Animara Desert Storm

The sun shone once again across the city of the sun, yet none could feel its warmth. A shadow had been cast upon all of Sorum's citizen's who once basked it's warm glistening ray's of light. A prosperous land. An efficient land. Now ruled by the ruthless. Paid for in blood by it's many soldiers. And today another payment of blood was long overdue.

The dry desert air was thick and damp with the sweat of a thousands different species from across the vast savanna. All having awoken bright and early come sunrise to buy and be on the lookout for anything of value or peaked their interest in the largest market in the entire world. An easy task for these many famed masters of the stalls to take advantage of. They had already set up shop well before anyone else had even awoken in order to prepare their carefully crafted traps and rehearsed routines of flattery and compliments in order to snag that next precious deal.

Clever merchants who knew their craft and prey well like the back of their hands, successfully haggled and enticed any unsuspecting victims' into their lures of irresistible special offers like a net for unevolved mindless sea life, letting none evade their hasty calls for attention by shoving items in the faces of one passerby before moving on to the next. Most didn't seem to mind. They knew what they were here for. And they were all to eager to give in to what they wanted.

Neary every person from every variety of life in this vast and diverse nation was falling victim to their heart's desires in the garment, weapon, and servant district. Whether it be while examining shimmering spider silk tapestries important from the far west, trading in rare incendiary arms hand crafted from the volcanic isles, or setting bid's for imported slaves acquired from recent conquest's. Everyone had a reason for being here and a personal desire or better yet, a poison of their choosing. A literal and figurative gold mine for those who had the time, money, and patience to find what they were looking for in this treasure trove and sheer overwhelming display of vain luxury that would not dare let anyone escape it's trance. These enticing items acquired and stolen from around the globe by thieves, soldiers, and murderers were here in the market to stay. And so was everyone in the city by the looks of this rather sizable gathering. If the item's cost or who they had once belonged to in a past life was a deterrent to anyone who happened to show interest; no one seemed to care. As evident by the sheer volume of the crowds who now parted for no one.

No one. That is...Except for him.

The king cobra moved and shifted like a winding stream of water in-between the dozens of passerby's walking past him through the cramped sunlit streets in cold, silent composure for quite some time. He was a slender, terrifying man, eager to find something of great interest to him as well. But not as a commodity this time. He was on duty. And today, he and the others were on the prowl for something entirely different.

A nuisance. One that had gone unchecked for far too long.

The lone man slithered silently among the crowded market streets in the middle of the hot day, donned in gleaming black armor. Biding his time. Keeping his distance as he passed by numerous vendor's stall's packed so closely together, it looked as if they all merged as one entity with one goal in mind. Surrounding potential gullible patron's with the seductive lure of exotic goods, valued fragrances, and piles upon piles of useless overpriced trinkets ranging from the banal to the utterly flamboyant in which he had no interest in.

Everyone backed away from the man and his followers out of respect. A certain few from unnerve and sheer panic. Particularly the lone few suspicious vendors selling fake jewelry, who immediately packed up what lies they could in their arms and mouths and scampered away at the mere sight of them all coming their way.

The serpent made a note to track them down later when he had the chance, but kept his focus and moved on forward. His frightening parade of soldiers comprised of a variety of powerful and intimidating species from rhinos to zebras kept a steady pace and focused on following him closely, not pausing to stop and gawk at any treasures. The only thing they were focused on was what and where their commander was going. And nothing else.

Once the group of soldiers finally found the two common city guards who had placed the call for assistance earlier, now standing exhausted and in obvious low spirits under the shade of a spread out orange tarp above their heads. (Perhaps in order to hide their ineptitude regarding the rather embarrassing situation unfolding just earlier from the populace that was the very reason the commander and his men had been called here in the first place.) The soldiers behind came to a sudden and well trained halt. Completely silent.

One of the two city guards a young spotted leopard made the first move and cautiously stepped forth to meet with the leader of the group. The big cat grew increasingly tense as evident by his head lowering to try and avoid eye contact as much as he could dare afford without showing disrespect or inviting retribution while standing underneath the wide, all encompassing shadow of the famed serpent soldier towering above him.

"Sir!" The leopard saluted clumsily as his best and only response with his spear wobbling in his shaking grip. "We...we weren't expecting you so soon. The leopard turned his head slightly curious around the serpent's wide rimmed helmet toward the commander's long contingent of menacing looking soldiers. "That's..that's a great deal of men. Isn't that kind of an over precaution commander?

"It seems adequate enough. Ryo Sen Serasi said calmly. His accented voice smooth and chilling to the bone. I brought more than enough to deal with this simple problem that you yourself are clearly unable to given all the chances and resources we have provided you. This has grown quite tiresome.

The leopard guard rubbed his spotted forehead immensely embarrassed by his ineptitude. "I'm sorry sir. We've tried to catch them whenever they show. But every single bloody time they always manage to give us the slip! I've never seen a thief move as fast as them.

Well not to worry. Serasi said calmly and confidently with a slight sigh in his voice. They will not escape me and my men this time. Where is the victim? I would like to ask them a few questions before we are to proceed."

Yes sir! Right this way sir! Said the leopard gesturing with his paw for them to follow. Serasi and his men followed the guard over to the open market square which allowed a small amount of breathing room among the packed rows of goods. Serasi could still smell the fresh spilled blood in the air. Stall's were knocked over and the street's were littered with broken vases and ruined treasures, clear evidence of the small occurrence which had spiraled out of control just hours earlier once again. Serasi scowled at the unpleasant sight of disorder in this city. His city. This had gone on for far too long.

Serasi and his men came to a halt at one vendor in particular at the end of the street, a large elderly hippo. Serasi could see that his massive head was covered diagonally by bloody painful claw marks and his feet were bandaged from behind slashed at the ankles. Despite being quite strong and sturdy, the attacked merchant was still struggling to stand he was in such a dazed state. This shouldn't happen Serasi thought. People shouldn't be attacked out in the open in broad days where they should be safe. He would have to fix that.

"Hello sir." Serasi said in a more polite and slow tone of voice in regards to the man's injuries, leaning down to be eye level with him. I need you to tell me what happened here earlier today. Any detail can help find the person who did this.

Uhh..Yea. Sure thing. The hippo grunted in further pain.

Any idea what the thief looked like? Serasi asked. Their species? Gender? Size?

No. sorry...Didn't get a good enough look. They moved so fast they were a blur. One moment they were here and the next poof! Gone. Along with all my money.

What exactly happened? Exactly when and how did the thief attack you? Serasi asked.

Yeah sure thing...So there I was minding my business. Selling my food to a nice woman then all of a sudden they came out of nowhere. It was like they were a ghost. First they slashed me at the ankles with some sort of weapon. Then they scratched me across the face, nearly blinding me! I was pushed and fell hard atop my stall, then the thief pounced right on top of me and pickpocketed me in less than a second. And just like that they were gone before I even opened my eyes.

The thief. How large were they? You said they were right atop you.

Ugh yea.! The hippo responded a bit invigorated. "They were a pretty scrawny fella. Light. But oh man could they move! I'm a pretty big fella as you can see heh! It take's a great deal to knock me over despite my age. I'm telling you sir...They must have been able to put their whole force into that one tackle.

Did the attacker say anything? Any threat?

Uhhhh....the hippo mumbled trying to recount the incent. Nah didn't say much. Just tackled me and swiped my money. I heart a few grunts from them. But they sounded pretty angry. And desperate.

hmmmm....Serasi rubbed the bottom of his elongated helmet. Interesting.." A fast attacker, desperate, and..."

Serai then turned toward one of his soldiers. You! Escort this man to the hospital immediately and see to it that he is taken care of by staff.

Oh noo I'm fine sir! The hippo said aloud, finally able to stand. "Just a scratch."

"That wasn't a suggestion." Said Serasi sternly.

Uhh..The Hippo mumbled, not knowing if he should feel grateful or terrified. "Sure...thing...Thanks."

As the soldier began to escort the merchant back through the crowd which was now becoming heavily populated. Serasi could sense the citizen's overwhelming presence surrounding the small cramped area quickly in large numbers', all curious and hoping to get a peek as to what had happened. As well as their combined smell. The overpowering scent of the onlookers combined sweat grew stronger with each passing second as they all stood huddled together out in the open under the hot sun. It wasn't their fault for unintentionally causing interference, for they were not cold blooded like him. But he knew he didn't have much time. The scent would be lost soon amidst thousands.

Serasi coiled his body down towards the blood stained sand, releasing the latch on his helmet to allow his visor to flip up. His long black forked tongue then began to flicker in and out tasting the faint air particles for the exact one he was looking for.

Anything sir? One of Serasi's guard's asked. A tall mohawked zebra keeping his weapon at the ready as a lookout.

Can't tell yet. Serasi said annoyed. Too many scent's. Set up a perimeter. Push them back now. I need to focus.

Yes sir. He nodded calmly. Alright people move along! Nothing to see here. This is an active crime scene! Move it!!! The zebra began to push and shove people back to give his leader space enough to do his usual routine.

The thief was here recently. Serasi thought to himself. They're sweat is all over the place. They frequent this spot to attack. Serasi coiled down further, observing the footprints not belonging to the hippo. He gently grazed the sand with his gauntlet to form a circle around one in particular that caught his attention. He extended his fingers wide apart and laid his palm flat against the sand to measure it.

Small prints. Light on their feet. They have claws used for traction and acceleration. They're a predatory species. A small one. And a quick one.

Anything sir? The zebra asked once again now that the coast was clear.

I think so...The thief is some sort of predator. A very fast one. I can't tell what kind yet but be on the lookout for any with claws and of a small nimble frame. A sand fox is a distinct possibility. Most likely a caracal based on how powerfully and swiftly they leapt from the description ther merchant provided. That is our target. For now.

Yes sir. So...what now? The zebra asked.

"Now?" Serasi Smiled through his fangs before coiling his serpentine body back up to full height, his flexible narrow helmet fastening back together with a loud mechanical snap over his eyes. "Now we wait..."

And this time.... we'll be more than ready.

After waiting for hours standing in the hot sun with his men chatting and talking with the local patrons. Serasi smiled as he caught the fresh scent of the thief nearby, returning to have another go at the crowds.

It's time. Serasi nodded calmly to the others. They're back. Wait here and guard the entrances until I give the order. They are not escaping again. Today we end this.

Serasi excused himself for a brief moment and split from the main group to embark into the most crowded part of the market at it's busiest time of day. Everyone was packed closely in together, a perfect place for a pickpocket to have a field day. Serasi turned the corner halfway down the street and eyed a large sandstone support pillar keeping the nearby building upright. He wrapped his tail around the bottom of the beam and coiled his entire body tightly upward to come to a halt at the very top of the pillar. Constricting his hold and using it to act as a watchtower. Not a single person bothered to even look up they were so concerned on their own priorities and peaceful everyday activities uninterrupted. And that was just how he liked to keep it that way.

Serasi surveyed the vast market below and all it's people sweltering in the hot sun. He didn't move a muscle. He didn't even flinch. His sharpened reptilian eyes didn't blink as they scanned each the passerby's far below him, hidden in the shade. All completely unaware of his presence above, as he locked on to each of their unique heat signatures with a predatory and patient intensity. Below he saw a sea of red flickering flames of life, glowing amongst cool green and freezing blue. No living thing could escape this evolutionary adaptation that could see exactly who was truly at peace. And more importantly, who was becoming restless by attempting something they knew they shouldn't.

Anything sir? A distorted voice called to him on his personal radio.

Nothing as of yet. Serasi responded through his helmet commlink. But give them time. If I know one thing. It's that a thief's hands can't resist a crowd as big as this one.

Copy that sir. The voice said. Sounding pleased. "The men are waiting on standby in the shade. Just say the word and we'll be right behind wherever you need us. Over and out."

Serasi managed a faint smile under his helmet. His soldiers were efficient and loyal to him. And he did his best to repay their loyalty by being a shinning and steadfast example. The janissaries were the pride of the sultan's royal army. The élite that none dared defy. And he would be dammed to see them outsmarted by some thief who had so far eluded ever single trap the city's basic security and guards had set for them. This one was crafty and swift. He was almost impressed. But that wouldn't' stop him from bringing them in.

Sure enough.

Help help! A female voice cried out.

Move in! Center square! Serasi ordered swiftly. The king cobra commander then coiled his body and sprang himself from the top of the building down toward the source of the disturbance. Scattering dust everywhere as his elongated body cushioned his fall.

That way! They went that way! The new victim cried out from on the ground. An elderly giraffe woman with her leg's slashed at. They stole my necklace!"

Sena! Tend to the victim! Serasi ordered hastily through his commlink to the team medic. Everyone else with me! Cut off their exit!!

Serasi began to sidewind his body quickly through the crowded streets for added speed. Evading and going in-between the leg's of stunned tall passerby's effortlessly. Avoiding them without ever grazing them. His spear like tongue flicked even faster in and out of the faint mouth gap in his helmet, Their scent was strong. He was getting close. He heard the clanking of garbage down an alley to his right. The scent was strongest in that direction and he immediately banked right, barely able to see a spotted tail disappearing over the rotten fence.

They're in the alleyway! Norosi! Fly up give me recon! I want to know they're every move and which way they are heading!

Yes sir! Norosi obeyed. The long nimble Secretary bird then extended her wings and flew upward into the air. A flyer was always common place among a team for valued areal intelligence and right now he would need her eye's in the sky to avoid losing this thief entirely. But still Serasi would play his role as the team tracker and leader without fail to the best of his abilities and skill.

He continued the chase. With this thief ducking in and out of the dark cramped maze of alley way's cleverly and masterfully. Many of them were obsenely narrow and far too slim for any larger species to fit through. Luckily he was a rather unique specimen.

Serasi narrowed his flexible ribcage and flattened his body to slide through the narrow passageways quickly. His segmented lamina armor and wide shoulder pieces folded so neatly in on each other it felt like a second skin. A perfect combination of robust flexible protection without sacrificing mobility. As he slithered quickly around and through the narrow cracks of scattered debris he could hear the lightning fast pattering of footsteps just out of view getting louder and louder. The thief even after minute's of running at top speed was still astoundingly quick. Even faster than him on foot he had begun to realize. He was somewhat at a disadvantage not having legs. But he wouldn't let that bother him. He only considered his strength's, never his weakness.

Any thing!? Serasi panted. His breath heavy and strenuous. "I'm starting to lose them!

They're about to run into a dead end. Lure them to the right sir! There's no way out! You'll have them cornered.

Thank you Norosi. Serasi grinned. I could kiss you he secretly thought. But not now.

The king cobra coiled his body and leapt over the barrels of garbage and shifted his weight left to faint the elusive prey where he wanted them to go. Sure enough the thief went the opposite way, growing ever desperate to avoid him from catching up. He couldn't keep up with them by speed alone. But being fast at sprinting doesn't mean you always can get away.

Some time's the long game pays off.

As Serasi turned around right into a dark dimly lit corner. He could barely see the diminutive thief at the other end attempting to scrape and crawl up the sheer sandstone walls with their claws only to fall back down on their back gasping in pain and exhaustion. They were trapped between three towering walls and him at the very end.

The only way out was through him.

It's over! Serasi hissed unveiling his fangs through faint gap's in-between his helmet. Surrender and i'll see to it that you only lose your hands. Not your life!!!" The large venomous snake then began to slither closer inward with the only sunlight in the alley being bounced off his broad shouldered triangular form. The sun, casting his presence as a dark and menacing silhouette that swallowed the thief whole in his shadow, slowly engulfing everything it touched across the ground. His powerful mussels lifted an entire third of his massive body length up off the ground to tower above them and get a better view. He could see through his thermal vison that the thief was panicking at the mere sight of him. They were cornered. Their heart rate pounding with fear and adrenaline. Terrified and desperate to try anything if it meant escaping their punishment for their evil actions.

Leave me alone!! The thief screamed. Suddenly a small golden dagger zipped through the air from behind the thief's back, speeding right toward Serasi's head with a faint refraction of life shining off it and against his eyes forcing them shut. He couldn't see. But he didn't need to. He knew where and exactly when it was going to hit.

The king cobra suddenly snapped his hand upward in an instant and caught the dagger by it's handle right out of the air, stopping it mere inches right in front of his face. He could hear the thief release a heavy gasp in bewilderment in utter speechlessness at having seen his lighting fast reflexes in action. While Serasi didn't think much of having the fastest reaction time of any creature on the planet, he admittedly knew it must have caused quite a bit of amazement in others.

As Serasi eyed the small dagger in his hand not looking them in the eye. He smiled at the thief's sheer hastiness.

"Should have saved this for later." He advised, twirling the blade in his fingers before resting it beside his belt as his own to tempt them on. "Never throw away a hidden advantage as the first move."

Grhaaaa!!!! The thief snarled with a high pitched voice, enraged at his words of advice. Without hesitation or thought the thief began a full on sprint right toward him unafraid, trailing streams of dust behind their blurred racing feet, looking as if they were flying across the ground without even touching it. The attacker then unsheathed their claws from both of their small hands and began slashing them wildly without any plan of attack left and right toward his body in a blind rage. He effortlessly slithered and bent his elongated form to avoid the blows and with both his arm's folded comfortably behind his back mockingly to top it off. He studied their every move. This thief was skilled but sloppy. Fast, but not faster than him in the regard of reaction not action. With them it was all impulse and rage. With him careful patient precision. Up close, he was the master here.

After striking nothing but air for around half a minute he could feel the thief beginning to overheat and grow tired in their meager assault. Panting and growing sluggish as their slashing and kicking became weaker and weaker. Sensing defeat, the thief suddenly leapt high into the air for one final desperate combined slash, swinging their claws down swiftly right toward his head, hoping for one last chance at victory. He intercepted the blows mid strike by grabbing tightly onto the thief's withered wrist's, leaving their body dangling in the air right in front of him helpless and furious. He then coiled his tail around the thief's flailing legs attempting to kick against his breastplate harmlessly. Now they were entirely immobile. Nowhere to run. Nowhere to hide. Never before had one given him a chase quite like this. But now he had them in his death grip. For speed or size made about as much a difference in fighting off the grip of a snake's coil as a the tide does against the moon. He was victorious.

Let me go!!! The thief snarled struggling to escape with their face still concealed in the dark in front of him. Serasi coiled his tail tighter up toward their neck to shut them up and began to draw his sunsaber from its scabbard resting comfortably beside his waist to the dispel the only punishment this thief deserved. But as, he pulled them closer into the light, fully expecting to see some pathetic waste of life or common lowlife scum who preyed upon the weak and helpless. Serasi's piercing yellow eyes at last saw the face of the degenerate thief come before him,...He stopped.

The girl began to wail and snarl like a mindless unevolved savage. She had nothing left to give. But even now she would still not beg. Her face had begun to turn a dark shade of blue, her bloodshot eyes' practically bulging out of her head in a panic and blind rage. She grunted and snarled as she attempted to claw and push off against his tail wrapped tightly around her throat, trying desperately to loosen his grip and flee or even breathe. But he knew her attempt was a feeble and pointless one. He was far too strong to be able to resist. Her vicious screams became smothered slowly, until she couldn't make a sound. He was strangling the life out of the her with his tail, now acting as a spiraling metal coffin wrapped around her flailing twitching body growing weaker in his coils. She was suffocating. She was dying. He was killing her so easily it wasn't even a contest let alone a struggle.

Kill.....you....." Was the last thing the thief managed to say before growing completely silent beneath him. Her confined arms and legs then dangled abruptly in the air, limp of any signs of life.

He could have kept going. He probably should have. A few more seconds and it would have all been over. But in that moment.....He hesitated. For the first time in his life.

Serasi slowly uncoiled his inescapable hold around her throat and backed away slightly. Allowing the vicious child to gasp for one precious breath but still held tightly in his arms unable to fight or cause any more trouble. After a few moments' of gasping for air, the theif resumed her vengeful outburst against him in it's obnoxious high pitch tone that was like claws scraping against rusted metal.

"Let me go old man!!"The vicious little girl screamed even louder with a growing vengeance as her voice returned in all it's familiar hatred. Serasi ignored the child and kept thinking. He hardly even noticed the little girl anymore as she tried to bite through his segmented tail armor with her diminutive teeth to no affect. She would not give up. She was a fighter despite being clearly outmatched. And she was no longer scared of him. Despite being young, she could see he had spared her. He had shown weakness. And she could easily tell. He had hesitated. For the first time in his life. And that was something he had swore never to do. This was a delicate matter he had not planned. And he did not know what to do with her from this point on. But he had to think fast. Or else others' might decide for him.

He could hear the last of his men, all rushing in behind him panting from either the ground or from the air above. Their large collection of either hoofed, pawed, and taloned feet scattered sand across ground as they all grew in quantity and eagerness quickly behind their victorious commander, curious to get a better look at what trouble he had caught and what justice he had in store for them. Serasi didn't respond. He didn't turn around. He had to think.

Sir...You...You got her! The zebra captain struggled to say while attempting to regain his heavy breath. Currently hunched over with his hands placed on his knees exhausted from the frantic chase. "Sorry we couldn't keep up with you. You're we're both just too damn fast. He smiled impressed."

Serasi said nothing. He bit down on his scaled lip inside his helmet as he tried to come up with something soon to stop his soldier from carrying out the usual procedure he himself had done and instructed them all to do thoroughly time and time again.

The zebra approached behind them both, tilting his elongated black and white face as he began eyeing the little thief with much disdain held tightly in his leader's unbreakable hold. So this was the deadly thief that caused so much trouble? Oh well, as long as this whole ordeal was finally finished.

The zebra then stepped forward and pulled out his dagger, ready to take her off his leader's hand's so he wouldn't have to trouble himself any further with the messy aftermath having done all the hard work. "We'll take it from here sir. The zebra smiled genuinely as he inched the simmering blade toward the girl's boney wrists. "Cut hands' for a thief's crime as always. Good job as always sir." The girl closed her eyes and braced for the worst.

No. Serasi abruptly ordered.

The cobra then snapped his grip firmly but cautiously to his captain's wrist to keep it from cauterizing her flesh and doing permanent damage. "Sir?" The zebra stopped in his tracks confused and cautious, the yellow light from the searing dagger being cast up at his look of utter bewilderment. "But..the law.." You just told us earlier once we found the thief to.."

That is a order captain. He hissed silently more intently. I'll take it from here. Go see to the crowd and the injured woman. Make sure she is ok and tell everyone the situation is under control. But this thief is not to be harmed understood? They are now under my jurisdiction. I shall see that they pay for their actions accordingly.

The zebra soldier eyed the little brat held tightly in the cobra's grip. He hesitated before standing at attention and saluting. "Yes...Sir." He stated perplexed and a bit irked by his commander's hypocrisy and change of procedure. But he was the boss. And he would obey.

The armored zebra then turned around and made a twirl of his hoofed finger with his hand toward the others telling them to move out and await further orders from the commander. Once they were out of sight, Ryo Serasi turned his helmeted gaze back to the thief in front of him. Now it was just the thief and the cobra.

Who are you? He asked.

The girl didn't respond with words. Only with loud repulsive snort of her nose and an even louder hawk of spit across his helmet.

He sighed, wiping his no longer pristine helmet with his forearm. So it's going to be like that huh?

The girl simply nodded her head. A wicked imprudence filled grin forming across her face that clearly showed she liked to make people miserable. She was doing a really good job at it. Far too well for her own good.

I'm going to put you down now. Alright? Said Serasi. If you go running off again I can't protect you. If you stay put you might be able to keep your hands and maybe, just maybe learn some manners along the way. Understood?

She nodded.

Alright then.

Serasi slowly uncoiled his tail from the child's thin nimble legs. As soon as they left. The girl arched her flexible back upward and kicked him right in the face.

Serasi grunted in pain as his helmet spun around and he lost his grip of the girl. The thief attempted to slash her claws for him once again only to be tripped by his tail and fall hard on her back, the wind knocked completely out of her.

Serasi was the first to stand, albeit with much discomfort. Stupid he thought, let my guard down. His helmet was twisted out of place and one of the yellow eye lenses' was cracked. He couldn't see. He had to remove it.

A faint hiss of air released from his black elongated narrow helmet. His flexible head frill plating folded upward with a mechanical clink clink clink until his real head frill of flesh and blood was revealed, donned with elaborate yellow circle patterns that looked like miniature suns with a black eclipse at their center. The helmet slid off his face to reveal that of an elongated black cobra, mid thirties and intensely fierce looking. Yellow slim eye's narrowed as they looked down on her. Fierce and deadly. Their gaze made the whole world move in slow motion from his perspective.

"That fucking hurt. He grunted. Adjusting his elongated angular chin and fang's while resting his helmet comfortably in-between his arm.

Serasi didn't expect her to respond right away. For the brash little thief's face, body, and tail were now sprawled like a withered ragdoll, stretched wide across the warm yellow sand half unconscious. She shouldn't have been able to snap back just yet. But then again. She was full of surprises.

"Good." The girl attempted a concise and clear insult. It didn't convey well as her mouth was now stuffed with sand. After giving her some time to recover, Serasi watched as the girl stumbled and fell back down trying to stand and keep fighting him. She was so tired. And so weak. Serasi could now see that she was all skin and bones. That she was even able to run as fast as she did was nothing short of a miracle.

She was dressed and covered in tattered grey rags that were torn and stitched together clumsily. Her fierce narrow face and slender body were covered in dirt and unevolved bugs. She hadn't had a proper bath in quite a long time he could have easily guessed from the smell alone. But what he noticed most of all was that her yellow and spotted black fur was beginning to fade away in vibrancy from lack of proper care and large patches of it were already missing entirely. She looked like a mess. And he knew she wouldn't survive long

Unless he did something.

Serasi Sighed as he set his helmet and sword to the ground slowly to show he meant her no harm as best he could. Then the menacing king cobra ignoring all his better judgment and regard for proper protocol with criminals, reached out his hand to the frightened starving child to help her atop her feet. Trying to put on a face that didn't seem inertly terrifying as usual. He wasn't good with kids. But he had to try.

The little girl eyed his outstretched hand with much suspicion as if it was a lie she was fooling herself in believing she could trust. A long moment of tense silence occurred between the two of them as they stared at each other unsure of what would happen next. Her frightened yet murderous yellow eyes looked right up at him. Serasi could see her yellow and spotted black face now in full detail in the rays of direct sunlight being cast down upon them both, bringing them both out of the darkness. Two streams of piercing black fur ran down under her eyes like mascara to the bottom of her chin, almost like war paint. She was donned with even blacker scruffy short unkempt hair atop her head and rounded ears off to her sides that twitched nervously. As Ryo stared down at the frightened girl that had bested the best of the guards in the city, he at last realized what she truly was.

She was a cheetah.

He smiled. No wonder she had outrun them all. But speed alone couldn't have kept her alive this long fighting on the dangerous city streets. That. Was pure skill and cunning. Never before had he seen one stand up to him like this and a child no less. He was very impressed. He reached his hand out further in a considerate and cautious manner to help her up.

She scoffed, turned her head aside and batted it away without a second thought. Struggling yet determined to stand on her own two feet without a patron's help who looked down on her. "I don't need your pity". She snarled and coughed. And I definitely didn't need your help back there!"

Serasi wanted to chuckle at her assuredness of her chances of survival but kept it would only agitate her so he to himself by letting her finish standing up and continue her berating uninterupted.

"Well..given that without me those skilled hand's of yours would be on the chopping block by now. I'd say in the end a little help proved beneficial. Said Serasi.

Pfttt! She scoffed. Rolling her eyes. before dusting her ragged clothes of the sand covering her fur and spiky hair. She looked tired and helpless as she stood before him. But he knew better. She was just as fierce as him. Perhaps Fiercer. But she held so much pain inside. Even more rage. Rage against the world. Herself. And most of all him. He could feel it resonating off her in waves. Not as a instinctive sense. Just by her living and affecting the world around her by doing whatever it took to survive, no matter who she had to hurt in the process. He could do something to help guide her on the right path before it was too late. But he musnt' pry too much or else she'll vanish from sight and then he'll have truly failed her. Only when she was ready could she begin to heal and serve a higher calling. He would test the waters first. But even then only slightly.

"Why are you out on the streets alone?" He asked genuinely concerned this time." Any parents? Family?

I'm skinny and stealing on the streets in order to survive, what do you think!?? She snapped bluntly and with a silent pain in her voice she tried to hide through fearless aggression she had learned as her only defense. Serasi breathed a heavy sigh before lowering his tall stature, trying to be less intimidating and controlling towards her.

"I'm sorry." He said quietly as he knelt down in front of her.

Why would you be? She scowled. You have money. You have everything.

No one truly has everything. Serasi responded.

Hmff. She grunted at the stupid words. The cheetah started stumbling closer. He didn't move. He wouldn't fight her anymore. The little cheetah then reached out her hand unafraid.

Give it back. She ordered. "Now."

What prey tell should I give back? He smiled smugly.

My knife.

Serasi then began to tap his chin with his long finger. Giving it a great deal of thought on whether or not he should do the right thing and be the bigger man by handing back the weapon. But then again. A weapon is a dangerous thing for a child to have. Without proper guidance. He let out a very very long obnoxious ponderous "Hmmmmmmm....." And turned to face her with his final answer.

"Uhhhh...No." He smirked amused. His eye's squeezing together with joy. "I kind of like this weapon. I think i'll keep it. Might pick my fangs with it."

The little cheetah girl began to snarl. Her uncontrollable rage boiling so heavily to the surface, Serasi could almost imagine steam coming out of her little pointy ears.

"It's my knife!" She shouted. "It's mine! And no I didn't steal it if that's what you're thinking. I want it back. Hold on to it and i'll claw your eyes out in order to get it back if I have to."

"I believe you would." He smiled. Serasi then pulled the small golden dagger from off his belt and twirled it in the air. Examining it's fine details and testing it's weight by balancing it on the tip of his finger. The girl seemed almost impressed for a moment by his skill with it but quickly shook aside such wonder by reaching her hand out more sternly for the dagger.

You're handy with a blade. He said impressed. But you could be better. Far better.

I'm good enough. She scowled unmoved.

If you're good enough. Then how come you lost to an old man like myself?

She turned her gaze at a lost for words. Clenching her fist's into a ball in silent anger.

Where did you get it? he asked a bit curious with a playful tone of voice. "It's exquisite craftsmanship. Not a common weapon for a street thief.

That's private. She scowled looking back at him. Give it back now or else. Last warning. I mean it.

Serasi examined the dagger closer not heeding the angry little child any mind. "My my my! I do believe this is Volcanic steel. A highly valued and sturdy material. Who ever made this surely knew their craft! It truly shines the stars!

It's mine!!! The girl screamed. It belonged to the greatest swordsman who ever lived and if you don't give it back this instant. I'll gut you myself!!

Belonged? past tense? Serasi noticed. He killed?

....Yes.....The girl grunted. Approaching closer. Eyeing the dagger

How? Serasi approached. Eyeing her claws.

...duel.. The girl said, appearing upset. Camly lowering her head and chin in a display of despair that was genuinely hard for Serasi to tell if it was true or fake.

Then he wasn't the greatest swordsman. Replied serasi.

Having put up with enough of this old man's nonsense and sensing her chance at escaping, the cheetah lunged forward without a second thought. Hoping to snatch the dagger back while the snake was fooling around like an idiot. Serasi surprised her by spinning around her backside quickly effortlessly. Smiling back as he slowly passed her in what seemed to be slow motion. Holding the dagger up like a doll he had stolen in front of her face once he reached the other side and she landed face down in the dirt with a loud splat.

You want it? Come an get it. He let out a faint hissing laugh. Juggling the dagger in the air.

The cheetah snarled. Slashing her claws around for her dagger. She missed. The cobra wrapped his tail over her form and she ran right past him.

Don't be so hasty. Think before you act. He said rather caringly.

Shut up!! She snarled rather uncaringly. The cheetah spun her whole body around rapidly and slashed her claws apart like a whirlwind. The snake slithered right under as she leapt above him and landed in the dirt coughing.

You are quick. Yet impulsive and reckless, a dangerous combination. He said with his back turned to her, giving the impression he didn't take her serious threat when he knew he would be foolish to do so. "I wonder what would happen if you used your brain before you ran blindly in a fit of rage. My my what a force to be reckoned you would be if you could defeat me! Serasi smiled briefly at imagining the thought of her becoming a force for good. Yet scowled at being reminded of the reality she wished to. remain in.

"Yet still. You steal. I understand why. To survive. But this I cannot forgive or condone if it's being done against the good people of this city It is my job to protect. But it's not too late. For there are better ways of surviving than lashing out against the world and others who have no quarrel with you. For instance lashing out at bad people, now there's a cause worthy of indulging in. Believe me.

Shut up! JUST SHUT UP!! I don't care about you or some stupid cause!! Stop making fun of me and just give me back my knife!! The cheetah pounced forward hastily again with all her strength. Serasi dogged effortlessly out of the way as if he were never there to begin with. The girl's eye's widened as she saw the realization that she was about to slam face first right into the sandstone wall. She closed her eyes and braced for the impact.

It never came.

She could instead feel the deadly cobra, who's tail was so strong and unbreakable moments earlier catch and coil around her stomach gently and lay her slowly back to the ground atop her mud stained hand's and feet. The cheetah turned her gaze upward and was greeted with her dagger being handed back to her at last by the snake having saved her from herself.

"Think before you strike as I do." He calmly instructed. You don't have to be your own worst enemy. And you don't have to steal. You have potential to be more than this and I can help you. I can train you. I can give you a better life, a home. But only if you are willing to take the first step by giving up on harming innocents. It's your choice. I suggest you take it.

The king cobra then tossed her back the knife. She looked down and caught it horizontally in both her palm's gently, the light catching and reflecting it off her sad but determined face. The cheetah slowly glanced upward toward this strange man standing above her in the warm sunlight.

"You have great skill child." He looked her in the eye. Begging her to make the right choice.

"It's time to put it to good use."

The king cobra then smiled, leaned over and picked up his helmet and saber from the sand. He turned his back on the girl letting her free to go. And began to slither away from her forever.

Wait...She whispered hastily.

He stopped. A slight smile forming under his face.

Ryo Serasi turned back to the troubled but incredible child. Hoping for her to decide to follow him out of the darkness of her past and into the light of a better future with him to guide and teach her.

"My....name... She muttered with much hesitation."

She breathed in slowly. Gripping tighter to her father's dagger in unease. She looked him in the eye with no tears of childish weakness. But still terrified that this stranger may be lying to her like so many others had before. But for the first time in her life, the young cheetah thought she might find a fraction of kindness given back to her. She decided she would give it a chance. And see where it goes from here. Or better yet, how she could benefit from it somehow.

"My name....."

"Is Chai'ra."

Ryo smiled. Not knowing what the future would hold for the both of them. Only knowing he would always be there for her as her new master to help her become what he knew she was meant to be.

"Well Chai'ra...." Serasi said unknowingly to his future prized ward and replacement.

Shall we begin?