Chapter 1 - Starving Artist

Sand so hot that you could swear your feet were cooking as it squished into it. Sun rays so bright and menacing that even the mightiest of sweat drops would evaporate the moment it tried to dance on your face. A heavy wagon full of paintings, sculptures, figures and art supplies strapped to your back as you trek the hellish lands. These are the settings of one fool stupid enough to traverse the western deserts.

His name was Emric and he was known across many lands as, The Painter. He was built with an average stature just under six feet. Messy black hair sprawled across his face, his currently sweaty bangs drooped over his forehead. A hue of violet, gentle but full of caution were the eyes that hid under his glistening brow. Across his face he had three scars. He wore a vest-hoodie and pants with all sorts of belts strapped to him. He had four daggers in cases strapped to his thighs and a huge item pack across his lower back. Bouncing around in his art caravan was giant paintbrush the size of long staff.

He pulled his cart and continually muttered to himself in complaints.

Emric:... -Gasp- Oh my Gods! Seriously... I have to pick the greatest times to travel West Kingdom!! Emric, Why are you so stupid? Gee I dunno Emric, If I knew MAYBE I WOULDN'T BE SO STUPID!! -He starts to whimper and moan-

He starts to dig into his cart even though he knows full well that he no longer has any water. It would seem that his insanity was starting to take full grasp of his fading mind. As he dug through his various tools he could feel the ground beneath him rumbling.

Emric: Huh?.... ... Hmmm???

He jumped out of his pile of arts and quickly tugged his cart dragging it across the sand and out of the radius of the blast that erupted from the ground. Emric's eyes widened as through the sand cloud he saw the gaping maws of a Hydra Worm, a powerful beast that roamed the western deserts. It's worm like body dawned spikes down it's back it divided into three separate ends of endless teeth and drool. It roared and spit and acid flew through the scorching desert air. It's breath foul like rotting meat, the screech was so loud and sharp it felt as though your cranium would split.

"Aaawwww come on!! You gotta' be kidding me right now!!" he shouted to himself. Emric continued to whimper and complain.

The worm then charged at Emric with it's maws wide open for the kill. Emric locked on to his enemy and grabbed his daggers firmly. The worm charged closer, Emric's eyes focused, his stance tightened. The two were set to clash.

:WARPAINT:

:1 hour later:

A gang of sand sleds and what appear to be desert pirates investigate the area as they are curious as to the story behind the carcass of a Hydra Worm. Pieces of the worm are all around the sand. It's blood and guts, spread all across the ground. The aroma of the sun cooking it's raw insides would pollute your sense of smell. Some of the pirates were seeing what they could salvage off the worm.

Pirate A: Who would kill a Hydra Worm and just leave all this stuff!?

Pirate B: You think it was a double K.O.?

Pirate C: Nah!! Check it out there's footprints... and cart tracks..

Pirate B: What? Some kind of merchant!?

Pirate Boss: Any Merchant who could fell a Hydra Worm is a Merchant I need to meet..

Pirate C: Any Merchant that can kill a Hydra Worm is probably only selling death!

Pirate Boss: Hmph! All the more incentive if you ask me..

Pirate A: A merchant wouldn't leave all this worm humor and blubber! This is at least two thousand rubees worth of worm body!!

Pirate Boss: Indeed.. but be wary part of the merchant's reasoning may be due to the fact of how hard it is to cleanly remove the fruitful parts of Hydra Worms. Don't go getting infected by the worm poison.

Pirate A: Right Boss!

Pirate B: You guys see all this black stuff?

Pirate Boss: I noticed it.. It's not blood or venom.

Pirate B: Smells like... ink.. or paint maybe?

Pirate Boss: Hmm.. Interesting.. Salvage what you can from the worm! We'll head to the desert city and sell it there! We'll probably find the merchant as well... heheh.

All: YES!!

Meanwhile across the desert a certain dying painter has reached an arch and a sign declaring he has reached civilization. Without even remembering he was dying of heat stroke and dehydration Emric jumps into a joyous euphoria and sprints across town dragging his cart like a maniac. He hits the brakes as soon as he sees the first food vendor. He sits on the seat and happily screams at the chef.

Emric: Greetings! I would like to indulge in your finest dish!

Chef: Why that would be my signature secret ultra burger with the fried giga bird sticks on the side, also comes with all the blue elixir you could handle, free refills mind you!! Bwahahahahaaa

Emric: That sounds amazing amazing I'LL TAKE IT!!

Chef: That'll be 8 rubees!

Emric: Only 8 rubees!? That's the greatest bargain I've ever heard of!! Will you settle for three rubees?

Chef: .....

Emric: ......

Chef: ......

Emric: ....

Chef: You can have two regular ass lame burgers and a kiddy cup of yellow elixir..

Emric: I've been told to not drink the yellow elixir.. I'll just have water..

Chef: Hmph! Comin' up..

Emric: Come on chef!! Can't I just do dishes for the 5 rubees!?

Chef: Absolutely not!

Emric: But it sounds like art!! A true artist would want to share their art no?

Chef: of course.. but I NEED MONEY!!

Emric: -sobs-

Girl: Oh come on chef. This guy looks so tired and almost dead.

Chef: Uh.. Miria!? Guh.. If I did that everyone's gonna try and appeal to my nice side and rip me off dammit!

Miria: Then I'll give you the five rubees. How's that?

Chef: Well sure if you wanna pay for this guy..

Miria: Mmhmm!

Emric: Aahhh Oh my lords! Thank so much you are an angel! An angel sent to me from sand heaven!!

Emric gazed upon and worshiped the girl. She had tan skin and brown hair, tied back in a wild tail. Her eyes were a blue gentle color. They had the look of someone who was completely lost to the world of war and pain. Her smile made Emric melt in the desert heat. Her voice so kind on the ears it could rise a man from the deepest comatose.

Miria: I couldn't help it, you looked so tired, helpless, and pathetic.

Emric: I was.. I was indeed all those things! Oh uh.. Ahem.. Milady, It is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Emric and I am a traveling artist.

Miria: Wow a traveler! That's so cool. My name is Miria. It's nice to meet you! -She shakes his hand- Where are you from originally?

Emric: Huh?.. North Kingdom I guess...

Miria: You guess?

Emric: I've been traveling so long I find the entire world to be my home ya know..

Miria: Oh.. So if you're from the north? Does that make you a mage?

Emric: Umm... I guess I've dabbled in the arts of magic a long time ago.

Miria: That is sooo cool!

The young girl continued to talk Emric's ear off as he ate the food she paid for. His stomach slowly grew satisfied. He was enjoying the company of his new friend. Though he honestly didn't care much for talking about his travels he made a bias exception for such a cute girl.

Emric: Hey! I have to repay you somehow. So how's about I make you a painting in exchange for this food ya got me.

Miria: Oh I'd love one! Can you draw anything?

Emric: I'll try my best.

Miria: How about... an epic painting of a Pearl Dragon?

Emric: Pearl Dragon eh.. It's a common request for young girls like you. You guys just eat up those legends.

Miria: Heehee!

Woman: Chef!! I'll have a tall glass of Blue Elixir!

Chef: Duh!! Uh.. Tilly!?

Tilly: -She grins- Yeah?

Chef: Of course!

Miria: Uhh.. Tilly..

Tilly: Hello Miria.. and you.. Who might you be?

Emric: Me?

This woman who had appeared out of nowhere already in a seat next to the other two. She was the super babe that dudes would just be stupid for. Her figure was luscious and she flaunted it with a skimpy outfit that showed off her bronzed skin. She wore a bandanna with goggles over it, signs that she must frequent desert exploration. Three blonde ponytails ran down her back. She glanced over at Emric with bedroom eyes and asked him again for his name.

Emric: Uh.. Emric the traveling artist. Nice to meet you Miss.

Tilly: Please my friends all call me Tilly. So you're an artist eh? So I take it this cart of supplies must belong to you.

Emric: Yes..

Tilly: You must have some rare items in there, what with being a traveler and all.

Emric: Nahh.. not really.

Tilly: Well you know... -She drags herself and her chair closer as she rests her massive bosom on his arm- I hope I'm not being too forward Emric. It's just that I.. I love traveling men oh so much and I virtually run this town. Whatya' say pretty convenient combo for a weary artist like you eh?

Emric: It is..

Tilly: So how about you and I leave this spot. How about I welcome you to our little desert town in the most proper improper way. Hmm if you.. catch my drift? -She starts to drag him away by his arm-

Emric: Umm.. okay sure sounds like fun I guess..

Miria: Uhh uh.. Emric..

Emric: Oh.. No worries Miria I'll have your painting done as soon as possible!

Miria: Uhh.. that's not..

Tilly dragged Emric and his cart to a nearby hotel. Thinking his gear was secure the lovely lady proceeded to take Emric to every party venue in town. Good times go by fast and the drunken artist was in a state of bliss. The night raged on and Emric had the time of his life with his hostess, Tilly.

The next morning Emric awoke in his hotel bed. He muttered sweet nothings to the lovely woman he recalled going to bed with. However as he reached across the bed he found it to be empty. He quickly shook awake and sprang up out of his bed. He looked all around for Tilly in the room but she was nowhere to be found. He began looking for his clothes but couldn't find them either. Then of course he looked for his item pack. Everything was gone. His face grew embarrassed and angry he now knew he had been swindled. He looked out the window and even his cart that was locked up was gone from the spot. Emric began panicking naked in his room.

He was unsure of what actions to take. Who's fault was it really that he got tricked? He grabbed the bed sheets and wrapped it around his body like a toga clothe. He bursts out into the streets shouting for Tilly. Many of the townsfolk had their own reactions. Some shook their heads, some laughed, very few felt sorry for the poor fool. He approached the food vendor he went to on the previous day and demanded answers.

Chef: Ahh look who's awake..

Emric: You let me get tricked old man!

Chef: Some lessons are best learned the hard way I think.

Emric: Why you!

Miria: Emric...

Emric: Huh? M.. Miria? Uh.. Hi.. I kinda lost my stuff..

Miria: So... You're the type that would prefer someone like Tilly... I was wrong about you. You're no heroic painter gentleman!

Emric: Wha!!? No. I am totally all those things!

Chef: Tilly's the leader of the desert pirates. If ya want your stuff back good luck dealing with them. I doubt a wimpy magic painter boy like you can negotiate with pirates.

Miria: Emric... what are all those marks on your arm?

Emric: Huh? Tattoos.. you never seen tattoos before?

Miria: They look like runes or something.

Emric: Nothing just young rebellious artwork on my skin is all..

As Emric complained and exuded rage the gates of the desert town got loud as six men riding on Dino Steeds raced through screaming to hide. The town hunters have returned and they were reporting that three very vicious Fire Ravens were chasing them down. The town flew into panic and they started heading into what seemed an underground shelter.

In seconds as the men said, three massive birds flew into town. They breathed fire and scorched the buildings they passed by. Fire Ravens were among the most violent avian creatures in the world. One would be trouble. Three is more than enough for genocide. Their black and red feathers and glowing eyes would send fear into even the bravest warrior. Even though the town had an escape plan some townsmen were being picked apart by talons or burned alive. It became clear that these birds had found their breakfast.

A Raven flew in at low altitude across the the street Emric was on. The air force of the passing avian knocked over Miria and the chef. Emric wanted to fight back against the airborne menace but without his gear he was nothing more than a distraction.

One of the giant birds locked onto the folks by Emric's area. The monster began diving downward looking to sweep them up. Emric took a stance without a full plan of counter attack.

Just as the beast was to reach it's prey a massive anchor like arrow flew through the air and pierced the beast right through it's body. It squawked out in agony and crashed into a building. The rubble collapsed and smashed the massive avian. It struggled to rise out of the wreckage but before it could make any progress a whole gang of desert pirates came pouring out of various buildings, jumping over roofs. They surrounded the beast and harpooned it from all sides. One of the pirates brought down a huge slash with his massive sword slicing the beast's head clean off. The bird's head flops a couple times but the beast is slain.

Emric: The hell!?

Mirira: The pirates are here!

Chef: About damn time..

Emric: Pirates!?... You guys seem.... These pirates are good?

Chef: Depends on where you stand. These Desert Pirates are all home town brats. Everything they do benefits this town.

Tilly: Indeed.. and you all should get to the escape route.

Chef: Ah.. Tilly..

Miria: Tilly!

Emric: You!!

Tilly: Oh.. hi, Lover.

Emric: Where's my stuff?

Tilly: I dunno'..

Emric: Don't give me that crap!!

Tilly: Heheh.. sorry but I have to take care of this.. -She runs off and climbs up walls to the roof tops-

Emric: Hey!! -He looks closely at her butt and realizes his daggers are on her belt- She's wearing my daggers!! Arrrgh!! I'm gonna!!

Miria: Emric! We should hurry to the escape route.

Emric: You guys go.. I'll be fine.

Chef: It should be fine Miria. Tilly should be able to wrap this up quick. She is the Captain after all.

Emric: Eh!?

Tilly stands atop a building rooftop looking across the town's sky waiting for her chance to counter one of the birds.

"My weapon" she shouts out.

From a street nearby one of the pirates tosses a pole arm type blade through the air. Tilly catches it and takes her battle stance. On one end of the staff was a small triple tipped spear head. The other side was crescent shaped blade.

"Here birdie, birdie.." She mutters to herself as some sort of pre fight mantra.

One of the Ravens fly over her head. Tilly quickly twirled her weapon and the spear head launched from the end revealing it to be a chained spear. It raced through the air and pierced the bird from below. It seemed to do nothing as the Raven continued it's flight. On Tilly's side however she ordered her weapon to retract by pressing a button on the pole. The chain reeled in and, she was flying through the air headed straight for the avian devil. She pulled her arms back as she flew closer and she swung her vicious blade. Blood splashes through the sky as the second of the three birds was beheaded, it's dying carcass doomed to fall from the sky.

Tilly planted her feet on the falling bird body and glanced into the distance. The last Raven had rage in it's eyes. It let out an angry cry and began flying straight to it's dead friend. Tilly took her stance and licked her lips in anticipation. The Raven opened it's maw and unleashed it's mighty fire breath. Tilly jumped off the falling bird as it was set ablaze. Steam was spraying from her shoes as she had jumped higher than any normal human could muster on leg strength alone. She pulled back for her trademark one hit cleave and flipped like a buzz-saw aiming to split the bird in half. The Raven quickly pulled out an aerial maneuver of it's own pulling it's body straight up. Tilly slashed nothing at full force and was now sinking through the sky. The raven made a full flip and now had it's talons ready to slice Tilly to pieces. She swings her weapon and it clashes with beast's talons. The bird flaps it's wings to back off and send Tilly sailing to the ground. Her arms shocked from the Impact of the clash, she shook it off and quickly launched her spear at the highest building. She reeled in the chain and pulled herself to the rooftop. She hit the roof hard and rolled into the surface. The raven locked onto Tilly and began flying in her direction.

"Crap!" Tilly grew concerned as she tried to get her footing correct.

The raven inhaled a massive breath. It's eyes and chest began to glow as it slowly opened it's beak. Tilly took her stance quickly and saw her death warrant in the form of bird fire. She thought of a quick gamble and threw her weapon at the bird with all her might. The blade landed right in the glowing breast of the Fire Raven. Fire poured out of the slash wound inflicted by the blade. The bird cried in agony and it's head tilted back in shock shooting flames into the sky. It's own misfire caused it's slow painful death. Fire blasted from it's eye sockets burning it's own eyes right out of it's skull. It cried, panicked and flailed in the air until it crashed into the town below. It continued to dance out it's death on the ground crashing into buildings and crying out. A spear launched right through it's head. Another spear through it's wing. The pirates began firing their ballistas and chaining up the dying beast. With blades all through it's body and it's own fire killing it. The last Fire Raven fell to the ground in silence.

The pirates all started to cheer and celebrate as the threat that came into the little desert city had been resolved. Tilly climbed back down to street level and strutted victoriously through her comrades. She made her way back to Emric and the others.

Tilly: What do you think, Lover?

Emric: Pretty amazing! Now hand over my stuff...

Tilly: That... Is an awesome make shift outfit by the way..

Emric: Listen you! -He grabs her by the collar- I don't carry rare items and treasure that you can sell. Everything I had in my cart is precious to me. You can start with the daggers around your waist.

Tilly: Careful Emric...

Emric: -He looks around and finds that all the pirates are pointing their weapons at him- Rrrgh..

Tilly: Heheh.. stand down men.. This little cutie wutie is my new booty!

-The pirates all put down their weapons-

Tilly: I like you Lover, and you're right most of the stuff you had was crap. So tell ya what I'll give it all back.. All you have to do is get on your knees and say Tilly's the greatest!

Emric: Urgh..

Miria: Tilly! Don't.. don't be so mean to Emric.

Emric: Miria...

Miria: He's just a pathetic loser painter who got robbed after all.

Emric: Geh!! .. uhhh... Screw it.. Not like I have any sort of credibility to protect in this damn town anyway... -He drops to his knees- eehh... Tilly's the greatest..

Tilly: -She giggles- What was that? I didn't quite hear you...

Emric: Tilly's the greatest!!

-All the pirates cheer-

Tilly: Hahahaha!! Ahhh you're so gullible.. and cute! Ahhh...

Suddenly a gust of wind flew through the streets. It began to pick up a little more. Loose feathers from the battle were flying everywhere. Sand and dust were picking up and debris started to fly through streets. The wind was growing stronger and ominous.

Emric's eyes widened as he stared at the ground. He had a hunch on what was approaching.

Emric: Miria! Everyone! We have to all take shelter in the under ground!

Tilly: You guy's go, We'll handle whatever this is.

Emric: You can't! What's coming... Is far more destructive than those three teenagers.

Tilly: Teenagers?

Emric: Can't you feel the heat in this air? This is from the wings of a true Fire Raven.. A Queen Fire Raven.

Tilly: Their Mom?

Emric: Most likely... Though this was strange from the beginning... Fire Ravens don't usually attack in packs... and by this age they have no attachment to the mother anymore... It's unheard of.

Tilly: Tch big deal.. So a bigger bird is gonna show. We'll just crush the ol' Queen too.

Emric: Tilly if you're really going to battle the Queen then please just give me paintbrush!

Tilly: Paintbrush?

Emric: Please!

Tilly: Just you sit back Lover. I'll show you how damn awesome I am. Then you'll have no problem staying on your knees in worship! Heh..

Emric watched with doubt in his eyes as Tilly walked towards the pirates to form a battle plan. The remainder of the townsfolk began escaping into the under town. Emric ran around town helping as much people as he could escape burning buildings and leading them to safety. In mere seconds the sight of the Queen's glowing eyes and breast could be seen in the distance.

The Queen Fire Raven was unlike the three before. This avian devil was at least three times their size. It's wings brought heat waves as they kept her afloat. Her head feathers spiked up and rode down her back it's feathers more shades of red, purple and black. The tail feathers were long and the ends were on fire. She was more regal and much more intimidating. Two massive horns grew out of her head and her talons gleamed as if they were constantly on fire.

Tilly ordered her pirates to ready themselves. Many getting into sniping positions and others would ready the ballistas.

"Ready yourselves men! This is gonna be our greatest victory yet" She shouted and the rest of the pirates roared and rallied.

The beastly Queen made it's landing and crushed the houses beneath it's feet. It cried out as if it were declaring it's hostile advance. The bird's shriek shook the very core of the town. The quakes caused by her screech shook the ground harder than her titanic landing. Many of the pirates were on the ground shaken up and covering their ears from the head splitting sound.

"Fire!!" Tilly shouted.

The pirates unleashed a full barrage from the anchor spears. From all directions the spears collided with the Queen but her hide was much stronger than the others. The spears all shattered into specs of metal as they hit the Queen raven. Almost as if the bird was scoffing their efforts it let out another cry and took in a breath. It's chest lit up brighter. Tilly and all the pirates knew what was coming. They all quickly exited their current positions and began running for some kind of cover. The raven unleashed it's breath. This time it was unlike a wild spread of fire, this bird's attack was more focused like a beam of heat as it blasted straight into the direction of one of the pirate squads. Their running was futile as the blast radius of her attack wiped out an entire town district as well as anything in the area. The swift destruction of a handful of Tilly's pirates shook her to her very core. She looked up at the winged terror and gripped her weapon tighter as she charged it with pure rage.

"You stupid bitch!!" She shouted with tears in her eyes.

Tilly ran and activated her steam shoes jumping as high as she could with her weapon pulled back for a full power swing. The raven simply unleashed one of it's cries and the waves stopped Tilly in mid air. It felt as if she were punched by a brutal wave of air. Breath escaped her body and she lost grip of her weapon. She coughed up a lot of blood and the wave blasted her straight back towards the ground. She was dropping at an accelerated rate and was heading straight for a house.

The sheet toga wearing Emric climbed the roofs like a cat and quickly hopped to where she looked to land. He jumped and tried to catch her. The force of her fall so great she simply crashed into Emric and both went crashing through the roof and into the house. Tilly rolled off Emric in pain as she continued coughing up blood. Emric sat up and tried to shake off the damage of the crash.

Emric: Ugh.. Tilly.. Where's my gear?

Tilly: You... -She slowly gets up- Stay out of the way Lover... This is our job not yours! -She slowly limps towards the streets again-

Emric: Wait!! Aaggh.. dammit.. -He groans in pain as he gets up-

Tilly: (My weapon.. my weapon.. where is it?) -She continued to slowly walk through the busted up neighborhood.

Queen Raven: -It glances over and sees Tilly limping. It locks onto her position. she then takes a deep breath-

Tilly: Huh!? -She tries to run but instead falls as her knees give out on her- Ugh! Dammit!

Pirate A: Boss!!

Pirate B: How do we get at that thing!?

Tilly: Idiots! Get outta' here! Get everyone and head to The Unders now!!

Pirate C: And you!?

Tilly: Forget me moron! Just go!! I'll handle her!!

Pirate B: Screw that!! You can barely stand boss!!

Pirate A: Protect the boss!!

Tilly: No!! There's no protecting me from that!!

Queen Raven: -She fires the massive fire beam as it heads straight for the group-

Pirates: Aaaaaahhhhh!!!!!

Emric: Tilly!! -He runs out of the breaking house and quickly jumps towards the group-

The wave of death collides with it's mark and it erupts in a massive explosion taking out yet another district of the West Desert town. Another hand full of pirates wiped out by the unyielding beast. However as the smoke would clear.

Tilly: Huh!? .. she looks and sees Emric, she looks around her and notices a dome like wall of beautiful blues.- A barrier? -She looks at Emric as she sees his bloody hand placed firmly on the ground- Y..You really are a mage...

Pirates: Ooooohhh...

Emric: -He nods his head- Tilly.. I need my gear. Please let me help you.

Tilly: Why... why would you even bother.. after how everyone here treated you?

Emric: Why do I need a reason?

Tilly: -Her eyes widen- Tch... Just leave my town Lover.. let me finish this..

Emric: Tilly.. how many more of your comrades are you going to let die!?

Tilly: .....

Pirate B: Hey!!

Emric: Tilly.. your a radical warrior, and a prideful person. I know you're a good leader. You can't stand to see these guys get killed by this demon bird. Quite frankly neither can I. Appeal to the caring heart of your leader self. I want to help you end this and prevent any more death.

Tilly: ....

Emric: Your pride is beautiful Tilly.. and I would never want to tarnish it unless it was so dire. I know that you'll agree if you sit and think... that the lives of your comrades.. and of this village just might be a more beautiful thing to keep.

Tilly: .... The cart.. I brought to HQ this morning... take Emric to it.. Take him there as fast as you can.

Pirate A: What!?

Tilly: That is an order.. you two will stay with me.. and distract the beast while Emric gets his gear.

Pirates: Yes boss!!

Emric: Thank you...

Tilly: -She smiles- try not to let me die.. okay Lover... Let's go..

Emric: -He nods-

The pirate runs across town leading Emric to the location of the Pirate's booty. On the other side Tilly and her two comrades slowly walk towards their opposition. Tilly grabbed hold of Emric's daggers strapped to her waist and prepared to try and launch her assault. The two pirates quickly brought out their grappling hooks and quickly took to the rooftops. Tilly followed suit with her steam jet shoes and launched up onto higher fighting ground. She ran across the roofs and tried to pick up speed. She blocked out her pain with the desire to stall out this monster.

The raven saw it's old foe returning and shot a barrage of smaller fire balls down at Tilly. The pirate captain was more focused. She was no longer going on raw emotion. With a better idea on this monster's arsenal she had a better idea of what it would take to survive. She quickly evaded the fire balls that came her way and continued running full sprint across the crumbling burning rooftops. She reached the edge and launched off with her mightiest jump. Both daggers at the ready she zoomed through the air at the monster bird, The raven unleashed it's cry and tried to knock her down once more. Tilly quickly activated her shoes and zoomed once again out of the path of destruction. It was almost as if she could fly. She kicked off and steam blasted from her feet as she was flying high enough to maybe slice the bird in a soft spot like it's eyes. The raven quickly lunged it's head forward and went to eat her alive. She kicked her feet and soared upwards, right over the head of the beast. As she descended she jabbed both daggers right into the back of the monster's head. It cried out in pain but it seemed as though it did minimal damage. It shook itself trying to shrug Tilly off. She hung on and pulled out one dagger at a time and continued to stab at the monster's head hoping she'd kill it.

One of pirates hooked the beast and swung from the chain hoping to get high enough for a neck slice. He swung his blade with ferocious force and though he landed a clean hit his sword shattered across it's neck. Stunned and in disbelief he had no time to even react to his failure. The bird swiftly pecked downward and ripped the pirate in half. It quickly juggled the two halves into it's maw and swallowed him up.

Tilly's face in shock and terror she quickly lost her temper again and began stabbing at the beast more viciously. She heard the voice of her other comrade shout for her. She looked over and saw he had found her weapon. Her other trusted comrade quickly threw it with all his might. It sailed through the air and stuck right into the lower body of the beast. The bird squawked in anger and before the pirate could make his dive for safety the flaming feathered tail of the beast flew right through his chest impaling him. The queen then whipped her tail and flew the pirate across town sending him to a grave of rubble. Tilly grit her teeth and pulled both daggers from the beast's head. She fell to the lower body and removed the weapon right out from the queen's back. The bird twisted and now aimed to impale Tilly with her flaming tail. Tilly reacted with a twirling spin of her own with the steam jets. She sailed right passed the flames and Tilly swung her weapon with all her might cleaving right through and cutting the Queen's tail off. The bird cried in real agony for the first time. It quickly flapped it's wings to get high off the ground. The wind force sent Tilly into ground. She tried to use her steam jets to stay up but it was of no use. She was slammed into the ground and was pressed down by the powerful winds.

She gasped for air and tried to get up again. She looked up and saw the bird was furious and ready to end it all. It flew up higher and began charging up a powerful breath attack. You could hear the air particles crackling around the beast as it readied itself for total destruction. This blast looked as if would annihilate even The Unders of the desert town. Tilly looked back down to the ground and smirked to herself.

"Heh.. you let me die after all..." She uttered to herself as she seemingly gave up hope.

Just then Emric hit the ground right next to the downed Tilly. He landed with impact that would shatter any normal person's legs. There were cracks in the ground under his feet as well as a magic circle. There were bright blue runes glowing on his shoes. He looked down at Tilly and smiled. She looked back at him with a puzzled look. He was carrying his giant paint brush. The brush was covered in black paint. Strange sparkles were floating downward towards Emric. They looked like glimmers of black colored light.

Before Tilly or Emric could say a word to each other The Queen Fire Raven simply uttered a short cry and burst into dozens of pieces. Up in the sky fragments of an exploding fire organ dropped petals of flames along with feathers, blood, guts, and what appeared to be black paint. The particles of the Queen as well as the paint rained down onto the town. It was messy and the falling body parts seemed to be the last stretch of town destruction but it seemed that the menace was finally gone.

Despite the falling death, somehow not a single spec of bird matter got even close to hitting Tilly or Emric. Emric offered her his hand and she took it. He pulled Tilly off of the ground and let her lean against him.

Emric: I'm glad you survived..

Tilly: What the hell are you Emric?

Emric: I'm the traveling artist...

Tilly: Don't give me that crap asshole.. What are you really?

Emric: ...-He looks her right in the eyes-

Tilly: -She met his gaze and noticed that the shine that was once in his eyes had grown dim-

Emric: -His voice now cracked between words as he tried to reply- I'm Emric.. the artist.. why's is that not a good enough answer.. It's what I am.. It's all I want to be.

Tilly: Hey hey.. okay you're just Emric.. it's good enough for me.

Emric: ....

Tilly: -She playfully rubs her face against his- Thank you Emric The Artist.. for felling that vicious beast..

Emric: Thanks for giving my stuff back finally..

Tilly: -She punches him in the stomach-

Emric: Dooahh!!

Tilly: What's the matter with you, idiot!? Why would go and ruin a romantic moment we were about to have?

Emric: What!? No no no let's get something straight here! I Want nothing more to do with you, Devil Woman!!

Tilly: Devil woman!?

Emric: That's right! Your a damn succubus!

Tilly: I.. I.. I Could be but I'm not!!

Emric: You totally are!!

Chapter One - Starving Artist :END: