Cuttersbury - Trail towards Drych Lake

“Ah, Q.T! Are you alright?” Marcus asked with a warm, reassuring smile as he saw the haggard water mage stumble his way towards him after his spat with one of the Varrens. Ceasing his concentration and incantation of channelling another agility buff to one of his friends, he turned his attention towards Quentin and his dangerous pursuer, watching with interest and appreciation at the way in which Quentin channelled the water from a tree branch, delicately controlling it and weaving the floating puddle of water in midair between them. Marcus’ eyes lingered briefly on the state of the branch left behind, and then looked back at the sweating Quentin and his water.

"Marky, I don't have enough water to make this hurt, so I need a little air on this one. You feelin' me?"

“Fascinating,” Marcus stroked his chin. “You’re quite talented, Q.T.” Marcus smiled. “I think I can help...”

A strong gust of wind suddenly swept between the two, snatching the ball of water out and shooting it through the air towards the Varren. The brilliant gust of wind took Quentin by surprise, almost breaking his concentration of maintaining the water together completely, were it not for the attack being over almost as soon as it had begun. The Varren was struck dead center in the chest, feeling the hard sting of the water whiplashing against it and bowling it over onto the ground in pain. Before it could even catch its breath, to its disbelief the water soaking him started to turn and change, growing harder and more solid, as Marcus focused on implementing his less practiced ice magic to pin the Varren against the ground, despite its struggling.

“How was that?” Marcus turned back again towards Quentin, his face resuming his usual calm smile.

---

“Woah, Syed, that was awesome!” Estelle jumped for joy and screamed in jubilation as Syed’s foot swung out and booted one of the two charging Varren with an electrically empowered crack to the snout. At the same time, the other Varren collapsed to the ground, clutching its belly in agony as it trembled greatly in pain, Estelle sheathing her fireblade back into its place after she deftly smacked it back with the flat of her sword. She turned back around to her friend, and winced in concern at the way in which Syed was still trapped. The Varren below, clutching onto him, was being incredibly persistent… and Tobi was still trapped too. How to get them out?

“Trixie!” Estelle shouted over the din of battle. “Do you have anything… smelly we can throw down here?” She said, pointing to the hole that Syed’s arm was stuck down. The electromage shot a look towards Estelle. Did they not have any better ideas? She shrugged. “Only thing I can really think of is something super smelly that’d turn away the Varren and make him let go of you… sorry, Syed!”

To carry such a rancid smell on his hand for the rest of the day, though… was it wrong for him to almost hope Trixie didn’t have anything that might fit the description?

“Moira!” Estelle continued. “Could you… punch the ground around Tobi and smash him out?”

A glint twinkled in the berserker’s eye.

“What about punching my hand out?!” Syed panicked.

“Couldn't that risk the Varren slicing your arm off…?”

Oh, Vayū.

Cuttersbury: Trail towards Drych Lake

Varrens were getting tossed around left and right. Initially they were the ones doing the tossing, being all rude with their rock-throwing and ankle-grabbing. They seemed to outnumber the Pride and co. at first glance, but once everyone got a hold of themselves, they started falling apart just like that. Heck, any varrens that were in holes nearby Trixie even flinched at the sound of her guns suddenly banging, as she shot off to the sky in celebration. "Yeah! Take that, buttholes!"

She responded to Estelle with her trademark impish smile. "Just what I was thinkin', Supersis!" She wasn't thinking at all that there'd be smelly repercussions for her teammates afflicted by what she was about to do, but at least they were well on their way to a spa anyway. Trixie skipped over to where the electromage was stuck, gleefully humming despite the worry on his face. As she made her way over, she whipped out a certain lean-green object from her belt pouch.

"Bombs away!" Trixie sang. She jumped in the air and spun (trying to add some superhero flair to her move) before chucking the stinkbomb into the very same hole Syed was pulled into.

Seconds later, a small rumble shook the area the trio stood in, and green wispy vapors emitted from the hole. The sound of high-pitched shrieks sounded off below them as well, and Syed instantly felt his arm free from pressure. Trixie was unaffected by the stench though, as she had also plucked out a clothespin for her nose just in time. The usual works.

She wasn't much of a fighter at all, but at least the young one was useful for dastardly tactics like these. The newbie trio would learn that soon enough.



From afar, Amy rolled her eyes at Trixie's tactic and continued on with her healing, particularly those who were down like Lute. It was at least enough to keep them energized and on their feet, rather than fatigued once the battle came to an end.

Cuttersbury - Trail to Drych Lake
Syed recoiled so harshly from the hole it was any wonder he didn't give himself whiplash. Not that he seemed particularly pleased, awkwardly holding his previously trapped arm out like he was conflicted as whether to cradle it to help the pain or hold it away to avoid the stinky blood-smeared goo which now smothered it - which didn't help his shoulder much. Although a spell sent his way from Amy helped sway the decision towards the latter. This was terrible. At least his arm was still in one piece.

Moira quickly took advantage of her bound partner's regained mobility to rush towards Tobi. She raised her fist, ready to clobber the dazed Varren in her path... quite understandably, the Varren ran away. Fair enough.

Except it wasn't the only one. Simultaniously, the Varren all began to chatter and whine, seemingly listening for something before scattering. Taking the unconcious, injured, incapacitated and disorientated along with them, diving into the warrens and out of sight. This fight was too much for them. They had a little difficulty retrieving the frozen Varren, and then just outright gave up trying to stuff that one into a hole leaving the poor thing stuck halfway.

Wait, was that it?! "W-wait!" Syed cried out with uncertainty. Their mission! Meanwhile Moira continued to run towards Tobi, fist raised. With a yell, she brought it forward... and was promptly knocked flying as a rock struck her across the head. A rock which originated from the ground exploding between them all. Shockwaves spread across the ground, causing many people to tumble and causing the ground around Tobi to crack and loosen. What... what was that?!

Syed looked up from the floor - freaking out slightly when he realised how close his stinking hand was to his face - and he couldn't believe his eyes. Sunlight shone down on them all... creating a spotlight upon the creature which landed before them.

A Varren, even bigger than all the others stood before them. It had one arm pointing to the sky, the other pushing it's shades further up it's nose. It wore a leather jacket on it's back, held a piece of straw like a cigarette in it's mouth, and it's spikes... the spikes on it's head... were shaped as a pompadour.

It looked upon them all, looking upon those who had hurt it's brethren. It shuffled it's feet, span on the spot, before giving them a clear thumbs down.

Big Bro Varren was going to make the Pride pay.

Cuttersbury: Trail towards Drych Lake

Jett observed Lute tackling the varren as it was in the air. Cool! So attacking its belly would kind… well kinda… well it has a soft spot! The awe faded as Lute crashed into him and both of them fell to the ground. He threw out his hands and he tucked his head in. He tumbled to the side almost varren style to avoid the Virtuoso from landing on top of him. The H-ranker straightened up and realized another varren was bearing down on him.

"Geez! Cut me some slack will ya?"

He swung his yo-yo violently in a wide arc. The red disc helped him deflect the sharp claws reaching for his face. He bit his lip when he saw his fellow Guilder being swarmed.

“Hold on!” Jett yelled.

The newbie blocked a few more blows from his current target. He jerked the string harshly, and the yo-yo sped back to him. The suddenly movement caught the mole off-guard. Jett blinked slightly as his weapon hit the side of the creature’s face. He totally wasn’t expecting that, honestly, but it worked. The sharp knock was just enough to make the creature flinch without actually hurting it. See ya!

"Lute! I'm back... with ya." Jett yelled as he dashed towards the white haired man.

He swung his yo-yo forward in such a huge arc that it missed the varren. He exhaled loudly in frustration. Then the newbie did the first thing that came to mind – he stood behind one of the moles and threw his yo-yo forward in a straight line with as much strength as possible. The yo-yo rapped the back of the varren’s head lightly before the red disc fell to the ground.

The novice crouched low to reel the string back when he came face to face with a pair of beady eyes. He froze for a second before he was sent sprawling to the ground. His previous opponent was back with a vengance! Jett huffed. He bucked around trying to throw off the Varren, but the creature hooked its claws into his shirt and refused to let go.

Jett got to his feet clunkily just as another varren swiped at him. Jett moved his head lightly to side, but the sharp claws scraped off bits of skin, leaving several gashes. Reacting purely on instinct the newbie aimed a hard kick at the animal. He missed completely.

"What's... oh man!"

He groaned as the piggybacking mole dug its claws into his shoulders till it drew blood. "Get off!"

"Get off!" He yelled a second time as he threshed about.

The red yo-yo whipped around crazily as Jett spun round and round trying to free the unwelcomed passenger. His two other opponents sat there watching. They appeared mesmerized by the flashes of red. Jett felt really giddy, but apparently, the varren was feeling it too. The poor creature let go and rolled onto the ground. The newbie Guilder lurched around drunkenly as his yo-yo scraped against the ground.

The bad stench assailing his nostrils didn't help one bit. Jett felt sick to his stomach. Instictively the H-ranker clamped a hand over his nose and mouth. He wasn't sure why - probably to block out the smell or prevent himself from hurling, whatever came first. Jett heard shrieking coming from his opponents before the earth shook violently. The poor rookie pitched forward and lay quite still.

Jett grumbled mostly to himself. "Please stop or I'm gonna puke."

Cuttersbury: Trail towards Drych Lake

"Bombs away!"

If the shrieks below were any indication, the Varren seemed much displeased by this new scent thrust into their tunnels. Unfortunately, gas having the property of expansion no matter how stinky it is, some of the smell wafted out of the holes. Aria had been standing besides one of the entrances and while she had leapt away at Trixie's warning, still managed to get a whiff and gagged, whipping open the fan she had been using to smack away Varrens to to try fan away the smell.

Still, it looked as if the battle was over. They stood there, rather bewildered by the speed the creatures had retreated, not sure whether to relax or not. Just as she was about to drop her fighting stance, the ground exploded, sending many of them stumbling to the ground. Aria barely kept her footing, saved only by the dirt wall and the roots sticking out that she grabbed onto tightly. Others, such as poor Jett weren't so lucky and fell into the dirt. When the big Varren appeared she gaped openly.

"I- Am I really seeing this?" She shook her head in disbelief, squeezing her eyes shut and reopening them but the Varren was still there, pompadoured and dressed just like a certain bro. "It's not just me, right? That... Looks like Don?" Who knew that Varrens could style their spikes?

Cuttersbury: Trail towards Drych Lake

Quentin was blown away.

Ha ha, blown away. Oh man, he was killing himself. Oh, right, the fight!

The water mage was deeply impressed. It was not just any dude that could switch off with such skill from buffing allies to his primary skill set and then switching again to his secondary talent. Quentin wondered what rank Marcus had attained already. A very high D or a low C, perhaps? He would have to ask later. Right now, there was a bigger problem - much bigger.

"Oh my gods, what is that smell?" Quentin asked aloud, his face crinkling at Trixie's bombardment of olfactory offense. He could not help but react, even knowing full well there was a Big Bro Varren eyeing all of them and striking a pose. This was getting weirder by the second. Quentin was no animal expert, but he was pretty darn certain that it was not natural for varrens to wear fashionable clothing or style their spikes into pompadours...or was it? To be fair, not being an animal expert was actually a pretty big deal when it came to this kind thing. Maybe the varrens had evolved to the point where fashion was an important part of their social behavior. Who knew?

Quentin trotted to Marcus's side. "You're real talented too, Marky Mark. I think we make a pretty good team."

He looked over the Big Bro Varren. Damn thing was a poser! It was practically taunting the Pride and Quentin did not like it one bit. This was all a little hard to swallow, like he was still having a nightmare and all that was needed now was the shark cyclone - no, the shark torn--

Quentin snapped his fingers when he caught sight of Trixie grinning with satisfaction. Had she been responsible for that? That clothespin on her nose made him wonder...

"Yo, Super Pixie! You got anything in your arsenal that's got water in it?"

Cuttersbury: Trail towards Drych Lake

“Dayum, Trixie… I thought you’d have something in your gear that’d smell bad but that… that’s a whole different kind of bad…” Estelle’s voice sounded exceptionally bad and nasally as she tried to speak with one hand pinching her nose. As elated as she was that she had managed to help free Syed, the manner in which that had worked was… not quite what she had expected. She discreetly side stepped away from Syed.

BOOM

The ground quaked.

BOOM

Members of the Pride were thrown to the floor as the earth below them rumbled and fractured, splitting apart and thrusting solid rock up at haphazard angles as he biggest, strangest Varren the Pride had yet to see made its incredible appearance. At the same time, Tobi, now freed from his entanglement trapped waist deep in the hole, was thrown flying through the air as the BigBro Varren appeared, smacking his head against the ground and spinning around in circles before skidding to a final stop at Nani’s feet, his face green with sickness from inhaling Trixie’s stench bomb, and a massive lump bulging from the back of his head.

“Oh… my.” Marcus’ eyes widened in incredulity at the appearance of the giant Varren. This really was something new. Marcus wondered what a certain friend of theirs would do and say upon seeing the Varren…?

“Don’t lose focus!” Estelle yelled aloud, snapping the Guilders out of their startlement and back to their surroundings. She drew her fire blade again, this time igniting it. Against a monster with an affinity for the earth, her fire wouldn’t deal much significant damage, but it would strengthen her strikes on the whole. She stepped forward with her sword raised, moving to charge against the Varren, but had made no progress before the ground violently shook beneath her feet again, toppling over.

The Varren moved, each step causing the ground to tremble under its weight. It danced about, mimicking familiar steps, as it stepped with surprising speed towards the Pride. And then, it jumped into the air, crashing against the ground with a resounding explosion, spinning forward in a spiked ball directly at the closest members of the Pride…

Cuttersbury: To Drych Lake Spa...again!

"You've got me!" Moria yelled before launching a punch and sending the Varren flying out of its clothing.

Nani watched with a practical lovestruck expression. Well she knew who her new favorite person was. Out of her short awe inspired daze, she realized two things. One, the spiky rats were going away. Two, there was a faint, yet terrible smell somewhere. Luckily, old sea dogs and sea hags smelled just the same- or even worse, so she could handle it. Although she questioned why pirates had to be so dirty sometimes. Hygiene wasn't just for on land!

The ground shook, but she sturdy enough to keep her balance. Times facing storms helped that. Nani wasn't quite aware of what the Bro Varren was doing, but she didn't really care either. They were leaving and that's all that mattered. Before she took any step further, the pirate whistled a short pattern. Only seconds later Cap called back and then landed right on her shoulder.

"Fight success?" He squawked.

"Fight success!" Nani grinned and patted the bird's head before turning her attention to Moria again and clamping her hands together. "You are amaaaazing! That one move-" She paused as Tobi slid in front of her. With a grin she reached out and helped the male up. "Fun, right?"

Though that didn't get to last very long because the redhead got their attention. And then it seemed the larger Varren had a bone to pick with them. "That thing is either dancing or stomping. I dunno, but it's not a very good dancer." She raised her arm to deflect the rocks and pebbles that were flung this way and that. "Cap, looks like you'll be taking another sit out. Don't need ya gettin' hurt okay?"

"Aye aye!" He responded and then flew off to safety.

"So, Anyone got any bright ideas? You know, besides dodging for our lives?"

Cuttersbury - Trail to Drych Lake

Well, this path was wrecked. The ground tore and shredded beneath their feet, making any attempt to remain standing increadibly difficult for most of the Pride. Moira stood up with difficulty, blood trickling from under her hairline and a disgusted look on her face. The disgust wasn't because of the bombastic Big Bro Varren though, as much as it felt off somehow to fight something so like their old friend... it smelt like somebody had taken a massive dump in a garbage truck then put everything in a blender.

"Bright ideas?" Syed responded, lying on his back with all his limbs in the air. For someone as klutzy as him, it was a bit much to stay upright. He was starting to look a bit pale and queasy. "Well, it's still just a giant-"

"Shit!" Moira bellowed. It took all she had to remain standing, so for the Varren to attack on top of that was the icing on the cake! It approached them all like a spikey boulder of death with a speed which easily trumped that of it's companions. This Varren was on a whole 'nother level! She unsheathed her sword, swinging it before herself defensively...

And leapt into it's path to block the charge, sending sparks flying in every direction as it span against her blade. Moira's heels dug further into the ground as she snarled and fought against it, the ground continuing to shake from the sheer power of the Varren's onslaught.

...And then the stalemate ended, when Moira's footing gave away beneath her, sending her rocketing past the others and crashing painfully into a tree. The force of her striking it was enough to cause the tree to splinter and topple away from the group. Syed was again sent flying after her dispite pretty clearly not getting hit, leaving a lovely stinky trail and a wordless yell in his wake. Arcs of electricity shot from his body as he slowed his own trajectory to give himself a much gentler landing - he was much more squishy than his partner after all.

However, as much as Moira's defence had failed... she had given the others an opportunity to act. The Big Bro Varren uncurled itself for the briefest moment, rearing it's paw back to slash at those closest - while somehow maintaining a very cool pose - before it intended to use another spinning attack...

Cuttersbury: Trail towards Drych Lake

Trixie giggled the most nasally of giggles as the others commented on just how bad her stinkbomb smelled. It was a success, then! They were all so lucky the pipsqueak was on their side. Only after Big Bro Varren popped in did she remove her clothespin, though, as he was too far from the stench fog to have it be of any use to him at the time, even if everyone else had their faces scrunched. Like the others, she stared at the big baddie instead of taking action right away. "Wow, these punks are really fashionable. Hey, Supersis, do you think Superbro would...?"

Quentin snapping and calling for her cut her off, and she turned around with a jump to see him. "Oh, that's a good idea. I should start carrying around water ba-booms, huh? No I don't have anything like that, but I do gots a couple made from potato stuffing!" She pulled one of her splats from her pouch and beamed. Unlike the stinkbomb, this one appeared to be a little mechanical toy that had been quite beaten up over its time of usage. "I call this one Yam."

"Don't lose focus!" Estelle cried out, drawing attention to herself with her brilliant fireblade. The ground was sent rumbling again before she could make her strike, which nearly caused the prankster to fall over as well. Their footing now was that much more unbalanced. And despite its pompadour-shaped spines, it still looked dastardly dangerous all spinny like it was. Trixie barely shielded her eyes in time from the windy force of Moira (and Syed) being sent passed all of them and into a tree.

"I got it, I got it!" she cried out next before anyone else could step up to bat. She whipped out her two uzis from her butt pockets with a twirl and dashed straight after the beast. Now that it was uncoiled, she could aim right at its tummy! That looked like a good place to strike, right? She wouldn't do much damage, but they had to take advantage of this.

Trixie unleashed a barrage of bullets as she ran near, completely unaware of the varren's intention with rearing its paw back. She did manage to make the beast wince from all the prickles on its stomach, but it swiped right at her all coolly as she got near. The prankster was set flying to the side and landed face first into the ground. Instead of getting up right away, her entire body just kinda slumped, so she laid there like she was sleeping on a bed. With a muffled "ow."



Amy remained wordless at this time; whether she was impressed or revolted by the varrens' antics was left unsaid. Closing her eyes, her body glowed its usual gold as she chanted a healing spell for Trixie, Moira, and Syed right away. They weren't badly injured, but it was her job to keep everyone up and at it as much as they could. Afterwards, she kept her eye out for whoever charged after the varren next - and gave them another defense buff. That way if the varren struck them, they wouldn't wind up in a tree as well.

Cuttersbury: Trail to Drych Lake

As soon as Moira had managed to halt the large Varren’s spinning charge, forcing him to stop and uncurl, even at the expense of Moira being sent flying back at the same time, Estelle had began her own charge towards the oversized monster, aiming to assist her friend and back her up when she needed it. But the uneven, shredded ground made that much more difficult, needing to hop her way forward across the torn up ground in order to draw closer to the Varren. Before she got halfway, Moira had already been sent flying backwards, and if Estelle hadn’t both seen and reacted in time enough to dodge, she would have gotten hit as well.

“Damnit…!” Estelle muttered behind gritted teeth as she stood back up, looking over her shoulder and at Moira’s violent crash against one of the surroundings trees. She turned her focus back again on the Varren, and resumed her charge, flaming Fireblade held ready. Trixie had by now taken over, pumping round after round into the Varren’s exposed stomach, but doing little damage other then to distract it and draw its ire. Once again, Estelle was too late to reach her friend in time, with Trixie being the next person to be swatted backwards. Estelle could only hope the girl she loved like a little sister was alright, and that Amy would be able to help with their wounds. She felt a warm, familiar glow surround her, and Estelle instantly recognised the type of spell that enveloped her body. A defense buff from Amy.

“Hey you, pick on someone your own size!!” Estelle yelled at the Varren, snatching its attention. The remark was not quite right however, Estelle was far smaller then the beast. With remarkable speed and agility, the large Varren moved with shocking speed, its clawed paw little more then a blur as it swiped to hit Estelle. With her fireblade held to the side and catching it, Estelle took the hit with a painful grunt… but, thanks to Amy’s spell, was able to stand her ground. The Varren’s pitchblack eyes blinked in surprise. But it wasn’t so easily caught unawares.

It’s other claw shot out at a frenetic speed, to hit Estelle again. This time, however, with the aid of another, different magic spell, the swordswoman was able to avoid it. Thanks to Marcus’ improving her agility, she was faster, and able to jump much higher, leaping straight over the Varren’s second swipe. She fell down towards the guard broken big bro Varren, roaring as she swung the flat of her Fireblade down, aimed at the side of its face!

POW

Unfortunately, to the rest of the Pride’s shock and surprise, the loud hit that reverberated through the woods and into their ears was not the sound of Estelle’s sword hitting true. Instead, it was the sound of the giant Varren, flipping its body over backwards, punting Estelle in the chest with its foot, and sending her reeling vertically into the air. The monster’s agility, speed and reflexes… were so much greater then any of the other Varrens the Pride had encountered! No wonder he was their Big Bro!

Its sunglasses’ caught the reflection of the overhead sun, shining brilliantly, as it turned and scanned the area for who it’d attack next…

BOSS THEME: Big Bro Varren
Rollin'

Cuttersbury: Trail towards Drych Lake

Jett had just staggered painfully to his feet when he heard Estelle’s challenging the giant varren. He turned to look in her direction quickly. The young man cheered the red head on as she charged towards the mole. He couldn’t help admiring plucky Estelle even more. She was so cool!

He whooped loudly when she swung her blade forward, but he forced himself to stop. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing! The varren retaliated by flipping over and kicking Estelle into the air. He watched helplessly for a second or two before panic gripped him. He shouldn’t stand around like a useless lump. Estelle could get hurt if she hit ground after falling from that height!

“Ms. Estelle!”

He dashed towards the varren at a breakneck speed. He didn’t care about the silly beast; in fact, he wasn’t even aware that it was staring at him. The only thing on his mind was his fellow Guilder. He craned his neck and looked up. It didn’t take long for Jett to realize that he was a little too late. Undeterred the novice sped up as much as he could. At the last minute he threw himself forward. All he could do now was pray that he managed to cushion Estelle’s fall.

Cuttersbury: Trail towards Drych Lake

Trixie's shots merely annoyed it with stings, while Estelle's attack resulted in a counter that sent the girl flying into the air.

Aria gave a worried cry as she darted over to Trixie. The girl didn't seem hurt and was merely lying face down on the ground, but the illusionist was more worried that flying rocks would accidentally bury the girl. "C'mon, up before the ants get you," She gave a few prods before looking back up at the fabulously posing Varren. It was much more powerful than the normal Varren, that was plain to see. She didn't quite want to get close enough since she wasn't quite sure if she could take a hit from those claws.

Was there anything that could distract him? He was similar to Don, strangely so. What would distract a certain Big Bro?

Her eyes widened before she shook her head. No, she shouldn't. Should she?

She sighed. "I'm going to distract him! Attack while you can (and please don't laugh)."

Aria squeezed her eyes shut, an image forming in her mind. Behind the pompadoured creature an image materialized- another Varren, only clad in white robes with flowing black hair tied halfway in a bun and shimmying seductively. In other words, one that looked strangely like the Selan version of a Varren. She sighed, facepalming. "I really hope this works..."

Cuttersbury: Trail towards Drych Lake

When Trixie responded in the negative, Quentin's heart sank a bit. He really had hoped that Trixie was going to be the superheroine she said she was and save him (and, by extension, everyone else). This Big Bro Varren was bad news.

POW. Down went Moira and Syed. POW. Down went Trixie. POW. Down went Estelle. The Pride was getting a royal beating. In spite of himself, Quentin remarked, "Daaaaamn." He would not be surprised if some of them felt those blows for the next week. Aria called out, "I'm going to distract him! Attack while you can."

Quentin touched his fellow mage's arm.

"Marcus, gimme a boost. We gotta make this work."

The water mage broke out into a run for the tree again. Marcus, understanding his brother mage, gave Quentin a magical bounce. Quentin shot up into the air and landed high in the tree, perching himself along two branches. Quentin knew he looked like a treehugger when he did this, but he wrapped his arms around the trunk and concentrated. He could feel sweat breaking out on his forehead and his cheeks reddening from the exertion. The mage sucked in air through his teeth and shouted down, "Keep him away from me! This'll take a lot of work!"

Quentin shut his eyes and focused intensely on the lifeblood flowing through the tree. Water pulsed up from the ground, sucked in through the roots, coursing through the wood and out to the tiny veins on every little leaf. The tree croaked in his ears. It was inaudible to anyone not so connected to the tree.

~I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't have to. I'm so sorry. There's no other way. You're the best tree a dude could ask for.~

The tree made a noise only Quentin could hear. It was like the sound of the last of a liquid being drained through a straw. Tears streamed from the water mage's eyes and down his cheeks. For a moment, he was grateful he was a relative novice; if he had real talent, he would have been able to desiccate the plant entirely. As it was, all he could do was draw hard from the leaves and branches. That was more than enough. Quentin hoped that whatever was going on down below him to distract the varren, it was working and keeping it away from him...

Cuttersbury: To Drych Lake Spa...again!

Nani stood and watched in awe as Moria used brute strength to stop the larger Varren. "She's one helluva chick. . ." She mused. In the conditions of bronze over beauty, Moria took bronze for the cake- and it was one of the best choices Nani had ever seen. She then gasped lightly as the woman was sent flying into a tree. And not far after Syed and Trixie were flying as well.

Estelle took a shot at the giant Varren, and she seemed to get somewhere, at least for a moment before she was sent flying and Jett tumbled after her. "She's got spunk. And he's...He's an odd one. Probably not the fastest fish in the sea." She took a step, only for the fan wielder, Aria she believed, to step forward. "You know. I don't think it's a good idea to just take turns in this you know. Oi, girly you're... What in the name-?" She rubbed her eyes and blinked a few times.

"Did she- Am I going crazy or did she just turn into one of those spiky gerbils?" Figuring it wasn't the best time, to question everyone's particular skillset, she decided to rush forward, careful not to run into the 'new female Varren' just in case that one tried to attack too. It was distracted for the most part, but it caught a glimpse of Nani rushing towards him. "C'mon you large rat! Catch me if you can!"

So maybe it didn't like being called a large rat. . . Soon it started trying to stab where Nani was, but it missed on several occasions, and narrowly missed others. "Yeesh. This thing is fast!" In one instant, it managed to catch and throw her into the air. For a moment, it was kind of cool, that is until she realized being tossed in the air was not going to have....the best...ending. "GYAAH- whoa!"

Nani's sword was jammed right in between spikes. "Uhh, no rush or anything, but a little help?" She looked down at her leg, finding three horizontal claw marks in it. "Chalk that one up for the list of scars. Maybe I can claim fighting sea monsters for that. Raging thunderstorms and a sea monster trying to take down the ship!" Nani paused, realizing maybe she should figure out a way out of her first predicament.

Cuttersbury - Trail to Drych Lake

The Pride and their allies focused their attention on the Big Bro Varren, although to little success. This Varren may be bigger, but it was certainly badder too. As it proceeded to pummel the group pretty much to the ground, it didn't lose it's cool for even a second. It tapped it's feet, spinning on the spot as it countered and dodged the blows, it's shades flashing in the sunlight.

Until... it saw... her! A beauty in white, with wonderful long black fur on it's head among it's spikes, plump lips and one hell of a shiny coat. What more could a Varren ask for! The world seemed to slow for the creature, even moreso when this strange, gorgeous vision flicked her long locks back. Her lips parted by just a tiny fraction.

If Varrens had a concept of marriage, he wanted to do that right now.

At least until the noisy one jumped him. The one which kept talking all the time in that yap yap yap human-speak he didn't understand. She kept yapping even once he had delt with her - focusing instead on that beauty. He danced forward, cranking it up to eleven and leaving poor Nani dangling behind him like a cape. He started making odd, almost purring noises. Oh gods they weren't going to all be subject to a Varren mating ritual were they?! Oh gods it was even mirroring her shimmying!

Not if a certain master of interfering with relationships had anything to do with it. Running in at the edge of the battlefield and glowing with Marcus' buff, he could see everything which was going on. Everyone getting pummelled, Jett leaping forward to catch Estelle, Quentin painfully preparing something up in the trees... "Nani! Let go of the sword!"



Syed began moving his arms in wide yet precise movements, his fingers forming various signs as he went. Electricity began to arc across his body as he did so, dancing across his fingers with every twitch. And then, once he was sure Nani was clear, his fists clenched.

With that, electricity suddenly buzzed across Nani's sword as it was wrenched backwards. The sheer force pulled the Varren back a little, unbalancing it, but it wasn't enough to free the sword.

It did, however, crack the main spine the sword was trapped by. It wouldn't take much more to break the spine and free it. It also majorly pissed off the Varren, who as far as it was concerned was having it's game ruined by a bunch of noisy yap-yap monkeys who had also beaten up it's bros. It didn't understand which one did that, but it wouldn't let them hurt her too! It was going to protect her at all costs!

It roared, the ground shaking even more. Then without hesitation it leapt forward, bringing it's paw down on Trixie...

CLANG!



"Not... on my watch you don't...!" Moira groaned, having skidded to a stop over the Prankster and brought up her sword to once more block the blow. Her sword trembled against the sheer force it pushed upon her. The previous blow had knocked the wind out of her, but Moira was probably just as tough and stubborn as a Varren in that way - especially when buffed to the eyeballs by Amy. If anyone had any bright ideas, the sooner the better!

Syed as always was by her side, although he was quick to drop to his knees in his attempt to get Trixie at least out of imminent danger.

Cuttersbury: Trail to Drych Lake

Trixie awoke to a warm feeling washing over her body, as well as a feminine muffled voice beside her. As she rose up to a seated position, she flicked dirt from her ear. "Ooh, Ari, thanks for comin' for me! You didn't have to but I-- ... wow, that varren is one hot mama." Had it not been for that hot mama varren, Quentin would be putting up with a slew of snarky comments from the prankster by this point, with all his tree-climbing and tree-hugging.

Her attention was next drawn to Nani, overhearing her calling the beast a rat before rushing right at him. Then getting herself stuck. Trixie pursed her lips and hopped right onto her feet. "Ahh! I gotchu, Nanny!" She began running after her new ally as well, feeling renewed from Amy's spell, but she slipped and toppled over again once the big bro varren began dancing back at the illusion. That wasn't good. Not especially for the pirate chica.

"Nanny, hang in there!"

"Nani! Let go of the sword!"

"Okay Nanny, let go of the sword!"

And before Trixie knew it, she was being targeted next - but was saved in the nick of time by-- "Boss! You saved me! I owe you big!" The prankster was soon back on her feet with her and Syed's help. "Love you long time, Sparky, my main man, my number one personal sidekick!" As Moira fended off the varren, Trixie managed to get a good look at the mole's face. An impish smile crept up on her lips.

"Hey, someone! Get its face closer to the ground, pleaaase!" Now that she was out of danger, Trixie repositioned herself so she could get a cleaner shot of the varren. Except not a literal shot - her guns were pocketed. Instead she whipped back out that mechanical splatbomb Yam that she babbled on about earlier with Quentin - aka her sticky gooey stuffing-splosion. This one didn't do damage, but it was really thick and tough to move around in.

And perfect for smearing across the eyes. "If I can get a good throw at his face, we can blind him silly!"



To Amy, this entire situation just got stranger and stranger. She had absolutely no words for the female varren popping up behind their boss. Aria was a genius. With a grin, Amy continued with her incantations - quickly tossing one to both Estelle and Nani to help cushion their fall.

Cuttersbury: Trail towards Drych Lake

A shrill shriek left Estelle’s lips after she reached the apex of her hit from the Varren, falling down to the ground at an alarming rate. Her body hurt too much from the beast’s powerful kick for her to place herself in a position to land safely, even as another of Amy’s heals washed over her body. She soared faster and faster, the ground rapidly approaching to welcome her…!

And then she stopped, her fall having been cushioned by something a lot softer underneath. Estelle blinked in confusion, having anticipated the rough, harsh and jagged earth below to have embraced her, and not this strange… lump instead. What was that?

She looked down, her eyes widening shock and her lips emitting another sharp shriek. Positioned in a particular compromising position beneath her, with his head squashed by Estelle’s buttocks, was the well meaning and noble Jett, whose jump had been mistimed just so to not catch her in his arms, but instead his face.

“Pervert, pervert, pervert!” Estelle began smacking his body, now oblivious to the ongoing battle around her.

---

“Ah, I see what you’re planning,” Marcus smiled after seeing Quentin launch himself into one of the trees, thanks to the wind mage’s own agility buff. He had to admit, he was growing a real sense of admiration and affinity for the other mage. He was certainly an interesting man with a fascinating magic speciality. Quentin’s actions, he thought, could prove absolutely vital for the Pride’s chances of success. As a water mage, there would be no one better to break through the Varren’s rock hard defenses then he. And he would be there to assist.

“Q.T, let me know whenever you’re ready, and we’ll able to do as we did before,” Marcus smiled, as he prepared and gifted his allies with more agility enhancing buffs.

---

"Hey, someone! Get its face closer to the ground, pleaaase!" Trixie shouted, a mischevious grin growing on the prankster’s face as she whipped out a disarmingly cute toy that had been retrofitted into a dangerously sticky splatbomb, affectionately named ‘Yam’. "If I can get a good throw at his face, we can blind him silly!"



“You’ve got it!” Came a shout to her side, as the last member of the Pride began running towards the Varren, still locked in a deadly stalemate against Moira. Lute began charging towards the oversized monster with a huff, his sword newly sheathed, and his fist wrenched back, ready to hit. As Nani had gracefully shown them all earlier, swords would not quite deal the damage they’d need, and whilst a normal punch wouldn’t amount to anything other then a broken wrist either (unless you were Moira), Lute could do a little something to hopefully make such an attack stronger – strong enough to hit it in range of Trixie’s bomb. As a virtuoso, he was essentially a sound mage. With the help of the sassy familiar spirit in his head Delilah, Lute could control the sounds of those around him, amplifying music and shouts, or quietening them instead. And with a lot of precise concentration… he could absorb the sounds of that around him, and channel it into a burst of power…!

Despite all of the fighting about them, and Estelle’s relentless screaming of ‘pervert!’, the site grew silent. Lute jumped up, to allow his fist to reach head height of the Varren, angling at punching it to the ground. He swung, at the same time Trixie readied to throw Yam…!

But his swing missed, as the Big Bro Varren jumped up into the air, spinning around and around and around. In one swift, simultaneous motion, the Big Bro Varren kicked Lute in the face beneath it so that he slammed into the ground below, being pelted with Trixie’s splatterbomb. Nani was also thrown clear off the Varren, the monster’s spinning far too much for her to hold onto. She was thrown far off, landing haphazardly again on the poor Jett, whom Estelle had just gotten off from once noticing again the fight against the Varren thanks to the deaf quietude about them.

And finally, after all of this, the very ground the Pride stood upon rumbled and shook again with another violent tremor as the big Varren landed on the ground. The ground cracked and splintered even further, the trees and their branches swaying backwards and forwards roughly, leaves raining down to the ground.

Why was this thing so tough?

Upon landing, the Big Bro Varren did another spin and pose, his claws and shades gleaming in the overhead sun. He then turned around, and began searching everywhere he could for the beautiful Varren he had been dancing with earlier, only for her to be nowhere to be seen. Where did she go? (In truth, Ari’s concentration of the illusion had been upset by the quake, but the distracting illusion’s dispelling was thankfully equally as distracting).

“Don’t give up!”

BOOM



The Varren’s head recoiled backwards as a loud bang erupted in the valley. Standing in front of the large monster was Tobi, his outstretched arm having aimed and fired his shotgun mighty gunblade at the beast’s chin, sending it reeling backwards, staggering to keep its footing. Tobi grinned at the attack, before his cheeks and eyes bulged in horror, turning to vomit again at the ground. He still hadn’t recovered from the dizziness and smell from before.

And in his own distraction, he was sent flying backwards, the speedy Varren swatting the marauder into the chest. He went flying into Moira’s arm, forcing her to skid several feet backwards.

The Big Bro Varren reared its head up and unleashed a deafening roar. Now, now it was mad. Mad at first for the harm the Pride had done to its brothers. Mad at all of the annoying attacks these humans had been attempting on him. And mad that the hottie Varren had vanished without leaving a phone number. It was mad, and the Pride was in its way.

It stamped its feet again, signalling another heavy tremor about them all. The Pride were in danger.

Cuttersbury: To Drych Lake Spa...again!

"Nani! Let go of the sword!"

"You've been hit with too many rocks. I'm not lettin' go of my sword! This is good quality and I've won a lot with this sword!" She was yelled at again, but the one thing that did make her let go was the electric sparks coming from Syed. "Tobi if I lose my sword, you owe me a new, better one!" She yelled before letting go. The girl could fight sure, but her punches and kicks were nowhere near as powerful as Moira's. "It's Nani! Naaaaani!" She mentioned to Trixie when she was called Nanny. What a weird name to be called.

She started to hop from different spikes until she managed to tumble on the ground. But her chance was missed and she was sent flying again. Nani braced for impact, only to find herself landing on something...soft? The girl looked down to see she was sitting right on Jett's stomach. "Ha! Nice catch! I owe ya one." She huffed and watched as the weapon was left in the Varren. "Mangy bilge rat..." She grumbled and watch the sword get electrocuted to crack the spine.

"I'll admit...that was cool." The sword was still there though. Nani tightened the bandana around her head and stood up, remembering the soft cushion was still Jett after all.. Moira had once again showed off her strength by saving Trixie and Nani carefully examined the creature for weak spots. "There's it's underbelly...and it's face. I wonder...someone try knocking those ridiculous glasses off him?" They had other plans though, and these plans weren't working either.

If that Varren kept it up, the ground under them would be nothing but chunks...Actually it was too late for that. She began hopping from rock piece to rock piece, careful to not fall from the next tremor. Nani was near Trixie when she finished hopping around. It would be hard to incorporate without a use of a weapon. She didn't plan on raising a fist to that thing. "Face closer to the ground. Doesn't sound like it'll happen. Possible you can get closer to its face. Y'know with the windy one, Moira tossin you up if you're a good enough aim- er, I'm gonna go fetch what's mine." And with that Nani once more tried sneaking around the Varren, but that wasn't easy to do when it tried swiping everything that moved- man that thing was angry.

All the rumbling and shaking that caused the trees to shiver made Cap fly off the tree and land somewhere more sturdy. He noticed Q.T. and perched on the branch opposite of him...probably wondering why the human was hugging a tree so tight. Well, maybe it was some survival technique he didn't know of.

Cuttersbury: Trail towards Drych Lake

After the fifth blow things were getting old. Jett felt his face was growing numb and his body ached badly after every hit. Still he resisted the urge to get up. Making Estelle tumble off like that would be rude. Just when he was about to yell for the swordswoman to stop, everything fell hush and the pummeling seized seconds later. He didn’t have to open his eyes to know that the red head had gotten off.

“Finally…” He muttered.

The young man took a deep breath and tossed his legs into the air. He arched his torso in an attempt to get up without using his bloodied palms. He was about to straighten up when Nani crashed into him. At that very moment, a huge tremor rocked the area causing the parts of the ground to splinter.

“Where’d the femme hedgehog-mole thing go?” Jett asked as he tried to regain his balance.

In the end, his wobbly legs gave way, and he slipped onto the ground once again. He gritted his teeth as his raw palms scraped the rocky earth. Bits of skin tore off and soon his hands were bloodied. Thankfully, the eye-patch girl got off the moment he fell over. And at least she was polite about it.

Jett gave her a pained smile. “You’re welcome.”

The H-ranker was intrigued by Nani’s suggestion. Knocking off its shades, eh? He shaded his eyes with one hand and squinted. Gosh she’s right! The beast was wearing a pair alright. The young man grinned as he hopped after the pirate. Well at least now he can be of some assistance to the group. Nothing was going to distract him from his goal.

As soon as he reached firmer ground, the novice didn’t wait for Nani. He simply sprinted forward even swifter than ever thanks to this strange green glow. He heard the wind whistle and glanced up. His heart raced when he saw a huge claw coming his way. The newbie simply made a 45-degree turn and ran as fast as his legs can carry him.

With some luck he might get behind that behemoth. Then… well then… he’ll think of what to do next…