OOC: This is just between me and DS4 for now.

IC: Natsu's throat hurt and his arms were shaking. Although it was a pretty cold winter, that wasn't what was causing this sudden reaction on him currently. Only two knew of it: Sephora and Erza. Recently, he had finally found the killer of his parents, and he wasn't even sure what to make of the ancient man. He didn't seem cold-hearted at first, but he had felt no remorse or even the smallest bit of regret for the murder of Natsu's parents. His name had been Rien, and one day, Natsu promised himself that he would finally kill the Shade.

Erza was curled around him, trying her hardest to help him in recuperation, but it wasn't to much avail. She knew that this was something that he had to work out himself, but she could only help wanting to make him feel better. Not because they were bonded and his negative emotions carried to her too, but because she had been there when he fought Rien and had seen his anger. However, the Shade had been too strong, and they had to retreat. Also, another had come with them: Sephora. From Natsu's knowledge and her movements, she had learned that the female Allatik was going through the Weakness, something that all full-blooded Allatiks went through, and Javen and Sephora had been separated and she couldn't find him.

After leaving Du Weldenvarden, they had settled in the upper Empire so that Erza would have more cover in the trees or mountains in case the need called for it. They currently were above a hill that overlooked Lake Isentar, and they were in between that Lake and the borderline of Du Weldenvarden. Although Gil'ead was just south of the lake, soldiers would never approach Du Weldenvarden.

Sephora bit her lip as she wandered through the trees, bow ready and strung in her hands with an arrow knocked to the string. Her trusty bow; hand made by her father and given to her a mere day before he had been killed in a fire that destroyed her entire village. It had never failed her yet, even during her Weakness, and she hoped it wouldn't now. She stopped as the bushes a few feet in front of her rustled. Slowly so she didn't make a sound, she raised the bow up and pulled back on the string until she just touched the corner of her mouth. She waited a moment, breathing evenly, then released. The arrow flew straight and true into the bush and hit something with a dull thud. A squeal announced that it was a rabbit buck. She laid down her bow and rushed forward to the injured animal. It was wriggling desperately, pinned and helpless, terror shining in its wide eyes. Sephora felt a sting of pity for the creature. She stroked the trembling head to calm it, slowly easing her other hand toward its scruff. In a quick movement she snapped the rabbits neck cleanly, killing it instantly so it wouldn't feel any more pain. She removed the arrow from its body and replaced it in the quiver on her back, then stood with the rabbit in hand, retrieved her bow from the ground, and turned to make her way back to Natsu and Erza. She contemplated the situation. She didn't know the exact precise details, but she knew enough to understand. She sighed just as she emerged into the open at the bottom of the hill. She made her way up the incline, her breath becoming ragged from an activity that normally would have been nothing for her. She stopped by Erza's shoulder, lightly touching the dragoness's scales to alert the female of her presence.
I brought meat for Natsu. I could only get one rabbit, though. she said. She walked around until she saw Natsu. She laid the rabbit close to him and murmured firmly.
"Cook and eat that. As much of it as you can. No arguing, no buts." she was also much testier and moody while in the Weakness. Although this particular order was meant to jibe at Natsu for him to retort back at her, since she knew he didn't really like being told what to do, by anyone. "Have you had any water recently?"

Sephora sat with her back to Natsu, knees drawn up to her chest. She glanced back only briefly when Erza spoke to her, nodded slightly, then went back to staring into the distance. She did this often now, the ache of Javen's absence making a lump in her throat the longer they were separated. She nodded again without looking back at Natsu when he spoke of getting some water after he had eaten. She didn't answer when he asked if she was hungry. At his suggestion of swimming, however, she stiffened a bit. Her cheeks flushed pink. She couldn't swim. Her father had never taught her how. To be honest, large bodies of water terrified her.
"I don't...know." she said hesitantly. She shifted slightly. "I...can't swim." she finally admitted sheepishly.

Sephora listened quietly without turning around. She bit her lip nervously. She was terrified of water. She was fine with drinking it and washing with it, but anything bigger than a bathtub made her freeze up. She had no idea why. Perhaps it was a weakness of her element, air/wind. She took a deep breath to steady her pounding heart.
"Yes...I would like to learn. But we should stay here. There aren't any ponds close enough for easy travel distance, and the Ninor is rather close to Daret. But if you think a lake would be better, there is Fläm Lake right by the Spine. It would take maybe a day or day and a half of easy flying to reach it, perhaps less if winds are in our favor." she offered, turning her head to look at Natsu over her shoulder with one chocolate brown eye.

Sephora nodded silently without responding to his decision. She continued to stare out over Lake Isenstar, unmoving as stone. She glanced behind her when Natsu mounted Erza. The female Allatik stood up slowly, compensating for her trembling legs as she got to her feet. Once she was steady she made sure she had all her weaponry, then turned and walked to Erza. She paused and reached up to take Natsu's hand to let him pull her up behind him. She wrapped one arm around his waist to steady herself, biting her lip. Flying made her slightly nervous, but each time she went up with Erza and Natsu she realized how peaceful flying was. She laid her head against Natsu's upper back and closed her eyes. She suddenly felt very tired.
Wake me when we get there. she murmured into his mind before slipping into a restless sleep.

Sephora mumbled and shifted, scowling lightly at the disturbance of her sleep. She blinked open her eyes and lifted her head to look around. She sat up and rubbed her eyes to rid them of sleep.
"What time is it?" she murmured in question, then yawned. She scooted away from Natsu, then turned and simply slid down the dragoness's side to the ground. She stumbled a bit at landing, but she was used to it by now and compensated automatically. She turned and looked up at Natsu, tilting her head curiously. She felt in a surprisingly good mood this morning. The female Allatik shivered as a cool breeze swept by, rippling the glass smooth surface of the Lake. She rubbed her arms.
"What now?" she asked quietly.

Sephora nodded when he answered her about the time. She smiled gratefully at Erza when the dragoness heated up the water for her and Natsu. She watched with wide eyes as the Rider fearlessly entered the water and began swimming. Just thinking about joining him had tremors go up and down her body. She bit her lip and tried to smile at his playful jibe, though it was hard. Hesitantly she removed her jerkin, pulling it over her head briskly. She shivered at the cold air while she dropped the jerkin to the ground. She contemplated taking off her shirt - she did have a short tube top on underneath, anyway. She decided she would; her shirt was thin true, but it would drag her down or tangle with her arms once it got wet. Better remove the problem before it caused any. She unbuckled her weapon belt and laid it on the ground, then wondered about her pants. They were tight skinned on her thighs and calves, so they shouldn't pose too much trouble. She hesitantly approached the water, watching it warily like it might come alive and bite her. Her hands shook; she clenched them to hide the tremors and wrapped her arms around her tiny waist. Slowly, so she could retreat in a moments notice, she put one foot into the water, then the other. She remained tense for a few seconds but, realizing nothing had happened, tentatively took a few more steps. She looked up at Natsu and smiled slightly.
"It's not so bad." she murmured, easing a bit further into the water. It was up to her hips now.

Sephora's eyes widened as she watched him float on the surface of the water effortlessly. Slowly she walked forward until the water reached to just below her shoulders. She bit her lip, then did as he said. She pushed herself forward, arcing her arms in circles and kicking her legs. She sank instantly. Her feet somehow found bottom and she surfaced, spluttering. She wiped the water from her eyes and pushed the tendrils of her black hair away from her face. She shivered once.
"Maybe I should wait until the Weakness has passed, so I'm at full strength..." she said hesitantly.

Sephora took his disappearing underwater and heading for the shore as agreement. She turned and slowly walked back, another shiver crawling down her spine. She stepped onto the small beach, dripping wet, and shivered yet again. The female Allatik wrung the water from her hair as best she could so it would dry faster, then gathered her shirt and jerkin. She decided to leave her shirt off; she really didn't like to wear it anyway. She had on the tube top anyway. She looked up at Natsu when he asked whether she would like to stay or go sightseeing. She pondered a moment. She had really only been around the Boer Mountains for her entire life, or close to the coast at least. She opened her mouth to say 'sightseeing', but an abrupt pain in her chest made her stop and gasp. She looked down; nothing was there. She was confused for a moment, and then horror slid across her face. Javen. Something was wrong with Javen. Her hand flew up to her throat as she turned panic stricken eyes to Natsu. His question was forgotten.
"Javen. Somethings wrong." she whispered. But she couldn't help him if she couldn't contact him, and she couldn't contact him until the Weakening was finished. She closed her eyes and drew in a ragged breath. Abruptly she punched the ground. When she pulled her fist away there was a slightly-larger-than-fist-sized hole left behind in the earth. She took another deep breath, then stood and gathered her stuff, smiling grimly at Natsu.
"Sightseeing. I spent most of my life around the mountains, the Boer's to be exact, and I'm used to being around and in them."

OOC: Is Javen going to be found sometime in this RP?

IC: Natsu gazed at Sephora worriedly. He couldn't understand the pain she must have been going through now. He knew that it would be nearly impossible to track Javen down when he could be anywhere in Alagaesia, and it would be much too difficult to do so in the first place. Furthermore, the Guardian seemed to be in trouble. "I've spent most of my life in seclusion in the forest of Du Weldenvarden with Erza. I'm not really used to people yet unfortunately," he said with a light laugh. He thought about where to travel. He had never been to Teirm, and it currently lay just past the Spine, which was relatively close. "What about Teirm? It's a port city and the largest merchant city in Alagaesia," Natsu suggested, shrugging his shoulders.

OOC:
Yeah. Maybe later, though, not right away.

IC:
Sephora nodded eagerly; she'd never been to Teirm before, even with Javen.
"Alright." she said, her chocolate brown eyes gleaming. She adjusted the weapon belt around her hips and folded the shirt and jerkin over her arm.
"Shall we go, then?" she asked, smiling. She shifted her weight to walk forward, but crumpled to the ground as more pain radiated through her left side and hip. Javen was in deep trouble. Very deep trouble. She bit her lip and closed her eyes, forcing her legs under her.
"Ya t'ak." she muttered, her mouth set in a thin line. She forced her body to stand, but the pain was great. She rubbed her temples. What could be attacking Javen that could injury him so easily? He might only be a jaguar, but he was strong, huge, and would definitely not be easily defeated. Soldiers? He would obliterate them. Another animal? Certainly not. She felt a shiver of fear slide down her spine. Black market traders? Perhaps. She sighed and looked up at Natsu.
"Let's go." she murmured, but the eagerness had faded somewhat from her eyes.

OOC: Ok.

IC: Natsu bit his lip as Sephora went through another spasm of pain. He felt so helpless; he could only watch as she went through more and more pain. Furthermore, this pain was not something you could heal. He also wondered where Javen was. That Jaguar has held his own with Erza, which was not an easy accomplishment. There were several odd beasts that are native to the Beors and could pose a threat to even a dragon, but what would he be doing there? He was probably getting overpowered by a really strong, two-legged being.

Natsu nodded, "Alright." Erza bent down so as to allow someone to easily climb in the saddle, and Natsu climbed up. Although it was a faint feeling, he could feel Erza growing a little tired. Once they arrived at Teirm, that would give her a good excuse to go hunting and maybe rest. I'm going to have to change my ears and face Natsu grumbled mentally. He was proud of being a fully-blooded Elf, but it would only draw unnecessary attention in a city that mainly has humans.

Sephora allowed herself to be pulled up behind Natsu in the saddle. With her sensitivity to other creatures, a natural side to being an full blooded Allatik, she noticed that Erza seemed a bit more tired than usual. She hoped it wasn't from the added weight of herself. She wasn't very heavy, actually she could more or less be called skin and bones, but she didn't know if Erza had ever been conditioned to carry more than just her Rider. She smiled when she caught Natsu's thought at the very edges of her mind.
We still have some time. she replied, smiling at his back. If we fly directly southwest over the Spine mountains we could get there in maybe two days, perhaps less. If Erza needs a small boost, I think I could manage that much. It would help us get there that much faster. she offered the elven Rider. She bit her lip as her side flared briefly with pain. She closed her eyes and beat it back, refusing to be distracted. Javen could take care of himself, she knew he could.

Sephora nodded at Erza's reply, then smiled slightly at Natsu's announcement. She yawned widely, her jaw stretched so wide that her cheeks hurt slightly. Another one assaulted her right after, showing how truly exhausted she was. Another part of the Weakening; she grew tired very easily. She blinked her eyes and almost forgot how to open them. Hopefully that meant that it wouldn't be lasting for much longer. Tiredness usually only came when the Weakness had almost run its full course. She yawned once more and decided to relent to the tugging fatigue that eased her eyes shut without her voluntarily willing them to.
Same...for me. she managed to slur, even though she was already half asleep. She leaned forward against Natsu and used his back as a pillow. Whatever reply Erza made went unheard by Sephora; she was already out cold.

Sephora stirred slightly, her eyebrows meeting in a scowl. She made a rumbling sound deep in her chest and throat, much like a growl. She blinked open her eyes. The rumble vibrated her throat again, before she sat up and forced herself awake. She stretched her arms above her head; her spine popped at several points. She yawned.
Thank you for the wake up call. she said, her voice still partially sluggish from sleep.

Sephora yawned again and stretched, hearing several satisfying cracks in her spine before relaxing. Her chocolate brown eyes were wide as she nodded eagerly, gleaming like two liquid pools that only brightened when she smiled.
"Yeah. Come on. Race you?" she asked with a playfully raised eyebrow. She might have been Weakened for all of the defense and offense abilities in her arsenal, but she was still a fast runner. She grinned at him and winked teasingly. "Unless your chicken that a girl will beat you." she giggled, her smile widening. It was roughly half a mile to the city, or perhaps a mile. She didn't know exactly, but either of those distances she could easily run at half or full speed.

Sephora leaned forward like he did, looking to the side at him from the corner of her eye. Her grin was devilishly innocent.
"Three...two...one, go!" she cried, and bolted forward like she'd been released from a slingshot. She couldn't do the ghostly sprint she'd done in Du Weldenvarden, but she was still fast. She looked behind her, her white teeth flashing in the wide grin she sent his way.
"Slowpoke!" she taunted playfully, her eyes bright with teasing humor. She laughed as she ran, a warm, ringing sound that shimmered through the air like the warm tone of a bell. The female Allatik had rarely laughed in the presense of any other than Javen. It was a rare sight to even see her smile as much as she had been. It was so natural when she was around Natsu; he inclined her to smile without even trying.

OOC:
On iPod. >.<

Sephora laughed once more and lowered her head to put on a burst of speed. She almost quite literally flew across the ground toward the hating approaching wall. She tilted her head, wondering how she was going to slow down once she approached the wall. It was coming up fast. Natsu was a pace behind her now, though just barely. The female Allatik coiled her muscles, waiting latently for the wall to be close enough, and then she jumped forward, springing with the agility of a hunting jungle cat. She twisted nimbly and planted her feet on the wall, running upwards against gravity for a second before she turned and jumped lightly to the ground. Her chocolate brown eyes sparkled at the elf as she smiled at him, exhurtion making her cheeks warm.
"I win." she said, and laughed once more. "Perhaps next time, Natsu." she said, her grin widening.

Sephora waved a hand dismissively.
"Whatever you say." she said, and grinned widely at him. She put her hands on her hips at his comment of 'queen'. She supposed another girl might have been offended in some way, but she thought it was funny, and her charming laugh rang out again.
"Queen am I?" she said with a playful snort. "Right. To be a queen would require me to be a lady, and I am anything but a lady." she said with a teasing grin, her chocolate brown eyes sparkling nonstop with humor. She thumped him gently on the back, then took his hand and practically dragged him toward the southern entrance.
"Come on, Natsu." she said excitedly. She'd never been to a city before. Kuasta didn't count; it was more of a town than a real city, and even then she hadn't really explored thoroughly.

Sephora glanced back and slowed slightly as Natsu spoke, now only going at a walk that was just under breaking into a jog. She looked ahead to the guards, studying them carefully through narrowed eyes. She tilted her head ans slowed even more so they didn't look suspicious. She pursed her lips.
They shouldn't, but just in case, should we pose as brother and sister? Or perhaps cousins, since we don't really look that much alike to be siblings? she said to him mentally, just in case there were any people close enough to overhear.

Sephora kept her hand well away from the hilt of CB so the guards wouldn't feel threatened by the weapon, as she had no wish to separate from the straight samurai sword. She also kept her shoulders relaxed so it didn't seem like she was ready to grab her bow and loose an arrow with a few seconds. Her lower back tensed only slightly when they were stopped at the gate, but she smiled and breathed a sigh of relief once they had walked inside the gate. She chuckled under her breath nervously, her pupils narrowing.
Indeed. Keep an eye open and guard your mind; I might be Weakened, and I don't want to sound just paranoid, but...I can not help but be wary. she replied, pursing her lips as she lazily grasped CB's pommel, keeping her sword hand relaxed but ready to react to anything. Something familiar brushed against her abruptly. For a moment it felt like she was whole again, completely. Her body jerked to a stop, her knees locking like a startled colt's. That had felt like Javen. Javen was in Teirm? Why? She swallowed and continued walking, stiffer than before. Perhaps she was just imagining. Wishful thinking.

Sephora glanced quickly to the side at Natsu, biting her lip, her chocolate brown eyes slightly worried.
I though...I thought I felt Javen. Felt his mind brush against me, I mean. I suppose it's possible, but then again I don't know why he would be in Teirm. I can't know for certain, not until the Weakening has finished. Which should actually be soon. I recognize the final symptoms; extreme fatigue even after good rest. Just...keep an ear open, okay? she said tiredly, raising a hand to rub her temple. The hand that rested on on CB's pommel tightened slightly with wariness. She'd never really liked busy places, always preferring the forest to bustling society.

Sephora nodded, still uneasy, but she relaxed slightly. She tilted her head as she contemplated, then turned and grinned at Natsu.
"The market place. This is a reasonably big city so there should be one somewhere." she said, her chocolate brown eyes glittering mischievously. She took Natsu's hand and gently tugged him forward.
"Come on, Natsu." she said excitedly.

Sephora could guess at what Natsu had been saying, and turned down a street that would lead to the central part of the city. She walked briskly, still tugging at Natsu's hand, although he didn't seem to mind much. The female Allatik abruptly slowed, for she heard the bustle of humans ahead of her. She hesitated, dropping back until she walked a little beside Natsu instead of ahead of him. They came to the end of the street and her eyes went wide in astonishment. She had the faint urge to let her mouth pop open, but she subdued it. There was so much color and activity. Javen would have loved it here.

OOC:
She'll be finding Javen soon, maybe in the next page.

OOC: Alright, good. I was missing him. xP

IC: Natsu followed her as she went down a wide road that led to the center of the city. It was practically like a square, with carts and traders everywhere. Natsu hesitated at the amount of activity here. "Wow, that's a lot of people..." he muttered absentmindedly. He had wondered if he should have changed his appearance after they entered the city for a few minutes, but now he fully supported his previous decision. He was looking for a clothing store, but there was far too many to choose from. Natsu just examined the city, his mouth hung slightly agape.

OOC:
Me too.

IC:
Sephora gazed around, eyes wide, taking in everything as well as she could. She took a step forward, still grasping Natsu's hand. She turned and noticed a clothing store. She pursed her lips and decided she might go inside to look around. She took a step forward to go into the shop, but stopped short when pain struck her. It was fiercer this time, and lingered. And, unlike before, it was only in her head. She released Natsu's hand and put it to her temple. The pain increased by tenfold. She stumbled back into the street, out of sight of all the people, and fell to her knees, head held in her hands. What was wrong with Javen? Was someone attacking him mentally? That would explain the dagger that was being driven through her skull. She tried to stay quiet, to not draw attention, but occasionally little, soft cries of pain escaped her lips. She looked up at Natsu, her chocolate brown eyes tight with pain.
"He's close by. Within a few yards. Look for Black Market Traders, a large covered cage, or even an Exotic Animal Shop." she said from between clenched teeth. The pain increased even more, if that were possible, and forced her eyes shut so she could concentrate on not screaming as loud as she could.

IC: As Natsu and Sephora were about to enter the a shop, he felt Sephora's grip on his hand leave and he turned his head to her. She was grasping her temple with a look of pain, and she left the store. Natsu followed quickly, and they went out of sight of the people. It was painfully obvious that the spasm she was going through now was worse than all of the others. Natsu knelt by her side and felt for her mental barriers, which were weakened considerably from both the Weakness and her current pain. However, Sephora's words stopped him, and he stood up. It took nearly all of his willpower to not delve into her mind and take some of the pain away by sharing it between them. "Contact me if the pain gets worse," Natsu muttered, feeling helpless as he looked around for a Black Market. Natsu, for the first time since entering the city, opened his mind and allowed it to explore the city, searching for a mass consciousness. He found it quickly, and tried to locate it. It was off to a secluded part of the city, and he could feel several smaller consciousnesses around the area. Finally, he turned around a house and as he heard talking, he hid in front of the house, his back to the wall and his head peeking around.

"He's a tough one, for sure," a man said. He was holding a whip in his hand.

"I k-know. We'll get a lot of money off him," another man stuttered. His face was contorted into a look of extreme concentration, his hands waving intricate patterns as he weaved a spell.

There were several others, each one holding a weapon of his own. However, they weren't what Natsu's attention was really on. In the center of them all was an injured Javen. Bruises, scratches, and dried blood was found in numerous places on his body. Natsu stepped out from his hiding place, an angry glare on his face. A few of the Traders turned to look at him, but most of them were still occupied. Natsu slowly dropped the transformation on him, and his pointed ears and angled face was revealed.

One of the Traders tugged on the man with the whip's arm, and pointed to Natsu.

"Oh? Who the hell are you?" the man said as he readied his whip.

Natsu glanced at Javen once again and slammed his hand to the ground. The man with the whip followed as he rose into the air by a few feet and hit the ground from his back. His left hand dropped the whip as he hit the ground. Finally, Natsu had obtained all of their attention as he drew his sword and charged.

OOC: If my post needs to be changed in any way, just say the word.

OOC:
Nope, your fine.

IC:
Sephora managed to nod her head in acknowledgment while keeping her lips tightly pressed together.

- - - - - - - - - -

Javen managed to lift his head, blinking his eyes to clear the blood that blocked his vision. He saw a shape that was familiar, strangely. It wasn't Sephora, but it was someone he knew. He flinched when the man with the whip abruptly flew into the air. He tried to stand, still blinking rapidly, but more pain invaded his mind and he snarled, loosing his balance. He collapsed onto his side, too weak and hurt to help or even try to get away. He saw one of the other Trader's start to back up toward him, a collar, muzzle, and leash in his hands. Rage smoldered in Javen's body, but he didn't have the energy to resist anymore. He closed his eyes.

- - - - - - - - - -

The man staggered to his feet as the elf charged, swooping down to grasp the handle of the whip that he had dropped. He whirled to the elf, lashing out the whip,"Half of you, help me with this half-wit idiot, the other half, get that beast into its cage and get it ready for sale!" he snarled. Ten of the twenty detached themselves from the group and moved to surround the elf, the other ten went to help subdue and move the injured giant jaguar.

OOC:
Sephora's going to get her abilities back shortly, and also go into Release.

IC: Natsu glanced around him, a dangerous glint in his eyes. Ten humans surrounded him, forming a circle. The other ten had went to subdue Javen and ready him for sell. The man with the whip lashed out at Natsu, which the latter dodged with extraordinary agility. Whips were dangerous offensively, but once they missed, the owner would be defenseless. Natsu lowered his body and he struck the man with the whip in the chest, before lowering the human's body to the ground. The others at him glanced at him more wearily now but held their weapons over their heads as they charged. Natsu backed out of the small circle they had surrounded them in through a small opening, giving him more room to manuever. Natsu sheathed his sword and drew his staff. He slammed the blunt end of the staff into one man's jaw and twisted before kicking another in the groin. The two dropped instantly, and Natsu held his staff diagonally. The jem on the other side of the staff glowed as he weaved a spell. A ball of fire formed in front of Natsu and spread out in a deadly path, consuming them.

OOC: Good, everything will be back to normal. xD

Javen hissed as two of the humans grabbed him by the scruff and shoved the muzzle over his snout, attaching it behind his head tightly so he could barely open his mouth even an inch. The collar was latched around his neck, tightly but not enough to choke him; they had some brains inside those heads, then. The leash was hooked, and the group split in half and went on either side of him to help him to his feet. Or, more accurately, drag him along the ground with a little bit of help. He struggled weakly, but he just didn't have the strength.

- - - - - - - - - -

I think Natsu is handling the guys just fine on his own for now. XD Sephora will be coming in my next post.

Natsu growled as two of the humans consumed by his fire had managed to pull themselves up. They held their weapons with shaking hands, but charged nonetheless. "How brave," Natsu commended, and charged as well, drawing his sword and holding it in a reverse grip. He dodged to the left from the first human's mace and stabbed him in the back. The second human was now upon Natsu, raising his large sword in preparation for an overhand blow. Natsu stepped to the side and slashed the man's hip before kicking the human to the ground. Natsu glanced back at the other Traders as they muzzled Javen and tried to drag him to their destination. Natsu charged one of the men in the back and stabbed him. The others growled, and three of them detached themselves from their group and drew their weapons. One held a small dagger, another held a longsword, and the final one held a curved blade. Natsu disarmed the one with the dagger and punched another in the throat: the one with the curved blade. The final man dropped his blade and ran in the other direction; Natsu ignored him as he glared at the other seven. He was panting, slightly worn from the previous soldiers and use of magic, but he was still fired up.

I'll leave the rest to Sephora. :p

Sephora clenched her teeth, knowing her jaw would be sore in a few hours from now, but she didn't care. The pain was too much to handle with out some way of venting it. She didn't know how long Natsu had been gone, but it felt like an eternity. The pain would level off, letting her have a breather, and then it would double or even triple, leaving her breathless. Finally something changed, though. She felt an electric shock go through her body, from the crown of her head to the tip of her toes. She sat bolt upright. She knew exactly where Javen was. Because she could feel him. Strength coursed through her body, making her jittery. She stood. Her chocolate brown eyes almost literally lit with fire.
"Bak Na Tal!" she snarled. The Release swept over her in a rush. Bands of heat flashed over her vision, enhancing her eyesight; muscle rippled in her arms and legs; her nose flared and inhaled, taking in the potent scents. She could smell Javen, could smell the blood on his body, and she could smell the humans that had hurt him. And then she was running. The walls on either side of her blurred with her speed. And then she saw him. Saw her beloved Javen, muzzled and collared. It was nearly impossible to anger an Allatik, and once you actually did it was best to be very far away. Rage at seeing her bond animal treated in such a way nearly paralyzed her. She roared, her chocolate brown eyes glowing with pure uncontrollable rage, and struck. Her blows of wind were sharp and fast, killing instantly. CB flashed from its scabbard and lashed out, cutting a human in half. The last human stood trembling. His weapon fell from his hand and he turned to run. Her bow was up and an arrow to the string before she even consciously told herself to shoot. The arrow flew straight and sure, burying itself in the humans back, directly into his heart. He fell forward, dead. She turned on Natsu, her lips peeling back from her teeth in the twoleg equivalent of a snarl, eyes still half-crazed with rage.

OOC:
Allatik's are very unpredictable in their Release form. In a way it is their way of venting all the things they don't always show to others; anger, rage, hatred, usually all the negative emotions. Because she is in her Release, and therefore irrational, she sees Natsu as an enemy, just as a tidbit if you were wondering why she turned on him.

OOC: Ok.

IC: Natsu had a look of worry on his face. He had never seen Sephora like this. When she turned on him, he stared at her determinedly and rested his hand on the hilt of his blade. "I am not your enemy, Sephora. Javen is safe now that the humans who were involved in his capture are gone," he said, trying to emphasize the words he spoke. He didn't want to fight Sephora when she was like this, as it would probably be impossible to avoid blood. Natsu slowly walked towards her, his hands raised gently. "I'm going to heal Javen of his injuries, and we can remove his muzzle and collar." He rested a hand on hers, trying to calm her down.

Sephora moved, shifting to the side to block his path to Javen. At first his words fell on deaf ears, she just kept staring at him, daring him to approach her animal bond, but then his voice touched something within her. She knew this man. He wouldn't hurt Javen. This man wanted to protect Javen, to help him. She stiffened at his touch, her muscles tensing for an attack instinctively, but when none was forthcoming, she tilted her head slightly. Heal. Yes, she knew what that meant. Without commenting she whirled around and went to Javen's side. His breathing was shallow and weak, but definitely there. Tears filled her eyes and ran down her cheeks as she stroked the fur on his scruff, ignoring the blood that stained her hands. Her fingers scraped at the leather behind his head, impatient to release him from the muzzle. Once it was unbuckled she all but ripped the horrid thing off Javen's snout, throwing it away from her as if it were poisonous. She did the same with the collar, hating it even more than the muzzle, as collars were a sign of slavery to her and she abhorred them. A sob finally broke from her vigilant control, and she buried her face into the fur on his cheek. His tongue rasped over her face gently, removing the tears. His body was vibrating with a tender purr. She smiled weakly as he opened his yellow-gold eyes. She looked up at the man.
"Heal us." she said, slipping into a plural on reflex. During Release, Allatik and Guardian were more one being than two. Her voice was also a double tone, her voice and Javen's voice, as if they spoke at the same time.

Sephora tensed slightly when he came closer to Javen, but she did not try to stop him. He had said he would heal her Guardian, not hurt him. The female Allatik nodded as the man said that Javen was healed now - she could feel his relief - and that he would still need rest. She nodded again at his urging that they leave the city as soon as possible. She stood beside the giant jaguar and coaxed him to his paws. She stroked his scruff gently and crooned to him, urging him forward. His tail dragged on the ground, but he purred and began to walk forward at a good pace. Sephora scratched his shoulder and gave him some of her energy. He purred even more and turned his head to gently lick her cheek.

- - - - - - - - - -

Javen looked back at Natsu, his yellow-gold eyes kind, but they held concern for Sephora.
Sephora is in a state of mind called Release. It is very much like when a Dragon and Rider fuse their minds together so completely that they move, talk, and fight in sync. It puts a lot of strain on the heart, though. You have to make her Revert, before she hurts herself. She won't listen to me; she knows I would try to get her out of Release as fast as possible. Convince her that I am out of danger and she doesn't have to stay on guard. When she does Revert, you will probably have to catch her. he added, and glanced at his Allatik from the corner of his eye.

IC: Natsu nodded, aware of the severity of success in this case. He walked with Javen and Sephora and rested a hand on the latter's shoulder. Speaking through the mind would probably be more effective in convincing her Natsu thought to himself. Sephora? He waited for a moment before continuing. It's fine. Javen is fine, and all of the enemies are gone. Javen has no physical injury now, and he only needs to sleep. You don't have to be on guard now. I can assure you that no harm will befall him as long as we are around. We're a team, right?

He watched her movements closely in preparation for whatever her reaction may be.

OOC: When is Vermona going to pop in?

Sephora didn't turn her head to look at him.
Yes. We are a team. she said in the double voice. She looked down at Javen and tears ran down her cheeks. But I could not protect him before. I failed him. I must protect him now. I won't let him be hurt again. she said vehemently, and squared her shoulders. To be honest with herself she was a bit scared. She had never done Release before. She didn't want to Revert until she was sure that nothing would happen. She looked up at Natsu, and in her wide chocolate brown eyes, past the savage protectiveness, he would be able to see the fear. She swallowed and closed her eyes. She could feel her heart racing in her chest, hammering against her ribs as if she had run a great distance at full speed.

OOC:
In a few posts. Do you want her dangerously thirsty, uncomfortable, or not thirsty at all (or as much as a vampire can be anyway)?

OOC: Surprise me. xP

IC: Natsu nodded slowly. He could understand her more now. She was scared for Javen's safety. Even though it looked like she was merely driven by a strong desire to protect Javen, it was more than that. "You didn't fail him," Natsu said in an attempt to reassure her, but he knew that that alone wouldn't do the job. "You don't have to be the only one to protect him. You've done a superb job already, and he isn't the only one who needs rest you know. Your Release is similar to when a dragon and Rider bond their minds and become one. However, you need to watch the later effects of this technique. It isn't good to remain in it for long. I know you care about Javen's safety, but he cares about yours as well. Think about how hurt he would be if you hurt yourself in this form, and how hurt I would be as well," Natsu muttered the last part. Erza could be seen as a small form in the distance as she rested in the trees.

Sephora only half listened, except for the last bit that he muttered almost under his breath, but with her enhanced hearing she heard it perfectly. Her eyes snapped open and she stared at Natsu, her chocolate brown eyes unreadable. Her face softened. She nodded slightly, though fear flickered in her eyes. She closed them and let the tension drain out of her body. She shuddered from the top of her head to the tip of her toes as she Reverted. Her body went limp and she swayed forward, weak and unable to stay standing.

- - - - - - - - - -

Javen relaxed once Sephora was out of Release. he nodded to Natsu.
Pick her up and put her on my back. You'll have to hold her in place, but at least we will be able to put at a good pace.

Javen twisted his head to gently lick Sephora's cheek, then concentrated on putting one paw in front of the other at a steady jogging pace. Once they reached Erza he was ready for a nap. He slowly laid down on is belly so he didn't drop his Allatik, then twisted his spine so first her legs slipped off him, then her torso. He cushioned her head on his shoulder, curling his body around her to keep her warm. He laid his head on her stomach, his ears perked up as he looked at Natsu.
I'm sorry to be such a problem. I was a fool to try and enter Teirm to search for Sephora, when I knew she would be in Du Weldenvarden. he said, and sighed. Sephora stirred, her eyes fluttering open. He lifted his head so she could sit up if she wanted.

- - - - - - - - - -

Sephora clenched her eyes shut and groaned, a headache pounding at her temples. She lifted a head to her head but froze when her fingers brushed over thick fur. Her eyes flashed open.
"Javen..." she murmured. She sat up and wrapped her arms around his neck. The jaguar purred tenderly in his chest. She looked up at Natsu, scratching at Javen's jaw. He lowered his head into her lap and closed his eyes.
"How did you make me Revert? Usually an Allatik stays in Release for an entire day before they feel safe enough to Revert on their own."

OOC:
Two more posts, from me, and then I'll have Vermona come in. XD

Sephora smiled, though only slightly. She could be stubborn, she knew that. But it was more than that. It had not been persuasion or convincing that made her Revert. Something had touched her heart, and it had released her from the fear of Reverting. It was another fear that had taken her. Fear for another. But not Javen. She bit her lip. Should she drop it? She didn't want to, she hated not knowing, but it seemed that Natsu wouldn't easily tell the information. She rubbed Javen's head between the ears, producing a gentle purr from him. She looked down at her Guardian.
"It was more than that. I Reverted to protect someone else other than myself, but I can't remember who needed me..." she murmured. quietly.

Sephora continued to scratch at Javen's jaw until Natsu spoke. She went still, surprised. She looked up at the elf slowly, studying his red tinged face. She gently pulled away from her Guardian and sat on her knees in front of Natsu. Her chocolate brown eyes were soft with confusion and bewilderment.
"I...don't understand. Why?" she murmured, trying to meet his gaze.

- - - - - - - - - -

Vermona walked slowly through the trees, sighing as she did. Her thirst burned savagely in her throat a bit more than usual, but that only meant she would have to hunt in a few hours. She paused abruptly when she heard voices. She tilted her head, listening. It sounded like a male and female mortal pair. She raised her head and inhaled deeply. Dragon, elf, jaguar, and something unfamiliar. She pursed her lips, curious, and turned in the direction that the scent was coming from. She walked for several minutes until she came to the edge of the trees, where she saw a small group. Just as she had thought, two mortals, one male one female, a dragon, and a jaguar. She stepped into view and smiled in a welcoming, nonthreatening way,"Hello. I'm Vermona. What are you four doing in this neck of the woods?" she asked warmly, her dark amber-gold eyes glittering.

Sephora watched Natsu seem to struggle for a way to explain what he had meant. Her chocolate brown eyes grew worried for him as he became anxious. She bit her lip when he was about to answer her, but was cut off by a woman that appeared. She looked up, irritated by the interruption, and instantly stiffened. She didn't know why, but at the sight of the woman she wanted to run. There was a subtle gracefulness about her, even in stillness, that said there was more to her than the eye could see. She slowly stood, standing slightly in front of Javen, just as a precaution.
"I'm Sephora and this is my Guardian, Javen." she said quietly. The jaguar lifted his head under her hand, and she reflexively scratched behind his ear. The Allatik crossed her arms over her chest.

- - - - - - - - - -

Vermona sniffed carefully, smelling blood on the air. Her gaze zeroed in in the jaguar,"Your Guardian has been hurt. I smell blood on him." she commented gently. She hesitated, biting her lip. She could help him, but she wasn't entirely sure how these people would react to a vampire. She pursed her lips slightly,"I can help him regain strength, if you like." she said, speaking directly to Sephora.

IC: Natsu tensed his muscles absentmindedly. It's obvious that she wasn't human based on her movements, but she wasn't elven either. Natsu grimaced at her offer, mainly because they had just met and they had just rescued Javen. He was also slightly irritated at her interruption. He would leave it up to Sephora because it looked like that was who Vermona was talking to.

OOC: Short. :/

Sephora glanced at Natsu and smiled at him for his comment on 'bliss'.
"Life is a bliss if you spend it being surrounded by friends and the ones you love." she countered. Then she realized what she had said and blushed lightly, though it was difficult to see the rosy color due to her russet colored skin. She looked down at the ground, avoiding Natsu's eyes, and continued to scratch Javen's head.

OOC:
I know he didn't actually say that, but it seemed so perfect. XD

IC:
Vermona lifted an eyebrow at Sephora's comment, and then the blush that she could see easily with her keen eyes. She nodded to Natsu,"Yes, life can be difficult, but with those that are close to you, it certainly could be a type of bliss, I suppose. I couldn't imagine life without my mate, Allen. And I'd rather not. My kind do not forgive the death of our mates lightly. Usually the one that did so is hunted and killed in a brutal way." she smiled at the elf, her dark amber gold eyes - were they slightly darker now? - glittering,"There are perks to this life though, as I said. The speed, the agility, the sight, smell, hearing, touch, taste....Everything is beautifully enhanced to the tiniest microscopic detail. That is what allows us to be such dangerous predators. We need no weapons when we hunt." she said, and her smile widened into a grin. Her eyes darkened a bit more, this time visibly. The wind blew in from behind Natsu and she held her breath so she wouldn't smell his scent.

OOC: No problem. ;D

IC: Natsu laughed melodiously. "Yeah, you're right about that," he agreed, glancing at Sephora. However, she appeared to be looking away. Erza tilted her head curiously at the Allatik's interesting statement, but she agreed with it as well. Natsu and Erza had only had each other for a few years shy of a decade now, but now things finally seemed to be looking up. "It is similar for Elves," Natsu replied to Vermona. Normally, one would think that a human would appreciate life more due to their much shorter lifespan, but Elves were generally lovers of nature. Every aspect of it, from small to large, appeased his kind greatly. It was ironic when compared to a human's look of it. "I can't say speak about mates, but if someone close to me dies, I'm sure it wouldn't be pretty," Natsu murmured. He once again glanced at Sephora.

Vermona, if you don't mind me asking, what are the typical aspects of a Vampire? I have never seen a Vampire before, and I would like to sort aspects of the real thing apart from foolish descriptions heard in tales. Erza interrogated.

OOC: That sent a chill down my spine, lol.

IC: Erza nodded, slightly disappointed. I shall go hunt in a little bit then she correct herself and sat back down. Natsu loosened his muscles as he stared at his throat, an almost hungry expression on her face. Natsu thought quickly about her actions. My scent! he exclaimed, comprehension dawning through his mind. He quickly masked it through a spell, doing the same with Sephora's and Erza's as well. He didn't want to have to come to a fight just because of the wind. "That better?" he murmured slowly.

OOC:
That's what vampires are supposed to do.lol XD

IC:
Vermona nodded automatically, slowly, though her gaze was still fixed on his throat. She swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly parched. Her gums hurt from the pressure of her fangs, so she let them slide free. Her lips parted, showing the fangs that were two and a half inches long each and as sharp as razors. She panted for breath, trying to find the will to walk away. Her eyes darkened to a murderous black. She shifted to turn and run away from them, but unfortunately fate was having a sick need for violence, for another breeze came up, this time bringing with it Javen's tangy scent. She shuddered hard, and a clear liquid dripped slowly from the tips of her canines. She raised her eyes up to Natsu's,"Force me away...with fire. I...I can't..." she struggled to speak, but the brutal monster within her, the one that longed to hear the screams of its prey before draining every single drop of blood, was rearing its head up. Her gaze flicked to Javen.