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http://www.gaiaonline.com/guilds/viewtopic.php?t=8996395
May 17, 2007
Teigra
All was not well with the world.
First, the hunting had been growing steadily more and more difficult as of late. Food was not only scarce, but increasingly difficult to catch when found, for some strange reason. Perhaps the lack of rain lately was making the game skittish and more careful.
Then, there had been that whole incident with that crazy male Pae. One of those obnoxious Fae things, to make matters worse. Why was his life plagued by those things?!?
Kane sighed, stalking silently through the forest. He needed to find something...anything to eat soon. Maybe he would have better luck fishing at this point. He supposed, if he got really desperate, he could sneak back to that one place on the beach. The hut thing that served food to Paes. He didn't like thinking he was losing his touch THAT badly, however.
He growled softly to himself. This was no time to worry about pride. What good was pride if he starved himself to death, anyway? Something alive had to cross his path soon...and Guardians have pity on whatever it was.
First, the hunting had been growing steadily more and more difficult as of late. Food was not only scarce, but increasingly difficult to catch when found, for some strange reason. Perhaps the lack of rain lately was making the game skittish and more careful.
Then, there had been that whole incident with that crazy male Pae. One of those obnoxious Fae things, to make matters worse. Why was his life plagued by those things?!?
Kane sighed, stalking silently through the forest. He needed to find something...anything to eat soon. Maybe he would have better luck fishing at this point. He supposed, if he got really desperate, he could sneak back to that one place on the beach. The hut thing that served food to Paes. He didn't like thinking he was losing his touch THAT badly, however.
He growled softly to himself. This was no time to worry about pride. What good was pride if he starved himself to death, anyway? Something alive had to cross his path soon...and Guardians have pity on whatever it was.
[chainedfaye]
Alaera was wandering aimlessly through the forest, her mind occupied. She'd been doing that a lot since that one encounter she had with that demonic male fae. The feeling of his arms clutching her tightly up against his dangerous body, the fear that permeated her own body. And then that flicker of anger she felt and then the rage pouring through her veins that came afterwards. She loved that feeling, and wanted nothing more than to experience it again. The memory of it glittered in her eyes.
But nothing she had done had been able to evoke it again. And so, listless, she had taken to wandering the forest almost everyday, not paying any attention to where she was going, just plunging noisily through the trees.
But nothing she had done had been able to evoke it again. And so, listless, she had taken to wandering the forest almost everyday, not paying any attention to where she was going, just plunging noisily through the trees.
Teigra
A sound!
Kane's ear twitched slightly and he halted his silent flight through the treetops. Not far off either, from the sound of it. Grinning to himself, his fangs flashed in the light that filtered through the leaves of the forest's canopy. About time...
He shifted direction, continuing his eerily quiet race through the trees. He'd perfected the art of silent hunting early on, back before he ever ventured into Dragnid alone. He'd made many trips since then, but the food was always better in Loka Nei. Tastier and didn't fight back at much at least.
Whatever he was chasing had apparently never even heard of the concept of stealth, let alone practiced it. This would be too easy. The thought almost brought a chuckle to the feral Pae's lips...but not quite. Now was the time for silence and speed. Leaves and branches whipped by as he closed in on his prey.
Perhaps if he had used his nose and not his ears, he would have hesitated. Unfortunately, he was so hungry that he was reaching the stage of desperation. Without caring what he might be hunting, he bared his claws and tensed his muscles. He figured he could handle whatever might be crashing through Loka Nei today and that was all he worried about. Waiting patiently, he perched on a tree branch, ready to spring.
Waiting...
Waiting...
Now!
A flash of movement was all the cue he needed before he pounced, claws outstretched and fangs bared, determined to take down his prey.
Kane's ear twitched slightly and he halted his silent flight through the treetops. Not far off either, from the sound of it. Grinning to himself, his fangs flashed in the light that filtered through the leaves of the forest's canopy. About time...
He shifted direction, continuing his eerily quiet race through the trees. He'd perfected the art of silent hunting early on, back before he ever ventured into Dragnid alone. He'd made many trips since then, but the food was always better in Loka Nei. Tastier and didn't fight back at much at least.
Whatever he was chasing had apparently never even heard of the concept of stealth, let alone practiced it. This would be too easy. The thought almost brought a chuckle to the feral Pae's lips...but not quite. Now was the time for silence and speed. Leaves and branches whipped by as he closed in on his prey.
Perhaps if he had used his nose and not his ears, he would have hesitated. Unfortunately, he was so hungry that he was reaching the stage of desperation. Without caring what he might be hunting, he bared his claws and tensed his muscles. He figured he could handle whatever might be crashing through Loka Nei today and that was all he worried about. Waiting patiently, he perched on a tree branch, ready to spring.
Waiting...
Waiting...
Now!
A flash of movement was all the cue he needed before he pounced, claws outstretched and fangs bared, determined to take down his prey.
[chainedfaye]
The tiny little hairs on the back of Alaera's head suddenly stood on end, alert and warning. She froze, her eyes quickly scanning the area around her...nothing. She turned around to look behind her and a flicker of movement above caught the corner of her eyes. Turning her head to get a closer look at the movement, all she saw was a shadow coming down at her, the distinct outline of razor sharp claws glinted against the sunlight. Instinct screamed at her to move, but something inside of her prevented her from running, and she watched helplessly as the shadow bore down on her.
Teigra
Something was off about this prey. What sort of animal wandered around upright on two legs...?
Oh, bloody hell!
It was too late to stop his flight through the air, but not to retract his claws. Flaring his wings, Kane attempted to slow his momentum; even a little bit was better than nothing. He hoped he wasn't wrong in his assumption that this particular Pae'il could take a hit. She'd certainly held her own nicely against that obnoxious Fae, if he remembered correctly. The scent was the same...she looked familiar. Had to be her. She had quite a mouth on her too, if he recalled.
He flinched involuntarily as his hands hit her shoulders. Hopefully, she wouldn't be hurt...
...wait, why did he care?
Oh, bloody hell!
It was too late to stop his flight through the air, but not to retract his claws. Flaring his wings, Kane attempted to slow his momentum; even a little bit was better than nothing. He hoped he wasn't wrong in his assumption that this particular Pae'il could take a hit. She'd certainly held her own nicely against that obnoxious Fae, if he remembered correctly. The scent was the same...she looked familiar. Had to be her. She had quite a mouth on her too, if he recalled.
He flinched involuntarily as his hands hit her shoulders. Hopefully, she wouldn't be hurt...
...wait, why did he care?
[chainedfaye]
Alaera fell to the ground under the weight of flying demon. She muttered darkly and fought against his bulk, trying to get him off of her. "Get off of me already!" she yelled and the outburst seemed to give her a boost of energy she needed to remove him from herself. Standing up and brushing herself off, she finally realized exactly who it was that had landed on her.
Oh great. It was that guy from the other day. She was sooo not in the mood to deal with anyone else right now, least of all someone who had actually been there to witness her helplessness. Her weakness. Something had changed in her that day, something she didn't understand. He had sort of rescued her though, or at least distracted that evil fae long enough for her to fight back. She supposed she could be nice-ish...for now anyway.
"So you always greet people by attacking them?" she said as she glared at him.
Oh great. It was that guy from the other day. She was sooo not in the mood to deal with anyone else right now, least of all someone who had actually been there to witness her helplessness. Her weakness. Something had changed in her that day, something she didn't understand. He had sort of rescued her though, or at least distracted that evil fae long enough for her to fight back. She supposed she could be nice-ish...for now anyway.
"So you always greet people by attacking them?" she said as she glared at him.
Teigra
Kane never apologized. For anything. Ever. It wasn't in his nature, even IF he had ever been taught manners like that. But for some reason, for the briefest second, the possibility had crossed his mind.
Shattered the second she opened her mouth.
"Only when I'm hungry," he snapped back, glittering eyes narrowed dangerously. "You're just lucky I didn't use my claws. Wouldn't be much left of you by now." Like their last encounter, his voice was harsh from misuse. No point in talking to your prey in the forest before you ate them afterall. The difference this time was the arrogance practically dripping from each word out of his mouth.
He'd almost been willing to give this crazy femme a chance, but it seemed she was just as obnoxious as the rest of them. Guardians knew why he'd even considered THAT possibility! Snarling in frustration, he took his fury out on the dirt....for the moment. He was on all-fours, wings flared with claws sunk deep into the soil when he turned back to Alaera. His tail whipped back and forth, betraying his pent-up anger and frustration.
As much as he'd never admit it to himself, let alone anyone else, there might have been a little desperation and hunger mixed in as well.
"Hmmph. Probably wouldn't even make a decent snack, let alone a meal," he sneered as if musing to himself. He wasn't serious, but he felt like taking another jab at her. Not that he'd ever eat another Pae'il, no matter how hungry he was.
Probably wouldn't taste good anyway.
Shattered the second she opened her mouth.
"Only when I'm hungry," he snapped back, glittering eyes narrowed dangerously. "You're just lucky I didn't use my claws. Wouldn't be much left of you by now." Like their last encounter, his voice was harsh from misuse. No point in talking to your prey in the forest before you ate them afterall. The difference this time was the arrogance practically dripping from each word out of his mouth.
He'd almost been willing to give this crazy femme a chance, but it seemed she was just as obnoxious as the rest of them. Guardians knew why he'd even considered THAT possibility! Snarling in frustration, he took his fury out on the dirt....for the moment. He was on all-fours, wings flared with claws sunk deep into the soil when he turned back to Alaera. His tail whipped back and forth, betraying his pent-up anger and frustration.
As much as he'd never admit it to himself, let alone anyone else, there might have been a little desperation and hunger mixed in as well.
"Hmmph. Probably wouldn't even make a decent snack, let alone a meal," he sneered as if musing to himself. He wasn't serious, but he felt like taking another jab at her. Not that he'd ever eat another Pae'il, no matter how hungry he was.
Probably wouldn't taste good anyway.
[chainedfaye]
Alaera raised an eyebrow at his antics...this was sure a strange one. She just hoped he wasn't planning on licking her anytime soon. Which, considering that he had been planning to eat her, it didn't seem like too far-fetched an idea.
She opened her mouth, ready to chew him out and inform him that she was tougher than she looked, when he insulted her tastiness, and her mouth snapped back shut. She couldn't help but smirk at the irony of her thoughts and his response. "Well, not that I've ever tried eating myself or any other Pae for that matter, but I highly doubt any of us would be very tasty. Though I do have a younger sister you are welcome to try." Amethyst really had been driving her crazy lately. She chuckled at the image of this demon chasing after her sister, claws extended and reaching toward its prey. The little girl would be absolutely terrified. She snapped back to reality...when had her thoughts become so dark?
She shook her head..."Well, if you are so hungry, I saw some berries back there, though I have a feeling that's not exactly what you had in mind for lunch. "
She opened her mouth, ready to chew him out and inform him that she was tougher than she looked, when he insulted her tastiness, and her mouth snapped back shut. She couldn't help but smirk at the irony of her thoughts and his response. "Well, not that I've ever tried eating myself or any other Pae for that matter, but I highly doubt any of us would be very tasty. Though I do have a younger sister you are welcome to try." Amethyst really had been driving her crazy lately. She chuckled at the image of this demon chasing after her sister, claws extended and reaching toward its prey. The little girl would be absolutely terrified. She snapped back to reality...when had her thoughts become so dark?
She shook her head..."Well, if you are so hungry, I saw some berries back there, though I have a feeling that's not exactly what you had in mind for lunch. "
Teigra
It was Kane's turn to raise an eyebrow. She wasn't serious...was she? He actually couldn't tell for once...which was highly unusual. Unsure of how to respond, he opted to continue their verbal sparring. "Nah. If you wouldn't make a decent snack, then I'm sure she wouldn't be more than a bite anyway."
The feral feline Pae relaxed a bit, lowering his flared wings as he stood up on two legs once more. He had to give her credit. Most Pae'il would have balked or even run away at his ferocious display; she hadn't even backed down...not even a single step. She took a pretty hard hit to boot.
"No, not exactly what I had in mind," he sneered dryly, rolling his eyes. It wasn't necessarily mean-spirited this time...just more of a snarky response to an obvious statement. After all, one didn't usually pounce on berries from trees. Not that he hadn't resorted to the silly things before. He'd just never admit to growing desperate enough to eat the sissy food. Still, it was better than vegetables. Not nearly as good as meat, but survival came first.
"So...any reason you were crashing through the forest like that? Anger something in Dragnid, for example?" Kane leaned back against a tree, arms crossed as a rare sparkle shown in his eye. He'd certainly done that plenty of times...though he didn't usually run.
The feral feline Pae relaxed a bit, lowering his flared wings as he stood up on two legs once more. He had to give her credit. Most Pae'il would have balked or even run away at his ferocious display; she hadn't even backed down...not even a single step. She took a pretty hard hit to boot.
"No, not exactly what I had in mind," he sneered dryly, rolling his eyes. It wasn't necessarily mean-spirited this time...just more of a snarky response to an obvious statement. After all, one didn't usually pounce on berries from trees. Not that he hadn't resorted to the silly things before. He'd just never admit to growing desperate enough to eat the sissy food. Still, it was better than vegetables. Not nearly as good as meat, but survival came first.
"So...any reason you were crashing through the forest like that? Anger something in Dragnid, for example?" Kane leaned back against a tree, arms crossed as a rare sparkle shown in his eye. He'd certainly done that plenty of times...though he didn't usually run.
[chainedfaye]
Alaera let his attitude slide for now...after all she could be a huge b***h when she was hungry too. Though since she found that refrigerator box thing in the HQ, that honestly hadn't been very often lately. So how come she was in such a bitchy attitude so much lately?
Alaera turned and looked around her, confusion evident on her face.
"Dragnid? I hadn't realized I had wandered so far...." she trailed off. It still looked like Loka Nei to her....was he lost? Perhaps he was from there she mused. That would explain a lot about the demon male, especially his rabid manners. After all she'd always heard ferocious, wild beasts lived in Dragnid, and although she wouldn't quite classify him as a beast, he would have to be pretty ferocious himself to survive for very long in the dangerous forest.
Maybe he was somehow trying to trick her though...he seemed like the type but she couldn't think of a logical reason for it. Her hands slide up their previous position on her hips to cross her arms over her chest in a defensive stance. "No, I was just going for a nice, peaceful morning stroll. " That wasn't exactly the truth but what did he need to know that for. And anyway it was his fault her pretend nice, peaceful stroll was interrupted in the first place.
Alaera turned and looked around her, confusion evident on her face.
"Dragnid? I hadn't realized I had wandered so far...." she trailed off. It still looked like Loka Nei to her....was he lost? Perhaps he was from there she mused. That would explain a lot about the demon male, especially his rabid manners. After all she'd always heard ferocious, wild beasts lived in Dragnid, and although she wouldn't quite classify him as a beast, he would have to be pretty ferocious himself to survive for very long in the dangerous forest.
Maybe he was somehow trying to trick her though...he seemed like the type but she couldn't think of a logical reason for it. Her hands slide up their previous position on her hips to cross her arms over her chest in a defensive stance. "No, I was just going for a nice, peaceful morning stroll. " That wasn't exactly the truth but what did he need to know that for. And anyway it was his fault her pretend nice, peaceful stroll was interrupted in the first place.
Teigra
Noting her confusion, Kane laughed; it was a harsh, rough sound. "Yeah, Dragnid's not that far off, actually. Far enough that we're safe here of course. Though it might be a good thing for you in that case that I mistook you for prey. Else, you'd probably have wandered right on in and found something much more willing to eat you than I." Smirking slightly, Kane's fangs flashed momentarily in the light filtering down through the trees. This one was fun afterall. She had her moments at least. And she was amusing to tease.
"A peaceful morning stroll?" He tilted his head curiously, one ear twitching involuntarily as it brushed against the rough tree trunk. The concept eluded him completely. Why would one just walk...for fun? You walked or ran to hunt down food. Food meant energy to hunt again. Hunting meant survival. Running around for no reason? It was a waste of good energy and sure to lead to death...at least in Kane's world.
'That...plus she sounded like a wild boar with a death wish...' he mused, fighting an outward grin. Perhaps he had forgotten how quietly he could move in comparison to other Pae'il. Or he didn't realize exactly how much more sensitive his hearing was, especially to sounds in the forest. Either way, he estimated he could have heard her coming from halfway across the isle.
Finally, he shrugged dismissively, seeming to come to terms with the issue. "Fine, have it your way, kiddo. Just a peaceful, morning stroll. Just don't wander into Dragnid with that attitude. You might last about five seconds."
Pausing, he shot her a devilish grin. "Strike that. Three."
"A peaceful morning stroll?" He tilted his head curiously, one ear twitching involuntarily as it brushed against the rough tree trunk. The concept eluded him completely. Why would one just walk...for fun? You walked or ran to hunt down food. Food meant energy to hunt again. Hunting meant survival. Running around for no reason? It was a waste of good energy and sure to lead to death...at least in Kane's world.
'That...plus she sounded like a wild boar with a death wish...' he mused, fighting an outward grin. Perhaps he had forgotten how quietly he could move in comparison to other Pae'il. Or he didn't realize exactly how much more sensitive his hearing was, especially to sounds in the forest. Either way, he estimated he could have heard her coming from halfway across the isle.
Finally, he shrugged dismissively, seeming to come to terms with the issue. "Fine, have it your way, kiddo. Just a peaceful, morning stroll. Just don't wander into Dragnid with that attitude. You might last about five seconds."
Pausing, he shot her a devilish grin. "Strike that. Three."
[chainedfaye]
Alaera snorted and rolled her eyes. "Yeah like you were oh so helpful against that male fae. At least I made contact with the guy. Can't say the same for you." She paused a moment, waiting for the response her insult surely would invoke.
She hadn't even been attempting to be quite earlier. Why bother after all. She was in Loka Nei, not like she had ever run into anything dangerous there before. And she did have some several skills. You tend to pick up at least a few while being pursued as a child and forced to survive on your own as a teenager. She did wish she knew how to fight though....or at least had some sort of weapon.
She'd never been in Dragnid before, but eh, what the hell, why not. She looked at her nails nonchalantly. They were no where near as strong or long as his claws but they had worked well for her in the past. Her gaze moved back up to the demon's, challenging. "So, is that a dare then?"
She hadn't even been attempting to be quite earlier. Why bother after all. She was in Loka Nei, not like she had ever run into anything dangerous there before. And she did have some several skills. You tend to pick up at least a few while being pursued as a child and forced to survive on your own as a teenager. She did wish she knew how to fight though....or at least had some sort of weapon.
She'd never been in Dragnid before, but eh, what the hell, why not. She looked at her nails nonchalantly. They were no where near as strong or long as his claws but they had worked well for her in the past. Her gaze moved back up to the demon's, challenging. "So, is that a dare then?"
Teigra
"Contact?" Kane repeated, one eyebrow raised. He nearly laughed out loud at that, but managed to hold back. "You say you made contact with him? Right. I'd say more that he made 'contact' with you...or at least took a taste." Smirking, he shook his head as if speaking to a child. "Plus, at least I drew blood. Even if I didn't catch the jerk, can you claim that much?"
Perhaps he was pushing it a bit far. She was only a girl afterall. She couldn't help it. From what he'd seen of most of them, they tended to be whiny and emotional over the least little things. Not that they could help it. They were born that way. While this one showed a little promise...she was still a femme. He should take it easy on her.
Wait....why?
Then, he realized it. She really was crazy. "Excuse me? A dare?" What the hell was she thinking? What in Telrunya was a 'dare?' The word held no meaning for the feral demon, but one look in her eyes was enough to explain it to him. The beautiful sparkle of a true challenge. He'd seen that spark before...though never in another Pae'il. Only in some of the beasts from Dragnid...
Chuckling softly, he crossed his arms and looked up at her through narrowed eyes. The eyes of a predator.
"Yes. Yes it is. Care to take it? Can you stand up to the challenge?"
Perhaps he was pushing it a bit far. She was only a girl afterall. She couldn't help it. From what he'd seen of most of them, they tended to be whiny and emotional over the least little things. Not that they could help it. They were born that way. While this one showed a little promise...she was still a femme. He should take it easy on her.
Wait....why?
Then, he realized it. She really was crazy. "Excuse me? A dare?" What the hell was she thinking? What in Telrunya was a 'dare?' The word held no meaning for the feral demon, but one look in her eyes was enough to explain it to him. The beautiful sparkle of a true challenge. He'd seen that spark before...though never in another Pae'il. Only in some of the beasts from Dragnid...
Chuckling softly, he crossed his arms and looked up at her through narrowed eyes. The eyes of a predator.
"Yes. Yes it is. Care to take it? Can you stand up to the challenge?"
[chainedfaye]
Bright red colored of Alaera's cheeks as she flushed at his comment. She shuddered as she remembered the way his tongue scrapped roughly against her skin as he licked her cheek, the way his strong hands gripped her close to him, close enough to feel his breath tickling the hairs on her neck. It wasn't altogether that unpleasant, just unwanted from him. Breaking out of her memories, she retorted "Yeah well at least he thought I was good enough for a taste." Her blush only deepened as she belatedly realized just exactly what she had said.
Hoping to distract him from what was sure to be an even further embarrassing reply, she stepped close, trying to show to him she wasn't scared of him or his challenge. "3 seconds. You're on. I make it, you find lunch. You have to save me, and I'll make you lunch. Deal?"
She turned around and started to stalk to Dragnid.
Hoping to distract him from what was sure to be an even further embarrassing reply, she stepped close, trying to show to him she wasn't scared of him or his challenge. "3 seconds. You're on. I make it, you find lunch. You have to save me, and I'll make you lunch. Deal?"
She turned around and started to stalk to Dragnid.
Teigra
Kane tilted his head curiously, watching her go. Well, this was an interesting situation he'd gotten himself wrapped up in. Three seconds wasn't that long. Certainly not an impressive amount of time, not even for staying in Dragnid. What could she possibly run into in that amount of time? Probably nothing, to be honest. It was growing tempting for the feral demon to just turn on his heel and leave the entire matter behind.
A sudden feeling at the edge of his senses gave him pause, however. Something wasn't right. Well, nothing was ever right about Dragnid, but something was more wrong than usual. His senses were on high alert long before the screeches sounded through the air. His sharp ears were sensitive enough that the sound was physically painful, causing him to grimace and lay his ears back against his head.
So much for leaving the crazy femme to her own business.
Without so much as understanding why, Kane slipped off after Alaera, picking up just enough speed to catch up with her without actually joining her again. Perhaps he was only curious as to what could make such a horrible sound and why. Yes, that was it. It had to be.
Nearing Dragnid, Kane let out an involuntary snarl. Something was definitely more wrong than usual. A swift movement out of the corner of his eye stole his attention and instinct kicked in. He reached out, snatching the strange 'thing' out of the air. Peering at his hand, he was mildly surprised to see nothing more than a bat. Only...something wasn't quite right about this 'bat.' Then again, nothing out of Dragnid was ever quite right. Of course, on the other hand, nothing out of Dragnid ever seemed to give Kane the creeps either.
Growling, he tossed the thing away in disgust, watching as it hurriedly flapped its wings to right itself and took off for its mysterious destination once more. What the hell was going on in Dragnid now?
A sudden feeling at the edge of his senses gave him pause, however. Something wasn't right. Well, nothing was ever right about Dragnid, but something was more wrong than usual. His senses were on high alert long before the screeches sounded through the air. His sharp ears were sensitive enough that the sound was physically painful, causing him to grimace and lay his ears back against his head.
So much for leaving the crazy femme to her own business.
Without so much as understanding why, Kane slipped off after Alaera, picking up just enough speed to catch up with her without actually joining her again. Perhaps he was only curious as to what could make such a horrible sound and why. Yes, that was it. It had to be.
Nearing Dragnid, Kane let out an involuntary snarl. Something was definitely more wrong than usual. A swift movement out of the corner of his eye stole his attention and instinct kicked in. He reached out, snatching the strange 'thing' out of the air. Peering at his hand, he was mildly surprised to see nothing more than a bat. Only...something wasn't quite right about this 'bat.' Then again, nothing out of Dragnid was ever quite right. Of course, on the other hand, nothing out of Dragnid ever seemed to give Kane the creeps either.
Growling, he tossed the thing away in disgust, watching as it hurriedly flapped its wings to right itself and took off for its mysterious destination once more. What the hell was going on in Dragnid now?
[chainedfaye]
Alaera continued her march until she reached the outskirts of the dangerous forest. She'd never been this close before and paused as she approached. She couldn't quite place it but something was very very wrong with this forest, she could feel it deep down in her bones.
The silence surrounding the gathering of trees was eerie and oppressing. It seemed almost as if the forest was waiting to pounce on her the moment she entered its domain. Second doubts started to enter her thoughts and she cast around feebly for an excuse.
But turning around she saw the male demon close behind. She sighed. She'd have to go in after all. She realized she didn't even know his name...if he had one at all that is. Figuring it was a good stalling tactic, when he got close she asked.
"What's your name, demon?"
The silence surrounding the gathering of trees was eerie and oppressing. It seemed almost as if the forest was waiting to pounce on her the moment she entered its domain. Second doubts started to enter her thoughts and she cast around feebly for an excuse.
But turning around she saw the male demon close behind. She sighed. She'd have to go in after all. She realized she didn't even know his name...if he had one at all that is. Figuring it was a good stalling tactic, when he got close she asked.
"What's your name, demon?"
Teigra
Kane still wore the snarl he aimed at the bat-creature when he whirled back to face the femme. Any other Pae'il might have been insulted by her tone, but not Kane. He saw no use for pleasantries in his life and expected none in return. In fact, he preferred if no one wasted his time with them.
"Kane,' he answered, pronouncing the two simple syllables and dropping the sneer, but still keeping his eyes narrowed. Something evil lurked in that forest and he didn't intend to let it take him by surprise if it were stupid enough to decide to attack him.
He turned his head, looking deep into the inky blackness of Dragnid. His eyes could see further into the darkness than hers could...but still, he couldn't see anything out of the ordinary. Not yet at least.
"You...whatever your name is. There's still time, you know. You can turn around and go back." He'd never forced her to take this...'dare' thing, or whatever she called it. He certainly wasn't going to go all soft on her either though. If she wanted to back down and leave, what did he care?
"Kane,' he answered, pronouncing the two simple syllables and dropping the sneer, but still keeping his eyes narrowed. Something evil lurked in that forest and he didn't intend to let it take him by surprise if it were stupid enough to decide to attack him.
He turned his head, looking deep into the inky blackness of Dragnid. His eyes could see further into the darkness than hers could...but still, he couldn't see anything out of the ordinary. Not yet at least.
"You...whatever your name is. There's still time, you know. You can turn around and go back." He'd never forced her to take this...'dare' thing, or whatever she called it. He certainly wasn't going to go all soft on her either though. If she wanted to back down and leave, what did he care?
[chainedfaye]
"My name is Alaera" the female demon retorted back. Contrary to her attitude she was kinda starting to like this guy. Not that she'd ever admit it, but it was nice to talk to someone else. Especially someone you weren't responsible for. And to have a conversation, er well exchange insults, without the mention of gardens or pumpkins. She sighed inwardly. This demon girl needed to get out more.
"Pft. I'm not going to go back on a challenge. Besides it's only three seconds. What can possibly happen in three seconds?" Cocky and full of attitude she stepped just inside of the forest, the shadow of the trees falling over her. She turned around and stared triumphantly at Kane.
"1....2...."
"Pft. I'm not going to go back on a challenge. Besides it's only three seconds. What can possibly happen in three seconds?" Cocky and full of attitude she stepped just inside of the forest, the shadow of the trees falling over her. She turned around and stared triumphantly at Kane.
"1....2...."
Teigra
"Fine then...Alaera." Kane was only half paying attention to the demon femme at this point. The tension in the air was almost tangible; in fact, he swore he could smell it. His senses were on high alert as he continued scanning the area. It was doubtful that anyone else could tell, but he was tensed and ready to react immediately to the least stimulus.
'What could happen in three seconds?'
Not a good question to ask when referring to Dragnid on a normal day, and this was far from a normal day.
As Alaera entered the forest, Kane's eyes darted back to her. But, it wasn't her he was watching anymore. The shadow of the forest fell over her form and she started counting.
Kane growled. He hadn't imagined it. He never imagined things. That shadow had moved.
The sound of cracking tree limbs confirmed his suspicions only a second later. Leaping forward with wings flared and claws bared, Kane snarled, "MOVE! NOW!"
'What could happen in three seconds?'
Not a good question to ask when referring to Dragnid on a normal day, and this was far from a normal day.
As Alaera entered the forest, Kane's eyes darted back to her. But, it wasn't her he was watching anymore. The shadow of the forest fell over her form and she started counting.
Kane growled. He hadn't imagined it. He never imagined things. That shadow had moved.
The sound of cracking tree limbs confirmed his suspicions only a second later. Leaping forward with wings flared and claws bared, Kane snarled, "MOVE! NOW!"
[chainedfaye]
The word three had barely left her mouth when his shout stole her attention away. "What? Why?" Alaera asked while turning around in an attempt to discover exactly what it was that had the demon's undies in a knot.
Teigra
Growling savagely, Kane ignored Alaera's questions and leapt into the air, soaring on flared wings. He seemed aimed for Alaera if one didn't know better. Instead, he shoved her roughly aside and collided with a shadowy form in mid-air.
With a series of savage snarls and ear-splitting screeches, the two forms hit the ground and rolled deeper into the forest. Tossing about leaves, dirt, and who knew what else that lay on the dark forest's floor, the two creatures scrabbled and scrambled, each trying to get the upper hand on the other. To anyone else watching, claws and teeth flashed as the forms whirled in battle with nearly supernatural speed and agility.
For once...Kane was concerned. He hadn't even gotten a good enough look at his foe to know what he was fighting, and the smell wasn't one he recognized. He thought it resembled one he'd sensed before...some sort of monkey, but there was something wrong. There was a stronger scent, underlying that of a primate...something dark and musky...unfamiliar and unnerving.
That wasn't all that had the feral feline concerned. This foe hadn't seemed all that impressive at first, but now locked in battle, he realized that even his speed and agility were being matched. No one had ever matched him before. He'd never expected that anyone would. This could end badly if he wasn't careful...
Hissing as claws raked deeply across his back, Kane whirled around and instinctually sank his fangs into his attacker. Claws latched into his foe, he hung on for as long as he could stand, despite the foul odor and taste assaulting his senses. Just when he thought he was about to be sick from the disgusting creature's taste, Kane was thrown and the beast broke away. He hadn't gotten away easily though, as Kane's death grip hadn't been broken...merely torn away. Kane skidded in the dirt, landing on all fours with wings flared and tail whipping to stabilize his landing. Turning his head to the side, Kane spit a bit of the repulsive creature's flesh onto the ground, his eyes never leaving his foe.
His senses had been right on target, it seemed. The beast was some sort of monkey...a primate at least, though it seemed a bit...off. Almost if the creature were warped or...perverted by some sadistic twist of nature. Surveying its wounds, the creature screeched angrily at Kane before turning and dashing off to a side path. While it might appear that Kane had won the skirmish, he saw the truth in the creature's eyes and in its scent. It was scared. It hadn't come out of the forest to attack them directly; it had been running from something and they'd gotten in its way. In its panic, it must have mistaken them for its pursuer and put forth a desperate attempt to fight back. Upon realizing its mistake, it had simply decided it was more important to keep moving...though he'd obviously wanted to have the last word.
Kane's pride wouldn't allow him to admit it, but in all honesty, he probably couldn't have won an all-out fight with the thing anyway. Staggering a bit as he climbed to his feet, he glanced down at himself and snarled. He was covered from head to toe with deep, jagged gashes and bite marks. Blood dripped from his wounds...his claws...his fangs...
Darkness played at the edges of his vision and he grabbed his head in both hands as he closed his eyes against the dizziness. Something was wrong...
With a series of savage snarls and ear-splitting screeches, the two forms hit the ground and rolled deeper into the forest. Tossing about leaves, dirt, and who knew what else that lay on the dark forest's floor, the two creatures scrabbled and scrambled, each trying to get the upper hand on the other. To anyone else watching, claws and teeth flashed as the forms whirled in battle with nearly supernatural speed and agility.
For once...Kane was concerned. He hadn't even gotten a good enough look at his foe to know what he was fighting, and the smell wasn't one he recognized. He thought it resembled one he'd sensed before...some sort of monkey, but there was something wrong. There was a stronger scent, underlying that of a primate...something dark and musky...unfamiliar and unnerving.
That wasn't all that had the feral feline concerned. This foe hadn't seemed all that impressive at first, but now locked in battle, he realized that even his speed and agility were being matched. No one had ever matched him before. He'd never expected that anyone would. This could end badly if he wasn't careful...
Hissing as claws raked deeply across his back, Kane whirled around and instinctually sank his fangs into his attacker. Claws latched into his foe, he hung on for as long as he could stand, despite the foul odor and taste assaulting his senses. Just when he thought he was about to be sick from the disgusting creature's taste, Kane was thrown and the beast broke away. He hadn't gotten away easily though, as Kane's death grip hadn't been broken...merely torn away. Kane skidded in the dirt, landing on all fours with wings flared and tail whipping to stabilize his landing. Turning his head to the side, Kane spit a bit of the repulsive creature's flesh onto the ground, his eyes never leaving his foe.
His senses had been right on target, it seemed. The beast was some sort of monkey...a primate at least, though it seemed a bit...off. Almost if the creature were warped or...perverted by some sadistic twist of nature. Surveying its wounds, the creature screeched angrily at Kane before turning and dashing off to a side path. While it might appear that Kane had won the skirmish, he saw the truth in the creature's eyes and in its scent. It was scared. It hadn't come out of the forest to attack them directly; it had been running from something and they'd gotten in its way. In its panic, it must have mistaken them for its pursuer and put forth a desperate attempt to fight back. Upon realizing its mistake, it had simply decided it was more important to keep moving...though he'd obviously wanted to have the last word.
Kane's pride wouldn't allow him to admit it, but in all honesty, he probably couldn't have won an all-out fight with the thing anyway. Staggering a bit as he climbed to his feet, he glanced down at himself and snarled. He was covered from head to toe with deep, jagged gashes and bite marks. Blood dripped from his wounds...his claws...his fangs...
Darkness played at the edges of his vision and he grabbed his head in both hands as he closed his eyes against the dizziness. Something was wrong...
[chainedfaye]
Alaera watched the battle with horror in her eyes. She had never seen a creature so so bizarrely hideous before. What in the world was it?? Even more terrifying was the fact that she wasn't sure Kane was going to win! The two opponents seemed fairly evenly matched. Alaera stood ready with her claws out. She wanted to help but was smart enough to realize she'd only get in the way. Not like she even knew how to fight in the first place. She silently cursed herself for letting her cockiness get them into this mess in the first place.
Once the creature had run away, Alaera's eyes scanned the forest to make sure it didn't return. After a moment she clapped, jumping up in down in celebration. She turned to Kane starting to congratulate him on his victory, when her heart told her something was wrong with him. Sure he had wounds, but she didn't think that was something that would seriously impair the feral demon she had met. It was something else...perhaps the creature had been poisonous!! She rushed over to Kane, and placed his arm around her neck for support, ignoring the massive quantities of blood but trying to be careful of his wounds. "Come on, we need to get those wounds cleaned before they get infected." She paused to add "Or worse."
Once the creature had run away, Alaera's eyes scanned the forest to make sure it didn't return. After a moment she clapped, jumping up in down in celebration. She turned to Kane starting to congratulate him on his victory, when her heart told her something was wrong with him. Sure he had wounds, but she didn't think that was something that would seriously impair the feral demon she had met. It was something else...perhaps the creature had been poisonous!! She rushed over to Kane, and placed his arm around her neck for support, ignoring the massive quantities of blood but trying to be careful of his wounds. "Come on, we need to get those wounds cleaned before they get infected." She paused to add "Or worse."
Teigra
The pain! Not only from his wounds, but his head...
Adrenaline pulsed through his veins, making it difficult for the feral male to focus. He was breathing heavily, struggling to deal with the pain and the strange feelings threatening to overwhelm him. Kane growled, fighting to cling to the last of his control...and watching helplessly as it slipped through his claws anyway.
Pain. Blood. Darkness. Fury.
An enemy! Kane tensed and snarled viciously, retractable claws shooting out from his fingertips as his hands left his head and he prepared to face his foe. Another one so soon after the last! Foolish creatures! They dared to challenge the great cat? No one faced the tiger and survived...
He lashed out angrily, shoving his new foe as far away as possible. He needed room...room to fight.
Hunt...
Crouching low, he flared his wings wide with claws and fangs bared, ready to fight.
Food...?
Would this foe be good prey? Was it tasty?
Fight...
No, it wasn't prey. Just another foe, challenging his strength. It would learn its mistake soon enough.
Kill...
Adrenaline pulsed through his veins, making it difficult for the feral male to focus. He was breathing heavily, struggling to deal with the pain and the strange feelings threatening to overwhelm him. Kane growled, fighting to cling to the last of his control...and watching helplessly as it slipped through his claws anyway.
Pain. Blood. Darkness. Fury.
An enemy! Kane tensed and snarled viciously, retractable claws shooting out from his fingertips as his hands left his head and he prepared to face his foe. Another one so soon after the last! Foolish creatures! They dared to challenge the great cat? No one faced the tiger and survived...
He lashed out angrily, shoving his new foe as far away as possible. He needed room...room to fight.
Hunt...
Crouching low, he flared his wings wide with claws and fangs bared, ready to fight.
Food...?
Would this foe be good prey? Was it tasty?
Fight...
No, it wasn't prey. Just another foe, challenging his strength. It would learn its mistake soon enough.
Kill...
[chainedfaye]
Alaera cried out as she was flung from the demon, her head swimming. She growled ferociously. What the hell was his problem? She looked up into his eyes, seeing a red glare that normal wasn't there. Something was wrong a tiny part of her mind screamed but she ignored it. No, she was mad now.
He was the one that attacked her in the first place. He was the one that challenged her. He was the one was making her prove her worth. He was the one who stole her fight from the creature - it wanted her not him. And now he was the one shoving her out of the way when she was just trying to help.
Well screw him! Why would she wanted to help that lowlife rodent anyway! No, better to just kick his a** and finally show him who's boss around here! Her hand clenched up into a fist. He was weak, injured. She could smell the blood even from here. Strangely her senses seemed intensified, she could hear him breathing from across the clearing, smell the iron in his blood, see the sweat drip from his skin. All at once it was so overwhelming, yet so wonderful. She swore she could even feel her claws growing, longer, stronger, and her fangs sharpening dangerously.
Power. It flowed through her veins like electricity. This was what she had been searching for, this feeling. This high. She took it into her and wrapped it about herself lovingly. Still that voice back there was screaming, sharply, shrilling, distracting her from her purpose.
"Dominate him. Control him" the voice in the front of her mind whispered lovingly as it caressed her thoughts. Yes. That was the voice she liked. The female demon cocked her head. "Hurt him?" she asked the voice.
"Yesssss" it whispered back. "Make him yours and you will be even more powerful. Stronger." The voice taunted her with images of what her future might hold if she were able to defeat Kane. Her, all powerful, leading the demon around on a leash while others bowed before her.
A wicked grin spread across Alaera's face. "I think I like that idea." With agility and grace she didn't know she possessed she picked herself up off the ground, lowering into a crouch, claws at the ready. She cracked her neck and narrowed her eyes, waiting.
Waiting.
He was the one that attacked her in the first place. He was the one that challenged her. He was the one was making her prove her worth. He was the one who stole her fight from the creature - it wanted her not him. And now he was the one shoving her out of the way when she was just trying to help.
Well screw him! Why would she wanted to help that lowlife rodent anyway! No, better to just kick his a** and finally show him who's boss around here! Her hand clenched up into a fist. He was weak, injured. She could smell the blood even from here. Strangely her senses seemed intensified, she could hear him breathing from across the clearing, smell the iron in his blood, see the sweat drip from his skin. All at once it was so overwhelming, yet so wonderful. She swore she could even feel her claws growing, longer, stronger, and her fangs sharpening dangerously.
Power. It flowed through her veins like electricity. This was what she had been searching for, this feeling. This high. She took it into her and wrapped it about herself lovingly. Still that voice back there was screaming, sharply, shrilling, distracting her from her purpose.
"Dominate him. Control him" the voice in the front of her mind whispered lovingly as it caressed her thoughts. Yes. That was the voice she liked. The female demon cocked her head. "Hurt him?" she asked the voice.
"Yesssss" it whispered back. "Make him yours and you will be even more powerful. Stronger." The voice taunted her with images of what her future might hold if she were able to defeat Kane. Her, all powerful, leading the demon around on a leash while others bowed before her.
A wicked grin spread across Alaera's face. "I think I like that idea." With agility and grace she didn't know she possessed she picked herself up off the ground, lowering into a crouch, claws at the ready. She cracked her neck and narrowed her eyes, waiting.
Waiting.
Teigra
Snarling, the blue demon began to circle. The thing challenged him! He could smell it in her scent. Aggression. Fury. Anger.
That only fueled his own adrenaline rush. He'd show her...this was his territory. Not hers. No interloper moved in on his lands. Growling softly, he prepared to leap...
'NO!'
He froze; an odd look for a catlike Pae'il preparing to leap. What was that? A voice? Where did it come from? He looked around, searching for the source before he realized...it came from inside his own head.
'Stop that, you damned fool! That's not food! You're acting like a dumbass!'
He shook his head, snarling. Stupid voice from nowhere. Go away! He had fighting to do! The scent of blood was nearly driving him wild; even the scent of his own blood was intoxicating. He was nearly out of his mind...and that's when the pain set in again.
The pain was so severe...it distracted him from both the scent of blood and from his waiting foe. It went far enough...to clear his head, if only momentarily.
"N-no..." His knees hit the ground hard, his hands clutching his head tightly. His eyes were still bloodshot as slitted pupils darted towards the female demon. "A...lae...ra..." he managed to growl, as though it were becoming more and more difficult to form words. His voice was harsher than normal, sounding like it was being forced through his vocal cords. Almost...grating. "Run! N-now, you fool! C-can't...control...AHH!"
Normally, Kane wasn't one to be vocal, but in this case, his scream of pain was almost...unearthly, echoing through the dark forest. It sounded more like a sound that would come from one of the unknown beasts of Dragnid than from a Pae'il. Falling on all fours once more, he barely noticed that his hands seemed to shimmer for a moment...his claws emerging not from hands...but from paws...
That only fueled his own adrenaline rush. He'd show her...this was his territory. Not hers. No interloper moved in on his lands. Growling softly, he prepared to leap...
'NO!'
He froze; an odd look for a catlike Pae'il preparing to leap. What was that? A voice? Where did it come from? He looked around, searching for the source before he realized...it came from inside his own head.
'Stop that, you damned fool! That's not food! You're acting like a dumbass!'
He shook his head, snarling. Stupid voice from nowhere. Go away! He had fighting to do! The scent of blood was nearly driving him wild; even the scent of his own blood was intoxicating. He was nearly out of his mind...and that's when the pain set in again.
The pain was so severe...it distracted him from both the scent of blood and from his waiting foe. It went far enough...to clear his head, if only momentarily.
"N-no..." His knees hit the ground hard, his hands clutching his head tightly. His eyes were still bloodshot as slitted pupils darted towards the female demon. "A...lae...ra..." he managed to growl, as though it were becoming more and more difficult to form words. His voice was harsher than normal, sounding like it was being forced through his vocal cords. Almost...grating. "Run! N-now, you fool! C-can't...control...AHH!"
Normally, Kane wasn't one to be vocal, but in this case, his scream of pain was almost...unearthly, echoing through the dark forest. It sounded more like a sound that would come from one of the unknown beasts of Dragnid than from a Pae'il. Falling on all fours once more, he barely noticed that his hands seemed to shimmer for a moment...his claws emerging not from hands...but from paws...
[chainedfaye]
Alaera looked down at the demon in scorn as it feel to its knees. How weak. How pathetic. It didn't even put up a decent fight. It wasn't even worthy of being her pet, though she did rather like that it was bowing to her already.
It unsettled her though when the demon called out her name. That was her name right? Her mind seemed too befuddled to be absolutely certain but something about it spoke to her. "Alaera" she repeated almost emptily as if trying to remember who she was, completely lost now in her instincts. A shimmery image came into her mind but was immediately chased away by the soft gentle whispering voice. "Kill him, he is not worthy of your greatness."
Alaera shrugged "Ok." Might as well get it done while he was weak, she had better things to spend her energy on. "Run? Why would I run" she asked the creature, a cruel smile on her face as she looked down upon him. Now was the time. She raced forward with her claws extended, intending on slicing him from ear to toe when his cry echoed painfully through her head, splitting it in two. Some part of his cry retained the essence of humanity in it and it called out to the buried part of her mind, allowing it to resurfacing, as loud and shrill as before. Only this time the other voice in her head, the soothing, whispering one started screaming back at it. Confusing, she slid past Kane, claws still extended, scratching his face as she went by, before coming to a stop.
Her head ached for some reason she thought as she looked around her. Where was she? The smell of something foul reached her nose, and she looked down at her claws to discover blood. Blood? But who's was it? She looked around frantically afraid she had hurt someone. She spotted him just a few feet away, covered in blood. But something didn't seem right. "Kane?" She called out with hesitation. What was going on. Why did her head hurt so much?
"Run" the voice screamed out in her head, this time sounding strangely like Kane's. "Run" it repeated "Escape the forest!"
"Nooo, stay with here with usss " whispered the other voice, back to being soothing as before. But this time Alaera didn't trust it even as it eased the pain in her head - something wasn't right here. She looked back at Kane and knew the other voice was right. She had to get out of here - both of them.
Taking her unbloodied hand she slashed it deeply across her arm, letting the blood pool up before allowing it to drip onto the ground. She briefly wondered when her claws had gotten so long, but let the thought slip away. Hopefully he would follow the blood trail.
She started to run, headed toward the beach. She just hoped she got out of the forest before Kane caught up with her.
It unsettled her though when the demon called out her name. That was her name right? Her mind seemed too befuddled to be absolutely certain but something about it spoke to her. "Alaera" she repeated almost emptily as if trying to remember who she was, completely lost now in her instincts. A shimmery image came into her mind but was immediately chased away by the soft gentle whispering voice. "Kill him, he is not worthy of your greatness."
Alaera shrugged "Ok." Might as well get it done while he was weak, she had better things to spend her energy on. "Run? Why would I run" she asked the creature, a cruel smile on her face as she looked down upon him. Now was the time. She raced forward with her claws extended, intending on slicing him from ear to toe when his cry echoed painfully through her head, splitting it in two. Some part of his cry retained the essence of humanity in it and it called out to the buried part of her mind, allowing it to resurfacing, as loud and shrill as before. Only this time the other voice in her head, the soothing, whispering one started screaming back at it. Confusing, she slid past Kane, claws still extended, scratching his face as she went by, before coming to a stop.
Her head ached for some reason she thought as she looked around her. Where was she? The smell of something foul reached her nose, and she looked down at her claws to discover blood. Blood? But who's was it? She looked around frantically afraid she had hurt someone. She spotted him just a few feet away, covered in blood. But something didn't seem right. "Kane?" She called out with hesitation. What was going on. Why did her head hurt so much?
"Run" the voice screamed out in her head, this time sounding strangely like Kane's. "Run" it repeated "Escape the forest!"
"Nooo, stay with here with usss " whispered the other voice, back to being soothing as before. But this time Alaera didn't trust it even as it eased the pain in her head - something wasn't right here. She looked back at Kane and knew the other voice was right. She had to get out of here - both of them.
Taking her unbloodied hand she slashed it deeply across her arm, letting the blood pool up before allowing it to drip onto the ground. She briefly wondered when her claws had gotten so long, but let the thought slip away. Hopefully he would follow the blood trail.
She started to run, headed toward the beach. She just hoped she got out of the forest before Kane caught up with her.
Teigra
The scratch barely registered in the demon's consciousness. Though it was deep, it was only one more wound on top of the numerous ones he already sported from his earlier battle. Plus, he had other things on his mind at the moment.
His screech echoed through the forest even as his vocal cords gave out. His throat was raw from his primal scream and wouldn't make another sound for now, though the pain was far from over. Suffering in relative silence, Kane collapsed to his hands and knees once more after a failed attempt to stand. He couldn't rise from all-fours, and while this stance was far from unfamiliar, it was growing increasingly more comfortable as the pain swelled. His tail lashed wildly in the air, losing its barbed tip and growing uniformly round. Fur seemed to ripple down his body, starting from his head and moving all the way down to his hands and feet...which soon became paws. His wings had long laid flat and simply disappeared into his back, leaving the demon completely earthbound. A vicious snarl erupted from his curled lips and slitted-eyes darted back and forth, surveying the forest. No longer remotely Pae'il in appearance, Kane had become the beast he'd always believed himself to be...or at least tried to convince others. While the process may have been fascinating for any observers to watch, it was painful as all hell. Kane was not happy.
Blood. There was prey nearby. Wounded prey.
Growling softly, the blue tiger sniffed the ground, quickly determining the scent of another mixing with the scent of his own blood. He focused intensely on this scent, pinpointing it among so many others and also the direction in which it faded. Crouching briefly, he tensed his muscles and twitched his tail before bounding off after the retreating figure. He could sense the nearby water. He had to catch her before she reached the water and he lost her scent. Much harder to track that way. He put on a burst of speed, aiming to close the gap quickly. He could smell her...hear her...almost taste her...
His screech echoed through the forest even as his vocal cords gave out. His throat was raw from his primal scream and wouldn't make another sound for now, though the pain was far from over. Suffering in relative silence, Kane collapsed to his hands and knees once more after a failed attempt to stand. He couldn't rise from all-fours, and while this stance was far from unfamiliar, it was growing increasingly more comfortable as the pain swelled. His tail lashed wildly in the air, losing its barbed tip and growing uniformly round. Fur seemed to ripple down his body, starting from his head and moving all the way down to his hands and feet...which soon became paws. His wings had long laid flat and simply disappeared into his back, leaving the demon completely earthbound. A vicious snarl erupted from his curled lips and slitted-eyes darted back and forth, surveying the forest. No longer remotely Pae'il in appearance, Kane had become the beast he'd always believed himself to be...or at least tried to convince others. While the process may have been fascinating for any observers to watch, it was painful as all hell. Kane was not happy.
Blood. There was prey nearby. Wounded prey.
Growling softly, the blue tiger sniffed the ground, quickly determining the scent of another mixing with the scent of his own blood. He focused intensely on this scent, pinpointing it among so many others and also the direction in which it faded. Crouching briefly, he tensed his muscles and twitched his tail before bounding off after the retreating figure. He could sense the nearby water. He had to catch her before she reached the water and he lost her scent. Much harder to track that way. He put on a burst of speed, aiming to close the gap quickly. He could smell her...hear her...almost taste her...
[chainedfaye]
Alaera had never been one for cursing but now seemed like as good as time as any as she repeated the mantra of "shitshitshitshitshit" as she ran for her life. Panting breathless, her heart beating frantically within her chest as she fled, her only hope to reach the water. She could hear barely hear him behind her through the battle going on in her head, the two voices now screaming at each other - one yelling in triumph as she got further away from the forest, the other demanding she go back to turn around and fight. The only thing keeping that part of her mind from winning was the realization that Kane had turned into something much more dangerous, something she had no chance against now. She hadn't dared look back, but she could felt the change in him. What was following her now wasn't Kane anymore. Not really.
And whatever he was now, he was catching up fast. Much too fast. If she didn't move it, she was really going to be that lunch he had first took her for. She just had to reach the lake! She unfolded her wings and spread them out, using them to glide her feet barely touching the ground. Scenery flew past her, branches frequently reaching out to grab her, slow her down, make her their prisoner. But she eluded them panic driving her onward though the female soon became scratched all over from their attempts. She was actually scared now, something she had almost never been before. The feeling was new and unwelcome.
She finally broke through the trees of the forest and onto the grasslands before the beach of the lake. The Lake! She could see the lake. So close. Just a few more feet. She was quickly running out of steam but poured all her remaining strength into that last sprint, desperate to escape.
And whatever he was now, he was catching up fast. Much too fast. If she didn't move it, she was really going to be that lunch he had first took her for. She just had to reach the lake! She unfolded her wings and spread them out, using them to glide her feet barely touching the ground. Scenery flew past her, branches frequently reaching out to grab her, slow her down, make her their prisoner. But she eluded them panic driving her onward though the female soon became scratched all over from their attempts. She was actually scared now, something she had almost never been before. The feeling was new and unwelcome.
She finally broke through the trees of the forest and onto the grasslands before the beach of the lake. The Lake! She could see the lake. So close. Just a few more feet. She was quickly running out of steam but poured all her remaining strength into that last sprint, desperate to escape.
Teigra
The tiger's anger and fury faded the further he ran, trying to close in on his prey. So close...and yet she pulled away again. Even he was growing tired and his many wounds weren't helping matters. Fueled only by his desperate hunger now, he bounded over a fallen log and plunged doggedly on. He had to catch her before she reached the water and he lost her scent.
He could smell her blood, her fear, her sweat...the scent grew stronger, nearly overwhelming his sensitive nose. Growling softly, he put on another burst of speed, closing the gap.
His stomach pained him greatly...but that was no match for the pain that was swelling again in his head. Beyond the call for violence, death, and therefore food, a small voice shouted, straining to be heard. It was as if the warring voices were causing the pain with their constant bickering and shouting.
Kill...
No!
Feed...
You damned fool!
The large feline's pace didn't waiver, though he blinked oddly. That last voice had been much louder than it had been before...and such a strange thing to say. He could see her now...so close...but he was distracted.
Don't slow...chase...leap...kill...
Stop this insane chase and listen to me, dammit! You're not an animal!
There was sand beneath his paws now, and despite the louder, more enticing voice that urged him to satisfy his hunger, the tiger slowed. Something about the second voice caught his attention...or at least his curiosity. He could still see his prey. He hadn't lost her and wouldn't...even if he waited a moment to see what this new voice had to say.
His head cocked to the side in obvious confusion as he continued listening to the warring voices, waiting to see which would give the more convincing argument as he kept both eyes on his prey.
He could smell her blood, her fear, her sweat...the scent grew stronger, nearly overwhelming his sensitive nose. Growling softly, he put on another burst of speed, closing the gap.
His stomach pained him greatly...but that was no match for the pain that was swelling again in his head. Beyond the call for violence, death, and therefore food, a small voice shouted, straining to be heard. It was as if the warring voices were causing the pain with their constant bickering and shouting.
Kill...
No!
Feed...
You damned fool!
The large feline's pace didn't waiver, though he blinked oddly. That last voice had been much louder than it had been before...and such a strange thing to say. He could see her now...so close...but he was distracted.
Don't slow...chase...leap...kill...
Stop this insane chase and listen to me, dammit! You're not an animal!
There was sand beneath his paws now, and despite the louder, more enticing voice that urged him to satisfy his hunger, the tiger slowed. Something about the second voice caught his attention...or at least his curiosity. He could still see his prey. He hadn't lost her and wouldn't...even if he waited a moment to see what this new voice had to say.
His head cocked to the side in obvious confusion as he continued listening to the warring voices, waiting to see which would give the more convincing argument as he kept both eyes on his prey.
[chainedfaye]
Alaera was running blindly now, exhaustion overcoming her quickly. She had long ago used up the last of her remaining energy and was now only driven by sheer panic and the adrenaline. Thankfully the voices in her head had finally quieted down some, one disappearing almost entirely the closer she got to the water of the lake. The emptiness in her head left her feeling disorientated and dizzy though, not a good thing when running for your life.
"Water" her voice cried out weakly. She didn't know why she wanted water only that it was what the other voice in her head kept telling her to do. She obeyed meekly not sure what else she could even do.
The demon was still running, though without direction, lost in her state of confusion. She could feel the sand beneath her feet as she stumbled along and her mind sharpened for a moment. Looking down at herself she realized she was covered in blood. Blood? How did that happen she thought wearily. You should wash it off her brain added before the fog slipped back in place. She felt strange. So strange. Raising a hand up to steady her head, she noticed that her arm was not just covered in blood but actually bleeding. She blinked at it owlishly, searching in her mind for when it had been injured, though no answer came to her.
The sand beneath her feet felt wet now and she looked down in surprise. Where was she? But before she could discover the answer, her foot sand down deep into the wet sand and she fell, hearing a snap and her ankle starting to throb painfully. The waves of pain seemed to break her out of her fog and she cried out as her senses where returned so forcefully on her. Awkwardly managing to sit up, her foot still stuck in the sand trap, she looked about to see some sort of beast stalking nearby.
The memories flooded back to her and she recoiled from the strength of the hate she had felt. Had she really thought those things? Was she really going to hurt Kane? Sure he had been a bit rough to her, but she had meant to kill him. Or make him her slave.
"Kane?" she questioned almost hesitantly.
"Water" her voice cried out weakly. She didn't know why she wanted water only that it was what the other voice in her head kept telling her to do. She obeyed meekly not sure what else she could even do.
The demon was still running, though without direction, lost in her state of confusion. She could feel the sand beneath her feet as she stumbled along and her mind sharpened for a moment. Looking down at herself she realized she was covered in blood. Blood? How did that happen she thought wearily. You should wash it off her brain added before the fog slipped back in place. She felt strange. So strange. Raising a hand up to steady her head, she noticed that her arm was not just covered in blood but actually bleeding. She blinked at it owlishly, searching in her mind for when it had been injured, though no answer came to her.
The sand beneath her feet felt wet now and she looked down in surprise. Where was she? But before she could discover the answer, her foot sand down deep into the wet sand and she fell, hearing a snap and her ankle starting to throb painfully. The waves of pain seemed to break her out of her fog and she cried out as her senses where returned so forcefully on her. Awkwardly managing to sit up, her foot still stuck in the sand trap, she looked about to see some sort of beast stalking nearby.
The memories flooded back to her and she recoiled from the strength of the hate she had felt. Had she really thought those things? Was she really going to hurt Kane? Sure he had been a bit rough to her, but she had meant to kill him. Or make him her slave.
"Kane?" she questioned almost hesitantly.
Teigra
Kill...
NO! STOP!
Kill her...eat her...
You damned fool! Get a hold of yourself!
You can smell it...taste the blood...
YOU'RE NOT A CANNIBAL, YOU IDIOT!
Whining softly, the blue tiger had halted and began pawing at his head. The voices were threatening to drive him mad...he'd do anything to stop them now...anything.
Something that she said made him freeze, ear twitching at the sound. What was that...it sounded familiar...
It's your name, you moron!
He let out a growl that trailed off into a whine. That voice again. It had grown louder the further he ran, easily overpowering the softer voice that wanted him to kill and maim and feed.
Plus, his prey was crippled now as well as wounded. Easy prey was good prey. But, something told him this wasn't right. Something...was off.
He stalked slowly forward, eying his female prey with a trained eye. He made no move to attack just yet...only studied. The voice was speaking again, though, and he was finding it hard to concentrate. As the tiger neared the water, his grace faltered and he stumbled awkwardly in the shallow surf. Shaking his head, he growled, going to take another step...and collapsing in the wet sand.
The tiger curled up, twitching and whining as he pawed at his head, ignoring the water swirling around him, drenching his fur. Make the voice stop! Anything to make the voice stop! His eyes were tightly shut and he was so distracted that he didn't even notice the pain as his body shifted slowly back to that of an ordinary demon Pae'il.
Normal once more, Kane simply lay still in the shallow surf, eyes closed and breathing heavily.
NO! STOP!
Kill her...eat her...
You damned fool! Get a hold of yourself!
You can smell it...taste the blood...
YOU'RE NOT A CANNIBAL, YOU IDIOT!
Whining softly, the blue tiger had halted and began pawing at his head. The voices were threatening to drive him mad...he'd do anything to stop them now...anything.
Something that she said made him freeze, ear twitching at the sound. What was that...it sounded familiar...
It's your name, you moron!
He let out a growl that trailed off into a whine. That voice again. It had grown louder the further he ran, easily overpowering the softer voice that wanted him to kill and maim and feed.
Plus, his prey was crippled now as well as wounded. Easy prey was good prey. But, something told him this wasn't right. Something...was off.
He stalked slowly forward, eying his female prey with a trained eye. He made no move to attack just yet...only studied. The voice was speaking again, though, and he was finding it hard to concentrate. As the tiger neared the water, his grace faltered and he stumbled awkwardly in the shallow surf. Shaking his head, he growled, going to take another step...and collapsing in the wet sand.
The tiger curled up, twitching and whining as he pawed at his head, ignoring the water swirling around him, drenching his fur. Make the voice stop! Anything to make the voice stop! His eyes were tightly shut and he was so distracted that he didn't even notice the pain as his body shifted slowly back to that of an ordinary demon Pae'il.
Normal once more, Kane simply lay still in the shallow surf, eyes closed and breathing heavily.
[chainedfaye]
Alaera watched the beast struggle, idly wondering why the creature hadn't eaten her yet.
"Kane?" she asked again. She wondered if this was the result of his power. He had always seemed to be rather feline-like in his movements now that she thought about it. But when he collapsed and turned back into his more familiar form, worry filled her mind. He had been quite hurt in the battle against the other thing and then the chase....what if he had lost too much blood? What if he was dying??
Pulling her now swelling ankle out of the sand painfully, she crawled over to his still form, concern on her face. She brushed his hair back from his face, relieved to see that he was still breathing. "Kane" she questioned softly "Are you alright?" Using the water swirling around the pair of them, she gently started to wash the blood away from his skin, trying to discover where his true wounds lay.
"Kane?" she asked again. She wondered if this was the result of his power. He had always seemed to be rather feline-like in his movements now that she thought about it. But when he collapsed and turned back into his more familiar form, worry filled her mind. He had been quite hurt in the battle against the other thing and then the chase....what if he had lost too much blood? What if he was dying??
Pulling her now swelling ankle out of the sand painfully, she crawled over to his still form, concern on her face. She brushed his hair back from his face, relieved to see that he was still breathing. "Kane" she questioned softly "Are you alright?" Using the water swirling around the pair of them, she gently started to wash the blood away from his skin, trying to discover where his true wounds lay.
Teigra
He may have been still, but Kane was still very much alive. Only...exhausted. Normally, he'd have never let the femme get this close to him, let alone touch him, especially in this manner...but he was too tired to object at this point. And she did have the right idea. The sooner they got rid of the blood, the better.
It was a few long minutes, as the demon cringed internally at her touch while showing no outward signs of reaction, before he tried to move. Groaning weakly, he pulled himself out of the water, leaning tiny pinkish-red swirls in the wave's wake. "I'm fine," he muttered, his voice still harsh from raw vocal cords. In reality, the water stung like fire in his fresh wounds, but it was nothing compared to the pain he'd experienced while transforming, and he wasn't about to complain. He needed to clean them anyway as soon as possible, so he gritted his teeth and went about it.
Coughing weakly, Kane only now realized how dry his throat was. Pausing from his cleaning work, he moved a bit and scooped up some of the fresh water, drinking deeply, but slowly so as not to choke. He took his time quenching his thirst, then shot Alaera a sideways look. He remembered all that he'd done just minutes before...and all that he'd experienced. He cast an expert eye over her ankle and asked quietly, "You'd best be worrying more about yourself than me at this point. I think it might be broken."
It was a few long minutes, as the demon cringed internally at her touch while showing no outward signs of reaction, before he tried to move. Groaning weakly, he pulled himself out of the water, leaning tiny pinkish-red swirls in the wave's wake. "I'm fine," he muttered, his voice still harsh from raw vocal cords. In reality, the water stung like fire in his fresh wounds, but it was nothing compared to the pain he'd experienced while transforming, and he wasn't about to complain. He needed to clean them anyway as soon as possible, so he gritted his teeth and went about it.
Coughing weakly, Kane only now realized how dry his throat was. Pausing from his cleaning work, he moved a bit and scooped up some of the fresh water, drinking deeply, but slowly so as not to choke. He took his time quenching his thirst, then shot Alaera a sideways look. He remembered all that he'd done just minutes before...and all that he'd experienced. He cast an expert eye over her ankle and asked quietly, "You'd best be worrying more about yourself than me at this point. I think it might be broken."
[chainedfaye]
Once Alaera was certain the demon was alright, she too starting to clean the blood off of her. There wasn't nearly as much as on Kane but it was still dry and sticky, mingled in with the sweat that had poured off her body as she fled.
Following his lead she also started to drink the fresh water, not realizing how parched she was. The water cooled her and refreshed her mind, clearing the last traces of fog away. Her head still felt a bit heavy now that the voices were gone. Where did they go anyways? And where had they come from in the first place?
She started at his words, having completely forgotten about her now swollen, throbbing ankle in her concern over him. "What?" she question, before understanding dawned on her. "Oh, well it's not that bad" she said bravely, while attempting to move it slightly. A wave of pain went through her at the motion and she tried to hide her grimace. "Really, it's not."
Following his lead she also started to drink the fresh water, not realizing how parched she was. The water cooled her and refreshed her mind, clearing the last traces of fog away. Her head still felt a bit heavy now that the voices were gone. Where did they go anyways? And where had they come from in the first place?
She started at his words, having completely forgotten about her now swollen, throbbing ankle in her concern over him. "What?" she question, before understanding dawned on her. "Oh, well it's not that bad" she said bravely, while attempting to move it slightly. A wave of pain went through her at the motion and she tried to hide her grimace. "Really, it's not."
Teigra
The glare Kane shot her way was intense and full of disgust. "You're a horrible liar and I'm not an idiot."
Of course, much of that disgust was really aimed at himself. Had he really lost control so completely that he'd honestly try to eat another Pae'il? Apparently so...and so easily. It was shameful...
His eyes darted back to the water and he focused on cleaning the rest of the blood away as well as anything else that might be left in his numerous open wounds. "Look, just get cleaned up and get rid of the blood. That's what's important, unless you want something else from Dragnid tracking us. We have to get out of here soon."
"And stay off that ankle, unless you plan on being lame the rest of your life."
Of course, much of that disgust was really aimed at himself. Had he really lost control so completely that he'd honestly try to eat another Pae'il? Apparently so...and so easily. It was shameful...
His eyes darted back to the water and he focused on cleaning the rest of the blood away as well as anything else that might be left in his numerous open wounds. "Look, just get cleaned up and get rid of the blood. That's what's important, unless you want something else from Dragnid tracking us. We have to get out of here soon."
"And stay off that ankle, unless you plan on being lame the rest of your life."
[chainedfaye]
Alaera shot a glare of annoyance back at him and rolled her eyes. Men. She continued to clean what was left of his blood off her and then washed out her own claw wounds carefully. The salty water stung. She couldn't believe she had actually done that to herself. It wasn't that deep but still.
"Well that would be a lovely idea, you know if we weren't stranded out in the middle of a beach with monsters possibly following the trail of blood we both so kindly left behind for them. What do you expect me to do hop all the way?" she retorted as she stood shakily to her feet trying to prove to him she was just fine. Another wince, but not too bad. Bearable at least.
That is until she tried to take a hobbled step. The pain was agonizing as it shot up her entire leg and she collapsed back onto the ground panting. "Guardians be damned!" She muttered softly to herself, as she berated her clumsiness yet again. "After all the stupid falls you've taken, you'd have to break something now. And falling in the sand of all things! Stupid silly clumsy girl!"
"Well that would be a lovely idea, you know if we weren't stranded out in the middle of a beach with monsters possibly following the trail of blood we both so kindly left behind for them. What do you expect me to do hop all the way?" she retorted as she stood shakily to her feet trying to prove to him she was just fine. Another wince, but not too bad. Bearable at least.
That is until she tried to take a hobbled step. The pain was agonizing as it shot up her entire leg and she collapsed back onto the ground panting. "Guardians be damned!" She muttered softly to herself, as she berated her clumsiness yet again. "After all the stupid falls you've taken, you'd have to break something now. And falling in the sand of all things! Stupid silly clumsy girl!"
Teigra
Kane watched out of the corner of his eye with silent amusement. His ear flicked lightly at the curse and he had to fight the urge to smirk. Yep, she still had quite the mouth on her. She was back to normal. "If you'd wait just a damned minute, you wouldn't have to risk laming yourself permanently," he muttered snidely.
Rinsing off one last time, satisfied to see no more blood in the water, Kane stood slowly, testing his limits before shaking off the excess water. Droplets flew in all directions as he shook on all fours, then again as he flared his wings with a leathery rustle. To be honest, he'd been a bit stumped as to what they were going to do next as well. Well...not necessarily stumped...he just didn't happen to like some of the options.
Tempting as it was to just forgo the choice completely and just leave her out here...
Nah, she had spunk. And Guardians be damned, he liked that at least. Looks like he was stuck with helping her then.
"Alright, this might have been easier if I was still a tiger, but," he hesitated, realizing that even if he knew how to change like that again, he had no idea how to control the instincts that went with it. Yeah, that idea was out. He waved his hand as if to brush the idea off lightly. "What's done is done. You're just going to have to deal..."
...as am I.
Stalking over silently to the demon femme, he turned around and knelt on one knee, wings folding flat carefully over his shoulders. "Climb up and hold on tight. The ride's gonna' be rough, but it's better than walking the whole way. And faster." His voice was calm, but clipped, void of emotion.
Why the bloody hell am I doing this?
Because it's pretty much your fault she hurt herself in the first place, you idiot.
SO?
...and you did almost eat her.
...
His subconscious really was a right a** sometimes...
Rinsing off one last time, satisfied to see no more blood in the water, Kane stood slowly, testing his limits before shaking off the excess water. Droplets flew in all directions as he shook on all fours, then again as he flared his wings with a leathery rustle. To be honest, he'd been a bit stumped as to what they were going to do next as well. Well...not necessarily stumped...he just didn't happen to like some of the options.
Tempting as it was to just forgo the choice completely and just leave her out here...
Nah, she had spunk. And Guardians be damned, he liked that at least. Looks like he was stuck with helping her then.
"Alright, this might have been easier if I was still a tiger, but," he hesitated, realizing that even if he knew how to change like that again, he had no idea how to control the instincts that went with it. Yeah, that idea was out. He waved his hand as if to brush the idea off lightly. "What's done is done. You're just going to have to deal..."
...as am I.
Stalking over silently to the demon femme, he turned around and knelt on one knee, wings folding flat carefully over his shoulders. "Climb up and hold on tight. The ride's gonna' be rough, but it's better than walking the whole way. And faster." His voice was calm, but clipped, void of emotion.
Why the bloody hell am I doing this?
Because it's pretty much your fault she hurt herself in the first place, you idiot.
SO?
...and you did almost eat her.
...
His subconscious really was a right a** sometimes...
[chainedfaye]
Alaera raised her eyebrow. He expected her to ride on his back?
No way. Not gonna happen. Ever. Period. End of discussion.
But then a twinge of guilt erupted from somewhere in her. She was certain this wasn't easy for him, it certainly didn't seem in character for the feral demon. They'd both done their share of getting each other into trouble today. She knew she felt bad for him getting hurt while trying to rescue her, perhaps he was feeling the same for trying to chase her down and eat her. Twice in one day. She smirked. Despite his claims to the contrary she must be fairly tasty. She wonder though what his reaction would be if he knew what she had been thinking back in the forest. She couldn't imagine he's be very pleased to learn she'd intended on making him into a pet and leading him around with a lease. She shuddered. No, better not mention that. Ever.
Still she hesitated to accept. It seemed like she was finally admitting her weakness and inferiority, the exact thing she had been trying to prove to him the entire time she wasn't. She sighed. She really didn't want to do this...
But she still owed him lunch.
"Fine." she huffed and clumsily climbed on, trying to be careful of his wounds as well as her own. "Where exactly do you plan on going?"
No way. Not gonna happen. Ever. Period. End of discussion.
But then a twinge of guilt erupted from somewhere in her. She was certain this wasn't easy for him, it certainly didn't seem in character for the feral demon. They'd both done their share of getting each other into trouble today. She knew she felt bad for him getting hurt while trying to rescue her, perhaps he was feeling the same for trying to chase her down and eat her. Twice in one day. She smirked. Despite his claims to the contrary she must be fairly tasty. She wonder though what his reaction would be if he knew what she had been thinking back in the forest. She couldn't imagine he's be very pleased to learn she'd intended on making him into a pet and leading him around with a lease. She shuddered. No, better not mention that. Ever.
Still she hesitated to accept. It seemed like she was finally admitting her weakness and inferiority, the exact thing she had been trying to prove to him the entire time she wasn't. She sighed. She really didn't want to do this...
But she still owed him lunch.
"Fine." she huffed and clumsily climbed on, trying to be careful of his wounds as well as her own. "Where exactly do you plan on going?"
Teigra
Kane grunted softly as she climbed none-to-gracefully onto his back, hiding a slight cringe. Okay, so maybe he wasn't as tough as he thought he was...though he'd had a hell of a day thus far. He figured he was allowed a little room to complain.
"Well, I'm obviously no doctor," he sneered, rolling his eyes as he rose slowly to his feet. "I can take care of my own cuts and bruises, but that's about it. So, guess I'm going to have to dump you off on someone else." While his tone was harsh, he didn't exactly mean it as it sounded. He just didn't buy into pleasantries and such. He saw no use in it. Better say what needed to be said and get on with it.
"There's a place on the edge of Loka Nei that's always buzzing with Pae'il. Lots of those little Fae things too. I'm sure they'll know what to do with you there...and if not, at least it's a safe place for you to stay off your feet until it heals."
Reluctantly, but with no other choice, Kane hooked his arms around the demon femme's knees so she wouldn't slide and fall while he was running. "Alright, hang on," he snapped, tensing a bit before taking off at a dash. Best to get rid of her as soon as possible...she seemed to get him in more trouble than anyone else ever had on this entire isle.
"Well, I'm obviously no doctor," he sneered, rolling his eyes as he rose slowly to his feet. "I can take care of my own cuts and bruises, but that's about it. So, guess I'm going to have to dump you off on someone else." While his tone was harsh, he didn't exactly mean it as it sounded. He just didn't buy into pleasantries and such. He saw no use in it. Better say what needed to be said and get on with it.
"There's a place on the edge of Loka Nei that's always buzzing with Pae'il. Lots of those little Fae things too. I'm sure they'll know what to do with you there...and if not, at least it's a safe place for you to stay off your feet until it heals."
Reluctantly, but with no other choice, Kane hooked his arms around the demon femme's knees so she wouldn't slide and fall while he was running. "Alright, hang on," he snapped, tensing a bit before taking off at a dash. Best to get rid of her as soon as possible...she seemed to get him in more trouble than anyone else ever had on this entire isle.
[chainedfaye]
Alaera happened to be thinking the same thing of Kane. Sure she'd had her problems, mostly due to her clumsiness, but she'd never been in any serious trouble before. Not before she met him. This was his fault.
And he just wanted to dump her! Why is was because of her that he even made it out of the forest! Who knew what else would have happened to him if he stayed there while out of his mind.
She was surprised when he grasped her legs to keep her from falling. It was a kind gesture, she'd half expected to have to hang on for dear life. Lost in her thoughts, his words didn't sink in before he dashed off. She flailed, her grip on him almost breaking as she was thrown back and she threw her arms around his neck holding him tightly. After she regained her balance, Alaera realized she was probably cutting off his air and released her death grip on his neck to cross her arms over his chest.
It was rather exhilarating to be traveling so fast, the scenery was flying by as the demon ran. She could feel his muscles rippling under her and his scent filled her lungs as she breathed in. She'd never really been around a male before. Other than Asrai but that really didn't count, she'd practically raised him as her son. She'd been surrounded by females her entire life- maybe Sally was right. Perhaps she should try to met others. She'd never felt an urge to go out and meet others unless they stumbled into her life. And Kane had pounced. Too bad he drove her absolutely stark raving crazy.
Alaera shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. They were strange and unfamiliar to her and she didn't know what to think of them. She'd store them away for future consideration.
And he just wanted to dump her! Why is was because of her that he even made it out of the forest! Who knew what else would have happened to him if he stayed there while out of his mind.
She was surprised when he grasped her legs to keep her from falling. It was a kind gesture, she'd half expected to have to hang on for dear life. Lost in her thoughts, his words didn't sink in before he dashed off. She flailed, her grip on him almost breaking as she was thrown back and she threw her arms around his neck holding him tightly. After she regained her balance, Alaera realized she was probably cutting off his air and released her death grip on his neck to cross her arms over his chest.
It was rather exhilarating to be traveling so fast, the scenery was flying by as the demon ran. She could feel his muscles rippling under her and his scent filled her lungs as she breathed in. She'd never really been around a male before. Other than Asrai but that really didn't count, she'd practically raised him as her son. She'd been surrounded by females her entire life- maybe Sally was right. Perhaps she should try to met others. She'd never felt an urge to go out and meet others unless they stumbled into her life. And Kane had pounced. Too bad he drove her absolutely stark raving crazy.
Alaera shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. They were strange and unfamiliar to her and she didn't know what to think of them. She'd store them away for future consideration.
Teigra
Of course, Kane's original intention had been to hold on to her in order to prevent his near choking...
Coughing weakly as she released her death grip on his neck, he rolled his eyes in exasperation where she couldn't see. Crazy femme...he'd be lucky to get out of this situation before she killed him!
He wished he could go faster, but it was difficult enough to keep a hold of her like this. He'd be faster on all-fours, as well as more comfortable, but there was no way that would work. Looks like he'd just have to suck it up and deal with the issue. Even on only two legs and hindered by Alaera's weight, Kane could still run faster than the average Pae'il. Not much longer now...
Unlike when he normally ran, however, Kane was breathing hard. The fight had taken more out of him than he'd realized at first, not to mention the painful transformation that followed it and the mad dash through the forest to the beach. As tired as he'd felt lying in the surf, it was no small wonder that he was doing this well, now that he thought about it more. And there wasn't much else to do while running than think.
He thought about a lot of things. Like, what that primate creature had been running from. What had caused him to transform? Did it have anything to do with the odd bat-like creatures earlier? And why did his skin feel so hot underneath her hands...?
Not to misinterpret...it was not a pleasant feeling. More like an itch he couldn't scratch or some insect pest that he couldn't swat away. NEVER had he tolerated being touched before...well...there was that one time...
But no, he was not happy about these circumstances, but he didn't see any other options at the moment. The sooner he could get Alaera to the Pae'il HQ and away from himself, the better. Instantaneously wouldn't be soon enough.
Thank the Guardians, he could see the edge of Loka Nei in the distance. Swerving just slightly to the left, he altered his path to follow the border until the enormous HQ rose into view.
Coughing weakly as she released her death grip on his neck, he rolled his eyes in exasperation where she couldn't see. Crazy femme...he'd be lucky to get out of this situation before she killed him!
He wished he could go faster, but it was difficult enough to keep a hold of her like this. He'd be faster on all-fours, as well as more comfortable, but there was no way that would work. Looks like he'd just have to suck it up and deal with the issue. Even on only two legs and hindered by Alaera's weight, Kane could still run faster than the average Pae'il. Not much longer now...
Unlike when he normally ran, however, Kane was breathing hard. The fight had taken more out of him than he'd realized at first, not to mention the painful transformation that followed it and the mad dash through the forest to the beach. As tired as he'd felt lying in the surf, it was no small wonder that he was doing this well, now that he thought about it more. And there wasn't much else to do while running than think.
He thought about a lot of things. Like, what that primate creature had been running from. What had caused him to transform? Did it have anything to do with the odd bat-like creatures earlier? And why did his skin feel so hot underneath her hands...?
Not to misinterpret...it was not a pleasant feeling. More like an itch he couldn't scratch or some insect pest that he couldn't swat away. NEVER had he tolerated being touched before...well...there was that one time...
But no, he was not happy about these circumstances, but he didn't see any other options at the moment. The sooner he could get Alaera to the Pae'il HQ and away from himself, the better. Instantaneously wouldn't be soon enough.
Thank the Guardians, he could see the edge of Loka Nei in the distance. Swerving just slightly to the left, he altered his path to follow the border until the enormous HQ rose into view.
