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Post by Tiff'blz on Aug 21, 2007 19:48:04 GMT -5
Cassie followed Zhane's directions, sitting down heavily. "I .. I do not know what is wrong. It seems all of a sudden like I had given up on life. It was such a heart wrenching feeling.. I felt like.. I wanted to die.." She said, burying her face in her hands. "What would be something that only I know about Inu?... That he doesnt like to eat meat in front of anyone.. and when we were with that one girl and her metal snake things, he decided that he wanted some as well, but he seemed so upset about having such a need that was so primal.. But it was so natural that I didnt understand what the problem was, but I let him eat under my chair and under the table anyway.. Is it such a bad thing to want raw steaks? Come on.." She started to mumble almost incoherently, but at least Ari had the information he needed. She looked up at Zhane. " I do not know what is wrong.. but I feel like I will be okay.." She said smiling weakly.
"What? Wait?... What do I have to wait for? I have been waiting for ten years.. For what?.. I dont know what I am waiting for. For death?..For salvation? Ha! The idea has no merit in itself, let alone the hope." [/b] He scoffed at the idea but heard something that wasnt spoken directly to him.
"Cassie, tell me something only YOU would know about Inu! Tell me now!"
Inu cleared his throat as well as any snake could. "Do you expect a laugh? Do you think you are funny?... I think not."[/b] He turned his head away, as if now ignoring this unwelcome prescence.
Cassie looked over at Ari running up. " What do you need to talk to me about Ari?" She asked, a hand running through her hair almost gripping it and pulling, but she resisted somehow. The look she gave Ari was one of anguish.
Inu sighed and began to move, merely crawling up on a warm rock. "Are we done here?.. I need my sleep.[/b]
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Post by Marr-bles™ on Aug 21, 2007 20:05:21 GMT -5
Zhane watched intently on what was going on, and instantly got a conscious question stuck in his head. Why would he be asking that question, unless he's talking to Inu... something about Inu only she would know. Maybe he's speaking to him or not. Tryingto figure out if it's him or not. I hope for Cassie's sake that it is Inu, but if it was him, what troubles lie ahead to find him. Talk to him. Cope with the time that has passed and caused them so much pain. I only hope for the best....that's all I can do. Cassie... be brave... I don't want you to get hurt again.
Zhane heard the rustle in the bushes and instantly went over to the green bush, running his hand through it. He could tell it was his cat. "Mouse! Come on girl... You don't want a snake to get you... at least climb a tree or something..." He said and before he could say another word, the cat jumped out of the bushes and jumped into Zhanes arms. "Well, that's better... but I'm not carrying you all the way to Dotado!" He told the cat and as usual the cat found it's perch upon Zhane's neck, wrapping her tail around his neck.
Zhane moved back towards Cassie, still worried about what was going on. She told him that she felt like she would be okay. He noticed the weakened smile. Something was terribly troubling her, and the Ari was asking her a question. He walked away for a moment to let them have a private time to talk. He wasn't one to pry.
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Post by timeshift on Aug 21, 2007 20:09:58 GMT -5
Cassie! it`s him! he dosen`t believe me....... He thinks you dead! you had a thing for mech snakes? won`t eat it front of....... wait....... forget believing me you are so easy! I killed her and I spit at you find me you heartless piece of dinner I am hungry for your flesh next
What have I done Ari thought.......... it was the one thing that he Knew would get the serpent headed the right direction. It was fool of fool hearty mistakes but why not irritate him more. hell I already interrupted his dinner!
Ari saw Zhane already concerned why not call a animal completely out of his control and antagonize it. why not risk all their lives on a hunch that when the beast got here it would go docile at the sight of Cassie. Oh Crap! what have I done Ari again slumped to the ground. he had no idea how soon Inu might arrive. no idea what way he needed to run if and when. Cassie might sate the beast but before that he felt he was a meal in the making.
Ari watched the cat move in and out of the trees........ to have the mouses speed and agility! as mouse jumped into Zhanes arms Ari thought to himself ..........That too may
not be safe
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Post by Tiff'blz on Aug 21, 2007 20:31:42 GMT -5
" Exactly...How...Stupid...Are.. You?"[/b] Inu spat out, whipping his head around. He couldnt focus on what direction that the voice was coming on, it sounded like it was coming from every direction and none in general. He hissed, his head dipping low. " You fool.. You will be my meal.." [/b] He began to hiss angrily, horribly angry that he couldnt find his way to the man. " I knew that there must be a reason for you contacting me.. You have a death wish it seems, and I am to be the proverbial 'genie in the bottle" correct? It would be below me to deny a man his wish.." [/b]
Cassie watched Zhane walking away and she hurried to get to him. She grabbed his arm, trying to get him to stop. " Dont go... I need your help.. I think he is talking to Inu, I think that is why I am in so much pain..the link is trying to come back, this is the same way I felt when me and Inu first met.. Can.. Well can you do the thing that you did with Mouse? Use his eyes? Lead him back here?" Her voice took on a desperate tone, and her eyes were pleading with him. "Please..can you do this?" She asked, letting the tears finally fall from her tired eyes. " I have a chance to get Inu back..I will do anything to get him back, please..." Her voice broke and her head dropped, a more pathetic sight indeed than that of Inu previously. She let go of his shirt, standing there, her hair dropping down to cover her face. Her eyes closed, but it couldnt stop the tears that welled up and dropped heavily onto the forest floor.
" Fool...." [/b] Inu muttered, keeping a watchful stance as if the man would just appear out of nowhere and jump on him, fulfilling his promise. He had no idea what a mistake he had made..Inu's body grew, first slowly, but then at a rapid rate, growing in length and in width, his body changing from his normal dark black color to those of a vivid green, red, and yellow. He had only taken this form while by Cassie's side during the war, and had not before or since. In his rage, he forgot previous promises to himself and changed. Finished after only a few moments, the black racer, that had blended in almost perfectly with the forest's deep rich soil, had changed into a monster of a snake. He knew he resembled Cassie's form and knew that it was their link that did this. He didnt move though, not wanting to be ambushed, nor wanting to lose track of the man if he went in the wrong direction.
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Post by Marr-bles™ on Aug 21, 2007 21:01:01 GMT -5
Mouse started to meow in a deep tone hearing Ari say that he thought cassie was dead. She moved slightly on Zhanes shoulder, letting her claws touch his skin. "Calm down Mouse... it's okay!" He reassured the cat unaware of what Ari had said, even to the fact that he said anything at all. Zhane was suddenly shocked to feeling Cassie grab his arm. "Hey, what?" He asked completely out of reflex, and then took in everyhting she said. Her words were fast, forced and very emotional, something he wasn't ready for. He took his hands putting them on her shoulders and bent down with her. "I can do it... but I will be vulnerable if a snake attacks... or anything, cause I can't protect myself when I go into that form. But I will do it for you, okay?" Zhane knew he was taking a huge risk. He looked over at Ari. What would happen if the puppet reached the snake. The very escence of the cat would be devoured and a part of Mouse would be lost, if the snake got a hold of the puppet. He scratched Mouses' ear and nuzzled her body. "Are you ready again...?" And the cat answered with a simple high pitched me-ow. "Cassie, I don't know what will happen. Please, just take care of Mouse if anything happens... if anything comes!" HE was dead serious about this. He felt his pulse race already.
Zhane moved beside her, sitting down and sat with crossed leggs against the tree next to cassie. He gave her a slightly smile as he took in the escence of the cat around his neck. A cat appeared infront of the man and animal duo, as Zhane exhaled his breath. The cat around his neck took a position as if she were sleeping. He moved slightly as he put a hand out to the ghost like cat. It's shape and form was more solid than the last time, like it was simply a real cat. "Go... find the snake... let me use your eye's, mouse two." He said and the cat ran off into the woods.
Swift movements through the bushes gave the cat's location away, as Zhane was able to tap into the cat's eye's, his body became still against the tree, showing his full powers at use. Able to control the puppet, and use it. Though the cats eye's, it passed by many tree's and stopped suddenly listening for anything to pinpoint the area of the snake. Taking a few steps toward the next tree, Zhane watched as he made the cat look to the left. There he is.. I think... Oh my god... what a big snake... I wonder if that's Inu. The cat spoke out in human words, from Zhanes mind. Are... you... Inu? Follo...w.... A part of Zhanes power he never knew he had, but he felt the power from Cassie. The determination and the will power to strengthen the power. Immediatly, the cat started to run away from the snake, going back toward where the others were, in hopes that he was following.
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Post by timeshift on Aug 21, 2007 21:57:08 GMT -5
Ari was resigned, he in the heat of emotion, had summoned what might be his end. the others oblivious to what he had offered for Cassies life.
Now Ari`s self preservation kicked in. Ari`s eyes closed and his head lulled. Defend me from harm those who feel me Ari Knew it was not their choice. he had made a bad decision again. This time lives would surly be lost. But Ari was Devout in his decision.
This time he would not have restless nights, this time he would defend if need be. He had called to Inu not knowing what and who Inu was.... now he knew and he felt ashamed. He had called to Inu like one one call a neighbor. He quickly dismissed his defenders, they deserved better. He alone had invoked Inu. How Cassie had come to befriend this of all serpents , He Knew not. If things went well he resolved he would remain silent about Inu the name she knew The Great One by. his ignorance battered him. please let me be forgiven was all Ari could ask...
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Post by Tiff'blz on Aug 22, 2007 15:43:34 GMT -5
Cassie almost cried with relief when Zhane agreed to help. She hugged him tightly, surprised when his and the cats body suddenly.. well..Relaxed so completely she thought he would fall over. She held him anyway, trying to not let him fall while he was helping her, and keeping him safe if she could. She turned only her head, quickly shoving her hair out of her face as Ari seemed to fight with himself. She could only watch, wanting to run to him and talk to him about Inu, but did not let go of Zhane. "I will not let him harm you Ari.. If it is truely Inu... He will not harm you..but..what if it is not Inutaisho?" She whispered softly, her face so near Zhane that she was sure that if he was more conscious of his surroundings he would have felt her breath brush his cheek.
Inu's head jerked around, quick as a flash of lightning. A cat? Inu became more and more confused. Follow? He paused, that was the best thing he had heard all day. His head ducked low to the small cat and nodded minutely. As it took off, Inu followed, holding back his speed to give the cat some leeway. Alright Ari.. He thought to himself with a satisfied smile. You want me.. you got me..
He followed the cat, who stopped much sooner than he had expected. That close..and he had not heard? Strange... He glimpsed through the bushes, their backs were to him. Intriguing.. He took in a good look at the three. One was a boy, for some reason Inu just knew that he was the source of the cat mirage deal.. He turned to the gray haired girl. He couldnt make out much, but Cassie?... Cassie had rich brown hair, and the brightest green eyes that any brook or stream would die to dream of.. This girl.. Gray and dark? .. Couldnt be..But that was the only girl with the three. Then Ari must have lied like Inu thought. That thought brought his head around to the last but not least of the trio.
Inu raised up, looking squarely at the black haired man. "Once a fool.. Always a fool."[/b] He said it out loud, stretching himself forward, poking his head through the bushes to be in plain view. A sly voice wafted over to Ari, demanding his attention. " You called?"[/b]
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Post by Marr-bles™ on Aug 22, 2007 16:13:10 GMT -5
Even in the full use of his powers, he could still focus just a little bit on what was going on in his side of the story. If he could smile to the hug that she gave him, he would have, but felt somewhat comfortable as she held on to him.
The cat ran through the bushes as the puppet turned back and saw the snake had actually followed. Amazing...it worked... Zhane thought as the cat still was visible infront of Zhane and Mouses forms. Mouse had woke up finally and lay on Zhane shoulder, protective of her master. She let out a hiss and a deep but devious 'Meow'. Zhane moved slightly feeling the presences of the snake. Is that the Inu? Is it him... if it's not, my little puppet will shoo him away, scratch and claw until it leaves... I must let the double go just yet... but everything must hurry before I run out of strength.
There wasn't much more that the cat could do, but watched diligently as the snake lifted it's headup and surveyed the area of the three humans and the 'two' cats that stood before him. The mirage of Mouse leaned back on it's haunches, in a ready position as a bare hiss came from it's mouth.
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Post by timeshift on Aug 22, 2007 17:10:42 GMT -5
Ari knew his speed was unquestionably inadequate to flee, just as he knew the serpent was after him alone. of course I did, and as I remember ...... you answered. do you often speak to humans and how would I know of your name?, for that matter that you knew Cassie?
Ari threw his entire hand down face up.. Cassie had boasted of Inu`s reasoning ability and intellect. the only hope Ari saw was that the serpent be smarter than he was angry and at this point for that to happen this serpent would need to be genius.
Ari moved slowly from his new companions, no need to include them in his folly . I mean no disrespect but you would not have other wise paid me any heed.
can`t even call for help! damnable! should have learned to change frequencys.......... go figure.
Ari waved what he assumed was his final gesture to his new companions .
what is is what was meant to be
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Post by Tiff'blz on Aug 22, 2007 17:28:13 GMT -5
Cassie turned around slowly, seeing that something had set both Zhane and Ari to a defensive stance. Her steps seemed to take forever, turning like in a bad scene of a cheap flick in slow motion. When her eyes hit the snake, Cassie's hand flew to her mouth. She let go of the hug that held Zhane, as he was again fully at attention and stepped forward before halting. No.. he would not recognize her..but him.. How would she ever forget such a beautiful creature as her beloved Inu? She saw him every waking hour, and every night in her dreams. She had such a deep connection with him that when she thought she lost him she had contemplated and attempted suicide. Tears of joy ran down her face, and her entire body tensed up, wanting to fling itself at Inu with such force that it would knock both of them down. But to do this, she would have to get his attention! He was staring so hard at Ari that Inu had taken on the power of a basilisk and would turn the poor man to stone in seconds. She stepped forward once more, her gray eyes beseeching the snake that had no interest in her to turn to her. If he saw her face? Would he remember her then?
"Rhetorical question, you brilliant man." [/b] He said mentally rolling his eyes. He inched forward, the end of his tail snapping in anticipation. "You said you killed Cassie.. that is how you knew about her..And what is it you said about having my flesh next?"[/i] He had made his way out of the bushes for the most part, about three-fourths of his eighteen foot length out in the open. It took a lot to get into this form and he used it only in times of need, or exreme anger..like now for instance. His red eyes flickered to the other two, as if daring them to interrupt. When he did, he had to pause at the girl's reaction to him. She didnt seem at all afraid. Why? His large head turned to her slightly, taking his undivided attention off of Ari for only a moment. Was she crying? His eyes narrowed. She did look familiar.. Could this be Cassie?
Cassie saw that look of confusion and used it, falling to her knees and gazing up at her beloved friend. "Inu.." She said, softly but loud enough for him to hear. He had heard her voice so many times that it was unmistakable, even through the antagonizing changes that she had to bear, her voice of course had stayed the same.
"Ca....No.. It cant be.. What?.. What happened to you? Your beautiful hair.. your beautiful eyes.. what?... Is it because?.. Because of our seperation?.. Oh my God.. Cassie..." [/b] His words were broken sentences, he couldnt make the words come out right it seemed. But Cassie, alas could not hear her. His eyes immediately went back to the only one that could.. Ari.
" You..I am sorry. My Cassie.. She is right here..but I did not recognize her at first you see.. You have to understand that she looks nothing like she used to really. But.. Our connection has been broken and we have been seperated for ten years. Please.. Take my apology to heart and help? I only wish to tell her I miss her so. And could you tell that boy that his little cat really is cute, but will help him not at all and I am afraid he is tiring himself out you know?"[/b]
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Post by Marr-bles™ on Aug 22, 2007 17:43:31 GMT -5
Zhane could physically tell that Cassie had released him of her touch, something that he felt he needed. With her no longer beside him, he instantly felt weakened. I have never used my powers like this.. never been able to speek through my puppet.. It feels like so much is gone... I don't think I can hold the puppet any longer... but I must... to protect myself... to help Cassie.. I mustn't let go of this puppet. He mentally thought as the image of Mouse moved closer to Cassie, ready to do anything to help if something was to go wrong, but he hoped that it wouldn't come to that. The form of the cat kept a watchful eye on teh snake as it inched it's way out, and Zhane mentally cursed the size of the animal. How could a snake like that be out here.... there is nothing... unless the snake that Cassie was talking about had a friend that was...what? seventeen... maybe even nineteen feet? Remind me never to get on her or the snakes bad side.
Zhanes physical form moved slightly, the hold was starting to loose on the cat and the evidence was proven as the image of the cat started to become more translucent. A tireness appear on Zhanes face, as he held strong to the hold. His ears caught hold of the one word that Cassie had said. "Inu.."
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Post by timeshift on Aug 22, 2007 18:11:42 GMT -5
Ari heard Inu`s words........his world went black..........
As Ari tried to rise he realized the snake had closed some considerable distance, but his words....... It worked.. and apparently he was now destined to interpret until such a time came that a solution could be found. He had found the monster and that monster needed him. symbiotic for a time he thought......
"Its ok he remembers and we are safe, Zhane you can relax he means you no ill will and says it`s a cute cat.."
Still the relief flooded Ari now wha........."he has missed you Cassie"
make sure to get the whole message out Ari boy lets not push the luck
it is done great one and I will endeavor to find a solution
if what I feel is correct this was hardly the first war the great one has seen. what brought he and this girl to be........ not just to help....I have to know how.....
Ari finally regained the strength in his legs. he knew it was a close call worth it. As he looked around he saw Cassie in a different light he thought he still saw sadness, but for lost time. and Zhane, Zhane needed help, he had never seen such a look of exhaustion, He didn`t understand fully what Zhane had done but he recognized the cost. Ari would carry the man if need be but he felt they all needed to soon be out of the forest. the messages of danger his friends were sending him were not over Inu this he knew, Even as he Knew it would not have been possible for them to defend him against the great one. No this danger was different. But as much as Ari thought they needed out of the forest, He knew if need be this group was formidable and that they would be ok.
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Post by Tiff'blz on Aug 22, 2007 18:33:01 GMT -5
Cassie stood up, her knees not wanting to hold her up. She stumbled over to him, grabbing him in a hug as much as she could even in this form. "Oh Inu!" She exclaimed happily, buring her face against his smooth scales. " Oh how I have missed you!" Her heart seemed almost to burst with happiness, excitement. Nothing could describe the way she felt right then. "Oh my Inutaisho..." She turned into her snake form, a large gray adaptation of the exact form that Inu had at the moment, but just not nearly as long. She wrapped her neck around his, a friendly greeting between two snakes.
"Oh Cassie..my you have changed..still beautiful as ever.."[/b]
"Oh thank you thank you thank you.." She had changed back into herself and repeatedly thanked Ari for finding Inu for her and thanking Zhane and Mouse for leading him to her. "Inu...For old times sake?" She said with a smile through her tears as she held her arm out. Inu's heart lifted, and he actually laughed. He changed back into a little black racer like he used to, and slowly crawled up her arm. There he rested his head on her collarbone, and wrapped around her upper arm. "Oh my God.." Cassie said, her happiness shining through the bright smile on her face. She turned to the two men, and as they watched, a small little heart began to faintly show up on her upper left cheek , though she was unaware of it at the time. "Now! Now we head to Dotado!" She said, her voice lilting happily as she started out the direction of Dotado while speaking animately to the snake that she had longed for ten years to see just once more.
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Post by Marr-bles™ on Aug 22, 2007 18:49:56 GMT -5
THe cat that stood beside of Cassis immediatly started to disappear as the form of the cat turned around and went back to the main component as to which he was made from. Mouse shook her head slightly as she nuzzled her head against Zhanes cheek. Zhane looked up at her momentarily and smiled, exhaustedly. "I'm fine Mouse... no need to worry, you okay?" He asked the cat, as the cat took the moment to bite on Zhanes ear. "Okay... okay...!" He said as he reached behind, making contact with the tree, lifting himself up off the ground. Okay... doing the right thing was worth total exhaustion... and being lightheaded, but it was definatly worth it right? WEll, Cassie found her snake... I've got Mouse...and Ari now has friends. What more could be better? WEll, actually a nice bed right now, cause I'd really like to take a good nap... I'm drained!"
Mouse jumped off of Zhanes shoulders, not forcing him to carry her in his condition of weariness. She nudged his leg to get him to start walking and Zhane looked ahead of him at CAssie seeing that she had totally forgotten about waiting on Ari and himself. He let out a small chuckle as he started to walk. His legs were heavy and he wished at that moment, he hadn't held the image for so long. "Well, At least Cassie found Inu, right Ari?" He turned to the man, giving a weak smile and watching as Mouse lead the way for him. "Thanks for helping her..."
He didnt' know why he was thanking him, but without him, she wouldn't be happy. Zhane watched her pleasently as a smile appeared on his lips. What an amazing girl... CAn't wait until we get to Dotado.
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