The Enigma Continues

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Rhysis

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Colvin
What an enigma it had become! Could he have been lying to Tala all along simply to obtain what he desired? Did he hold some sort of affection for the ink-decorated female after just an hour or two of conversation? If he would be so blatant as to voice or uncover these answers then what fun would it be for Tala? Doubt only made her more defensive and careful now didn't it? At a time where she could be murdered from every single direction, wasn't that a good thing to believe? The curiousity might have killed anyone who dwelled on such things but he was dealing with two formidable women here. He doubted any would linger on the possibility of betrayal and simply prepare for whatever occurred. However, for the sake of enlighteninment, there were many subtle clues as to what he thought of Tala altogether. If he was entirely too blunt then it would ruin the purpose of this whole situation now wouldn't it? His steps continued forward, boots battering through the ground as he seemed unaffected by the turn of events.

Tala's keen sense of her surroundings did not produce any surprise in him either. This man had been aware of Cassandra's presence way before any of them could have ever imagined. So it had begun. The woman took the bait and finally uncovered her pathetic hiding spot only to mock him from behind? Cheeky little woman now wasn't she? Tala's words seemed to whizz by him as he continued walking which should have urged Tala to do so as well. Yet, it was clear at this point that he could care less what the woman beside him decided to do. After all, when it came down to it he was not going to risk his own well-being for a woman he has just met. Trust was something that needed to be earned and while respect would have been given, Tala was just not as important a factor in his goal. Now, would he simply end up discarding her if she remained at his side? Of course not. Did he hold some sort of attraction for the woman? It would be hard not to with the potential she held. It sorta reminded him of a certain other woman...

Could he possibly have thought of her name out of spontaneity? Such an idea would be a ridiculous one as he had far more skills than most realized. Now, aside from his vast repertoire of abilities, he seemed ill-prepared for any battle right now. Could Cassandra smell the blood that still trickled down his side? The flow had slowed down immensely but the lingering crimson still stained his attire and trickled down muscular thighs and cheeks. Pupiless orbs continued to stare at the path infront of him but he would not have the audacity to not even acknowledge how close the beautiful woman behind him was. He knew she was mimicking him. He could just....feel it. For this reason, he lifted an arm and simply waved before he started to speak. "So you finally decide to show yourself. I can tell you've indulged in quite alot as of late." A vague comment...which was generally a staple when it came to this man. To be blunt all the time was to be boring, and his gospel was anything but.

Eventually he'd stop in his tracks, shifting on his pivot foot to turn to look at her. If she continued mimicking him, it didn't really matter, he'd still see her form. He figured he'd at least extend a bit of courtesy and stop walking to fully interact with this woman. Their mutual respect was a given for if she had been anyone else, he would have continued walking or perhaps dealt with the annoyance immediately. If only Tala knew exactly how zealous he was with his beliefs. A word was all it took to spark his execution of judgment upon those who were not enlightened. The alluring and rather primal woman had placed herself in a very volatile situation; however, she must be completely aware of it now right? This man beside her sure hoped so....

Tifferzzz
Cassandra's mimicry of him was nothing more than a childlike aspect of following 'in his footsteps.' It wasn't a 'true' mimickry, but just something to feed the unnerving emotions that curled through her form like venom. She loathed that corpse for what it had done. The adultness of her had been lessened severly until a teenagers lack of grace and stupidity ate at her. She had to fight to focus, to hold her tongue from ranting, and control other such un-pleasant attributes that might have emerged without notice. Xan's movement had ceased and in turning, she had stilled as well. Merely a few feet from him, she scarcely heard the words that he said, but merely took a deep breath...tasting the air. In truth she was merely 'tasting' of Xan.

The last encounter that she had been presented with that involved him gave her a brief glimpse of what this man was capable of, or more importantly, what he had control of. It was intoxicating.

Like a snake licking the air, she drank in the air in one quiet breath. The darkly glowing orbs would then smile as her voice trickled out with meaning beyond just what she said. "Delicious." Was those tones intentionally seductive? Her eyes remained locked on him for a long moment. Ensuring not to continue her eyes contact with him for to much of extended period of time, the emerald cat-eyes locked onto Tala. "A friend of yours?" She qued to Xan, with the sweetness of normalcy as if she 'liked' this woman. It was compatible to if she was a cat merely playing with a mouse...before slaughtering it unmercifully.

SinfulFeline
Tala had taken several more steps before she noted Xanatos had halted, there for she stopped as well and turned to watch the encounter with unease. The ink marks where agitated beyond normal and where ready to react, with or with out her uttering the command that bid them to alter her form from solid to shadow.

Her eyes narrowed as she glanced from Xanatos still form to the woman before him and as the woman spoke the word "Delicious." Every nerve and muscles in her body tensed. Tala felt the malice roll off the woman’s form, she felt it surround her. The only reason Tala could come up with for this woman’s hate towards her was that she must have some kind of emotional attachment to Xanatos and jealously was feeding her emotions.

While Cassandra’s tone may have been one of sweetness it sounded sour to Tala’s ears and she wasn’t about to let her guard down. Tala kept her lips sealed, not offering a reply as Cassandra asked Xanatos about her. From Tala’s point of view this meeting wasn’t going to be one of those "Hi, how are you...blah,blah,blah" nice nice conversations, not in the least bit. It felt more like things where going to get ugly real fast, the question was, would the dispute be between Xanatos and Cassandra, or Cassandra and herself. She was thinking it was more then likely going to be the later.

Tala now waited, fully alert and ready, but silent while she allowed Xanatos to decide which way this meeting was going to go from this moment on ward.

Colvin
At this point, an actual effort needed to be made to allow this situation to progress. He wouldn't pretend to know exactly what Cassandra thought she was doing nor would he simply assume that this was some fit of jealousy on her behalf. What was there to be jealous about exactly? The company he kept was truly none of her concern. Nevertheless, he'd allow her to entertain her thoughts, finding that there was nothing he needed to justify or explain. There was no smile on his face though he was silently enjoying the fact that Cassandra had found some motive to come this close to him. Tala was now a few steps behind him and seemed ready to implement the use of her innate abilities simply because Cassandra had become a bit unnerving. This man had become to conjure up something as well but exactly what that was would be left shrouded within his mind. The fact Tala was practically waiting for him to explain details to Cassandra clued him in on her uneasiness. What exactly would he do?

Cassandra's question caused him to look at Tala, which in turn motivated him to speak as he stared directly at the beautiful woman. "Yes. Tala....Cassandra. Cassandra....Tala." It was obvious that he thought the introduction was not necessary but he humored Cassandra all the same. He was stuck in between these women, ignoring any possible tension that was brewing simply because he'd deal with whatever occured however he saw fit. His short response to the woman infront of him was all that she would get. There was no smirk...no smile upon that face as if he was attempting to be mischevious but who knew? After all, a master illusionist as himself could probably fake anything. Blood had begun to cake itself upon tawny flesh and attire though small rivulets of the crimson liquid still strolled down his cheek and side. The self-inflicted wounds provided a minor distraction to the situation unfolding before him that he seemed indifferent about.

An almost empty gaze stared at Cassandra, waiting to see what her response would be. He positioned himself perfectly in between the two women, gaze lingering around Cassandra much like it had on Tala back in that building before. What exactly he was doing was yet another mystery? Could it simply be an analytical gaze meant to pick out possible weaknesses? Or did he simply enjoy outlining the contours of her body to pass the time while he waited for her to respond. He wouldn't wait for long nor did he think Cassandra was one to keep him waiting at all. Tawny flesh pulsated, his body flaring up in temperature suddenly until a black ooze seemed to crawl from the back of his eye around the globe and recede back into his body. Muscles rippled but remained generally unseen as the cloak he wore concealed alot. He was no open book for anyone here and it was better that way....or so at least he thought.

Tifferzzz
The moment of delight that she'd experienced wasn't due to the opposition that was of the same sex as she...but due to the presence of the one who stood between them. Xan didn't need to be an 'open book' for her to truly feel the wonderous aura that surrounded him. it was as if she were standing at the base of a great volcano that was moments from errupting, or smiling int he face of some demonic monster that was nearly ready to unleash itself to bring an end to all. It was a purely intoxicating drug of waiting...of anxiety...of pleasure.

In seeing him at this distance once more it instantly returned the memories of that moment when he'd intruded upon her magical moment of discovery...only to find that her catch wasn't what she'd thought it would be. It had been this man, this thing, that had just happened to cross her threshold. Pity. She stillw ished for that talent that the deceased had. That wonderful ability of card playing. That had been one attribute that she had never been successful in, and just as she had thought herself in glorious achievement, it hadn't been so. As frustrated as she had been, she'd also not forget the distinct power that seemed to eminate from this being like a liquid poison. It was delectable, sweet...it was...delicious.

A thought imposed itself on her mind and for a moment a mere smile of mischeviousness would capture her attention. But she'd shake it away as if in an arguement with herself. Dark orbs had fallen onto Tala for a long moment of consideration, but then Xan had stepped in her way...and ultimately blocked her sight of her. She would dismiss this unleasantness for now, clear her throat to bring her mind to a sharp focus once more, then return her eyes to Xan. "An escape you seek from this...most wonderous place?" The slender brow rose in question. "Tell me...my dear...how would you ever plan such a thing?"

An inquisitive speech, and though she didn't care to leave this realm, it was merely a topic that he'd brought up earlier. So in peaking his interest among her, she'd return the gesture just the same. Languid motion shifted her weight from one side to the other as she paused for an answer haven used what most humans would have considered a 'fond' term. "My dear..." She had spoken, but not in possession or an attempted ownership of him, but almost a mockery of their short audience that they'd experienced with each other. Perhaps it was merely the spoken words of acquaintanceship. Yes...that was it...an acquaintanceship.

SinfulFeline
Though Tala stood silent, she did not let her attentions wander from the conversation between Cassandra and Xanatos. The woman’s words still felt like a form of mockery each time she spoke, and though both of them stood as if at a casual ease with one another, the air around them felt anything but relaxed.

For the moment she had been blocked from Cassandra’s view, instead she now gazed at Xanatos backside, noticing more of the trickling of blood then she had when they where with in the building. She wondered if this blood loss was something in need of taking care of, but for now she would not worry on it for the simple reason that Xanatos seemed not to mind it himself.

While she stood at full silent alert she also debated the next actions that could arise. Should Cassandra chose to attack her, Tala could simply let the command words slip from her lips and vanish into a mere shadow, escaping from harms way. But should she aim for Xanatos, well Tala would have a chose to make and options to use. Better to be ready then caught half ready, she made a chose to whisper under her breath a command to the shadowy ink markings. Should the need arise and Xanatos form, both outer and inner be able to handle the power that Tala could extend, she would simply finish the command with a single sound, step forward and touch the man’s back. This would allow the ink marks to swarm and engulf his form, turning both Xanatos and herself into simple shadows of nothingness. While she doubted Xanatos needed her aid, for she was sure he was far from able to keep himself from harms way, she still made the option available.

Once more Tala opened her mind and sent this option of vanishing into his mind, not through words but through image flashes. She then stood once more in silent alert and waited for the next move in this game.

Colvin
He hadn't truly wanted to stand in the middle of them. He did not do so on purpose as if he intended on protecting Tala. Such heroics were for fools that did not understand those they were surrounded with. Stuck in a position he truly did not care for, he simply listened to the colorful words of Cassandra which did nothing to spark any sort of emotion within him. The pleasantries that were uttered seemed a bit too premature for what he held with her. To him, she had done nothing but avoid the inevitable as their constant exposure to one another must have been for some reason. Why she turned away and fell into her own vices, drowing herself in solitude and purpose reminded him too much of himself. Such kindred beliefs, however, would not cloud the fact that she was far different than he when it came to carrying out their beliefs. He was methodical...strategic...and rather covert though many times called for blatant actions such as the one at the Bronze Zombie. The fact he wasn't stopped marvelled him really and put him in a comfortable mindset.

Cassandra seemed fine being confined like some rat within this realm, which was somewhat clear with how she took to this place. Her comformity was sickening really, but he'd not dwell on her random musings now. Instead, he'd simply respond out of courtesy. "There are many ways to free yourself when imprisoned. I simply seek to gather the correct tools to execute my current function." It would seem he had come up with a plan already, but why divulge such information to her when she seemed content with where she was? He stood a bit taller now as he arched his back a bit, causing a string of replacements along his spine as if it had been contorted somehow. The power he exuded resembled that of a simple mage, though something empty seemed to be bubbling inside of him. This parasitic being wanted something...but he ignored it.

Tala's offer had been blatantly ignored. Not out of offense to her generous suggestion, but simply to reassure her that this was nothing more than chit-chat to him. He'd snuff any attempts to make it any more than it already was or deal with the situation accordingly. Nevertheless, he offered her a message in return. <Save your energy for a worthwhile situation.> Though he stood in between two beauties, he was not about to teeter in any way. Blatant orbs stared at Cassandra's face....neck...shoulders and breasts simply because he could as he waited for her to respond though he interjected one more time before she did. "Are you here for idle chit-chat or is there some more profound purpose to this confrontation? I do not have much time to waste." A bold set of words but nothing truly offensive. He just didn't feel he had time to dawdle around with her though the sight of her entertained him...just a bit. Would she join his efforts or simply slide away into her shadowy havens and continue to indulge in her ephemeral desires?

Tifferzzz
What had Cassandra's initial intentions been? At first to gather information about his counterpart who would move with him. The answer to Tala's company hadn't fully lessened Cassandra's mind, but it would at least ease the torment of questions about this stranger whom Xan would allow to move beside him as a friend. After that line of inquiries had ceased then what had her main purpose been? To chat? To kick back and speak of better times? Hardly. She had been 'summoned' by him when he first addressed her. His inquisition had been to her satisfaction with this place - more or less. So was she satisfied here? Well content was a better choice of words. As long as the satisfied status of victims continued to rampage this place, then she would be utterly content with each that she devoured. However the situation had quickly became a problem when her body's tolerance for the corpses had lessened to such extremes that she was beginning to have complications when she'd fully devoured them. At first her curiousity of each person would ultimately bring each to their demise, but in the process she would experience various pleasures, various states of emotion from malice to jealousy. The latter of which she was currently experiencing. It was not a pleasant experience to say the least. Gathering her composure to the best of her abilities, her face changed from the adolescent grin to a more serious matter. "I have no need to waste your time. I am intrigued by what it is you speak of." She wouldn't tell him that her need to leave this place was simply based on the fact that the abilities she was inheriting weren't abilities but personalities. She loathed the idea that she wasn't advancing in her talents but was remaining stationary and acquiring more of an incapacity to be able to handle anything. She was becoming imbalanced and she hated it.

SinfulFeline
Tala simply stood where she was, awaiting the end of the conversation and the next event to take place. While she herself remained immobile, the ink upon her flesh did not. The inks rapid movements where a small distraction to Tala’s eyes, but not to her growing thought of food.

While waiting for the next action to take place Tala also used this time to survey the area they had walked into. The buildings had become more run down, seemingly not due to the event that had taken place, the one that closed the boarders, but due to the area it’s self. Glancing back over her shoulder she could see a block or two down the street to where the buildings seem to give way to rumble then a line of ill looking tree’s. She wished a slightly better view, so Tala swiveled her body weight upon her right leg, thus turning herself half way around. She then glanced back at Xanatos backside to make sure neither he nor Cassandra had moved, before she began scanning both the path they had followed to here, and the path that lay ahead.

She wasn’t sure what she was looking for, but something other then Cassandra’s appearance had her on alert. She thought perhaps that beyond the line of tree’s is where one of the unseen walls had dropped down to seal them in.

After finishing her visual inventory of the path ahead she returned her full attention to the conversation between Cassandra and Xanatos, since there seemed no reason for her to speak up, she remained mute for the time being.

Colvin
It was exactly at this point that he did not care to compress whatever power was lingering within his body. Though its manifestation would probably remain undetected, a certain wave of power exuded from his body, catalyzing the quick movement of that parasitic being along his flesh. Had he not had the cloak on the movement of that entity would have been seen along the veinous structure of his body but since he was well prepared, the only possible display was the slow transfer of the black ooze that was present all throughout his body across pupiless eyes. For a few seconds, his gaze was entirely black as it stared into Cassandra's eyes and surveyed her body with a little more attention then before. His eyes outlined her form until he picked out every detail he enjoyed and made sure to keep track of his surroundings. Tala's sudden decision to move away for a while sparked his curiousity and he had been half-tempted to turn to look for himself but left her to whatever thoughts she held. He had someone else to handle now.

He began to step forward, the black ooze starting to recede back into his body through his eyes. Eventually he'd be just a few inches away from the woman as he began to speak "As intrigued as you may be, I am not inclined to reveal what I intend to do here. If you wish to aid me then I'm sure you will be of some use" What he just said could have offended her and given the fact she does not seem to know him that well at all, it probably would, however his sense of humor had become rather contorted as of late. It had been meant to insinuate his respect for what she was capable of, no matter how condescending it sounded. He stayed his ground and looked at Cassandra rather forwardly, eyes wandering at times though he was simply wondering exactly what Tala was up to. If he had to deal with both women before this day was over then he'd have one interesting day ahead of him.

Tifferzzz
Xanatos’ words or rather his approachment to her was of minimal tolerance at best. It could have been mutual. She might have despised him on some level that bended the tolerance of the rules of ‘respect’ but she stood fast…albeit relaxed as he moved towards her. Could it be a flood of pleasure drifted over her body like a wave? The closer his body moved to hers, the more delight she’d internally reap from the mere aura of his existence. So. Then the question would still remain. Would she ‘join’ him as one of his cronies or turn and leave disgusted with the mere idea of doing what another would wish of her…just like a mere mutt? She wouldn’t have to question for long, for to be within his presence would provide her with enough satisfaction to momentarily remain at his side. He had stated that she might provide useful? Useful in what aspect? Perhaps her capacity for sucking abilities out of people? What a delightful notion. More death, more carnage and pain…what could be better? Perhaps he’d present her with a plethora of victims that would actually have talents that she could absorb rather than just their meaningless emotions and turmoil’s. To gain more…to have more…was such a beautiful thought that she nodded. "Very well. Whatever use I might provide to you…" She trailed off with a raised brow as multiple ideas trailed through her mind. "…consider me available for." With that said, her gaze lingered a bit more on Xanatos before turning to Tala. She watched the darkness that crept along Tala’s skin. That might be a useful attribute in the future. With orbs that narrowed in thought, not anger, she remained looking to Tala for a long moment of time before her attentions turned back to Xanatos. She would wait for him. She would wait for him and do his bidding as long as he would substantially provide her with delightful 'treats' during this excursion of his.

SinfulFeline
Tala wasn’t up to anything; she was simply waiting for the conversation to come to an end so that they could continue moving onward. She still felt like they were far to out in the open and drawing attention from those they could not currently see, or have some creature who was out looking for trouble stumble across their path.

The moment Cassandra’s eyes fell upon Tala, the ink felt them; they grew more agitated, as if they could read the woman’s thoughts. Tala’s gaze left the road to focus on Cassandra’s eyes, meeting her look with one of complete blankness.

In truth, Tala felt no great fear towards the woman, she was familiar with what a creature of Cassandra’s type was capable, and knew something of the powers she could absorb. Tala’s "Talents" weren’t something that could be used by anyone upon her death, except for those who where also of the ShadowBound.

Tala knew that the moment her physical form died the ink marks would become a shadow, engulf her soul and return to her place of birth. But she had no urge for the release of death or the afterlife at this time, and would make sure she did what ever necessary to survive this place intact.

Colvin
Cassandra complied....so readily. It surprised him just a little but she'd only see that usual blank expression upon his face until he decided to turn and start walking away. Eyes scanned over Cassandra for a few seconds before he shifted, taking casual strides right by both of the girls. He did not voice his desire to leave nor did he even motion to them at all. Pitiful pleasantries of that nature were for those who needed to be guided like innocent children. Cass' words did not fall on empty ears, however, though to manifest his opinion on her possibile insinuation would mean he would actually entertain the idea which was not the case. He'd not allow these women to distract him from his goal. The poorly inhabited place that Tala had surveyed before was exactly where he was headed, figuring both of these companions held enough survivability in them to handle their needs within this abandoned area. Tala's hunger and Cassandra's specific desires would have to be satisfied on their own accord. He was no babysitter.

Unfortunately, it would seem Tala would not be free of Cassandra for quite some time, lest the lady-like individual realize that whatever morsels she thought she would receive on this trek would be few and far between. He had not committed to providing anything for either of these women, and as boots crushed through this odd part of town, he could smell it in the air. The stench of death wafted itself with an unknown wind, assaulting his nostrils though he did not turn away at all. Magnetized by some enigmatic prospect within his mind, pure white shot out as he reconnoitered the area for a few seconds. He seemed to be acting as if he travelled alone now, which was a definite change of pace compared to the idle chit-chat he had offered Tala before Cassandra's intrusion. Purpose drilled itself within every action he committed now, methodical steps leading him to realize exactly where they were.

Torsos were halved...buildings lost their structure and debri decorated everything. Crossed arms pressed against his chest and he just stared on, calculating...wondering though he took a break to drag a few corpses into a pile before him. It seemed some people caught wind of their imminent confinement and sought to escape. Fools. His voice suddenly spilled out and he'd address Tala first. "See if you can find us some food....and a knife." It might have seemed as if he was rather bossy, but the unusual smile on his face insinuated something else. One glare at Cassandra was enough before he spoke to her. "Search for other pathetic victims." A hand gripped on to what had been the body of a child, a blindingly swift action burying nails into flesh and severing a limb off of the dead child before he threw it infront of him. Flesh sizzled upon contact with some unknown source, immediately immolating the projectile just twenty feet infront of him. Let this process begin.....

Rhysis
The elder dragon had not created so much as one flicker of movement. Despite all that had occured, and several birds and bugs thinking him to be a warm statue that was safe to congregate around in midmorning song, or protection from the now risen sun's rays, he had remained motionless with his senses outstretched, observing the happenings of the city through closed eyes, the unknown watcher.

That all changed, however, in an instant. Fang was gone from the roof suddenly, leaving the creatures that were around him to writhe and flap in a panick before they got their bearings, and the birds realized there was a small meal waiting for them just inches away.

The black dragon in human form was on the street, walking amongst the buildings, cars, and rubble. His destination was clear to him, but, as of yet, unknown to anyone else. Still, regardless of the fact that his tempo of stride and the expression on his face did not make him seem like he was in a hurry, he did walk with a purpose. Something had to be done...but about what?

Tifferzzz
Xanatos’ words would be heeded with little care. He had given a simple command that a peon might have addressed, but her own wishes would always come before his. Fortunately on this occasion, both wants would intertwine. Chaos, death, decay, and utter carnage would reign supreme at this moment. Turning from him with little neither care nor curiosity for discretion when it came to Xanatos, her vision instantly transferred from a mere ‘human’ to hunter...from a temporary companion to a soulless beast. Calculatory measures were suddenly being created in her mind. A long trace of her eyes across the vast horizon of fallen buildings would transfer from a simple picture of rubble, blood, and dust, to something far more precise. Every point, every line, every sharp jagged piece of metal to every curve of a broken spine would be seen as an artist would gaze to a painting. She wouldn’t see it as an overall picture, but to a very specific piece of a puzzle. Each item, each part of the destruction, of the people, and of the victims would be gathered information to be momentarily processed in her mind for future relevance. But beyond that, she would gather the necessary means for locating anything that was moving or breathing…but especially hiding. Beyond the constantly falling masses of concrete and brick that still seemed to settle in the aftermath…beyond the swirl of dust that clouded the air like a thickened fog, a quick burst of movement appeared from the corner of her eye.

Lengthened pupils shifted, locking onto the object, and once the target was seen…then the vision of mischeviousness and triumph would manifest itself in her eyes. With lengthened canines that reflected more along an animalistic need than a vampire-like appearance…she smiled in a most pleasing…yet demonic manner. Her non-movement would suddenly take five steps back, then three to the right, which would place her in the grasp of the shell of a building with enough concealment to keep her from any eye. Her steps would remain quiet and light, though it wouldn’t necessarily matter for the sound of fear, pain, and anguish rang like a bell of horror through the air. Precise steps would then maneuver her around the wreckage, while keeping her in the shadows and smoke induced clouds that ripped through the city like a demon of death. She had located the moving body, the willing victim of her next course of pleasure. Knowing the chances of survival during one of Xanatos’ attacks, she had concluded that the ones who survived carried with them an ability to do so…a special item of a will to live…something that she wanted within her. Now knowing her first prey…seeing the motion in her direct sight…she was within moments of finding true pleasure once more. Though she was moving with intent, she was also waiting for the perfect second for the attack to occur. Just a few seconds longer...

SinfulFeline
With a slight shrug she followed Xanatos request to find food and a knife. Moving away from the group towards a few of the more stable looking buildings, she picked one and entered it. Tala moved sure footed among the dwellings rubble, using her foot to shove debris from her path tell she spotted a burlap looking sack, this she picked up and shook the dust from, then moved onward into the building.

Wandering through the buildings she found a few cupboards on the first floor and emptied the canned goods and what looked to be day old bread, she doubted she’d find any fresh meats, but figured can items would do for those in need of conventional food. She also found what appeared to be a hunting knife as she left the first floor and moved up the stairs towards the second story, this she also dropped into the bag.

As she moved through the top rooms she found a large mans sized leather jacket, this she also picked up and tossed over her shoulder with the bag. As she entered the last room she spotted another hunting type knife upon the window seal, moving to pluck the item up, something on the street caught her attention.

With one brow lifted Tala’s gaze traveled over the figure of a sole male strolling down the street. She wondered how long it would take the man to round the corner and stumble into the pile of bodies Xanatos was stacking up. This she decided might be something interesting to see.... The man may not even round the right corner, he may move down another street, avoid the noise coming from the moving of rumble and bodies....Either way, Tala had completed her task, so she followed her path backwards to rejoin Xanatos and the growing stack.

Stopping a few feet from him she eyed his work with a questionable glint in her gaze but did not voice her questions. Instead she let the sack fall beside her feet, her hand still clutching the jacket rather casually and spoke in a flat but matter of fact tone.

"I’ve found food...Canned goods and a few loaves of bread....Two knives...They look to be of the hunting sort, not your average kitchen knifes...."

Her eyes left the pile to exam the jacket a little closer, using her free hand to brush the clinging dirt from the leather, thinking this garment would suit her well should the night ahead turn cold, or the need to hide her marks arrive. Then, almost as if she had forgotten she spoke once more.

"There is also a lone male making his way along a side street, headed in this general direction....I’m unsure of his breed, I was unable to catch his scent...Wrong place to smell him...Right place to see him....Can’t always have it all I suppose....

After saying this she once more became silent, and occupied her time by looking through the bag tell she found one of the bread loaves, tore a chunk from it and proceeded to gnaw on it tell her hunger was sedated.


Colvin
The intoxicating smell of death coated much of every other aroma that could have entered into the air. Perhaps this was why Xanatos did not acknowledge the presence of another or it simply could have been that he could have cared less who entered. It wasn't that he was arrogant or wished to be the bane for everyone within this eccentric land, but the fact that a person could simply blink into existence within an area that had now become the outskirts of this place meant little. He held no quarrel with anyone in this realm...yet...though he had begun to silently wonder if someone would play the vengeful hero. He had worked diligently to separate these bodies, limb from limb, their cold flesh a nuisance as it completely ruined the quality of these...supplies. Arms were set aside and flesh hung openly from the corpses that were before him. It had become a huge pile in a matter of short minutes but what was its purpose? He found a huge pile of rubble nearby, took a seat and had begun to wait, reconnoitering the area yet again though he didn't find anything worth his attention. The parasitic entity....a being whose existence more than likely spanned more than just centuries., had begun to attempt to force its own manifestation yet again.

Tawny flesh reddened a bit before the ooze that had been visible over his eyes before suddenly began to drip downward. It seemed like a painful process which was clear with the way his hands balled up into fists while he sat himself down. The black liquid slid down his cheeks, melding into the dark fabric of his attire suddenly. His cloak would become liquid like and his eyes would become eerily dark once again. There was no power output from this mild transformation but this was not a good sign at all. He moved a severed arm into his hands, nails driving so hard into flesh that the blood began to trickle down his palms. It was at this point that Tala had arrived and addressed her findings. His gaze might have been frightening or just different to her, but his voice was what would be noticeably changed. A deep baritone rumbled out of his throat as he spoke. "Give...me...a knife Tala." Though he seemed demanding, he managed to speak once again after she would comply or after he got his hands on a knife. "Thank you...."

The knife would be taken and driven harshly into the arm he held in his hand, blades separating tendons and cutting through muscle viciously until he could see bone. Odd sounds resulted from his purging of that useless flesh from this exquisite piece of bone, his hands and forearms drenched in blood from what he was doing. If Tala still remained nearby, his voice would spill out yet again. "Let him come if he wishes....I do not believe we are doing anything worthy of negative attention." He worked diligently to separate flesh from bone, leaving the grotesque piles of blood and skin directly infront of him. Bones were set up to his left and he would continue cleansing his supplies, waiting for Fang to either move along his way or something else. Someone else was bound to find this place and he was sure that others had traversed these grounds before as well, but nothing had ever occurred. There was never anything wrong with desiring freedom....and he was well on his way to achieving it.


Tifferzzz
Sweet temptation would transverse the gap between a foreign thought and this eve's dinner the moment that this…person…stepped across the street. Well, perhaps the term of ‘stepping' wasn’t as appropriate to the situation and running. Indeed the male moved at a hurried pace as if the very world was ending. In truth it might have been. The fear in his eyes guided like a beacon of light to her attentions. What a fatal mistake it was…to have blinding fear. To have such an emotion coursing through your veins would leave one open to…well anything. Of that ‘anything’ a malicious death was at the top of the tier. She remained, for the moment…immobile, as the victim ran from the rubble, crossed the street, screaming and yelling, with his eyes as large as saucers and his heart palpitating at such a rate that it might have exploded out of exertion. Her own excitement would relinquish it’s hold, though, when the notion of ingesting ‘fear’ made her mouth go sour. She had a predicament here, for he had survived, thereby giving him a capability that she would love to have…an invincibility aspect, but in turn she would need to take in his every fear, and that…just wasn’t a price she was willing to pay. She’d already manifested every teenage emotion within the time frame of a day, and that left her reeling…but fear? Not a chance. Perhaps she should just deliver this being to Xanatos. Would it appear that she was paying homage to him? Or maybe obeying him as a dog would? With a sneer of disgust at the thought, her hands clenched as one argument to another brought a ruthless chaos of fighting through her mind, until the only release was to bring devestation onto this person. There was one thing that she desired at this moment and it was peace in her mind. A quietness that she longed for rather than these endless questions that persisted her, albeit for her benefit…but regardless of the reason, she longed for a momentary silence that she could relish. Her body would move as a shadow along the walls, distorting and maneuvering with such precise accuracy that she’s already pinpointed the exact location of where this person…this male…would cross her path. The force of her motion was in equivalent to a moving vehicle, and the moment that their two paths would find a juncture, she would collide with him like a train against a tree. Uprooting him from the spot, his forward motion was suddenly diverted to a side-throw as he was propelled to the ground with enough force to render him momentarily immobile. When his head lifted in question to what he’d run into, he’d merely find her…Cassandra…standing above him with a look of astonishment and bewilderment. A childlike wonder. With an inclined head and the questions still propelling through her head, she felt the abrupt sting of what a wound would feel like, and as such, her eyes moved from his to the cause…a single small scratch on her upper arm. She quickly became displeased by two aspects. First of all…that such a thing had occurred, and secondly, that this person had the capacity to place a scar upon her…of any kind. The orbs would manifest themselves into swirls of color…a tornado of unhappiness that would inevitably find itself locking onto the man that lay before her. Before he could move, she was upon him, flinging him to his stomach with a single motion. Placing a foot to his back, her hands grasped the wrist of his right arm and began to pull back at an awkward angle. Beyond the screams of rising pain, beyond the snap and twist of muscle and sinew would be the sullen pop of a dislocated joint, then the harsh snap of a bone that had been turned against it’s will, then the ever present sound of tearing flesh. It wouldn’t be the flesh that posed a resistance as much of the fabric. Yet, after a few strategic motions, she was soon holding the arm separated of its owner. She had a right in doing such a thing, for it was that arm…specifically that hand that had left a mark on her flesh, and therefore she had the right to return the favor. A hundred fold. Her displeasure would stare onto his body as it writhed in an intermixture of astounding pain, anguish, and blood loss. She would stand there until the flailing became a mere twitch of limbs that sought blood that would never reach them. Turning from the body back to the destruction of the city, her digits still remained curled around the arm that hung like a tree’s branch at her side. With a blank gaze that trailed the vicinity of clutter, chaos, and debris, she continued her walk through the city in an attempt to find someone worthy enough for her…and not just a fear-injested coward who had the audacity to touch her flesh. Whether or not Xanatos wanted the victims that she found alive or dead didn't matter to her. If she found them first then all rules were off. At this point she couldn't care less what Xanatos thought. She had her intentions, as fould as they might be, but regardless they would guide her to her next victim.



SinfulFeline
Tala stopped examining the jacket and laid it over the edges of a fallen building wall, then turned to the burlap bag that lay at her feet. Crouching down she rummaged through the bag tell she found both knives, and then stood to slip on in to her waist band before stepping over to Xanatos. Upon handing him the knife and hearing his slightly distracted thank you, she nodded her head and murmured a reply of ...Your welcome... Then turned back to the wall where she placed the jacket.

Tala then laid the jacket out over the crumbled mortar that was once a building and hoisted herself up to settle into a seated position. She was about to ask what the reason for the dissection of the bodies when she was momentarily distracted by a scream off in the distance. Brushing the hair from her face she tilted her head up and scanned the area from which the scream’s sound echoed. She could see nothing more then buildings and rumble but she had the feeling that someone or something had just had an encounter with Cassandra. She let the thoughts of what Cassandra was up to fade from her mind, seeing no reason to dwell upon the actions of those she could not see at the moment.

Returning her gaze to Xanatos and his gruesome task, she let her eyes linger over his form. She was unsure as to why she found this man to be of no danger to her being, but was instead intrigued by his manors and actions, his current task included. Tala had traveled the land for many years and had come across things of interest but she never lingered long nor took the time to examine her actions when it came to interacting with others. This time was different.

Perhaps it was merely because they where trapped in this place and she saw that Xanatos could be as much of a help to her as she could to him when it came to escaping this trap. It could also be that he was the first male she had spent any time with that did not badger her with endless questions about the marks, nor spend time and energy trying to find the strengths and weakness of the strange ink that lived upon her flesh. Either way she had a feeling that sticking with him was a smarter thing to do then to seek escape on her own. and while Cassandra seemed to dislike her on slight, Tala had no feelings of malice towards the woman. However she was wise enough to know that trust is often twisted and watching ones back is always the wisest of actions.

Pushing questions from her mind that she could find no ready answers for she realized she was staring hard at Xanatos with out even knowing it. She gave a slight shake of her head as if to clear her thoughts then leaned forward a fraction and spoke in a quiet tone.

“What is it you are planning to do with those dissected remains Xanatos?”




Colvin
He wasn't aware that Tala had taken a stance to observe him or that she found herself staring at him, but he was very cognizant of the fact she was nearby. The intriguing woman was being monitored in very acute detail. He remembered doing the exact same thing to Cassandra years ago, but found himself having a much easier time with this ink-decorated female. Her abilities were none of his concern though figuring out weaknesses would perhaps be beneficial sometime in the near future. Xanatos enjoyed the simplicity of such a companion, however it was not his priority to take any of that into account. He had a task to complete and as he finished the last bone, he spoke to Tala, managing to catch her while she still stared at what he was doing. "These pitiful supplies will be of use to us soon enough." Palms pressed into squishy flesh, pressing the grotesque flesh into a huge pile, blood staining digits and burning flesh. A voice spilled out immediately yet again, vehemently addressing Tala's question again though he requested something as well. "To explain what I need to do would take more time than is necessary at the moment. I need something to contain all of this wretched filth." A searing gaze eyed Tala, glazing over her curves incognizantly before he fixated upon her face. "It is time to leave...."

The stench of the death around him increased in potency as the warmth of the blood he shed even further had begun to decrease. The cold and vicious odor would waft itself through the air, failing to affect this man any as he waited for Tala to provide him with something. It had not been an order but haste was now necessary if he planned on achieving what he wanted to. Cassandra would be focused upon now as his clear decision would be given now. Why the woman decided to roam off ofn her own in search of pitiful challenges was beyond him, but he wouldn't dare interfere with what she desired at this moment. The severity of this situation held no time for such nonsense. <I have acquired what I needed. Feel free to indulge in whatever you wish, but I am leaving this place.> These two women did not need to follow him at all, but for some reason he knew that Tala would. What sort of connection or common ground she had found in him was perhaps enough to motivate her to follow him even without knowledge of his intentions.

Bravery or foolishness? Who knew? This man knew she was rather resourceful and perhaps one day he would delve even further. He was never at liberty to divulge what he intended to do for he did not desire any hesitance or opposition. He was confident in what he needed to do. Once Tala complied with his request somehow, he'd pack up the acquired ingredients and then immediately blast a hand conveniently in Tala's direction. The sudden action might have startled Tala given his current proximity at the time but the only product of it all resided in the sparking portal that would appear a few feet behind her. Where did it lead? Did it matter? He was not in need of any more idiotic nuisances or more acquaintances than he had now. It'd be a private area and he'd ensure that he would not be found with whoever decided to follow. His intricate plan would commence.


Tifferzzz
The simple matter of finding a person had diverged and become complicated. The destruction had left a plethora of carcasses strewn about as if they were but toys that a child had spilled on the floor. Her frustration wouldn’t be remedied, and with a snort of utter disapproval and contempt that was directed to the victims who weren’t there for her disposal, she turned mid step and took full strides back to the direction of Tala and Xanatos. He had originally commanded her to find victims that still carried the ability of life, and as such she’d headed out, but the obeying of his request had fallen on deaf ears when her own want surfaced. Most likely he’d have decapitated them should she have brought him any, but she could do that just as well and even enjoy it triple as much. The wound that she’d obtained in the process might have served her right, but it hurt her ego more than her flesh. She had become upset, in a very childlike manner. Some stranger had the audacity to scratch her in the middle of her tackling him, and then everyone else had the nerve to just…not be there. They were supposed to be present so that she could bring them to their ultimate demise. Did they not know this? ~I have acquired what I needed. Feel free to indulge in whatever you wish, but I am leaving this place~ The voice emerged in her mind and nearly startled her mid-step. She took a slight stumble of surprise and looked about as if he were merely behind her speaking to her. Without his presence near her, it was confirmed that it had merely been a spoken word in her mind. In all truth, Xanatos had been the only one that she’d even allow to do such a thing, which is why it surprised her to have it happen once more. Her pace increased as she made a mental nod to leave with him. She was in a very distraught mood of not obtaining what she wished and would need to remedy this emotion shortly. Currently, though, she looked to Xanatos like a child would to a father. She had her own successes when it came to surviving and thriving, but his power and his capacity for destruction was something that she longed to know of. If she should decide not to confront Xanatos in a hostile mode and try to take it from him, then perhaps merely by being close to him she could watch…she could learn tiny little pieces, and perhaps in a small amount of time, then she could function in the same manner that he did. What a glorious day that would be! She would have tantrums, for now, that would clearly show her unhappy state…but she would also remain close to Xanatos, like a spy, in an attempt to better her every aspect. What a wonderful thing it would be if she could obtain any of his ‘gifts.’ That great thought lifted her gait to where they’d last remained, but just at the moment that she rounded the corner, they stepped through the portal and it sealed…just a step before she could reach it. With narrowed eyes she looked around her before stomping her foot, and folding her arms…still holding the victim’s limb. A frustrated yell that would encompass everything she’d experienced in the last little moment would emerge, but it would fall on deaf ears, for again…there wasn’t anyone around to hear her. Beyond the rubble and charred remains of corpses, she stood there like a two-year old…haven had all of her toys taken away. She was not pleased…not pleased at all.


SinfulFeline
Tala slide from her perch as he asked for something to hold all the muck he had created. Stepping to the burlap bag she emptied its contents into the laid out jacket, folded the arms around to make the jacket into a package to hold the food with in it, and then tosses Xanatos the burlap bag.

She watched him for a few more minutes with a strange interest in his actions, stepping back only when he flung his hand up towards her. The ink markings on her back tingled with movement, not warnings of danger, but just enough for her to feel the need to glance over her shoulder at the newly formed portal. She perked a brow and examined it, she probably would have stepped closer to it on her own had Xanatos words not drawn her attention back to him.

As soon as he spoke the words “It’s time to leave”, Tala nodded in agreement, scooped up the jacket and stepped through the mess to walk by his side. Tala did not ask where Cassandra was, nor if she would be joining them shortly, she simply assumed Xanatos had a plan and he felt no need to lay every detail out to Tala, which was fine with her... So long as the ending result was that she was alive and well, as well as freed from this place.

While she did not have blind trust in Xanatos, which would be a foolish thing to do, she did have blind faith in her ink marks warning systems. So instead of questioning the how and where’s of the portal, she moved along side Xanatos and stepped into the unknown, muttering under her breath in a tone tinged with humor.

“Through the looking glass we do step...”

Colvin
Supplies were stored and his path had been set. Who would accompany him at this point was a trivial factor that had nothing at all to do with his completion of a task he would thoroughly enjoy. He would need complete concentration for what he intended to do and with the appearance of certain nuisances and potential danger of interruption, he saw no other way to ensure what he wanted to do. Darkness would be all that would confront Tala and Cassandra when they decided to follow. This magical mode of transportation had been severely limited but he had already begun to overestimate the binds of this prison given the fact that he had managed to travel quite a distance away from their current location. Complete darkness flowed through this environment though it was clear that they were indoors. The din of the city had become muffled. Xanatos himself could see the obstacles in his path, sack carried with some effort along his back. He did nothing to provide light for his surroundings now as he placed himself upon the floor. Two beds were positioned to his right a few feet away, chairs were conveniently placed beside them and a bathroom was positioned to his left. It seemed to be a bedroom....but how had he found one that was not already occupied?

The sack was tossed upon the floor, blood managing to add to the weight and start to stain the very structure of this now precious container. The sound of his hands rummaging through the contents was all that would be heard through this darkness as a large strip of flesh was placed before him. Tala had obviously come along with him, managing to instill trust in him though he had not yet done anything to earn it just yet. Pupiless orbs somehow beamed through this darkness, head snapping in the direction of Tala and then shifting to Cassandra if she was there. Blood-drenched hands would emerge with a pair of sharp objects much like the one he had revealed to the ink-marked beauty before. Set down at his sides, he commenced without warning. His voice rumbled out of his throat in languages long lost to several people. He seemed to be chanting while carving insignias upon layed out flesh. Various symbols were about to be made and it did not seem like he wanted to be interrupted but this process would be made much easier with the help of these two women eventually. He continued to leave them clueless for now and as he continued he knew he did not want any interference; however, keys were heard attempting to unlock the door before them. A young couple would burst through.

Kisses were exchanged and minor moans were heard as the duo feverishly searched for a bed. Even his chanting failed to register into their minds until bare feet stepped directly into a pile of flesh. Silence overcame them and then a scream resounded off of the woman's throat. The man's defensive stance commenced and he searched for the lamp to light it quickly. "Who the hell is here?!" Light would uncover the situation at hand, yet Xanatos continued to chant and carve. He could not afford to waste time on petty intrusions. What had they stumbled into? Nothing they will step out of unscathed...that was for sure.

Tifferzzz
The light that suddenly broke through the barrier of the world of shadows was more than unpleasant. Cassandra wouldn’t have minded to remain in that tunneled gateway, but it was not to be. Thus, the three would emerge…into a room? With a slender brow raised she gazed about the room in an attempt to find some purpose for being here. None was given. None…beyond the sound of sloshing muscles, tendons, and flesh being laid on the floor. She would only take a mere moment to pay attention to the room before Xanatos’ actions captured her mind. It was intriguing to her the way that he moved, and spoke words that weren’t of this plain. More overly it was as if he were destined to have this chore completed at this very moment for this very purpose. He seemed…in his place. With a smile of satisfaction at that thought she watched him and listened to the rising words as they lulled to her as if in a lullaby.

But then…an intrusion, even more overly, an explosion of sound penetrated Cassandra’s senses with so much disdain and venomous intensions that she went from perfect peace to pain brought by a sudden shrillness that she’d never encountered. She’d heard people scream before, but never had she gone from one realm to the complete opposite in less than the blink of an eye. She physically recoiled as if the person had hit her. With a whimper she dropped her last victim’s arm, which hit emptily against the floorboards. Her ears rang with such pain that her head felt as if it were to explode. It abruptly became aware to her that her adjustment of all of her senses hadn’t successfully occurred. The sound didn’t cease and now a small humming vibrated through her ears. Her hands rose to her ears as her body stepped back into the shadows like a puppy afraid of its owner. She needed to let the blackness engulf her, if but for a moment…if only to regain her capacity to focus and then deal with the problem at hand…these two strangers.

The seductive emptiness folded over her body like a blanket of heaven, and though the screaming continued…it didn’t carry to where she was…and for a mere moment, once again she found peace among the chaos in an attempt to find a remedy of un-needed pain among this moment. Crouched against the wall, she sat in another mere fraction of a moment and shifted her eyes to Xanatos who worked feverishly on whatever it was that he intended to do. Did he not attack these people then because he needed them? With elongated claws protruding from her fingertips…she stood. The external audio canals of her ears became like liquid foundation and melded a seal over them to refrain noise from penetrating her senses once more. Lengthened pupils drenched in a cacophony of colors seemed to smile with mischievous dangerous delight as the shadows withdrew from her and she moved quickly towards the screaming woman with the full intension of returning the ‘favor of pain’ to her. Xanatos might need these people, but even so…she wouldn’t kill them but merely ‘silence’ them.


SinfulFeline
Tala had been ready to engulf the two in sealed shadows of her own, but as her eyes passed over Cassandra she watched the woman's movements and knew that she need not react to the people that had already entered the room. Instead, for a moment, Tala watched the shape shifter wield her powers upon the two foolish humans who had stumbled into the wrong room at the wrong moment. She then moved her gaze to watch Xanatos for a moment to see if he even reacted to the entrance of the two humans, or to Cassandra's actions. With a slight shrug she turned her attentions away from those in the room and moved towards the door from which the people entered.

Just incase someone beyond these four walls had heard the screams and bothered to investigate them, Tala went to work on the door. First she ran her eyes over the doors frame, then the door it's self for any flaws that allowed light or sound to exit or enter. She then whispered with in her mind, lips moving but lacking sound, the words to awake one of the ink marks that dwelled upon her flesh. Once done she laid her hand against the doors frame and whispered...

"I will it so..."

Upon the completion of her words she lowered her head, dark locks falling over her eyes to hide the glow they produced as she pushed her will into the ink mark. As quickly as she pushed , dark shadowy ink slide from her arm, down her wrist and fingertips to the wooden frame. The shadowy substance flowed along the doors frame, sealing it shut, then continued to coil around and around the door tell the whole door and frame where covered by a thick ink serpent, who's head lingered upon Tala's fingers, then removed it's self to lay upon the last uncovered part of the door, the knob and lock. The serpents weight would have made the door hard enough to open, but it had also seeped into the cracks to melt shadow with wood, thus sealing the door tell Tala and her companions wished to use the door.
 
The Beginning of It All

The metallic appendages that naturally decorated the tips of his fingertips scraped along strips of flesh, drilled through torn muscle, and bathed themselves within the pool of blood that had begun to increase in size directly before him. Eerie white stared down at his own concoction with admiration while his chanting had continued even after the shrilling scream of the pathetic woman now practically infront of him. Her male companion had moved to grab something to defend his new woman with, leaving her alone before the very intruder he intended to protect the woman from. What an idiot. The man lucked out as the entranced man did nothing to even acknowledge the duo before them. Had he noticed them? Of course. The better question was if he expected them to arrive here and inevitably witness what was just about to occur.

The chanting continued, the realization that Cassandra seemed adversely affected by just a scream alone being taken into account. The fact she was closing in on the duo failed to register within his mind as he kept himself focused on what was going on before him. His body quaked with potential energy waiting to be infused into the concoction before him, but for what purpose? Minutes would have to pass before they would all witness the grotesque spectacle that would signal the beginnings of his escape from this place. Haste had become prevalent now as the spiritual remnants that still lingered upon this mass of flesh were beginning to fade. The very essence of the beings who were decimated by the cowardly creation of the prison for this city coupled with the magic that still laced itself upon their flesh would allow him to create one of the many necessary agents necessary to drive himself through the barrier he witnessed and out of this land of Bakame.

The chanting increased in volume for the last two minutes, producing perplexed looks on the duo unless they were far too distracted by the approach of the beautiful Cassandra. What Tala had just done did not go ignored either, but he was not surprised at all. Tala seemed to be far more in tune with what was necessary now than anyone, and this surprising sync of purpose would be useful in the end. Pieces were falling into place, and it was with one last expulsion of energy that the fruit of his labor would manifest itself. A minor burst was heard within the air before him and the bone before him soon began to hover in the air, connecting together as if it attempted to create something. Strips of flesh would soon plant themselves upon the skeletal structure firmly creating a coat before waves of spiritual light began to ebb from the mass of flesh and into the very item that was being created before them.

An aura of black mixed with violet began to outline what was easily starting to look like a staff of some sort. It would hover infront of him for yet another minute before falling down and tilting downward until it collided with his arm. A swift hand gripped upon the staff before he set it down and then began to chant again. This time it was far more rushed as the energy he already built up allowed him to conjure up what he needed already. Eyes would close themselves and the remaining muscles, tendons, ligaments, and remaining flesh would start to fuse together in two elevating piles. Blood dripped off of the elevating structures and raspy sounds soon erupted from creatures that held just the slightest semblance of humanity. Painful moans erupted from the two minions that towered even over the now rising Xanatos. The true danger they possessed soon came into view as the leftover bone that had moved in to this compilation of leftovers moved through muscle and jutted out in several areas with sharp tips.

It was at this point that the staff was taken into his hand and he slowly shifted to look at the two. The slow revolution he took was not what would chill them to the bone. It was the maniacal expression that decorated his face that would make them believe that they were not going to leave this room anytime soon. The two tall blood entities behind him would start their slow movement forward, the mass of their bodies rather heavy though they seemed rather limber. Cassandra would soon find the two creatures closing in on the duo she set her sights upon, their master walking over in Tala's direction before his eyes caught sight of the bathroom. What had just happened was just phase one of an elaborate plan....that he knew he would enjoy carrying out right until the end.
 
A disturbing plethora of screams echoed through the room, vibrating against the walls in a chorus of fear. Two full strides would be taken to approach the woman who had caused Cassandra her moment of anguish. Her initial movement would be re-directed, however, when the 'victim's' companion made a quick movement to the side...apparently trying to grab some sort of weapon, and from what was available in the room...a lamp was going to be the chosen prize. Like a cat who had suddenly spotted a mouse, she sidestepped, her eyes wide pools of emerald and purple...a swirling concoction of colors hidden even deeper within. She moved with the speed of intent and the motive of death. Cutting him off she proceeded to maneuver in front of him until he'd backed himself into a corner. The fear on his face was so pleasing, so palpable that it caused her mouth to water.

The inter mixture of scents filled her senses taking her on a tidal wave of pleasure and sweet exhilaration. The initial pheromones that had been in the air...then the fear...blood....sweat...tears...

Her attention and focus had now been firmly diverted onto the male before her. Taking another step towards him he knew that escape was impossible and held his hands up in a defensive manner. He could have tried to fight his way out, but with the ominous man who was only feet behind Cassandra, and covered with blood...

Her feet remained firmly planted as the opposition's eyes darted about the room. First to the lamp, then to his attacker, snapping over to Xanastros, and eventually to his girlfriend. Had Cassandra cared otherwise she would have wondered if it was really 'his' woman, or if she was merely another plaything for him to enjoy in bed. In truth, she didn't care, but due to the amount of different scents that were emanating from the woman, Cassandra immediately assumed the latter. The pounding of the man's heart echoed through her senses like a drum signaling dinner. Even beyond the screams and pleads...beyond the ritualistic chanting that calmed Cassandra like a mother's lullaby...beyond the shuffle of feet and the scuttle of rats through the rafters, she distinctly listened to the pitter-pat of the heart of the man who was nearly twice her size. Despite the suppressed power he held in strength alone, his fear was a massive weakness that he'd never overcome. Knowing this, Cassandra's lips parted into a sinister, most pleasing sneer that managed to curl into a smile.

She immediately knew two things. First of all she knew that devouring such a large man would essentially plague her with the same fears that he had, including the fear of death, dismemberment and every other disgusting attribute that brought her joy and utter pleasure. That was something that she could not tolerate. Secondly, the notion of fear wrapped into this large package was like having a big beautiful expensive Christmas present only to find a rat inside. It was both wonderful and unpleasing. She couldn't consume of him, but in retrospect, his fear would keep him tame. It would ensure that he would be obedient in the matters that concerned Cassandra, and with that idea in her mind she knew what she wanted.

Before her chance for speech or advancement could emerge, a twitch in the right shoulder of her 'toy' caught her attention and it foretold of the out lash that he intended to give to her. Her initial perception of this man was that his fear would freeze him, but ultimately he had the presence of mind to fight back, and with a curled fist at that. His intention was to apparently hit her in the face; but in the amount of time that she'd spent watching him...waiting for him to react...within a very sparse amount of time she'd been able to foretell exactly what would happen. Thus as the fist swung, she'd already crossed over with her own clawed digits for the wrist advancing towards her. She didn't try to grab his hand. Instead, the sharp weapons aimed directly for the tendons of the wrist, sinking as easily through the flesh as a hot knife through butter.

Another sound soon filled the air to add to the excitement of the moment...a man's guttural cry of pain. With talons that bore hard enough through the man's arm to pin it to the wall, she listened to the vocal cries of pain...with quivers of pleasure running through her body. She nearly trembled with the closeness of his body to hers trying to pry her off, to break his arm free, but he would fail. She took a deep breath of the sweet air and smiled as if she were in a bakery smelling the fresh bread. Radiant jewels turned towards Xanatos as her digits remained firmly embedded in the wall locking the man in place. "Mine..." her voice emerged dark, exotic and aroused as she stood in the alluring scent of anguish, fear, pain and hate. She didn't want him in the physical sense of sex, but to keep him, to possess him, to own and have power over this being that was larger and stronger than her. To have such control gave her such a sweet high that she couldn't deny herself the pleasure.
 
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Tala’s gaze shifted from her handy work to the two trapped people, then passed over Cassandra to note the shifters hungered expression. Taking a few steps to the left of the door, towards the bathroom she fully turned around and stepped back to rest her backside against the shadow engulfed walls. Between the darkness and the active movements of her shadow ink markings, Tala nearly blended into the shadows herself, but for the strange animal like refection of her odd colored eyes and the fading in and out of her flesh as a ink mark shifted from one spot to another.

Tilting her head a fraction, a slightly amused smile touching the corners of her lips as she turned her gaze upon Xanatos as he stepped in her direction, and then followed his line of sight over the Shifter, the blood entities and the prey both parties wished to seize.

For the moment Tala saw no action she needed to take, nor any words that she need speak allowed. Though she did send Xanatos a silent message.

“If there is a task you need me to complete…Simply let me know.â€

With that message sent she simply leaned there against the wall and watched the current show unfold.
 
Blood puddled along the floor beneath him, coupling together with the dripping minions that seemed poised to obey his every command. Mindless drones needed guidance and while he watched the interaction with Cassandra and the man, he saw it fit to place his eyes upon the whimpering woman who had frozen herself into place at the sight of it all. She knew that she couldn't help the male confronting that woman nor could she find any sort of escape. Seconds of contemplation produced a single tear from those eyes, resigning herself to a fate that she feared she could not escape. A loud thud signaled her surrender, knees colliding with the floor while her pupils seemed to shrink. She had to think of something...some way of escaping this alive! The fear-inducing sounds of the minions moving her way combined with the appearance of Xanatos did not allow her to move. Even as she witnessed Tala practically melding into the wall, she knew she could not do anything to escape this situation at all. She was....hopeless.

The newly-made staff was gripped roughly within his left hand and he slowly began to walk toward the duo and Cassandra, indifferent to the desires of the anxious woman. If she desired some subservient fool then her need for any sort of reassurance about her strength would completely disillusion him. Perhaps it was some weakness derived from her past 'meals', but whatever it was remained out of the attentions of his mind which focused on simply one thing now. Steps were few and far between and those of his minions were so large that they completely went past him. They were anxious to serve their master, deliver the gospels that only he seemed to properly provide within this land. The sharp protrusions that jutted out of the flesh of these creatures managed to slide right by the visage of the woman collapsed upon the floor, chilled to the core with fear of her well-being. The massive creatures that were significantly taller than him held impressive speed for their primitive structures. They would inevitably stand behind Cassandra just as she pinned the man to the wall and proclaimed possession over something she could not and would not obtain.

Bones extended and those sharp protrusions from those beasts would thrust outward. The one closest to Cassandra seemed to be the most skillful one as the bones that moved with immense speed would have to curl around the woman's frame to pierce into whatever portion of the man they could. Such an action would probably trap Cassandra between the massive creature unless she crouched out of the way. The two minions did not give much time for her to react as their intention of pinning the man and piercing through him through several wounds did not allow for much response time. The man would only scream louder at the various impacts of the bones that rammed right through his flesh. What would hurt the most would be the immediate ascension of his body against the wall. The newly made trophy of the male above brought the slightest smirk upon Xanatos' face before he snapped his hand down to the woman that knelt down and pulled her to a stand by her hair. The scream that was heard only motivated him to pull harder until it died down into nothing more than several whimpers and pleads.

An almost maniacal expression on his face had him looking directly in Tala's direction before he began to speak. "What is preventing you from participating Tala? Indulge yourself...." The woman's willingness to execute his requests was admirable....attractive even. It would be something he'd not easily forget but for now he cast it aside for the objective at hand. He didn't pay too much attention to her after he said that unless she actually responded to him. It was now that he addressed Cassandra with eerily calm tones. "Yours? You need not claim any of this filth Cassandra. Do not corrupt yourself with these fools" A swift push had the woman stumble before Cassandra, falling harshly between the two. He did not avert his gaze away from Cass at all, fiercely staring upon every single one of her features as he spoke. Unfortunately she would be foiled in her attempt to obtain a new 'pet'...he had better plans.
 
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Cassandra's interest in Tala were minimal at best, as were these creatures that did Xanatos' bidding. She heard them approach, but didn't have the willful presence of mind to move. Just as a cat wouldn't easily and knowingly release it's ball of string, she didn't wish to hand over her jewel at this time. This was her plaything, but inevitably Xanatos had other plans that suddenly spoiled her fun. The destruction of the man by the creatures had left it pointless for her digits to still be impaled, and as such she withdrew them, turning to look to Xanatos, slightly annoyed at the matter.

The second that he regarded the victims as filth instantly shifted her mind from annoyed to curious. Her head turned and she looked to the sniveling woman before regarding the pincushion on the wall. He was correct, they were filth. Why would she silently acknowledge that he was correct? Well he had an outside perspective. And in addition perhaps these people were better suited to whatever purpose he had for them.

Cassandra didn't tolerate people in the first place. This fact allowed her mind to wonder just why she had wanted to lug around that sniveling man behind her. Oh...right...so that she could show him just how small and useless and weak he was. The prospect of such a thing still turned her on, but the dead one behind her ceased her thoughts on that subject. One thing she came to quickly realize was that she had begun to act on impulse rather than thought. He had brought her conscious state back under control without knowing it and though she appreciated it, she'd never thank him...and he'd never wish her to. Regardless of what had just happened, she wouldn't nod in acknowledgment but return the stare with an equally amused gaze. He roamed her figure with the emptiness of his eyes, and she didn't waiver nor become disgusted by his sudden awareness of every curve of her body. Her eyes would match his own. It wouldn't be a challenge but merely an acknowledgment of his molesting stare on her body; and in truth she appreciated it in the highly aroused state that she had fallen into in the attempt of tasting power. How sweet that stare was. How sweet it would have been to have her own minions lingering about and asking of her permission and regarding her with respect and adoration, but for now she was amused, interested, and curious. At the very least it would be worth hanging around to see the outcome of this situation.
 
Tala did not directly answer Xanatos question with any thing more then a slight up lift of the corners of her paled lips into a fleeting smile. In truth, she was indulging herself. The sights and sounds around her fed her mind and curiosities. The energy given off by the fear of the victims as well as the aura’s of power flowing off both Cassandra and Xanatos fed the shadowy ink upon her flesh. Only one hunger remained unfed at this time.

Leaving the wall long enough to pick up the folded jacket, she then returned to lean her frame against the wall. Glancing up at the silent exchange between Xanatos and Cassandra, then at the cringing woman, Tala’s slender shoulders gave a slight shrug before continuing with her own task.

Slipping a hand with in the jacket, slender digits pilfering through the food that lay with in tell they touched upon one of the bread loafs. Tearing a good sized piece from the main portion she with drew her hand along with her prize. Now not only did she have something of great interest to watch, but she also had food to silence the rumble of her stomach. Between bites she spoke aloud, answering Xanatos question, but not exactly speaking to him, just speaking aloud to her self or who ever cared at the moment to hear her.

“….We all indulge in different manners ..."

Leaning forward she plucked a piece of discarded flesh up with the tip of her thumb and forefinger, and then tossed the dripping piece towards the door. The shadowy snakes head shot out from the door to trap the piece between its jaws and swallowed before returning to rest its head upon the door knob.
 
The analization of curves and other features had continued for quite a bit while the submissive creatures seemed to groan and moan in pain. Blood continued to drip from the fleshy creatures and as Cassandra remained exactly where she was, it was not hard for his focused gaze to fall upon her form for a few moments. Any kind of possible smirk or smile from what he received from that gaze was snuffed immediately as two words were expelled "Kill him...." Bone protrusions shook with purpose and then started to seperate within flesh, causing muscles to rip from their strong hold upon the man's bones. The pain it induced was offered slowly, methodically as each protrusion took its time to several muscle from bone, blood spraying easily from the ephemeral trophy along the wall. A swift hand pulled the woman's hair to make her witness what was occurring though she immediately cringed and closed her eyes.

The loud screams were muffled by the shadowy concoction Tala made and his intense gaze upon Cassandra immediately ended once he saw Tala slide out of her haven. A brief break was taken to survey her form with an obvious stare though he was a bit more curious as to what she was doing. Once a piece of bread emerged from that jacket, he shook his head in amusement and then returned to the female victim beside him. Cassandra was now ultimately ignored unless she drew his attentions away somehow. A single digit covered by those traditional metal attachments began to rip through the laces that kept the woman's upper attire upon her form. Frozen in fear she did nothing to resist. As screams still echoed throughout this room, the whimpers of the woman on the floor were drowned out as metal scraped against naked flesh. She just simply did not know what to do.

A back arched from the pain Xanatos offered her, and then it finally came. "Please......PLEASE let me live. I'll do anything....anything you want." Her naked upper body shifted to hug against his leg and then bow down in hopes that some semblance of pity or compassion. He shook his leg in disgust and gazed directly at Cassandra in tacit confirmation of what he had told her earlier. "Filth..." He managed to shake her off and nudge her off with his staff. "If you value your life so much.....fight for it" This came soon after Tala's generalized comment. The blood that trickled down the victim's back seemed laced with some toxin of some sort even as it lingered off of the metallic appendage upon Xanatos' fingers. Something sparked within the woman below him and she turned her gaze over to Cassandra.

As soon as the bones of the minions retracted, Cassandra would find the woman attacking her viciously. One could tell it was all in desparation but such emotions seemed to enhance her senses heavily. Blind hope had a fist arcing down from Cassandra's left to hit her chest before a leg would attempt to kick straight up and toward the woman's abdomen. It was truly an unexpected assault....or was it? The attacks unleashed upon Cass were far too calculated to be considered without influence. The two minions remained where they were, obstacles in Cassandra's path but it should be of no concern. The man's body soon fell and collapsed to the floor, nothing but a mass of remaining muscle and exposed bone. Was this enough for Tala to indulge herself with? Would it be entertaining enough for Cassandra to enjoy? Whatever the outcome, Xanatos would get what he wanted....
 
Minimal space surrounded her, providing an environment that wasn't the most pleasing for sudden attacks...but then again a challenge was always welcomed. Verbal recognition of the pathetic half-nude being between them re-enforced Cassandra's questioning of Xanatos into affirmative belief. Before a response could be triggered, however, a sudden flash of movement spun Cassandra's attention to the side in time to hear the inter mixture of fear, hate and vengeance ripping through the air in the form of a fist. She barely had time to lock onto her newest target to allow a single arm to raise in a block of the downward fist. The contorted facial anger of the woman also betrayed her next move. The muscle of the woman's neck flexed as the shoulder rotation began in order to move the spine in a half turn, instantly revealing to Cassandra what the intended attack would be. She would allow it to occur for the mere chance of opportunity. Once the leg snapped toward her stomach, both of Cassandra's hands had moved in towards each other to clasp the leg at it's point of impact. Cassandra flexed her stomach in an attempt to deflect as much of the force as possible, and just at that moment that everything came together, she was still pushed against the wall from the force of momentum. Cassandra had enough mental focus and skill to keep her hold on the woman's leg, and with ever darkening eyes her mind configured an appropriate mode of counter-attack. She didn't wish to throw the woman, nor return a kick for there wasn't enough room for that. The left clawed hand curled around the already held ankle and quickly began to seep through the flesh like a bear trap snapping closed on an animal's leg. With the right, she merely clenched her fist and angled it to the side of the knee, where the impact would undoubtedly snap the joint like a twig beneath the force.
 
Having finished her snack she wiped the front of her body off to free it from any crumbs left by the bread, she then raised her gaze to track the movements of Cassandra and the pitiful woman who fought for her life. Xanatos had said to indulge herself and so far she had, but there was one more thing she could find to amuse herself and this fight for life gave her that chance.

For a brief moment Tala closed her eyes, upon opening them the color was gone, leaving glassy like orbs in there place. She then raised her hands as if warming them against a bon fire. Her lips moved in a silent chant, this chant allowed a thin stream of shadow material to flow from her right hand and circle the two fighters, then flow back to her left hand, to complete the circle. The reflection of the fight shone in her eyes, minus the shadows and darkness. Tala was taking turns at watching the fight from each fighter’s point of view.

This action, this indulgence, brought a smile to Tala’s otherwise blank face and a slight groan or moan with each impact of flesh to flesh, depending on whose point she was seeing from each time one of the fighters made contact with the other. Along with allowing Tala up close to this fight, the shadows also kept the sound of the battle from leaving the circle of the shadow.
 
There was no battle to be had here. The mismatch had been obvious but out of the motivation of the words expressed by this odd individual that woman had lunged toward a being that was entirely out of her league. Had Xanatos known that all along? Or did he influence this woman's attack as if he wanted to ensure that the Cassandra he had witnessed months ago was the same one within this room? He had to admit that what he has witnessed of the woman recently gave him the indication that she had changed somewhat but he could care less. What she did or did not shift into was none of his concern as what mattered was the completion of his task. The two women at his side were not pawns in this matter but they were not official allies either. They all held their proper motives for their stances with one another, and he would make sure to take advantage of it all.

The leg caught by Cassandra followed by the intense pain that she delivered caused a piercing scream that annoyed Xanatos to no end. Had he not become indifferent to the situation soon after he would have made sure that the woman would not be able to voice her pain. The realization that Cassandra had the advantage caused him to focus upon his subservient creations, who took it upon themselves to tear the bones away and leave yet another mess of flesh to decorate the stench that was now within this room. Dead flesh emitted an odor that not many appreciated, though it was clear that Xanatos basked in this entire environment. Though neither a smile or smirk decorated that usually enigmatic visage of his, he was very much enjoying this turn of events.

With this staff he held within his hands, he was one step closer to freeing himself from this unwanted confinement. The lingering energies that were laced upon that dead flesh had proved useful in manipulating a potential counter-agent to the barrier that had imprisoned them all and allowed them to be transferred here. The rage the entire thought produced within this man surged through his veins but he simply ignored it all and continued on with his work. The largest bone that pitiful man provided was taken into his free hand and slipped into his cloak which, by pure examination, seemed like it held many trinkets. Tala's gesticulations and her machinations were her own and completely ignored by this man who was now done with what he needed to do for the day. With minions feverishly feeding upon the flesh of the victim, an aura soon seemed to cover them that was similar to the one that pulsated off of his new staff. What exactly was going on? The woman was left in the mercy or lack thereof of Cassandra and Xanatos now took it upon himself to sit down a few feet away, facing the two with crossed arms....mildly...and just mildly amused.
 
The most simple of motions had created a plethora of screams to reverberate around the room as if it were a cave that an echo could carry through. Still with the molded flesh protecting her receptors, even then could see hear the anguish and alarming paint that the woman was suddenly placed into. The knowledge that this less-than-capable being had attacked her in such a methodical manner left her to deduce that it was only due to an external force – undoubtedly Xanatos. She was neither pleased nor agitated. The sudden wave of pleasure overwhelmed her at causing this woman pain. The blissful erotic emotion swept over her like a wave of euphoria. Dark eyes rippled with pleasure, the color distorting like a jewel held up to the light. Her attention captured the woman...the victim...as a snake would lock onto a mere insect, a mere mouse. The challenge had ended. Whatever power had originally taken over this woman had left her just as quickly. What had been the point? Perhaps just to give her an advantage to even get close enough to Cassandra to attack her, only then to leave the woman at the complete mercy of the shifter. The snap of the knee still remained in Cassandra's mind like melodic music that was sweet and delightful. Regardless of the stench and of the decay, regardless of the deformed beings that were devouring the mass of flesh that lay on the floor, Cassandra's focus still remained on this woman that was pinned in fear and horrific pain. The force of Cassandra's hit hadn't just snapped the joint which now was facing the wall, but ensured that the bone was used as it's own weapon to tear through it's own protective flesh. White bone emerged drizzled in flesh, crimson, and the remains of muscle that still managed to hold fast to the cap. The simple joint would no longer ever be capable of bending to its own will. The body of the woman fell to the floor, but Cassandra kept the foot pinned beneath her arm as if it weighed nothing more than a paper. The sudden realization of time filled her head and she wondered just how much would pass before this woman's body shut down. Unconsciousness hadn't occurred as it should have by now, which left Cassandra with the sweet task of pushing the limits until such release would happen. Raising her right leg as she pivoted towards the woman's limb, she then held firmly to the foot of the victim as her own came crashing down onto the mal-formed knee sending it to a new position that it had never experienced. One try, then another, and yet another. Cassandra would continue three times of the same repetitive act until the force overwhelmed the leg. The screams grew sweeter in nature as the familiar sound of tendons straining and flesh tearing filled her ears. The thigh of the woman fell to the ground, devoid of it's lower half...which Cassandra still held in her hand. Her new attention scanned the room before locking once more onto Xanatos, and from afar she held out the limb. It was a mere act of sharing. She had retrieved the item, and now she wished to know if he needed it. Should he not, she would discard it, for this victim wasn't admirable but annoying, and Cassandra didn't want to keep any part of that with her. A brow raised in question as she looked at the body of Xanatos that wasn't...quite...Xanatos. Regardless of that notion, he was a man that was hording bones and flesh, so perhaps this one could be put to good use?
 
Having grown weary of leaning against the wall Tala allowed her bodies weight to draw her down the smooth wall surface tell she found herself sitting upon the shadow clad floor. Tala then examined each leg to make sure they where void of any blood or clinging flesh, then folded them neatly under her to rest in an Indian style sitting position. This pose left her lap open for her to settle the folded jacket into, and then wrap her arms around it in a hugging action; she then rested her chin upon the leather.

Tala’s eyes rarely left the fight, though she had with drawn the shadow strings that allowed her to view the fight from Cassandra or the victim’s point of view, instead she watched now as a simple bystander. She did glance at Xanatos once or twice, but just to see if he had any more interesting actions he was going to add to this already intriguing show.

Once Cassandra ripped the limb from the woman, Tala brought her hands together in a soft clap and murmured her enjoyment of Cassandra’s talents with fighting and dismembering. She then once more grew silent and allowed her eyes to drift half closed, lulling her self into a state of calm while the lingering energy of the chaos, the room just held, drifted away into the shadows she had placed with in the room. This energy feed the shadows well enough for them to thicken and further contain the sounds and smells that the room held.
 
He continued to watch the entire ordeal for a while though he quickly lost interest, focusing on ramming the staff he had made against the hard floor underneath and leaning it against the wall as it rested within a groove he made upon the floor. The fact the woman had failed miserably after attacking Cassandra did not produce any emotion within this being at all and, as he contemplated his next move, the sight of the appendage being offered was not even acknowledged. No matter how giving or thoughtful Cassandra might have been, he did not horde petty trash. A dismissive hand flicked in her general direction which was truly meant for the mindless beasts who would swipe at the leg that was offered in order to feed on it themselves. The art of bonecrafting was not to be wasted on the likes of those that had become mere pawns in this endeavour.

The show, while mildly entertaining did nothing to maintain his attentions though not much could have been expected from the clear mismatch he provided. Why had he even influenced the beginning of the action when the result had already been etched into stone? Did he by chance underestimate Cassandra and doubt her abilities? Whatever the case was, he quickly lost taste for what was occurring and simply placed himself into a comfortable position where he was. Blood still trickled off of fingertips and the pounds of flesh soon began to create larger puddles of that crimson liquid as time went on. The minions at his disposal, if deprived of the treat they saw within the hands of Cassandra, would simply retreat and move to a corner, their festering stench wafting along the air as their flesh continued to increase in odor.

This land of Bakarne would be free of this being's influence soon enough as there was nothing of interest within a place meant to hold the wicked and cruel, the grotesque and the netherworldly inclined. He was meant for far more than this prison all of these other whelps would consider home now. He would leave them with their own vices and take those that were met by convenience with him. There was no reason to seek those that are worthy of escape. His zeal and steely resolve had him truly believing that those who were meant to escape would align themselves with him in due time. A beaming gaze seared in the direction of Tala while she situated herself but he did nothing more than that as he just crossed his arms against his chest and waited for someone....to do something worthwhile. He has done his part.
 
The small room had been splayed wall to wall with the blood of the recently deceased. Within stood two beings that were better left dead, than alive...that were currently feasting on the remains that were...well part of them. Cassandra's intention towards Xanatos had been completely discarded. No, perhaps ignored was a better word. The blood bath ensued, and the current situation of Cassandra was that the stench was beginning to overwhelm her nasal cavities in such a manner that bile began to churn within the pits of her stomach. It was definitely not a pleasant feeling. Flesh molded and contoured in the same fashion that it had previously done in order to conceal her nasal cavities from the outside hindrance. She had noticed Tala's delight in the removal of the limb, and on a secondary offering...gave it to Tala instead. It wasn't a peace offering, it wasn't because Cassandra liked her or even wanted Tala's approval. If Xanatos felt that the limb itself wasn't worth having, then Cassandra would follow in suit...and offer the less-than-desirable item to Tala.

Typically Cassandra wasn't the type to take instruction from others. She was her of her own responsibility, but Xanatos had a certain allure that captured her attention. She knew, however, that the being that had started all of this destruction wasn't Xanatos, but something that existed beyond that. The erotic nature of attention that Cassandra had for this man suddenly expanded due to that fact. Regardless, she was becoming bored...and quickly. In this plethora of boredom and the aura of chaos that seemed to reign supreme here, Cassandra's focus quickly became diverted like a cat with a toy. She locked onto Tala and walked towards her. With an inclined head she sat by the woman who was already sitting, crossed her legs in the exact fashion that Tala did, and simply watched her like a child watching an adult. When the shadows slithered she pointed at the movement that existed outside of Tala's form and asked, "What power is this?" Pondering the purpose of such a capability, and in a sense wondering if it was of any use here, she watched the mass move with childlike amazement.
 
Tala took the offered limb and with a flick of her wrist sent it sailing towards the shadow snakes head. The snake’s head shot out from its door knob perch and snagged the limb in mid air, swallowing it whole. If one cared to watch, one could follow the limb as it moved through the snakes shadow form, the snakes digestive track breaking it down tell nothing but bone remained by the time it reached the snakes end. These bones then dropped heavily to the floor and the snake once more lowered its head to the door knob and slowly closed its eyes.

Tala herself was engaged with the actions of Cassandra. She watched the woman settle herself down beside her, legs crossing in a mimic fashion and listened to the shifter speak, then thought upon how to answer her. Tala could have spent hours or more explaining what she could do, but thought not only would that be a bore, but words could never explain her talent as well as a simple demonstration could. Besides, Tala had an idea about this place, this trap that they where all bound in, and she wished to try a few things.

Almost speaking to herself, but also wishing Cassandra and Xanaos to understand what she was doing, she murmured.

“Shadow marks have many skills and talents, among a few of them is the ability to fly or dig under, depending upon the freed mark.”

Tala took her right hand and brushed it slowly down her left arm, from shoulder to fingertips. This action caused a shadowy ink form to slide from her flesh and reform it’s self into a hawk. Tala then repeated the action upon her right arm this time, producing a larger then normal mole to form. She then turned to look at the shadow snake, locking eyes with it she then looked to the ceiling. No words where exchanged, no words where needed, the snake did her bidding. It reared its head up hard and fast and smashed a hole through the ceiling. Tala then locked eyes with the hawk, which launched its self up a few inches and grabbed gentle hold of the mole.

“How high does the boundaries go…How far under….Find out and return! “

The hawk, with the mole in its talons few up through the hole and vanished from sight. Tala waited a few more minutes, allowing some of the stench from the room to dissipate and fresh air to replace it before motioning to the shadow snake to once more cover the hole.
Once done with these actions Tala reached into the folded jacket and with drew 2 bottles of water, offering one to Cassandra.

“To drink or wash the blood from your form, which ever suits your need for the moment?”
 
(Umm. Could somebody give me a quick update on any significant events that happened since I left? Please?)

Where had he gone? One instant, the nameless one had been on top of a roof. After that, he was spotted walking down a street. Afterward, he simply vanished. Not that anybody in the area would be looking for the guardian, but any who had actually seen him, literally, disappear, may have thought it odd. Magic was suppose to be blocked, or at least altered, in this place. How had he managed that?

The truth was, Fang had been testing the waters of the various portions of the city, observing the actions of those throughout, and examining the magical wards formed as a dome around the entire place. He knew now what he would have to do. The trick was, getting those he would require assistance from, to help him.
 
The amusement that would normally be obtained by all of this failed to seep into this man now. With the event clearly at its end, he was now left with the recurring reality of the fact that they were trapped here. With the custom of simply travelling without restriction, going between realms to wreak havok and collect several supplies from the priviledged that he meets, the fact that it has all come to a halt quickly ruined whatever jovial mood he had been in before. The exchange between Cassandra and Tala was left alone as he suddenly arose from his seat and simply moved away from them, into the bathroom of this room. Blood stained his clothing and the odor might have been horrific to anyone else but it wasn't to him. Nevertheless, the need to purge this body of his became prioritized and with a swift shut of the door, he began the process from there.

The door was not locked at all...perhaps out of the pure design of what this room had been intended for or the cheap workings of the owner. The water began to run but his clothes were immediately purged of whatever excess blood or remnant of skin upon them, rippling liquid absorbing it all and receding almost immediately before he physically rid himself of all of his clothing. The water was burning hot but the extreme condition did little to affect him any as he stepped in and began meditating. The female duo outside were minimally considered at this point, a focused mind ready to begin his next step into this theoretical plan of liberation. The minions lingered around the door but still walked around aimlessly as they had no current objectives. Minions without purpose for long would inevitably lose loyalty but such was not the case...this time.

The working of his mind led him to figure out exactly what he needed to acquire next. With a place such as this town, he had no doubt that the ingredients that he needed were bound to be in some dark nook or obtenebrate crevice. The hot water created obvious steam that fogged up much of the interior and seeped underneath the door itself and the only thing that could be heard would be the occasional shift within the large tub along with the displacement of water. Tala's efforts had not gone unnoticed but he would do nothing to verbally commend her on them. Contributions were necessary if she wanted to survive. In due time, he'd move forward with his plans, but for now....he'd simply relax.
 
With folded legs she sat there in childlike amusement of the entire situation. Within mere moments two people's lives had changed indefinitely and they had become slaughtered beyond all comprehension. Then with that slaughter, two other beings were formed that denied all reason. Two entities that were of such a grotesque nature, that there wasn't a word to even begin to describe the mindless zombie-like creatures. Listening to the patter of the water from the other side of the bathroom door, she could have taken the water from Tala, but other things were on her mind. Such as, the shadows that Tala had sent out on a quest. Cassandra had the capability of mutating her body into whatever need she had. One question that she had was of the barrier itself. Was it a physical object that was made of mass...of molecular structure? If it was, then could she manipulate her body to such a liquefied state that her own molecules would pass through those of the barriers – much like a strainer with water? Meditating on that idea, she then wondered if it was a completely solid barrier of magic. If it was, then perhaps the barrier itself went on endlessly. Perhaps there wasn't an actual 'border' to this barricade that kept them here. But just a solid inanimate substance that couldn't be surpassed for any reason. Either way, the information that Tala's own little 'minions' would return would answer either of those questions, and then with that information she would best be able to determine her next move.

Finally after a long moment of thought she took the water from Tala, thanked her with a simple nod, then uncapped and took a short drink. Replacing the lid she placed it before her crossed legs and waited.
 
A few hours had passed since Tala has released two of her shadow creatures. She had given them enough time to find out what she wished to know and now set about in calling them to return. She rose slowly and gracefully to her feet and raised her arms towards the spot in the ceiling from with the two had vanished; she then whispered one word that would echo through the night tell the ink bound creatures responded.

“…Return… “

It did not take long for her voice to touch the creatures, nor for them to respond and do what was asked of them. The shadowy ink snake thinned the ceiling tell a bare spot that allowed the star light to shine down with in the room was formed. Soon the ink bird with the mole carried with in its talons was seen circling the hole, and then it swooped down towards Tala’s out stretched hands. As soon as the creatures touched Tala’s flesh, they once more returned to ink and flowed across her skin and settled in.

In silence Tala returned to her seat against the wall, eyes closed and listed to the silent whispers of the mole and bird, every so often she would nod her head or murmur a reply under her breath. Finally she opened her eyes and spoke allowed.


“My shadow ones find no walls they can not pass through… They are not bound here.”

Tala then retreated to her own thoughts on why this was so, leaving the others to come to their own conclusions and voice them.
 
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