The Eastern Bog

"Ohhhhh, is someone trying to compensate for something?" Shadecerule playfully glanced toward Dark's waist for a moment, a teasing grin playing across his face. "I'm sorry I didn't know, though you never showed me~"

He snickered deviously before wadding beside Dark and laying an arm over his shoulders, leaning his head against the bird's. "But you're most welcome, hehe. I have to thank you for saving me, too!" After an affectionate nuzzle with the side of his cheek, he began trudging forward beside his companion. "Well, shall we?"




~Players

Shadecerule Level: 3 Class: Prey Breed: Feline Profession: Siren Element: Water HP: 74/95 SP: 95/155 Status: Normal

Dark Level: 1 Class: Switch Breed: Avian Profession: Tactician Element: Dark HP: 68/75 SP: 35/75 Status: Normal

"Wh-what are you trying to say?!" The raven stammers out uncomfortably. He loosened his built posture and relaxed a little with the cat's arm around him. "Ugh, whatever. Let's just keep going..."

He placed a hand at Shade's bare chest to softly push the cat back, who was a little too close for his comfort. The setting they were in wasn't exactly the friendliest area around.

The cat grinned wryly as he was pushed away, lifting his arms to rest his hands on the back of his head with his elbows splayed out. "Sounds good to me~"

The two meandered onward into the marsh, passing by twenty minutes that were surprisingly uneventful. Though perhaps it was the calm before the storm, and the eerie quiet had its reasons.

There was a sound of a commotion up ahead that alerted the two of possible danger--but before they could analyze the sounds, something dashed from the brush before them and ran smack dab into the two. The three crashed to the ground as the assailant screeched, everything happening too fast for anyone's comfort. Whatever it was quickly scrambled up, revealing it to be some sort of winged fox-deer hybrid who seemed to be in extreme distress. Its aggression turned to fright as it studied the two for a moment, seeming to find them as no threat.

"S-Sorry, you need to leave!" He stumbled over his words, nearly tripping over his own feet as he stood.
"It's not safe here, we need too--erk!!" Something had crashed through the bushes and latched onto his wings, the poor guy flailing as his head was shoved into the maw of a giant slug. The creature's tongue slithered around his neck and torso, pulling him in deeper with loud shlurking sounds.

"Aye, looks like Blubber caught his meat!" A croc pushed through the bushes behind the slug, admiring its work. "And what do we have here, hmmmm?"

Another came through behind him--this one a chubby lizard. Whereas the croc was nearly naked, this guy was dressed in some kind of clothed garb. "Looks like we've found more food for our pet... Or us, heheh!"


Battle commence!




~Players

Shadecerule Level: 3 Class: Prey Breed: Feline Profession: Siren Element: Water HP: 74/95 SP: 95/155 Status: Normal

Dark Level: 2 Class: Switch Breed: Avian Profession: Tactician Element: Dark HP: 93/100 SP: 65/100 Status: Normal

~Enemies

Croc Thug Level: 2 Class: Pred Breed: Herptile Profession: Martial Artist Element: Water HP: 120/120 SP: 80/80 Status: Normal

Lizard Bandit Level: 2 Class: Pred Breed: Herptile Profession: Desperado Element: Wood HP: 120/120 SP: 80/80 Status: Normal

"Blubber" the Slug Beast Level: 2 Class: Pred Breed: Gelatine Element: Earth HP: 100/100 SP: 100/100 Status: Normal

Dark's panicking mind struggled to know what was happening, tensing up while frantically darting his eyes to the four new-comers. He checked on the gelatinous monstrosity laying before him, delighting itself to the writhing hybrid struggling in its tongue's curiosity while the fox-deer whimpered helplessly.

Suddenly, the image of the hybrid reminded Dark of the post he saw on the Job-List Board that started this whole mess! "Ferro...?!" He cried out to no one in specific. The fox looks back, bewildered that this stranger knew his name, but his terror returns once the saliva-slobbering tentacle slapped across him once more, tasting his fur.

Dark growled, "Sh-Shade! Take care of this slug...thing and get Ferro!" The raven's furious eyes point towards the two reptiles with smug grins, obviously signifying horrible intentions. "I'll take care of these two that are up to no good."

Just then, he flung his staff forward, erupting a large brush of flames towards his opponents in an effort to scatter them, but directed the attack closer to the croc.

Flame Twister (Lvl. 1; Ele. fire; Type: Tornado; S; SP: 10)

A whirling inferno burst between the three swamp-dwellers, flames dancing and spreading their burning heat before dissipating. (-11 HP to Croc Thug, -17 HP to Lizard Bandit, -13 HP to Blubber)

"Ah, HELL naw!" The croc brushed off his scorched shoulder and stomped toward Dark, grabbing the bird by both wrists and taking them both in one large, heavy hand. He lifted Dark up in front of him, glaring as the two met eye-levels. "You think you're hot stuff? I'LL show you hot stuff!" The gator smacked his gut, a hollow thunk resounding with a hint of a gurgle. "Vilz, get over here!"

The lizard scowled as he finished batting off the last ember on his cloak, trudging over to his partner. "Yeah, yeah, you're not the only one who wants a piece of this bird." He looked Dark up and down, his anger turning to a sneer. "Mmmm... Whatchya wanna do to him, Len?"

"Heh, I think I've got an idea." Staring into Dark's eyes with a wicked smile, the croc untied his loincloth with his free hand and let the fabric fall into the muck. What was left remaining was...well, an impressive endowment to be sure. "See, when you play with fire..." He twisted Dark around so that the bird's back was inches from his chest, leaning his muzzle in close so that his hot breath could roll over Dark's neck. "Sometimes you get caught in the middle of the heat."


Shadecerule grimaced as Dark was snared between the two baddies, noting how things had turned ugly in a matter of seconds. He knew this was what Dark had intended, but he was still uneasy about leaving him to deal with the two on his own. We really should have left with more people...

The cat glanced between Dark and Ferro, weighing his options. He could go against Dark's wishes and help him, or he could go with the plan and attack the slug. Shadecerule didn't want to abandon his friend or this stranger. Those ravenous slurps kept smacking as the slug pulled Ferro in up to his shoulders, slimy drool coating the entire torso of the winged researcher. The cat lowered and shook his head, making a snap decision.

Swiftly standing up, he faced the slug. Remembering how ineffective his blades has been before, he figured they'd be useless against this creature as well--so he didn't bother with the thought any longer. "Alright... Juk Zot!"

Juk Zot (Lvl. 1; Ele. wood; Type: rise; S; SP: 10)

Branches rose from the ground and threatened to pierce the gelatinous flesh of the slug, certainly hitting a weak point in the creature. (-29 HP) This seemed to make the thing cling to Ferro harder and guzzle him down faster. Before, it was taking its sluggish time to savor the fox's succulent flavors... Now, it was determined to have its meal. Oops.




Turns until Ferro is devoured: 3


~Players

Shadecerule Level: 3 Class: Prey Breed: Feline Profession: Siren Element: Water HP: 74/95 SP: 85/155 Status: Normal

Dark Level: 2 Class: Switch Breed: Avian Profession: Tactician Element: Dark HP: 93/100 SP: 55/100 Status: Normal

~Enemies

"Len" the Croc Thug Level: 2 Class: Pred Breed: Herptile Profession: Martial Artist Element: Water HP: 109/120 SP: 80/80 Status: Normal

"Vilz" the Lizard Bandit Level: 2 Class: Pred Breed: Herptile Profession: Desperado Element: Wood HP: 103/120 SP: 80/80 Status: Normal

"Blubber" the Slug Beast Level: 2 Class: Pred Breed: Gelatine Element: Earth HP: 58/100 SP: 100/100 Status: Normal

Dark gasped as the meaty hands constrain his wrists as his body is hoisted in the air. The raven squirms aimlessly as his staff falls to the ground, abandoning Dark in his desperate time of need. The croc's scaly skin presses at the avian's backside as his breath exhales past his neck, causing him to shiver in the odd heat it sent jolting into his body. The raven had known this would be the consequence of fighting the theives, but he needed to distract the two and buy time for Shade to save Ferro. If that meant becoming these reptiles' toy, meal, or potential slave, then Dark figured he could spare a bruised rump for a bit if he escaped in the dire situation of this mission.

He pathetically kicked his legs out in futile attempts of freedom while the musky heat emitting from behind him was all to familiar to the bird. He gulped and prepared for the next step these lizard's had in store for his body, writhing in distress as a response.

"Nnngh...ngh...! L-Let me go! Don't make th-th-this harder on yourselves, cause you'll regret it!" The raven lied with blushing cheeks, knowing he was now victim to whatever they wanted with him.

A fat, pink tongue suddenly smashes against Dark's face as the croc smears a sopping-wet lick over the bird's face. Len laughs while he curls the powerful muscle around his prey's beak, shining it up with fresh drool as each chortle huffs steamy breath over those feathers. "Shiiit, earthy lil bugger. What you been doing, rolling around in the swamp?"

"Aye, lift the chicken up higher, Len!" The lizard crouches down and digs his muzzle beneath the raven's tail feathers as his friend obliges. Dark can feel a deep inhale pull air through his feathers before another slimy tongue slips out to mash itself between his plump rump. "That's the good stuff, nyehehe."

Shade smirks at the damage that's been dealt to the slug so far. They've only just met and it's already looking a little bruised! The licentious laughter from behind distracts his attention, however, dragging his gaze back to his friend for a moment. He wonders if he can really leave his friend to handle those two...

"What a good birdie, eh?" Len laughs in Dark's face again. "Let's see how you squawk." The croc tilts his head and chomps down on the raven's neck, digging his teeth through the dark plumage to grind his jaws against the skin beneath. (-17 HP) Following suit, Vilz chortles and takes a huge bite of raven ass, claiming an entire cheek within his greasy jaws. (-13 HP)

"D-Dark!" Shade cries out. He knew his friend never gave himself enough credit and was tougher than he appeared, but he didn't know how much of a beating he could take. And even if it was volunteered, he couldn't just stand there... After all, even if the fox was devoured, they would still have a chance to get him out of that monster's stomach before he was digested. "Hey, get the hell off of him!"

Rai Don (Lvl. 1; Ele. light; Type: drop; S; SP: 10)

The cat throws out a spell, bringing down another column of electricity which shoots down the side of the distracted croc. (Critical, -31 HP) This causes the reptile to bite down even harder from the shock. (-8 HP for Dark)

"The fuck, man!?" the croc exclaims, saliva strands snapping between his mouth and Dark's neck as he pulls off to speak. "I'm tryna eat here!"

Meanwhile, being left to eat in peace, the slug is able to down the fox even faster than expected... The poor scientist is hoisted up with a wet slurp and his hips disappear behind those big, slimy lips.




Turns until Ferro is devoured: 1


~Players

Shadecerule Level: 3 Class: Prey Breed: Feline Profession: Siren Element: Water HP: 74/95 SP: 75/155 Status: Normal

Dark Level: 2 Class: Switch Breed: Avian Profession: Tactician Element: Dark HP: 55/100 SP: 55/100 Status: Normal

~Enemies

"Len" the Croc Thug Level: 2 Class: Pred Breed: Herptile Profession: Martial Artist Element: Water HP: 78/120 SP: 80/80 Status: Normal

"Vilz" the Lizard Bandit Level: 2 Class: Pred Breed: Herptile Profession: Desperado Element: Wood HP: 103/120 SP: 80/80 Status: Normal

"Blubber" the Slug Beast Level: 2 Class: Pred Breed: Gelatine Element: Earth HP: 58/100 SP: 100/100 Status: Normal

Dark intended to play the role of distraction for his ally so Shade could focus on the primary target here and rescue the fox from the dire situation here. After all, there would be no reward if the fox expires to some animal in the swamp. The nerves running through the avian certainly don't prepare him for the glistening view of his buff captor's maw once it welcomes his eyes to the dangerous pit of his gullet. The hot and wet tongue slathers over the bird's beak, blinding him briefly in its drags to force Dark to sputter about, twisting his head in order to avert the reptile's eagerness, but it simply aids the croc in getting more of a taste-test of the clung meal. "Bl-Bleuhh! Ggnh, stop that, I'm not some piece of candy! When I get my moment, you'll-hhouuuhh!"

Although, the avian's voice would suddenly ring higher once the tubby bandit taking a keen interest in his rear indulges himself with it. The stroke of the fat tongue gliding along Dark's taint and pucker sends his back arching violently and his feathers to ruffle up. "H-Hhouhh?!" His eyes dart back, flustered with the heat of his surprise burning from his face in time to see his own ass get chomped like a loaf of bread. The bird meat mushes to the lizard's teeth and the croc was already going in for a lovebite, seeing as how the raven was going to expose his throat like that for him. "Aughk--! Nghk!" All of Dark's muscles tense up as his chest rides up against his grappler, buckling his knees even when the bite only intensifies when Shade retaliates with an attack of his own to save the day.

...And yet, it only sinks the bite tighter, forcing a squawking caw out of the bird caster. Dark's hands naturally surge with energy as he wanted to escape the hold now, anything to break free from the wet toothy jaws of the brigands!

Omen (Lvl. 1; Ele. dark; Type: Converge; S; SP: 10)

The harsh dark smoke ruptures randomly to either target, simply an attack out of necessity and reflex.

A burst of foul energy erupts between the chests of Dark and Len; the attack not only hits its mark (Critical, -28 HP) but knocks the croc back and away with a sputter. However, the reckless nature of the attack also causes some back-splash, especially as the force pushes him ass-first into the lizard's teeth wrapped around his ass. (-11 HP to Dark)

"Urgh, ya lil runt!" The croc shakes his muzzle out and brushes off his front, slapping his tongue over his nose to clean up a bit of errant drool. He stomps back toward the raven and slams his skull down in a headbutt, nearly knocking Dark right out with the force. (-28 HP) The poor bird manages to stay conscious, but it feels like his mind is muddled in a way that'll interfere with his magic... (Magical Attack Down) "That'll teach ya..."

While Dark is in a daze, the lizard begins to dig a hand around in the bird's inventory. He plucks out a bright red potion and shakes it up in the air. "Aye, Len! Catch!"

The croc smirks and catches the bottle when it's tossed to him. Popping the cap, he downs the whole thing, tossing it aside once it's empty to let out a refreshed sigh that carries the scent of fizzy fruit. (+20 HP, one potion stolen from Dark) "Ahhh! Thanks, mate."

Watching his friend take a crack to the head, Shade has practically forgotten about the fox being guzzled down behind him. "Dark, hold on!" He flings out another spell, this time healing his well-tenderized friend with a spritz of bluish-green light.

Repth (Lvl. 1; Heal 50 Hp to one person; SP: 15)

With both Shade and Dark distracted, Blubber the slug mouths his way over the legs of his foxy snack with wet smacks and slurps, smearing the last dry bits with slobber before taking a final gulp. Ferro's paws disappear as his whole body becomes a bulge in what could probably be called the beast's neck. It travels down and away, sliding down to become lost on that fat gut...




Turns until Ferro is devoured: 0

Turns until Ferro is digested: 8


~Players

Shadecerule Level: 3 Class: Prey Breed: Feline Profession: Siren Element: Water HP: 74/95 SP: 60/155 Status: Normal

Dark Level: 2 Class: Switch Breed: Avian Profession: Tactician Element: Dark HP: 66/100 SP: 45/100 Status: Magical Attack Down

~Enemies

"Len" the Croc Thug Level: 2 Class: Pred Breed: Herptile Profession: Martial Artist Element: Water HP: 70/120 SP: 55/80 Status: Normal

"Vilz" the Lizard Bandit Level: 2 Class: Pred Breed: Herptile Profession: Desperado Element: Wood HP: 103/120 SP: 60/80 Status: Normal

"Blubber" the Slug Beast Level: 2 Class: Pred Breed: Gelatine Element: Earth HP: 58/100 SP: 100/100 Status: Normal

The bite to his rear easily forces a higher-pitched noise to echo out of the bird's open beak with a sharp gasp; all of Dark's back arching inward hard while his chest feathers ruffle up. "U-Uahh!" It left him open for the skull-rattling headbutt that slams the bird down onto his knees to the wet earth. The avian's senses are left ringing as the green foe before him was all but a taller blur.

But on his knees, he was down to the lizard's level which made it simple for the bandit to steal away a useful potion from the raven just for Dark to see it be used by the croc himself. The nectar of life revitalizes Len before Dark, leaving the huffing raven to whine out, "N-Ngh, gh, that's...mine..."

His rear felt soar from the bite marks left to it, and his head was pounding in the aftermath of the stronger skull of the croc, concerning Dark if he was going to die before even getting eaten or mugged completely by these two swamp crooks. But in a sudden swell of energy, Dark inhales some more life into his throat upon Shade's Repth. It grants the bird to stagger back up with a huff, retrieving his staff with him upon his initial drop, "Hhh, thanks for that cat...~" He gives a weak smile but feels his mana being limited, concerning him from casting.

So instead, and in payback for being robbed, Dark pivots around and takes a swing of his staff to try and strike the pesky Vilz right in his cheek! "...Rrhh, take this you tubby cretin!" He makes a basic physical attack without expending a skill or spell.

Ferro or the large fat slug was not in Dark's mind either at the moment, wishing to survive the two thugs before considering what his objective was even supposed to be.