When The Hunters Become The Hunted (Alexander)

[Kelski]

Timestamp: 30th of Winter, 518 A.V.

There was always a benefit in training. Kelski knew that for a fact. It was harder and harder, however, to find a way to train to make things harder for her when it came to her daggers. One thing she had learned early on was that she wasn’t an easy rider. Moth was a good horse, but Kelski wasn’t a good rider. Anja had drilled it into her head that for her to get better, she had to spend more time on Moth’s back. She’d learned quickly that sitting on Moth and trying to hit anything with a dagger thrown from that position just threw Kelski off something horrible. The first time she’d tried it, Kelski had almost sliced open Moth’s neck. She’d tried to grab his mane with a dagger in hand and if Ebon hadn’t been on hand, Moth might have taken lasting offense.

Luckily, with Anja’s help and a bit of riding on Maisa, Kelski was slowly learning to improve. She’d graduated back to her own horse, who was a lot nicer than Maisa was. Maisa was good about snaking her head around and snapping at Kelski’s knees when she gripped her wrong with her legs or shifted her weight badly. Where Moth was a kitten, Maisa was a full grown tiger in terms of attitude. And before long Maisa had Kelski riding without hands, gripping with her legs. Once she did it comfortably, finally getting the hang of it, Kelski had switched back to Moth and had started tossing daggers from the horse’s back at a walk.

That had took some doing. It was harder at a trot since Moth had a rough rough trot. His canter was better, smoother, and Kelski was able to dual wield and throw daggers at stationary targets riding by. The pair practiced for hours, sometimes supervised by a Drykas or Strider, sometimes alone. Until one day Maisa had come trotting down to the beach where Moth and Kelski had been practicing carrying what looked like one of the knife targets from the basement with a hole in it, a rope tied through it and Anja grinning like a fool.

Anja had patiently explained Maisa had an idea and he’d worked on that idea by building the target and threading the rope, and then padding it on the other end with a big non-slip knot that fitted around Maisa’s neck. The mare took off running erratically all over the beach, and the target had bounced and skidded – no burden to the horse – making something actually challenging for Kelski to throw at. It was like a big fat target dragged several safer feet behind the horse. And Maisa could move so the target danced and skipped on the ground like a fleeing man dodging knife throws. Coupled with the fact that Moth had to trot and gallop to keep the target in range, Kelski’s ability to both ride and dual wield and throw her daggers at the same time started to grow in leaps and bounds.

And that’s what the Kelvic was doing at the moment. She was racing her little grey gelding up and down the beach following a bigger smarter strider who was wearing no tack but dragging a target. So far, throwing hard, Kelski had hit the target nearly every time. The one time she had not, they all stopped to retrieve the lost weapon. The girl nearly fell off twice when both horses swerved. She had a hard time concentrating on throwing daggers and gripping horse flanks at the same time. And finally she did fall off a third time when both horses jumped a fallen log that Kelski hadn’t seen due to the fact her eyes were following the target not the horses. Maisa had jerked and swerved, sending the target to the right sharply where it skidded around the log, not snagging its rope. Kelski squealed, lost both her daggers as she fell over the back of Moth’s rump, and ended up tucking into a tumble. Standing up, she shook her head as she swore both horses bucked and whinnied in victory before circling back.

Kelski had no tack on Moth because Anja had been teaching her to ride like a Drykas. But Maisa was still burdened by the target. Kelski reached both horses, slipped the targets rope off Maisa’s neck, and shook her head. “Enough for today. Thank you, my friend. Will you see your little brother home safely? I am going to hunt up the beach and see what I can find. My ass is sore. My pride is busted… and I think I need to redeem myself doing some hunting.” She added.

Kelski wrapped up the rope and large wooden target and slipped it into her backpack. It was a tight fit due to the wood slice being a foot across, but it did wedge into the bag if worked through the mouth carefully. She retrieved both daggers, shook her head at the horses, and watched as they took off down the beach, splashing in the waves. Maisa was a strider and was as intelligent as a person. Moth wasn’t so lucky, though Anja had once said he was part strider with his dark grey points and stripes blended into his white dapples. But Maisa would see him herded up to the barn once they both played in the waves to wash their sweat off and then grazed in the tall beach grass for a meal.

Once both horses were released from duty, Kelski started trudging up the beach, wondering what she should start hunting for. She had long since ridden past the docks and was to the south of The Mudway, heading south outside of the city. It was still early morning, but the air was crisp and clean, almost cold, and there was no rain threatening.

It would be a good day to bring home some fresh meat to the family.

[Alexander Slade]

A dark, feline figure glided over the sand, just as noticeable as a smear of blood on a fresh coat of snow. Although he was just as comfortable in both of his physical forms, stalking along the beach was much more peaceful on four paws. When he wore his boots, they wanted to sink in the sand with every step, creating the gritty crunch that gnawed at Alexander's patience. The salted wind would twist his hair into a complete mess and make his vulnerable, human skin itch. These factors certainly drove him off of the beach quicker than he preferred, considering his love for solitude and the peacefulness of silence.

Now, he had a routine since he attempted to make a trip to the seaside as frequently as possible. He found a nearby spot underneath a stone ledge where he would carefully lay his clothing and dagger, stored away from view. As promised, they were always there waiting on him after his limbs grew tired and a need for sleep became obvious to him. After the shedding of his layers, a blanket of lights would engulf him and just as quickly as it started, it was gone. As a result, he would be left to explore in his animal form. Then, his next move was to slink out onto the beach. The moist sand felt cool and soft underneath his padded paws this time and the wind brushed comfortably against his thick, shiny black coat. Beginning his silent prowl, he would decide to cover as much distance as he wanted. Here, he was free, seeing all the sights the tide would bring in that morning or evening. Large, circular eyes would peer out into the soft, rippling water and compare it to the violently crashing waves. Sometimes he would step into the sea, feeling the sand slip from underneath him as the waves retreated, just to bring forth another surge.

Schools of small, silver fish would often pass by. If not hungry, the jaguar would settle down on his haunches and watch them twitch one direction to the another, all in unison. It was almost as if they had a hive-mind, like a colony of bees. They knew each other's next move and they undoubtedly knew when to flee from the enormous black paws swashing around in the dark, murky water. Sometimes, with Alexander's demented definition of fun, he would leap into the air, splashing one paw in front of the fish, causing them to quickly redirect, just to be stopped by his second paw. As he did this, his tail would flip back and forth with amusement, just as it did when he would break out into a sprint across the beach, kicking up the gritty earth in clouds behind him.

However, today, Alexander saw more enjoyment in taking a quick snooze by the water. He was curled up on the powdery sand, tail tucked around his massive form, snout buried underneath his paws. The sound of the waves slamming onto the shore and breeze would soon rock the big cat to sleep. He began to allow a warm, comfortable slumber to claim him over but for now, he was still aware of his surroundings. He let his mind roam, certain thoughts passing through his conscience.

The first one was his home- just another tent in the sea of tents. Such close quarters with other people made him hyper aware of sickness being spread and the threat of getting lost or possibly even robbed. The beach was his escape from all the beggars and commotion, an escape where he could be himself, where he could feel safe. But perhaps it was also because he was trying to find what he was missing. There was always something hollow within the jaguar's chest, a yearning for something. With all the people he lived around, he knew what it was, but didn't want to face the facts. Black Jaguars were naturally lone beasts, other than when it came to courtship and fighting over a mate. Still, his need for bonding was real and urgent. Alexander didn't want to meet someone in tent city, he wanted to make allies elsewhere, which was another reason he took to the beach. It was a possibility, perhaps he would stay until sunset today.

The sound of hooves pounding against the ground startled the cat from the- rather convincing- beckons of sleep. Big, grey eyes snapped open and his large, circular ears twitched. He lifted his broadhead to spot a few unknown visitors. It only took mere ticks until Alexander was on his paws, bristling his sand-speckled pelt. His mind was swamped with a territorial rage, knowing quite well that most of the solid object around the beach were marked with his claws. The cat stalked out of view, the sand providing a quiet cushion as he attempted to balance his weight. Still, he allowed a soft warning growl to rumble in his throat. As he strolled forth, he was crouched, head lowered and shoulder blades bobbing up and down smoothly.

The instinctual protection of 'his' turf soon dissolved into simple curiosity as he watched the scene unfold. A woman, it appeared, was throwing a blade at a moving target- but not just any- a target worn by a horse. He had never seen anything like it, which earned the animal's full attention. For as long as they practiced, Alexander watched, no longer concerned about if he could be seen or not. Though, he still didn't move from his current spot, but would occasionally shift positions. Soon, he had seen enough and decided to put more distance between himself and the female until he witnessed her take a mighty tumble. Raising to his paws, the jaguar chuffed and swished his tail in amusement. At least she was trying to increase her skill at knife throwing, whereas Alexander was still trying to simply hit his target where he wanted... Using his hand. If he attempted to do even half of what she was, his neck would have been broken long before.

As if the fall discouraged her, it wasn't long until the horses were freed from the session and the stranger girl parted ways. She seemed to enjoy the beach just as much as the jaguar as she strolled along the shore. Sooner or later, she would, indeed, spot the big cat watching her from a short distance. He decided he would take this rare opportunity to surprise her, maybe even show off a bit. Nothing else was on his agenda, might as well have some fun. Therefore, the cat pranced out into the open, swinging his head to give the dark-haired girl a knowing glance as he passed by her. Today would be the day she saw the mighty jaguar hunt for food, now that hunger was beginning to cause his stomach to ache and rumble. He paused right before entering the cold water, foam bubbling up around his paws. Craning his neck, his slitted pupils danced back and forth as his sharp vision carefully picked out a darkened object moving further out into sea- a fish. Its decent size proved to be a good meal.

His mouth began to water at the thought of fish meat. His elongated fangs slicing through its slimy scales as it vainly thrashed to free itself, just to be torn into until it was nothing more than scraps. He practically began to tremble with the rush of adrenaline and excitement. Before the fish could travel too far out of reach, Alexander threw one more gaze at the stranger to make sure she was viewing this before plunging into the water. His big, powerful paws swatted against the waves who fought back viciously to shove him back out onto shore. Head tilted all the way up to stay above waterline, the feline foolishly went against the current, using all the force in his body to get past the waves. Saltwater seeped into his nose and mouth, causing a few labored coughs and hard blinks but he refused to give up, not when a mission like this was already started. He was growing tired by the time he finally made it past the raging water and was left with the soft rises and falls where he floated easily. The dark figure of the fish hadn't moved too much from where he had first spotted it, but that wasn't going to be the case for too long. Alexander knew he needed to strike fast and true or else he would have to find dinner elsewhere.

Taking in a chestful of air, the black cat disappeared underneath the water, encased in the swirling, bubbling water which filled his ears and other senses. Paddling aimlessly forward, a small emblem of panic blossomed in his chest as he began to lose sense of direction, but all of a sudden, his claw struck something solid- the fish.


Alexander wasted no time to kick forward, parting his gigantic jaw and closing down on the creature. Its skin was tough and coarse but as his energy became near to nothing, his main goal was to just get it to shore. Breaking the surface, the feline flailed anxiously to stay above water, eyes wide as he zeroed in on the surface. A few exhausted paddles got him back to the large waves which wasted no time escorting him back to land. Finally sinking his claws into the sand again, Alexander realized the fish wasn't putting up a mean fight like he supposed it would. Once he gave it thought, it didn't put up a fight at all. Climbing out of the water, he dropped the object he had worked so hard to get and examined it halfheartedly. Driftwood. Hopelessly, the jaguar plopped down on his haunches and huffed out a deep breath. His black fur was plastered to every nook and cranny of his compact form, resulting in a few shivers to rack through his body. The half-drowned cat sent a pitiful, defeated gaze over at the fellow kelvic, hoping she at least enjoyed the show.

[Kelski]

Kelski could sense the other Kelvic as she wandered upon the big cat. The Jaguar was beautiful in his own right, moving with coiled power barely reined in. There was something about a big cat that Kelski in her Eagle guise could never match for grace. She might be a master of the air, but on the land, nothing would move as fluidly as a feline.

She made no threatening moves as she watched him wade out into the water. It surprised her that he hunted the sea as equally as his kind tended to hunt the land. She was tempted to change her skin for feathers and join him, but instead she watched from the shore as he struggled – battling the waves, the currents, and then his prey – before wading back in again. Kelski was no firm swimmer and she could tell that only sheer determination and stubbornness won him both into the sea and back out again.

Even wet he was beautiful, his black fur rippling not with a lack of color, but to her eagle’s sight a multitude of all colors. Black was like that to the Sea Eagle… it contained everything while white was found lacking. She watched, fascinated, first kneeling in the sand to keep her profile low then rising on her toes to keep him in sight as he fought waves and retrieved something from the sea that the sea seemed almost unwilling to give.

Kelski was sore. Falling from Moth awkwardly hurt more than her pride. It often left her big bruises on her hips and shoulders – because she tended to avoid falling on her head – in a way that made her ache for a few days afterwards. She told herself she needed to toughen up, but she often saw the truth in Anja’s eyes that her skill at riding was nothing that would ever come naturally and that she’d have to work harder. Her dedication to working harder to get better was something she saw in the jaguar who fought the waves seemingly tirelessly.

The Sea Eagle kept watching as the big cat fought his way out of the sea dragging his driftwood. He flopped down huffing and Kelski rose and went to join him. She didn’t mind his form was that of a cat and that he couldn’t respond. She spoke all the same. “It’s not easy winning a prize from the sea that it hasn’t decided it wanted to keep. That was a well fought battle. I haven’t seen a finer one in a long time.” The woman said, settling on her heels in a squat that wasn’t quite a sitting position near the jaguar.

“I’m Kelski. I was out training weapons and now I’m thinking of doing some hunting. We need some meat at home for the next week and I’m tired of pork and beef. You look like a fine hunter. Would you like to team up and go for a seal or two? I bet one would fill your belly. And I know another would fill my pantry for three or four days. I have wings in my animal form and can see long distances. Maybe together we can scout out some seals and take a few out?” Kelski said, knowing she’d enjoy enormously hunting with a fellow Kelvic if he was friendly. She had another friend – a night lion – that was a healer which made his hunting skills somewhat lacking for all that he liked to eat. This jaguar looked like he had no such hangups.

“Half the battle of eating seal is finding seals. Once you find them, they laze on the beach and we can sneak up fairly easily. Even a calf or two – though its really the wrong time of year – would feed you nicely. I can hear your stomach grumbling from here. I love to fight, but I like to fight smart and have a payoff… unless that wood had meaning to you… I suspect you feel cheated of yours today.” The Kelvic said, waiting calmly then for his answer.

Kelski had liquid silver eyes. And at the moment the orbs of her gaze were so pale that it made her look almost blind. If he’d ever seen a Sea Eagle he’d know her for one in a heartbeat by that same mercurial gaze. Black hair that faded to white like a Sea Eagles feathers floated about her teased by the wind, doing its best impression of midnight colored ink defusing in water. She was well-armed, but wore no armor and was barefoot. The riding and beach made wearing boots hard on the Kelvic who liked clothing only in so much as it protected her skin moving about in her human guise. A bandolier of knives hung across her chest, and she carried a light backpack.

“Have you ever had seal? It’s delicious, especially if we cook it over a campfire. They are filled with fat to insulate them and its delicious sizzling with just a slight crisp char. Their bacon is way better than pork bacon.” She explained, as her gaze darkened into a stormier grey of hunger. Kelski was trying to do her best to talk the big cat into a mutual hunt.

[Alexander Slade]

Alexander wasn't quite sure if the word embarrassment gave whatever this feeling was, which was making him want to disappear into the ground, much justice. A disgruntled snort sounded from his black-leather lips as careful eyes watched as the fellow kelvic approached him. From what he observed upon this disaster of first impression, this girl had some sort of an understanding for the sopping feline staring back at her. She was neither taunting him for working so hard just to drag in a lump of wood nor chasing the massive beast away in annoyance. There was a connection there, causing Alexander to scrutinize her features a bit closer. It was hard to miss the illuminating, silver irises. They reminded the boy of moonlight splashing down onto the land with a mysterious, pale glow. His eyes, however, were a cinereal grey. No match for the beauty and significance Kelski's eyes held. The dark hair she wore was, as well, an interesting factor, considering the white streaks and highlights throughout the long locks. They were intentional and meant something, but what? Who was she? The young male took this into thought. Her features were distinct and much more peculiar than that of a normal, average human. At that moment, his best guess was that she was also kelvic and that filled his chest with excitement.

Around his confined area of tent city, a bunch of sketchy, human families lived. Beggars, using grief as their manipulation for people to feel bad and spare something, anything. Some would even put their mangy, roughed-up children on a pedestal. Whenever one would approach Alexander, he felt no sympathy within him. Usually, a quick snarl from his sharpened fangs would send them in another direction. He just wanted to be left alone, and that feeling had been with him ever since he left his family. Now, he rarely talked or attempted to make friends. The phrase strength in numbers meant nothing to him. That was until it came to another kelvics like himself. Especially ones who could make him feel good about carrying over a piece of wood.

Alexander was also a solo hunter. Therefore, the only advice and experience he had were from himself. It was safe to say that he hadn't yet mastered how to pull around his weight. Perhaps this lady could teach him a thing or two. With this thought in mind, the panther rose to his massive paws, took a step back, and shook his pelt violently. His black fur rippled and thrashed back and forth, sending sprays of salt water in every direction. Once he came to a stop, his form was given more room to breathe seeing as his coat stuck out in all directions rather than clinging to him for dear life. That was when he took the chance to shift back into his human form, wanting to communicate. The transformation was done quickly, and seconds later, a bare Alexander was standing in front of the girl. Alexander knew- and he had a decent hunch- if this girl really was a kelvic, his undressed human form would have absolutely no effect on her. Besides, why should it on anyone? He saw clothing as simply material used to help protect the human body from different weathers and temperatures. To keep one's skin from burning in the hot sun, to trap body heat when snow fell, and to keep dry when dark, thunderous clouds moved in. Nudity was as real as a person could get, the most natural form. There was nothing wrong with that. However, if humans wanted to feel uncomfortable about it, let them. What were they going to do? Go up against a six foot, 280-pound jaguar? Nonetheless, he didn't want to feel that vulnerable around mankind like that anyway, so for now, he would respect their modesty.

A small, dry grin twitched at the corners of his lips, "You really have a way with words, Kelski," He brought up a hand to dislodge the bangs plastered to his forehead, "The sea was no match for me, but in my defense, that driftwood really did look like a fish." His cold, grey eyes fixed blankly onto the girl, lowered to her height. They held no emotion nor depth, which was a side effect of no human contact for... Who knows how long? His hair was a deep black and his skin fair. The same contrasting colors seen in Kelski's own hair. He listened to her closely, eyes flickering around the beach as he did so. The day was still calm and bright; Alexander felt a cool breeze brush past them. It was again his stomach contracted and produced a low, aggravated growl. All of this shifting was making his limbs weak and shaky; he needed food soon or else he would become ravenous and do whatever it took. That was the jaguar in- him when starving- he didn't stop at anything. He never enjoyed losing control like that, but he had to do what he had to do. Living in Sunberth, food was never on demand, anyway. Out here, it was every man for himself. This raised a hint of suspicion as he listened to Kelski's blurb about seals, but her convincing, descriptive words had his mouth watering and gut feeling emptier than ever.

Wings? It was now confirmed that she, too, had an animal form. Based on her physical appearance, she looked much fiercer than some robin or brown bird. He imagined a bald eagle but only time would truly tell."Seal," He echoed, eyes clouded with thought, "No, I've never went up against seals before..." He found himself preying upon smaller animals like rodents and fish. To take down a seal was certainly stepping outside of his comfort zone but perhaps that was exactly what he needed. Besides, what was such a huge, ferocious cat like him doing with tiny fish and mice? With the way he was built, he could take down a... A god. With that extreme of a thought, Alexander realized he needed to humble himself again and took a look at the driftwood once more. Yeah, cheated was definitely the word.

The young man lifted his chin to give Kelski a mischievous gaze,"Sounds like we have a plan. With your bird's eye view and me on the ground, I think we have a good duo going here." Alexander would follow the girl's lead once they began their hunt. He knew shifting back into his animal form would push him to be that much more famished. An instinctual, prey drive would make him something of a killer, but a killer who was still in control depending on how long it took to find a seal. Once again, he was in his element, but this time, he had someone to share it with.

[Kelski]

Kelski had a strong instinct to nurture. She was happiest when she was feeding and housing the lost and gathering them all together because unlike the jaguar, Kelski understood the concept of strength in numbers especially in Sunberth. And since she was often around a young Kelvic big cat, she recognized crabby borderline famished like a normal human could understand sarcasm in a smile. “Do you have a name?” She asked, not even flinching when he shifted shape and presented himself as bare as the day he was born. Kelski wasn’t shy and truthfully rarely noticed dressed or undressed when it came to people or other Kelvics. So instead of reacting, she unshouldered her backpack, pulled forth a packet of waxed linen that contained a bug bundle of smoked salmon and offered it to the other Kelvic.

“I can hear your stomach from here. Its fresh smoked salmon from yesterday. I keep emergency rations in case I get caught out. I know it won’t fill your bottomless pit but it will take the edge off.” She explained, generously offering to share with him. Regardless of if he took it or not, Kelski would continue.

“I can see the resemblance from here….” She said nodding at the driftwood that indeed did look like a fat salmon or mackerel. “Especially underwater… I couldn’t tell it wasn’t either.” She added, not really to be nice. Kelski wasn’t really one for niceties. But she said it because it was true. As she spoke, Kelski studied the other Kelvic and couldn’t help but notice his feral edge. She didn’t know how else to explain it. He didn’t act like he was trying to pass for human. In fact, he didn’t act like he’d been around a lot of humans. His nudity didn’t bother him, which was also a sign because humans were so fickle on bare flesh showing while the Kelvics could care less who saw them. Kelski’s interest in the Jaguar’s human form was simply how strong he looked and what scars he bore. Scars were interesting stories of ones life… and spoke in mass on a Kelvics life when often the Kelvic could not be moved to do so.

So she studied him, interested, without being rude. Her eyesight was acute, and she could smell above human average, but the cat simply had an odor of salt and male and feline about him that was neither offensive or enlightening.

Kelski grinned when he agreed to her plan, then went on to tell him what she knew. “They are slow on the sand… they heave themselves up from the water using their flippers to dig and heave in a rolling motion across it. I can’t take one alone because all I have is talons and a beak. With your jaws and claws though, it would be easy. I’ll fly ahead, find a likely bunch sunning, and lead the way. Your best bet is to jog along the waterline, near where the waves are crashing… but stay low… like you cats can sneak. Don’t draw attention to yourself, while I draw all kinds of attention to myself. I’ll circle the group once we find some, and then distract them. If I were you I’d attack from the waterline up. They’ll flee into you if I distract them because the water is where they are safe. Injure their flippers, rip them off, or grab them by the back tail flippers and drag them higher into the sand… where they can’t escape.” Kelski instructed, looking thoughtful.

“They have all that fat. Don’t try to grab them by the throat like you would another prey animal like a deer. It won’t do you any good because you can’t choke them with all that blubber. Just keep them out of the sea and drag it high up. Pick one that doesn’t look overly fat…. Or grab a male. The females are pregnant but wont give birth for a while. We’ll likely only get one this time, if any, until you get used to them. Their claws are on the end of their flippers and their teeth are sharp… so watch both those things. You’ll have to do the killing. I’m not big enough and they have no calves.” She added, giving him a lot of information at once. She thought hard but that was all she could think of.

Finally, Kelski rose up and began to strip out of her clothing. She tucked everything from her weapons to her boots into her backpack then left it laying on the sand. “Ready?” She asked, dissolving into a swirl of colored lights and reforming into a large black and white sea eagle. She hopped up onto the pack awkwardly, stretched out her wings, and took off with her seven foot wingspan with a bit of effort since she wasn’t falling off anything to gain speed.

Once she was at a good height, Kelski circled the jaguar once, cried out in an eagle’s warble, and took off further south… hoping the jaguar would follow.

She was out of sight in moments and then within a few chimes, back, back-winging and landing beside him already shifting into a human form. She was still carrying her backpack. “I found some… luckily not far from here… just past that stone outcropping just there…” She pointed down the beach southwards, further away from Sunberth. “There’s about forty of them… they won’t defend each other but will flee. I’ll come in from the south if you slink around the stone outcropping near the water and push up into the lot of them… grab something young, midsized or smaller, and try to take it down. That will get your belly full before we do anything else. Then once you’ve eaten we can get some I can take home with me.” She added. “I’ll distract them while you sneak up on them.” She said, knowing she could do it.

Kelski would wait for some indication of the jaguar’s approval or disapproval before tossing her backpack into the air, shifting, and catching it with her eagle form before she took off flying again. Like their plan stated, she’d circle around so she dove into them from the south and tried to scatter them driving them down towards the water and hopefully the jaguar’s waiting jaws.

[Alexander Slade]

"Alexander," Spoke the young male,"It's a pleasure. I don't see much kelvics around here, or maybe I'm not looking hard enough."

He shrugged. As she offered him the smoked salmon, a hint of suspicion glinted in his dark eyes, even if his mind was screaming at him to devour it whole. He gave her a quite obvious, questioning stare before slowly taking it. Before he would show any gratitude for the offering, he brought it close to his face and gave a quick, deep sniff. Indeed, smoked salmon, nothing alarming about it. It would be just enough for him to restore some energy to fuel him in the upcoming hunt. "Thank you, you're too kind"

Alexander nodded curtly before tearing into the meat. Just as he didn't care about nudity, he also didn't care if he was eating like a rabid wolf... Or a hungry jaguar. Almost as soon as he was handed the salmon, it was gone. It wasn't too long after he could feel strength returning back into his system, and for now, his stomach growls were silenced as his gut contently began to digest the offering.

As she admitted she could have made the same mistake he did with the hunk of driftwood, he nudged it gently with his bare foot, "Oh well, it got my exercise in for the day anyway," he mumbled, no longer worried about it. After all, way into the future, he would think back on it and laugh. He enjoyed memories like that, created from his own foolish mistakes. These were common for him, seeing as his stubborn, headstrong personality got him into uncomfortable and humorous situations. He noticed Kelski studying him for a moment and averted his gaze. A few scars littered his form, mostly on his sides and arms. Hardly any of them had a heroic story attached to them. Mainly, they were from sharp rocks or branches scrapping into his skin while he was running or rolling over. Just once, he wanted to have a close-call of a story. Alexander was imaginative, spending restless nights in his tent thinking up fictional adventures, starring him:

'It was a dark, damp night. Fog rested low on the ground, impairing the vision of any living creature around. Alexander was on the prowl, nocturnal-feline eyes were trying to find his way around. He was lost and had been for hours. The forest was dense, the dark outlines of trees seemed to lean in closer to him by the tick until a tunnel of forestry guided him in- hopefully- the right direction. Suddenly, there was a rustle to his left. The jaguar stopped and pricked his ears, dark fur bristling in an attempt to make himself look bigger. Before he could react, a force slammed into his side, rolling him. Limbs flailing aimlessly to catch a grip, Alexander bounced up to his paws as soon as he found footing. A gigantic wolf with burning, orange eyes, and bared teeth stood in front of him, a deep, gurgling snarl booming from its maw. The black jaguar returned a vicious, warning roar and stood his ground. It was then, the wolf bunched up its muscles, preparing to lunge at the big cat again. Just as it did, Alexander met it halfway, using his own powerful limbs to launch himself airborne. The two met halfway, and the jaguar dug his claws into the canine's sides. Being the heavier of the two, Alexander was the one who had the advantage this time. He landed on top of the wolf, staring into its rabid eyes and wrapped his jaw around its vulnerable neck. One crushing blow and its yelp was cut short; it fell limp. Only later, after the adrenaline faded, did Alexander realize he wore a deep claw mark on his side. The blood matted his fur, stinging and aching. After that night, his fur never grew back in those three rows of long scar tissue. Anytime someone would ask about it, his face would grow dark, and he would plunge right into the story. The story of him mercilessly defeating his vicious attacker.'

Wouldn't that be the life? The Alexander he had created in his head was someone he strove to become. Did that make him want to throw himself in risky situations? Indeed, it did. Was that good for him or smart at all? Absolutely not, but the boy was not one to think out things. He was impulsive, even as a cub. As Kelski began to go through the steps we would need to take to conquer his target seal; he snapped back to reality. The mission fit the fictional Alexander he created. This made him exhilarated, and he nodded quickly, "Yes, yes," His words were jumbled with the excitement, "I can certainly do it, you'll see." Though, he still had no experience hunting such creatures. He would try his best. As Kelski shifted into her sea eagle form, Alexander watched in awe. The bird was much bigger than he imaged, she would prove to be a well enough distraction. He used this as inspiration and morphed into his own animal form, stretching out his short, muscular limbs.

As the bird lifted into the air, the jaguar was quick to follow right underneath her. He remained where she had directed him to be, the area in which the waves just began to curl in on themselves. His paws threw up droplets of water as he raced through the dark current once more, keeping his face tilted up to watch Kelski soar. When she left his view, Alexander slowed down, flicking his tail a few times. He waited patiently until she dropped down beside him, throwing a gaze towards the stone outcropping she informed him of. He pawed at the ground and chuffed, letting her know he was on board before setting off once again. This time, he was no longer running but lowered into a stalk. Kelski was to be the distraction, so it was up to him to remain undetected. He made sure each step produced a mere, gentle swashing sound, especially as he began to creep around the outcropping. Rounding it, the seals came into view, and the felines eyes grew wide with sudden alertness and the instinct to kill and eat. It fueled him with the rest of the strength he needed.

It was obvious when uneasiness washed over the group of seals. Their wide eyes began to snap open and shift around, still, they didn't see the black cat lurking out in the water. Instead, the bird was their main focus. Before Alexander knew it, Kelski dove and they began to toss themselves forward, all in a frenzy, as fast as they could. It was almost too fun to watch their fat bounce up and down, slapping against the warm sand. The young male found himself wondering what would he do if his animal form would have been a seal. He would have to lazily drag himself everywhere that wasn't water. What would his human form look like? Trying not to get too distracted, Alexander hustled forward until he was in the midst of the plump animals. Some of the larger ones barked at him, snapping at him like frightened dogs. One caught his attention and the cat pounced. It was a smaller one, however, not too small. The jaguar went for its front flipper, though, its rubbery skin nearly repelled his sharp fangs. He couldn't quite get a good grip yet he was too stubborn to give up. He kept trying and trying, biting at its stubby limb until a sharp pain struck his ear.

In desperation to get out of the cat's grip, the seal had attached itself to the predator's nearest body part. Its sharp teeth broke the skin, causing Alexander to rear up and let loose a booming roar. His great paws swatted, claws unsheathed. They barbed into the seal's side, ripping a hole in its blubber. Without thinking of the consequences, he ripped out of its grip, using the strength from his thick neck. At that moment, he didn't feel pain, just the dense adrenaline and rage crashing through his veins. How dare this pathetic creature try to attack him when all it could do was flop around? How dare he even let it in the first place? Alexander advanced towards its tail, sinking his elongated fangs into its flesh and heaved it backward.

Despite its attempt to twist its head backward and grab another mouthful of jaguar fur, Alexander continued to drag it further and further up the shore until it would take several chimes for it to lumber its way into the water. By now, its fellow seals had safely escaped into the cool, dark water. Alexander ruthlessly shook his cranium left and right, biting deeper and deeper until a huge chunk was ripped from its tail. He let it roll out of his mouth and hovered over the seal, remembering Kelski's warning about its fatty neck. Instead, he went for the head, which just felt right.

Finding a decent grip, his powerful jaw chomped down until his top and bottom fangs nearly clashed together, claws piercing its body to keep it pinned down. Feeling its skull finally collapse in on itself, the feline pulled himself off and circled his fresh kill.

He had done it, but not without the help of his bird friend. As soon as Kelski returned back to land, Alexander would use his broadhead to nudge the prey towards her feet, pride swelling triumphantly in his heart.

[Kelski]

If Kelski was being honest with herself, hunting with this stranger was absolutely the most fun she’d had in a long time. The Kelvic couldn’t have asked for a more entertaining afternoon between the practice training, the riding, and now the hunting. And her companion had a name… Alexander. If Sea Eagles could smile, Kelski would be grinning as she winged her way onward ready to create her distraction and drive the seals into Alexander’s waiting fangs.

She first dropped her backpack up on the rock outcropping, needing all the weight off her to do some fine aerial maneuvers. It was safe, higher than a passing human could snag, and well out of the bloodbath Kelski hoped would take place. Once that was secure, Kelski started her distraction run… circling the seals from the far side, screaming a hunting cry, and diving at them.

They came awake at once, crying, barking, and suddenly started to move in their lumbering blubbery awkwardness. All Kelski saw was delicious food… food that would soon be theirs.

She hadn’t meant to attack any herself, but when the jaguar struck, the seals fleeing to the sea halted. They backed up, and tried to go sideways creating a jam of lumbering bodies and barking whines that was almost epic in proportion. Kelski back winged, banked and came back, seeing that there were indeed stragglers. She watched Alexander’s progress for a few moments, noting he was fierce in his hunger and indeed skilled hunting. He went for a flipper, struggled with the grip, but kept trying which Kelski admired. She should have warned him about the thick flippers, but the Kelvic usually hunted in her skin not feathers and a well-placed dagger often did wonders where claws or talons would not.

Alexander was a bit sloppy with his kill, more worried about killing than preserving meat. She noted he ripped into his chosen victims’ side and gave in to the beast within him letting his mind go and his instinct take over. He was fierce, for sure, and she admired that in him. But he was also smart in his killing, because he didn’t let the creature get to water and didn’t let it get the better of him. Kelski didn’t have the luxury of hunting that way. She couldn’t eat a whole seal in one setting like the jaguar probably could, plus she had hungry mouths at home to feed.

Kelski took another circle, saw what looked like a last-years calf at the top of the pileup, and dove. She tucked her wings, reached out with her talons and racked her long-wicked claws along the big seal’s face, tearing into its eyes. It screamed in pain and she wheeled again, making a show of flapping her wings and driving the other seals off. Blinded, the one she’d sorted out didn’t know which way to run, and ducked its head, using its flippers to try and cover its eyes. The Kelvic would have tried for more, but honestly she didn’t think if she killed more she could carry the meat home… not without using her magical backpack and that would reveal way to much to her hunting companion. So instead, she focused on keeping the blinded seal occupied, separated from the others by driving them away with her aerial antics, and then winged back over to the stone outcropping and collected her backpack.

She dropped it upwind from the bloody wounded seal, shifted shape, took out her crossbow in pieces from her pack and carefully assembled it. Then she loaded a bolt, walked quietly up to the wounded seal as close as she could, and fired almost point blank into its skull. It didn’t see her coming, too busy circling and trying to protect its head with its flippers as it cried out is pain and fear. Kelski didn’t like hunting like this… hurting animals. She liked a clean kill, so for her the bolt was a mercy killing.

Kelski checked on Alexander, decided he was fending for himself well since all the other seals had almost to a single body made it out to sea by now. Then she pulled her bolt out of the dead seal’s head, cleaned it off, and laid the weapon aside. She flipped the seal over, took out a dagger from her backpack, and began to slowly gut it. She slit it from vent to chest, pulling out all the offal and bleeding it dry. She snacked on the ruined mess of its eyes while she worked, popping the delicious firm grape-like spheres into her mouth to nibble on. Then she pulled burlap from her backpack and wrapped up the liver and heart, setting them aside for a special meal at home. She tossed the lungs, cut off the flippers and feet, then removed the head. Her knife took a beating sawing through bones, but when she was done she had a carcass of pure meat and blubber, a head full of brains that she wrapped and tucked into the cavity along with the delicious organs, and ran a rope around the back spine above the head so she could either carry the carcass down the beach on her back or drag it if the cleaned corpse proved too heavy.

Kelski regretted sending the horses home. They wouldn’t have liked the bloody meat, but they would have carried it home for her. Instead, it was up to her. When she was done, she waited for Alexander to finish his kill if he hadn’t already, then offered to do the same clean up for him.

“You’re welcome to follow me home for dinner. Unless you want to eat right now which is fine. You might like to meet other Kelvics though. And my place is open to our kind anytime they need shelter or get in trouble. You did a fine job hunting… I’m impressed. You even took down a bigger one. I wasn’t so brave. I picked a last year’s calf. I wanted tender meat and those bulls look so tough.” Kelski said, glancing at the bobbing heads out in the water. “You kill cleaner than I do. It must be nice having such big teeth and claws. All I can do is blind them until I can get to weapons…” She said, walking down to the wave line to clean the blood off her. Once she did that, she’d rummage in her backpack, looking for clothing, so she could stay human in order to carry the big carcass home.

[Alexander Slade]

The metallic yet undoubtedly delicious taste of seal blood flooded Alexander's mouth, dripping from his maw. However, it was mostly unseen against his dark coat. Mixing within his mouth, as well, was the brain matter and more juicy fluids. Crushing into the skull, there was much more than just the crimson liquid to be found. His stomach twisted up into a tight knot, and that was when he broke, he was far too ravenous to wait any longer. The Jaguar used his front canines to rip through the rubbery flesh, tearing right into the stomach. This was where he preferred to start, where all of the rich organs were safely stored away. The young male had not yet learned that it was smart to package meat, to cure it and save it for later use. Instead, he preferred the more 'instinctual' way, meaning he survived off of hunting rather than storing. Until he became skilled in taking down his prey, he wanted to keep it this way. Knowing he had to work hard to find dinner made the drive more prominent and the results so much more enjoyable.

He didn't eat to taste, that was just a plus. He sunk his massive jaws into the flesh and chomped down. His front claws hooked into the corpse to keep it in place as he packed as much meat in his gut as he could. Alexander's body was crouched and tensed, eating the seal as if it would be his last meal ever. There were sick cracking sounds produced when his teeth smashed straight through the rib cage. The massive cat ate and ate until the young seal was nothing more than an empty cavity held within rubbery, silver skin. Alexander turned, stretching his mouth open and swiped his tongue all around his jaw. Once he was finally satisfied, the feeling in his ear reminded him of the wounds he had endured during the battle. It was a dense, radiating pain but he decided to check it out later.

His belly was now swollen, hanging low to the ground. He felt warm and full, all in time to see Kelski working to store her kill. The kelvic settled down, bringing a gigantic paw to his face and groomed himself as he watched the girl, much more tediously, skin and harvest the different parts of the seal. He had not even noticed when she took one down, herself. She was undoubtedly a natural by the looks of it. It made him wonder how many people, exactly, she was feeding. At his own tent, the only hide he had to worry about was that of his own. He guessed that was another reason as to why he never really saved much of his meals.

From the slicing and dicing, the air was dense with the smell of blood and death. This reminded Alexander that he could go for seconds. Longingly, he sent a gaze out into the ocean, knowing the seals were long gone now. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted movement. Turning his head back over to Kelski, he saw the girl approaching. With a twist of different lights encasing him, he was left on two feet instead of four, now almost eye level with the fellow kelvic.

"I'm not sure if I couldn't have waited much longer," Admitted Alexander sheepishly, using the back of his wrist to wipe off his mouth. Her next question threw him off track, and he stared blankly at her with his cold, grey eyes. Follow her back to her place? He had never been invited to stay anywhere else but his own tent. He pondered it over for a moment. When it came down to it, did she really trust this girl? He figured if she meant harm, she would have already tried to pull a fast one. Hesitantly, he nodded, "Other kelvics? That sounds really nice; I think I'll do just that."

The essence of a small grin revealed itself on the boy's face, "Clean? I don't think so. I'm not really worried about making a mess when I'm out there, all I'm worried about is how fast I can devour whatever I'm after. Don't feel bad about it though, not to be offensive towards your kin, but a lot of birds just go for rats and adders. You managed to take down a seal, even if you had to do a bit of shifting. That just means you have the ability to be useful in both forms. I can only rely on my cat form." He hoped his words of wisdom settled in Kelski's mind nicely. He had just met this girl and had good feelings about her. She was nice and caring, not only that but also a kelvic. Kelvics had other kelvic's backs, right? It seemed like that and to meet even more today was certainly a plan he would like to participate in. "Just a second, I have my things down the beach little ways," He turned and made his way towards the small crevice where he had his items hidden. As he made the trip, he brought his hand and gently felt his injured ear. Nearly the entire upper half of it had been torn clean off, baring jagged edges where the seal's teeth had sliced right through it. Both dried and fresh blood trickled down the side of his face. The wound screamed in protest against the touch so Alexander grimaced and returned his arm to his side. Well, there was the battle scar he wanted so bad, but was the pain really worth it?

"Shyke," Exclaimed the boy under his breath. Upon kneeling down to retrieve his belongings, he noticed that they had been picked through. His shirt and pants were unfolded and pushed further into the back of the ledge. He began desperately searching for his serpent dagger, eyebrows furrowing with increased worry, "No, it's gone!" He drew his lips back and snarled, angrily peering around the landscape. Who would do this? Still, the only person he had come across was Kelski. Had she crossed him up? Is that why she wanted to distract him with the hunting opportunity? Why else would she suggest such activity and now she was to lead him back to her home? It all began to fall into place. He knew she was being far too nice to be a random stranger, far too nice. Even though this was unlikely, the boy was always one to jump to conclusions, no matter how dramatic. Blind with fury, he saw no other options. Alexander remembered her book-bag. She had been careful to keep it close, even in her bird form. No one had ever disturbed his items... Not until he met this woman.

Face growing red; Alexander was livid. He slipped on his clothing and sent a venomous glare down the beach at Kelski. The boy might as well had left fiery footprints behind him as he stormed right up to the kelvic, making sure to tower over her, "You really thought you could get away with it, huh? Give me my things back, or else stitches won't fix what I do to you."

[Kelski]

Kelski wasn’t expecting the attack. She’d just washed up in the surf and was busy pulling on some clothing so she could carry the seal carcass back up the beach towards The Midnight Gem.

He’d been so nice reassuring her that her kill method made sense given that she was simply a bird, even offering praise that she’d gone after something as big as a seal. It was true she usually hunted rabbits in the tall grass along the coast or even took down sea gulls as snacks when she wanted a quick meal. Seals were vicious fighters but coupled with a predatory nature and a human form, she had confidence she could take one down given she could have gotten it separated from its mass of sunbathing counterparts.

He’d been so level headed during the hunt and his subsequent feast. But now… now he was outraged. She noted his red face, his enraged words. He was far taller and far heavier than she was. And he was crowding all up in her space. Kelski hissed her displeasure, half dressed and half undressed. She wasn’t really able to fight with her pants halfway on.

She carefully finished pulling up her pants and fastened the belt. “I didn’t take your knife. Why would I do that? I have my own knives.” Kelski said furiously, glaring at him equally as fierce. “I am not a thief. I am a jeweler. I don’t need to steal things from others.” She hissed, deliberately sliding on a shirt and buckling her weapons around her waist. All her moves were deliberate and careful. She truthfully didn’t want to provoke him any further.

Kelski glanced back at her meat, wondering why the other kelvic with a full belly wasn’t calmer. Was someone into his things? She started to turn and study their surroundings when a twang rent the air. An arrow sailed passed her head and barely missed Alexander. She whirled to see where it came from, more afraid of the arrow than the jaguar, when a burning piercing pain surged through her shoulder and slammed her backwards into the big kelvic behind her.

An arrow protruded from her shoulder. She hissed in pain, crying out then, and reached up to pull it out of her flesh. Only the voices stopped her.

A group of men were converging on them on the beach. One was busy yelling at an archer in the group. Five. Kelski quickly counted five as she blinked against the pain, shoving herself forward off Alexander’s form. “Gods curse it, Squint! I told you not to wound them. Kelvics that can hunt and are pretty to boot. Both of them are lookers and fighters. Think of the profit! They’ll fetch a lot on the block.” One of the men, obviously a leader, told another man with the bow.

Kelski’s shoulder was burning in agony. She hissed irritably and wasn’t going to wait for the men to move. Glancing over her shoulder, she pulled a dagger from its sheath with her good hand and with her bad side grabbed another. Her hand wasn’t hindered but her shoulder screamed in agony every time she moved that arm. The second she twisted behind her back in an offer to Alexander. He might have hangups on others touching his weapons, and a real ass-face about accusing people of stealing… but she wasn’t about to leave a fellow Kelvic unarmed with a bowman around.

Kelski crouched, stepping away from Alexander, taking on a defensive position… even with the arrow protruding from her shoulder. A man approached, iron cuffs hanging from his belt connected by two chains. Kelski had worn manacles before. She didn’t want them on again. So she launched herself at the man, engaged, trying not to give him a chance to get the bullwhip in his hand a chance to taste her flesh or wrap around her body. Whips needed distance to work, so Kelski closed the gap between them by bolting forward and swung her knife, not even remotely hesitating.

The rest of the men scattered, half peeling off to take on Alexander. The one Kelski was attacking suddenly joined by a second one. The leader stood alone, directing the other four. “Get him collared.” He ordered, pointing two of the men towards Alexander. He’s more dangerous than the bird.” He said, voice still calm.

Kelski didn’t stay still long enough to find out what their plans were. With an arrow sticking out of her shoulder, her whole side burning with the pain, she closed the distance and did her best to slit the man’s throat that had the whip. She didn’t manage it, as he ducked, giving her access to his face which she fully took advantage of it. Her blade parted his face, across his nose, opening up both cheeks to expose his teeth through the gap. The man screamed, grabbed at his sliced open face, and staggered away. The second man, taking advantage of Kelski’s distraction with the first, closed the distance and slammed her on the top of the wounded shoulder with a club. The club barely missed her head and a killing blow for certain. Kelski crumpled under the pain of having the same pierced through shoulder assaulted by a sheer powerful blow. She screamed weakly, fell to her knees, then threw her weapon at the man.

Her blade flew true at the closed distance and lodged itself deep in his brain through the man’s eye. Kelski hissed, bowed forward, and vomited. The pain was intense and she was certain her collarbone was broken on the same side her shoulder was ran through with the arrow.

She’d give anything… anything at all… to see Ebon loping up the beach right now. Her healer friend was invaluable in a fight.

The Kelvic looked up from the pile of bile in front of her and studied Alexander to see how the Jaguar was doing with his own assailants. If the Kelvics were captured they didn’t stand a chance to winning free – especially Kelski – as wounded as she was.

[Alexander Slade]

Alexander was known to switch emotions off the bat, without much warning. Normally, none of these feelings were positive, either. It was caused both by the make-up of his personality and based on the events he went through. His father, Adron, was a sailor and a hostile one at best. This was often blamed on the fact that he was an enormous grizzly bear kelvic, not exactly the friendliest creature. Nonetheless, he was an amazing father, up until he went missing at sea. Alexander had inherited his quick-temper, he couldn't say the same for his older brother, though. Andrew was much gentler and patient, taking after the mother, instead. Never had Alex enjoyed the company as much as some people, even if he was more fond towards Kelvics. At the end of the day, if he had a choice, he would want to be alone. Having no close friends nor motivation to really make any, he didn't mind wandering the land, having no one to look after but himself.

Alexander didn't see any reason to not blame Kelski. He also didn't see any reason for her to be so nice and interactive with him without having some sort of menacing plot brewing in her mind. This suspicion was built into who he was, however, living in Sunberth only threw fuel into the already-churning fire. This sudden fury made him as unpredictable as a stray dog one would come across in the street. His piercing, blazing grey eyes watched Kelski hiss at him, satisfied to have caught this thief red-handed.

"Your own knives, huh? I'm sure a bird-brain like you wouldn't miss a chance to swipe some more. I swear, if you don't start digging in that bag of yours and give it back, I'll pluck you feather from-" Alexander's threat came to an abrupt stop when an arrow sliced through the air with a steady smoothness. At first, the big cat wasn't quite sure what it was, gazing around, dumbfounded. Though, he wasn't given too much time to ponder before the dark-haired girl was knocked into him. A puzzled gaze downwards found himself staring at an arrow protruding painfully through Kelski's shoulder. Immediately, Alexander's mouth gaped with shock as the icy claws of fear gripped his stomach mercilessly. Who would do this? Where were they?

Unfortunately, his questions were given answers just as soon as they were wondered. Panic swelled in the big cat's chest and he took a few hesitantly steps back. Why were they doing this? Were they bandits from the city? Slavers? He had heard about slavers, being a Kelvic, but had never come across any. The horror stories were enough to keep him up at night but now, the nightmare was a reality. What would imaginary Alexander do? He would take on these men like it was any other day. The kelvic tried to find confidence in this but then again, imaginary Alexander wasn't real for a reason. The sudden vision of becoming a slave flashed through his mind. The whips... The chains... Being reminded that you are below someone... A knot swelled in his throat. With his stubbornness and temper, that was a lifestyle that would be equivalent to a death sentence for him.

The big cat could hear the men talking but none of their words were registered. Instead, his grey eyes were locked on a dagger one of the five goons had tucked in his belt. A certain dagger that looked extremely familiar to the young boy- yeah, his knife. A lot of emotion and memories were attached to this certain item. To keep the homesickness to a minimum, the only thing he took from his childhood home was this serpent dagger his father gave him, a few days before he went missing. To lose this weapon was equal to losing a leg or arm. Alexander would battle to get it back, battle out everything he had. However, he could hear that his companion near him was in agonizing pain, rightfully so. With an arrow in her shoulder, there was no way she could shift and peck out these slaver's eyeballs. Guilt washed over him... Maybe he shouldn't have called her birdbrained. He caught sight of the dagger she handed him and quickly took a firm hold of it. He kept it risen at waist-length, baring his sharpened teeth at the attackers.

Mimicking Kelski's defensive stance, Alexander's eyes flickered rapidly to capture and monitor each of these stranger's movements. This proved nearly impossible as they approached closer and closer. Though the dread of a fight weighed heavy of his mind, he knew he was at an advantage. He wasn't hurt- yet- and had just eaten. He felt strong and possessed the ability to land solid blows... If he could just aim and time them right. The sound of metal cuffs and chains clinking together brought his attention to the man Kelski launched herself at. With widened eyes, he admired her bravery, even with an arrow lodged in her flesh, the woman didn't back down. That meant he could do some damage, too. As much as he wanted to jump in and help her out, he quickly came to the realization that he had his own battles to win.

Two men advanced towards Alexander, overwhelming him. Never had he been in a fight like this, adrenaline was rushing through his veins. Sizing them up, he noticed one had a metal collar in their hands, he could only imagine what it was meant for. The other wielded the serpent dagger. This made the boy angry and once again, his face grew red.

"Get him down, then I'll contain em," One of the men barked and that was when Alexander was charged at. His heart fluttered and pounded like a caged bird trying to escape. The man who charged rammed into Alexander, causing the kelvic to stumble back and instinctively throw up his hands, planting them against his attacker's chest right as he swiped his father's serpent dagger. Alexander felt a cold blade slice right below his right eye and shouted out in pain. A sharp breath left his body- he could have just been blinded! An inch higher and he would have been done for. At least now he could blame his ear injury on an epic battle with a slaver... If he got out alive.

The blood came gushing out, sliding down his face and dripping onto his neck without any sign of stopping. Slightly crouched, Alexander rose his own dagger and stabbed the nearest body part, not worried about aiming at a direct spot. He was shaky and frantic, so instead of hitting the throat or face, the knife plunged into the man's stomach. His eyes quickly rose to meet his attacker's face. They gazed at each other in an instant that made it feel as though time had stopped. That was when the kelvic realized he had landed a lethal blow right in the gut. Seeing the light fade from the slaver's eyes, Alexander took the handle of Kelski's knife and twisted it. A choked cry broke free of the man's lips, as well as a few splashes of blood before he collapsed. A few heaves indicated that the dagger was lodged in something solid. There was no time to try and rip it out because the second person, noting the first man failure, lunged.

A metal collar was shoved forward to clip around his neck but the man stumbled over the first slaver's limp body. Instead, the hard material caught Alexander's skin and ripped a hole in his chin. This gave Alexander a second to grit his teeth in pain and retreat backward. With a flash of bright lights, a black jaguar was now going up against the capture. Rearing up on his hind legs, the gigantic cat let loose a vicious, three-part roar that would send a chill down even a hardened warrior's spine. With this, he swiped an enormous paw. His unsheathed claws glinted in the sun's rays before dicing four, jagged lines down the man's chest. The collar was dropped, thudding against the sand as the man stumbled backward, hunched over and clutching the claw marks with a grunt of pain. Fur bristled along his spine, another charge sent the man running for his life, a huge black cat batting at his heels. Alexander came to a stop and slapped the ground, sending a cloud of sand towards the injured man, releasing another piercing bellow. He trotted up to Kelski and nudged her gently. He could hardly imagine the pain she was with going. Even though her wounds were much more severe, Alexander was quite battered as well, blood leaking from mostly his face. The kelvic stood protectively over Kelski, glaring at the leader of the goons and peeled back his lips, revealing long, razor fangs.

A snarl that said 'come and get me.'