Completed I Don't Wanna Die (Viper)

[Septimus]

Fall 90th, 512AV

Septimus found herself in once again, another thorny maze. Her conscience was thinking Oh the Void no. Not this shyke again! Septimus hadn't made it the last time she was in a place like this and she seriously doubted she would make it this time. It called for serious paying attention and observation skills. Her confidence had gotten in the way and she hated the feeling of dying a slow painful death all over again. She wouldn't allow it to happen this time, no way no how. That is not how one of Xuphim would want his Squire to go down. Twice in a row? She didn't think so.

The sky was blood red and this time even the twinkling stars were a crimson color. And each individual blade of grass was covered in scarlet liquid and the thorns on either side of this new maze she had entered were dripping with blood. However, the sky was normal, the clouds were normal, and the moon was normal. It looked as though it had rained a fortnight for even the grass now cast a red color rather than it's green original state. Septimus slowly trekked her way through the forest then instantly stopped when she heard grumbling behind her. She looked down at her white shredded shirt, her shorts and noticed they all still had bloodstains just like the other time she had visited such a place like this.

Septimus turned her head to the source of the grumbling noise only to soon regret it later. What was bestowed upon her eyes was absolutely horrifying. A beast three times the size of her horse self was there. It was slimy and oozing green pus out the sides with giant slashes. It had three heads with gleaming red eyes. The middle one was that of a dragon with slit eyes like a snake. Smoke was billowing out of it's nostrils and every time it opened it's mouth a small flicker of red hot flames licked it's lips. The other two heads were that of a dog with many wrinkles and large giant canines. It had the body like a dog with a dragon's tail. The creature had midnight black fur and all you could see was its shape from the glow being cast from the moon. That and it's three sets of giant glowing red eyeballs. Septimus could see many arrows in the beast's chest and even a sword lodged in the neck of the dog's head on the left.

However, it was a small rapier and even that slowed down that beast a lot. It was just glaring at Septimus as the others were snarling. It was extremely more slow than it's other two counterparts. Septimus finally realized why. Maybe she if she could slice off it's head and then another and then the other she could end it. After all it's necks weren't armored and were about the size of her own. If she could just hit the spine at least. That was highly impossible though! At least alone. Septimus certainly wasn't fighting alone. And these were her flight or fight responses kicking in. No fight meant flight and Septimus bolted as fast as her long extremely muscular legs could carry her. She had her broadsword drawn and she occasionally looked back. The beast was currently trying to break free of its chained collars giving Septimus a decent head start. With every lurch from the beast the large bolts holding the heavy and large chains in place came loose bit by bit. Need I remind you they weren't that long.

Crack! and the beasts were free. On the contrary, they pushed with so much force they went face down into the dirt for a few minutes dazed. It took them a while to remember what they were actually doing and for another few minutes they actually started snapping at one another, pissed that they had just done a crash course into the ground. The dragon's head finally settled it all be scorching the two dogs with a jet of quick flames in which they instantly stopped. Septimus was now far ahead, and was now leaping over a thorny fallen log when she looked back. The creature was running again and in an attempt to throw them of course she took a right turn. They were hot on her trail now, the dragon was snapping his teeth at her heels then she turned once more to the left extremely quickly. The beast tried to skid to a halt but rather into the needle sharp thorns that instantly broke off into it's flesh. Then something that Septimus never thought would happen, happened. The beast was dead. But not because of the thorns. The beast had busted out a wall of the thorns and fallen a good 300 feet into boiling lava. Septimus tried to catch her breath as she yelled "Is anyone out there!?!"

No response. Or was there? Was that a faint whisper? Or a call from somewhere a ways away. Septimus continued running, taking many turns and twists always being sure to not run into the thorny walls despite the slick blood covered thorns. About 5 ravens flew overhead and Septimus felt as though she could run no more. She eventually stopped to catch her breath then looked at the gleaming sword in the moonlight. Her mouth was dry and she was thirsty but she couldn't stop there. Especially when the ravens were now flying right at her! These birds too had red gleaming eyes and were flying at her when she took out her broadsword and sliced two in mid air then dodged the rest. Septimus snatched one out of the air then ripped its head off with her bare hands. She was tired of this nonsense and wasn't playing around anymore. This wasn't a game and she was sick of it. The other two flew right into the ground and Septimus sliced one with her broadsword then repeated the same ending for the other one, twisting it's head off as well.

This is what happened when your survival instincts took over. You tried to do anything possible. Anything within your power. Septimus then began running again before she encountered any other maniac beasts. She looked back to see if anything was chasing her, then made a turn. The path was clear and it was a long and slim path. She looked back again and ran into something that send her flying back into the blood covered grass, collecting even more blood on her shirt. "Hey watch where you're petching going!"

[Viper]

Not nearly as often as he once had, he slipped into sleep while remembering some of the horrors he had been through. It never made for a pleasant night sleep. And this time proved to be the same...or was it? His eyes suddenly snapped open to reveal to him he was in the strangest of places. He was surrounded by thorny bushes. And everything seemed to be covered in blood. A quick glance at his apparently bloodstained clothes revealed them to have cuts and slashes all over them. Seemingly shredded by some sort of tussle. A frown crossed his face as an unsettling feeling quickly nestled in the pit of his stomach.

This was a dream right...? He wasn't sure. It didn't feel like a dream normally would, but at the same point, how could he suddenly be in this rather disturbing location. What sort of sick joke were the gods playing with him now, he pondered. A snap of a twig nearby caught his attention instantly. His heart began to race as he drew his sword, and VERY slowly moved to investigate the cause of the disturbance. Vipers breathing began to quicken as adrenaline started to course through his body. He opened his mouth some to try and quiet the sound. As he approached the thorny thicket that formed an impassible wall, he froze as two glowing red eyes appeared withing the bushes.

What should he do? Should he stay and kill....whatever it was? Was this thing even hostile? Judging from the looks of the rest of the place, that was probably a stupid question. And no sooner had the thought crossed his mind that creature inside the thicket, lunged out to strike at him. Viper instinctively swung his cutlass and quickly decapitated the creature. As it fell to the floor, he knelt down to examine it. Even in the weak light cast by the moon, he could make out that it was a serpent....a viper. "Well that's...ironic." He said more so under his breath than anything else. Another sound saw him shooting his head straight back to where he saw the first snake. In it's place were now three sets of eyes. Another rustling of leaves behind him forced him to swing around to try and assess what was there.

Four sets of eyes....or was it five...six? "Oh shyke!" Almost as if the very phrase was a command to attack, they all lunged out from their hiding places toward Viper with all possible speed. He quickly dove for the only opening that seemed left to him. A long narrow corridor flanked on both sides by this large thorny thicket. Turning around to face his attackers, he was constantly falling back. Swinging at and snake that happened to get to close. Eventually there was only one left, and he finally stood his ground to dispatch the vile creature.

As silence once again fell on his surrounding, he pondered what had he done to deserve this. The thought soon vanished as a more pressing concern entered his mind. "How in Mizahar do I get out of this nightmare!?" As he walked along he noticed what seemed to be passage ways through the brush. Was he in some kind of...maze? The flapping of feathers soon broke his train of thought. He looked up to notice a couple birds, with the same ominous looking red eyes hovering above him. They were still a good enough distance out that he put his sword away and drew his bow and arrow. They quickly cloased the gap as Viper fired his first shot and missed. Quickly drawing another arrow, he fired at the closest one and this time hit it square in the chest causing it to instantly fall.

The second bird swooped in and pecked the top of his head as it landed it's clawed feet into his shoulder. Viper swung his bow at it, and quickly knocked it to the floor. A moment later, a boot came crashing down on its head, followed by him spitting it. He soon shook his head and took another look around. A small flock of the pests flying nearby obliged him to duck down and beat a hasty retreat further down the corridor. This nightmare of a world was having a real damaging affect on his calm. The crunching of leaves beneath his feet made it hard for him to hear anything as he moved. So he loaded his bow with another arrow as a precaution. Approaching an intersection, he began to spin around to get his bearing on what was there.

Having decided to turn the wrong direction first in his search of the area, he didn't see the woman who happened to be on an intercept course. The resulting impact caused him to stumble forward. He could hear her say something, but at this point was to jumpy to have really understood her. Recovering, he immediately, spun around and leveled his arrow right for her heart. His eyes were wide, his breathing heavy, a look of total confusion all over his face. There is another person in this hell whole with me!? He almost sighed in relief when another disturbing thought came to mind. Was this "person a friend or foe? For all he knew she wasn't really a person at all...who really knows anything in a place like this.

He simply stared for a long moment before finally asking. "Whe...Where are we?" He didn't lower his bow at first. Not quite trusting anything at the moment....

[Septimus]

The man wasn't another beast like Septimus had presumed him to be when she first ran into him. Septimus instantly held up her large broadsword that sent of a blurred image of the white moon to whomever's eyes were willing to even look at it. Along with this observation they would also see that there was dry and fresh blood on it. She had it angled where it would deflect the arrow where he was aiming for. Anyone could observe that he was aiming for a quick kill. Septimus being barefoot stepped on the head of one of the ravens in which she had just finished off, unwillingly. It wasn't a pleasant feeling but to the Void with it if it kept her alive.

"You seriously wouldn't want to try that, love. I could take your head off with this sword within a blink of an eye." What? Septimus wouldn't have said such a thing! She didn't even have the experience! "Plus, I ain't no foe now lower your bow so we can make it through this Void hole together! Trust me, you just met a valuable ally. I've already had to defeat a few of 'em ravens, let alone the giant brute with three heads three times the size my real self! Now let's get a move on and get out of 'ere!" Of course fate couldn't have given them anything easier than it already was because from the sides of the two way corridor like thing they had met each other at, bloody chickens with three beaks mutated into their skull cornered them on both sides. There were about 50, oh and they had no feet. Just sharp stick legs. Septimus turned her back to Viper. 25 for her, 25 for him considering he could handle it.

The chickens were an awful sight. They didn't have three mutated beaks they had five with razor sharp teeth! And once they moved in closer you could see this. They also were jet black with glowing red eyes. They were only red because of the blood from the grass in which they had all walked over. "Shyke." she mumbled under her breath. With a large sigh she narrowed her eyes "Alright this is how it got to go down if ya wanna live. I'm supposin' you wanna live because we might can live to see another brighter day. We charge at them bastards, they ain't gonna suspect shyke. They think they got us cornered and they think we're scared out of 'ur minds. They don't think we'll do shyke until they attack. But if this is the Void, I sure as my name is Septimus am gonna destroy these little beasts. They done messed with a Syliran, and a pissed off one at that." She held out her sword facing the chickens then sighed "When I reach three we charge at 'em, understood?

This was proof it was a dream for Septimus wasn't this... wasn't like this. This wasn't in the norm for Septimus. Either way, she prepared for slicing up some mutated chicken meat for whomever wanted to eat it. The Kelvic took a deep breath One. Septimus' eyes narrowed as they glanced about the chickens slowly closing in on them Two. Adrenaline was now pumping through her body much like a pump to get water. Except for the fact that this was a living being and this 'water' was fuel to do some crazy shyke. Three. Septimus wasn't sure if Viper was following through with her plan or not but all in all, he'd be a fool to turn down such a person. Especially one charging in with a broadsword into a flock of chickens ready to slice off some heads and make some cooked chicken freshly skewered. Yes, this was definitely a dream.

The chickens instantly, like she predicted, took to the air but skilled for the amount of practice she had had. She sing her sword feeling the impant of many of the chickens as they came at her from all angles in the front. However, she did manage to somehow to some sort of circle like movement where she took out the complete bottom row of chickens. She somehow then managed to bring up the ongoing attack and fend off a few others for a bit while she could gain her conscience back. Looking down at her leg she noticed there were now several scratches with blood seeping out of them. They were deep as well. She then looked at her arms to see a ton of other scratches with blood coming from these as well. Septimus wrung the neck of one of the chickens ending it quickly. Her hair was more of a mess now but she certainly had defeated most of them. A few more remained and they were still flying at her.

[Viper]

His widened eyes narrowed as he pondered her initial threat. For someone who just plowed into his back and fell flat on her butt, he wondered how skilled she truly was. Still, at this point, another enemy is something he did not need. But an ally...? Was a thing truly possible here in this "void" as she called it. His draw on his bow began to lessen as he slowly lowered his bow and a small smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Huh, I haven't had to tangle with anything so large as of yet...but man was there a lot of what I did." He looked the woman over again for a moment, trying to make up his mind. Finally he lowered his bow completely. "Agreed. Let's get out of this mess together."

No sooner had the words left his mouth when a small horde of....freak chickens appeared from the undergrowth and surrounded them. Her curse was followed by a quick sarcastic laugh from. "Couldn't of put it better myself." The sheer volume of the little freaks around them was enough for him to put away his bow as she hollered out orders. The logic was sound, so he drew his sword as she began her count down, his breathing once again quickening with every number she counted off. They may have been small, but numbers were definitely in their favor.

As she stepped off in her charge, he followed a few feet behind. Just far enough so that as she started to strike at their attackers, he wouldn't accidently fall into range, and likewise for her when he began to strike. Slicing through them was almost effortless. But there was just to many to completely keep them at bay. His clothing offered some protection. But as it became more and more torn, he could feel gashes being torn into his flesh. Viper winced as he struck, kicked, stomped, and beat down any and every one of the little vermin who attacked him.

Eventually to his great surprise, only a few of the creatures remained. Looking toward his new ally he saw two of little flying demons coming straight for the back of her head. He charged Septimus and yelled at her to duck, as he began to swing his sword towards his intended dual targets on the other side of her head...

[Septimus]

At the first sound of duck, Septimus' instincts forced her to whir around and fall to the ground in a rolling manner only to see two more of the chickens above in which Viper sliced with his own sword. Their bloody remnants came falling down onto Septimus herself as she shielded her face with her sword and other arm to prevent them from hitting her in the face. However, needless to say their red hot blood splattered on her face stinging slightly. She instantly got back up and examined her clothes which had now gained new rips and tears and tatters.

Damn, he saved your life. Now you owe him. Septimus absolutely felt as though one of the worst things in the world next to dying, being in pain, and seeing someone you love die, was being in debt. It was the one of the worst feelings and hated feeling as though someone expected her to do something for them. However, now she was in it. She ran a bloody hand through her hair as she tried to beat off the excess blood she had obtained from the bloody grass. "Petching little bastards. All right let us be on our way, shall we? Before we're forever trapped in the damned place and left to face death with more petching little annoying creatures." Septimus sighed, her sapphire eyes darting about the place slowly beginning to walk in a direction neither one of them had came from. "Oh, and thanks for saving me."

As Viper followed, a shadowy figure resembling Septimus' shape stood in front of her causing Septimus to instantly stop in her tracks. Red eyes rather than her sapphire ones appeared on the shadowy figure. A large smile appeared on the shadow's face with white sharp teeth. The shadow then turned into thick black wispy smoke which shifted into a large Tiaden War Horse shadow just like... her. A low rumble like growl emerged from Septimus' chest and she looked at Viper with a glare then directed her narrowed challenging eyes at the shadow who then smiled at her showing all rows of sharp pointed teeth in it's equine form. A small gust of wind in which only Septimus could hear called her name and spoke in a raspy voice "Fight me, coward." The shadow then hardened into a harder shadow with almost like flesh.

"It wants me to fight it. Ain't no way we gettin' around that son of a bitch, either. Fight or flight, flight ain't no option here. Plus, it called me a coward. This is one of one." Septimus shifted without even taking her clothing off. Her sword clattered to the ground and all of her ripped and tattered clothing ripped off in a motion, falling to the ground. The shadow grinned and without warning charged. Septimus now had to protect Viper from this being, yes this is how they would get equal. Septimus dodged it's first charge but then slammed her body into the shadow's sending it hurdling sideways, dazed and confused. Septimus quickly gained her footing, charging a good twenty yards away from the shadow to be able to attack. Septimus was better at attack than defense. Although she couldn't say the same for the demon shadow creature. They both charged head on and entered a teeth to teeth and hoof to hoof combat.

Septimus lashed out with her razor sharp hooves, slashing out at the chest and underbelly of the shadow. Trying to guard her neck, she lashed out time after time using aggressive strategy rather than making quick rash decisions that could hurt her in the end. However, she then used her hind legs to throw herself away from the ground and lunge straight at the shadow. Septimus had her teeth out and ready to bite and inflict damage as she lashed out in mid air at the shadow. The shadow hit the ground on it's back and they entered a somewhat roll like thing ending with Septimus on top. The shadow was lashing out with it's sharp and pointed teeth tearing a few patches of fur out and even a few strands of her mane. It's hooves on the other hand were quite dull compared to Septimus'. The shadow somehow scrambled up and managed to get away and throw of few bucks at Septimus, only one of them actually making contact. Septimus on the other hand somehow managed to whip around and get a good kick at the chest area of the charging shadow.

Septimus must have hit a soft spot for the shadow instantly fell to the ground, struggling to get off its back. Septimus used this point for an advantage, reared and allowed her body weight to come crashing down on the head of the shadow. This ended the shadow with it fading away into a black smoke that slowly wiped away itself licking her ankles. Septimus walked over to her sword and clothing shreds on the ground and motioned Viper to pick it up. She then bowed slightly so it would be actually plausible for Viper to get up onto her extremely large back with ease. She even bent down lower with her back legs as well, trying to ignore the fact that she was now covered in blood from 98% the ground. The other 2% being her own. Her back might be slick somewhat, but they could definitely travel faster than they were and possibly even have Viper be able to see over the hedges.

[Viper]

He was relieved when she didn't question his order and instead just listened. Swinging hard almost as though he were swinging a bat, he sliced through the last to vermin with ease, before pausing for a moment to catch his breath. He turned around to see her straining some blood from her once golden hair and then immediately say that they should keep going. He smirked and shook his head. Wow. All go, no stop, no talk, no getting your bearings....not even a thank you. He let out a small sigh as he began to follow her when she expressed her thanks over her shoulder. With a small smirk, he said, "Anything for a friend." And then continued walking on.

His thoughts began to focus more on her. Who was she? Why was in he in this nightmare with her? Was there a purpose....or just another one of the gods games they played with us mere mortals. His curiousity began to grow, and he was starting to wonder who she even was. From the small bits that he had gleaned, her name was Septimus, and she was apparently a knight...or was it a squire? He couldn't remember at the moment. Viper was on the verge of asking about her, when his eye caught sight of a shadow standing directly in front of them. He was somewhat unnerved to see an evil version of Septimus who then smiled back at her before turning into some kind of war horse from the looks of it. The glowing red eyes were more than enough for him to draw his sword upward toward the monstor...shadow...thing in preparation for defence.

Before Viper could do anything however, Septimus declared she would fight the huge horse one on one. His eyes widened and he was about to object when she dropped her sword and turned into a warhorse of identical shape to the monstrosity in front of them. So she was a Kelvic. He didn't have much time to reflect on all that had just happened before the two began to battle it out right in front of him. Knowing full well at this point he would only be in the way, he fell back and replaced his sword with his bow in hopes of being able to get a shot in, should the opportunity arise.

That moment never arrived. The battle, while fierce, did not last for very long before his Septimus defeated the evil version of herself. He also realized that without her, the monster probably would have had a good chance of killing him. So it looked as though they were even now. When she moved back toward the shredded remains of her clothes alongside her sword and nodded for him to pick it it up, he nodded and raised his sword to just in front of his face before lowering it. It was an old fashioned way to salute to thank her, but since she didn't seem like one for to many words...especially now that she was a horse, he figured she might just recognize the gesture and appreciate it.

Quickly picking up her sword he walked over to her knelt down form. The deep cuts across her body though gave him pause. It would be quite painful for her if he was to ride. By the way she was insisting though, it didn't look like he had much choice....yet again. So before complying, he removed his cloak and draped it over her back. Hopefully the cloth would cushion his weight some, and prevent at least some pain from his riding on her cut up form. With that finished, he mounted up and got a look around for the first time since this nightmare started. In the distance, he could see an opening in the walls of thorny hedges. Well maybe not an opening perse...but it was at least a large circular type clearing...perhaps they could find a way out there. He then explained what he saw to Septimus and guided her along as they set off...

[Septimus]

Septimus was glad he draped his cloak over her and the sign of thanks he did with his sword, well, that was something the squire appreciated. It wasn't every day she was thanked and it probably showed. As he mounted, Septimus slowly rised being sure not to knock him off. As he explained what he saw, Septimus shook her mane then looked back at him with a slight nod to the head as in thanks. It was pretty much the only thing she could do right now. At this point, she slowly flicked her ears around trying to listen to her surroundings as well as his directions.

Septimus turned her black head then began off into the direction of the described exit. Or was it really even an exit at all? In this wretched place, who knew? However, she had high hopes that it was deep down in her heart. Her pace steadily quickened and to be moving that quickly at that pace felt surprisingly good. Perhaps because she was her true strong and large self and not in some practically defenseless form without a sword. Her ink black mane was now flying back away from her face with every step and that's when she slowed to a halt. She looked back at Viper with wide eyes, trying to give him the look to be silent. Communicating with humans and the like was pretty hard right now, she'd admit that was one of the bright sides to being in her human form.

The sharp and poignant sound of a snapping branch or two instantly alerted hearing like security system and this is where she stopped. Looking in the direction of the alerting sounds she could've swore she saw two pairs of eyes. It appeared as familiar red eyes with those flaming black slit pupils. And the others were those of a dog all the same they were red as well. However, they were glowing just like their and Septimus' previous encounter just a few good and long moments ago. And then the thorn wall broke as they busted through the sharp barrier. However, only now were they extremely small versions of themselves with giant eyes staring straight at her with animus. The slit pair of eyes belonged to the dragon's head that was now small with the same smoke flaring from it's nostrils. However, it had a small body only about three feet long, not intimidating at all for Septimus despite the fact that it could spit flames out. The dog was just a large version of a dog with snapping and growling teeth.

They just never petching end! It was a thought meant and directed towards both her and Viper, however, right now it came out more like a snicker and a nervous whinny. They were nothing to take! Just two souls that didn't want to die for revenge. Guess she'd have to take them out herself, no problem at all! Just a few stomps and blows to the head, they should be dead during no time, right? Nope, not right at all. As a matter of fact as Septimus was beginning to ask herself where the sick and injured third head went from the previously conjoined beast, she found it. Jumping over the fence behind them, there it was. However, they weren't the sharpest blades in the arena for it was pretty obvious the much larger old sickling now rejuvenated had take a few nips at them beforehand probably for revenge. He had some charred and burns marks on him as well. Overall, they had been fighting and in the process weakened their own forces.

The new dog was about the same size except for her hand the height advantage his head coming to Septimus' shoulders. Now there was a new factor in this soon to be on slaught. They had three, Septimus and Viper were two. However, Septimus had been around a creature much like the size of the largest and more muscular dog, somewhere if only she could remember. The beast that reminded her of this creature resembled them in battle which were the Yukmen's mounts. We can't fight this one without risking more blood loss, something I already have risked. Damn it, hang on Viper! There was a four way and she hoped Viper was hanging on for she reared up to try and see the exit herself with a large neigh to try and stun them for a bit. The exit was right in the direction of which Septimus hoped it would be.

Septimus snorted, then full speed galloped off in that direction gaining a head start by leaving the dazed and confused mongrels behind. However, it was the now larger one that initiated the chase and the other two were following close behind including the wingless dragon creature who was spitting short and small fireballs at Septimus that only lasted about 5 seconds and traveled at a shorter 4 feet. Nevertheless, the Kelvic could feel the blazing heat radiating from the source. The chase however, soon lost one member as Septimus turned for a short cutoff into another direction, drifting on the slick blood covered ground and leaning sideways a bit so Viper wouldn't go flying off either. The smaller dog went flying into the thorn wall, crashing through once more, a large thorn spiking him straight in the heart.

The other two, not stunned at the official death of their brother (or sister) hesitated for a moment, then decided they should avenge his death now
rather then let them escape and regret later. Septimus was unsure what Viper's plan was but she did know that her gait wasn't the smoothest and came with it a lunge or two that required flexibility to ride comfortable and to roll with the punches. She sincerely hoped he wouldn't try to do any one hand combat against them.

Another turn and the Kelvic leaped in the air slightly as they were going down a straight path to try and get a view of where she was going. With a quick glance around she decided that a few more turns and they should be there. The Kelvic did this for she wasn't paying attention to commands as well as she should right now. Another sharp turn and they almost lost the dragon as it set a piece of the thorns ablaze out of anger. However, the thorns somehow extinguished themselves. Another turn and a nasty surprise awaited as a large hole in the ground was leapt over with extreme momentum and a large push off with her hind legs. One more turn and they'd be there! So close!

[Viper]

Rising into the air, a small smirk appeared on his face. Finally back to riding. Now this was something he could do well here. His confidence began to build as he was back in a position he was more comfortable with. Her horse form was larger than his personal Strider though, so it did take a little getting used to. That and the fact he had no actual saddle. But still, with as long as he has been riding, he was more than up to the challenge. He put his sword away, just in case he needed to get a better grip while they crossed this rather unforgiving terrain.

They were moving along at a good clip when Septimus began to slow down, eventually coming to a complete stop. He began to look around nervously, when she gave him a look. He wasn't positive, but it didn't look good. He noticed the direction her ears turned and likewise turned his head to follow suit. The snapping of twigs prompted him to draw his bow along with an arrow. What jumped out didn't exactly make him shake with fear. After seeing what Septimus did to the shadowy war horse, these two pint size would be predators just didn't seem up to the task. Though he did admit the dragon, even though it was tiny, gave him pause. The smoke emanating from it's nostrils gave clues to it's fiery potential. Viper decided that would be his first target.

Before he could take aim though a third dog like creature appeared behind them. This third beast having both the ugliness and the size to make him suddenly doubt their chances once again. Trying to think fast, his head darted toward the dragon as he drew the arrow back. To late. Septimus had already begun to bolt. The sudden lurching forward of her body caused him to loose his arrow prematurely, sending it harmless past the miniature dragon. "Ah shyke!!!" He exclaimed as he tried to stay on. His upper body leaning far back as he used his legs to grip around her body. Be it by sheer luck or maybe a little helping hand from the gods, Viper managed to not only stay on, but regain a firm seat atop his temporary mount...eventually.

As they retreated from their attackers, he wished he could fire at them. But the constantly changing course, and bucking of her movements over objects in their way made that impossible. What he needed was a good long straight away with relative level terrain so he could take a shot without worry of being thrown. For now he simply held on tight and directed her as best he could. Though her apparent lack of trust in him led her to all but ignore his commands and take her own path down more turns.

The chase continued without let up, even when on of the predators had lost its footing and impaled itself on the thorny bushes, the other never let up their vicious assault. A fireball impacting the brush nearby sent a heat wave over them, too close for comfort for Viper. "Ok now that's enough." Having learned quick how best to keep in balance, he rotated in his seat and drew his bow again. His fingers released the string, sending the arrow streaking through the air toward it's target. A moment later a surprisingly loud bloodcurdling roar arose from the dragon as the arrow impacted his nose. It wasn't the kill shot Viper had hoped for, but hopefully it would slow down the fire breather a bit and give them some breathing room.

Breathing though, was something he suddenly had a hard time doing as he gasped when he saw what lay in front of them. This time And instead of a what he wished in way of terrain, he saw a large pit blocking their path to freedom. "Oh you have got to be KIDDING me!" His eyes widened as they sprinted toward it full bore. A moment before the leap of faith, he lowered his body to be more parallel with hers. And with a mighty kick off, they flew through the air.

Much to his relief, Septimus landed the jump beautifully. He couldn't help but let out a holler in excitement and throw his hands in the air. "HOAH! That's what I'm talkin' about right there! You go girl!" He laughed as he loaded another arrow and prepared for hopefully the last turn...

[Septimus]

Bam! She successfully landed the jump with help from her strength and momentum. The gap was large and if they had not have made it they would've went tumbling for hot boiling lava far below. The two animals didn't dare risk it again and with reluctant sighs and a large fireball flared up in the air from the dragon, they walked back to their fallen brethren to see at least what they could do. Septimus used to moment to catch her breath, her nostrils were flaring and her neck was long and stretched out allowing her airways to be open and oxygen to reach her lungs faster. She shook her neck and then she quickly nudged Viper's knee a thanks for the encouragement. She also looked at him, with a snicker at least trying to say sorry for not listening and giving warning that she was going to bolt.

Septimus' black, white, and crimson red bloody frame began slowly walking through the maze, still recovering from the long and fast paced run. Another turn and there was the exit, right there. She slowly approached not sure if there was a trap door or open floor that they would go flying through, but getting over her fear, Septimus instantly walked through it quickly. Their setting was distorted much like your reflection when you looked in the water then threw a rock in it. And then it all faded away to a black nothingness. Septimus could still feel Viper on her back so she knew she wasn't alone. She snickered quietly like a whisper to Viper on her back and then much like water again their setting slowly faded back. Septimus was in a solid white cube shaped room, and Viper wasn't there. A tunnel door opened however and she entered, the wall coming back down behind her. The tunnel was dark but when she went to the door it reminded her of the doors of arenas where they released animals to fight.

The tunnel door was cold and dark but when she peered through the square openings in the cage's gate and noticed that it was a small arena with bright lights shining on it. It was night and you could see the moon but around that moon were black clouds. Septimus was also able to look through and see another cage door on the other side. Was Viper in there? If not then where was he? He surely wasn't in here with her! At a closer inspection she could tell there was something in there. Whether it be Viper or not, there was someone or something in there. Septimus could hear the crowd around cheering their heads off and everywhere she looked was red glaring and glowing eyes. A thousand of those dogs and a thousand of those dragons filled the colosseum like arena's audience. They were roaring and even... (their version) clapping.

It was apparent that they were excited to see two cages beings fight. But who were the things they were fighting? Who were they fighting? Or worst of all, what were they fighting? Or not they, but her. What was Septimus fighting? She was already bruised and beaten and scratched, but not another fight. She needed mercy or pity for this was far too much on the poor Septimus and was beginning to take a toll on her. Her stress level was beyond high and her anger level had her blood boiling, almost spewing overboard. What happened? What was coming next? She heard the wall behind her open up once more and her hopes grew high. Unfortunately, they were shattered once more when it was just a bucket of water to quench her parched tongue. Nonetheless, she chugged down the water allowing it to drench every single dry part of her body.

She also took notice that she had a few more gashes on her body. This caused her to wonder exactly how they got there and how exactly she wasn't dead yet. You are not dead because you're a fighter. You are going to win whatever they try to put you through and you are going to live, Septimus. You are a survivor! Her own consciences' words of encouragement soothed her somewhat. The tunnel was large enough for her to lay down and if she could at least rest up before whatever was before her, she would have a bigger chance of winning. She looked outside to see a weird demon horse being ridden by some shadow figure around the ring soon to be joined by about fifty others. The crowd roared and cheered with excitement as they began performing some show. The largest horse like figure was in the middle and the rider had it standing on it's hind legs and walking around like that doing circles.

At a closer glimpse you could see they were covered in black tack with blood red feathers coming off the top. Then a band of dogs came through running in and surrounding them. It definitely wasn't a pleasant place to be right now. Stay strong. Carry on. You are Septimus. You will win. You will fight. You will not die. And you will survive. Do you understand? I said do you understand, Septimus?!? Her conscience silenced itself only to later start back up Of course I petching understand! I'm not an idiot!

Large horns sounded and the horse like creatures ran around the circumference of the arena at least ten times and exited. They left behind large red like dust clouds and Septimus' heart beat quickened. The announcer said something really loud in a language Septimus did not speak. It didn't sound like any language any Mizaharian spoke! Ever! Period! And that was the end of it! Once the announcer shut up, everything was silent for about a minute or so and then crowd roared louder than ever as he said something about contestants. Then the crowd quieted down once more and got ready for whatever it was that was coming. Everything was dead silent besides the announcer who announced Septimus' name and the gate opened. Septimus jumped up and right behind her came a huge burst of flames motivating to run out of the cage/tunnel in which she earned many roars and a large applause. Septimus desperately waited for her opponent, hoping for the best, expecting the worst.

The adrenaline began coursing through her veins as she waited for the other gate to be opened. She then let her blue sapphire eyes move to the audience who were all looking at her with bitter hate and animus. The hostility radiating off of just the crowd was intimidating and now she had to come and fight for the amusement of these bastards. It wasn't right, not one bit and deep down Septimus knew this. This couldn't be real could it? But the pain! The fear! The adrenaline! It had to be real! It just had to be did it not? More than likely, her brain was thinking yes.

[Viper]

Glancing back toward the predators who had been relentlessly harrassing them, he was relieved to see they weren't so confident to jump after them. After his laughter had subsided, he slumped over slightly and let out a long sigh of relief. He may not have been doing the running, but it still required effort on his part to stay up on his mount. That and the amount of time he had already had adrenaline pumping through his system were taking a toll. He too was tiring quickly and breathing heavily. The nudge to his knee by Septimus brought a smile to Viper's face. He may not have understood everything she was trying to convey, but he got the gist of it. His own Strider would communicate in a somewhat similar fashion whenever they were riding.

He ran a hand gently along her neck, careful to avoid any cuts in the area and smirked. "Good team Septimus. I'm glad ya bumped into me." He looked into her sapphire eyes for a moment as he chuckled, before nodding that he was ready to continue. Sitting up straight once more, he kept his bow at the ready as they approached what appeared to be the exit out of this nightmare. When their surrounding blurred into darkness, he eyes kept darting around to see what tricks or enemies were about to be hurled at them now. But to no avail, as he could see nothing. There was still the comfort in knowing that so far, he and Septimus were still together. And as a team, nothing had been able to best them yet. But that feeling of relief what short-lived at the scene distorted again revealing him to be in some weird white cubed room, and now all alone. "What...were we doing too well?" He annoyingly muttered to himself.

It was then a tunnel opened up. His eyebrow raised as he wondered where it led. His freedom perhaps? ...Or his doom? Reluctantly, he walked through the doorway and down the tunnel. A sinking feeling in his stomach could be felt as a door slide down behind him, barring him from the cubed room. Not that he minded to much as the room itself just bothered him. Still, he couldn't help but now feel like an animal being herded to some unknown destination. The faint sound of ....cheering? or was that roaring? Whatever it was, the curious sound, emanating from the other side of the tunnel beckoned him onward to get a glimpse of what existed beyond this cold dark place. As Viper approached the closed gate, his mouth dropped open from the spectacle that lay before him. What he thought were simple beats of this nightmare, turned out to be the masters of it. And he and Septimus were the puppets. "By the gods..." he whispered to himself. "...there must be thousands of 'em."

His gaze lowered to see a similar gate as the one now barring his way, on the other side of the field. And he wondered what was waiting inside. His thoughts drifted back to Septimus. Was she alright? Or was it her who was waiting over there, trapped like some rat just as he was? His attention was soon called away from the sight of the arena as the door behind him open once more just long enough for an identical pale of water to be placed in with him. As the door closed, he let out the breath he didn't even know he had been holding when the door opened. Walking over, Viper stared at the water for a moment before drinking enough to quench his thirst, while not to much to impede his ability to fight...should that be what was expected next. Of course, he fully expected that, but no reason he couldn't still cling to some kind of hope...no matter how intangible it was.

Returning to the gate, he managed to catch a glimpse of some other act being put on for the excited crowd. He shook his head in disgust before taking stock of his condition and fighting ability. He had small cuts and bruises all over. His clothes were a tattered mess. So he decided to remove his shirt. Doing so, revealed his muscular frame and for the first time in a very long time another being would see his cultural tattoos he had on his shoulders. He was proud of them, but they were tied to another one of his less than pleasant memories. So rarely did anyone ever get a glimpse of them. Still at this point his shirt was more so going to be a hindrance than anything else. The remaining rags that were once his shirt, he used to bind up larger wounds which he had received to his legs.

As he finished, an eerie silence then dominated the arena. He quickly finished what he was doing and looked back out to see what was going on. Apparently the show had ended and the announcer was informing the crowd of what he suspected was the next part in this sick game of theirs. Though he wasn't positive since he couldn't understand the language, nor even recognize what it might be. Sure enough, on the other side of the field, the door slid open and out came a large war horse. His eyes widened as he immediately recognized the form of the woman's other self.

His mind instantly began devising the best strategy with which to best her. She mentioned she was a knight...or at least a squire. So more than likely she had some combat training. Fortunately, he had also gotten a glimpse of her preferred fighting style in this form. Viper had his bow. If he was quick he could get off an arrow easily, possibly even two. He doubted it would kill her, but it should definitely slow her down. He also still had his two swords and hers, so in reality she was almost all but defenseless. As long as he could stay clear of her stomping feet. This should actually be a relatively easy victory considering her lack of any type of protective armor.

A frown suddenly appeared on his face as he came back to reality. "Wait a minute Vipe. This is the woman you just fought with. Whom you have just bled with. And now you're devising a way to slaughter her like so many a monster thus far encountered in this nightmare? What is wrong with you!?" He looked down at the bow and arrow in his hand and her sword which had found a place on his belt. Turning back toward her, he sighed. Would she allow him to try and make it a fair fight? Could he get out of this without having to kill her at all? His own honor code was such, that he didn't think he could raise his hand against her without her striking the first blow. And even then the thought of killing a woman...his ally, bothered him greatly.

Without much more time to think, his own gate slid open. He dove out of the tunnel just as a wall of flames came rushing towards him. Getting back to his feet, he huphed as the gate slid back down to a close and then turned to Septimus. The roaring of the crowd mixed with the uncertainty of what action his one time partner would take, once again caused the adrenaline to start pumping through his body. His breathing quickened as his heart raced. Slowly he lowered his bow and arrow to the ground and then started walking toward her. Viper had gotten to about the center of the arena before he stopped. Not wanting to press her trust in him, he dared not go any further.

"Septimus..." He said in a clear strong voice. "...If you have any ideas how we can avoid this, I'm all ears. And if not..." He paused for a moment as he stared deeply into her eyes and let his words just hang there. Unclipping her sword from his belt, he withdrew it from the sheath and thrust it into the ground. Its hilt hanging in the air, just waiting for her to pluck it back out. Viper then drew his own sword and gave her another crisp salute as he had done earlier, before slowly withdrawing back toward where he had placed his bow. Should she attack, he had a plan which he meant to carry out. But in reality, he desperately hoped she could come up with something that he couldn't to avoid the situation entirely...