Completed Tracking Trouble (Bor, Faolan)

[Faolan Lundgren]

Faolan Lundgren The only actual Kelvic in this entire scenario watched carefully as the two moved to attack each other. As he observed the ensuing fight it became clear to him that the large creature before them wasn't really interested in inflicting any harm on the blade wielding man. It appeared to him that N had forgotten about him as well. He almost burst out laughing when the human man took a direct hit from the big beast when he could have easily dodged it. It had been a slow swing, but the man had ended up taking a nice hit by not moving. The smell of blood drifted to him, causing his nostrils to flare and his pupils to dilate. He couldn't help that reaction; it was just part of his predatory nature. His sense of smell wasn't strong enough in this form for him to be able to discern whether the blood was coming from the man or the beast, and since he couldn't see any blood on either of them due to where he was standing he wouldn't know unless he got closer. Faolan had no real intention of getting involved in this little fight, but the fact that the beast didn't seem to want to really harm the man and that N had originally been meaning to attack him in the first place started to sway the wolf's thoughts on the subject. He knew that getting in a fight in his human form was risky, but as N moved to get a different angle of attack while hurling insults he realized if he was going to get involved he would have to do it quickly. There would be no time to get undressed and shift. The inconvenience of having to strip naked to shift was annoying, but the human need for clothing was just as annoying. He didn't understand why they required it at all times when not in a private setting. Shaking his head to refocus himself on the situation before him he growled slightly to himself. Circling around behind N he watched carefully for any sign that the man noticed him moving into a position that would allow him to interfere with the next attack. When N lunged, so did Faolan, aiming to tackle him from the side. He hoped that the other animal wouldn't read his lunge as a conjoined attack. Of course he hadn't thought of that before he decided to try and tackle the man before he could inflict any harm on the other animal. Now it was too late, he had committed to trying to thwart the man's dagger from connecting with the large beast's skin, and he was going to follow through.

[Bor]

Bor was surprised that he had managed to hit the man. But what really surpised him was the fact that man was still standing, a bit wobbly, but still, any man that would have taken such a hit should have been knocked out cold. Perhaps this man wasn't an ordinary man Bor thought.

Bor could have probably ended the fight there by showing the piece of paper he carried around but the whole situation was so confusing that he had forgotten the parchment even existed. He had also forgotten the other man he had seen first, his focus was on the man wielding the nasty blade.

The man started to circle around him, keeping his distance this time. Bor would have tried to grab him in to choke hold if the man had lost his blade. As long as he had it Bor couldn't choke him unconscious. He needed to get rid of the blade before he could do that.

As the man leaped with his blade in hand Bor aimed his fist at his blade hand, hoping the force of the punch to remove the dagger from his grasp. Unfortunately his fist met the other man whom he had forgotten when he came seemingly out of nowhere to tackle his attacker.

[Inoadar]

Inoadar

Inoadar had been all ready to shift his hold on the weapon, to cut a gash on the underside of the "ape-Kelvic's" arm, as the brute swung his fist. But even as he perceived a second presence intruding on the conflict, this second body was knocked into him by the force of the ape-man's blow. The poisoner did what he could to salvage enough balance to remain afoot, but the opportunity to administer the Wildleash upon the big creature was lost.

He stepped back to let the smaller Kelvic land fully. Whether it was fully prone or on hands and knees did not diminish his anger. "By the Voice, Falin! What the petch are you doing? Either give me a hand or keep your Priskill-Poxed Pud out of my way! You helped me with Vera, and that's the only reason it's not your blood I'm taking today."

He looked up at the Jamoura anew, still thinking him some sort of rare Kelvic, and sneered. "It's nothin' personal, bub. And like I told this little twerp here, I'm not looking to do you any real damage; this ain't life and death...At least it doesn't need to be." Inoadar waved the knife menacingly, trying to intimidate the brute into some sort of concession. "I don't have to stab you, big guy. Just a cut, and I gather a vial of blood. That's it."

Naturally, Inoadar didn't mention the particulars of the toxin's effects. But it was true that he didn't wish to kill the creature. The passivity that would be imposed on his victim by the poison would negate any resistance the beast might intend to put up. But the poisoner could see no indication, on the part of the ape-man, of any willingness to "deal". He didn't think it mattered though. Still thinking him a Kelvic, he didn't think he needed to defeat this creature. He just needed to cut him...just once.

it occurred to him suddenly how the intruding Falin might assist him after all. Whether the youngster was back fully on his feet or still struggling to rise, Inoadar reached to grab the wolf kelvic by whatever was available; arm, jacket...neck...whatever. If he was not interrupted, he would wrap his arm around the kid, trusting to his Flux-enhanced legs for the necessary stability, and use him as a body shield as he simply charged the ape-man, blade first.

x

[Faolan Lundgren]

Faolan Lundgren What Faolan had hoped wouldn't happen, happened. He felt the impact of the big creature's fist and the breath was knocked out of him. It hurt, but he knew even as he was sent flying through the air that he wouldn't be seriously injured unless he was hurled into a tree or rock. When he found himself landing against N instead he was grateful for a moment as at least the man was softer than a tree trunk or a boulder. Grunting as he hit the ground a moment later he found himself lying on his back staring up at the sky through the branches of the trees. Growling a little at the insults that were hurled at him for trying to help the big ape he took a few moments to recover. In the process of getting up he found himself pulled backwards by the hood of his cloak. Suddenly jammed against N and being propelled forward he squirmed in the grasp of the other male. Trying to slow them down by bracing his feet on the ground didn't seem to be working either. It was then that he remembered that the man had barely reacted to him being catapulted into him. There must be some sort of strange magic involved to keep the man stable. He didn't have a lot of time to fight back and he was soon faced with the imposing figure of the large ape. Cringing as he expected to be crushed at any moment he reflexively put his arms up to shield his face and jammed his eyes shut. Expecting the worst he hoped that his death would at least be quick. Every muscle in his body was tense as he waited to be crushed by the big ape.

[Bor]

Surprised by the other man's actions Bor stood still, not knowing how to act. ''Wh-why did you jump infront of him?'' he finally managed to ask. Multiple thoughts rushed through his head. Was the man trying to help him? Or was he working with the other man? Bor looked at the man wielding the blade as he started insulting the man he had punched by accident. Atleast they didn't seem like they were working together. Or then it was the worst teamwork Bor had ever witnessed.

Bor was surprised by the knife wielding man's words. He wasn't trying to kill him? He needed his blood? For what? All of these questions demanded answer and Bor was about to ask the man when he picked up the other man and suddenly charged with him towards Bor.

Bor was surprised by the way man charged him, using the other man as somekind of meat shield and pointing the knife out with his other arm. Last time figuring out what to do was simple. Now Bor couldn't just try to swing at the knife without atleast somewhat hitting the living shield. The man was approaching him fast and Bor was running out of options. Too fast. Before Bor could think of anything the man was up on him, the blade ready to stab him.

Bor's reflexs stepped in, moving his arm to protect his stomach. He saw the dagger make a cut to his arm before he felt the pain. As the pain reached his brain another reflex kicked in, shoving both men away from him with his arm, which was now bleeding.

Bor quickly inspected the wound. It was deep enough to bleed, but not deep enough to need any immediate medical help. Still he needed to get it stiched later, it would also probably leave a small scar. ''Why do you want my blood?'' he asked the man.

[Inoadar]

Inoadar

Inoadar lacked the leverage to keep his position, Flux or not, as the Jamoura slapped he and Faolan away. But he did keep his feet as he stumbled back from the blow, Faolan tumbling past him. He sneered in anticipation of seeing the big gorilla start going through the uncontrolled shape-shifting once the Wildleash took effect. Then, the big brute would fall unconscious for a chime or two, awakening to a docility that would make him easy to exploit.

He puzzled over the lack of effect, his thoughts growing concerned, 'What in the Vayt's Vex is going on? Why isn't he shifting? Is he some kind of mutant Kelvic? Immune to Wildleash?' He didn't answer as he scrutinized the beast. He'd assumed him to be some sort of bear Kelvic, fraught with deformities. Now he wasn't so sure. Now he started to get nervous. This was a large beast, but possessing human-like intelligence. Which meant it would not give into instinct and flee. 'It might even decide to pound the shyke out of me.'

His anxiety began to build. He hit on the idea of lying to the creature. He'd always had a talent for that. He could say that he'd thought he could "cure" him with his "medicine". Cure him of his physical defects. That he'd thought him a bear, but had now realized his mistake. He was quite prepared to offer up a very sincere sounding apology. It wasn't really that far removed from the truth. He had thought he was deformed bear. Other than the fact that he'd had no initial intent of helping anyone, it was pretty much true.

He was about to start organizing his words, when the lights flashing his shadow in front of him distracted him from his "diplomatic" focus. He'd forgotten about Faolan. He turned to see the young man undergoing the shifting he'd intended for the ape man. Wolf to human, to wolf, to human, again and again; each shift being accompanied by a bright flash; until the boy lay there unconscious in final human form, his clothes in tatters about him.

Inoadar could feel the eyes of the Jamoura on him. It was going to be difficult to sell his "well-meaning" story now. He turned slowly to find the ape staring at Faolan in what Inoadar assumed was shock and fury. The ape's eyes slowly refocused and targeted on the poisoner, who swallowed hard and took a step back. He'd let go his Flux, and was just a bit too stressed to concentrate and get it back.

Now he was genuinely scared. He was pretty sure the monstrous creature before him was not going to care to hear anything he had to say now. He wondered if Faolan would wake up to find him dead...

x

[Faolan Lundgren]

Faolan Lundgren The young Kelvic felt the blade bite into his arm as they were shoved forcefully away from the ape. As he toppled to the ground away from N he frowned a little bit at the pain. It wasn't the worst cut he had every had, but that doesn't mean it didn't hurt. A moment later he remembered that the blade had been coated with a special poison. Panic spread through his mind as he realized he had been poisoned. Feeling a shift coming on he pulled the tie that kept his cloak around his shoulders loose so that at least his only heirloom would be safe. The danger of shifting with clothes on was at the forefront of his mind as the first shift overtook him. He couldn't keep track of how many times he shifted, all he knew was that his senses were overloaded with the rapid back and forth he was experiencing. Not only was he disoriented and panicked, but he was having trouble focusing on his surroundings. He knew that there were two others with him, but he couldn't tell you where they were. Struggling against the uncontrolled shifts he tried to get a hold on one form or the other but found that he couldn't. Quickly becoming drained the last shift he took before passing out transferred him back to his human form. As he stared down at his hands for a moment he wondered if it was over just before darkness overtook him and he passed out on top of his destroyed clothes. In the moments before his consciousness drifted away he lamented over the fact that his clothing had been wrecked and hoped that the other animal would at least let him be. That's what he got for trying to help he supposed, should have just stayed back where he was and watched the large beast crush the smaller human. At least he wouldn't be lying naked on his clothes in the middle of the woods at the mercy of those nearby. As darkness enveloped him he let out an irritated sigh while he passed out.

[Bor]

Bor took a step closer to the now unarmed man who had attacked him. He repeated his question ''Why do you want my blood?'' His eyes stared at the man like two dark orbs. His focus shifted as he saw the other man suddenly turning to wolf and back to human and back to wolf. Bor recognized him as Kelvic. He had seen Kelvics before, usually as pets and he had heard how they could shift from human to animal.

Suddenly the shifting stopped and the man seemed to pass out. Or was he dead? Bor now also noticed a small cut in him. The pieces started to fall in to place. Bor eyes shifted back to his attacker, the black orbs now filled with fire. He picked up the man by his collar, lifting him up in the air and brought him close to his own face. ''Was THAT supposed to happen to me as well?!'' he said in fury. It was unnatural for Bor to get so angry, but the man had attacked him what seemed to be poisoned blade and had now supposedly killed an innocent man.

''Is he even alive?'' Bor asked and shook the man couple times. He was like a doll in Bor's massive hand. ''Answer me! And if you lie to me, I make sure that you don't leave this forest with your own legs''

[Inoadar]

Inoadar

The creature was even stronger than Inoadar had imagined. Pressure and weight closed like a strangling vice on his throat as he was hoisted from his own feet. For a stricken moment he thought the beast was going to bite his head off or something. Instead, his voice boomed in fury as he shook him, ''Was THAT supposed to happen to me as well?!''

Inoadar's voice was an indecipherable gasp as he struggled even to breath. The raging gorilla did not relent, the veins in its throat pulsing angrily against the iron collar around its neck. ''Is he even alive? Answer me! And if you lie..." The poisoner did not get the exact details of the subsequent threat, as his eardrums pounded with blood pressure. His face was getting hot, and he was trying to get a grasp on the focus to initiate the Flux again.

It felt like HE had the iron collar around his throat; getting twisted slowly tighter and tighter. He thought his head was surely going to pop, if his neck didn't break first from the shaking he being subjected to.

The metaphor stuck in his mind though, triggered by his eventual notice that the creature wore an iron collar as well. He had overlooked this at first, but now it dominated his awareness as the Jamoura continued demanding answers. He had noticed the collar, of course, but had written it off as nothing odd at first. Kelvics often wore collars. It only meant that he was someone's slave or servant. Then it had struck him that the beast might have been an escapee from the KRI.

This had certainly not changed his intent toward the creature, though. A slave or escapee deserved no better. And a servant had no business being out in the wilds alone. But something now struck him as odd. Then he realized what it was. It was pointless for such a large animal Kelvic to wear the collar while in animal form! Large animal Kelvics wore their collars in human form, so their throats woud be crushed if they shifted. This was, of course, to give them good reason to stay in human form, so they'd be much less of a threat, should they decide to make a bid for escape.

'Who had been the idiot to collar this thing while it was in animal form? There's no way this beast would be bigger in human form!' Then it started to add up...The ineffectiveness of the Wildleash, the unidentifiable species of the thing, Its odd behavior, being only semi-subservient in attitude. If it was a free Kelvic, it would not have approached them at all. But if it was a slave, it would bow and scrape in fear of legal retribution. And if it was a true escapee, it would have probably killed him by now. 'This thing is not a Kelvic!'

He also found a bit more focus, with his mind on something more intellectual than simple fear of strangulation. Using his Flux, he was able to bolster his neck muscles enough to counter some of the ape-man's strength. He would have liked to send some of the borrowed strength to his fists and arms. Instead, his arms were what he drained strength from, in order to empower his legs, as he tucked them, braced them against the beast's chest and pushed suddenly. "Let...me...GO!"

x

[Faolan Lundgren]

Faolan Lundgren Faolan woke up as Bor and N got into a screaming match. It sounded almost like they were far away as he slowly came back to himself. He couldn't remember how he ended up lying face down on a pile of rags in the middle of the woods for a few more moments as he silently stared at the pair in front of him. When his mind did turn up the memory of being cut and being forced to shift in and out of his wolf form he wondered if any other damage had been to his body or if his clothes had been the only thing to suffer. He found that he couldn't get mad at N for doing that to him. Puzzling over that he didn't bother moving just yet. His body felt like a pair of wet, muddy boots feel when you're trying to make good time through the woods. As his senses came back and his disorientation fell away from his mind he smiled a little at the predicament that N now found himself in. Gripped by the big ape and kicking in an attempt to get away Faolan hoped that later when the effects of the poison that had coated the blade wore off he could take a few moments to really revel in the fact that N was probably going to end up very hurt. Noticing his cloak lying within reach he focused on getting his body to function properly and reached out to grab the corner, pulling it to him. He was feeling a little chilly and wanted to be as comfortable as possible while he watched N get beaten to a pulp. Covering himself with it he snuggled into the fabric and settled in to watch the fight; which to him appeared entirely one-sided. He was happy to see that he had managed to get the cloak out of harms way, after all it was the only thing he had from his parents and was one of his only possessions that he truly cared about. Glancing down at his cut arm he let out a soft sigh. While it wasn't deep enough of a cut to require medical attention from someone qualified to give it, it would still leave a scar. Picking up a piece of his destroyed shirt he turned the clean side against his wound and applied pressure. His light blue eyes returned to the pair in front of him and he watched their struggle curiously, wondering what the outcome would ultimately be.