. Soon she would be forced to choose between the Zith's life or her brother's, and as much as she wanted to know about her father's people, she knew she would never let her brother come to harm while she drew breath.

It should have been a relief when he stopped attacking, but instead her feeling of powerlessness and knowing that he was just toying with her made her sick. When he offered his ultimatum, Scratch snarled, "If you think I'll let you kill my brother, you're insane." Her voice was clear and confident, hardly the voice of a girl who'd been subservient all her life. "I'd rather not hurt you if I can help it, but lay a hand on my brother and you're dead."

[Massacre]

Brother!? Not the word Massacre had been expecting. How could an akalak be her brother? Akalak's didn't mate with Zith, they killed Zith. How could they be siblings? Akalak's did not care for family, or blood, or tribe, as the Zith did. Akalak's wanted only to hunt and destroy the Zith! "You think this akalak is your brother? Even if somehow you are related, you are a fool for calling any Akalak brother! They kill Zith, and you have Zith blood! I don't know what they have been telling you, but he is not your brother! He would kill you where you stand if he had the chance!" Massacre took a step forward. This halfbreed was clearly delusional, but Massacre understood all too well the need to protect family. As an elder in his tribe, that had been his job for so many years. She would fight and defend her family to the death.. but Massacre did not want to kill her. Massacre was curious, and curiosity was one of the few things known to save somebody from a Zith encounter. Oh he would kill the akalak, eventually, but he was curious and perhaps, somewhere deep down, he was lonely. His tribe was dead, after all. Massacre eyed the female. She was young, but healthy and attractive. And she had knowledge of the akalak world, and possibly other places as well. Even just knowing what happens inside the akalak city would be valuable information, and Massacre was more than a little curious. He had been in human cities, but they were busy and filled with things he didn't understand. You weren't allowed to hunt, but had to pay for your food. There were rules, so many rules. Massacre wanted to learn more, but nobody had been willing to teach a Zith. But perhaps this girl, this fiery, delusional little halfbreed could help him. And even if she couldn't, he could still have some fun with her. "What would you be willing to do, if I let him go?

[Scratch]

Scratch was having trouble understanding how anybody could be quite so wrong about everything. Fortunately, the Zith seemed to be willing to leave Aariha alone, at least for the moment, which let Scratch relax just a bit. "Trust me, if it were any other Akalak, I would agree completely," she said in a conversational tone which belied how alert and tense she still was, and then she added in an undertone to herself, "especially his father."

She met the Zith's eyes, her own glinting dangerously, and continued, "But Aariha is my brother, my mother's son, and far too young to have ever killed a Zith. And, just to be perfectly clear, are you accusing my mother of lying to me?"

A hint of an eager smirk appeared on her face, as if daring the man to give her an excuse to tear his throat out. But at his last question, her expression changed to one of confusion. As glad as she was that there seemed to be a way out of this encounter without anyone getting more hurt than they already were, her experience in negotiating such things was limited. She had grown up among Akalaks, and there was pretty much only one thing they ever wanted (Offspring!). With no small amount of wariness, Scratch answered slowly, "What would you be willing to accept?"

Meanwhile, behind her, Aariha began to groan and started trying to get up. Scratch was close enough that she stepped backward and put a foot lightly on his chest, hoping he would take the hint and stay down until she could get things sorted out. She never took her eyes off the male Zith.

[Massacre]

Massacre had never been one for subtlety. Even if he didn't say it out loud it wouldn't be hard to tell what was going through his mind when she hinted that she might be willing to trade for her brother's life. He didn't wear pants, afterall, and there was no hiding that. But even if she did somehow miss the physical display of his intentions it wouldn't matter, Massacre had no problem speaking his mind. "You, your body, you and me for the night. And your mind, when we are done. I would like to know more about your life." Massacre glanced at the wounded akalak and frowned. The thought of letting him go was almost painful, but as much as he hated the race, he had other needs as well.. and he wanted to learn. Sighing to himself Massacre accepted his decision. If she agreed to his terms they would both live. The more he thought about it, the more comfortable he became with his decision. It had been some time since he had had a woman, and Massacre had a thing for non-Zith anyway. Plus, who knew what secrets he could learn from her. He doubted she would divulge some great secret to defeating the akalaks or anything, but just a chance to learn about a civilized world. He couldn't pass it up. Not that Massacre had any real desire to live in a city, it was more about learning his enemy. Figuring out why, no matter where his tribe went, it was always civilization that brought the most destruction to his tribe. Massacre snapped out of his thoughts when he heard something not so far away. The Zith suddenly dropped into a crouch and spun about, trying to pinpoint the source of the noice. He heard voices, and it wasn't long before Massacre spotted a group of Akalak in the distance. And of course, it wasn't long after that they spotted him as well. A Zith had better night vision than an akalak in some respect, but at the same time their ability to pick up heat signatures made it easy for them to spot a group of living things in the dark. The party started to head their way, though no alarms had been sounded. It was unlikely they realized he was a Zith yet, but the moment they did all hell would break loose. A part of Massacre wanted to stay and fight, but his chances of survival were slim and there were other distractions he could partake in. "This is your only chance. Send him to distract them while we fly away. Or stay here, and I'll shoot you both as I fly away." Massacre went to retrieve his bow as he spoke, slinging it over his shoulder. If she agreed, he would wait for her to send her brother off before grabbing her from behind. With their bodies so close, Massacre's desires flared once more, but he didn't have time to indulge himself then and there. Massacre doubted that her brother would keep their location a secret. With his arms wrapped tightly around Scratch, Massacre opened his wings and lifted them into the sky. He could hear the shouts from the akalak's below and the whiz of their arrows as they came up short, to far away to actually hit him. Massacre pumped his wings hard until they were high in the sky, and together they flew away. OOCIf you want to include the landing in your post feel free. Also, if you need me to edit anything just let me know. I made some assumptions to speed things along, but if they are wrong I have no problem changing them.