[IC] Blood Act I~ Ghosts of the Past

[Konan375]

Darius Jura Catacombs

By the time Darius caught his breath, the Ridge Hounds had been dealt with, and a new threat had appeared. The demon teacher appeared, changed the landscape of the catacombs, and ordered everyone to go back to the college while he dealt with the Naga, but pretty much everyone stood against him and would not leave. If it came down to a fight, Darius would probably have sided with the other students mainly because he didn't want to look like he had been sided with Tyrael if the situation went sideways and the teacher's act was against the college.

There was no fight, however, as Tyrael stood down, and decided to listen to the students. The Naga were to stay in the catacombs while everything got figured out. Ssarak and Grey chose to stay with the Naga. Which left Darius, the unconscious man, the snow elf, the pale girl, and the wood elf. The wood elf was wounded and most likely needed to be helped to the surface. Almost as if on cue, the wood elf collapsed from what appeared to be blood loss. One of the Naga caught the girl and started using the medical kit the girl had on her. There was a moment of hesitation when the Naga looked at the kit that made Darius approach them.

"Move your hands and ensure that she does not move." He said to the Naga curtly, ready to take over and thoroughly clean and dress the wounded elf's shoulder. If there was one thing that Darius learned from being a soldier, it was how to deal with large wounds.

[Demonic Angel]

Keri Wolf Lyn's Hunt

The pain didn't seem to want to let up as the sword missed its mark completely.
The girl mainly did this to see what advantage she had over it. Though it didn't seem like much at the moment. Dirt falling off something caused the girl to glance downward. The Mongrel seemed to have dug into the ground which left an outline of his paws. After the attack it seemed they had switched positions a bit. This made the vampire use her usual questioning look, a raised eyebrow and a tilted head, leaving her with a mile long list of questions.

Grass shifting from strain made Keri shift herself toward it. She kept the look even while the Cosh coiled down as if ready for an attack. A push forward then a leap caused her to sigh. Dash towards the left is what she did that way when the bloody thing landed it wouldn't be on her. Now it was time for some homework and maybe a bag of well needed tricks. These were what the vampire was looking forward to the most.

[Rtron]

E'docsil

The three legged rat quickly scurried away in the shadows, looking decidedly more demonic than it had been before. To survive the Inferno, she had had to change into a demon. Regardless, she was gone now. The mission was a failure.

Knight

The knight merely laughed, scooping up his shield, and charged Mei again, intent upon slamming his bladed shield edge into her chest. "I will not run from you, girl! Not until the vampire is dead at my feet. It is my holy purpose, given to my by the God of Light. War upon the foul undead of Aarem is my calling, death is my fate!"

Knight's Brother

"I suppose I should get involved again." He sighed, crouching low on the ground. He wanted to leave. Things were falling apart. Mackendrick was still chasing the assassin, Slade was gone with the target, his brother had lost all focus and control, the twins were still battling the half-breed, E'docsil had failed. Everything was a horrible mess and they needed to leave. Badly. But he couldn't with his brother still there. His hand reached out to touch the ground. Immediately, grass began to grow around Leith and those around him, intent upon trapping him and his friends.

"The trees whisper of your death. I will deliver it."

Leith's Ring

Unless you have a Geomancer, I suggest using fire. Conventional weapons won't work against him. Mass attack weapons work good. Try killing his brother, it might make him lose control, which should help you. The ring commented.

[EthTenshi]

Sinys:

Lyn's hunt

Sinys grew worried as his original intention fell through, in his vision the all too sharp teeth nearly nipped the base of his neck. Hot breath and more blood invaded his nose, with his sense of smell shot it didn't give the same effect as previously. However it did send shivers up and down his spine. Memories of his fox friend flooded his brain with playful experiences, this feeling had been so very different. Obviously the first difference had been aggression, but to him the whole fact of it had been that this thing was still an animal. Trivial at the moment, his entire mind screamed it at this point. He could not afford to take it easy.

In the next few moments after his shock he leaned to his side heavily borrowing speed from gravity, as his upper body became level with the ground he twisted his body giving the beast his back for a very short moment in time. His planted foot extended to his toe pushing him forward as the ground rotated under them. The force of these actions allowed him to slip around to the side of his foe as it began to become steady. The creature came into his vision again like a coiling snake he regained his balance readying to strike.

He used the last of its momentum as power to clash against his own as his right hand came, with the entire length of his arm, and his right leg supported the back of the arrow to give it driving power into its eye. His breath grew very short, he had used up his lungs to this point. He looked to Helena, at least he made it seem this way to make a point, through his memory and pointed in the way of the girl that got tossed. The effort of his meaning would be clear if she had been looking. That much he couldn't fore tell or force. It made him feel vulnerable as he heaved for breath. His mind overloaded for a short time, not enough to make him unresponsive. Just enough to slow his reaction speed to the point to where he knew that striking was out of the question.

So his stance switched over to one that was closer to the ground and covered his vitals. He needed to play it smart for now! Getting himself needlessly damaged would not end well. The beast did not know that he could not see, and he did not know that it could turn invisible. Either way he would be in a slight advantage in this regaurd, his right hand crossed the arrow over his forearm ready to slash with it if need be.

[May]

☆ Helena ☆
Lyn's Hunt

She was certain that she was a goner. She could feel the hot breath of the beast on her arm, puffing hard on her and she knew what her panic would lead to. She could feel the heat of the fire bubbling up in her hand and if something didn't happen soon, things might be over quickly for her. She'd never been in a position where she didn't have people she knew and trusted at her back. Surely these others were perfectly fine fighters. But they didn't know her and she didn't know them. And that could be dangerous.

But then she was rescued. The beast was letting go of her and the pain in her arm only hurt more now. She would have thought without the teeth through muscle and flesh that it would be better. But in those first few seconds the pain was fresh and hot and she sucked in her breath to keep from drawing more attention back onto herself. Flopping back onto her rump, she held it for a moment before panting and breathing hard to calm herself. She didn't need to light this place up. Then her efforts would have been for nothing.

Her eyes closed as she tried to stand without using her injured arm to lever herself up, but that was harder than she thought it would be. Hissing in pain she stopped, sat again and looked to her rescuer. She missed his look, but she still glanced around quickly to make sure there was nothing coming at them. When it seemed that it was fine, or as fine as it could be, she looked back to Sinys. She searched the ground for her blade, finding it she pushed back into its home. Gritting her teeth again, she stood at last, pushing down the pain in her arm and took a few strides forward, pulling her blade or again with her uninjured, but weaker arm. She just hoped the beast would keep its bleeding side towards her so she could see it as she lunged at what she assumed was it's skull, attacking it from behind as her rescuer took it from the front.

[Fallenreaper]

Cosh

Helena & Sinys

The Cosh ignored Helena, the swing having missed her mark when the woman fell, with paws slammed into the ground in a soft thump and her back exposed. Her ears flickered a bit though made no other gesture that she heard or would attack, her body held low to the ground while she edged toward the blind wood elf. Black lips were pulled backwards to reveal sharp, points teeth ready to rip him apart. Nostrils poured fresh mist of hot breath into the air when her teeth vibrated, still stinging from the narrow miss, causing her to jerk forward. She hadn’t noticed the redhead rising upright, after a second try, and aim her blade nearest the skull.

Unfortunately the Cosh moved for Sinys’ exposed back as he wheeled back around to defend himself, his arm balanced against the ground and feet kicking about to bring him to face the animal again. So when Helena stabbed forward, instead of hitting her mark and almost paralyzing the animal, she merely hit just below it. Through if she twisted just right, she might still achieve the earlier result.

The Cosh howled in pain, echoing throughout the air and vibrated into the trees enough to make Sinys’ ears hurt and Keri flinch. Wet, sticky liquid slipped out over Helena’s hand while the blinded elf had completed his round about then thrusted an arrow point into the Cosh’s inner eye before the animal could react at Helen, drawing another painful cry which was ripped out of her. With the power Sinys put into the punch to the eye with his arrow jab, the long shaft wouldn’t come away intact or in his hand. In fact the end become lodged by the upper crest of the brow and forced the elf to either abandon the makeshift weapon or expose himself to a hit. In reaction to the pain, the Cosh’s left forepaw swiped with cat like claws at Sinys’ left side.

If it hit, he would be knock to the side a few feet, his clothes and skin shallowly sliced and almost slammed into a tree. Meanwhile, should the hit land the Cosh would wheel around then attempt to snag Helena’s foot which if she latched on, she ripped Helena's foot forward. Her head dragging the unfortunate woman to the side and into the Elf’s direction. Should she be successful in all the above, Helena would land on top of the blind elf just as he was rising for round two, the pair becoming a little tangled pile.

Keri

When Keri ducked, the Cosh Alpha promptly vanished on his landing. His image gone as he cut around, his feet pressing down on the grass was the only thing that betrayed his location and gave her the ability to track his whereabouts. However, it didn’t give her the range he had so when he darted into her personal zone and attacked her leg, she would fail to know what part of her anatomy he was lounging for or how. Another strike meant more dust spilled, and If she wasn’t careful, her blood lust would take over. Slowly she would seek out the very allies she fought for fresh blood and in the end, she would most likely drain them dry.

Catacomb

Lyamis

The sounds of footsteps caught Lyamis’ attention, his head tilted upright to observe the man approaching. He immediately noted he was of Yarosmere descent with the tall figure, dark skin and scars crisscrossed all over what flesh was exposed. It was enough to tell the Naga he was a ‘hunter’ equivalent of himself, which earned slight respect from the male, causing him to listen. His hands moved about the arms to grip the upper section of Mryn's arms and pin them against his tail while the lower half of his time gently coiled about the thighs and hips. This would prevent her from struggling in pain against the treatment. His posture tensed and eyes jerked to Karnage, or Tyrael as it seemed he was called, with apprehension in his display.

Lyamis knew what his holding down looked like. Namely that he had placed himself in a position where he could easily shatter the student’s pelvis, legs and bones into dust should he merely tightly just a little more but it was the only way he could keep her from thrashing about. Despite their muscles on their upper torso, a Naga’s strength lied in their tail. It was among the most powerful thing of their features which many creatures that knew of them were wary of, including likely Darius and made him slightly cautious. The Yarosmere people and the Naga weren't exactly on the best of terms with each having their own negative thoughts, opinion, and worse of each other when not interacting. In addition, it was the Yarsomere army that drove Lyamis from his very home.

The Naga waited for several seconds as if he was expecting the teacher to attack him unprovoked. An action that very well might end up killing him depending on the fallen orc’s temper.

Khan

Khan was already moving quickly down to the catacombs. His cane clicking rapidly along his path and his mind ignoring his throbbing knee. The pain merely increased causing him to grunt in reaction but nothing more. He was too furious to care at this moment about the damage he was doing to himself. His mind was ticking at how to handle the problem of a rouged teacher likely now slaughtering a small group of student and possibly the wandering naga, though his mind was less concern with the latter. It was mainly due to the fact they were classified as intruders and needed to be contained until proven otherwise. The college never turned anyone away, but it didn’t take kindly to being invaded unexpectedly either.

The bad part, he couldn’t ask for Lucilia or Uicle’s aid in restraining the fallen orc without risking the naga student’s life.

He couldn’t believe how much everything had went sideways today, thinking about the events from Lyn’s Hunt to the Catacombs, he was wondering what else was likely to happen. There was no one in mind he could consider that even a faint right to harm the child. Mostly since she had only been outside the college walls once, not counting today. Since Lucilia’s little stunt, all the teachers had strict orders to work together and keep track of Lyn’s whereabouts during the years leading up this day. Especially when Mar and/or Althalus were away. Uicle had even been thoughtful enough to sick a shadow and wind golem, in addition to her bear, to observe her. This made the task much easier for all of them.

Putting the puzzling situation away, he focused on how to take Tyrael down without getting himself or the demonomancer killed. It was going to be hard in his weaken state especially if his friend wasn’t in his right mind and summoned forth the inferno, possibly killing every living thing within the Catacombs. It made the headmaster consider the fact that the fallen orc was the only mage he had ever known to possess such an ability. Others like himself could only summon portals to transport or withdraw their demons from the very plane, but they couldn’t alter the environment around them. Thankfully, he was a demonancer connected to his demons so the side effects wouldn't affect him and if he could the others to leave him behind, the fight would be much easier.

Heus through would easily match the teacher, or any other demon, in brute and raw power alone though the creature’s main weakness was his intelligence, speed and accuracy. It was blessing the elemental demon could almost impossibly measurable damage and still keep going when he should be down. This made Grey's confrontation a miracle and massive achievement against the large brute during the time Khan had lost control. Regretfully, Khan realized, he couldn't go in there alone. He would have to summon at least Orleah or Upsah before entering into a possibly warzone he assumed the place would be. He only hoped he wasn’t too late.

Runes on his thigh ached while he started to summon up his demon, Orleah's figure materializing into the surface and hot on his trail with a slight sway to her gait. It would only be a matter of time before one of the students spotted him coming toward them.

[Leon5431]

Blood Act: I

Deven Zoria and Jenna Fellrein

Deven's perspective

The sun hung low in the twilight sky casting an array of beautiful colors that stretched across the open sky, it was a wonderful view. The views, it was the views, that was the thing he liked most about traveling. There was always so much to see, so many beautiful breath taking sights. It was all the sights that made the countless hours of riding so worth it. The sprawling forests, when trees just seemed to go on endlessly in either direction, some growing so tall whenever a gust of wind came they would sway precariously. The open plains where you could see for miles and miles, putting up a facade of vast emptiness that never was entirely true. The mountain paths that scaled the faces of giants, where at times you'd have the mountain on one side and a cliff side on the other giving you that tingling sensation as you looked down off the side. There were so many views out there, so much to see and all these sights made the sometimes quite literal pain in the ass of horseback riding so worth it.

They had been traveling for several days now, nearing on a week. The trip from Wintercrest to the Twilight college was a rather bearable journey. They had managed to cut the usual travel time in half by going directly through the mountains that flanked Wintercrest. People considered this a bit more dangerous, but at the time he and Jenna had begrudgingly been accompanied by a small group of guards from Jenna's father's own retinue. They had made the trip before so they were already willing and the presence of the guards just made it assured that they would take the mountain path. The guards only accompanied them until the got through the roughest part of the mountains before they returned to Wintercrest, leaving Jenna and him to finish the journey on their own. From here it would be rather simple forest to travel through.

Now nearing the end of their sixth day, Deven guessed that they would likely reach the Twilight college around nightfall. The permanent twilight that seemed to grip this place made it sometimes difficult to tell time, but after all this wasn't their first time at the college.

Deven's gaze drifted down from the twilight sky and unconsciously scanned their surroundings. For a while now he had begun to recognize some familiar landmarks that marked the area of the Twilight College. The dreary grey landscape was a sharp contrast to the lush terrain around Wintercrest. He couldn’t help but wonder if this absence of color had somehow been cause magically or if it occurred naturally, he wasn’t sure why but something told him it was the former.

Deven’s gaze meandered off of the landscape and towards the road ahead. His thought shifted to their destination. He imagined something like that would make sense given where they are going. It is a Academy for mages. He couldn’t help but wonder how much must have changed in their absence. They had been gone for several months now. He couldn't help to bitter feeling that rose up in him as he thought about all the lost time they had in their studies. He knew he shouldn't feel bitter given the reasoning, but he couldn't help it.

As Deven thought about the Twilight college he slowly drifted onto his memories there and unsurprisingly one night in particular came to mind, the demon attack. His bitterness was quickly replaced with an unease that rose up in the pit of his stomach. He could only think of one other night where he had been that terrified. But this night was different, he wasn't helpless like he was last time. He was able to help he was able to fight, he even killed some of them and somehow they had made it through that night. Images of all the people who didn't flashed through his mind. The bodies, the chaos, the fighting, he couldn't help but wonder how the school even managed to come back from so much chaos. But it had...somehow.

Deven sighed long and loud as he tried to shift his thought to something more pleasant.

"Something wrong?" Asked his companion, who was riding silently beside him. For the past few minutes she'd had her eyes buried in their map. He wasn't sure why she was so insistent on reading it he was posotive they were going the right way but sometimes it is impossible to argue with her. He'd have better luck trying to learn Aquamancy.

Deven thought for a moment before he answered her, "No, nothings wrong. Just thinking."

"Oh no, don't hurt yourself I'd rather not die from blood-sickness before we even got there." She replied with a grin.

Deven only looked away from her and rolled his eyes in mock annoyance. Only when he heard rustling paper did he turn back to her.

Jenna finished folding up the map and carefully placed it in one of her saddlebags before looking up to Deven. "Alright Mr. Philosopher, what were you thinking about?" She asked with a smile.

"I was just thinking...about your grandfather." He lied.

Jenna's smile quickly faded, "Oh" she said before pausing, her gaze shifted towards the horizon "what about him?" She asked.

Deven shifted slightly and rolled his shoulders, his armor making a metallic grinding noise as the plats shifted with him. The ride and his armor had started to take its toll on him. "I don't know...it's just sad to think that he's gone." Deven replied solemnly.

Jenna nodded her head knowingly, he gaze had shifted down to her mares mane. She thought for a long moment before speaking, "Yeah...it is. But at least he died peacefully. Mother said he had passed away in his sleep, he didn't feel a thing. Besides he's lived a long a full life. I only wish when my time comes around that I can have done as much and as much good as he has." Jenna said contemplatively.

Deven shifted uncomfortably, he never liked talking about things like this he silently regretted having started this conversation.

Picking up on his discomfort Jenna glanced at him and smiled softly, "Oh quiet your squirming, i'm just talking hypothetical, i'm not going anywhere anytime soon, I am a vitamancer after all." She said with a smile.

Deven nodded and smiled lightly back. He new she was but over these last few months there had been a lot of hypothetical talk like this and still it made him uncomfortable. He didn't want to think about losing any of them.

The silence hung between them for only a second longer before Jenna randomly let out a loud dramatic groan. "Months it's been months!" She groaned.

"Don't remind me." Deven said back in an equally exasperated tone.

"How many months has it been?" Jenna asked

"What part of 'don't remind me' do you not understand?" Deven replied.

"We've missed months worth of training. Months! Don't get me wrong, I am glad we went to see my Grandfather, even if it was after he had passed." She said and Deven nodded in response, "But it was that gods damned coronation. That killed me, I just wish we didn't have to stay for that. We get it Uncle you're being crown Lord of Wintercrest la de da, can I go back to learning magic now? I want to turn myself into a dragon." She joked.

"And I want to create my own personal inferno." Deven added.

"Right? That was such bullshit! So much political minutia. They didn't need us there, I know it's proper and oh it's etiquette it would be rude for you not to be there he's your uncle after all" She said doing an impersonation of a snotty noble woman, "But excuse me, I have to learn how to control my magic you can't just keep us away from our studies like that."

Deven chuckled and nodded in agreement, "We're lucky your father even let us come back after what happened with the attack." Deven commented.

"Yeah, that was a close one, but I am glad he understands that it may be dangerous but we wont receive any better education than we will here. We need to learn magic we need to know how to control it." She said vehemently.

"Alright take a deep breath now, you're going to hurt yourself and like you said you want to make it there without dying of blood-sickness." Deven quipped.

"Oh shut up, why don't you go light some candles match boy." Jenna retorted.

"Why don't you go turn yourself into an ass, you've already got the personality for it."

"Alright guess who just talked them self out of getting healed next time they get hurt."

"I don't know the same girl who's going to have to find someone else to light a fire for her when she's cold."

"Oh so you're admitting you're a candle lighter." Jenna said with a grin.

"I prefer the term walking torch. Has a much better ring to it." Deven replied.

Jenna laughed and shook her head in mock annoyance while Deven just grinned at her stupidly. "Ugh, I'm ready to be there already. Feels like we've been riding for weeks." She complained as she rolled her arm making her chain mail rattle and bumping her bow and quiver she had sitting behind her.

"Well it's been more like days. So I mean you're close, a little." He joked back as he turned his gaze back to the road.

"You think anyone will recognize us?" Jenna asked, as she reached back and grabbed her bow bringing into her lap and plucking the string lightly.

Deven thought for a while, "I'm not sure can't know for sure but I am sure maybe one or two will." Deven commented as he watched the road.

Jenna pulled up her bow and drew back the string and aimed at some imaginary target, being careful not to dry fire. "I guess we'll have to wait and see." She said before pausing for a minute, "I should practice horse back archery." Jenna commented, before she carefully unnocked her pretend arrow.

"Well you've got the drawing it part down so it can't be much harder." Deven pointed out.

"I'm not going to be able to hit anything while riding faster than this and it'll be a wonder if I don't fall off." Jenna replied as she went to return her bow.

But before she did she and Deven were graced with a howl that echoed throughout the area, they both tensed in their saddles until the howl passed. Keeping her bow in her hand she glanced over towards Deven and gave him a slightly worried look.

"What was that?" She asked a bit of worry present in her tone.

"I don't know, but whatever it was it's in some serious pain and it is close." Deven commented, his grip on the reigns tightened. But a thought drifted into his mind and he looked to Jenna.

Jenna caught him looking at her and it took her a moment to recognize the look in his eye. "No Deven, no we're not going to findout what it was. We're going to the college, we're just going to waste more time and besides that does not sound like the type of creature that you want to get up close and personal with." She said in a stern tone.

Deven rolled his eyes, "Jenna, we've been riding for hours, and besides we're almost there, whatever it was I am sure it wont take us long. Come on. Besides whatever it is it doesn't stand a chance, it's obviously hurt and besides what can it do to two experienced fighters who are also mages." Deven replied.

"Novice mages Deven, novice." Jenna said in an annoyed tone.

"Well fine then. I'll see you back at the college." Deven said with a shrugg before he tugged on the horses reigns and veered off the road towards the nearby woods where they heard the howl.

"Really Deven?! You thick headed asshole." She cursed before following after him.

As Deven neared the trees his horse neighed loudly and took several steps back. "Woah boy woah, easy buddy, it's alright. Nothing to worry about." He said before dropping down off his horse, his armor clattering loudly as he landed. Taking the reigns in hand he gently lead the horse closer to the trees, glancing back to Jenna who had just arrived.

"I'm glad you decided to join me. Tie up your horse, whatever that was has them pretty spooked, we should go on foot from here." He said as he tied up his horse to a nearby tree.

"This is a stupid idea, you know that." Jenna said as she hopped down, chain mail rattling, and began tying up her horse.

"Well sometimes it's good to be a little stupid." Deven commented as he finished and drew his sword.

Jenna grabbed her bow quiver and strung it over her shoulder drawing an arrow and readying to nock it as she followed after. They continued through the woods in relative silence for a short while before they began hearing obvious sounds of fighting. Sparring each other worried looks the two picked up the pace moving at a jog through the tree until they came to a small clearing and were shocked at what they found.

The first thing they saw was the beast, large and covered in black and white strips with a blood covered mouth, arrow in its eye and bloody claws it had two large stong looking arms on the front of its body and two smaller legs towards it's rear. Next were the people, there was three of them, two human girls and a elf boy. All of them seemed to be in rather desperate straights. One of the human girls and the elf boy were tangled around with the beast and the other girl...well the other girl seemed to be having some sort of issue, something seemed to be attacking her leg something very strong.

That's when Deven saw it, a shimmer a little dance of the light that caught his eye, then he noticed the large foot prints in the grass, he was definitely correct. Whatever "it" was it was big and for some reason he couldn't see it. The suddently it clicked, he had heard about something like these before a creature that could turn itself invisible phrases flew through his mind as he tried to remember, pack animals, territorial dangers and a series of other complaints raced through his mind.

Whoever these people were they had to help, they were in some serious danger these things were out for blood.

"Jenna, do you see it." Deven quickly asked not sparing the time to look at her as he readied his sword.

"I-I don't know I think so." She said hurriedly.

"Okay I am not crazy then, help those two, I'll try and help her!" Deven ordered and before she could reply he was off.

With a vague idea of what exactly it was that he was charging at or the position it was in he knew he had to do something even if it was something stupid. He charged at what he believed was it's side and prepared to do a cleaving swipe upward with his blade and hopefully catch the beast in it's side or back and at best seriously wound it or least get it's attention, he definitely had more protection on then this human girl his armor should be able to take some of what this monster could dish out so he needed it's attention, he just had to keep his head and neck safe that's were he lacked armor.

Before he could even reach the beast he heard the whizzing of an arrow flying past him towards the other beast loosed by Jenna with practiced precision who was aiming towards the beast's side, already she was grabbing another arrow and preparing to nock it.

[Lucius Cypher]

Annabeth Gulch

Annabeth looked down at Lyn in her arms. She still blamed herself. She should have just left with Lyn. She wanted to fight with the others, but because she did she nearly got Lyn killed. Granted it was only Blood Sickness, but it wouldn't have happened if Annabeth just left.

Rather offered Annabeth some tea which she took a few sips from. Then she just drained the whole cup. She coughed as she burned her mouth from the hot tea. But Annabeth knew that she was running low on Mageblood too. She was dizzy and her vision blurry. Closing her eyes for a moment Annabeth allowed herself a moment of rest. For some reason, she felt very tired.

When Annabeth opened her eyes she didn't know how long she was out. Not too long since the sun was more or less still the same, but Annabeth wasn't certain if she was asleep for a few minutes or an hour. Lyn was still in her arms, so adjusting herself so the child was comfortable Annabeth patted her cheek. ”Lyn. Lyn, are you alright?” She heard a little noise from Lyn, making Annabeth happy. As the two sat there regaining their strength, Annabeth whispered a nursery rhyme about the Twilight College.

”I journey here into a darkness deep
Through this land of twilight, in this magic keep
But even in endless nights there are stars in the sky
I will not say my quest is done, nor tell the light goodbye.”

Tyrael Marchosias

Tyrael had already turned his back against the others students and nagas alike. He knew they opposed him. They all did. ”Can't you see? You can't win against them. They'll never let you win. They're holding you back. You can’t save Mar, you failed your mission, can’t and now you've become and enemy of the college. There's nothing left for you anymore. You are their enemy now.”

Tyrael said nothing, did nothing. Slowly he changed back his his usual form, dismissing the demonic influence over him. But he could hear their whispers putting him down. To anyone else they'd be petty insults. But they were always on Tyrael's mind, and they represented his own thoughts. His inner demon weren't some great monster bent on taking over the world or destroying all of life. It was nothing but regrets and self-loathing.

Because of it he perpetuates the vicious cycle: because he considers his demon to be nothing more than a petty bully, he ignores them and believes they cannot control him. But they hurt him emotionally, something he has very little experience in. But because he must project an image of strength and dominance over his demons, he cannot admit his weakness, as obvious as it is. Tyrael can't seek help because it's suppose to be assumed he was strong enough. He could stand the idea that he isn't already powerful enough. The idea that he has a weakness scares him. And he can't be scared, he's not suppose to be. Tyrael is suppose to be the fearless, unstoppable Overlord of the Inferno. Anything less and he may as well be as nobody.

Brooding in his own thoughts, Tyrael didn't notice Khan until they were both in the same hall. He was initially surprised to see the Headmaster here, but then remembered Ssarak’s illusion. He must have used the doppelganger to alert Khan. For a moment Tyrael pondered a battle between himself and the headmaster.

There was no doubt that in terms of demons, Khan’s was much stronger. Tyrael had an army under his command, but a single one of Khan’s own demons had the strength of an army alone. Of the few demons Khan employs, each could be an Archdemon in terms of power. But of his demons, only two could be used reliably. The others were powerful, but treacherous. The exact sort of thing that Tyrael constantly tells his students to never work with. Even if they were honorable enough to uphold their end of the bargain, in the end the price is your life. Surely if Khan used even just one of them, it would end in a mutual kill.

But Tyrael wasn't going to fight Khan. If he was here to stop him, punish him, then so be it. Tyrael would accept his punishment, for whatever reason. ”This is their appreciation. This is your reward for doing your job to the college and for protecting your loved ones. For your loyalty you will be punished. Your enemies will be allowed to roam free, and those treacherous students will be hailed as heroes. And you. You'll be a pariah to the college. You'll never see Mar or Lyn again. You'll never teach, be stripped of your authority. The college will abandon you for your most hated enemy. You will lose EVERYTHING!”

A single tear fell from Tyrael's eye. He didn't realize how much he was going to lose. He stood petrified. Everything he's worked for, all lost just because those students sided with strangers. He wanted to run. Go back to a simpler time where he could just run away or kill his problems. But now he was out of options. He sighed and walked towards Khan.

”We should not waste time. Name your judgement.”

Catacombs

As the students gathered their wounded and the naga rallied together, a single person had gone missing. The strange, blind swamp orc. She had fled during the chaos before Darius’s sound burst, fleeing deeper into the catacombs. But without a guide and with no luck, she would never escape. Indeed, as she wandered, she ended up in a lost area of the catacombs, unknown to even the likes of Tyrael and other members of the college. Here even the dead were so old they were nothing more than bones and dust. The names on their tombs have long since been lost to the annals of time.

But the girl was not alone here. There was one creature here that served as the lone protector of this foreboding area. A golem made by a necromancer before even Uicle’s time, who’s sole purpose was to collect corpses and impale them onto it’s body spikes. The golem was black with rust and blood, with streaks of white made from the ancient dust of bones from skeletons long ago. This golem patrolled the catacombs, but it was not a guardian of the dead, merely a cleaner. And it would cleanse the catacombs of the living as well, given the opportunity. Such is the life of the Corpse Collector.

And that was Lira’s fate. She had the misfortune to be in the path of the catacomb roaming monstrosity. But it was not by it’s hand that she died. No, when she crossed path with the beast, it reached out and grabbed her, breaking her arm in a single pull. It tore off her hand when she tried to struggle, and the monster followed her as her blood left a trail alongside her fear. Her death was inevitable here. But her death was not going to be meaningless.

Because the Corpse Collector was not what made this part of the catacombs forbidden. Unbeknownst to those in the college, there was a dark history hidden away here. The Corpse Collector was simply it’s unintentional guardian. As Lira’s life was draining from her body, the air around her became cold. The walls became icy and the floor slick. All it took was one errant slip, and Lira lost her footing and went skidding on the sloped floor. Despite her wounds she was still living, still suffering, until the sickening sound of her flesh and bones peeling apart silenced her cries of pain.

The blood drained from Lira's body and pooled into the altar. Her body began to grow stiff as ice covered her body, but even death was beyond her grasp. No, she would live, and suffer, to give life to this unholy sepulcher. The blade of ice, just an inch away from her heart, glowed with tainted magic as a voice spoke out from the Altar of Ice and Murder.

”Khan"

[EliteCommander]

Ssarak Dyreackthanose- Catacombs

---

Ssarak did not waste any time as he saw Khan approaching. When he had sent his doppelganger to Khan as a messenger, he could not change the message it delivered after it moved too far away, and it had warned that Tyrael was a possible danger. He had recognized that there was a possibility that they could talk Tyrael down, which would still leave Khan expecting a fight. But, at the time, Ssarak had felt that would be a preferable problem to face than to be forced to face down Tyrael with no help in sight. At the very least, Ssarak had thought about what he was going to say and reacted quickly to defuse the situation before any problems started.

Before Tyrael had even had a chance to speak, Ssarak had already sent a telepathic message to Khan: ”We managed to talk him down. He saw reason once we all spoke up. The danger has passed, or at least the danger from Tyrael. A master Vitamancer also attacked us, and may still be in the area. I can explain everything I witnessed regarding Tyrael, but I can understand that you may not wish to discuss it in the presence of the Naga. They are survivors from Mesa Gaan, and both they, and some of the students, received injuries from the ridge hounds we were fighting. Fortunately, Tyrael did not actually harm any of us.”

Since the headmaster possessed powerful wards that Ssarak would not even attempt to break, for multiple reasons, he could not read into Khan’s mind for any response that the headmaster might have unless he specifically allowed Ssarak into his mind. Regardless, as long as he could deliver his message, the situation could hopefully resolve peacefully.

[Demonic Angel]

Keri Wolf Lyn's Hunt

The echoing howl rang in the air as if trying to struck fear into the student's hearts. Trees vibrated with the pained howl threatening to release the bloody scent in hopes to give farther nightmares to each person there. This sound brought a very disturbing threat with it. A promise to return blood from the one who caused it's pain. A promise of newly found violence to those whom were near. At least that was what Keri thought as she automatically flinched from the enhanced sound. Quite the down fall in her opinion though in many ways it helped.

The vampire slowly relaxed once more as the Cosh thumped to the ground. Though the sound was more muffled than before. Another problem was the bloody thing was gone. The girl's eyes darted around, trying to find something to track the mutt. A shift of grass caught her attention. A familiar outline of the paw came into view betraying the current location. This wasn't enough though. Keri knew if she wasn't careful she would most likely drain someone due to blood lust. A huge down fall for someone of her kind. A sudden dart forward as if it was attacking her but where was the question.

A sudden attempted attack towards the Cosh allowed the vampire to dash right. She was still a bit faster then the damn thing even with the bruising. Granted every little twitch still send sharp pricks of pain. As if there were needles underneath the girl's skin. All she had to do was focus an not getting hit again. Easier said then done considering her luck thus far. Now all the vampire could really do was dodge and find it's weak point.

[Luna]

Colette, catacombs

Colette was the first to spot Khan coming towards them and she tensed slightly at the sight. Seeing Khan coming to them reminded her of what she did during the mission and it became to the foremost thought in her head now. She could feel her body began to shake slightly as she put away her dagger and knelt down to Baulder who was currently conscious, but immobile. She helped him onto her back since he was basically weightless to her and wanted to huff at the look

"Don't give me that look. I wasn't the one to drop you to the ground" said said with as much bravery as she could in her shaky state. Once he was situated on her back she began her slow walk to the head master. She stood in front of him and waited for him to acknowledge her before speaking.

"Mr Khan...after I bring Baulder to the surface...can we have tea?" Colette said in a shaky voice trying to control her shaking body so she didn't drop Baulder on the ground and hurt him more. Colette listened as Khan said something to her and slowly processed to hand Baulder over to him before making her way back to the college.

Colette exited from the catacombs and allowed herself to take a breath of fresh air which calmed her slightly, but it was enough until she talked about it with Khan. She knew she should be going to Lucillia with this, but after being catch in a comprising position in Keri's dorm room she has kept her distance from her mentor. She paused as she thought about the vampire and a light blush littered her pale white cheek. She hasn't seen much of Keri since they were caught over a month ago,and on more than one occasion missed her company dearly; especially when she was extremely lonely. She sighed and began the walk to Khan's office.

She reached the office and sighed mentally knowing that once she was done with this she could get past it and move on. She reached and slowly opened the door. She blinked in surprise when she spotted Annabeth and another girl she never really seen much.

"Oh Annabeth I didn't know you would be in here' Colette said.

[Vesuvius00]

E'nasha Williams Lyn's Hunt

E'nasha ran the last few steps over to Leith once she realized he was awake, pulling out her med-pack as he warned her about one of the enemies. She glanced over at the man mentioned, just in time to see him start an attack. "Uh-oh. A little late for warnings now." She said as she noticed the grass around them growing into a trap.

She drew her knife and then immediately wondered what she was gonna do. Cutting the grass would just make him grow it faster, and while that might eventually tire him out, it would do worse to her. Her best bet might be to try and distract him, so she pulled two more seeds out of her pocket and threw them towards the man, quickly growing them into trees. Hopefully they would fall on top of him, or at least block her and Leith from his view long enough for them to move to somewhere safer.

She turned back to Leith and held out her hand to him to help him up. "Here, I'll help you get away from him and distract him. You can use my med-kit to try and bandage your wounds while I do."

[May]

☆ Helena ☆
Lyn's Hunt

She missed, somewhat. The blow landed further back than she had wanted to, but it had done some damage. Blood flowed or of the wound and she tried her hardest to keep her grip on the blade and not let the blood make it too slick. Thankfully she held it, and managed to pull it out of the beast before she was jostled off it. Her glasses slid down her nose some and she pushed them back up with a bloody hand as she gained her feet again, leaving a few smudged lines of blood on her pale face.

She just managed to catch a the swing at Sinys. She wasn’t certain if it connected or not and she didn't have the time to check out if he was hurt or not. The thing was turning around and coming at her again. It's jaws snapped at her legs and it managed to catch hold of some of the leather of her boot but she'd stumbled back enough for it to miss most of her leg. It tried pulling her back an towards the elf. But since it had a hold of just the leather all it managed to do was make her stumble and slide towards the beast instead.

Helena struggled to pull her foot free, trying to do so without losing her boot as well. She slipped and fell, sliding along in the dirt towards Sinys. And that's when she heard the twang of another bowstring. She glanced at what she thought was the source of the sound, seeing the new commers. She took the next moment when she looked back to kick at the beast's face with her other foot, hoping for contact.

[Freeshooter92]

Grey had himself spoken very little once things had settled down. He had initially tried to see to the Nagas wounds, but they... adamantly refused his offers. No, instead he spent his time sat on a nearby coffin, scribbling notes away in a notepad... Ever the dutiful employee, he was now writing a report of (what he believed to be) the end of this sordid affair. He made several notes and annotations, most advising a close eye to be kept on Tyrael. However, he was also sure to insist that something... foul was afoot, stuff above his pay grade. When Khan arrived, he saw Orleah first. He grit his teeth and tensed, but calmed when he remembered that the creature wasn't rogue anymore... He then realized Khan was here. "Ah, greetings my lord." He said courteously, waving a hand.

He was sure things wouldn't be... quite as peaceful as he had liked but he chose not to butt in too much to the conversation... he was mostly just making his presence known. Apparently one of the other students had been injured, but there were others to help her, his presence would only further complicate matters. Besides, if they needed him, they'd call for him. He put his writing utensils away after a while, pretty much stuck just sitting around.

A moment later, he felt... something. Some sort of ominous presence, a sense of dread. He kept quiet, though he was sure to reattach his shield and make sure his weapon was in reach.

[Fallenreaper]

Cosh

Deven & Keri

The Alpha thought she couldn’t see him. His paws quiet and soft, skirting about the ground toward her location. He was low in his stalking position when he went in for another attack. The cosh’s jaw widened as his fangs sought to sink into her flesh, his mind focused on one thing: shedding her dust. To intend on killing her, he wasn’t away aware of another coming up on his flank.

Before he could grip the foot, something sharp bit into his side. Blood oozed across Deven’s and the Alpha howled, his image immediately emerged from his camouflage. His large head snarled in reaction at the interruption as turned his side away from Keri for a moment and focused upon the newcomer to the fight. The Alpha’s nostrils flared, inhaling the information then assigning it facts. The individual was male who was in his twenties, his scent mingled with horse, as the Cosh darted in for a leg. If Deven reacted to slice the beast’s head, the Cosh jerked back then lounged for the outstretched arm which he would immediately seek to clamp down on. Thankfully, the man’s armor would protect him despite it making him slower compared to the Alpha.

Rathel, Khan’s Office

Rathel let the two rest, Lyn cradled and hug tightly in the older girl’s arms. Both sound asleep. He was quietly relieved that both had made it to the college safe and sound as he began to clean away the dishes. His vines wrapped around the delicate teacups, draining and finally placing them back upon the cabinet shelves where they belonged. He had just wrapped up clearing the rest away when he heard Annabeth stir, her body adjusting as she tried to watch the younger child causing Rathel to draw closer. Naturally, little Lyn groaned in childish irritation at being aroused before she was ready and merely shifted to her side, still curled within the older student’s reach. Her eyes closed with her attempt to fall back asleep, her body still exhausted, but the sound seemed to relieve Annabeth causing her to whisper a soft lullaby.

When she finally ended her song, Rathel spoke gently. “Lyn might be more comfortable if you take her back to her room. I'll escort you if you would feel more comfortable and carry Lyn as well.”

Before Annabeth could answer, the office door opened and a young vampire walked timidly inside. Her hands slowly released it when she spoke and addressed Annabeth. Rathel politely bowed his alien like head, his tendrils wiggling, while waited for them to finish their conversation.

Khan, Catacomb Entrance

When Ssarak’s mind pressed a message against his, causing him to release his wards and allow the student’s words to fill his mind. His expression didn’t alter despite the relief he felt at not having to fight the demonomancer teacher. He was certain, had it come to that, they both would’ve killed each and that was a fight none of them would’ve won.

”We managed to talk him down. He saw reason once we all spoke up. The danger has passed, or at least the danger from Tyrael. A master Vitamancer also attacked us, and may still be in the area. I can explain everything I witnessed regarding Tyrael, but I can understand that you may not wish to discuss it in the presence of the Naga. They are survivors from Mesa Gaan, and both they, and some of the students, received injuries from the ridge hounds we were fighting. Fortunately, Tyrael did not actually harm any of us.”

After the words faded, Khan stood there absorbing them but didn’t answer. It seemed the words had rolled off the Headmaster’s back and had little effect over the judgement already made. His eyes never removed from the fallen orc so if Tyrael’s tear had affected Khan, the headmaster showed no signs of it while he remained where he was. His arms were straightened and braced against the cane, his expression lacking any reaction toward the current teacher for the college. Cold was about the only way to described his reaction toward the betrayal of his trust. He was silent when Tyrael stirred, listening to the fallen deomonancy sigh then began to make no defense in his actions. No explanation in why he had betrayed a trust Khan had given him and merely accepted the judgment to come.

”We should not waste time. Name your judgement.”

"Ah, greetings my lord." Grey stated from his seat, his hands already putting away his quill and paper, while he addressed Khan with a courtesy wave. This brought Khan’s acknowledgement in a form of a head nod as he didn’t fully trust himself not to snap out at the innocent guardsman, his temper still flaring from the knowledge his trust had been flawed.

Inhaling, Khan had been about to address Tyrael when Colette, Lucilia’s favored student, stepped forward. His dicolor eyes were drawn from Tyrael to her, immediately picking out the distress he had once noted on her during her visits to his office. She was carrying Baulder in a fireman's carry as she spoke to the out cold student, seeming to chide him about his position on the ground, then her voice turned to the headmaster. It seemed to be all that was needed to trigger his compassion since immediately his rigid posture relaxed and loosen into something more gentle. Her feet took her to stand in front of him while he acknowledged her presence with a single word.

”Yes, Colette?” For a moment the tone seemed to weigh with concern as well as a pain, his attention distracted for a moment.

"Mr Khan...after I bring Baulder to the surface...can we have tea?" Each word had been forced, their tone shaky and unstable likely due to her present state, making him assume she was terrified by Tyrael’s near attempt to kill the group. It caused a flare of anger to swell in the headmaster at being reminded it was him that had trusted the ill-tempered teacher in the first place. A matter that will never be repeated in the future again.

His brow lifted in compassion then he spoke, his own voice kept calmer than usual with his free arm held out for the student. “I’ll have one of Uicle’s golems take Baulder to medical. They can move faster and much better than my old bones, through it’s a little busy currently with the latest incident. Until then, please give him to me? Then I’ll meet you in my office shortly.”

He chose his words carefully, not wanting the fallen orc to rush off to the medical wing and possibly make things worse than they already were. It didn’t help he wasn’t updated himself and had about as much as Tyrael would’ve on the situation, save that Mar was among the injured involved. Thankful that Colette hadn’t fought him, he watched her walk by and edge into the college toward his office where he hoped the stressless environment might help her.

“Tyrael, you and I will talk shortly where this matter will shorted out privately. For the present you’ll be escorted to Uicle’s officer where you’ll wait there until you’re farther notified by either Uicle or myself personally. Currently, several lines of trust have been crossed and treaded too close for personal comfort. This event… leads me to question my trust in you and my own ability to judge who is trustworthy anymore.” Khan stated, his arm adjusted Baulder’s weight and struggled to keep the student upright in his grasp. He addressed a gargoyle just outside the entrance to the catacombs to summon several golems for numerous tasks. When the stone effigy hopped off his perch and darted down the hallway, the headmaster continued. “The Naga will be remain here since they are trespassers upon the College grounds and didn’t come through the conventional means, so the college protection doesn’t fully extend to them. However, they won’t be left unprotected and a full report from all those involved will be required, either written or oral. I’ve send for golems to escort the Naga to temporary rooms and Tyrael to Uicle’s office, the rest will likely help any student requiring aid to the medical wing. First I need to know who's worst.”

[EthTenshi]

Like a blinding light pierced his eyes Sinys's face distorted into an excruciating frown, causing his first reaction to be jumping away. The claws followed him as he had been retreating, taking away layers of skin and touching the meat that lay under in result. He considered himself lucky for that. Then had a short thought about luck being a made up factor that still exists. He no longer had the arrow in hand but pulled another one as he had been thrown back. Something that had been drilled into his body more recently.

In a crouching position he landed feeling a tree next to him, his ears were ringing and blood still filled his nostrals. He panicked for a span of time from being pretty close to being entirely lost. His mind suddenly flooded with an uneasy sense of up and down. This had all changed after he realized he had been touching his bow. Somehow he had landed next to it making him question the factor of luck. And for that portion of time he felt his sixth sense start working again. As though the emotions had completely blocked it out.

Taking his bow into a firing position he knocked the first arrow in his hand and waited. Something didn't feel right, and he knew just before he would have released had no doubt clouded his hand that he would have killed this woman thrown before him. The thought gave him the feeling that someone walked over his grave someplace. The instant later he released an arrow straight and systematically narrowed the approach of the beast. Letting loose at a fifteen degree angle left and right. It was the best he could do under the circumstances. At the moment he was just glad to get a breather. He might not have long to rest but he made the most of it. Then a sound registered in his mind, the twang of a bow became clear. Though the actual fact occured to him that it had been loosed before his ever were. The sense of safety washed out of him like Francis talking about grease. Though none of them would ever understand the reference or era this feeling came from.

[Ryonara]

Meirin Kurenai

Meirin was finished. Her spell was ready and now she can focus on fighting. As the knight charged Meirin swung her weapon at him from groin to head, however he was still too far away for her weapon to actually hit him. But not for the blade of water she drew out from the mud underneath his feet. She swung her spear upward, causing the blade of water to shoot between the knight’s feet and aim straight for his chin with enough force to possibly pierce through his skull, or at least knock his helmet off.

Flourishing her spear around more orbs of water began to fly around Meirin. Each ball of water was no bigger than her fist, but with each swing the ball of water thinned into a blade that could cut and slice as well as any sword. There was also bits of rocks and sand mixed in to give the water some substance. Meirin stayed on the defensive and kept her distance from the knight while sending out her orbs of water to attack him, trying to overwhelm him with a barrage of slashes all around him in the chance she could hit a weak point like in his visor or behind a joint.

Myrn Vaan’Atisha

Myrn allowed herself a few minutes of rest where she just closed her eyes and stabilized her breathing, almost napping. Her nap was interrupted when Lyamis touched her and applied some sort of medicine to her wound which made it sting quite painfully, causing her to weakly flinch out of reflex. Lyamis made a comment that Myrn might not live past today which just got her to smirk. ”Perfect place to die. Just put me in one of the empty coffins and give me a nice headstone. Myrn Vaan’Atisha: Blood Sickness but mostly bleeding.” The pain made Myrn a bit sassy, but appreciates the help nonetheless.

Darius took over patching up Myrn and he seemed much more knowledgeable about how to treat her wounds. It made sense since Darius was a mercenary and likely seen and dealt with his far share of wounds. She normally wouldn't allow people to just touch her like this, but she did need the healing. ”Thanks Darius. I owe you one.” As he was treating her injuries Lyamis started to coil around her. She understood that he was just trying to keep her still, but Myrn was very uncomfortable in this position. She’s heard a lot about the crushing strength of naga tails and now she was at the mercy of Lyamis. Not to mention she didn't like someone touching her like this. ”Oi! Get your tail off of me, I'm hurt, not crippled.” She said angrily as she tried in vain to get out.

But as Darius started treating her wound, the less she worried about Lyamis and the more she was annoyed by how painful the medicine was. ”Ow. Ow! Ow ow ow ow! Gods, why does healing hurt!?” Myrn clenched her teeth and her hands curled up, grabbing onto Lyamis’s tail as she tried to endure through the treatment.

[Konan375]

Leith Calder Lyn's Hunt

Leith was correct. Almost as soon as he mentioned the Herbamancer, the man started his attack. The grass around him and E'nasha started growing and moved to entangle them. The first thing that needed to be done was stop the grass. The girl threw a few seeds in the direction of the man and they started growing mid flight. Leith shook his head when E'nasha offered him her hand. ”That's not going to hold him off for long enough. He can turn into a swarm of bugs and reform quite quickly. Not to mention my leg is broken. I wouldn't be able to get too far." Leith frowned as he racked his brain for ideas. Conventional attacks were out of the equation since the man could turn into a swarm of bugs, but they couldn't deal with him until they dealt with the grass.

If he had a way of making a lot of fire quickly, he could scorch the earth around them and stall for some time. But the only scorched earth he could make was... That could work. Leith started small. He raised his hand over a small patch of grass and made a pulling motion. Beads of water started escaping the grass. The color started draining from the blades of grass and after a few moments, the grass was a dull brown. He brushed the patch of grass and they were brittle to the touch.

Leith took a few breaths to prepare himself for what he was going to do. He turned his hands palm up and moved them as if he was lifting something. Beads of water rose from the ground and grass and coalesced into a ball roughly the size of his head. He made a shoving motion and the ball of water went flying into the distance, breaking apart as it lost its cohesion. Leith repeated the process over and over agin, slowly draining the water from both the grass and the ground around and beneath him and E'nasha

---

Darius Jura Catacombs

Darius nodded when the Naga moved his hands out of the way for him to deal with the wood elf's wound, or wounds as he quickly discovered by the shifting he felt when he grabbed her shoulder. He used the cloth to wipe away the blood and gauge how much the girl was bleeding. It wasn't bleeding fast, but it was a steady flow. He covered the wound with one hand and reached into the kit at her side and grabbed a bottle and three more bandages. He hung the bandages over his shoulder and inspected the bottle. The bottle was unmarked so Darius opened it and gave it a smell. He recoiled at the strong smell of the disinfectant, but that was what he was looking for.

He removed the bloodied cloth from the elf's shoulder and dropped it on the ground. He then grabbed one of the clean bandages from his shoulder and doused it in the contents of the bottle. He then grabbed the herbs that helped with clotting and covered one side of the doused bandage with them. The bandage was then pressed to the wound and the elf started complaining. Darius stayed silent as he grabbed the second bandage and wrapped it around the first bandage tightly. He then grabbed the third bandage and made a sling from it which he put around the girl's neck and set her arm in it.

With that done Darius, grabbed another bandage from the kit to wipe the blood off his hands and looked towards the Headmaster who had arrived while he was treating the elf's wounds. The Esyire asked who was worse off when it came to wounds "He is," Darius spoke up and nodded towards the unconscious man. "He was fighting the Ridge Hounds with no sense of caution. The elf's injury was large but she will not die during the walk to the medical wing."

[Leon5431]

Deven Zoria

With adrenaline pumping through his veins Deven rushed toward the beast and swung his blade hoping to make contact with what he was thinking was the beast. Then he felt it, the moment his blade made contact, cutting into flesh that rapidly appeared before him. The beast howled as it's hulking form came into view. It was much like the other one, black and white fur. But unlike the other this one was much larger even on all fours the beast came up to about half his size. It's two muscular long arms flexed as it dug it's nails into the soft dirt below and reacted to his strike.

Blood rushed out of the wound on the beast's back coating the edge of Deven's blade in crimson. Quickly the beast turned about and faced him down snarling menacingly as it addressed it's new foe. It was an intimidating sight, this beast glaring him down flashing it's teeth that were set in a jaw strong enough to crush bones. Deven's grip tightened on his blade and silently he thanked his stars for having decided to travel with his armor on.

Keeping his blade at the ready he stared the beast down as he waited for it's move. The way the beast moved, one thing was made very clear it was fast despite it's larger size he'd have to keep his reactions quick and precise. He had his armor and he could abuse that fact and he had no doubt he would abuse that fact several times before this beast either dies or flees wether he wanted to or not.

Once the beast finished eyeing finished eyeing him it made it's move. Not surprisingly it went for an attack on his legs, if it could get him on his back it would have a distinct advantage over him, but that went without saying. Intent on keeping that from happening Deven swung his blade for the beasts head but he misjudged this creature and it's intelligence. As his swing came in the beast pulled it's head back dodging the blow and rushed forward this time aiming for the wrist of his right arm. Deven silently cursed to himself as his blade cut through empty air and he tried to pull his hand back but it was already too late, the beast's mouth closed around his wrist and bit down. Thankfully though the beast ended up biting into his forearm instead of his wrist and was met with the steel of his armor. Deven could feel the immense pressure the bit put on his forearm through the armor and it caused an uneasy feeling to spread through his stomach, he hadn't been wrong about these jaws and he needed to do something to free himself before his armor began gave out.

Releasing his grip on his blade with his right hand he transferred the full weight of his blade to his left hand. Pulling the hilt back he pointed the tip of his blade for the beast's neck or collar bone and thrust forward. Given the beast's grip on his arm it gave him a relative easy target for the stab. If the stab didn't skewer the beast then it should at least force it to free his forearm.

[Fallenreaper]

Cosh

Jenna, Helena & Sinys

The Cosh had a hold of leather, not flesh. She knew because the taste of the cured, dried and dead skin was foul in her mouth. However, she clamped down more with her teeth and sank into the sole another quarter of a cm in hopes to prevent escape. The beast’s neck throbbed with pain as the Cosh’s muscles moved, stressed by the damage Helena had caused. Her paws dug down into the ground where her claws pawed the dirt. The animal’s breathing was labored through she seemed unable to give up. Upon feeling something stir at the boot, a foot wiggling to get free, then Cosh female snarled a warn.

Coiling all her energy into her motion, she ripped the red haired woman toward Sinyus causing the ‘feeling’ that something was off thanks to the force of her body disrupting the air. The female Cosh managed to drag Helena to the side when Jenna’s arrow hit and Helena’s foot kicked, sending pain into the beast’s side then her head. The animal’s eyes shut while she used her pain for power then made one last toss. It was mid way the woman’s boot finally decided to come off through her body was already in the air and landing on Sinyus, the boy letting his arrow loose moments after she touched down. The arrow skirted past, seemingly dangerously close to nicking her, and flow toward the Cosh’s shoulder where it stuck fast.

The Cosh whimpered then crumbled. Her body no longer responding to her demands through she struggled to get back up and attack, her limbs weakly wobbling underneath her before she flopped onto the ground. To anyone with eyes, the animal was slowly bleeding out and suffering until someone put her out of her misery. There was too much damage, and risk, to heal the beast while she meekly lifted her with a plea for death in her eyes.

An end to the pain…