crocblooded

[crocblooded]

[crocblooded]

[crocblooded]

At Ronin's retort, a thin layer of Zainab's shell broke. Tempting his pale eyes toward those permanently pouted lips he often dreamt of. Despite the sands lifting Ronin and protecting his vital throat, Zai's claws bent into a sharper angle before releasing his fellow demigod entirely. His fanged teeth showed a sickening grin of amusement. "That's one way to admit you've never been spanked..." It tracked, given Ronin's brat behavior that had reached new heights. "Doesn't speak well to slaughter and enslave subordinates either." Though he had done both, separately in his own former life. It was very fun to remind Ronin he hadn't a leg to stand on when it came to moral superiority. Of all things. "Talk about riled up..."

For a man who couldn't bare having his sandy walls chipped, he knew exactly how to chip away at Zai. With a simple touch, tracing across his shimmering scaled arm. A deceitful, but gentle contact the mutant had gone without for far too long. "Right..." He mumbled after Ronin's refresher. A year ago, Zai couldn't have accounted for how he would feel today. Like most demigods, he now possessed memories that belonged to a mortal. All distant and detached. Another wish granted, til that crooked history once again rose to the surface and served him. "Gods forbid I feel an ounce of excitement... for once." Despite the seemingly dejecting comment, his smirk appeared gleeful as his chest rose at the prospect... of getting the fuck out of this pitiful place.

He rolled his eyes at Ronin before backing off entirely to begin sauntering down the hall. "Whatever you say, dove. 'least you paid attention." Zai did hate to waste his breath, which only seemed to be the case around their uncrowned prince. "Fuck." The spliff had burnt out. Damn, would he miss Jinx's drugs. "Let's try and have fun, eh? Like the good old days. It is a party after all." With the enlargement of his right frame shifting back into human form, he would cast a shadow pool to enter and leave Ronin to his packing.

Even Ronin at his peak could combat against most men in a fair fight. However his reflexes were nothing compared to the speed of a beast. To be fair he wasn't expecting the attack which was his own fault for letting his guard be so lowered in the company of his competitor. So the visible shock and offense of his now elevated position was clear in his face. Oddly enough he didn't mind the pressure of a certain someone's hand around his neck or even the flex of the beast he knew swam under that pale skin of Zainab. Such a flare did earn some arousal respect from the sand viper. However he would never allow such power play to stand under the watchful eyes of others. It would only be saved for the privacy of a bedroom or luckily this quiet hall way, for now.

After the initial shock had calmed Ronin went slack in Zai's grip. He didn't fight, didn't struggle, didn't even show his own power in return. Well, not the full extent. Zainab would feel how his claws once felt soft unmarked flesh beneath his grip before it hardened. Ronin's black sand armored skin spreading across where the breast touched him. His control of no longer needing to place his whole body in the defensive shell a result of training this past year. However there were other powers that could have proved more of a threat if he called upon them. Namely the soul he could feel calling from the sands. It would only take a push of his will and Zai would have a sword pressed to his back ready to pierce his heart, an axe at his throat ready to take his head and an arrow aimed to strike right between his eyes. But why spoil the fun so soon?

His eyes were narrowed again, with the heat of the desert pouring from them as they met the others. "Do you think about my cunt mouth often Zainab? Has that longing kept you up at night in my absence?" As if that was the most important topic grasped from the verbal and physical threat put upon him. Ronin retained his calm and his position didn't seem as slacked in Zai's hand. The ground he was so fond of still answered to his call and pushed a pillar of black sand under his feet for him to rest upon. He didn't remove himself from the grip at his throat, even if he could try, but he did feel better being elevated to the others level instead of being at his mercy.

"Tsk, tsk. You really shouldn't let a subordinate rile you up so. Doesn't speak well for your leadership if you only know how to resolve disobedience with your hands..." He ran a finger down Zai's arm without fear of his position. Amused his words still had such an affect on the other. His attention and stroke of his touch brushing between where the scaled hand met the flesh of his arm. "...are you still man or more beast now...driven by your primal impulses...curious..." With a flick of his eyes they returned to meet his beholder as if he 'saw' him for the first time. Oddly as he continued Ronin still had made no request to be released. "Now pay attention while we debrief on what our king said. Your 'reputation'..." Making literal air quote with his free hand. "...that is our ticket in has nothing to do with your feats as an Acolyte. These people would kill us if they knew who we served. Whatever rep you had in what I presume is a swamp of savages Lord Corinth plucked you from is our ticket. Do remember that." Said with a sigh.

Tilting his head a bit again as his attention went back to fingers stroking along the arm that held him. "Though it seems like more has changed...you appear more assured than I recall. Boasting of your accolades...flexes the growing beast within you...even the air feels charged with an authority that felt so hallow before..." Biting his lip, leaning into the hold on his neck. "...and as fun as I would love to play this game with you out we are on a time schedule. Maybe we could have our show and tell another time. When removing the arm that touched me without my expressed permission from your body wouldn't hinder the objective given by my King." His eyes became darker, visibly black as they returned a threat of their own. "I don't believe your species grows back limbs but oh what fun we could have to test that out...another time..."

[crocblooded]

At Ronin's justified disapproval, Zai stood taller and loosed an amused chortle. It was the first time he'd seen the unshakable prince so visibly rattled. Truthfully, Zai couldn’t blame him—he would’ve reacted the same if his patron gods had played such a treacherous hand. But after everything, Zainab hadn’t forgotten his worth—his grim talent for doing what others couldn’t bring themselves to stomach. It would have been enough to keep their King's secret, but the blond would indulge in accepting such a gift in Ronin's presence. At the expense of the fiery sand-summoner.

Zai's green eyes sparkled with an ancient, wicked delight as he watched Ronin's energy shift. The pleasure he drew from the moment drowned out the internal conflict rattling within the cage of his mind. With Ronin so near—speaking to him, even if with venom—Zai forgot the throne entirely. A ranger, a predator, never abandoned their prey. He made due lurking in the shadows, tracking from afar... but to feel the heat of the great warrior’s breath, to become the focus of his dark gaze once more. After a forever long and isolating year. This moment was reward enough.

The tension suddenly fractured as the beast caught the other man eyeing him, an offhand remark slipping out--half observation, half insult. But to Zai, it fed the fragile hope delusion that he’d been thought of during their time apart. (He knew that was pathetic.) This was far from enough to discard the many hateful emotions uncoiling within Zai as Ronin dared step away. He saw himself in the smirking Ronin. A threatened man desperate to cling to a shred of dignity through theatrics.

The smoke curled between their forms as Zai removed the spliff. Contemplatively. Before his other hand shot straight out to catch Ronin by his warm, pulsing throat. With a not-so newly realized strength, the beast had his wanna-be tamer thrust against the walls rocky surface. A force harsh enough to knock the breath out of his equals. The speed and surprise matching the jaws of his monstrous namesake. If Ronin had the awareness to notice; what held him was no hand, but hefty claws. Adorned in the same white scaling as his tail.

The thick nails threateningly pressed their points one by one at the front and back of Ronin's taught neck. Easily hooking him off of the ground he was so attached to. Zai still hovered an inch above him and tempted their bodies close again. As he withheld his complete transformation, which took some control, the scales traveled all the way up his arm to his own throat. "I never lose sight."

The rest of his teeth sharpened fang like points. "'neither does Silas Eternal. My victims whisper his name, begging forgiveness on their dying breath." The clawed thumb pressed beneath Ronin's chin, to ensure his own sight didn't budge. "But the first name I hear... is my own.

Crocodile.

Cannibal.

CONQUERER."

He drank in Ronin's expression... mostly, because he missed him so damn much. Zainab's usually cruel eyes were almost empty. His threatening speech low and calm as the many wise mothers who taught the same warning tale to their children. The next fearing generation. "It's more than my world... it's the new one I've built with Animus' blade. Our ticket in... and my reputation that will keep you afloat... 'less you open that ignorant, cunt mouth toward me again."

Ronin stepped through the portal more rattled than he thought possible after a visit with their King, his GOD. Since he was recruited by Silas he found himself with access to the privacy of their lord with more freedom than others. His devotion and skill giving him access to counsel when needed and granted favors that he surely earned through service and devotion. Silas always made it clear that his privilege did not ensure him a spot on the Rook throne but it didn't hurt having the eye of the God of Gods. The center nexus of this pantheon he created to tear himself from the linage of the Greek bloodline. And yet for the first time Ronin felt even less sure of his stance now more than ever. Had something caused Silas to find doubt in Ronin's potential? He assured the devoted acolyte that this decision changed nothing but still. He felt like the heir to a throne who was just overlooked without provocation. And to add insult to injury Zai did seem to linger for a period before stepping through the portal door as he waited. Meaning he was left alone in Silas' company, a honor that few other than Ronin had earned before. His jaw tightened as bile rose at the back of his throat. Having half a mind to return through the portal and cut short any special time shared without him. But as he stepped towards the doorway he paused just in time to avoid colliding with Zainab who stepped out. Again locked in that steeled gaze as he took a step back.

For the moment he stood close enough to feel oddly small in such close space with the beast. His demotion to subordinate pride crushing enough without Zai's clear difference in physique making him feel 'less than'. He hissed behind his teeth as Silas was spoken of so casually. "That 'guy' is our God and King. Speak of him with more respect." Ronin could feel his body shifting beneath his skin like he wanted to tear out of it and escape. He really should be focused on preparation. Needing a shower and change of clothes from the slightly sweat clung training gear wrapping his body. Only Zai found the need to speak and Ronin, against his better judgment and control, couldn't help but bite at his bait.

Going still as ever, his face melting from any sign of the unease felt by Silas' decision. He stepped closer until their chests were but a breath apart as he craned his head back to leer up at the croc. "Why would you be anywhere else than at my leash? It's where you thrive best." He taunted without fear of the monster's bite like so many others were sure to be. Even in his unshakable stance he couldn't deny how it felt to be swallowed under Zai's shadow. Cold and yet...a part of him wished to be consume by it. As if he missed the weight of it cast over him this past year. "You seem...bigger..." Eyes lowering over his frame before rising again. His lingering hide behind the mask of sizing Zai up. "I might have to get the custom collar of yours I was in the process of making remeasured. So you don't feel so...choked when I yank it again..."

Taking a step back and turning before he turned again to face Zai with the rift of space curved between them. "For the record I follow your lead as it is my KING'S directive. Don't lose sight of that as we go mucking around in this world you seem fit to guide us through." His eyes narrowed a bit as the corner of his smile twisted up mockingly. Ronin would do nothing that would jeopardize their objective. But he wasn't about to just roll over and be made to heel at Zai's command. With his chin raised a bit he stuffed a hand in his pocket, "Now may be excused to prepare for our one mission, sire?" Bowing his upper body and swinging his arm out to give a dramatic flare to his mocking gesture. Eyes tilted up with a scorching desert heat in his eyes. Although the last time Ronin looked up to Zai with such scolding, heavy lidded eyes the croc's cock was half way down his throat.

[crocblooded]

Summoned from his gruesome reprieve to attend an exclusive party? It was the first time Zainab had been so profoundly rewarded. Leave it to their King to grant such divine punishments and blessings. And the Warlock King had just begun. A lesser demigod might feel threatened at the prospect of leading this risky mission, but Zai felt undeniably seen. After being broken, cast aside and used like some mindless animal, Zai was honored by their greatest power.

It was chimerical.

Ironically, Ronin's presence was what kept Zainab grounded. No wonder the guy was so head-sure, a blessing like this had to be familiar and even now he had this God consoling him. But Zai would admit he'd shared similar moments throughout the year at Jinx's side. A moment even more rare to find at Corinth's. They were given their final instruction before Ronin fled from the altar. Presumably, upset. As if knowing this would distract Zai, Silas shared one last, private word.

"... closest to the throne of Rook..."

Upon hearing Silas' secret, it was the first time this meeting that Zainab's heart fell to his stomach. Even after all this time, he hadn't given the throne much thought. Though becoming one of them--a God--was meant to be the ambition of all acolytes. While stepping through the portal, Zai had to quickly reassess his old claim to avoid the finish line. Would he bow out because it was what he wanted or because it simply felt unattainable til this moment? Would he rise as if it were his unspoken dream or for a petty and spiteful revenge plot? Robbing the dream from all who saw him as a step.

Once standing across and now beside Ronin Song, Fadoul understood that this was the point. Silas' test for the courts rootless crocodile. For what other acolyte should the bottom dwelling Zai most desire to destroy?

"Nice guy..." He muttered too casually. Despite how phased he truly was.

The spliff was sought for and swiftly lit between Zainab's scarred lips. Chatting up Ronin was a far too distant pastime for Zai. Last they spoke candidly, he did recall, they had nothing encouraging to say... and he had been destroyed. Zai still toed danger for fun, but no longer indulged within his ranks and especially nowhere near Ronin. Not out of fear, but mutual understanding.

He might have walked off, spared them both a discussion neither wanted, but given the circumstance Zai could no longer go quietly. It had been some time since he stood this close to the dragon rider. Their worn knuckles and old mirrored brands hovering an inch apart. While Silas reminded Zainab of those old pains that he did well to heal and soothe, he couldn't shake what new thoughts filled his mind of Ronin before this meeting. After his last with the deep ones.

"It's a job." His voice lowered, empty of dread and filled with focus. Then the acid dripped. "'n just remember... all your orders I followed like some choke collared mutt the past bloody year." He grinned behind the thin blue smoke as he feigned a morale-boost. "Thinking like that... one mission is nothing."

He wouldn't console Ronin as their patron had. After all, Ronin never sought to do so for him. Every day of that year, he only made his life more difficult. Unsatisfactory. Without a care. Worse, with pride. But Zai still obeyed and here he stood. There was no telling what Ronin would say now... but the crocodile mentally braced for more pain. Pain he already felt... as his fellow acolyte soured in the wake of his meager achievment. Still a scrap compared to Ronin's glories. Still a death sentence if they couldn't work this part out.

Ronin was used to the company of their King and the privilege of standing at his Altar. A view he knew not many acolytes saw and if they did they would either forget the words spoken here or not leave at all, another sacrifice to the power of their gods. So the sight of Zainab within this sanctum led him to the same conclusion as the other, was he here to be the next sacrifice? His mind was twisted in a fog unsure of what to make of his presence but at the moment all his attention was focused on the creature kneeling behind side. It had be a long time since the two shared such close space together. Managing to avoid one another or diverting his attention elsewhere had become another skill to add to the list of many. But Ronin was finding it hard to look away or even breath as Zai was so close to him.

His eyes drank in the changes to the man he knew as there was an obvious shift in him. While Zai looked to their King Ronin eye gazed down along the stretch of body that seemed bigger than he last recalled. Down to the tail he knew 'intimately' that appeared new or evolved. There was also something lurking beneath his skin. Since Ronin opened those forbidden tomes and started playing with magic of the darkest order the shadows seemed to whisper to him. No words he could make out as they overlapped one another until it almost formed a foreign or lost language. Normally Ronin could mute the whispers down to a muffled hum but the shadows were loud and they were coming from Zai. As his eyes finally rose again he found Zainab was looking straight him and then he froze. There was something trapping about that steel gaze, like being caught in the eyes or jaw of a monster. It caused a shiver to run up Ronin's spine as he held him locked in that gaze for longer than he intended. He forced his eyes to blink to break the connection so he could turn away and focus forward at the Silas again.

The God King remained silent as he watched the pair. Appearing something between amused or entertained from what he saw of them. What did the eyes of a God pick up that others would deny or miss, Silas didn't seem inclined to share as he spoke. "I am glad you both could join me. I have a mission that is dire and one I can't ensure you may achieve or survive." Well, that wasn't the more comforting of openings. Silas had a gift for making even a threat sound like the sweetest honey in your ear. Not one to lie even if you felt deceived by his words. "There is an event going on that is held by the Seeds of Ares. An annual festival that is as celebrated but very different from our own. Once a year the children of Ares gather and summon those who answer the call of battle. A week long fight and often fuck fest that spills more blood than many great wars, in honor of their father." He stretched out his hand and a large unrefined stone appeared above his palm. "The Bloodstone of Ares. It calls to every child of the War God that has awaken to their powers. Summoning them to show their merit in the bloodline of war."

Even those no longer welcomed in their father's eye. For the past three years that stone has called to Corinth. And even in his new power he could not fight the summon in his blood. And each year not answering the call has only pained him more. He never shared such words with Silas and he didn't need to. His ache was felt and Silas only offered silent comfort in his time till it passed again. "As we are...enemies to the Greek Pantheon it is no secret none of us are welcomed there..." Never regretting his own cutting from his mother's flock it did pain him as well. The blood feud that sparked between he and his mother. Even now her witches were building a war against his warlocks. He blinked and saw through the eyes of a follower of his. As he bound a witch spy to a stake surrounded by other warlocks under his guidance. 'In the name of the Warlock King...' they chanted before setting the logs at her feet ablaze with a word. The greatest offense he could offer any witch. Another blink and he saw through the eyes of another warlock, bound by the spell of one of Silas' distant sisters. She was trying to extract knowledge from his thoughts to seek a weakness in Silas' defense. She would find that was no easy task. His warlock could since Silas' presence and knew what would come next. 'For the King...' He said with pride before Silas willed his body to explode like a bomb with arcane power. Maybe not capable of killing his sister but she would surely be injured from the surprise, wounded physically or of her pride. Silas had once been Hecate most promising son but in his rise to stand among the gods she had no choice but to shun him. Especially after he made himself patron of Warlocks. But that would be a focus for another day. He could keep the war off their land and attend to Cor's pain first. Some time had passed between his words and his acolytes stayed in silence until he continued as if no time passed at all. "...yet I task you with the mission to claim the stone, destroy it and any who stand in your way." He had not spoke this plan with his beloved Knight but Silas would ask for forgiveness before he ever sought permission. And he would deal with heat of whatever consequence with his act of love loyalty. "So I will be sending the two of you into the lion's den so to speak. You will have no aid or power to call to us and it is in your best interest you speak of no allegiance to New Olympia. For they will turn the force of their ranks upon you. Zainab..." Turning his attention to the croc. "...although you will not come across anyone from your past this is a world more like the one you left behind to come to us. These men deal in blood and fists. No sin or rule binding them from the pursuit of power and conquest among them. Winning is the only law. And given your familiarity with such an environment you will be in charge of this mission and take complete authority and lead."

Ronin had remained silent during the whole briefing but his jaw clicked at the words of his King. When he finally managed to loosen the grip of his teeth to speak Silas eyes were fast on him. "Do not take this as a slight on your ability my devoted acolyte. You have proved your worth many times over but this is not your world. You are free to speak in your defense of my ruling...however questioning my decision will lead my to believe you have doubt in my call..." With that Ronin held his mouth open for a second before closing it again wordless. With a nod Silas continued. "Ronin I have asked our friends at Acoma to spread word of your theft of their sacred tomes. Your cover will be that of an exile now employed by Zainab. You will do as he says and not allow your pride to weaken the objective." It took some effort but Ronin managed to nod, not speaking in fear his tongue would betray him. "You both are demigods there to enjoy the fun and drink in the carnage of the festival, nothing more. A portal will wait for you at the dock in the next hour. Do gather all you need from Jinx but keep the weaponry to a minimum." In other words stay away from the armory.

"That is all. I wish my deepest blessing in the success of your mission." Ronin was the first to rise and exit, his body shaking with the words he buried to speak. Before Zai could exit Silas spoke again while the two were alone, "Zainab...a word." Waiting for him to pause. "I am aware that it will be no easy task to lead Ronin. He does not do well in taking orders for those he sees not above him..." A better way than saying beneath him or even on par with him. "...you and he are no secret to being the most elevated among our flock and closet to the throne of Rook than any either. At some point one will have to bow down to the other. Take this as an opportunity to assert your dominance and show us that you have what it takes to command all others beneath your will. WE ARE ALWAYS WATCHING." The last of his words sounds as if more than one person was speaking. The portal remained open that would deposit Zai into the same hall Ronin exited in to prepare and waited.

[crocblooded]

DARK WATER MANIPULATION

the gift of Zainab's namesake, he can bend shadow and water to shroud himself in invisibility and use these portals to aid further in stealth attacks, venture through boundaries, or trap enemies. (Rumor has it that victims swallowed whole by Zai's puddles quickly become chum for the Deep Ones.)

ANIMAL OF ANIMUS

Corinth's blessing that unleashes Zai's beast form. Both natural and unnatural. When this ability is activated, Zai forfeits control of his dark water manipulation, but is granted enhanced speed, durability and strength worthy of a berserker. *just add water for deadlier effect

SILCO'S EYE

his cornea to be exact, expertly transplanted by the talented Jinx herself to replace Zai's damaged left cornea. Grants dark vision and immunity to blindness caused by noxious gases. No such perk for his right eye, however.

SOBEK'S BITE

victims will come to face the terrifying maw of an 18-foot Nile Crocodile and feel the destructive might of its sixty-eight 5-inch long teeth.

WATER BREATHER

since making contact with the Deep Ones, Zainab can breathe indefinitely in water as he does air.

TAIL WHIP

a party in the front and the back.

[crocblooded]

With the bizarre dive behind him, Zai began spending his days top side again. Preferably lounging within the range of blazing buildings and pyres. Just as he was now. The ribbons of heat, scent of death and waning screams soothed his senses and tempered his mind. High as ever off the dulled adrenaline and Jinx approved spliff. Between lazy drags, he seemed to still be catching his breath.

When Zai awoke from the dreadful lull his eyes dragged up toward the sky. A grand, formidable doorway stood before him. He knew this door. Green gaze turned shrewd as he recalled the few instances it appeared for some others. Mostly Ronin.

Obviously.

"Lekker." Good, he purred to himself as he rose to his feet. The spliff was smothered under his thumb before he pocketed it. Zainab had no clue what to expect. This was his first and most unlikely invitation, but he wasn't about to snuff at it. Whatever lay in waiting for him beyond, the crocodile long learned that an acolytes world would only ever be dealt work or punishment. Only the sick, like Zai, could find pleasure from both.

He marched onward through the portal, like a good hellhound. An enchantment would spare his company of the bloody mess and stench that once soiled Zai's body. Otherwise it maintained his usual black garb and appearance. After the first year of trial and warfare, the Dark Courts devoted pariah had filled in. Still lean from his water training, but now broad shouldered and built with beast like strength. The scars he shamelessly wore across his face a reminder of how tenacious his bite remained.

He stood in the presence of their God King and Acolyte Prince. Flawless and untouchable figures. It felt surreal to face Ronin now, his perfect opposite in so many ways, and yet recently, turned someone darker: an acolyte slayer. Zai had watched it all unfold from the shadows—the duel, the transformation, and the blasphemy it became.

As Zainab promptly came to kneel, he savored the memory with a diabolical sense of glee. Maybe that was the reason for his summons; to be the next corpse in Ronin's guard. But with his newly acquired knowledge and influence of the R'lyehian, Zai perished the thought. For now, anyway. His forearm rested on his knee, the skin glinting with ivory scales that pushed through in jagged patches. The tail Ronin knew so well differed from Zai's twisted appearance. Freshly healed after its latest shedding.

"How may I serve?" Zai asked, a crocodile with fangs permanently bared. His weary yet ever stimulated eyes pointed at Ronin through the dimly lit space. Despite being in the presence of a literal God, it was a true test to look elsewhere, but for his own sake he would save face. To marvel at this rare sight. Of Silas.

Ronin left the encounter with Zai feeling defeated. Not just in his failed attempt only hours from his return to avoid being distracted once again. There was also something of a rift that had forged between him and the croc. An unexpected divide from one he thought could be an ally in this war for their gods. Only it appeared fate had other plans. Their difference too great to ignore or bury beneath whatever feeling of the flesh grew within him. Ronin ran to Acoma for knowledge and the distance needed to purge himself of distractions only to find there was one distraction not even his resolve could bend. And so he made a vow not to allow another to step behind the sand castle walls he would build around himself. Seeking allies was a weakness of his early teachings, of when he was still a powerless child to great warriors. Now he had his own power and needed no other to aid him. At least no other soul among their ranks....

He took Lil Draco, later renaming Draconus soon after the elven threat was buried, to the camp housing those who dared take aim at his God. The pair of them faced the elves head on and left them buried in a wake of rock, blood and ash. When it came to an end Ronin stood over the female elf that led them. Still drawing her last breaths as she watched the difference in power between their gods. But before she left this earth Ronin whispered words stolen from locked tomes of Acoma. When they used to pass the souls of guardians into stone golem to watch over the hatchlings of the island. A practice long abandoned as it robbed the souls of peace in the afterlife. Ronin found such a fate fitting that she would not be reunited with her people or her departed twin. Made to serve at his side and will until the release the bind around her soul and she faded into nothing. Forgotten dust in the wind. Ronin claimed her and her general that day and forged a path ahead to the throne that awaited him.

As he grew in power he further distanced himself from the other Acolytes. Feeling no need for bonds with those he would one day rise above. And it seemed fair to say his feats had earned him much attention from the Inner Circle. So much so they gave no fuse to him taking the life of another Acolyte who tried to challenge him. Taken the golden child of Hera into his dark sands to add to his ranks. But alas as much as he distanced himself and pushed the rift wider between he and the file beast of shadow waters fate would once again decide a different path for him.

He was training against Igris, her helmet and sword laid to the side as they exchanged hand to hand blows. Since taking more of warlock role he did not engage in direct combat unless dire. Still he would not let his skill dull if a foe thought his distance gave them an opening to attack him face to face. They would fall in their misstep like all others. The pair had come to a break when a door appeared in the middle of the training grounds. The notable gateway to his King when he was being summoned to serve. Without a look Ronin dismissed Igris, her helmet and sword melting into the ground along with her. Returned to the well of power that resonated within Ronin once again. As he approached the door with no handle, it opened without a knock or push for him to enter. Arriving at the private Alter of their King, their highest of gods, Silas Knight. An audience only given to those deemed worthy of his company or wrath. Ronin took a couple steps before he came down to one knee and bowed without giving much attention to anything else. "How may I be of service my Lord?" A slight raise of his chin once the proper respect was paid would reveal Silas was not the only God there...and Ronin was not the only Acolyte. His distraction...the shadow that stood on the other side of the rift....Zainab. He too stood only a few feet away as if the distance Ronin had fought for over the last year had been erased against his will.

[crocblooded]

"The Deep Ones" The Search for the City of Y'hanthlei

Zainab was not a god or a monster. A sliver of humanity remained woven within his veins. Only mortals could be afflicted with the great curse; a beating heart. It's quiet ache tormented him. Seeking what he yearned for and once possessed back on Earth; purpose.

For such a proud beast, Zai never shied away from sacrifice. He gave of his flesh, his time, and his feral mind. Ultimately, that truth convinced Jinx to reveal a bold scheme—one that could uniquely benefit both the crocodile and their court. Should he survive the task.

She sent him to the dusty river he called companion as a child. The sight of this blotted vein could only reflect malice back at Zai who felt so aimless. Empty. Then a more mature form appeared from the familiar shadows. Tobias Kinman—a demigod interloper from a world steeped in the occult. A son of Bast.

Through Tobias’ introduction, Zai was eductated on the existence of The Deep Ones. Creatures of the sea who spent their lives serving the entity Father Dagon.

Locked in the timeless depths of the sea, their alien and arrogant lives are coldly beautiful, unbelievably cruel, and effectively immortal.

As a disciple of the earth, it was Tobias’ goal to build an alliance. With Zainab’s aid… and their package; a woman named Callisto. She was a deep one hybrid, doomed to experience a brutal physical transformation that would reveal her true aquatic form.

Callisto had gone mad from the pain, but more a desperate desire to return home. To a place she had never been and was hopeless to find. Tobias could only share this plight to Zai. Hopeful that he would play guardian on her treacherous decent. One that most hybrids failed to even start.

With his search for meaning a mere swim away, the crocodile agreed. They made for the Atlantic and with Callisto in near spasms dove into the violent abyss in search of the primeval city. With her transformation incomplete, she struggled to breathe through her fluttering gills and shivered from the cold.

The pair ventured deeper led by her senses and quivering finger. Anchored and steered by Zai’s strong arms, tail, and determined eye. The left glinted as his vision bested this darkness. All thanks to Jinx who bestowed transplanted the new ability months ago. Now miles below the surface, they were being circled by dark shapes.

Shapes that soon showed their true colors. Sea monsters, fanged, slimy and crooked from timeless submergence of water and absence of humanity. Despite the terrifying cloudiness of their bulging eyes, they hissed and coo-d toward the couple. Marveling at Callisto who floated under Zai’s arm, exhausted.

Zainab had succeeded in delivering the girl and discovering a new world he’d never known. Still, he had yet to find what he, and the court, had truly come for. The deep ones formed into a school, grasping and clawing for Callisto til she was released. Without understanding of their language, he lacked the accurate words to make demands. So, there would be no terms, only what was "right", and he would be forced to leave this place.

Through the fresh sting of bitterness, Zai watched the deep ones scatter, gliding away in silence. One by one, they grew still, suspended in the water, their gazes fixed on the far reaches of the ocean—and beyond. Toward a different darkness, vast and impossible, growing at the edge of all things.

A silent God—cosmic and colossal—turned its ineffable gaze toward the crocodile. Its face hovered there, suspended amid its swarm and the lone, fearsome demigod. For breathless Zai, the moment stretched into eternity. Until a current began to swirl around the demigod—at first subtle, eventually turned violent, overwhelming. He fought to stay upright, to draw breath through the spiraling froth, but the torrent stole his senses, and his mind slipped into enchantment.

“Ｗｉｌｌ ｙｏｕ ｃｏｎｎｅｃｔ？”

The voice scraped like a knife across stone, yet echoed outward like a long, black claw, drawn through the fabric of time and space. Zai was carried on the furious current, swimming through the unfolding story. It was told through the water itself: in the waves, the shifting temperatures, and the infinite vibrations of the deep. With each stroke, his fingertips brushed the ocean’s very soul.

He all but soared through the spirit of Father Dagon—the Euphrates incarnate. He bathed in the warm waters of his namesake, the Nile. And where these mighty currents met, they did so like a kiss: a shared promise of abundance, life, and fertility.

“Ｗｉｌｌ ｙｏｕ ｐｒｏｔｅｃｔ？”

But the age of prosperity beside humanity was long past for the ancient ones. The gods were dying, hiding or plotting to reshape the world anew. Father Dagon had long since abandoned the Euphrates to dwell in the ocean’s deepest abyss. Like Zainab, he learned to thrive in the underbelly of existence. Among family, but far from the reach of light. Sobek and Dagon were kin. And so, too, had Zai been—all along.

“Ｃｈｉｌｄ ｏｆ ｔｈｅ ｄｅｅｐ．”

They would remain hidden—but the ancient deity would lift the mortal veil that clouded Zainab’s mind. Revealing knowledge of the R’lyehian: their secret world and sacred language. All fiercely guarded from outsiders. Through this revelation, Zainab became a true deep one. Uniquely gifted in both water and shadow. He had claim of his element and the realm of his kind.

He was no leader—merely one among the swarm. Yet should he, or the court, ever seek the deep ones aid… through Zai, the R’lyehian would have an ear willing to listen.

Now, Zai had more to protect than just himself or the Dark Court. When he returned to Tobias in the boat, he kept his promise and said nothing of what he learned or experienced. A decision that enraged the son of Bast who in consequence gained nothing and lost Callisto. His only key to the deep ones. Zainab felt some pity. The cat's agitation to his betrayal was far too familiar. Personal.

Still riding the high of the experience, Zai felt indifference as he left Tobias in the dark. The cultist who kept his own world of secrets would understand and Zai had a hunch that they would surely cross paths again. As counterparts in this revitalized cult of madness.

[crocblooded]

He no longer knew whom to trust. But the feeling was familiar. No different from life before New Olympia. Zai had longed for a kindred spirit to help bear the weight of this mysterious new fate, but this burden would be his to carry alone.

With his search for partnership ended, the tale of elves faded from the acolytes stories, as did any trace of Zai himself. Only his servant, doe-eyed shapeshifter Dinah, would be present at group meetings. Saving appearances for times of action and sparing Zai of his former vexation. Playing comrade to fakes who feared his bloodlust.

When the goddess Jinx told Zai to hunt, he prowled and chased without rest. When the god Corinth ordered him to murder, he obliged with ferocity. Soon, his targets were found to be cut from the same cloth as himself; demigods. Would-be immortals whose twin flame Zainab duly smothered out.

Possessed by the cold-blood in his veins, Zai no longer dreamed of warmth, except for that found within the gaping chests of his victims or the unrelenting heat of Animus' furnace. Then there were most nights, when the beast would pitiably cling to the dwindling memory of a body and damp sheets soiled with black sand.

to be continued...

[crocblooded]

The wall was stacked before the beast and the brat spun the last insult he could tolerate today. His jaw set and pupil shrunk to a needle point as he turned to face Ronin. The sound of his strong hands clapping across his rival's waist. One to direct their hips to connect, his bulge invading to stab against Ronin's, and the second plunged between both warm cheeks. The pads of his fingers directing pure pressure to Ronin's twitching hole. Through the light fabric and suit.

"I can show you just how fully intact I am, dove." Caught up in the sudden strike of madness and the diluted lust driven by this reinvigorated hatred, he didn't think twice as he drove Ronin into his own wall. Against the dragon's massive, anchored thigh.

"And you added a stipulation you knew I would despise after I had agreed, but I s'ppose you're the only one allowed to negotiate terms." Or just be piss poor at it. "So long as I willingly bend; which I did, quite literally a moment ago, feeding you information I could have kept to myself. And we see how you reward my generosity. My hand was bit. Not yours."

"But I'll just gloss over that and take the blame. Which ought to be convenient for you, using me; your fool, your devil, your weapon. Your first fell acolyte step to the throne. I may have spat venom, as I do to anyone, but my dagger point never swayed from you. My want and desire--my heart!" He clenched his teeth, fangs on full display as he still resisted.

"You will never see tears in these eyes. I own what I am, all I have done in this moment and every moment before coming to this joke of a world. And I make my opinions and motives very transparent. Forgive me if a sob story of a boy who was raised by two committed parents in world of magic and love makes a man from the world I'm from cringe with indifference."

He pulled away, near hissing with rage, "You go rewrite history to suit your narrative. To soothe your false conscience." He barked a sudden laugh. "And it will be called HONOR while you leave me behind! The monster who trusted Ronin Song."

Ronin did what he always did when someone spoke. He analyzed. And given the bend of his brow and tilt of his smile he wasn't pleased with the results of his findings. "Sounds like whoever is trying to tie off your balls already claimed them. Any other parts missing I should take note of?" A hand reached out and a wall of black sand was summoned, boxing Zai in before the very ground at his feet darkened and turned him back around. Ronin folding his arms after the sand shifted back to the ground. "What gives with you, Zainab? I find it hard to trust you in most sense but I'm in utter disbelief with what...remains of what I remember." Stepping towards him ready to bury him down to his neck if he tried to walk off again.

"You really want to cry after I point out some very obvious truths and then brand me the villain? As if you hadn't said worse to me?" A flare of emotion shifted the sand for a moment as he thought of the 'cum dump' of it all. Lil Draco getting a little responsive to his rider's emotions before Ronin rose a hand for him to settle. "And might I point out you broke our truce the moment you tried to bargain for more than I put on the table. So check your greed before you question my pride." Very rarely did the disciplined Acolytes lose his cool but even his calmed words and controlled tempo hid a storm building.

"Then to insinuate I'm high on power because of my dragon?" He paused for a moment almost feeling his teeth grind together. "I was raised by two demigod warriors. One who could open the ground, build a garden and ride a dragon and another who could slice through an apple a filed across from him and summon the heavens to split a mountain. And I....I could barely move a fucking pebble. I never had power till I came here. Not knowing you have power for most of your life is one thing but to be surrounded by it and know you will never have it...you know nothing what life was like for me or the right to dare say I'm easily swayed by something I never had." If he were in less control of himself their might be tears but a slight crack in his voice was all the signs of his tempest of emotions. "But my power is my power. That dragon changes nothing for who I am and always will be. If that makes you feel smaller than find your balls or grow a new pair. You don't get to paint me into a box just to compensate."

Then it all went still. The air...the birds...even the water silenced. And after a breath Ronin finally inhaled and turned around heading back to LD. "So if your pity party is over and the fact you are always carrying you blades has not changed then join me." LD lowered, a push of sand at his feet boosting Ronin on his back. "And yes for the record I don't 'need' you...but I do want you with me on this. Because I've seen what you are capable of when you don't get in your own way." Remembering their run together when chasing after the elves (and the sex before Zai's words got in the way). "But we do not hide in the shadow tearing people from their beds. There is no honor in that fight. We go down and meet them face on. So they know that death is coming when we ran down them." He smiled. "Or better yet rise from the ground at their feet."

[crocblooded]

The blond stayed sat in the sand. An audience to the tragedy Ronin suddenly wished to play out... rather than simply negotiate. Perhaps because he truly had nothing to offer. When he was done, a faint whistle blew between Zai's lips and he gestured a slow clap to the ocean breeze. "Dishonorable Ronin. Breaking your own truce the moment it's built."

He finally stood up, a dent and thick wavy line stamped behind while his tail brushed the sand from his legs. "A month ago, I wouldn't have believed it was possible. With you playing guardian angel... fending the fragile acolytes from would-be devils. But, hey, if anyone could understand..." His words cut off and he darted his eye toward the dragon, "Power is one hell of a drug." then back to Ronin. "As is desperation... but you would do well to remember; there is honor, even amongst thieves."

There was no room for self-pity, an emotion Zai detested as it was solely for the weak. Zainab would reap what he sowed and Ronin had every right to label him a fool and ruin him for it. He read off each one of Zainab's deep seeded insecurities, as if he were their author.

"Mm. Not all." He concealed the most vital information; the coordinates. Unfortunate that the other member's also possessed this knowledge. "Stranger still to bring home a fucking dragon then sink your standards to the floor. If you're that uneasy, I'll give you the location here and now. You can do the deed yourself."

While he detested the other acolytes, he feared being outshined by them more. Especially when they were so undeserving. Had Ronin forgotten how it was? The degenerate member's hadn't the stomach to hear Ronin's proposal, let alone execute it. Regardless, if an experienced soldier like Ronin, or the court cast him aside, Zai was uncertain if he would ever overcome the feelings of insignificance. The heart break.

Invading the space that Ronin and the giant dragon filled, Zai raised his hand to secure around his tan neck. Thumb to Adams apple and digits stacked atop spine. "You don't have to insult me... to get what you want. 'not while everyone else is so desperate to tie off my balls." He reassured before slipping the hand away. The pads of his fingers hid in curled fist to secure Ronin's heat a moment longer.

"The princess will be delivered. Unharmed." He spoke as a professional kidnapper and trafficker would. Aiming for excellence. This was his business. "Save for the scrapes she earns from kicking and screaming..."

He turned from Ronin, his dragon and began to walk down the shoreline. Unclear if it was to complete his patrol or reflect on matters. "We should meet here at sunset... to arrive draped in darkness... jolt them from their warm beds, and (assuming this one breathes fire) put on one hell of a light show."

"Hmmm..." So it appeared the croc was not as docile as he appeared. Interesting but not disappointing. Good to see he had not completely lost all his bite. Still Ronin approached this as he would any other taming of a creature. With commitment and adaptable tactics. So if he would not bend to the slithering of his touch then he would have to resort to the sweet venom whispered into his ears. Leaning in a bit closer till their faces were but a breath apart. "...and why would I need to be in a swimsuit when you've already seen what lies beneath. Or have you forgotten already what laid in your bed?" Eyes dripping down to Zai lips and even leaning in as if he would connect before he pulled back and stepped away.

It wasn't that Ronin was trying to deceive the other in his sweeter approach, at least he didn't believe so. But the sand viper sought to achieve his goal and acquire his prey by any means necessary. So if Zai would not take the carrot then he would just have to deal with the stick. "You are right. Anything I do I do for myself and the crown. Forgive me if I thought offering you a chance to share in the glory was too easily given." He shrugged, moving back to LD and stroking his head before he rose it from the ground. "Technically you've given all the useful information I needed. And I thought giving you the chance to see this through was a fair trade. But let's be clear...I have my dragon and I could round up another one or two Acolytes to serve in your place. Some of the new eager recruits thirsty for favor."

Pressing his forehead into the dragon's face like one would a puppy. LD almost cooing from the attention of his returned master. Rising from his laid position to stretch his wings and shake the sand from his body as he stood at full size behind Ronin. Turning back to look over his shoulder at his potential partner in crime or one to be left in the dust. Either road was Zai's to decide. "So as to what I offer? Nothing. Just an opportunity to share in this glory and do with it as you please. But...as ironic as it sounds being said to you...never bite the hand that feeds you. We can either work together or continue to be at odds. Your choice. My plans will be seen through with or without you, Zainab" It wasn't meant to be cruel or to diminish Zai's value. The fact he said he would need potentially two other Acolytes to replace him should be a compliment. Ronin, as always, merely stated the fact of the matter.