Closed Monster Hunting (Aka)

[Evalin]

86th of Winter, 513 AV

It began as a rumor several days before. A patrol from Zinrah went out as usual, yet they did not return the following day. This in and of itself was not unusual, and it was assumed that the patrol must have fun upon a Myrian patrol that ended their lives without mercy. The following patrol set out the very next day, following the same path that the other did in hopes of finding this pack of myrians that caused such troubles. Once more the patrol did not return when it was expected, but again this was not a true cause for alarm. Until a survive arrived in the tunnels, bloodied and and near death having lost most of his tail and one arm. He spoke of a beast, a terrible monster that attacked and devoured the entire patrol. Vicious, relentless and hungry beyond description. It would not die no matter how many times they stabbed or cut it. This was not taken well, and so a new party was put together, its purpose not to patrol, but to hunt for this supposed beast.

The Dhani Mage Aka was of course chosen. Her abilities especially were appreciated in a situation such as this. A girl who commanded the elements and could not be burned by flame would indeed be a fine asset, though it did not hurt that she was a Viper among Constrictors. As for the doll she chose to bring along... While none would speak against it, neither could they say they approved. It was odd to bring a play thing along on a mission such as this, yet for Evalin it did not matter at all what was thought of her. Though the nuit was taller than Aka, she was still dwarfed by the Dhani around her even in their human form. This day the Immortal was dressed for her part. Robes and cloak with hood pulled up, her gem hung about her neck and in her hand her ever present staff which she gripped with a firm hand as she followed close behind Aka.

For once the weather was in their favor. Early morning, no rain yet expected, and from time to time the sun could be seen through the canopy above. It was perfect hunting weather, yet somehow Evalin was not enjoying herself.

What a bother... Why must we be dragged to such an event, at the whim of this girl? Perhaps a doll I be in name, but no plaything am I...

Humor the child and give in to her fits, and soon it is she who controls the parent. Came Tsenrika cold reply. Of late the Familiar had seemed... more distant, colder than usual. His words far more harsh than before. it was enough to even give the nuit pause

Blinking, Evalin let her focus look to Aka instead, "Mistress, please stay close. I would not wish this creature to make a snack of you."

[Soshakuakamamushi]

OOCMonster and use of NPC Group approved by Traverse

The rumor of a monster lurking in the jungle was unsettling at first, perhaps a new jungle creature, previously unknown, decided to make its name known, it managed to cause a Dhani patrol group to disappear. Some believed they were killed by Myrians instead, but when a survivor of the second patrol returned, body mutilated and covered in blood, told the Nest about the 'Monster', strong enough to slaughter a Constrictor patrol all by its own, Zinrah went on full alert. The Queen herself ordered a larger party filled with Elite guards and Reimancers to hunt the beast, the particular Reimancer chosen to lead the the other mages were the infamous 'small fry', the small Dhani of the Viper sub-race who could control the elements on her whim, her powers rivaling Senescaaspia, Head reimancer of Zinrah, herself.

The hunting party was twenty Dhani strong, fifteen of the finest guards, and five reimancers including Aka. The addition of Evalin made the group twenty one in total, some guards looked upon Aka in slight contempt, they disliked how a cousin could become such a known figure in the Nest, yet they respected her power. Her small body held enough power to decimate a whole fang of Myrians with her flames, even a veteran warrior would be impressed by the feat. One of the guards were Senka, of course, the Constrictor had became edgy around Aka and her undead companion ever since that fateful day where Evalin stood up to her to defend her mistress. Even more, the slave seemed to change her appearance, now looking more Myrian than a tiny girl, this made the Constrictor even more wary. For now, she would focus on the hunt. The Guards were focused on the front, with some on the left and right, while the Reimancers gathered in the center.

"Ssso, Aka," A female reimancer in Dhani form, white scales with gold stripes adorning her body, approached the lead reimancer, acting with some semblance of respect, "Do you know anything about thisss 'Monssster'? Seem like it'sss dangerousss enough to send thisss many of usss". The white reimancer hissed in snake-tongue.

"Hmmm..." The Crimson Viper was in her human form, she was fond of it now since she could jump and do complex maneuver easier than in her Dhani or Snake form since she had two legs, her smaller form would also attract less attention compared to her giant cousins. "I don't know, Suni," She turned to the white Dhani, "But ordersss are ordersss, right? I alssso don't like it when sssome monssster is killing our brethren," She answered in Common, her human tongue incapable of speaking her native language, she then turned to Evalin, now no longer a slave, but a companion and lover, "Eva, you know anything about it?" It was a light question, Aka didn't expect Evalin to know, but conversing with her was always fun. Her concern for Aka's safety was amusing, but appreciated, "Ahaha, don't worry, Eva, if it eatsss me, I'll burn in it from the inssside, don't worry!"

Suni merely gave a sigh as she gazed at the thick foliage above, "I jussst hope we can return sssafe and sssound..."

[Evalin]

The nuit felt wary... though not because of what they hunted. NO it was the serpents... Dhani, far too many dhani surrounded her. They slithered and slid, scales scraping against dirt and root, hissing in that horrid tongue of theirs. Oh how Evalin wished it would stop, the hissing! The Witch would have never dreamed that so many would be sent. 20... 20 Dhani all gathered in a clump slithering through the woods. Oh how stealthy... Surely they would NEVER attract attention.

Her eyes cast to the side, catching upon that one guard of interest in this slithering sea of scales. Senka... Perhaps it was not all as bad as it seemed. Now she had the constrictor out in the jungle... where anything could happen. Perhaps this day I will be rid of a troublesome snake.

To Aka Evalin shrugged, "Know I not Mistress. Without seeing I cannot for even a moment venture a guess what its origins might be." This of course lead Evalin to be VERY curious. Something that would cause such trouble for Dhani surely would be of a Myrian design would it not? Who, or what, else would put such effort to cause so much trouble? Other strange incidences had been occurring of late, which Evalin suspected may in fact be related. Stones rolled as if to block the entrances to the tunnels to Zinrah, supplies gone missing, livestock and slaves slaughtered. It seemed a lot of misfortune was about zinrah of late... This of course made Evalin vastly curious...

Evalin let herself shrink to the back of the group of reimancers, looking as though she were moving to get a better view. As she did she slowly removed her pendent, handling it delicately as if she did not wish to harm it, and made as if to stow it away in her pocket. Instead she used the folds of her robes to hide her motions as she allowed the gem to fall to the ground instead, moving her had as though she were still pressing the item deep in her pocket before hurrying forward to catch up with Aka once more. She did not need to look back, she knew that Tsenrika would shift to his Familiar shape when the group was out of sight. He would be her eyes in the darker corners of the jungle, and her aid should she require it. Of late the Familiar had begun to speak less and less to the nuit. Evalin dismissed this as the Irylid's nature, yet somewhere deep down she was not completely sure this was so.

The serpents hissed and spoke, laughing at times, conversing with one another in their foul language. All the while Evalin continued on in silence, staying close to Aka, not completely paying attention to anything around her for as she moved she let her eyes see through her Familiar, and not through her own. IT was odd, to walk when you were looking through another''s eyes. After she stumbled twice Evalin finally blinked, wising up and smiling over at Aka, extending her hand, "I look through the eyes of stillness Mistress... Please guide me on our path. I am in your hands." Once Aka took her hand, to lead the nuit on, Evalin would simply let her eyes go slightly out of focus as she caressed the bond she shared with Tsenrika, pulling closer to look with the eyes of an Irylid.

For a time there was nothing. Evalin passed between her body and Tsenrika's, absently coming back to traverse more difficult ground before letting herself see through her Famliar once more. IT was... dull. The jungle was still, quiet, and there was nothing at all that seemed amiss. Nothing that is, until something flashed across their shared vision.

Evalin flinched, coming to a complete stop, her hand tightening on Aka's as she held up a finger to her lips to indicated to the girl not to ask just yet. Closing her eyes Evalin let herself be completely engrossed in the bond, pulling on their shared djed to bring to crystal clarity the world as seen through the vision of an Irylid.

What was it?

Know I not...

Find it. Stay hidden, but do not let it stray from your sight. Evalin could feel the Familiar, where he was through their link. She felt his rhythmic pulse of life, cold and calm, even as she saw through his eyes. Until she saw... A shape, darkened, deformed, ugly... It was preparing to throw something.

Evalin's eyes snapped open and she looked to their right, eyes wide and searching until she saw it. A large stone, flying through the air to the right and slightly behind. Limbs cracked as it bounced of tree and branch, crashing through the foliage. Pulling on the girl's hand Evlain tugged Aka back out of range as the stone fell in the midsts of the grip, right where the reimancers were located.

Releasing Aka Evalin clapped her hands together, closing her eyes and searching along with her Familiar, "Something hides in the trees... It knew where to throw the stone, as if it knew which one of our group should be disposed of first..."

Evalin opened her eyes, looking at Aka, "Whatever manner of beast this is, it holds some intelligence. Such does not bode well Mistress..."

OOCYay lets get started! I figure we can take turns acting and interacting with all the NPC's involved. Lets have fun with this one ^.^

[Soshakuakamamushi]

OOCDuly noted! But you will fully control the beast, right?

"Hmmm... I sssee, whatever it wasss, we'll turn it into ashesss," Aka gave her lover a confident grin, this thing was suspected to be the source of various disasters concerning Zinrah as of late. The disrupted supplies being of the most heaviest blows, Zinrah needed their steady source of goods to support the massive snakes within. The Viper was curious herself, did the Myrians acquire a new war beast or something? As far as she knew, the Constrictor's true enemies were the bronze monkey and nothing else, not many could stand up to creatures who could grow into forty feet long serpents.

Contrasting with the uneasy Nuit, the Viper felt safer in the bulk of her kin, she could understand their banters after all, the guards mostly spoke on how they were going to feast on monster meat tonight, also taking its body parts to the Marrow, who knows if the strange maledictor there could fashion them an exotic weapon or two. Aka agreed, she reminded herself to take a part of whatever creature they were hunting and take it to the Marrow, perhaps as a gift for Evalin this time since the acid ring couldn't be used by anyone else but Aka. Of course, she wouldn't tell the Nuit, it would be a surprise.

"Hey, come on, don't be a ssslowpoke," Aka jested, amused by how hesitant the Nuit girl looked, she kept lagging behind the others. Aka assumed she must be nervous with all the Dhani around her, Eva loved solitude and being the odd one out would unnerve her, this made the Viper giggle, so even an ancient sorceress could still feel anxiety. Aka let Eva caught up to her then she gave a playful jab to Eva's arm, "I'm here with you, you'll be fine~" This little display of affection brought a few groaning-hiss from the reimancers, Aka could swear one of them muttered "Get a room..." in Snake-tongue. She ignored it.

"Hmmm?" Aka quirked an eyebrow when Eva offered her hand, "Oh, I sssee, don't worry," she grabbed Eva's hand with her left. The Nuit was going to do her clairvoyance ability again, just like back then when they captured a Myrian girl for her to switch bodies. The Viper would guide Eva until told otherwise, trying her best to keep her from stumbling, though with her now larger build, Eva could bring both of them down. "Ssso, after thi- Woah?!" Her steps were halted, her smaller body not having enough strength to pull the frozen Nuit. "Wha-..." Her question was interrupted by Eva's gesture, the Viper stayed silent. Aka gestured for the group to stop, the reimancers obeyed her just fine, but the guards groaned in frustration, the normally talkative Senka just watched with suspicious eyes though.

"THERE!!" One of the guards suddenly shouted out, pointing to the large stone arcing towards them, the experienced warriors readied themselves into battle position, holding their massive weapons such as halberds, large spears, and greatswords.

"Hmph!" With her mastery, Aka quickly exhumed her gaseous res from her palms even as she was being pulled away, the res gathered into a cloud above the reimancers then fragmented the falling stone as it passed the res, then Aka shaped the fragmented stone into four sphere-shaped boulders, "That wasss clossse... Alright! It'sss here! Prepare!" She signaled for the reimancers, they gathered in a line and each prepared their own elemental expertise, meanwhile, Aka turned her attention to Eva, "I agree, I think it'sss sssentient... no matter, we'll kill it! Haha! You worry too much, my dear!" The Viper released herself from Evalin then elegantly walked to the middle of the Reimancers, assuming leadership. With a flick of her right hand, the four floating boulders all ignited into flames, transforming into spheres of fire.

"Let'sss play..."

[Evalin]

"Worry in the right amounts focuses the mind and sharpens the skills..." Evalin said slowly as Aka took up command and called the collection to action. Evalin on the other hand shrank back farther into the shadows, gripping her staff with two hands and closing her eyes to focus o her bond with Tsenrika. She let her mind leave her own body, becoming one with the Irylid in a way as she looked through his vision at the world.

It was like a veil was lifted and she could truly SEE for the first time. Every color was richer, every texture sharper. She could see the tiniest detail, even the lines on an insects wings. The Irylid was floating through the brush, following after the... creature, or whatever it was. It walked up right, if a bit sloping, yet its shape was oddly distorted. She watched curiously as the thing crouched down, peering through the underbrush out at the collected mass of slithering snakes.

She heard the command which called the flaming stones to be let loose, flying in the direction of the previous attack, yet Evalin knew that it was pointless. It had already moved and was now slowly flanking them. It was just... watching then. Observing almost, as if it were planning out a stratagem. But what WAS it? It was no Dhani, but then it was not a Myrian either. ITs strange sloping shoulders and weird growths from its neck were odd to be sure, but then its arms were far too long to be either species. Perhaps it was a fresh sort of beast spawned from the wild djed of the world... Evalin couldn't be sure. However... from time to time she would get a twinge in the back of her mind, a familiar tingle that she could not quite place...

There came suddenly a cry from the east, a guttural war cry as the brushes moved and from the trees there came a flood of bronze skinned individuals. Evalin's eyes snapped open, and she nearly stumbled on a root in her haste to fall back into the darkness of the trees. It was a Myrain patrol, but where had it come from? Why was it HERE. Blinking, through Tsenrika's eyes Evalin could see the creature's shoulder's moving up and down Rythmically. Almost as if it were... laughing.

It was like the peaces were suddenly coming together, and Evalin called to Aka from the darkness, "Mistress it was a trap! It lured us into the path of a Myrian patrol!"\

But with that Evalin would turn, her eyes looking up to the lowest branch of the tree she stood next too. Crouching low Evalin spring up with all her might, grabbing hold of the branch with one hand while she pushed with her feet against the part of the tree, scrambling up into the leaves. She climbed a few branches higher, pushing aside some limbs to look at the conflict below.

There is little use in becoming involved in this poorly executed facade. I will not place my own ichor on the line to be subdued by a trap set by an inferior beast... Thus was Evalin's answer to Tsenrika's probing consciousness.

There were only 10 Myrians in this patrol, half the number of the Dhani forces, however what they had was two fold. They had the Dhani's flank as their attention had been distracted by the creature, and the Myrian's had the element of surprise. Thus two of the guards closest to the invasion fell quickly within the chime as the Myrian's advanced, seeing a possible victory on their hands.

Evalin was content to remain hidden where she was for the time being. Perhaps she would offer aid to the Mistress should she require it... yet somehow Evalin sorely doubted that this would be the case.

OOCYes I will control the monster

[Soshakuakamamushi]

Aka commanded her quad flaming boulders to launch at the direction where the hostile attack came from, snapping her right hand as she willed them to explode. "..." The lack of screams made her assume the target had changed its location, quite smart. Senka was already taking charge of the guards, sending eight of them to charge at the enemy, while Aka led the reimancers. The Constrictor guard gave an annoyed glance at the Viper reimancer, hissing in snake-tongue, "Sssmall fry! Don't ssscrew thisss up!" Her slitted eyes narrowed in contempt, "And your ssslave fled? Coward!" She disliked the Nuit, most likely because Eva dared to threaten her with that puny little body of hers back in the Scenery.

Four guards, including Senka, stayed to protect the five Reimancers as they prepared to charge forward. Two reimancers wielding earthen spears and spikes around their form, one reimancer focused on manipulating sharp wind blades, while Suni used water whips, Aka was the one who wielded flames. "I will! Let'sss get thisss done and go home!" The Viper was about to charge with her kin when Eva suddenly shouted out to her, warning her of an imminent Myrian patrol of all things. "WHAT?!" Aka whipped her head, looking at the Nuit with widened eyes of disbelief. She could hear the angered hisses of her brethrens, especially Senka, "Petching bullssshyke! Myrian won-" The Constrictor's remark was cut short as guttural war-cries echoed from the East, along with the hisses of the forward guards, Senka gripped her halberd hard in rage, "Imposssible... IMPOSSSIBLE!!"

This time, the Viper agreed with Senka, this creature had been a thorn on their side for far too long, even going as far to deliberately pit them against Myrians. No matter, she would kill them all and set things right. The Viper clenched her fists as reddish gaseous res flowed out from her form, gathering above her in six separate res spheres, each around the size of a watermelon. She ignited their outer layers, firmly planting her foot on the ground, "Let'sss kill them all!" She then charged forward, along with the others. Meanwhile, the eight forward guards were taken by surprise, two of them fell to the surprise attack, mainly by arrows. They were not dead yet, Constrictors were strong and hardy, but they were effectively out of the fight. The remaining six found themselves battling ten Myrians and an unknown grotesque monster. Suddenly, a sphere of flames waltzed over them from behind, heading to the Myrian group. The sphere then exploded with fiery might, taking out three Myrians as shockwave and heat battered their bodies. The reimancers and remaining guards had arrived.

The Viper ran forward as five sphere of flames circled above her head, ready to be launched at her command, she had taken out three of them, these bronze monkeys were no match for a Dhani, a Constrictor could take up to four Myrians just fine, with eighteen of them, they were doomed, however, the serpents also got this monster to worry about. It was still nowhere in sight, Aka was getting agitated. "Senka, can you take care of the monkeysss while me and Sssuni find that petching abomination?" The Viper proposed as the Dhani forces faced the Myrians.

"Sssure, Sssmall fry!! Easssy! Jussst kill that thing for the glory of Siku! Alright, guardsss and reimancersss! On me!" The Guard raised her halberds, gesturing for the warriors and three reimancers to engage the Myrians.

"Alright, let's go, Suni," Aka motioned for the water reimancer to follow her, they split off from the main group. Her scarlet slits darting left and right as her lithe feet carried her onward. Suni was slithering close to Aka, idly admiring the Viper's agility and prowess in magic. "EVALIN!! Where's isss that damn thing?!" She shouted, half-expecting for the Nuit to not hear her, they were rather far-away in terms of in-combat situation and unless Eva changed her position, they would be out of earshot soon.

[Evalin]

The Myrians clashed into the Dhani, and however fierce the battle the victor was clearly decided. Evalin almost felt pity for the mortals. It was like a fly buzzing around a lion's ear. A nuisance, but in the end no threat at all. No, the battle itself was of no interest to Evalin. Instead she found her focus on the creature which, now, was growing all the more interesting. Through her Familiar she watched as it circled behind the battle, scatting along the edges of the forest line, just out of sight. This made Evalin's eyes narrow in confusion. She watched as it watched the battle, just outside the line of the flames, crouched low as if... waiting. The battle was a fierce one, and the magic being let loose was a fantastic sight, but the beast, whatever it was, did not seem interested in this at all. Now that it had stilled its movements the Immortal could see its outline more clear. It was man shaped, though somehow... deformed. Large lumps cascaded down his already enlarged and sloping shoulders, and when he walked it was more of a shuffle with its arms nearly dragging the ground. Tsenrika was her vessel, her eyes in this moment as she watched with growing fascination as the creature shifted, becoming more alert. A body crashed through the bushes past the tree line, a dhani in full form slithering and writing in pain from multiple arrows. The creature lunged at the chance, hands fixing around the creatures neck and with a swift twist the Dhani's spine was broken.

Startled by the sudden violence Evalin opened her eyes, brows furrowing at what she saw. The battle still raged around her, yet she could not seem to find a single shred of care to give to the situation. No there was... something else there, something that captured her fascination and drove her to seek answers. A feeling of familiarity, something she could not shake... Closing her eyes Evalin watched, enthralled as the creature... tore off chunks of the Dhani, bitting into its scaly flesh and ripping pieces free which it consumed with a famished hunger.

What.... Evalin began to ask, but she was interrupted by the urgent words of Tsenrika, It grows... It changes... Ill tidings I see. and Evalin could see it too. It's skin bubbled and shifted, bones rearranging as it grew in size, flesh stretching. It was becoming something else, and that something... Evalin's eyes snapped open and she stood on the branch, looking off in the direction of the creature, Keep eyes upon it. It must be stopped before it causes too much havoc on the patrol. and before the Familiar could protest Evalin swung down from the tree, her eyes scanning the field of battle for the girl, Aka. When her eyes alighted on the little MIstress she was off.

It was... almost serene for the nuit. The fighting, the blood, the carnage. Fires blossomed as magic soared through the air, weapons clashed and drove into flesh. It gave Evalin a sense of thrill, a comforting sight almost. In such settings as this no one looked at her, no one noticed her. She was not simply an undead creature, she was... SHe held power in places such as this, and it was with a smile that she found Senka in her path to Aka. The Constrictor turned to look at the nuit, and even with the serpent eyes Evalin could see the hate, could taste it deep down in her mark. The Guard was bleeding from a gash across her chest, and with all the speed her God could give her Evalin dashed forward, dust puffing up from each step as she slipped under the constrictors raising arm, Evalin's hand reached out to wipe across the Dhani's wound, and then she spun and was out from Senka's grasp all within half a tick. Turning back with a smile fit to chill the hearts of most men, Evalin licked her bloodied fingers before continuing on to Aka's side.

By Aka's side Evalin moved to stand in front of both Dhani, slamming her staff on the ground with some urgency as she looked at Aka, "Mistress, the creature it... It consumed the flesh of one of our own, and it is about to--" but there was no chance to finish as a new sound came from behind Aka at the tree line. Evalin stared over the girl's shoulder, her eyes widening in surprise at what she saw. A snake, a large snake with five bulbous heads. Rearing back and opening its mouths wide enough to swallow a grown man whole.

It attacks... Tsenrika said with an almost amused pitch to his words.

Evalin grimaced, her hand gripping her staff harder as she watched the beast press through the startled group of Dhani guards, tossing them aside with flicks of its necks and tail, making for the reimancers closer to the middle. Water splashed against it, wind cut at its hide, and weapons pierced its flesh, but it did not seem affected at all. From its wounds no blood flowed, and whenever a Dhani got close enough to strike it one of it's heads would whip out and pierce his body with long needle like teeth. Evalin could feel it then, it screamed at her so loud it made her blood boil. How had she not heard it before, how could she not have recognized this call? It was familiar because this beast was so much like...

Blinkin, Evalin could not help it. She laughed, cluching at her sides a moment lost in the humor of the moment. She chuckled, resting her hand on her knees as she watched the creature stabbed and slashed, burned and pummeled, yet it would not fall because it COULD NOT fall. Not by those means at least. If Aka had already rushed forward Evalin would hurry to catch up with her, placing a hand on her shoulder to say softly, "This one... My blood boils for it. Allow me to face the beast, and hold your brethren back." The look in her eyes was excitement, hunger and... A cruel amusement for the situation. The face of the true Evalin, for just a moment, showing through as she rushed forward.

Moving to the edge of the trees Evalin would cup her hands to her lips, sucking in deep before shouting over the carnage, her target sure to hear, "Come! Come to ME!"

If the serpent could show surprise it might have in that moment as it's entire body froze for a moment, then all five heads turned to look at Evalin at once. It hissed, unintelligible, beastly as it completely forgot the rest that were present and began to slither toward the nuit. Evalin's smile would widen, and she would wave to Aka, glancing her way to say without words to keep her distance, to to somehow keep the others back as well. As the beast came closer Evalin stood straighter, leaning on her staff as she watched with eager eyes. The beast reared back, one head making aim to strike her, but the Witch raised one hand, hissing softly under her breath in the word of the ancients, "You will not strike this hand." It was a simple order, one that would resonate through the mark despite the language barriers. Though the beast would not understand, it still would be forced to obey.

The head lunged forward, and Evalin moved her hand in the creature's path and it stopped just before touching the nuit. Struggling to move further, the serpent hissed, before drawing back, lunging forward to try it once more, but as before it stopped before it reached Evalin's outstretched hand. Other heads tried,, some coming at once but Evalin would step back, guide the heads away from her with a wave of her hand and amusement in her eyes at her new plaything. After a few tick of this game Evalin pointed at the head on the far right, red eyes narrowing, "Fall to the ground to gravel." The head shook, it's mouth opening to hiss its frustration, but it could not move, not until ti finally fell to the ground, where it remained glaring up. Four heads looked at the fallen head, opening mouths to his at it before looking at Evalin to begin to lunge once more, yet now it was far more difficult as they had to literally drag their fallen brother along the ground.

Laughing Evalin waved her hand, pressing all the head back. Chuckling Evalin raised her hand up for one final command, "Be still..." And it froze, unable to move even a scale, staring hungrily at Evalin with all the foolish ignorance of a monster. Walking slowly around the snake, Evalin eyed the battle that still raged with the patrol. There were still a few stragglers yet to be slain, and with a casual wave Evalin commanded, "Slay the myrians, yet leave the Dhani be. Kill all of the brown skinned flesh walkers, and then grow still until I summon you once more." It fought to resist, to struggle against the command, yet finally it found it was useless and turned, slithering toward the battle once more. This time, however, it ignored the DHani completely, its eyes set on the Myrians instead, hissing and opening its mouth hungrily to consume any and all in its path.

Chuckling Evalin leaned on her staff once more, a look of triumph on her face as she watched the battle finish. Vaguely she wondered if the Dhani would continue their attempt to slaughter the creature, yet if they did then Evalin would find some way to stay their hand... or perhaps the Girl could be of use...? In any case, her time in Zinrah was becoming more and more interesting...

[Soshakuakamamushi]

The battle clashed, the difference in individual power and numbers were clear. In normal circumstances, Myrians would usually outnumber Dhani to overwhelm their great strength, but now, the monkeys were fewer in number, yet they still charged. The guards and reimancers began dispatching the Myrians one by one, Senka cleaved her halberd into a Myrian's skull, utterly crushing it. They would clean this pest then focus back on the monster. "No!" The guard screamed in frustration as the monster suddenly waltzed through the tree line, grabbing one of their wounded, then swiftly killing him. What strength, to break the body of a Constrictor with pure physical strength, this thing was an abomination, even for Dhani standards.

Now, the petching slave just had to interfere, Senka made a hiss of annoyed rage as she saw Evalin's form darting through the jungle, she was so close, Senka could just reach it and break her neck, that was it. If Aka asked, she would say the creature got to her. This thing dared to defy her even though she was just an insignificant slave, she would teach Eva the final lesson of not messing with a Constrictor. Ignoring the pain from her chest wound, Senka raised her halberd to cleave Eva's skull, but the undead was surprisingly nimble, she managed to reach her and bolted out before the strike could finish, "You..." The Nuit was obviously mocking her, Senka returned Eva's chilling smile with a vicious serpentine glare of her own. The girl had reached her damned mistress, Senka decided to ignore her for now as she commanded the guards to finish up the Myrians then charged into the monster.

Aka and Suni made a mistake, both of them were heading to the wrong direction, searching for the creature in the wrong place. "Eva?" Aka quirked an eyebrow as she listened to her lover's explanation, "Damn it..." Suni cursed, the Dhani ranks were thin as it were, even a single casualty was a heavy blow to Zinrah. Aka clicked her tongue as her slitted eyes turned back, more annoyed than intimidated at the sudden roar, but what she saw widened her eyes. "..." The Viper's instincts screamed 'danger!' as she went silent, gesturing for Eva and Suni to retreat back into the group, but the creature reached Senka's squad first, easily tossing them away with powerful flicks of its limbs. The reimancers' magic proved futile against its unbelievably strong hide. She could see Senka, desperately trying to fight it off, but a powerful flick of its head sent the guard flying then crashing onto a tree bark.

Aka had enough, she clenched her fists as thick amount of res flowed from her palms then they traveled into the tips of her index and middle fingers. Sparkles of electricity began forming, those reimancers were below her in skill and not one of them used lightning on the creature, Aka was sure, no matter how strong its hide was, shoot enough bolts at it and it would crumble in ashes. Aka then raised her hands to aim them at the creature, that was when Evalin laughed and put a hand on her shoulder, "What do you mean?!" She was not in the mood for Eva's cryptic talk, but the utter look of twisted excitement on the Nuit's face meant she was planning something. Aka stayed silent as she watched her lover moved towards the beast then shouted after it.

"Im...posssible..." Suni muttered under her breath. Against all plausible explanation, the multi-headed Dhani froze at the girl's voice then it faced the girl. She was about to attack, but Aka stopped her by gesturing them to stand down, the Viper didn't look as surprised for some reason, "I know she'sss planning sssomething... I want to sssee what it isss," said the master reimancer. Suni wasn't in the mood to argue so she stayed silent. The guards and reimancers all gawked as they watched the Viper's slave commanded the beast as if it was her pet, the beast tried to attack, but it always stopped at the last moment. The only Dhani not gawking was Aka, a smirk was placed upon her lips instead, Is this one of your powers, dear Eva? She said in her mind, letting Eva played with her new toy. The res on her fingertips standing down, but she didn't drop her guard.

Aka didn't know what Evalin was saying, but one thing for sure, she had this beast wrapped in her palms, then Eva spoke something that spurred the beast once more. The Dhani all raised their weapons and magic, fully expecting the beast to attack them, but... it strode past them instead, now apparently attacking the Myrians instead. "Oh?" Aka gave Eva an intriguing look, her slits watching the beast as it rampaged through the jungle, this time devouring the Myrians. After all was said and done, the beast lay still, all eyes turned to the Nuit, yet no words were said until Senka came and broke the silence, "What did you jussst do, tiny?!! The guard interrogated her, the Constrictors started circling the Nuit, but Aka stood by her side.

"Ha, that'sss my Katherine, do you ssse now, Senka? Do you now ssse why I kept her around? Becaussse of thisss, her powersss!" It was a lie, Aka kept Evalin around because she loved her, but the reason looked plausible enough. Aka didn't let the Constrictor make a retort as she continued, "Without her today, we might have bigger problemsss to deal with, ssshe wasss the one who warned usss about the beassst earlier, if you can remember," Aka used this chance to prove Evalin's worth to the nest, starting with this particular group of Dhani, "Jussst now, she tamed that monssster, usssing it to kill the monkeysss inssstead! Why are you so angry about it, huh?!" Aka raised her voice, her small human form stood against the much larger Constrictor without fear.

"..." Senka was truly taken aback by Aka's audacity, to make matters worse, the Viper was right, the undead did assist the Dhani group, but no one seemed to notice the little smile she gave at her... how this undead lapped on her blood, "I ssstill don't trussst her". Senka said simply, some Dhani agreed with her while some were more inclined with the Viper. In the end, they all turned their attention back to the abomination, "Well, what are waiting for? Let'sss butcher it and take one of itsss head to the Queen asss prove". At this moment, Aka agreed with her brethren, gaseous res began traveling to the creature as she prepared to douse the monster's body in lava, nothing could resist the destructive force of molten rocks.

[Evalin]

Evalin remained where she was, smiling in subdue joy at the havoc the creature created among the Myrians. Like someone who had mastered a skill they have been trying desperately to learn. The nuit's good cheer could not even be dampened by the arrogant snake Senka, and in fact the act gave her greater join to know she had creeped beneath the scales of such an annoying creature.

In answer Evalin simply raised a hand, wiggling her fingers, "I commanded the creature in a language older than it is, and like a good pet it obeyed its master." she chuckled, looking sideways at Aka and bowing her head, "Mistress, I hope you are pleased."

Opinions of Eva seemed divided, but then that was always to be expected. Evalin knew from the start that she would be faced with far more adversity than gracious gifts and applause. She thrived on the dark feelings in fact, feeling empowered by the suspicions, the uncertainty and the certain hate she would cause to well within these creatures. Let them hate, let them mistrust her. that was just as Evalin had always been, thus why should it change now...?

THey move to slay my master's new pet. Tsenrika remarked slowly.

Blinking Evalin carefully laid a hand on Aka's shoulder, trying to gain her attention once more, "Mistress... Perhaps I may offer a more profitable suggestion for the creature." Evalin turned her eyes on the creature that still remained motionless, "The beast, once a threat is now nothing more than a puppet. Know I the secret to its control, and perhaps it might be used to the advantage of Zinrah. See you how easily it waged war on the Myrians? With but a few words it could become a weapon to use in the struggle against the enemy, and doubt I that any queen would prefer the head of a beast over the leash to its control."

The nuit moved to stand in front of Aka, leaning on her staff as she did and casting a quick glance at those gathered around, "I offer council in this matter to my Mistress, and to those who gather here. A monster can be a terrible burden and a nuisance, but if it is tamed that monster can be a great tool to be used toward another end. Tamed is this beast, and think I a great loss it would be to see it slain without first being used against the monkeys" She nodded once, and looked at Aka, "Give I the leash to my Mistress then... and my Mistress may offer this leash to whomever she wishes."

[Soshakuakamamushi]

The Viper was about to move forward with the rest, but stopped when, Evalin caressed her shoulder again, "He?" Aka gave a rather impatient look at her lover. She wanted to get this done already, to kill the monster then go home with Evalin in her arms on the bed. The Viper listened to the Nuit's proposal, her features growing curious with each word, "Are you... sure?" Some slight hesitation still coated her voice, sure the beast was placid now, but what was stopping it from rampaging again, what if Evalin wasn't there to curb its beastly rage? However, the Nuit sounded so confident and convincing, the beast would make a fine weapon indeed. How it easily batted away even the finest Dhani Elite guards, and how it slaughtered the Myrianw with extreme prejudice.

Aka let the now-taller Eva to move before her as she spoke to the rest of Dhani forces. All seemed silent as Evalin finished her proposal, even the loud sounds of howler monkeys were non-existent as slitted eyes turned towards the only non-Dhani in the group. Murmurs and hisses in Snake-tongue were first to break the tense silence, some nodding their head in approval, some contemplating, but most snarled in disapproval, especially Senka. The Dhani guard slithered to Aka and Eva, then her hissing voice boomed, "WHAT?! Thisss isss madnesss!" The rest of the forces watched as Dhani-formed Senka expressed her utmost disapproval, "You are telling usss to hand over that thing to sssmall fry here?! Ha! Who do you think you are? You are jussst her sla-"

"No." A loud firm voice from the smallest person in the group interrupted Senka's rant, the Master Reimancer Dhani in human form then stood bravely before the giant Constrictor, crossing her arms across her chest, "She isss no longer my 'ssslave', Senka!" The Viper's slitted eyes narrowed in contempt, her mouth baring her white teeth, the slightly longer fangs snarling fearlessly, "Don't you sssee?! Katherine isss clearly loyal to our caussse, to Zinrah, to the gloriousss Dhani!" Aka deliberately raised her voice so all could hear, "She is able to wressst control on monster! Forcing it to our caussse, you ssse how it immediately froze at her wordsss, then when she commanded it to attack thossse Monkeysss, it obeyed! Isssn't that prove enough, Guard?! Imagine how many Myrian livesss slaughtered if we just throw that thing to their puny ranksss!" Aka growled in anger.

Senka was clearly displeased. Her large left fist clenching in rage, but she looked to her brethren, the Viper's words were getting into some of them, and the situation was escalating unfavorably for her, Senka moved her left hand to grab Aka's collar, but...

"Don't. Touch. Me!"

The Viper's firm words stopped her, then they stared at each other for a good fifteen ticks, slitted eyes creating figurative sparks, not one of them were willing to back down. At last, Senka released Aka's collar then angrily pounded her fist onto the ground, her serpentine head looming over the Viper just few inches, "Remember thisss, sssmall fry..." Her split-tongue slithered out to lick at Aka's cheek, "If I sssee one ssscrew-up causssed by your little 'pet', I will tear you limb from limb with my own handsss!" Then she rose again, her height towering over the diminutive Viper, "I'm watching you..." With that she turned around, snarling to the rest of the guards, "ENOUGH! Let'sss go home, let thisss fry handle her filth." Without further words, Senka slithered away from the reimancers, followed by the guards, but the reimancers stayed with the Viper.

"..." Aka kept her gaze on Senka until she was far enough then her expression softened as she faced Evalin, "Alright, that isss done... what ssshould we do with it, send it to the Myriansss?" Aka gestured to the monster with her head, then she idly waved to Suni, "Suni, go ahead and lead them home, I'll handle thingsss from here."

The reimancer nodded as she gestured for the reimancer group to return to Zinrah, leaving Aka, Evalin, and the monster alone.