/////CGR-7/////
*Sighs and smiles* Okay Don Quixote, I'll be Sancho (just much, much thinner).
*Looks at Serpis and then back to Red, unsheathes broadsword* What do you need me to do?
/////Redsquallff8/////
You to attack first this time then I'll save this girl like that mouse i saved a while back XD
/////Sergit/////
Shinku: "So you guys are going to help me, after all? Ok, thanks!"
*Serpis hides behind Shinku while still holding her with her tail.*
Serpis: "You are free to try anything, but if she gets hurt it will be your fault, boys~" *uses the girl as a shield*
/////Redsquallff8/////
Runs and leaps while CGR-7 attacks from the front*"Take this!!!
/////Sergit/////
*Serpis holds Shinku and puts her in front of Red, so he can't use his sword
against her and faces Jacin(CGR-7).* "Come on little human,I don't bite... much! "
/////Redsquallff8/////
Red grabs shinku and tries to pull her free* Let her go you monstrous hag!
/////Sergit/////
Serpis: "No, I won't! She's staying with me! She wants to stay with me, too."
Shinku:"That's not true! Help me get out of here, please!"
*Serpis is holding back the other human, so her coils tighten around Shinku
but keeps focused in her frontal attacker*
/////Redsquallff8/////
Red uses the sword as a wedge and tries to free shinku* I said unhand her!!
/////Sergit/////
Serpis: "Owowow STOP!" *Her grip losens a bit and Shinku starts pushing.*
Shinku: "Let...me...GO!!!"
/////CGR-7/////
*Jacin starts to charge Serpis head-on, picks up speed but then swerves to flank Serpis
on the opposite side - crashed down sword on Serpis's tail tip* Red, now - pull her free! Shinku - bit her tail!
/////Redsquallff8/////
Red pulls shinku free and starts to run* "see yah Jacin and have fun
cuz you get to be lunch this time! hahahaha"
/////CGR-7/////
*Looks to Serpis and squares off with her* Okay Serpis,
it's just you and me. *Grips grip tightly* Just YOU and ME...
/////Sergit/////
*Shinku and Red run away.*
Serpis: "Ah, this is unbelievable! I get to find a nice and easy meal
and these two guys just pop in and ruin my day! It seems I won't
go home with my belly empty, though!"
She suddenly jumps towards Jacin and pins her to the ground.
"Not so tough now, are you?" *Smiles and licks the air*
--------(Red's storyline)---------------------
/////Redsquallff8/////
Red has a romantic dinner with shinku* What would you like to eat miss Shinku?
/////Sergit/////
"Anything is fine, really. So... um... you said you saved
someone else recently? Who was she?"
/////Redsquallff8/////
Just some mouse chick. *red orders some shrimp and lobster*
"so what is your story?" *red is armor less after saving her*
/////Sergit/////
"Well, I came to the beach with my friends last week.
We've been spending the holidays here. I went alone to take a bath
this morning, and then, that strange snake girl fell on me from behind."
/////Redsquallff8/////
I've fought her before...but she ate me last time sadly to say.
*they serve her the lobster* eat up...you need your strength.
/////Sergit/////
"Yes, thanks for the food. She ate you? Then, how did you escape?"
*She's amazed*
/////Redsquallff8/////
I can regenerate...I didn't escape.
/////Sergit/////
"Ah, I see. What would I have done without you guys... By the way, will your friend be Ok? She seemed pretty strong."
/////Redsquallff8/////
She left me too be food last time. *grin* its her turn this time. So how is your lobster?* Red is glad he isn't food this time.*
/////Sergit/////
"It's delicious! I might tell my friends about this place. The food here is really good. So anyways, I'd like to thank you for saving me, somehow. Is there something I can do for you?"
/////Redsquallff8/////
Just the smile on your face is thanks enough for me. Can i get anything else for you to eat? *Red thinks about how many time that line backfires but doesn't care cause she doesn't look like the pred type*
/////Sergit/////
"I am too full, I can't eat anymore. I guess I will go back to the inn my friends and I are staying... Unless there's anything else you want to do."
/////Redsquallff8/////
Well if you want I could join*red is blushing* you know...to um protect you.
/////Sergit/////
"I guess it's OK... I am a bit scared about her coming back! Come, I will introduce you to my friends".
*Shinku and Red go toghether to an inn in front of the beach. A girl waves at you two.*
"Heeey, Shinku! Who's that, your boyfriend?"
"It's not like that, Linda!" *She says as she blushes* "You won't believe what happened to me this morning..."
/////Redsquallff8/////
I'm Red, You can call me Jon if you like.
*Red's hand extends to Linda*
I'm not her boyfriend just her personal body guard.
*Red checks to see if his sword is still there and sees it's still there.*
/////Sergit/////
Linda: "I'm Linda, pleased to meet you, Jon. Oh yes, Shinku, Mark went looking for you when he saw you were gone, this morning."
Shinku: "It's ok, we will tell him later about this."
*Shinku and Red tell her about Serpis.*
Linda: "Woah, that's incredible! But that means Mark is in danger because he went to search for you there! We must go to save him."
/////Redsquallff8/////
"Your friend mark is fine, Serpis only eats one person a day so she'll be full off my friend for awhile.
Red cleans his sword*
/////Sergit/////
Linda: "I hope you're right"
Shinku: "Well then, what do we do, now?"
Linda: "Would you like some drinks?"
Shinku and Red: "Yes, please."
Linda: "Alright, I will go for them, now!"
/////Redsquallff8/////
Red drink 10 drinks* "Well i think i might be drunks" *Red looks at the two chick and thinks about maybe scoring with one of them* "Well what can i do to you..ladies" Red is starting to stumble*
/////Sergit/////
*The ladies are also quite drunk. Shinku fell asleep on the sofa, and near her, Linda is watching you with a big grin in her lips and a red face. Red looks at her more closely.*
Linda is a blonde girl and her hair barely reaches her shoulders. She's a bit taller than Shinku, and her eyes are brown.
*She notices you are staring at her and blinks at you. Linda giggles a bit, leans towards you and whispers: "Hey Jon~... Do you think I am pretty?"
/////Redsquallff8/////
Yes..i do.
*Jon rubs Linda's shoulders and kisses her cheek* where do you wanna go with this?*jon sets the sword on the floor*
/////Sergit/////
"Let's go upstairs and let Shinku sleep here"
*She holds your arm and guides you through the inn, and upstairs. No one will bother us, here. So, where were we?" *She says, and then kisses you in the mouth softly*
/////Redsquallff8/////
*Red grins then kisses her back roughly and thinks "SCORE!"* *red caresses her body and rubs her ass as they keep kissing*
"So...You like me? "
/////Sergit/////
*She nods*
Linda: "I tought you were with Shinku, and I got kinda disappointed. But now, it's clear you are for me, and I love it!"
You keep kissing and touching each other. You two are so focused on yourselves that you don't realize someone else has gotten inside the room"*
"Hey, do you mind if I join?"
*The voice came from behind Red and Linda.*
Red: "YOU!"
Linda: "Who are you?!"
*... It was Serpis.*
--------(Jacin's storyline)---------------------
/////CGR-7/////
*Thinks to self: "Damn, Serpis is so heavy; I can barely breathe. Where's my sword, where's my sword?!" Looks and sees sword but it is just out of my reach. "What do I do?!" My head was pounding - but then... an idea.*
*I turn over and face Serpis* "You're right Serpis, I'm not tough. I'm little and meek and it takes all I can muster just to wield that blade. So that's why if I cannot effectively fight with bronze... I have to fight with brains."
*Serpis is stumped but while distracted, I quickly grab a handful of sand and heave it into her eyes. Serpis leaps back, wincing and yelping in pain. I hurry to my feet and pick up my steel.* "I told ya Serpis - brains. Now it's a fair fight." *With Serpis incapacitated and my blade gripped tightly in both hands, I quietly charge with all my speed and might.*
/////Sergit/////
*Serpis falls on her back, suprised. She covers her eyes and groans. Her eyes are full of sand and she can't see*
*Jacin attacks her while she looks helpless, but...*
Serpis: "Did you really think that was going to work?"
*She moves very fast and evades the attack. She then coils her tail around your arms and holds you in the air.*
Jacin: " B-but how-?!"
Serpis: "My kind does not need to see their preys to locate them. Just with the smell, the temperature and the vibration of the ground I can trace your moves easily."
*She opens her mouth and pulls you closer.*
"Well, that's it, now be a good meal and don't resist. Aaaah~"
/////CGR-7/////
*I sigh grimly as I dangle there in mid air* "You're right Serpis, there's nothing else I can do. You're too strong, too fast, and have a sorta extrasensory perception. How could I, a mere human, hope to defeat you. So go ahead - eat me."
*But just as Serpis has put me into her mouth...* "Oh, by the way Serpis, how are those hypnotic powers you've been trying to develop?
*Serpis intrigued pulls me from her mouth but holds me securely around the waist with her tail* "What do you know of hypnotic abilities?"
I retort, "well obviously none otherwise I would have used them on you. But I haven't always travelled with Red on all his adventures you know. In fact, I've been on quite a many adventures myself, alone. On my journeys I might have come across a manuscript of certain learnable 'abilities' of the mind. I haven't them with me at the moment and they're written in Syriac, but if you still wish to develop your mind's abilities, I have a few linguistic colleagues that can translate the texts into English and then you may have them... for a trade. The scripts do me no good as they take too long to study, but since you have a lifespan much greater than that of a normal human, what is time to you but that which can be easily squandered. So what do you say Serpis, the scrolls for my life?"
*Serpis ponders* "You know I don't trust you humans. How do I know you'll keep your word?"
*I grin* "You don't, that's way it's called a gamble. Have we an accord then?" *Extends hand*
/////Sergit/////
*She thinks for a while, then answers.*
Serpis: "I don't know how to read any human language, but I will take care of these manuscripts you are talking about. They might be useful for me, once I learn to read. Where are those writtings? Who has them?... And how did you know I am trying to get hypnotic powers? Answer to all that and I 'might' let you go."
Jacin: "Don't you want to translate them to english?"
Serpis: "Nah, no need. Just tell me where are them. And hurry up or I eat you!" *Her belly rumbles hungrily*
/////CGR-7/////
"Okay Serpis, I'll tell you." *Looks around and sees Red and Shinku's footprints in the sand heading west; thinks to self: "Okay, so they went back to town." Turns back around to Serpis* "Serpis, before Red and I came over here to the beach and noticed that young girl needed saving, we stopped at the local inn. You know the village just a few miles over there to the west."
*Serpis was getting frustrated* "There are a lot of villages to the west. Which one is it?!"
*I nodded* "The village of Zephillia. I have the scrolls in my knapsack when Red and I stopped to rest and I left them in my room. Why don't I go back and fetch 'em for you?"
"Hold it right there!" *Serpis picked up my sword and pointed it at me.* "I wasn't born yesterday. I'm gonna come with you to make sure you don't try anything funny, like escaping."
*I looked at Serpis sternly* "'Escape' Serpis, no I won't escape. You have me on a very short leash by being able to ingest me when you want and you have my valuable sword in your clutches." *I motion to Serpis* "I'll lead the way. Just don't expect me to carry you."
*Serpis and Jacin start the short trek back to the village. Thinks to self: "I need to meet back up with Red; I need his help to defeat her."*
...
*As Serpis and I continued on our journey to the village, Serpis again asked how I knew she wished to have hypnotic abilities.*
*Serpis slithered right behind my, leading me with my sword* "Remember I told you that I didn't always travel with Red. Back East I used to an aspiring alchemic scholar and came from a very, very noble and elite family. But one day the city was sacked and with its fall its economy collapsed and its money became worthless. A new dynasty was crowned and my family and I lost everything; we became vagrants within the city. To earn even the littlest bit of money my father did petty manual labor and on the side sold quack medicinal elixirs; my mother made textiles and moonlighted as a dancer. I tried to get back into my studies as an alchemist but it was so costly. The senior students and professors asked that if I would volunteer to test some potions, they would pay my tuition. Thinking it was a great deal, I took the offer but with a slight side effect. The mixtures through off my body's natural rhythm: my hair got thicker and grew longer, my body became more slender and hour-glass shaped, my skin became smoother softer, and my voice became higher. After that all the male students started looking at me quite a bit differently." *I stopped and showed Serpis my figure.* "My breasts aren't as big as yours but still..."
*Serpis looked me up and down* "So that's why you don't look-" *I nodded* "Yeah. After more than a few 'advances' by the other boys, I was so broken down and depressed that I quit the university. When I returned home to our little back alley tent, my father didn't even recognize and even tried to hit on me before I told him it was me. Soon thereafter the fighting and yelling started, words were exchanged, crying began and then silence; or at least silence to me because I gathered up my things, some of my mother's older and smaller gowns, stole my father sword, and ran away. And now... here I am."
*We continued journeying.* "Well that's an interesting tale Jacin. But how did you know I wanted to develop my hypnotic abilities?"
*I scoffed* "What are you running late for something? I'll get to that."
*Serpis pokes me in the butt with my sword.* "Ouch! Uuh... demon."
/////Sergit/////
"You sure have have an interesting life, mine is so boring in comparison... But go on, what happened next?"
*Serpis and Jacin keep walking towards the village. The story has Serpis so interested she forgets about how hungry she is*
/////CGR-7/////
*Serpis picks up her pace and is now walking right next to me.*
"After I ran away from home, if you could call it that, I did a number of odd professions to get by and earn a little money. After going from place to place, I stopped in the city of Beller and I was asked if I wanted to apprenticeship as a librarian and tend to tomes and manuscripts. Thinking there may have some texts on alchemy, I took the job and planned on reading and studying half the time. They actually didn't have a lot of alchemic books but had an abundance of them on demonology and creature study. Creatures like incubi, succubi, hybrids... nagas."
*Serpis's ears perked up and she looked right at me.*
"That's right Serpis, you heard me. I've studied a little on nagas and it turns out that many other species of nagas either have hypnotic abilities or have the potential to develop them; but some others species cannot at all. I wasn't sure which one you were but the data shows that the prevalence of nagas are born with the abilities or have the capacity to develop 'em. Whether they choose to is up to them. The data was kinda outdated at the time but only like one in twenty or thirty or so nagas are born complete without the abilities or being able to develop them; that's about four percent Serpis. Since you didn't use any such abilities on me I deduced that you're either still developing your skills or you're one of the four percent. Looks like I guessed right."
"Yeah, I guess you did." *Serpis cracked a little smile and looked forward again.* "So how much farther is it to this village- what was it called... 'Zephillia?'"
*I smiled* "Yeah, that's right. It's not much further Serpis about a half-hour, forty-five minutes at best." *I looked across the landscape and saw and pointed to the town off in the distance.* "As a matter of fact Serpis... look, there it is just over the horizon."
...
*Serpis and I continued walking and as the day went on the sun was beating down and it was starting to get a bit warm, still being surrounded by sand and all. I untied my bota bag I carry on my belt and just as I was about to take a quaff of red wine I looked to Serpis.* "Hey Serpis... you fancy a drink? It's just red wine"
*Serpis reached out and gently took the pouch and said with a smile.* "Thanks Jacin, you didn't have to do that." *She takes a big gulp.*
"Nah Serpis, I wanted to." *Serpis hands me back the pouch and I take a drink. But as she handed the pouch back to me my finger tips gently, and maybe accidently, grazed her finger tips. Thinking to myself: "Hmm, I think Serpis and I are- I think we're become friends..."*
*After sitting to rest for a few minutes, Serpis and I reach the village gates about an hour later and make our way to the village inn. And upon stopping at the front door...* "Here Jacin, you can have this back." *Serpis hands me back my sword and I put it back in its sheath.*
"Thanks Serpis, why don't you head inside and I'll be right there to get you the scrolls. I just need to stop over at the apothecary's shop real fast. Okay?"
"That sounds fine." *Serpis goes in.*
/////Sergit/////
*Serpis enters in the inn, as the sun was beginning to fall behind the mountains*
She thinks to herself "was this a good idea? What if someone sees me here?"
*She looks around the inn but there doesn't seem to be anyone. But then, she finds a girl sleeping in the sofa. It's the girl she tried to eat earlier that morning. "What is she doing here? If I eat her now, no one will notice, right? And I haven't eaten anything yet, today..."
*Serpis eats Shinku while she sleeps. She wonders why the girl didn't even wake up.*
The naga sat on the sofa and waited Jacin for a while.
"...Wait. If she was here, does that mind the guy who saved her is also here?"
*She looks around the house and goes upstairs. Red and a blonde girl are making out in a room*
Serpis (to herself): "Bingo!"
--------(Red's storyline)---------------------
/////Redsquallff8/////
Red jumps up and walks back* "No..no...You can't be here! *red remembers he left his sword downstairs* You really like my taste don't you *red tries to go to the door but is still to drunk to walk right*
/////Sergit/////
Serpis: "I just followed the other girl's smell after I finished with your friend (Big lie). And now, you are defenseless and ready to eat. This girl here will be fine, too. If I am full I will just kidnap her until I am hungry again. Heh heh."
*You hear a muffled voice coming from Serpis body.*
Serpis: "By the way, I have already the girl you stole, inside my tummy. She was sleeping so peacefully in the sofa I almost felt bad for eating her."
/////Redsquallff8/////
Red uses his lightning at point blank range*
Red: This...might not kill you but this...will hurt like hell!
*Red lightning zaps her in the face then he starts downstairs to get his sword. Red hope serpis didn't eat it*
...
Red starts to reach for the sword and feels something on his left leg*
Red: Linda that is you right?
/////Sergit/////
Serpis: "No,I am not... But if you want an human female, inside me there's one."
*She has her tail around your leg, and does not let you reach your sword.*
Serpis: "Now, it's time for you to join her!"
Linda: "Wait!" *The girl comes from behind Serpis and pushes her* "Release Shinku and Jon, now.
Serpis: "Ahhh! Get off of me!"
*Fighting Linda, Serpis unwraps Red's leg.*
Red: "This is my chance!"
/////Redsquallff8/////
Red grabs his sword and slices serpis's belly freeing shinku*
Red: "once i'll heal you...leave once your healed"
*Red cuts himself bleeding on her wound*
Red: "You'll regenerate but leave them be and go. If you need to eat someone eat me again and be full for another month. Good bye Shinku and Linda"
/////Sergit/////
Serpis: "Ha ha ha. As if this were enough to kill me! It's just a superficial injury!" (Big lie)
Red: "No, it's not. I just ripped your stomach. There's nothing superficial in that wound."
Serpis: "S-shut up!!!"
Serpis(to herself): "Owww! This really hurts! When is Jacin coming back? She should be here, already. I hope he will help me... This guy abandoned him to be eaten and fled with the girl. An I am (kinda) her friend! There's no way he will betray me! ...Right?"
--------(Jacin and Red's storyline)---------------------
/////CGR-7/////
*Upon entering the apothecary's shop, I walked in to see an assortment of herbs and spices, whole plant samples, drugs, and a small amount of confectionery treats. As I brows around the rows of bottles and containers, the shopkeeper emerges from the backroom and greets me with a smile.*
"Why hello there miss. How may I help you today?"
*I walk up to the counter.* "Well I'm not sure kind sir. I just arrived in town today, and as an aspiring alchemist, just felt a compulsion to come by and visit the local apothecary."
*He smiles a little wider.* "Well that is just so sweet of you. Not very often do I get many young ladies in the alchemical studies to stop into my shop; and none as nice and pretty as you."
*I started to blush and turned my head away with a giggle.* "Oh c'mon, you just saying that."
*We both smiled at each other.* "Is it okay if I just look around for a bit?" *He nodded with a smile.* "Take your time. If you need any help, I'll be right here at the counter."
"Oh I'm sure you will be." *Okay, so my flirting needs some work.*
*As I browsed the shelves, I found a jar of plant roots labeled Ipecacuanha. Next to it was another jar with aloe vera leaves. Thinking to my self: "Hum... ipecacuanha is used to make syrup of ipecac, a very powerful emetic. If Serpis is too strong for me to defeat, maybe I can just keep her from consuming me... it's worth a try. I just have such conflicting feelings about Serpis. Can I really trust her? Does she trust me?"
*Just as I was reaching for the jar I felt a piercing and burning pain across my stomach. Something like I was being cut with a knife or... a blade? I wrapped my arm around my middle and crouched down as the pain would not easy. At the same time my fingertips also started getting warming and redder. The shopkeeper rushed from around the counter and came to my side.* "Miss, miss! Are you alright? You look as if you're about to faint."
*Taking deep breaths.* "No, no, thank you sir. I'm just fine. Um... might I trouble you for a sip of water."
*As the gentleman hurried to the backroom to get me some water, I knew something was wrong. I remember that back on the road, Serpis had touched my fingertips when she handed me back bota bag. Could that be it? Is Serpis wounded or hurt or...? I gasped. Red! Serpis and Red must be fighting at the inn. Serpis does have some abilities... and I wonder if she even knows it.*
...
*Just as the shopkeeper returned with the water I quickly drank it and thanked the man. I promised him I will be right back and hurried out the door and over to the inn.
Drawing me sword, I burst through the door and looked around to see nothing on the first floor. I turn to my left and noticed a flight of stairs leading up; I quickly run up to the top floor to the guest rooms. I hear a commotion from the first room and try the doorknob only to find it was locked. I leaned close to the door and listened. Two familiar voices filled the room.*
Red: "...There's nothing superficial in that wound."
Serpis: "S- shut up!!!"
*Suddenly all was silent save for Serpis's heavy breathing or panting. My stomach was still burning so Serpis still must be injured. Just then Red's booming voice flooded the room.*
Red: "You have been defeated Serpis. You thought you would eat me again but you were surely mistaken. Never again will I see the inside of your cavernous belly! Don't eat another human ever again!"
*Shouting in my mind: "Red - no, don't kill her!" I quickly pry the door open with my sword and break in just to see Red raising his sword with both hands ready to come crashing down on Serpis for the final blow. I rush in and just in the nick of time block Red with both my sword and all may might.*
*Struggling to hold off Red's sword I yell.* "Red, it's me! Don't kill her; don't kill Serpis!" *Red, surprised to see me easies off his attack, both of us out of breath. Red's stunned to see me alive as I stood between him and Serpis, protecting her with my sword en garde.*
/////Redsquallff8/////
red: One how are you alive? Two why are you protecting her. And three why did i just talk funny?" Red looks at Serpis and says " Leave the girls go..or die....oh fuck it! *red lobs off serpis head* "Look you were supposed to be her meal....like you left me last time! And Every one needs to run because by giving her my blood she will get back up and will be pissed off" Red stands ready for her getting back up and back to life*
/////Sergit/////
Serpis:"I... don't need... your help..."
*Linda helps Shinku to stand and they get away from Serpis, Red and Jacin.*
Jacin: "First thing first, get these two out of this place"
Shinku: "Red and... miss, What will you do now? What will happen to her?"
Linda: "Her wounds are being healed, She will be fine, even though I don't know if that's good or bad for us. We need to go now or we will be snake food soon... Bye, Jon! Let's meet again someday!"
*While Red leads the girls to safety, Jacin and Serpis talk as the Naga slowly recovers from the injuries. She's still upset about recieving human help, but now that the pain is going away she feels a bit better.*
/////Redsquallff8/////
Red checks on Jain and see a very uphappy serpis.
Red: so you going to leave or you still wanna eat someone. besides i just made you immortal... so i might as well give up...*red drops his swords* you sure you dont wanna eat jacin?"
/////CGR-7/////
*Serpis, still looking a bit dizzy from her injuries, slowly starts to stand and looks back and forth between Red and myself, deciding which one she would wanna eat. Red's decapitating wound is healing rather quickly but the wound inflicted to her belly doesn't not seem to be healing as fast.*
*I started off in a calm and sympathetic voice.* "Serpis, that wound you have on your belly looks pretty bad. I can treat it if you want. Plus you still want those manuscripts, right? I won't renege if you won't. You've come all this way, not just today, but in the course of your entire life to advance your hypnotic abilities only to find someone, me, who can give you a major piece to the puzzle. If you consume me... you'll be throwing that all away and will have to start all over again."
*Red interjected.* "Manuscripts? What manuscripts? What's this all about?"
*I looked to Red* "I promised that I would give her a set of manuscripts that would help to teach her how to develop her hypnotic abilities in exchange for my life. That's why I'm protecting her - for that promise."
*Red was stunned.* "What!? You fool! Why would you promise her something like that!? Because she ate me last time and got my blood she now has immortality... and now you're just gonna give her some lessons to improve her mind tricks." *Red scoffed.*
...
*Deciding to change the subject, I looked back and forth from Red to Serpis and back to Red* "Look Red, I had no intent on just leaving you. You told me to take the lil' neko to safety and I did and I asked if I should come back for you. You said, and I quote: '...sure, but you might get eaten...' Disregarding my own safety I did come back to help you but what was I to do, you were already eaten. I don't have the strength like you to cut anyone from her underbelly, no matter how soft her hide might be. My sword skills are mostly defensive, only offensive a small amount of the time." *I looked back to Serpis.* "Tell him Serpis, please defend me on this. Didn't I come back to try and save him but you had already ingested him?"
*Serpis looks at Red and sighs.* "It's true Red. I had already eaten you so you wouldn't have known. Jacin did come back to help you and was sure enough ready to fight me but knew there was no use in it."
*Red, now hearing the revelation, just stood there quietly.*
*But firm in my actions I continued.* "Please Red, please to understand. There was nothing I could do."
*I look back to Serpis who looks right at me. My eyes started to water but I said with a smile:* "The wine Serpis, remember the wine." *Just then Serpis's eyes lit up with a happy, teary glow.*
*It was then Red that broke the silence with a quick retort while crossing his arms in a huff.* "Well Serpis, what's it gonna be? You wanna eat me again... or Jacin?"
*Again Serpis looked back and forth between Red and me before a menacing little grin ran the width of her face.*
/////Sergit/////
Serpis: "Can't I eat both of you? Ahh, It's ok, I think I will eat you." *She pointed towards Red with her hand.* " You are the one who went away with my prey. You also are the one who cut my belly with a sword and then freed my prey AGAIN...And also, you will just regenerate again if I eat you, so you will be fine, right?"
Jacin: "Then, do you still want me to help you getting these hypnotic powers?"
Serpis: "Sure thing, Jacin! You are a really nice girl, for an human, I would like to keep you around for a while. But how can you trust me so much? How do you know I won't hypnotize you and eat you too once I learn?"
Red: "So that's it... Good bye Jacin, it was nice travelling with you."
Serpis: "Immortal, huh? That's hard for me to believe. Well, my lifespan is way longer than human's anyways. Red, isn't it? This is the second time I eat you. Next time let me eat my food(*cough-girls-cough*) before you come to see me and I won't eat you again... or maybe... I will <3"
/////Redsquallff8/////
Red: So...im food again -.- This is going to be another boring month. If you eat me can you at least pin me or dangle me....last thing will you get my lightning powers after eating me?
/////CGR-7/////
*As I stood off to the side, Serpis slithered across the room to Red, picked him up and put him in her mouth and gulped him down her maw. But as soon as Red landed in Serpis's belly, Serpis winced over in pain and grabbed her stomach. Just like before, my stomach also hurt in the same place with the same sharp, burning pain. I darted to Serpis's aid and looked at her stomach to see why. As soon as Red had entered and expanded her belly, the wound he had inflicted on her earlier on her hide had torn open again and was bleeding quite badly. I lead Serpis over to the bed where she gently laid down, holding her belly trying to stop the bleeding. I pulled of the bed sheet and pressed it to the wound.*
"Serpis I need to tend that wound, having swallowed Red has reopened it. I know you're immortal but that only means you won't die; you could spend the rest of your, being forever, in serious pain and agony from the scare tissue and possible infection. Please Serpis, if you've trusted me up 'til now just trust me for a little longer."
*Serpis looked at me with watery eyes and let out a weak cry.* "Okay Jacin, you're a human... but I trust you. Please, help me."
*As Serpis was resting on the bed, I put my sword back in its sheath and ran to the door about to leave to the apothecary shop.* "Serpis, I'll be right back. I need to run back to the apothecary shop to get some medicine. Don't move, I promise I'll be right back!"
*I hurry down the stairs and out the inn's front door and down the street to the apothecary store as fast I could. I came bursting through the door much to the shopkeeper's surprise.*
"Oh miss, you've returned. How are you feeling?"
*I nodded.* "I just fine sir, that you. Listen I've very short of time, my friend is badly wounded and I'm in need of medical supplies. I saw earlier that you have what I need and I need some linen or cotton wraps, grain alcohol, aloe vera leaves, and a needle and thread."
*Although I knew he liked me, the owner was a little hesitant to give me the supplies wondering if I was going to pay for it all. To end his suspicions, I unbelted my sword and handed it to him as collateral.* "Please - the supplies, I swear I will pay you later, in full."
*I passed the sword over the counter and he passed me a wooden crate of the supplies. As I gathered it all up and began to hurry out the door the man hollered:* "Miss, here, you'll need this too." *He handed me a brown bottle that read 'LAUDANUM' on the label. I thanked him with a nod, put the bottle in the crate, and hurried back to Serpis.*
...
*I sat the crate next to the bed and prepared to get to work. I took off my cape, rolled up my sleeves, and sterilized my hands with the alcohol. I slowed pealed the blood soaked sheet from Serpis's belly and throw it to the end of the bed. I examined the wound to see if anything was in it, it was clean. I reached for the laudanum and pulled the cork from the bottle.* "Here Serpis, take a sip of this - it will ease the pain." *Serpis, moaning in pain, took a small swig and, unhappy with its taste, coughed a little but slowly relaxed as the drug took affect.* "Okay Serpis, this might hurt a little... or a lot, I'm not sure." *I grabbed the bottle of alcohol and poured a little on the wound. Serpis's eyes shot wide open and she started squealing and screeching and clawed at the bed cover 'til the pain eased.*
*Now I need to the suture wound. I threaded the needle and poked the needle to Serpis's snake hide. But because it was so leathery and tough, the needle tip broke was I tried to push it in. Now how was I to close the wound. But then I remember I still had my dagger with me and searched through me purse to find it. I saw a wood stove burning in the corner and knew I need to cauterize the wound closed. I heated my dagger in the stove 'til it was red hot and hurried over to pinch Serpis's skin closed and pressed the hot knife to the wound. Once again Serpis struggled in pain but I give her another sip of laudanum and she passed out. As the wound cooled, I rubbed the area with some alcohol and some sap from the aloe vera leaves. I put the cut pieces of the leaves on the wound and finished by bandaged them around Serpis's middle with the cotton wraps.*
*I was so exhausted by the whole procedure I barely had the energy to clean Serpis's blood from my hands. I sure hoped the cauterizing would hold so it could heal.*
*After cleaning up in the basin, I walked back over to the bedside and held Serpis's hand as she laid there asleep.* "That's all I can do Serpis, the rest is up to you."
/////Sergit/////
Serpis laid there for hours, recovering from all that had happened to her that day. She had lived in the wild all her life, and the only education she ever recieved was about hunting, so she had no way to understand what had Jacin done to her. The only thing she knew was that the human was trying to help her, and she had to endure the pain, so she did it the best she could. She didn't sleep many hours, but she kept her eyes closed and pretended to sleep, enjoying secretly the peace of the moment. Red was already beyond her waist,way down into her tail, and barely moved, anymore. Youkai absorb energy and matter from the bodies of their preys, so the wound in her belly was getting healed and did not hurt that badly anymore. She opened her eyes and found Jacin sleeping near to her, holding her hand.
Serpis(to herself):"What an strange human she is..." *She then licked her cheek softly and laid again in bed, caressing with her other hand the bulge in her tail.* "It seems coming to the beach wasn't that bad, after all!" *She sighed satisfied*
/////Redsquallff8/////
Red sits bored as he is digested. Red is really annoyed but is pissed off that she managed to eat him again. He waits for his body to be digested, so that he can regenerate outside her tail later.
/////CGR-7/////
*Can I trust her? Should I trust her? What if my trust was misplaced? Nah... Serpis trusts me and she still wants the manuscripts. I can trust her. I just - no, I know it, I know I can. But I need to be absolutely sure. How can I be certain? But then I realized, the apothecary shop, the storekeeper has just what I need.*
*I slowly came out of my nap and looked over to see Serpis had woken up and was gently rubbing her bulging tail.* "Oh... Serpis, you're awake. How are you feeling?"
*Sepis slowly turned and looked at me with a smile.* "I feel just fine Jacin. My body's starting to absorb nutrients and energy from Red so the wound doesn't really hurt any more."
*I slowly stood up and looked out the window to see the sun had set, so it had to be well into the evening.* "Well that's fantastic Serpis, just fantastic. Why don't we leave the bandages on a little while longer and I can check them just before you actually go to bed for the night to make sure they stay in place while you sleep and the wound doesn't reopen."
*Serpis nodded.* "Okay, that sound's fine."
*I started to walk to the door when Serpis asked:* "Where are you going Jacin?"
"Oh, I'll be right back Serpis. It's too late tonight to go to the apothecary shop to get my sword back from the shopkeeper so I'll go in the morning; I need to pay him back for the medical supplies. I'm just going to run down the hallway to my room to fetch my knapsack with the manuscripts and my coin purse. I need to keep my coins on me so no one steals them."
"What do you mean Jacin... why does the shopkeeper have your sword? Didn't I give it back to you?"
*I nodded.* "Yes you did Serpis, see I gave it to the shopkeeper as collateral. I didn't have any coinage on me at the time and he wouldn't have given me the supplies I need to heal you so I temporarily loaned it to him in exchange for the supplies"
*Serpis gasps with a smile, her eyes stared to water.* "You- you gave up your sword... to treat my wound?"
"Yeah Serpis... I did." *I gently closed the door, leaving it just slightly ajar to let Serpis get some rest in the warmth of the yellow-orange glow from the lit candle on the nightstand.*
...
*I walked down the hallway and entered the room I had rented when Red and I arrived in the village. I was as untouched as when I left it to go with Red to the beach; the only change was it was now lit with moonlight instead of sunlight. On the bed was my tan, leather knapsack that I have had with me since I started my journey and ran away from home. It had definitely seen better days as the leather was now worn and faded, slightly fraying but so soft and flexible. The buckles and rivets where the only embellishments on it not affected by time as they were made from a high gold alloy. I opened the top flap and inside the bag is a loose assortment of personal effects. The manuscripts were on top and underneath are some small jars of medicinal herbs and spices. I also had some maps, a compass, some flint, and just whatever else I needed while travelling from town to town. I do have more pockets on the knapsack and keep small, more important items hidden; my coin purse for one and other jewelry or precious metal or stones I've either found or traded for at a fantastic deal.*
*Making sure everything was in order, I buckled up my knapsack and pulled the strap over my shoulder and made my way to the door. But before I left I grabbed the pillow and blanket from the bed and the candle from the nightstand. I closed the door and locked it and made way back to Serpis in Red's former room.*
/////Sergit/////
When Jacin came back, Serpis felt her smell and sat in the bed, excited.
Serpis: "Welcome back! Did you get those manuscripts?"
Jacin: "Yep! Here they are." *Jacin showed Serpis some scrolls and papers, but the contents were unreadable for both of them, as they were in Syriac* "What will you do now that you have them?"
Serpis: I can't do anything with these right now, but I will keep them in my cave. I will have to carry these for a while, as my cave is pretty far away from here."
Jacin: "Where do you live, Serpis?"
Serpis: My cave is in the grasslands, towards the west. Don't laugh, but I went exploring outside my territory and got lost, and after spending a day or so walking, I reached this beach. I never saw the sea before."
Jacin: "I see. Do you plan carrying all these manuscripts alone?"
Serpis: "Well, that was the plan, but..."
Jacin: "...You can't do that in the state you are right now. Not alone, at least."
Serpis: "Would you want to...come with me? T-to my home? O-of course, you don't have to if you don't want! You are free to leave, as we agreed. You kept your word and I keep mine, see?"
/////CGR-7/////
"Yes, yes you did Serpis. You are very much true to your word. I glad we could make this deal work out as well as it did." *I took a moment to think.* "Sure Serpis... I'll come with you. To tell you the truth, I don't think I've ever been to the West; just to the west in the sense that my village in way back East. This will be a new journey for me."
*I went through my knapsack and pulled out a map and the compass. I unfolded the map on the bed and turned it toward her.* "Here Serpis, this is a map of the known continent. Here we are in Zephillia and here is my hometown of Xandra, a vast imperial city or at least it was at one time. I haven't been back there in... well, a while now. As you can see on this map, the circled cities and towns are the ones I have visited, either with Red or by myself. I've travelled farther to the east of my home, to the south, and a little farther to the north; but this is as far as I have travelled out west. So where is your cave Serpis?"
*Serpis was not very familiar with a map but still had a decent sense of direction and pointed to the general Northwestern region which does has grasslands as far as the cartographers knew back east.* "Wow Serpis, you really did get lost; that's quite a journey." *Sitting next to Serpis, she and I decide on the best route to take to reach the Northwest region and hopefully get her back home safely.* "Well Serpis, now that that's taken care off, I need to get cleaned up and get some sleep. I have to see the shopkeeper first thing tomorrow about my sword."
*I looked over at Serpis.* "Would you like me to sleep in here with you tonight? Just to make sure everything's okay"
*Serpis smiled.* "Sure you can Jacin, I was kinda hoping you would; so we could watch out for each. Keep each other safe. You can sleep here in bed with me if you want."
"Nah, that's okay Serpis. That's a single bed, it's really only made for one person and you need the room to stretch out and such." *Serpis was a little disappointed but understood and just relaxed and reclined against the headboard and turned to look out the window at the bright, full moon.*
...
*I picked up my cape up off the floor and rolled it up and put it on the chair by the door. As I untied the sash from my waist and took off my gown down to my chemise, I looked over to Serpis and just saw an exhausted and plain look on her face. She's had quite a day, never seeing the sea before, battling with Red, sustaining a major injury, that'd wear anyone down.*
*I walked over to the ceramic wash basin in the corner and poured some tepid water into it from one of the two pitchers on the stove. I washed off my makeup, washed my hands, and brushed my hair before pulling it back into a ponytail for the night. As I cleaned up I noticed Serpis was just casually watching me go through this nightly ritual.*
"You don't do any of this, do you Serpis?" *She smiled and shook head back and forth.* *I looked down at the washcloth in my hand.* "Here Serpis, let me clean you up. All the medicines and herbs in the world can't compare to the soothing feeling of a nice hot bath."
*I emptied the used, now cool, water out the window and put the basin on the floor next to the bed. I grabbed the other pitcher of warm water off the stove and filled the basin partway with the steaming clear liquid. As I let it cool just a little, I coaxed Serpis to ease over to the edge of the bed where I gently lifted the covers off her and undid the bandage. The wound was just a little red and had already had some nice fresh skin growing on the swollen cut.*
"That looks really good Serpis. After I'm done cleaning you I'll rub some aloe on it and redress it with some fresh linen strips. You'll need to let it get some air in the morning to help it heal better."
*Serpis nodded and took deep breath as I dipped the washcloth in the warm and began to wash her all over. I washed her tail, her arms, her back, her tummy... all over, and I also gingerly scrubbed the dried blood and tissue from around the cut. As I padded the warm cloth over her body, Serpis just swayed back and forth and swooned with the new feeling of pleasure she had never experience before.* *I smiled.* "Feels good, doesn't it Serpis."
"Um-hum, it's so warm and relaxing I having a hard time staying awake. Thank you so, so much Jacin."
*After I was all done washing her, I delighted her once again by giving her hair a nice brushing which I doubt it has ever had. I gently rubbed aloe on the cut and wrapped it again in bandages for the night. I helped Serpis get comfortable in bed and swaddled her with the covers from my room to keep her nice and warm for the night. I cleaned up the mess and just get the room in order for in the morning before walking over to the nightstand and picking up the candle to put on the side table by the couch.*
"Goodnight Serpis, sweet dreams..." *I settled down on the couch and pulled my cape over me as a blanket and blew out the glowing wick. The smell of hot wax wafted about the room and the soft white curls of smoke lifted to the ceiling till the ember cooled.*
*I had though Serpis was already asleep, but just then a gentle voice came from the far side of the bed. In such a faint, childlike tone Serpis just managed to whisper out:* "Goodnight Jacin."
/////Sergit/////
Serpis felt really nice. In her home, she would take baths in cold water, swimming in the lake, rubbing some aromatic plants on her body to clean herself. Whenever she was injured, she just licked the wound and let it like that until it was healed. And she would always sleep in her cave or outside, in the grass. Having someone else helping her was also something new. She was always diligent with her own hygiene, but that night she was feeling cleaner than ever. She would have to find a way to thank Jacin for everything she did for her.
The next day, Jacin and Serpis woke up early, to prepare for the travel back to home. Jacin went to buy supplies and to recover her sword from the shopkeeper, and Serpis stayed in the inn trying to figure how the heck did those maps work. Serpis agreed (reluctantly) to eat human food during the trip to home. That afternoon, a boy called Mark came looking for his friends, Shinku and Linda, but Jacin told him they went somewhere else (which was the truth). He went away and then, the night fell.
Jacin: "Tomorrow we will be going to your home, so make sure you sleep well, Serpis."
Serpis: "Okay, goodnight for you, too."
The two of them left the inn the following day, and said goodbye to the sea. Their travel together was about to begin.
---------
The End
*Sighs and smiles* Okay Don Quixote, I'll be Sancho (just much, much thinner).
*Looks at Serpis and then back to Red, unsheathes broadsword* What do you need me to do?
/////Redsquallff8/////
You to attack first this time then I'll save this girl like that mouse i saved a while back XD
/////Sergit/////
Shinku: "So you guys are going to help me, after all? Ok, thanks!"
*Serpis hides behind Shinku while still holding her with her tail.*
Serpis: "You are free to try anything, but if she gets hurt it will be your fault, boys~" *uses the girl as a shield*
/////Redsquallff8/////
Runs and leaps while CGR-7 attacks from the front*"Take this!!!
/////Sergit/////
*Serpis holds Shinku and puts her in front of Red, so he can't use his sword
against her and faces Jacin(CGR-7).* "Come on little human,I don't bite... much! "
/////Redsquallff8/////
Red grabs shinku and tries to pull her free* Let her go you monstrous hag!
/////Sergit/////
Serpis: "No, I won't! She's staying with me! She wants to stay with me, too."
Shinku:"That's not true! Help me get out of here, please!"
*Serpis is holding back the other human, so her coils tighten around Shinku
but keeps focused in her frontal attacker*
/////Redsquallff8/////
Red uses the sword as a wedge and tries to free shinku* I said unhand her!!
/////Sergit/////
Serpis: "Owowow STOP!" *Her grip losens a bit and Shinku starts pushing.*
Shinku: "Let...me...GO!!!"
/////CGR-7/////
*Jacin starts to charge Serpis head-on, picks up speed but then swerves to flank Serpis
on the opposite side - crashed down sword on Serpis's tail tip* Red, now - pull her free! Shinku - bit her tail!
/////Redsquallff8/////
Red pulls shinku free and starts to run* "see yah Jacin and have fun
cuz you get to be lunch this time! hahahaha"
/////CGR-7/////
*Looks to Serpis and squares off with her* Okay Serpis,
it's just you and me. *Grips grip tightly* Just YOU and ME...
/////Sergit/////
*Shinku and Red run away.*
Serpis: "Ah, this is unbelievable! I get to find a nice and easy meal
and these two guys just pop in and ruin my day! It seems I won't
go home with my belly empty, though!"
She suddenly jumps towards Jacin and pins her to the ground.
"Not so tough now, are you?" *Smiles and licks the air*
--------(Red's storyline)---------------------
/////Redsquallff8/////
Red has a romantic dinner with shinku* What would you like to eat miss Shinku?
/////Sergit/////
"Anything is fine, really. So... um... you said you saved
someone else recently? Who was she?"
/////Redsquallff8/////
Just some mouse chick. *red orders some shrimp and lobster*
"so what is your story?" *red is armor less after saving her*
/////Sergit/////
"Well, I came to the beach with my friends last week.
We've been spending the holidays here. I went alone to take a bath
this morning, and then, that strange snake girl fell on me from behind."
/////Redsquallff8/////
I've fought her before...but she ate me last time sadly to say.
*they serve her the lobster* eat up...you need your strength.
/////Sergit/////
"Yes, thanks for the food. She ate you? Then, how did you escape?"
*She's amazed*
/////Redsquallff8/////
I can regenerate...I didn't escape.
/////Sergit/////
"Ah, I see. What would I have done without you guys... By the way, will your friend be Ok? She seemed pretty strong."
/////Redsquallff8/////
She left me too be food last time. *grin* its her turn this time. So how is your lobster?* Red is glad he isn't food this time.*
/////Sergit/////
"It's delicious! I might tell my friends about this place. The food here is really good. So anyways, I'd like to thank you for saving me, somehow. Is there something I can do for you?"
/////Redsquallff8/////
Just the smile on your face is thanks enough for me. Can i get anything else for you to eat? *Red thinks about how many time that line backfires but doesn't care cause she doesn't look like the pred type*
/////Sergit/////
"I am too full, I can't eat anymore. I guess I will go back to the inn my friends and I are staying... Unless there's anything else you want to do."
/////Redsquallff8/////
Well if you want I could join*red is blushing* you know...to um protect you.
/////Sergit/////
"I guess it's OK... I am a bit scared about her coming back! Come, I will introduce you to my friends".
*Shinku and Red go toghether to an inn in front of the beach. A girl waves at you two.*
"Heeey, Shinku! Who's that, your boyfriend?"
"It's not like that, Linda!" *She says as she blushes* "You won't believe what happened to me this morning..."
/////Redsquallff8/////
I'm Red, You can call me Jon if you like.
*Red's hand extends to Linda*
I'm not her boyfriend just her personal body guard.
*Red checks to see if his sword is still there and sees it's still there.*
/////Sergit/////
Linda: "I'm Linda, pleased to meet you, Jon. Oh yes, Shinku, Mark went looking for you when he saw you were gone, this morning."
Shinku: "It's ok, we will tell him later about this."
*Shinku and Red tell her about Serpis.*
Linda: "Woah, that's incredible! But that means Mark is in danger because he went to search for you there! We must go to save him."
/////Redsquallff8/////
"Your friend mark is fine, Serpis only eats one person a day so she'll be full off my friend for awhile.
Red cleans his sword*
/////Sergit/////
Linda: "I hope you're right"
Shinku: "Well then, what do we do, now?"
Linda: "Would you like some drinks?"
Shinku and Red: "Yes, please."
Linda: "Alright, I will go for them, now!"
/////Redsquallff8/////
Red drink 10 drinks* "Well i think i might be drunks" *Red looks at the two chick and thinks about maybe scoring with one of them* "Well what can i do to you..ladies" Red is starting to stumble*
/////Sergit/////
*The ladies are also quite drunk. Shinku fell asleep on the sofa, and near her, Linda is watching you with a big grin in her lips and a red face. Red looks at her more closely.*
Linda is a blonde girl and her hair barely reaches her shoulders. She's a bit taller than Shinku, and her eyes are brown.
*She notices you are staring at her and blinks at you. Linda giggles a bit, leans towards you and whispers: "Hey Jon~... Do you think I am pretty?"
/////Redsquallff8/////
Yes..i do.
*Jon rubs Linda's shoulders and kisses her cheek* where do you wanna go with this?*jon sets the sword on the floor*
/////Sergit/////
"Let's go upstairs and let Shinku sleep here"
*She holds your arm and guides you through the inn, and upstairs. No one will bother us, here. So, where were we?" *She says, and then kisses you in the mouth softly*
/////Redsquallff8/////
*Red grins then kisses her back roughly and thinks "SCORE!"* *red caresses her body and rubs her ass as they keep kissing*
"So...You like me? "
/////Sergit/////
*She nods*
Linda: "I tought you were with Shinku, and I got kinda disappointed. But now, it's clear you are for me, and I love it!"
You keep kissing and touching each other. You two are so focused on yourselves that you don't realize someone else has gotten inside the room"*
"Hey, do you mind if I join?"
*The voice came from behind Red and Linda.*
Red: "YOU!"
Linda: "Who are you?!"
*... It was Serpis.*
--------(Jacin's storyline)---------------------
/////CGR-7/////
*Thinks to self: "Damn, Serpis is so heavy; I can barely breathe. Where's my sword, where's my sword?!" Looks and sees sword but it is just out of my reach. "What do I do?!" My head was pounding - but then... an idea.*
*I turn over and face Serpis* "You're right Serpis, I'm not tough. I'm little and meek and it takes all I can muster just to wield that blade. So that's why if I cannot effectively fight with bronze... I have to fight with brains."
*Serpis is stumped but while distracted, I quickly grab a handful of sand and heave it into her eyes. Serpis leaps back, wincing and yelping in pain. I hurry to my feet and pick up my steel.* "I told ya Serpis - brains. Now it's a fair fight." *With Serpis incapacitated and my blade gripped tightly in both hands, I quietly charge with all my speed and might.*
/////Sergit/////
*Serpis falls on her back, suprised. She covers her eyes and groans. Her eyes are full of sand and she can't see*
*Jacin attacks her while she looks helpless, but...*
Serpis: "Did you really think that was going to work?"
*She moves very fast and evades the attack. She then coils her tail around your arms and holds you in the air.*
Jacin: " B-but how-?!"
Serpis: "My kind does not need to see their preys to locate them. Just with the smell, the temperature and the vibration of the ground I can trace your moves easily."
*She opens her mouth and pulls you closer.*
"Well, that's it, now be a good meal and don't resist. Aaaah~"
/////CGR-7/////
*I sigh grimly as I dangle there in mid air* "You're right Serpis, there's nothing else I can do. You're too strong, too fast, and have a sorta extrasensory perception. How could I, a mere human, hope to defeat you. So go ahead - eat me."
*But just as Serpis has put me into her mouth...* "Oh, by the way Serpis, how are those hypnotic powers you've been trying to develop?
*Serpis intrigued pulls me from her mouth but holds me securely around the waist with her tail* "What do you know of hypnotic abilities?"
I retort, "well obviously none otherwise I would have used them on you. But I haven't always travelled with Red on all his adventures you know. In fact, I've been on quite a many adventures myself, alone. On my journeys I might have come across a manuscript of certain learnable 'abilities' of the mind. I haven't them with me at the moment and they're written in Syriac, but if you still wish to develop your mind's abilities, I have a few linguistic colleagues that can translate the texts into English and then you may have them... for a trade. The scripts do me no good as they take too long to study, but since you have a lifespan much greater than that of a normal human, what is time to you but that which can be easily squandered. So what do you say Serpis, the scrolls for my life?"
*Serpis ponders* "You know I don't trust you humans. How do I know you'll keep your word?"
*I grin* "You don't, that's way it's called a gamble. Have we an accord then?" *Extends hand*
/////Sergit/////
*She thinks for a while, then answers.*
Serpis: "I don't know how to read any human language, but I will take care of these manuscripts you are talking about. They might be useful for me, once I learn to read. Where are those writtings? Who has them?... And how did you know I am trying to get hypnotic powers? Answer to all that and I 'might' let you go."
Jacin: "Don't you want to translate them to english?"
Serpis: "Nah, no need. Just tell me where are them. And hurry up or I eat you!" *Her belly rumbles hungrily*
/////CGR-7/////
"Okay Serpis, I'll tell you." *Looks around and sees Red and Shinku's footprints in the sand heading west; thinks to self: "Okay, so they went back to town." Turns back around to Serpis* "Serpis, before Red and I came over here to the beach and noticed that young girl needed saving, we stopped at the local inn. You know the village just a few miles over there to the west."
*Serpis was getting frustrated* "There are a lot of villages to the west. Which one is it?!"
*I nodded* "The village of Zephillia. I have the scrolls in my knapsack when Red and I stopped to rest and I left them in my room. Why don't I go back and fetch 'em for you?"
"Hold it right there!" *Serpis picked up my sword and pointed it at me.* "I wasn't born yesterday. I'm gonna come with you to make sure you don't try anything funny, like escaping."
*I looked at Serpis sternly* "'Escape' Serpis, no I won't escape. You have me on a very short leash by being able to ingest me when you want and you have my valuable sword in your clutches." *I motion to Serpis* "I'll lead the way. Just don't expect me to carry you."
*Serpis and Jacin start the short trek back to the village. Thinks to self: "I need to meet back up with Red; I need his help to defeat her."*
...
*As Serpis and I continued on our journey to the village, Serpis again asked how I knew she wished to have hypnotic abilities.*
*Serpis slithered right behind my, leading me with my sword* "Remember I told you that I didn't always travel with Red. Back East I used to an aspiring alchemic scholar and came from a very, very noble and elite family. But one day the city was sacked and with its fall its economy collapsed and its money became worthless. A new dynasty was crowned and my family and I lost everything; we became vagrants within the city. To earn even the littlest bit of money my father did petty manual labor and on the side sold quack medicinal elixirs; my mother made textiles and moonlighted as a dancer. I tried to get back into my studies as an alchemist but it was so costly. The senior students and professors asked that if I would volunteer to test some potions, they would pay my tuition. Thinking it was a great deal, I took the offer but with a slight side effect. The mixtures through off my body's natural rhythm: my hair got thicker and grew longer, my body became more slender and hour-glass shaped, my skin became smoother softer, and my voice became higher. After that all the male students started looking at me quite a bit differently." *I stopped and showed Serpis my figure.* "My breasts aren't as big as yours but still..."
*Serpis looked me up and down* "So that's why you don't look-" *I nodded* "Yeah. After more than a few 'advances' by the other boys, I was so broken down and depressed that I quit the university. When I returned home to our little back alley tent, my father didn't even recognize and even tried to hit on me before I told him it was me. Soon thereafter the fighting and yelling started, words were exchanged, crying began and then silence; or at least silence to me because I gathered up my things, some of my mother's older and smaller gowns, stole my father sword, and ran away. And now... here I am."
*We continued journeying.* "Well that's an interesting tale Jacin. But how did you know I wanted to develop my hypnotic abilities?"
*I scoffed* "What are you running late for something? I'll get to that."
*Serpis pokes me in the butt with my sword.* "Ouch! Uuh... demon."
/////Sergit/////
"You sure have have an interesting life, mine is so boring in comparison... But go on, what happened next?"
*Serpis and Jacin keep walking towards the village. The story has Serpis so interested she forgets about how hungry she is*
/////CGR-7/////
*Serpis picks up her pace and is now walking right next to me.*
"After I ran away from home, if you could call it that, I did a number of odd professions to get by and earn a little money. After going from place to place, I stopped in the city of Beller and I was asked if I wanted to apprenticeship as a librarian and tend to tomes and manuscripts. Thinking there may have some texts on alchemy, I took the job and planned on reading and studying half the time. They actually didn't have a lot of alchemic books but had an abundance of them on demonology and creature study. Creatures like incubi, succubi, hybrids... nagas."
*Serpis's ears perked up and she looked right at me.*
"That's right Serpis, you heard me. I've studied a little on nagas and it turns out that many other species of nagas either have hypnotic abilities or have the potential to develop them; but some others species cannot at all. I wasn't sure which one you were but the data shows that the prevalence of nagas are born with the abilities or have the capacity to develop 'em. Whether they choose to is up to them. The data was kinda outdated at the time but only like one in twenty or thirty or so nagas are born complete without the abilities or being able to develop them; that's about four percent Serpis. Since you didn't use any such abilities on me I deduced that you're either still developing your skills or you're one of the four percent. Looks like I guessed right."
"Yeah, I guess you did." *Serpis cracked a little smile and looked forward again.* "So how much farther is it to this village- what was it called... 'Zephillia?'"
*I smiled* "Yeah, that's right. It's not much further Serpis about a half-hour, forty-five minutes at best." *I looked across the landscape and saw and pointed to the town off in the distance.* "As a matter of fact Serpis... look, there it is just over the horizon."
...
*Serpis and I continued walking and as the day went on the sun was beating down and it was starting to get a bit warm, still being surrounded by sand and all. I untied my bota bag I carry on my belt and just as I was about to take a quaff of red wine I looked to Serpis.* "Hey Serpis... you fancy a drink? It's just red wine"
*Serpis reached out and gently took the pouch and said with a smile.* "Thanks Jacin, you didn't have to do that." *She takes a big gulp.*
"Nah Serpis, I wanted to." *Serpis hands me back the pouch and I take a drink. But as she handed the pouch back to me my finger tips gently, and maybe accidently, grazed her finger tips. Thinking to myself: "Hmm, I think Serpis and I are- I think we're become friends..."*
*After sitting to rest for a few minutes, Serpis and I reach the village gates about an hour later and make our way to the village inn. And upon stopping at the front door...* "Here Jacin, you can have this back." *Serpis hands me back my sword and I put it back in its sheath.*
"Thanks Serpis, why don't you head inside and I'll be right there to get you the scrolls. I just need to stop over at the apothecary's shop real fast. Okay?"
"That sounds fine." *Serpis goes in.*
/////Sergit/////
*Serpis enters in the inn, as the sun was beginning to fall behind the mountains*
She thinks to herself "was this a good idea? What if someone sees me here?"
*She looks around the inn but there doesn't seem to be anyone. But then, she finds a girl sleeping in the sofa. It's the girl she tried to eat earlier that morning. "What is she doing here? If I eat her now, no one will notice, right? And I haven't eaten anything yet, today..."
*Serpis eats Shinku while she sleeps. She wonders why the girl didn't even wake up.*
The naga sat on the sofa and waited Jacin for a while.
"...Wait. If she was here, does that mind the guy who saved her is also here?"
*She looks around the house and goes upstairs. Red and a blonde girl are making out in a room*
Serpis (to herself): "Bingo!"
--------(Red's storyline)---------------------
/////Redsquallff8/////
Red jumps up and walks back* "No..no...You can't be here! *red remembers he left his sword downstairs* You really like my taste don't you *red tries to go to the door but is still to drunk to walk right*
/////Sergit/////
Serpis: "I just followed the other girl's smell after I finished with your friend (Big lie). And now, you are defenseless and ready to eat. This girl here will be fine, too. If I am full I will just kidnap her until I am hungry again. Heh heh."
*You hear a muffled voice coming from Serpis body.*
Serpis: "By the way, I have already the girl you stole, inside my tummy. She was sleeping so peacefully in the sofa I almost felt bad for eating her."
/////Redsquallff8/////
Red uses his lightning at point blank range*
Red: This...might not kill you but this...will hurt like hell!
*Red lightning zaps her in the face then he starts downstairs to get his sword. Red hope serpis didn't eat it*
...
Red starts to reach for the sword and feels something on his left leg*
Red: Linda that is you right?
/////Sergit/////
Serpis: "No,I am not... But if you want an human female, inside me there's one."
*She has her tail around your leg, and does not let you reach your sword.*
Serpis: "Now, it's time for you to join her!"
Linda: "Wait!" *The girl comes from behind Serpis and pushes her* "Release Shinku and Jon, now.
Serpis: "Ahhh! Get off of me!"
*Fighting Linda, Serpis unwraps Red's leg.*
Red: "This is my chance!"
/////Redsquallff8/////
Red grabs his sword and slices serpis's belly freeing shinku*
Red: "once i'll heal you...leave once your healed"
*Red cuts himself bleeding on her wound*
Red: "You'll regenerate but leave them be and go. If you need to eat someone eat me again and be full for another month. Good bye Shinku and Linda"
/////Sergit/////
Serpis: "Ha ha ha. As if this were enough to kill me! It's just a superficial injury!" (Big lie)
Red: "No, it's not. I just ripped your stomach. There's nothing superficial in that wound."
Serpis: "S-shut up!!!"
Serpis(to herself): "Owww! This really hurts! When is Jacin coming back? She should be here, already. I hope he will help me... This guy abandoned him to be eaten and fled with the girl. An I am (kinda) her friend! There's no way he will betray me! ...Right?"
--------(Jacin and Red's storyline)---------------------
/////CGR-7/////
*Upon entering the apothecary's shop, I walked in to see an assortment of herbs and spices, whole plant samples, drugs, and a small amount of confectionery treats. As I brows around the rows of bottles and containers, the shopkeeper emerges from the backroom and greets me with a smile.*
"Why hello there miss. How may I help you today?"
*I walk up to the counter.* "Well I'm not sure kind sir. I just arrived in town today, and as an aspiring alchemist, just felt a compulsion to come by and visit the local apothecary."
*He smiles a little wider.* "Well that is just so sweet of you. Not very often do I get many young ladies in the alchemical studies to stop into my shop; and none as nice and pretty as you."
*I started to blush and turned my head away with a giggle.* "Oh c'mon, you just saying that."
*We both smiled at each other.* "Is it okay if I just look around for a bit?" *He nodded with a smile.* "Take your time. If you need any help, I'll be right here at the counter."
"Oh I'm sure you will be." *Okay, so my flirting needs some work.*
*As I browsed the shelves, I found a jar of plant roots labeled Ipecacuanha. Next to it was another jar with aloe vera leaves. Thinking to my self: "Hum... ipecacuanha is used to make syrup of ipecac, a very powerful emetic. If Serpis is too strong for me to defeat, maybe I can just keep her from consuming me... it's worth a try. I just have such conflicting feelings about Serpis. Can I really trust her? Does she trust me?"
*Just as I was reaching for the jar I felt a piercing and burning pain across my stomach. Something like I was being cut with a knife or... a blade? I wrapped my arm around my middle and crouched down as the pain would not easy. At the same time my fingertips also started getting warming and redder. The shopkeeper rushed from around the counter and came to my side.* "Miss, miss! Are you alright? You look as if you're about to faint."
*Taking deep breaths.* "No, no, thank you sir. I'm just fine. Um... might I trouble you for a sip of water."
*As the gentleman hurried to the backroom to get me some water, I knew something was wrong. I remember that back on the road, Serpis had touched my fingertips when she handed me back bota bag. Could that be it? Is Serpis wounded or hurt or...? I gasped. Red! Serpis and Red must be fighting at the inn. Serpis does have some abilities... and I wonder if she even knows it.*
...
*Just as the shopkeeper returned with the water I quickly drank it and thanked the man. I promised him I will be right back and hurried out the door and over to the inn.
Drawing me sword, I burst through the door and looked around to see nothing on the first floor. I turn to my left and noticed a flight of stairs leading up; I quickly run up to the top floor to the guest rooms. I hear a commotion from the first room and try the doorknob only to find it was locked. I leaned close to the door and listened. Two familiar voices filled the room.*
Red: "...There's nothing superficial in that wound."
Serpis: "S- shut up!!!"
*Suddenly all was silent save for Serpis's heavy breathing or panting. My stomach was still burning so Serpis still must be injured. Just then Red's booming voice flooded the room.*
Red: "You have been defeated Serpis. You thought you would eat me again but you were surely mistaken. Never again will I see the inside of your cavernous belly! Don't eat another human ever again!"
*Shouting in my mind: "Red - no, don't kill her!" I quickly pry the door open with my sword and break in just to see Red raising his sword with both hands ready to come crashing down on Serpis for the final blow. I rush in and just in the nick of time block Red with both my sword and all may might.*
*Struggling to hold off Red's sword I yell.* "Red, it's me! Don't kill her; don't kill Serpis!" *Red, surprised to see me easies off his attack, both of us out of breath. Red's stunned to see me alive as I stood between him and Serpis, protecting her with my sword en garde.*
/////Redsquallff8/////
red: One how are you alive? Two why are you protecting her. And three why did i just talk funny?" Red looks at Serpis and says " Leave the girls go..or die....oh fuck it! *red lobs off serpis head* "Look you were supposed to be her meal....like you left me last time! And Every one needs to run because by giving her my blood she will get back up and will be pissed off" Red stands ready for her getting back up and back to life*
/////Sergit/////
Serpis:"I... don't need... your help..."
*Linda helps Shinku to stand and they get away from Serpis, Red and Jacin.*
Jacin: "First thing first, get these two out of this place"
Shinku: "Red and... miss, What will you do now? What will happen to her?"
Linda: "Her wounds are being healed, She will be fine, even though I don't know if that's good or bad for us. We need to go now or we will be snake food soon... Bye, Jon! Let's meet again someday!"
*While Red leads the girls to safety, Jacin and Serpis talk as the Naga slowly recovers from the injuries. She's still upset about recieving human help, but now that the pain is going away she feels a bit better.*
/////Redsquallff8/////
Red checks on Jain and see a very uphappy serpis.
Red: so you going to leave or you still wanna eat someone. besides i just made you immortal... so i might as well give up...*red drops his swords* you sure you dont wanna eat jacin?"
/////CGR-7/////
*Serpis, still looking a bit dizzy from her injuries, slowly starts to stand and looks back and forth between Red and myself, deciding which one she would wanna eat. Red's decapitating wound is healing rather quickly but the wound inflicted to her belly doesn't not seem to be healing as fast.*
*I started off in a calm and sympathetic voice.* "Serpis, that wound you have on your belly looks pretty bad. I can treat it if you want. Plus you still want those manuscripts, right? I won't renege if you won't. You've come all this way, not just today, but in the course of your entire life to advance your hypnotic abilities only to find someone, me, who can give you a major piece to the puzzle. If you consume me... you'll be throwing that all away and will have to start all over again."
*Red interjected.* "Manuscripts? What manuscripts? What's this all about?"
*I looked to Red* "I promised that I would give her a set of manuscripts that would help to teach her how to develop her hypnotic abilities in exchange for my life. That's why I'm protecting her - for that promise."
*Red was stunned.* "What!? You fool! Why would you promise her something like that!? Because she ate me last time and got my blood she now has immortality... and now you're just gonna give her some lessons to improve her mind tricks." *Red scoffed.*
...
*Deciding to change the subject, I looked back and forth from Red to Serpis and back to Red* "Look Red, I had no intent on just leaving you. You told me to take the lil' neko to safety and I did and I asked if I should come back for you. You said, and I quote: '...sure, but you might get eaten...' Disregarding my own safety I did come back to help you but what was I to do, you were already eaten. I don't have the strength like you to cut anyone from her underbelly, no matter how soft her hide might be. My sword skills are mostly defensive, only offensive a small amount of the time." *I looked back to Serpis.* "Tell him Serpis, please defend me on this. Didn't I come back to try and save him but you had already ingested him?"
*Serpis looks at Red and sighs.* "It's true Red. I had already eaten you so you wouldn't have known. Jacin did come back to help you and was sure enough ready to fight me but knew there was no use in it."
*Red, now hearing the revelation, just stood there quietly.*
*But firm in my actions I continued.* "Please Red, please to understand. There was nothing I could do."
*I look back to Serpis who looks right at me. My eyes started to water but I said with a smile:* "The wine Serpis, remember the wine." *Just then Serpis's eyes lit up with a happy, teary glow.*
*It was then Red that broke the silence with a quick retort while crossing his arms in a huff.* "Well Serpis, what's it gonna be? You wanna eat me again... or Jacin?"
*Again Serpis looked back and forth between Red and me before a menacing little grin ran the width of her face.*
/////Sergit/////
Serpis: "Can't I eat both of you? Ahh, It's ok, I think I will eat you." *She pointed towards Red with her hand.* " You are the one who went away with my prey. You also are the one who cut my belly with a sword and then freed my prey AGAIN...And also, you will just regenerate again if I eat you, so you will be fine, right?"
Jacin: "Then, do you still want me to help you getting these hypnotic powers?"
Serpis: "Sure thing, Jacin! You are a really nice girl, for an human, I would like to keep you around for a while. But how can you trust me so much? How do you know I won't hypnotize you and eat you too once I learn?"
Red: "So that's it... Good bye Jacin, it was nice travelling with you."
Serpis: "Immortal, huh? That's hard for me to believe. Well, my lifespan is way longer than human's anyways. Red, isn't it? This is the second time I eat you. Next time let me eat my food(*cough-girls-cough*) before you come to see me and I won't eat you again... or maybe... I will <3"
/////Redsquallff8/////
Red: So...im food again -.- This is going to be another boring month. If you eat me can you at least pin me or dangle me....last thing will you get my lightning powers after eating me?
/////CGR-7/////
*As I stood off to the side, Serpis slithered across the room to Red, picked him up and put him in her mouth and gulped him down her maw. But as soon as Red landed in Serpis's belly, Serpis winced over in pain and grabbed her stomach. Just like before, my stomach also hurt in the same place with the same sharp, burning pain. I darted to Serpis's aid and looked at her stomach to see why. As soon as Red had entered and expanded her belly, the wound he had inflicted on her earlier on her hide had torn open again and was bleeding quite badly. I lead Serpis over to the bed where she gently laid down, holding her belly trying to stop the bleeding. I pulled of the bed sheet and pressed it to the wound.*
"Serpis I need to tend that wound, having swallowed Red has reopened it. I know you're immortal but that only means you won't die; you could spend the rest of your, being forever, in serious pain and agony from the scare tissue and possible infection. Please Serpis, if you've trusted me up 'til now just trust me for a little longer."
*Serpis looked at me with watery eyes and let out a weak cry.* "Okay Jacin, you're a human... but I trust you. Please, help me."
*As Serpis was resting on the bed, I put my sword back in its sheath and ran to the door about to leave to the apothecary shop.* "Serpis, I'll be right back. I need to run back to the apothecary shop to get some medicine. Don't move, I promise I'll be right back!"
*I hurry down the stairs and out the inn's front door and down the street to the apothecary store as fast I could. I came bursting through the door much to the shopkeeper's surprise.*
"Oh miss, you've returned. How are you feeling?"
*I nodded.* "I just fine sir, that you. Listen I've very short of time, my friend is badly wounded and I'm in need of medical supplies. I saw earlier that you have what I need and I need some linen or cotton wraps, grain alcohol, aloe vera leaves, and a needle and thread."
*Although I knew he liked me, the owner was a little hesitant to give me the supplies wondering if I was going to pay for it all. To end his suspicions, I unbelted my sword and handed it to him as collateral.* "Please - the supplies, I swear I will pay you later, in full."
*I passed the sword over the counter and he passed me a wooden crate of the supplies. As I gathered it all up and began to hurry out the door the man hollered:* "Miss, here, you'll need this too." *He handed me a brown bottle that read 'LAUDANUM' on the label. I thanked him with a nod, put the bottle in the crate, and hurried back to Serpis.*
...
*I sat the crate next to the bed and prepared to get to work. I took off my cape, rolled up my sleeves, and sterilized my hands with the alcohol. I slowed pealed the blood soaked sheet from Serpis's belly and throw it to the end of the bed. I examined the wound to see if anything was in it, it was clean. I reached for the laudanum and pulled the cork from the bottle.* "Here Serpis, take a sip of this - it will ease the pain." *Serpis, moaning in pain, took a small swig and, unhappy with its taste, coughed a little but slowly relaxed as the drug took affect.* "Okay Serpis, this might hurt a little... or a lot, I'm not sure." *I grabbed the bottle of alcohol and poured a little on the wound. Serpis's eyes shot wide open and she started squealing and screeching and clawed at the bed cover 'til the pain eased.*
*Now I need to the suture wound. I threaded the needle and poked the needle to Serpis's snake hide. But because it was so leathery and tough, the needle tip broke was I tried to push it in. Now how was I to close the wound. But then I remember I still had my dagger with me and searched through me purse to find it. I saw a wood stove burning in the corner and knew I need to cauterize the wound closed. I heated my dagger in the stove 'til it was red hot and hurried over to pinch Serpis's skin closed and pressed the hot knife to the wound. Once again Serpis struggled in pain but I give her another sip of laudanum and she passed out. As the wound cooled, I rubbed the area with some alcohol and some sap from the aloe vera leaves. I put the cut pieces of the leaves on the wound and finished by bandaged them around Serpis's middle with the cotton wraps.*
*I was so exhausted by the whole procedure I barely had the energy to clean Serpis's blood from my hands. I sure hoped the cauterizing would hold so it could heal.*
*After cleaning up in the basin, I walked back over to the bedside and held Serpis's hand as she laid there asleep.* "That's all I can do Serpis, the rest is up to you."
/////Sergit/////
Serpis laid there for hours, recovering from all that had happened to her that day. She had lived in the wild all her life, and the only education she ever recieved was about hunting, so she had no way to understand what had Jacin done to her. The only thing she knew was that the human was trying to help her, and she had to endure the pain, so she did it the best she could. She didn't sleep many hours, but she kept her eyes closed and pretended to sleep, enjoying secretly the peace of the moment. Red was already beyond her waist,way down into her tail, and barely moved, anymore. Youkai absorb energy and matter from the bodies of their preys, so the wound in her belly was getting healed and did not hurt that badly anymore. She opened her eyes and found Jacin sleeping near to her, holding her hand.
Serpis(to herself):"What an strange human she is..." *She then licked her cheek softly and laid again in bed, caressing with her other hand the bulge in her tail.* "It seems coming to the beach wasn't that bad, after all!" *She sighed satisfied*
/////Redsquallff8/////
Red sits bored as he is digested. Red is really annoyed but is pissed off that she managed to eat him again. He waits for his body to be digested, so that he can regenerate outside her tail later.
/////CGR-7/////
*Can I trust her? Should I trust her? What if my trust was misplaced? Nah... Serpis trusts me and she still wants the manuscripts. I can trust her. I just - no, I know it, I know I can. But I need to be absolutely sure. How can I be certain? But then I realized, the apothecary shop, the storekeeper has just what I need.*
*I slowly came out of my nap and looked over to see Serpis had woken up and was gently rubbing her bulging tail.* "Oh... Serpis, you're awake. How are you feeling?"
*Sepis slowly turned and looked at me with a smile.* "I feel just fine Jacin. My body's starting to absorb nutrients and energy from Red so the wound doesn't really hurt any more."
*I slowly stood up and looked out the window to see the sun had set, so it had to be well into the evening.* "Well that's fantastic Serpis, just fantastic. Why don't we leave the bandages on a little while longer and I can check them just before you actually go to bed for the night to make sure they stay in place while you sleep and the wound doesn't reopen."
*Serpis nodded.* "Okay, that sound's fine."
*I started to walk to the door when Serpis asked:* "Where are you going Jacin?"
"Oh, I'll be right back Serpis. It's too late tonight to go to the apothecary shop to get my sword back from the shopkeeper so I'll go in the morning; I need to pay him back for the medical supplies. I'm just going to run down the hallway to my room to fetch my knapsack with the manuscripts and my coin purse. I need to keep my coins on me so no one steals them."
"What do you mean Jacin... why does the shopkeeper have your sword? Didn't I give it back to you?"
*I nodded.* "Yes you did Serpis, see I gave it to the shopkeeper as collateral. I didn't have any coinage on me at the time and he wouldn't have given me the supplies I need to heal you so I temporarily loaned it to him in exchange for the supplies"
*Serpis gasps with a smile, her eyes stared to water.* "You- you gave up your sword... to treat my wound?"
"Yeah Serpis... I did." *I gently closed the door, leaving it just slightly ajar to let Serpis get some rest in the warmth of the yellow-orange glow from the lit candle on the nightstand.*
...
*I walked down the hallway and entered the room I had rented when Red and I arrived in the village. I was as untouched as when I left it to go with Red to the beach; the only change was it was now lit with moonlight instead of sunlight. On the bed was my tan, leather knapsack that I have had with me since I started my journey and ran away from home. It had definitely seen better days as the leather was now worn and faded, slightly fraying but so soft and flexible. The buckles and rivets where the only embellishments on it not affected by time as they were made from a high gold alloy. I opened the top flap and inside the bag is a loose assortment of personal effects. The manuscripts were on top and underneath are some small jars of medicinal herbs and spices. I also had some maps, a compass, some flint, and just whatever else I needed while travelling from town to town. I do have more pockets on the knapsack and keep small, more important items hidden; my coin purse for one and other jewelry or precious metal or stones I've either found or traded for at a fantastic deal.*
*Making sure everything was in order, I buckled up my knapsack and pulled the strap over my shoulder and made my way to the door. But before I left I grabbed the pillow and blanket from the bed and the candle from the nightstand. I closed the door and locked it and made way back to Serpis in Red's former room.*
/////Sergit/////
When Jacin came back, Serpis felt her smell and sat in the bed, excited.
Serpis: "Welcome back! Did you get those manuscripts?"
Jacin: "Yep! Here they are." *Jacin showed Serpis some scrolls and papers, but the contents were unreadable for both of them, as they were in Syriac* "What will you do now that you have them?"
Serpis: I can't do anything with these right now, but I will keep them in my cave. I will have to carry these for a while, as my cave is pretty far away from here."
Jacin: "Where do you live, Serpis?"
Serpis: My cave is in the grasslands, towards the west. Don't laugh, but I went exploring outside my territory and got lost, and after spending a day or so walking, I reached this beach. I never saw the sea before."
Jacin: "I see. Do you plan carrying all these manuscripts alone?"
Serpis: "Well, that was the plan, but..."
Jacin: "...You can't do that in the state you are right now. Not alone, at least."
Serpis: "Would you want to...come with me? T-to my home? O-of course, you don't have to if you don't want! You are free to leave, as we agreed. You kept your word and I keep mine, see?"
/////CGR-7/////
"Yes, yes you did Serpis. You are very much true to your word. I glad we could make this deal work out as well as it did." *I took a moment to think.* "Sure Serpis... I'll come with you. To tell you the truth, I don't think I've ever been to the West; just to the west in the sense that my village in way back East. This will be a new journey for me."
*I went through my knapsack and pulled out a map and the compass. I unfolded the map on the bed and turned it toward her.* "Here Serpis, this is a map of the known continent. Here we are in Zephillia and here is my hometown of Xandra, a vast imperial city or at least it was at one time. I haven't been back there in... well, a while now. As you can see on this map, the circled cities and towns are the ones I have visited, either with Red or by myself. I've travelled farther to the east of my home, to the south, and a little farther to the north; but this is as far as I have travelled out west. So where is your cave Serpis?"
*Serpis was not very familiar with a map but still had a decent sense of direction and pointed to the general Northwestern region which does has grasslands as far as the cartographers knew back east.* "Wow Serpis, you really did get lost; that's quite a journey." *Sitting next to Serpis, she and I decide on the best route to take to reach the Northwest region and hopefully get her back home safely.* "Well Serpis, now that that's taken care off, I need to get cleaned up and get some sleep. I have to see the shopkeeper first thing tomorrow about my sword."
*I looked over at Serpis.* "Would you like me to sleep in here with you tonight? Just to make sure everything's okay"
*Serpis smiled.* "Sure you can Jacin, I was kinda hoping you would; so we could watch out for each. Keep each other safe. You can sleep here in bed with me if you want."
"Nah, that's okay Serpis. That's a single bed, it's really only made for one person and you need the room to stretch out and such." *Serpis was a little disappointed but understood and just relaxed and reclined against the headboard and turned to look out the window at the bright, full moon.*
...
*I picked up my cape up off the floor and rolled it up and put it on the chair by the door. As I untied the sash from my waist and took off my gown down to my chemise, I looked over to Serpis and just saw an exhausted and plain look on her face. She's had quite a day, never seeing the sea before, battling with Red, sustaining a major injury, that'd wear anyone down.*
*I walked over to the ceramic wash basin in the corner and poured some tepid water into it from one of the two pitchers on the stove. I washed off my makeup, washed my hands, and brushed my hair before pulling it back into a ponytail for the night. As I cleaned up I noticed Serpis was just casually watching me go through this nightly ritual.*
"You don't do any of this, do you Serpis?" *She smiled and shook head back and forth.* *I looked down at the washcloth in my hand.* "Here Serpis, let me clean you up. All the medicines and herbs in the world can't compare to the soothing feeling of a nice hot bath."
*I emptied the used, now cool, water out the window and put the basin on the floor next to the bed. I grabbed the other pitcher of warm water off the stove and filled the basin partway with the steaming clear liquid. As I let it cool just a little, I coaxed Serpis to ease over to the edge of the bed where I gently lifted the covers off her and undid the bandage. The wound was just a little red and had already had some nice fresh skin growing on the swollen cut.*
"That looks really good Serpis. After I'm done cleaning you I'll rub some aloe on it and redress it with some fresh linen strips. You'll need to let it get some air in the morning to help it heal better."
*Serpis nodded and took deep breath as I dipped the washcloth in the warm and began to wash her all over. I washed her tail, her arms, her back, her tummy... all over, and I also gingerly scrubbed the dried blood and tissue from around the cut. As I padded the warm cloth over her body, Serpis just swayed back and forth and swooned with the new feeling of pleasure she had never experience before.* *I smiled.* "Feels good, doesn't it Serpis."
"Um-hum, it's so warm and relaxing I having a hard time staying awake. Thank you so, so much Jacin."
*After I was all done washing her, I delighted her once again by giving her hair a nice brushing which I doubt it has ever had. I gently rubbed aloe on the cut and wrapped it again in bandages for the night. I helped Serpis get comfortable in bed and swaddled her with the covers from my room to keep her nice and warm for the night. I cleaned up the mess and just get the room in order for in the morning before walking over to the nightstand and picking up the candle to put on the side table by the couch.*
"Goodnight Serpis, sweet dreams..." *I settled down on the couch and pulled my cape over me as a blanket and blew out the glowing wick. The smell of hot wax wafted about the room and the soft white curls of smoke lifted to the ceiling till the ember cooled.*
*I had though Serpis was already asleep, but just then a gentle voice came from the far side of the bed. In such a faint, childlike tone Serpis just managed to whisper out:* "Goodnight Jacin."
/////Sergit/////
Serpis felt really nice. In her home, she would take baths in cold water, swimming in the lake, rubbing some aromatic plants on her body to clean herself. Whenever she was injured, she just licked the wound and let it like that until it was healed. And she would always sleep in her cave or outside, in the grass. Having someone else helping her was also something new. She was always diligent with her own hygiene, but that night she was feeling cleaner than ever. She would have to find a way to thank Jacin for everything she did for her.
The next day, Jacin and Serpis woke up early, to prepare for the travel back to home. Jacin went to buy supplies and to recover her sword from the shopkeeper, and Serpis stayed in the inn trying to figure how the heck did those maps work. Serpis agreed (reluctantly) to eat human food during the trip to home. That afternoon, a boy called Mark came looking for his friends, Shinku and Linda, but Jacin told him they went somewhere else (which was the truth). He went away and then, the night fell.
Jacin: "Tomorrow we will be going to your home, so make sure you sleep well, Serpis."
Serpis: "Okay, goodnight for you, too."
The two of them left the inn the following day, and said goodbye to the sea. Their travel together was about to begin.
---------
The End
This is a roleplay Redsquallff8, CGR-7 and I played based on the "Beach lunch" drawing.
http://aryion.com/g4/view/209889
This was my first serious RP in Eka's portal, and I am happy it turned out okay. I had a very fun time and I hope Redsquallff8 and CGR-7 enjoyed it as I did. I made some (very small) minor changes, like some spelling correction, erasing some OOC lines, etc. I tried not to touch most of what my partners wrote.
(Before the roleplay there was an OOC conversation I didn't include, that's why it looks like there's something missing in the beginning)
By the way, I am new to uploading writtings, so if I did something wrong here I will try to correct it.
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Posted by Miyu5 14 years ago Report
I wish i had been in this rp even though my rping is not that big and I am not great at it
Posted by Sergit 14 years ago Report
That was one of my first ones, too. It went better than I expected. I was afraid of boring my partners with too much text.
Posted by Miyu5 14 years ago Report
Ya I am scared of rping being to short or to long rps that I have trouble reading it all or not spelling something right
Posted by redsquallff8 14 years ago Report
regenerates* thanks but next time eat the other guy lol 2 months is a while to stay in you XD
Posted by Sergit 14 years ago Report
Sure, I will let you survive next time, if that's what you want.
But I don't think it takes so long to digest an human. 6 hours - 1,5 day, should be enough in most cases.
Posted by redsquallff8 14 years ago Report
well i can regenerate remember
Posted by CGR-7 14 years ago Report
That's a bunch Sergit.
I’ll put this in my favorites right now.
Posted by Sergit 14 years ago Report
Ok, thanks.
Funny thing: I thought your character Jacin was male until you referred to her as "she" XD. It's better state these kind of details early or (send them in a PM) to avoid any confusion later on, right?. Oh well, I will make sure to ask next time instead of staying with the doubt. ^_^
Posted by Redpod 14 years ago Report
You make a rp¿
Posted by Sergit 14 years ago Report
Yes, I made a roleplay in the drawing I link in the description, but now it's not there anymore because it was too distracting. I deleted everything and uploaded it here as a story.
Posted by Redpod 14 years ago Report
jejee,youwantrpwithme'
Posted by Sergit 14 years ago Report
I am a bit busy lately, so I can't yet, sorry. Roleplaying requires some free time I don't have anymore. Maybe in holidays.
Posted by Redpod 14 years ago Report
Ahok:(
oicanmaderpwitjsomeone :p
Posted by tailsjordan 14 years ago Report
This is the most long Rp who i have readed in this year! X3 (75% readed) great.
Posted by Sergit 14 years ago Report
It was my first RP ever too. Considering this, it went better than expected. It was really fun!