Post by Terra on Aug 7, 2008 5:13:38 GMT -5
Cuki might not have sight, but his other senses are still keen. The coppery scent of blood is unmistakable even through the filth. Although he knows not whose crimson it is the monk can guess. They are all hurting now and the situation is not getting any better. "What a mess. How are we to even flee? We can't just blast a whole to the surface..."
Shishi || out in the streets of a much less crowded part of the Fermin city stands a group of fifteen or so armored, spear wielding soldiers. The now armor clad, Aged White Fermin paces in front of his men, scrutinizing them as he is in the process of briefing them on the situation, "...that is to say; they have escaped! Six of you will head to the known exits of the city and guard them tightly, that is to say; no one over four feet tall gets in or out! Out of those six, three of you to the exit we found them at, the rest of you to the other entrances to the city. I want another six checking inside all buildings, that is to say; they could be hiding anywhere! And that leaves four with me-" One of the soldiers speaks up, "Three, sir..." The White Officer bares his teeth at being corrected, "Three with me... we'll be patrolling the streets." A habitual snapping of his maw followed by a gruesome licking of his lips sends the squadron scrambling to where their orders dictated...
Shishi rises to his full height, head room a rare luxury in this specifically designed city. Nocturnal blue eyes can see Cuki quite clearly through the darkness. The vampire shakes his head, "Aye... we're deeper underground than you might think... There's an exit close by... or at least I think it was an exit. We were nearly out when we were captured..." The assassin's bleeding shoulder had dropped and his already murky, liquid scarf had sagged over the top of the wound, the blood seeping into the increasingly dark water, mingling with dirt, filth, and a twice dead goatfish...
Terra had been propped against something, for all the good it would do her. It was impossible to open her eyes and every moment she attempted to make seemed sluggish, almost as if she was trapped in a stifling film. She’d hear them. Mostly Shishi, due to his close proximity, and despite her state, reached for him. It was in her job description to protect him, or so she had decided. “Hun….” A rasp of words from a barely conscious creature. “Hungry.” Parched throat coughed, and rapidly blinking eyes managed to spot the approaching Cuki. Friendship is damned… If he continued to come near, she’d pounce him, and there against the stone floors of this ethereal building, she’d have his blood. Shishi, escape, and surviving aside – all she could think about was the fluid of life pounding through the veins of the all-too human monk. Pump. Ba-bump. Temptation, one she couldn’t refuse. If he were wise, if he recognized the signs, he’d stay away.
Cuki sighs glancing to the entrance where only the smallest glean of light shows through the cracks. "Better than nothing, I suppose," He begins turning back to his friends. "Can you two walk?" Before the Monk finishes he gropes around in the dark for them. So thoughtless for their physical needs: So thoughtful about their lives. With his right he grabs Terra by the back of her shirt and with the left he catches Shishi by his upper arm. Though they are heavier than the rats there is still a great well of strength in the Anti-mage's muscles. Endless endurance in for a time of great need. With it Cuki kicks open the front door and together they begin their escape.
Shishi blinks in the dark and begins to answer Cuki, "Uh, I can walk... but I'm not sure if she'l-..." by the time he gets that far his arm is seized by the Monk and the pair of vampires is led out the door. Little do they know that once they reach the crowded streets they will be within sight of the Fermin Officer that had captured the couple of blood-suckers, though who knows if they'll make it that far onto the streets with Cuki holding two hungry vampires so close to himself... Heeding Terra's advice, Shishi wouldn't strike first, but should the vampiress make a play for blood the assassin wouldn't want to be left out of the feast...
Terra had maintained control up until a certain point. Contact. Had he refrained from touching her, even though it was just her shirt, she may have been able to keep from attacking him. That was not the case and by that point, she’d claim no control over her actions. There would be a battle waging and she’d need strength… Cuki would understand, surely. With that reasoning, she’d twist in grasp and snag his arm. Immediately, teeth found his wrist and bit into it. Should he jerk, or attempt to pull away, her fangs will rip the skin and muscles away. Like a savage beast, she clings, slowly taking what she needed to heal her foot. If one were to watch, they could see the skin regenerate, stretching over the wound. Suede boot would be left with a hole, but now was not the time for a fashion show. Panting, she’d remove herself from the tasty treat, giving up slowly. A change had begun in that instance… Those green eyes were ablaze with fire, glowing in their glory. Not a rat would be spared. If Cuki didn’t strike her with any consequences, she’d be off, slowly devouring whichever fermin being her hands could grasp. It was a mess. A bloody mess. She loved it.
Cuki sharply winces at the distinctive pain. One he has come to learn too much. Cuki releases Shishi. One blood sucker is enough. Before he can reach over to grab Terra by her mouth and force her to release at the risk of tearing open her own cheeks, she releases him. The ensanguined wrist drips and a rush of blood flee his head. On his knees Cuki's vision blurs slightly. "Stupid..." He weakly directs the insult at Terra trying to keep focus at the sudden loss
Shishi’s body stiffens as Cuki receives the bite and releases him. A hesitant blink or two spared, Terra's feeding is over almost as quickly as it started and Shishi is left standing over a kneeling and seemingly distracted Cuki. The vampire unconsciously pokes at his top right fang with his tongue while he stares down at the Monk. He had flinched during the prime moment to strike and was now caught in between kneeling to help the Anti-mage to his feet or dropping down to take some of the sanguine fluid for himself, standing there frozen, he sends Terra an awkward, oceanic glance, almost as if seeking advice...
Terra had taken just enough. Just enough to get her to pull through. It was an admitted moment of selfishness, but what could one expect from a vampire? Certainly not compassion, which is what she’d give to the pleading look Shishi held when he glanced towards the monk and the fluids that came from his wrist. Incoherent thoughts jumbled her mind, and before Shishi would strike in hunger against the anti-mage, Terra would step in. Wrist to mouth, her fang would drag across it until the blood began to pool there. Then, the slender and pale appendage was brought before her best vampiric friend, baiting him. “Here. Take it, quickly.” Her eyes closed, fangs finding her bottom lip and biting down until blood began to puddle there too. A quiet sigh is emitted and a soft, “Sorry” offered to the blood-drained Cuki. Perhaps she should have just left Shishi take the rest of it… After all, leaving a corpse behind was far easier than carrying one.
Shen: Led by a small torch and a lizard that insisted that he follow it, the lad slowly walked down the small corridor. He was a little nervous because he wasn't sure what he was doing so far down here and he had to dodge a few Fermin groups along the way. To top it off the tight space made any form of fighting disadvantageous to him. "Maybe if you'd stop thinking so much, you wouldn't be so nervous," he whispered to himself as he continued to follow the reptile, picking up the pace as the opposite did so as well. Abruptly coming around a corner he ran headlong into an unknown group. Startled he almost let out a cry and instinctively went into defensi... Wait... "Terra?" What on Earth was going on here....?
Cuki holds his head just for a moment. Letting the swirl of blood and thoughts die down. Where was his spear at this time? His beads, sash, mind, and heart? Gone. Tucked off far away. Again he must stand and defend, even those that would seem to prefer to steal and betray him during his benevolence. Raise he does. What he faces is not his friends or the weakling enemies, but instead a worthy foe. Ever the shield Cuki places himself between the two Vampires and the four Fermin.
Shishi didn't need to be told twice, or even once for that matter, before the offer had fully escaped Terra's lips his hand had taken hold of her forearm and was pulling it closer while his head dipped to meet her bleeding wrist midway. Lips closed around the wound, no blood would be allowed to trickle away while they were there. The vampire's oceanic eyes shut as he consciously fights to keep them from regressing to an accursed crimson shade. He wasn't greedy however, just enthusiastic, and wouldn't be attached to her wrist very long, only taking enough to shrink the wound at his shoulder and bring it's constant bloodless down to a light dripping now and then. His lips leave bloodied skin and he blinks Terra into focus, taking a light gasp for breath that he wasn't sure he needed, "Thanks Terr..." teeth, tongue, and lips stained blood red. His irises were swirling purple pools, but they'd eventually settle into their calm blue shade. He might jump a little at Shen's sudden appearance and the presence of light that was so rare in the Fermin Metropolis. Minimally fed, he was prepared to move now, but it wouldn't be difficult to catch him staring through the now flickering darkness at Terra's lips, where fresh sanguine liquid was pooling. Lust would hold his eyes there, though if it was for blood it was difficult to say. Some sudden noise or movement glanced through his peripherals snaps him out of this trance and he looks down the street at the advancing Fermin force, no doubt the ones who had been sent to investigate secluded hiding places such as the magic shop the group of intruders had recently occupied... Indeed, these soldiers weren't mere guards or traffic controllers; their training was extensive to be accepted into the Scarred Fermin's personal squad.
Terra kept her lips pursed during the ordeal. She had never allowed this before, especially not when it was of her own accord. Upon its conclusion, she’d move away from Shishi and offer him a shaky smile. At long last, the guards were given a glance and Terra cringed. There was no way to avoid violence… As her thoughts began to work on that thread, she’d hear someone call her name. Red eyes narrowed towards the source and once she had realized it was Shen, she’d give a small gasp of delight. Impossible not to, despite the circumstances. Now she was torn… Who to protect? Shishi or Shen? Bottom lip found itself worried yet again, rolled between teeth as she thought her options through. With the four of them, they would surely be able to handle the approaching threat. If nothing else, they could hold them off long enough to escape. Before any plans or motions could be made, she’d find her attention travelling back towards Shen with a worried frown. “What are you doing here?” It sounded rude, that question, but her voice was soft. This could not end well for any of them.
Shen: The look of confusion and worry was probably just more evident, if not more, on his face than everybody else's. His lips parted as if to say something and his hand softly reached into his pouch to pull something out, but neither task was accomplished. His mind was clouded and there was too much to pull in all at once. The loud clutter of the approaching party put all that aside though, leaving only them and Terra's question at the front of his thoughts. "Your lizard," he stammered, as he suddenly fished around in his bag for something else. Realization lit up his face as he quickly pulled out a small vial and hurled it over the party's heads. "He insisted that I followed him and this is where we wound up!" The last part of his statement was drowned out when the vial exploded upon the ground, separating the opposing groups in a black fire and giving them more time to plan. Instinctively ducking and bringing Terra down with him, he swiftly pulled out another glass vial and motioned for her to grab it. "I don't know what's going on down here, but you really shouldn't be eating each other!" Even in a desperate time, his “happy go lucky” attitude wasn't forgotten. Time was short though, as the alchemical flame was weakening, allowing the Fermin to continue forward.
Shishi reflexively brings a hand up in front of his eyes as the thrown vial explodes into dark flame, the vampire might be wondering if that black fire had a voice, but his daydreams were short lived in this situation... A quick glance is cast to Terra, the vampiress sprawled on the sewage ridden ground with Shen, and the assassin's nose wrinkles slightly. The Fermin soldiers as dropped onto all fours and were scurrying over each other to put some distance between their fur and the fires. Their panic would provide an escape route, though it wouldn't last long, and Shishi moves on it, urgently shouting to his fellow intruders a simple, "Let's go!"
Terra was sure to avoid getting too close to those flames, unsure of what they were and what damages could ensue were one to get too near. Instead she’d focus ‘pon the one who had pulled her down to the sewers floor and a slight smile formed at his demeanor. Leave it to Shen to remain light-hearted despite the situation. The vial, as she was urged to, was accepted and slipped into the lacings of her corset until she could properly study and enjoy the contents. “I’m so glad to see you’re alive,” murmured, as she shrugged next to him. “I owe Asher now. And you.” His gratitude was awarded with the briefest of gestures, brush of lips to his cheek before she’d breathe Shishi’s demands into his ear. “We’ll run.” Though the flames were diminishing, the fermin weren’t accustomed to light of any nature, and were temporarily disabled, giving into their basic instinct of panic. Tugging on Shen’s fingers, she’d pull him up and force him to join in on the run.
Shen: Along for the ride, Shen had no problem whatsoever with getting up and ditching the scene. Rising up when Terra pulled on him to go, he followed the others, making sure to stay in the back to cover their escape.
Shishi || There he stood, right across the busy street from them, the Fermin Officer that had brought Shish and Terra into the city and locked them up with plans to grind them up into the fermin population's next meal. His white fur, despite being mostly covered by black armor, distinguished him from the sea of brown commoners that scurried about the crowded streets. The withered, furless scar that covers half his face, centered around a milky white, beady eye, stares across the road, drawn by Shen's diversion of black flame, though he's liable to have seen them anyway as the group towered over the brown commoners. He sees his two ex-captives with his one operating, red eye and licks his thin lips with his disgusting, multicolored tongue. His ego had been boosted by their initial capture and the addition of Shen to his prey's ranks doesn't seem to affect his judgment of the situation. Wasting no time an order is given via a loud series of squeaking shouts, "There they are! Seize them! That is to say; don't let them escape again!" The three gray furred soldiers in black armor move forward in a triangular formation, leaving their commander behind them. The gnawed shafts of their spears are gripped by thin ratlike fingers. Their weapons are thrust forward as they approach the intruders from the surface and it wouldn't be long before the ratmen the group left behind them recovered and were after them as well.
Terra was paralyzed in that moment. The creature that stood across the way was a thing of nightmares, not even her kind could compete with that. Out of instinct, she’d seek out Shishi’s hand and lightly grasp the fingers she had grabbed a hold of. Her wrist was still sore, the wounds still leaking to trail down pale fingertips and onto his hand. At the very least, they had something in common, despite their ability to find trouble in the most innocent of places. “He’ll not get us again,” She’d promise her fellow vampire before glancing towards Shen, trust and concern flickering in those now-green eyes. “We’ll stay and fight… Mayhap you’d better run, just so we’ll have one to be able to alert help if things don’t go all that well.” A nod, and he’s dismissed as the threat had hand caught her attention. The leader of their triangle had thrust his sharpened spear towards Shishi, and with the reflexes akin to those of her nature, she’d grasp the gnarled stick and scowl. “Now, now, let’s play fair, shall we?” It’s ripped from his hand, broke over a bent knee, and dropped to the ground. With a guttural growl, she leaps, attacking the rat and successfully starting the fray. May the rest of them make it out alive…? The guards they had attempted to leave made their approach in that moment, immediately scuffling over to the sight of the altercation. Their spears were thrust forth into the mess; the fermin who tussled with Terra was given little care, and as many of their blows managed to strike her, several would hit the rat, too. It was all a matter of who could survive the most. Could she? Fighting on, she’d not spare a glance for Shishi or for Shen, unsure if he even remained. Hell, she couldn’t blame Shishi for running either, if that’s what he opted to do, allowing her to be bait. She wasn’t even in the factory, and already she felt like meat for the rodents. How she missed the days of being a predator.
Shen: Emerging into a larger corridor, some of the tension was lifted off the man's shoulders. At least in here he could move about. Halted by Terra and Shishi's lack of further advancement, he looked onward as all three pairs of eyes met with that of the Fermin Officer who stood opposing them. Blinking, there was an undeniably thick tension in the air, and he naturally readied his arm to his belt as he looked around and assessed the situation at hand. The screeching of Fermin voices told him that the gig was up and they were in for another tussle. To compound the situation, the soldiers from the northern passage were closing in, their footsteps echoing as they clapped in the sewage water. There was hope though... The entire room was under construction, and many crucial points were being supported and held in place. With a mighty roar, the Sage pirouettes, spinning to his right and drawing out Amaterasu in a wide, slicing arc towards one of the support beams behind him. It is only enough to cripple the wooden sub frame, but enough to buy them some more time as he finishes it off with a stern kick. Collapsing across the entryway, their would-be pursuers were trapped yet again, unable to proceed. That was only the beginning though as Terra continued to tussle with one of them. No way was he going to leave! This was too fun. A stern look was given to all attackers. He would not be bested easily
Shishi nods along with Terra's promise and her hand is given a slight squeeze as warm blood, possibly Cuki's, trickles over his fingers. His free hand was already behind his back, reaching for his concealed blade, but his muscles tense in shock when Terra stops the spearhead that was headed towards his chest and begins her brawl. His eyes were already flickering through their accursed transformation, the vampire's black abilities useful once again with the Anti-mage no longer present. He would not call upon the shadows just yet however, the dagger grasped in his hand would do for now. Leaping haphazardly into Terra's fray with the last remaining rat after Shen's well executed demolition, it would not be long before the creature had his share of vicious gouges in the back of his neck and would fall limp.
Shishi || There would be a calm in battle for but a moment with all their enemies dealt with... though calm wouldn't be the correct word as the masses of brown commoners were frantically scurrying about the walls and sewage in a tremendous panic brought on by the brawl and the collapsing of the tunnel. Trampling each other as they race on all fours to what they believe is safety. Then, there comes a rumbling from the collapsed part of the crossing. Soon all the earth that had fallen onto the White Fermin and his soldiers was either shoved to the side of the road or was hovering in the thick underground air, beneath the floating debris was the Scarred Fermin, holding his spear like a walking stick as he nursed a wounded hind paw. Perhaps it was this old ratman's power that dug the first tunnels of this city as his age might suggest... his history hardly matters now as soon enough the more solid pieces of the wreckage are being hurled across the road, with seemingly not much effort on the mage's part, towards the three surface dwellers that were wreaking such havoc on 'his' city.
Terra managed to breathe, however unnecessary, after Shi had finished off the last rat. A grateful smile was passed his direction, and soon Terra was taken up a position next to him, as was normal for the pair. Assuming the battle had been won; she’d give in and lightly nudge Shishi’s side, careful of any wounds that he may have got in battle that would harm him. “Thanks, Shi.” Thanks was her word of the day, apparently. From her position, she’d smile warmly towards Shen too, the sage having protected them from a great deal of trouble. “And thank yo—“ Whatever was to be said was cut off as a flying piece of debris was tossed in their direction. Second nature by now, she’d tackle Shishi into the ground and allow the pieces to fly overhead. Immediately the source was sought out, and despite the smell of the murky slime she crawled in, she’d creep towards the fermin who was wielding the debris, attempting to whisper to the pair, “I’ll distract him,” The Scarred Battle Mage was indicated with a short nod of her head, “And the two of you take care of him. Don’t die.” Onwards she’d creep, dodging the occasional stray debris. When she was close enough, the war-broken rat simply picked her up with those powers and allowed her to hover there, disgusting tongue darting the air for a moment before she was hurled towards the two on the other side. Try dodging a flying vampire!
Shen: No sooner had he prepared himself for combat, was he nicked in the side of the head by a soaring brick. Thrown off balance, the young man stumbled for a second, the blow causing his head to ring. Blinking rapidly to refocus his vision, he touched his hand to his wound as he steadied himself. A bloody residue came off on his hand and ran down his palm. This irked him slightly and a scowl was sent in the mage's direction. Before he could act further though, Terra interrupted, somehow managing to get herself hurdled back at their party. The scowl quickly turned to panic as he opened his arms to catch her and the two were tossed back down to the ground. A little sore, the Sage righted himself again to face his adversary as he continued to hurl stones and brick in their direction. Knocking away the next brick with a strong backhand, Shen reached down, grabbing one of the spears that the soldiers had dropped and left behind in the tussle. Another piece of stone caught him in the abdomen and his body winced in pain as he fought to focus. Reeling one arm back, he tossed the primitive weapon as hard as he could towards the rat-mage, looking to drop him in one hit. His aim was off mark but it worked to their advantage anyways, knocking the walking stick out from under him and sending him to the ground. A quick blow via dagger was enough to end the fight as Shen wiped away a little sweat and more blood from his cheek.
Shishi smiles bashfully, enjoying this moment of triumph, "Ah~ No problem Terr. I owed you a horrible night, rememb-?" It is then that he's taken to the ground by the vampiress and his crimson eyes glimpse the White Fermin raised from the dirt and sewage. The assassin is taunted by the shadows cast upon the road: 'Don't get too comfortable, Blue... The horrible night's not over.' The accursed vampire sneers towards nothing in particular as other malicious whispers from the darkness on the road dance across his mind. Terra's voice breaks his momentary trance while he's picking himself up off the sewage covered ground, "Don't die..." he repeats to himself and Shen. It was not long before the vampire was swarmed by slowly crawling shadows slithering up his body. The places upon the road they had vacated were slightly illuminated, giving this underground tunnel the illusion of dawn... The black entities floating about his form would lash out at the bricks, stones, and clumps of sewage and dirt thrown his way and the vampire would flinch uncomfortably every time they did so. A concerned red stare is sent over his shoulder as Terra had flown by him and was caught by Shen, the assassin's attention apparently not needed for defensive purposes, his dark allies would see to that. His fellow intruders’ safe, the vampire starts into a dead sprint for the Scarred Officer, racing the spear thrown by the Sage. With the White furred Mage fallen his target was sure to remain still, although somehow the Mage still managed to conduct his symphony of crashing stones and earth from his bed of sewage. Shishi caught multiple blows with both his and the shadows' guard down, a brick dug into his wounded shoulder, splattering recently gifted blood onto his face. A final stone connects with the assassin's knee and sends him sprawling forward the rest of the distance, the dagger still grasped in his hand conveniently implanting itself into the Armored Battle Mage's red, beady eye, through into his skull...
Terra cringed at the gruesome display but could muster no sympathy. That rat had put her through, and the fact that she was still alive to fume over it was an amazing accomplishment, especially with all that had occurred during their visit. Standing from the rubble she had settled in after Shen had caught her, she’d begin to move towards Shishi, but remained uncertain if it was safe or not. At an appropriate distance, a hand was extended. “Is it my turn to carry you?” A joke, the first one in a long time. Should he accept her hand, she’d smile, give it a light squeeze and begin to head towards the exits, avoiding scurrying fermin in the process. “My hero’s,” She offers to both of the men who still lurked in the sewer, a wink gifted to each in turn. “Now if only you would stop getting me into the trouble…”
Shen: Brushing himself off, he turned to Terra with a look of playful disbelief. "Getting you into trouble? I sure hope you're not talking to me missy..." He tossed a small rock in her direction as he said so.
Terra squeaks at the rock and dodges it. She's had far too many flying projectiles for one day. "Of course. Making me follow a lizard to come 'round and save you all the time."
Shishi shakily pushes himself up off the corpse of the Aged rat that had pulled them through Hell, the dagger left in the White Fermin's eye, an offering to the dead, like the one that had started off this ordeal in the sewers. A deep, unnecessary breath is taken and instantly regretted, the taste of this underground air would never be something he would get used to. The darkness surrounding him dissipates as Terra's hand is grasped lightly and she is presented a grin while his irises slowly fade back to their original oceanic shade, "It is your turn... but I think we'll both be able to walk out of here just fine..." As they start out, Shen's response is simultaneously mimicked, "Getting -you- into trouble!?"
Terra grinned at the both of them, attempting to pull off an innocent look as they made their way to the entrance. “Trouble-makers.” Once they were free, she’d inhale the first refreshing breath in hours. This is was freedom tasted like.
Shishi || out in the streets of a much less crowded part of the Fermin city stands a group of fifteen or so armored, spear wielding soldiers. The now armor clad, Aged White Fermin paces in front of his men, scrutinizing them as he is in the process of briefing them on the situation, "...that is to say; they have escaped! Six of you will head to the known exits of the city and guard them tightly, that is to say; no one over four feet tall gets in or out! Out of those six, three of you to the exit we found them at, the rest of you to the other entrances to the city. I want another six checking inside all buildings, that is to say; they could be hiding anywhere! And that leaves four with me-" One of the soldiers speaks up, "Three, sir..." The White Officer bares his teeth at being corrected, "Three with me... we'll be patrolling the streets." A habitual snapping of his maw followed by a gruesome licking of his lips sends the squadron scrambling to where their orders dictated...
Shishi rises to his full height, head room a rare luxury in this specifically designed city. Nocturnal blue eyes can see Cuki quite clearly through the darkness. The vampire shakes his head, "Aye... we're deeper underground than you might think... There's an exit close by... or at least I think it was an exit. We were nearly out when we were captured..." The assassin's bleeding shoulder had dropped and his already murky, liquid scarf had sagged over the top of the wound, the blood seeping into the increasingly dark water, mingling with dirt, filth, and a twice dead goatfish...
Terra had been propped against something, for all the good it would do her. It was impossible to open her eyes and every moment she attempted to make seemed sluggish, almost as if she was trapped in a stifling film. She’d hear them. Mostly Shishi, due to his close proximity, and despite her state, reached for him. It was in her job description to protect him, or so she had decided. “Hun….” A rasp of words from a barely conscious creature. “Hungry.” Parched throat coughed, and rapidly blinking eyes managed to spot the approaching Cuki. Friendship is damned… If he continued to come near, she’d pounce him, and there against the stone floors of this ethereal building, she’d have his blood. Shishi, escape, and surviving aside – all she could think about was the fluid of life pounding through the veins of the all-too human monk. Pump. Ba-bump. Temptation, one she couldn’t refuse. If he were wise, if he recognized the signs, he’d stay away.
Cuki sighs glancing to the entrance where only the smallest glean of light shows through the cracks. "Better than nothing, I suppose," He begins turning back to his friends. "Can you two walk?" Before the Monk finishes he gropes around in the dark for them. So thoughtless for their physical needs: So thoughtful about their lives. With his right he grabs Terra by the back of her shirt and with the left he catches Shishi by his upper arm. Though they are heavier than the rats there is still a great well of strength in the Anti-mage's muscles. Endless endurance in for a time of great need. With it Cuki kicks open the front door and together they begin their escape.
Shishi blinks in the dark and begins to answer Cuki, "Uh, I can walk... but I'm not sure if she'l-..." by the time he gets that far his arm is seized by the Monk and the pair of vampires is led out the door. Little do they know that once they reach the crowded streets they will be within sight of the Fermin Officer that had captured the couple of blood-suckers, though who knows if they'll make it that far onto the streets with Cuki holding two hungry vampires so close to himself... Heeding Terra's advice, Shishi wouldn't strike first, but should the vampiress make a play for blood the assassin wouldn't want to be left out of the feast...
Terra had maintained control up until a certain point. Contact. Had he refrained from touching her, even though it was just her shirt, she may have been able to keep from attacking him. That was not the case and by that point, she’d claim no control over her actions. There would be a battle waging and she’d need strength… Cuki would understand, surely. With that reasoning, she’d twist in grasp and snag his arm. Immediately, teeth found his wrist and bit into it. Should he jerk, or attempt to pull away, her fangs will rip the skin and muscles away. Like a savage beast, she clings, slowly taking what she needed to heal her foot. If one were to watch, they could see the skin regenerate, stretching over the wound. Suede boot would be left with a hole, but now was not the time for a fashion show. Panting, she’d remove herself from the tasty treat, giving up slowly. A change had begun in that instance… Those green eyes were ablaze with fire, glowing in their glory. Not a rat would be spared. If Cuki didn’t strike her with any consequences, she’d be off, slowly devouring whichever fermin being her hands could grasp. It was a mess. A bloody mess. She loved it.
Cuki sharply winces at the distinctive pain. One he has come to learn too much. Cuki releases Shishi. One blood sucker is enough. Before he can reach over to grab Terra by her mouth and force her to release at the risk of tearing open her own cheeks, she releases him. The ensanguined wrist drips and a rush of blood flee his head. On his knees Cuki's vision blurs slightly. "Stupid..." He weakly directs the insult at Terra trying to keep focus at the sudden loss
Shishi’s body stiffens as Cuki receives the bite and releases him. A hesitant blink or two spared, Terra's feeding is over almost as quickly as it started and Shishi is left standing over a kneeling and seemingly distracted Cuki. The vampire unconsciously pokes at his top right fang with his tongue while he stares down at the Monk. He had flinched during the prime moment to strike and was now caught in between kneeling to help the Anti-mage to his feet or dropping down to take some of the sanguine fluid for himself, standing there frozen, he sends Terra an awkward, oceanic glance, almost as if seeking advice...
Terra had taken just enough. Just enough to get her to pull through. It was an admitted moment of selfishness, but what could one expect from a vampire? Certainly not compassion, which is what she’d give to the pleading look Shishi held when he glanced towards the monk and the fluids that came from his wrist. Incoherent thoughts jumbled her mind, and before Shishi would strike in hunger against the anti-mage, Terra would step in. Wrist to mouth, her fang would drag across it until the blood began to pool there. Then, the slender and pale appendage was brought before her best vampiric friend, baiting him. “Here. Take it, quickly.” Her eyes closed, fangs finding her bottom lip and biting down until blood began to puddle there too. A quiet sigh is emitted and a soft, “Sorry” offered to the blood-drained Cuki. Perhaps she should have just left Shishi take the rest of it… After all, leaving a corpse behind was far easier than carrying one.
Shen: Led by a small torch and a lizard that insisted that he follow it, the lad slowly walked down the small corridor. He was a little nervous because he wasn't sure what he was doing so far down here and he had to dodge a few Fermin groups along the way. To top it off the tight space made any form of fighting disadvantageous to him. "Maybe if you'd stop thinking so much, you wouldn't be so nervous," he whispered to himself as he continued to follow the reptile, picking up the pace as the opposite did so as well. Abruptly coming around a corner he ran headlong into an unknown group. Startled he almost let out a cry and instinctively went into defensi... Wait... "Terra?" What on Earth was going on here....?
Cuki holds his head just for a moment. Letting the swirl of blood and thoughts die down. Where was his spear at this time? His beads, sash, mind, and heart? Gone. Tucked off far away. Again he must stand and defend, even those that would seem to prefer to steal and betray him during his benevolence. Raise he does. What he faces is not his friends or the weakling enemies, but instead a worthy foe. Ever the shield Cuki places himself between the two Vampires and the four Fermin.
Shishi didn't need to be told twice, or even once for that matter, before the offer had fully escaped Terra's lips his hand had taken hold of her forearm and was pulling it closer while his head dipped to meet her bleeding wrist midway. Lips closed around the wound, no blood would be allowed to trickle away while they were there. The vampire's oceanic eyes shut as he consciously fights to keep them from regressing to an accursed crimson shade. He wasn't greedy however, just enthusiastic, and wouldn't be attached to her wrist very long, only taking enough to shrink the wound at his shoulder and bring it's constant bloodless down to a light dripping now and then. His lips leave bloodied skin and he blinks Terra into focus, taking a light gasp for breath that he wasn't sure he needed, "Thanks Terr..." teeth, tongue, and lips stained blood red. His irises were swirling purple pools, but they'd eventually settle into their calm blue shade. He might jump a little at Shen's sudden appearance and the presence of light that was so rare in the Fermin Metropolis. Minimally fed, he was prepared to move now, but it wouldn't be difficult to catch him staring through the now flickering darkness at Terra's lips, where fresh sanguine liquid was pooling. Lust would hold his eyes there, though if it was for blood it was difficult to say. Some sudden noise or movement glanced through his peripherals snaps him out of this trance and he looks down the street at the advancing Fermin force, no doubt the ones who had been sent to investigate secluded hiding places such as the magic shop the group of intruders had recently occupied... Indeed, these soldiers weren't mere guards or traffic controllers; their training was extensive to be accepted into the Scarred Fermin's personal squad.
Terra kept her lips pursed during the ordeal. She had never allowed this before, especially not when it was of her own accord. Upon its conclusion, she’d move away from Shishi and offer him a shaky smile. At long last, the guards were given a glance and Terra cringed. There was no way to avoid violence… As her thoughts began to work on that thread, she’d hear someone call her name. Red eyes narrowed towards the source and once she had realized it was Shen, she’d give a small gasp of delight. Impossible not to, despite the circumstances. Now she was torn… Who to protect? Shishi or Shen? Bottom lip found itself worried yet again, rolled between teeth as she thought her options through. With the four of them, they would surely be able to handle the approaching threat. If nothing else, they could hold them off long enough to escape. Before any plans or motions could be made, she’d find her attention travelling back towards Shen with a worried frown. “What are you doing here?” It sounded rude, that question, but her voice was soft. This could not end well for any of them.
Shen: The look of confusion and worry was probably just more evident, if not more, on his face than everybody else's. His lips parted as if to say something and his hand softly reached into his pouch to pull something out, but neither task was accomplished. His mind was clouded and there was too much to pull in all at once. The loud clutter of the approaching party put all that aside though, leaving only them and Terra's question at the front of his thoughts. "Your lizard," he stammered, as he suddenly fished around in his bag for something else. Realization lit up his face as he quickly pulled out a small vial and hurled it over the party's heads. "He insisted that I followed him and this is where we wound up!" The last part of his statement was drowned out when the vial exploded upon the ground, separating the opposing groups in a black fire and giving them more time to plan. Instinctively ducking and bringing Terra down with him, he swiftly pulled out another glass vial and motioned for her to grab it. "I don't know what's going on down here, but you really shouldn't be eating each other!" Even in a desperate time, his “happy go lucky” attitude wasn't forgotten. Time was short though, as the alchemical flame was weakening, allowing the Fermin to continue forward.
Shishi reflexively brings a hand up in front of his eyes as the thrown vial explodes into dark flame, the vampire might be wondering if that black fire had a voice, but his daydreams were short lived in this situation... A quick glance is cast to Terra, the vampiress sprawled on the sewage ridden ground with Shen, and the assassin's nose wrinkles slightly. The Fermin soldiers as dropped onto all fours and were scurrying over each other to put some distance between their fur and the fires. Their panic would provide an escape route, though it wouldn't last long, and Shishi moves on it, urgently shouting to his fellow intruders a simple, "Let's go!"
Terra was sure to avoid getting too close to those flames, unsure of what they were and what damages could ensue were one to get too near. Instead she’d focus ‘pon the one who had pulled her down to the sewers floor and a slight smile formed at his demeanor. Leave it to Shen to remain light-hearted despite the situation. The vial, as she was urged to, was accepted and slipped into the lacings of her corset until she could properly study and enjoy the contents. “I’m so glad to see you’re alive,” murmured, as she shrugged next to him. “I owe Asher now. And you.” His gratitude was awarded with the briefest of gestures, brush of lips to his cheek before she’d breathe Shishi’s demands into his ear. “We’ll run.” Though the flames were diminishing, the fermin weren’t accustomed to light of any nature, and were temporarily disabled, giving into their basic instinct of panic. Tugging on Shen’s fingers, she’d pull him up and force him to join in on the run.
Shen: Along for the ride, Shen had no problem whatsoever with getting up and ditching the scene. Rising up when Terra pulled on him to go, he followed the others, making sure to stay in the back to cover their escape.
Shishi || There he stood, right across the busy street from them, the Fermin Officer that had brought Shish and Terra into the city and locked them up with plans to grind them up into the fermin population's next meal. His white fur, despite being mostly covered by black armor, distinguished him from the sea of brown commoners that scurried about the crowded streets. The withered, furless scar that covers half his face, centered around a milky white, beady eye, stares across the road, drawn by Shen's diversion of black flame, though he's liable to have seen them anyway as the group towered over the brown commoners. He sees his two ex-captives with his one operating, red eye and licks his thin lips with his disgusting, multicolored tongue. His ego had been boosted by their initial capture and the addition of Shen to his prey's ranks doesn't seem to affect his judgment of the situation. Wasting no time an order is given via a loud series of squeaking shouts, "There they are! Seize them! That is to say; don't let them escape again!" The three gray furred soldiers in black armor move forward in a triangular formation, leaving their commander behind them. The gnawed shafts of their spears are gripped by thin ratlike fingers. Their weapons are thrust forward as they approach the intruders from the surface and it wouldn't be long before the ratmen the group left behind them recovered and were after them as well.
Terra was paralyzed in that moment. The creature that stood across the way was a thing of nightmares, not even her kind could compete with that. Out of instinct, she’d seek out Shishi’s hand and lightly grasp the fingers she had grabbed a hold of. Her wrist was still sore, the wounds still leaking to trail down pale fingertips and onto his hand. At the very least, they had something in common, despite their ability to find trouble in the most innocent of places. “He’ll not get us again,” She’d promise her fellow vampire before glancing towards Shen, trust and concern flickering in those now-green eyes. “We’ll stay and fight… Mayhap you’d better run, just so we’ll have one to be able to alert help if things don’t go all that well.” A nod, and he’s dismissed as the threat had hand caught her attention. The leader of their triangle had thrust his sharpened spear towards Shishi, and with the reflexes akin to those of her nature, she’d grasp the gnarled stick and scowl. “Now, now, let’s play fair, shall we?” It’s ripped from his hand, broke over a bent knee, and dropped to the ground. With a guttural growl, she leaps, attacking the rat and successfully starting the fray. May the rest of them make it out alive…? The guards they had attempted to leave made their approach in that moment, immediately scuffling over to the sight of the altercation. Their spears were thrust forth into the mess; the fermin who tussled with Terra was given little care, and as many of their blows managed to strike her, several would hit the rat, too. It was all a matter of who could survive the most. Could she? Fighting on, she’d not spare a glance for Shishi or for Shen, unsure if he even remained. Hell, she couldn’t blame Shishi for running either, if that’s what he opted to do, allowing her to be bait. She wasn’t even in the factory, and already she felt like meat for the rodents. How she missed the days of being a predator.
Shen: Emerging into a larger corridor, some of the tension was lifted off the man's shoulders. At least in here he could move about. Halted by Terra and Shishi's lack of further advancement, he looked onward as all three pairs of eyes met with that of the Fermin Officer who stood opposing them. Blinking, there was an undeniably thick tension in the air, and he naturally readied his arm to his belt as he looked around and assessed the situation at hand. The screeching of Fermin voices told him that the gig was up and they were in for another tussle. To compound the situation, the soldiers from the northern passage were closing in, their footsteps echoing as they clapped in the sewage water. There was hope though... The entire room was under construction, and many crucial points were being supported and held in place. With a mighty roar, the Sage pirouettes, spinning to his right and drawing out Amaterasu in a wide, slicing arc towards one of the support beams behind him. It is only enough to cripple the wooden sub frame, but enough to buy them some more time as he finishes it off with a stern kick. Collapsing across the entryway, their would-be pursuers were trapped yet again, unable to proceed. That was only the beginning though as Terra continued to tussle with one of them. No way was he going to leave! This was too fun. A stern look was given to all attackers. He would not be bested easily
Shishi nods along with Terra's promise and her hand is given a slight squeeze as warm blood, possibly Cuki's, trickles over his fingers. His free hand was already behind his back, reaching for his concealed blade, but his muscles tense in shock when Terra stops the spearhead that was headed towards his chest and begins her brawl. His eyes were already flickering through their accursed transformation, the vampire's black abilities useful once again with the Anti-mage no longer present. He would not call upon the shadows just yet however, the dagger grasped in his hand would do for now. Leaping haphazardly into Terra's fray with the last remaining rat after Shen's well executed demolition, it would not be long before the creature had his share of vicious gouges in the back of his neck and would fall limp.
Shishi || There would be a calm in battle for but a moment with all their enemies dealt with... though calm wouldn't be the correct word as the masses of brown commoners were frantically scurrying about the walls and sewage in a tremendous panic brought on by the brawl and the collapsing of the tunnel. Trampling each other as they race on all fours to what they believe is safety. Then, there comes a rumbling from the collapsed part of the crossing. Soon all the earth that had fallen onto the White Fermin and his soldiers was either shoved to the side of the road or was hovering in the thick underground air, beneath the floating debris was the Scarred Fermin, holding his spear like a walking stick as he nursed a wounded hind paw. Perhaps it was this old ratman's power that dug the first tunnels of this city as his age might suggest... his history hardly matters now as soon enough the more solid pieces of the wreckage are being hurled across the road, with seemingly not much effort on the mage's part, towards the three surface dwellers that were wreaking such havoc on 'his' city.
Terra managed to breathe, however unnecessary, after Shi had finished off the last rat. A grateful smile was passed his direction, and soon Terra was taken up a position next to him, as was normal for the pair. Assuming the battle had been won; she’d give in and lightly nudge Shishi’s side, careful of any wounds that he may have got in battle that would harm him. “Thanks, Shi.” Thanks was her word of the day, apparently. From her position, she’d smile warmly towards Shen too, the sage having protected them from a great deal of trouble. “And thank yo—“ Whatever was to be said was cut off as a flying piece of debris was tossed in their direction. Second nature by now, she’d tackle Shishi into the ground and allow the pieces to fly overhead. Immediately the source was sought out, and despite the smell of the murky slime she crawled in, she’d creep towards the fermin who was wielding the debris, attempting to whisper to the pair, “I’ll distract him,” The Scarred Battle Mage was indicated with a short nod of her head, “And the two of you take care of him. Don’t die.” Onwards she’d creep, dodging the occasional stray debris. When she was close enough, the war-broken rat simply picked her up with those powers and allowed her to hover there, disgusting tongue darting the air for a moment before she was hurled towards the two on the other side. Try dodging a flying vampire!
Shen: No sooner had he prepared himself for combat, was he nicked in the side of the head by a soaring brick. Thrown off balance, the young man stumbled for a second, the blow causing his head to ring. Blinking rapidly to refocus his vision, he touched his hand to his wound as he steadied himself. A bloody residue came off on his hand and ran down his palm. This irked him slightly and a scowl was sent in the mage's direction. Before he could act further though, Terra interrupted, somehow managing to get herself hurdled back at their party. The scowl quickly turned to panic as he opened his arms to catch her and the two were tossed back down to the ground. A little sore, the Sage righted himself again to face his adversary as he continued to hurl stones and brick in their direction. Knocking away the next brick with a strong backhand, Shen reached down, grabbing one of the spears that the soldiers had dropped and left behind in the tussle. Another piece of stone caught him in the abdomen and his body winced in pain as he fought to focus. Reeling one arm back, he tossed the primitive weapon as hard as he could towards the rat-mage, looking to drop him in one hit. His aim was off mark but it worked to their advantage anyways, knocking the walking stick out from under him and sending him to the ground. A quick blow via dagger was enough to end the fight as Shen wiped away a little sweat and more blood from his cheek.
Shishi smiles bashfully, enjoying this moment of triumph, "Ah~ No problem Terr. I owed you a horrible night, rememb-?" It is then that he's taken to the ground by the vampiress and his crimson eyes glimpse the White Fermin raised from the dirt and sewage. The assassin is taunted by the shadows cast upon the road: 'Don't get too comfortable, Blue... The horrible night's not over.' The accursed vampire sneers towards nothing in particular as other malicious whispers from the darkness on the road dance across his mind. Terra's voice breaks his momentary trance while he's picking himself up off the sewage covered ground, "Don't die..." he repeats to himself and Shen. It was not long before the vampire was swarmed by slowly crawling shadows slithering up his body. The places upon the road they had vacated were slightly illuminated, giving this underground tunnel the illusion of dawn... The black entities floating about his form would lash out at the bricks, stones, and clumps of sewage and dirt thrown his way and the vampire would flinch uncomfortably every time they did so. A concerned red stare is sent over his shoulder as Terra had flown by him and was caught by Shen, the assassin's attention apparently not needed for defensive purposes, his dark allies would see to that. His fellow intruders’ safe, the vampire starts into a dead sprint for the Scarred Officer, racing the spear thrown by the Sage. With the White furred Mage fallen his target was sure to remain still, although somehow the Mage still managed to conduct his symphony of crashing stones and earth from his bed of sewage. Shishi caught multiple blows with both his and the shadows' guard down, a brick dug into his wounded shoulder, splattering recently gifted blood onto his face. A final stone connects with the assassin's knee and sends him sprawling forward the rest of the distance, the dagger still grasped in his hand conveniently implanting itself into the Armored Battle Mage's red, beady eye, through into his skull...
Terra cringed at the gruesome display but could muster no sympathy. That rat had put her through, and the fact that she was still alive to fume over it was an amazing accomplishment, especially with all that had occurred during their visit. Standing from the rubble she had settled in after Shen had caught her, she’d begin to move towards Shishi, but remained uncertain if it was safe or not. At an appropriate distance, a hand was extended. “Is it my turn to carry you?” A joke, the first one in a long time. Should he accept her hand, she’d smile, give it a light squeeze and begin to head towards the exits, avoiding scurrying fermin in the process. “My hero’s,” She offers to both of the men who still lurked in the sewer, a wink gifted to each in turn. “Now if only you would stop getting me into the trouble…”
Shen: Brushing himself off, he turned to Terra with a look of playful disbelief. "Getting you into trouble? I sure hope you're not talking to me missy..." He tossed a small rock in her direction as he said so.
Terra squeaks at the rock and dodges it. She's had far too many flying projectiles for one day. "Of course. Making me follow a lizard to come 'round and save you all the time."
Shishi shakily pushes himself up off the corpse of the Aged rat that had pulled them through Hell, the dagger left in the White Fermin's eye, an offering to the dead, like the one that had started off this ordeal in the sewers. A deep, unnecessary breath is taken and instantly regretted, the taste of this underground air would never be something he would get used to. The darkness surrounding him dissipates as Terra's hand is grasped lightly and she is presented a grin while his irises slowly fade back to their original oceanic shade, "It is your turn... but I think we'll both be able to walk out of here just fine..." As they start out, Shen's response is simultaneously mimicked, "Getting -you- into trouble!?"
Terra grinned at the both of them, attempting to pull off an innocent look as they made their way to the entrance. “Trouble-makers.” Once they were free, she’d inhale the first refreshing breath in hours. This is was freedom tasted like.