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Nile, Heroine of Guarude

Guarude is a merciless land. Imagine standing on a plain, one that is endless and brown, where the blue skies meet the earth on a flat horizon in the distance. Now imagine a wind that's strong enough to whip the sands through the air in wispy lines... and strip the bones off of one's flesh. And imagine a heat so powerful that it can steal the moisture from one's mouth without a moment's notice. And finally, imagine wandering through this land for eons.

Guarude's desert is not just vast... it is truly infinite.

But some would argue this is not the worse Guarude has to offer. Yes, its sands are endless. Yes, it's winds can be powerful. And, yes, its heat is incredible. But that is not enough to stop one from living in Guarude. People have lived in this land for millennia; they have learned to deal with these extremes, and have proven themselves stronger. No, what's worse would be any number of wild beasts that call the land their home too. Some are large, some are small. Some are docile, some are aggressive. But some? Some.

Some are just monsters.

“GRRRRRAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRLLL!!!"

THOOM! THOOM! THOOM... THOOM! THOOOOOMMM!!!

It happens on occasion. In an area known as Basin Wadi, there lays a group of creatures known as the Drakvin Midvar:'Sand Drakes' as they've come to be called by outsiders. Reptilian creatures, they would remind one of an alligator... only if that alligator was five-times as large. Its body is layered in brown scales that are thick and rigid, appearing more like rocks and stones. On four legs it pounds through the ground, its individual footsteps triggering loud 'THOOMS!' that shifts the very sands beneath its feet. What would follow is the quaking, which causes the ground to quake up and down like mini earthquakes. And then from its long and rippling snout, its wide, flat mouth would open up and give a howling--

“GRRRRRRAAAAAAAARRRRRRRWWW!!!"

The earth would shake, disturbed if not outright horrified by the monstrous roar that came from the drake's gaping maw. Cascading sand flowed upon its brown scales, even pouring into its mouth, but the beast was not bothered, nor would it be slowed on its endless rampage.

With every weighty stomp in the ground, it marched towards a settlement in the distance. The white walls of the town were visible, as well as the stables directly outside of it. One could hear the ringing bells of the town's alarm system, even the wailing howls of fear from its citizens. This monstrous beast would soon be upon them, and with its height and power, no one could stop them.

No... that's not entirely true.

KLKLKLKLKLKLKLKLKLKLKLKLKLKLK!!!

KLKLKLKLKLKLKLKL!!!

KLKLKLklklklklkKLKLKLKLKlklklklklkLKLKL!!!

All around this beast, there were these unique lizard creatures running at its sides, ones that were as large as a horse. They ran on their two hind legs, rushing through the sandy fields at incredible speeds to keep up with the rampaging Drakvin Midvar. And on their backs, wearing white cloaks and turbans to keep away the incredible sun, were men. They rode their mounts in chase of this rampaging drake, prepared to strike it down when the opportunity arose. And that opportunity...

“Marik! Strike it!"

Was now!

One of these cloaked men straightened upon the back of his reptilian mount. Reaching down to his side, he pulled out a rifle and brandished it in his hand. It was dusty, brown, but instead of firing bullets, it was loaded with a harpoon. Even while rushing forward at incredible speeds, the young man aimed his harpoon gun at the rampaging drake, and fired.

SPEWTCH!

Launched forward at incredible speeds, the spear pierced through the air, where it penetrated the Drakvin Midvar's back. But his rifle was not the only, for all around him--

SPEWTCH! SPEWTCH! SPEWTCH! SPEWTCH! SPEWTCH!

His fellow men fired their own harpoons, showering the skies with the glint of silver steel, and the brown ropes tethered to their ends. With pinpoint accuracy, their harpoons impaled the body of the rampaging drake, uprooting its rocky scales and drawing blood. Connected to gears within their rifles, they began spinning as the Drakvin Midvar continued its rush, eventually reaching their end where they…

CLICK! CLICK! CLICK! CLICK! CLICK!

The various ropes suddenly grew long and straight, tension having built so strong that the harpoons suddenly began tearing through the drake's body. But even with these spears embedded into its back and shoulders, the beast continued its roaring rampage. The feeling of flesh and scales being torn was only enough to make it snarl and twist its head.

In retaliation, the men who chased it down all began yanking on their harpoons, attempting to bring this beast to heel by manpower alone. Thankfully, their harpoons had penetrated so deep that they were practically planted into the Drakvin Midvar's hide, causing them to no longer budge. Moreover, despite the drake's incredible size, the group of men were capable of holding hard against it. Together, they pulled all directions, forcing the beast to come to a stop.

But that did not mean its rampage was over. No, it was getting worse. What it did before was a mere rampage with no end in sight. Now, that rampage had become a tirade, and its focus was on the men surrounding it.

“GRRRAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRLLL!!!"

The titanic monster roared to the sky, splitting the heavens as it raised one of its mighty feet.

THOOOOOOOMMM!!!

With one powerful slam, the Drakvin Midvar triggered a quake which traveled throughout the immediate area, causing the sand beneath its feet to cascade and crest. Like the waves of an ocean, the sand reached high into the air and pushed out from the desert drake, where it knocked away the reptilian creatures that chased it down, as well as their riders.

All save for one.

One such hunter leaped from the back of his mount, where he landed safely on the sand. From head to toe he was covered in a white cloak, one that covered him completely save for his sharp brown eyes and rippling chest. Brandishing his harpoon gun, the young man turned on its gear, causing his spear to rip through the beast's body all the more. In turn, the Drakvin Midvar turned to face the young man who stood before it, snarling as its beady eyes took target. In response, the young man...

Thunk...

Dropped his rifle to the ground. He then reached down to his hip...

Shling!

And pulled his mighty scimitar from its scabbard.

The glint of his blade cast a bright light through the desert fields. Standing alone, the young man brandished his sword and took a battle-ready pose, while the rampaging Drakvin Midvar turned to face him. Despite being nothing more than a beast, the drake seemed to notice the glare given to him by the young man. It was being challenged, and it understood this. Its once incredible roars shifted into nothing more than a demented growl, while its beady eyes targeted the young man in front of it. But even as he stared down the beast, he remained focused and fearless.

Slowly, the Drakvin Midvar stepped towards him. Still, the young man remained still. The beast took another step, and another step, and another step. Through it all, the young man did not budge. The beast dropped its head down and breathed hard. The warmth and funk of its coarse breath brushed along the young man with so much force, that his cloak billowed in the wind. And yet he still remained fearless.

Then the Drakvin Midvar struck.

“GRRAWWWL!"

SNAP!

Its mighty jaws clamped down, sure to crush with one bite anything and everything that was caught in its gasp. That is... if anything was actually caught in said grasp. The beast's jaws dropped around the air. Eyes wide, it looked around in confusion...

“YAAAAAAH!"

Only to bring its gaze up.

In the moment it took to bite down, the young man had leaped into the air, dodging its strike. His body descended as nothing but a shadow with the sun was directly behind his back. All the Dravkin Midvar could see was the glint of his blade and the billowing of his cloak, before-

Stab!

“GRRK!?"

It was a mighty blade, his scimitar. Its handle was gold and brown, and its blade was silver and powerful... powerful enough to tear through the scales and flesh of the beast beneath him.

Landing on its head, he stabbed his sword into the skull of the Drakvin Midvar. Blood began erupting from within, followed by a howl of pain as his sword constantly pushed in deeper. But even when being stabbed in the head and with the various harpoons sticking from its back, the rampaging drake still would not go down! Roaring and howling, it began twisting and turning its body so ferociously, that the young man on its head was tossed off.

He flew through the air, tumbling like a bag of rocks... before quickly rolling himself into a ball. With expert precision, he landed safely on the ground and turned around, facing the Drakvin Midvar and once again readying his sword.

Or... uh... actually... no, no he did not ready his sword. Why? Because his sword was still in the drake's head!

The young man gritted his teeth while the Drakvin Midvar recoiled from the blade in its head. Blood streamed down its face, even cascading into its mouth, letting it taste itself. And that taste only caused its anger to boil more. With another mighty 'THOOM!' of a stop, the sandy drake locked its eyes on the young man who had the gals to stab it. In response, the young man grabbed his cloak...

Fwoooo!

And tossed it off his body.

He was a fit young man, one with a strong and broad physique. He was no giant, bulging tank, nor was he pushing towards his late twenties. Hell, he may be only nineteen, twenty at the oldest. His skin was of a darker complexion, he had wild black hair, and these piercing, sharp, golden eyes.

Oh yeah... and he also had the ears and tail of a jackal.

This man was a beastkin; a type of human with the attributes of an animal. In his case, he was a jackal. His ears were long, pointed, furry, being as black as his hair, and stood from the top of his head. Meanwhile, his tail was bushy and wild, but had various golden bands wrapped around it to tame it.

The clothing he wore helped to expose his body; something typical in Guarude, even for a swordsman such as himself. White baggy shorts sat on his legs, ones that came down only to his knees. He wore no shirt to speak of, instead wearing this usekh collar that was opulent with gold and black colors. In fact, he wore various adornments of gold and other such jewelry on his arms, neck and legs, alongside a golden belt around his hips.

Focused in, the young man's gaze locked in on the Drakvin Midvar as it approached him. He needed to get his hands on his scimitar which stood tall from the beast's head. Said beast again began marching towards him as a murderous grin even appeared on its craggy lips. The sheer amount of psychopathic sadism this monster oozed was enough to make one's blood turn cold. But the young man remained strong as he leered at the blade sticking from the Drakvin Midvar's head. If he could just reach up and grab it, he'd--

“GRAWWRRL!"

SNAP!

With a burst of speed, the monstrous drake leaped at the young swordsman, attempting once more to snap him in its jaws. Again he leaped up, dodging his bite. But the raging beast was smarter than it appeared. As the young man prepared to land on its head, the Drakvin Midvar swung upwards with its tail, striking him back.

The hunter spun about, twisting and tumbling through the air before slamming on the ground below. Gritting his teeth, he rolled over on his back and looked up... just in time to see the stomping foot of the Drakvin Midvar above him. With yet another powerful 'THOOM!' of its foot, the wicked beast attempted to crush him. But he was so speedy, he quickly darted out from under its heel. Skidding to a halt some feet away, the young man again watched as the beast turned to face him. If he could just get his sword, then maybe – maybe – he could slay this monster and bring its rampage to an end. At the very least, he could hold out until backup arrived. And that backup...

“MARIK!"

SWISH!

A shadow flew over his head, leaping clear over him like a blur. His eyes grew wide and he looked up, just in time to watch as this darting figure landed on the head of the Drakvin Midvar. But when he looked up, the sunlight fell on them in such a way that all he could see was shadows.

He could see a woman's figure however... and a voluptuous figure at that. Curves, a narrow waist, shapely hips, and a busty bosom. This figure was wearing clothes yes, but it was thin... more like ribbons than it was clothes. She also had a spear in hand, one she raised up high, and--

STAB!

“GRRRRWWWWWWKK!?"

The Drakvin Midvar began shaking its head back and forth viciously, attempting to fight off the woman who entered the fray. But with her spear in hand and feet planted firmly on its head, she would not be shaken off. She fought back, keeping her spear embedded in the beast's head, and only pulled back when she wanted to.

SLASH!

Leaping back, she tore her spear out of the beast's head and landed safely on the ground next to the young man's side. He turned to face her... where he was greeted with a smile.

She was a tall, athletic, fit, and outright divine young woman. Similar in age to him, she could be no older than nineteen. From her head fell short, curly blue hair that was stylized in a pixie cut. Or, no, well, calling it just blue is petite. It was more imperial blue thanks to its darker shade... and it matched with her regal position.

Despite the danger of the Drakvin Midvar, her sharp and slender eyes were curled into this mischievous and playful catlike gaze. She also wore a playful smirk on her lips, one that too was bent in a fashion similar to a feline.

But... is that much of a surprise? She was a Guarudian, like him. And like most Guarudians, she was a beastkin. Whereas he was a jackal, she was a feline. Cat ears sat on her head, with one bending down slightly. She also had a tail that extended from her backside, one that slithered and swayed around like it had a mind on its own.

Powerful and lithe, she had flesh that was golden-brown, much like the sands beneath their feet. Her figure was this perfect combination of feminine beauty and amazonian prowess, with her wide hips that were shapely, powerful and fit. Her midriff was slender and narrow, almost reminiscent of a dancer. And her chest? Oooooooooh, her chest! It was buxom and bountiful! This great glorious bust that was so shapely and perky!

The light musculature on her body helped to amplify her remarkable physique. Toned arms and legs, hips and thighs. Even the way she moved – no matter how slight – further flaunted her graceful feline figure. She was an idol, one of gold and black, of regal, feminine beauty, and divine, amazonian power.

Her clothing was unique however. Even by Guarudian standards, it was thin. Incredibly thin. It was like white and black ribbons were tied around her body, covering her perky and busty chest like a brassier, and her pelvis being covered in a long wavy curtain. Around her right hand, her clothing billowed out, flowing almost like a curtain.

Layered through it all was so much gold that gripped on her body; around her waist, beneath her chest, on her shoulders, not to mention the usekh collar around her neck. It was clothing that offered so much freedom of movement in exchange for having almost no armor. But she didn't need armor. She was so perfect, she'd never be struck.

Standing at his side, the sporty young woman flashed the hunter a grinning smile. In one hand, planted firmly down on the ground was an opulent and decadent spear. Golden and black, it had twin blades at the tip like a pointed fork, a single fine point at its opposing end, and the charm of a snake running down its center. In her other hand, she was holding a scimitar... his scimitar.

“I think you dropped this, Marik," said the young woman at his side as she handed him back his sword.

In response, all he could mouth out was her name.

Nile.

“GRRRAAAAWWWWWRRRRRRLLL!!!"

The powerful roar of the Drakvin Midvar sent a rippling quake through the air. Their moment of calm shattered, the two quickly took battle-ready stances. The young man – Marik – brandished his scimitar, and the girl at his side – Nile – twirled her spear around like a baton before readying it. Both of them focused their eyes on the beast which started marching towards them again. And just like before, when it slammed its foot down with a loud--

THOOM!

The two effortlessly darted out of the way of the creature.

Together, the two mounted the body of the Drakvin Midvar, running along its back with their blades at the ready. Raising his sword, Marik slammed it down into the drake's neck, sending a jolt of pain down its body. Due to its great size however, his slash amounted to nothing more than drawing its blood. But this was only to distract the beast from what Nile was doing.

“NYAAAH!"

GWWWEEEAAM!

Raising her spear up high, a golden orb of light suddenly formed between the twin forks of her javelin. From it erupted tendrils of magical light which spread out with the same grasp of a possessive octopus. These tentacles writhed and shot out through the air, where they grasped upon the ropes of the harpoons which had been forcefully thrust into its body. Gripping upon the ropes with her magical tendrils, Nile leaped up and off of the drake's body, landing on the sand below.

“NIIII-YAAAAAHH!!!"

With great magical might, the catgirl pulled on her magical tendrils, causing the harpoons to tear along the body of the Drakvin Midvar. The beast attempted to move, but the spears in its body were enhanced by her magic, causing it to lock up. Movement was restricted; all the drake could do was growl out in confusion as its beady eyes snapped around in circles.

But its defeat did not stop there. Nile's magic began extending out, wrapping around the Drakvin Midvar's arms and legs, seizing it completely. Even more so the creature was subdued and eventually forced over upon its back, exposing its softer, smoother belly.

Landing before it, Marik's eyes locked in on the monster's chest. With Nile keeping it subdued, he leaped upon the beast and readied his scimitar. His eyes locked in on the Drakvin Midvar's heart, he pointed his blade down, and--

STAB!

“UURRRK!?"

All at once, the rampaging beast locked up. Its once small and beady eyes grew wide, and its gaping maw closed shut. In one last, vain attempt to lash out, the creature attempted to swat at Marik, but Nile's bonds kept it restrained. All it could do was lay there as the hunter's blade delved in deeper and deeper and deeper. Scales, flesh, and veins were all ruptured... and finally the Drakvin Midvar's heart was split too.

“Gllrrrrrkk...!"

In a matter of moments, the beast's once nigh unstoppable rampage, was brought to an almost pathetic end. Nile's magic dissipated, vanishing in a flash of gilded light, and dropping the Drakvin Midvar's body as nothing more than a splayed out heap. Pulling back, Marik gazed down upon the dying creature, hearing its final, fading moans. It brought a frown to his face and he shook his head... before sighing and straightening back up.

Glancing over, he watched as Nile approached him and the beast. Her eyes looked it up and down, listening to its final breaths... where a forlorn expression appeared on her face. Reaching over, she placed her hand upon the beast's chest and nodded... before smiling and looking up.

“Heya, Marik," said Nile as she extended her hand towards him, “Nyeh heh heh! Good thing I showed up when I did! Or else you might've been in quite the situation, huh?"

Marik cocked his head at her, wearing a somewhat annoyed face. Ultimately, he sighed then reached out for her, grabbing her hand. Together, she helped him leap safely off of the Drakvin Midvar's body, where they turned to face the dying beast once again.

“This is the seventh attack this week..." she whispered, “Haah... I can't believe this is all happening. Haah..." she looked back up at Marik, “You and the other hunter's must be worn ragged. This is... so frustrating. I should be helping you guys! Not... sitting in the palace doing nothing..."

“PRINCESS NILE!!!" a shouting, angered voice came from behind.

“Haaah... speaking of..."

Nile and Marik turned around. Running up on the backs of their reptilian mounts were the other hunters who were a part of Marik's group. They quickly surrounded the beast to make sure that it had been truly slain. Well... all of them save for one.

This one hunter ran up to the two, where he grabbed his hood and pulled it off. He was a tall, towering and stoic man. His height was looming, his hair was short and black, and his body broad like a walking wall. He was the kind of man you could easily imagine moving entire mountains if need be. Uniquely among the people of Guarude, his beastkin features were not that of a mammal, but instead a reptile... a crocodile to be exact. His eyes were slit, his tail was thick and covered in scales, and even his nails were sharp like a crocodile's talons.

And that typically stoic face of his was locked in on Nile.

“Princess Nile..." he growled through his sharp teeth, “What. Are. You. Doing here!?"

“Isn't it obvious, Captain Bassel?" replied the feline with a dismissive wave of her hand and turn of her head, “I showed up to help you and your boys slay this monster! If it wasn't for me, well..." her free arm wrapped around Marik's neck, pulling him in until his cheek pressed up against her bosom, “I think Marik here would be dead! And I can't let one of my friend's die!"

“Urrggh... I know you hear this all the time from your father and Vizier Ramses, but it begs repeating. You are a princess! One day soon, it will be you sitting on the throne of Guarude! As its future sovereign, you can't throw yourself into such dangerous situations all the time!"

“Pfffft... you're right..." muttered Nile with a roll of her eyes, “I do hear this all the time from my father and Vizier Ramses..." releasing Marik, she let him straighten back up while she pulled away, “I know I may be pharaoh one day, but that does not mean I will stand idly by while my people suffer. And considering these frequent animal attacks..." her eyes grew focused, “And considering how close this beast came to the town of Mana... I... haaah..."

“Haaah... my princess..." muttered Bassel.

But she did not answer him, instead raising her hand and shouting out--

“SOBEK!"

In a matter of seconds, one of those reptilian mounts came rushing up to her side. Climbing on its back, Nile grabbed the reins of her ride and twisted it. Obeying its rider, the creature turned and began running off, leaving Marik, Bassel, and their group in her wake. Growling, the captain of his group turned to face the slain Drakvin Midvar... while his subordinate remained fixed on Nile's retreating image.

“Marik..." said Bassel, “We have a job to do."

The young man nodded.

…

Marik... was a mute. He could shout. He could cry. He could howl. But he could not talk. His responses came in the form of his facial features. You never needed to wonder what was going through his mind. All you'd need to do is look at his face and body language, and he'd tell you everything you needed to know.

Water poured down his body, cascading along his flesh and form. All the sweat, the dirt, the grime and sand of the day, was steadily cleansed from his body. He even gave an eased sigh as he felt his aches and sores be washed away. Muscles grew relaxed, pain was subdued, and he felt his body tell him...

Let's go to bed...

But he couldn't go to bed. He'd love to go to bed. He'd love to wrap himself up in his blankets, lay his head on his pillow, and just go to sleep. But he couldn't. With the terrors plaguing his nation, how could he even think about sleeping? Yes, yes, he knew sleep was important, and that it was unhealthy to think this way... but that did not stop said thoughts from plaguing his mind.

Marik may be mute, but that didn't mean he couldn't think. While he could not verbally let others know how he was feeling, his mind was constantly awash with thoughts concerning the world around him. And right now, nothing had him more worried than the increasing number of dangerous monster attacks in Guarude.

He was a medjay. It was his duty as a member of Guarude's armed forces to protect its citizens, and slay any threat that may bring harm to its people. Since childhood he was trained to do this! So much so that he was easily one of the greatest medjays – if not thee greatest medjay – in all of Guarude. Putting it lightly, Marik was talented.

So why did he feel so weak?

He could outperform the greatest rangers in Guarude. His swordplay knew no rivals within his kingdom's borders. Hell, his magical prowess – while not the best – was still incredible for someone with no academic training. When it came to matters of combat, Marik was a prodigy. It was as if battle was baked into his very being.

So why wasn't it doing anything? Everyday, they wake up, get onto their reptoids, ride out into the desert, and slay a new beast that threatens to attack a settlement. And as the days went by, the number of these attacks only grew. Sometimes they'd have to slay two monsters, other times they'd have to slay three monsters. Once, they even had to slay five.

He did not want to relive that day.

But it seemed as if no matter how much fighting they did, the monster attacks did not go down. It didn't even make sense! Why were they attacking so frequently? Once docile and distant creatures appear to suddenly be inflicted with a terrible case of rabies, and go rampaging. Sometimes their attacks only caused destruction to nature and their habitats. But as their damage grew in number, the destruction increased as well. Maps needed to be redrawn, structures were destroyed, and yes, lives were lost.

Too many lives were lost...

Thinking about it caused him to groan. Not from anger, but from frustration. No matter how much work he and his fellow medjays put in, they were still incapable of stopping these rampages. And as they increased in number, he felt his limits approach him.

If today wasn't clear, while he was able to face off against that Drakvir Midvar, he may have met his end. His sword was stuck in the drake's head, and he couldn't get his hands on it... at least... not until Nile appeared.

She was his princess. As a medjay, she was the most important person in all of the land. Her protection was of the utmost importance! He'd even argue she was more important to protect than the pharaoh himself! And that's not to be disrespectful, of course! But Nile is the future. If something were to happen to her... well...

His hand clutched inward and his eyes reopened. For a brief moment, he imagined his princess. He may have been a prodigy when it came to matters of combat, but she was a savant... a goddess. Today was far from the first time he's fought alongside her. They've sparred plenty of times before, and on more than one occasion, they've taken on bandits together. It had given him plenty of time to watch her move, watch her fight, and tell him that no matter how great he was... she was still just that much better.

That's not a bad thing, mind you. In fact, he was happy to know his princess – his friend – was such a skillful warrior. Of all the people he could fight alongside, he felt safest with her. He knew that – no matter what – she always had his back. And in turn, he always had her back.

It also made him happy to know that she cared as much about the suffering of their people as he did. Plenty of times he had heard how rulers in other nations were disparaging when it came to their citizens. How they treat them as if they were of little worth, and merely servants to them. So to have Nile be so active in the protection of her people, was something awe-inspiring... even if he knew it was rash on her end. If she did suffer some poor fate, what would happen to their people's future?

It is said that the rulers of Guarude were specifically ordained by the gods themselves to lead them. In the case of Nile, this could not be truer.

It was impossible not to notice his princess' vivacious appearance. Whether it be the sound of her brash and hoyden voice, the golden sight of her body in the throes of battle... or the admittedly sensual curves and straights of her figure. And whenever she turns to face you with that tomboyish grin on her catlike lips, you too will find it impossible to ignore her.

Not that he'd ever want to.

Marik looked down, staring at the drain as water poured down it. It was time to get out of this shower. Soon, another attack would occur, and his group would be sent out to deal with it. He needed to be ready for it, no matter when, no matter where. He just didn't know how soon it would be.

“Marik! You're being summoned by the pharaoh!"

When he emerged from the showers of the barracks, that call struck his ears. Confused, he looked over towards his fellow medjay, who pointed at the door. Pharaoh Amenhotep wanted to speak to him? Why? It couldn't be for another attack; the pharaoh wasn't the person who gave out such missions. If he was telling him to do something, then it was important. Very important.

Dressing himself up quickly, Marik exited from the barracks and rushed out the door.

…

He was tall. Taller than him. Taller than his father. As tall as Bassel, he'd say. His build was just as powerful too, being this sinewy and fit figure, one that was more lithe compared to his captain's bulkier and broader body. On his head stood the ears of a cat, and from his back extended a tail. He had this imposing stature, one that easily loomed over all others in a room, and it's not just because of his height or his powerful physique.

No... it would probably be because of the clothes.

Wearing an opulent gold and white shawl over his neck, it fanned out from his usekh collar and covered him from his neck down. Bulky harem pants were on his legs that were gold in color with a black belt. And most opulent of all, sitting on his head was this grand headdress, one that was as brilliant and golden as any crown.

Fitting for the pharaoh of Guarude.

Pharaoh Amenhotep stood alone in a wide and spacious room, one with a table in the middle of it. Resting on said table was a map containing the entirety of Guarude on its surface in excruciating detail. This room was the conference room, where he'd meet the leaders of his military to make plans. But today, it was completely empty. That is until...

Sshfflflflf..

The curtains behind him parted open as a young man stepped in. A smile appeared on the pharaoh's lips and he turned, facing the young man in question.

“Marik," he said, “It is good to see you, my boy."

The jackalboy stepped up... then bowed before his pharaoh. For several moments this went on, until the pharaoh raised her hand and said,

“You may rise, Marik. Now's not the time for bowing. Not under such dire straits. Come. I have something to show you."

Marik straightened up and nodded. Following behind his pharaoh, the medjay walked over towards the table in the middle of the room, where his eyes fell on the map resting on it. There were various markings, notes and drawings etched into its surface, as if someone had spent hours meticulously investigating something.

Immediately, Marik could see the various monster attacks that have been plaguing their nation. There were monsters slain by his group, monsters slain by other groups, even the monster attack that happened earlier that day had been painstakingly noted on this map. A gasp of surprise left Marik's mouth and his eyes grew wide, while Amenhotep chuckled at his side.

“Impressive, isn't it?" asked the pharaoh, “We've been working to uncover the cause of all these attacks, using the information presented to us by the rampages. Tell me, Marik; can you see a pattern to all of these attacks?"

The jackal's ears twitched and his face shifted into confusion. Looking down upon the map before him, he placed his hand on its surface, stroking his palm along it. He ran his eyes along all the various notes and markings of rampages and attacks, where he began to notice something. The town of Atem, the town of Mana, the city of Dhahid, among many, many others. From first glance, it all appeared random. He even thought it was random during his hunts. But now that he gazed upon it all on this map, he realized that it wasn't as random as he thought it was. There was a clear structure to the attack, and that structure was...

A circle.

Placing his hand on the map and tracing his fingers around the various attacks, Marik realized that it all was a circle. Sure, it wasn't a perfect circle, but it was a circle nonetheless. The attacks all happened in a circular manner surrounding an area of Guarude named Vertan Oued.

Guarude is a land infamous for its so-called infinite desert. It goes on and on and on and on and on, seemingly forever. It is said that those lost in the desert are never seen again. But it is not true that Guarude is only sand and gold. The land is lush and vibrant with rivers and greenery in certain areas. Full forests, lakes, basins and waterfalls can be found in rare locations. Even the capital city of their nation has glorious waterfalls at its back, showering the city with a cool air from its rushing waves.

And Vertan Oued is one such lush location. A vibrant valley of greenery, forests, and a river running through it, it used to be the home to an ancient sect of the Guarudian people. It was one of the first locations they migrated to when leaving their origin point; a location known as Ogdoad Wadi. While Vertan Oued's history was very important to Guarude as a whole, it is not a well-maintained area. It's abandoned, left to the whims of nature, free of any buildings or structures that weren't created over centuries ago. He'd been there rarely in the past... but that's all; rarely.

Leering at the map, Marik swept his eyes back up towards Amenhotep, who smiled at him and tapped the location of Vertan Oued.

“I can see it in your eyes," said the pharaoh, “I've watched you grow up since you were still a pup, Marik. You're smarter than you look. Nyeh... we believe that the problems plaguing Guarude are originating from this spot. Something is in Vertan Oued. We're not sure what it is, but our lead wizards have determined that this mysterious force is rising from the valley," he looked up and over, “And that's why I called you here, Marik. You are without a doubt the most shining example of a medjay we have in Guarude. Despite your young age, you perform with greater skill and perception than many considered your senior. That is why I have decided to send you to Vertan Oued to investigate it more thoroughly. I'd send more medjay, but I cannot risk such a thing with so many attacks happening frequently. I know this is a lot to ask considering your age and position, but Marik..." Clasp! “Hm?"

Looking down, Amenhotep's hand had been caught by Marik's. The jackal's golden eyes were filled with determination, and he wore an equally as resolute look on his face. It did not matter if he was being sent alone or with a group; if the answer to Guarude's problems were in Vertan Oued, he would go there and find it.

Seeing such resolve in the young jackal's eyes, Amenhotep couldn't help but to chuckle. He foresaw this outcome a mile away; anyone could. Marik's love and dedication to his country was second to none: he'd do anything for Guarude.

“Thank you, Marik," said Amenhotep with a nod, “I'll send for you later when the time to go is near. It will be soon, but until then..." he placed his hand on his shoulder and gave it a soft shake, “Get some rest. You deserve it."

Marik nodded. There was nothing left that needed to be said. Turning around, he faced the exit to the conference room and walked through it. His mind was rushing with thoughts, all of which focused on Vertan Oued, and what may be causing all of their distress. If it truly was in the heart of the valley, he'd have his work cut out for him trying to sift through it all. But he wouldn't be deterred. It was imperative that he discover the cause of their problems, and bring it to an end. Not just for him, not just for his pharaoh, but for his people...

His princess...

“Hey, Marik..."

Speaking of...

When Marik exited the conference room, his ears perked up and swiveled. Right next to the entryway, leaning against it with that playful smirk on her lips, was Nile. The Princess of Guarude looked up at him, chuckling coyly, before leaning upright and walking over towards his friend.

“So the problem is at Vertan Oued...?" asked Nile as she looked over at the conference door, “Haaah... my father has told me nothing. But..." she then swept her eyes back over, “He tells you first? Aaggh... I know you're an amazing medjay and all, but isn't that a bit rude? I am his daughter!"

Marik did not share his princess' disappointment. In fact, he looked at her in an accusatory manner. If he could talk, he'd say something along the lines of...

Because your father knows of your tendencies.

Nile didn't pout or growl. She grinned at him. In all of Guarude, no one could read his face quite as well as she could. The princess even leaned slightly with her fist on her hip, before chuckling. For a moment, Marik thought she'd continue to speak out her frustrations with the situation. He even grew tense as she walked in even closer to the point that they were a mere few inches away from one another. But instead of teasing him, or arguing with him, or saying anything, Nile reached up and--

Chu.

“Gl...!?"

Kissed Marik on the cheek.

Eyes wide and cheeks red, the medjay pulled back, with Nile doing the same. The princess was giggling, even wearing this wide grin on her cheeks while he relaxed from his embarrassment.

“Nyeh heh heh!" she giggled... before growing calmer and more genuine, “Hey... Marik..." raising her fist, she lightly punched his shoulder, “Come back safe... okay? If you don't... I'll go down to Duat personally and kick your ass!"

Her kiss before was enough to make him blush from embarrassment in confusion. But her words now drew a smile to his lips, followed by a chuckle. In this moment, he wished he could say something to reassure his princess. That he'd be alright; this was just an investigation, and nothing more. But all he could do was give her a smile full of resolve. And for Nile.

“Nyeh heh heh!"

That was more than good enough.

…

The plan was simple: he was given as much time as needed to explore Vertan Oued to his own discretion, but if he did not report back in a week's time, a search party would be sent to look for him. He'd be given no supervision to perform his mission, so any troubles he ran into he'd have to figure his own way out of. Though the threat level of the valley was low, they could not be certain that it was completely safe considering the frequent rampages Guarude had suffered.

Normally, such danger would facilitate an entire group be sent to investigate the valley. At the very least, they wouldn't send just one person. But Marik was just that skilled. Besides, it wasn't expected of him to actually solve the problem that's plaguing Guarude, merely discover it so a more concrete plan could be devised. Until then... well...

It was early in the morning; the sun was just rising over the horizon, and one could still see some fading dark lights of the previous night. A wide array of colors were painted in the heavens, going from darker blues and purples one way, to dazzling reds and oranges the other. All as the hazy glow of the morning light permeated throughout the land. And throughout it all, rushing towards the distance upon the back of his reptoid, was Marik.

KLKLKLKLKLKLKLKLKLKLKLKLKLKLK!!!

The rapid feet of his reptilian mount pounded through the desert lands. His white cloak billowed in the wind, the saddle and bags of his steed bounced up and down, and he kept his grip tight upon the reins in his hands. It would not be much longer until he arrived at his destination.

He hugged his mother farewell. He kissed his little sister on the cheek. And then once he was sure his extensive collection of things were ready, he got on his mount and ran off. Marik was prepared to stay in Vertan Oued for several days if need be, so he brought the necessities. A tent to sleep in, a canteen to drink from, and yes, several cans of food. But even without food, he knew that the valley was teaming with wildlife, and he was a skilled hunter. Living off the land was the easy part. Finding his target was not.

As he ran through the desert fields, Marik's mind wondered what could be the cause of their terror. Perhaps an overzealous wizard had – somehow – caused the animals of their land to go on rampages? And what of Vertan Oued itself? If animals outside of it were going wild, then it was possible they were doing likewise within the valley itself.

He had long since come to that conclusion however. In fact, he was hoping they'd be violent. If the animals in the valley were violent, that would further prove the theory that something was there. It's a weird thing to pray for one's own misfortune. But his misfortune would save Guarude from an even poorer fate.

There has to be something here. It just has to...

Like an oasis free of the arid desert around it, greenery appeared before Marik's eyes. Snapped from his thoughts, the mute medjay pulled his head up and watched as the brown sands of the desert were steadily replaced with green foliage and trees. It was scattered at first – a few bits of shrubbery here and there – but the deeper he traveled, the more flora appeared before his eyes. Pulling up on the reins of his reptoid, Marik drove it to slow down as they entered into the forest properly.

He was used to Guarude and its infinite desert, but its forests and foliage were more alien to him. His homeland did have forests, but they were sparse and few, and typically transformed into towns and cities that subsist on the foliage around it and lakes. So to see a forest that was completely untouched by man was something worth awing at.

“Haah..."

Slowly, he and his reptoid trekked deeper into the forest, walking over vines, through bushes, and under branches. There were animals around - things like small lizards, birds and rodents - but none of them were aggressive or violent. Most of them ran away from him outright! All the while, the sound of rushing water slowly grew louder and louder.

The deeper he traveled, the more the forest around him began breaking up. Not only were their trees but there were... ruins. Stone structures could be seen jutting from behind trees or through bushes, having long since been shattered by time and erosion. There were even stone walkways beneath his feet that had mostly been claimed by nature and overgrowth.

The ancient people of Guarude once called this land home, leaving him to wonder what purpose these structures served. Were they houses? Were they temples? Were they something more mundane than that?

He pondered these questions as he continued traveling into the forest, where the sound of rushing water grew even louder. Focusing his gaze ahead, he watched as sunlight glimmered through the canopies of the palm trees above him, and the bushes eventually parted open to reveal…

“Wow..."

A massive valley of green and blue.

Vertan Oued wasn't the largest of valleys in Guarude... but it was without a doubt the most beautiful. A glowing river of blue parted through the ravine, separating greenery and foliage on both ends. Great palm trees, beautiful flowers, docile animals; they all called this land its home. And mixing with it all were even more structures, ones he could recognize thanks to their architecture. There were crumbling towers, small pyramids, little huts; all of which had been forgotten to time, leaving their purposes and origins unknown.

Sitting at the lip of the valley, Marik gazed in awe among the landscape, marveling at it as a smile spread out on his lips. For this brief moment, he forgot why he was here. He was just... enjoying the sights and the atmosphere.

“RRAAAAKKK!?"

“GH!?"

Until his reptoid cried out.

SNAP!

THWAK!

“GUH!?"

Pain! So much pain! It roared through Marik's body, winding and dazing him for a few moments as he was knocked upon the grass beneath him. He didn't know where it came from, didn't know why it happened. He just knew that, one moment he was resting on the back of his reptoid, the next moment he was seeing the blue of the skies overhead, and then he was resting on the ground beneath him as pain coursed through his body.

He had been attacked, but what attacked him?

Marik quickly rolled to his feet and palmed at his hip. Drawing his scimitar out with a loud 'SHWING!' he turned to face the beast that struck him. And... no... 'beast' wasn't the correct word to describe it. When you think of a beast, you think of something fleshy, like an animal. This wasn't a beast. This was a monster.

Tazmich Fyh... or... 'Plant Mouth' as they were so eloquently called by their ancestors. Most carnivorous flowers are small, and have an appetite for small bugs and insects. They could be even beautiful and exotic, depending on their origin. But the Tazmich Fyh? It was anything but.

A large plant, it stood well above six feet tall. Tendril-like vines spiraled out from the bottom of it instead of roots. Its stem was thick and large, large enough to comfortably contain a human body if someone were unfortunate to be caught by this thing. The petals of it were vibrant and luscious, ranging in colors from red, to orange to yellow. And in the center of it all where its pistil and stigma should be, was instead a wide gaping mouth. It dripped with what could generously be described as aromatic saliva, and its 'teeth' were sharp and serrated. Hey, his ancestors didn't call it 'Plant Mouth' for nothing.

They were rare in Guarude, and even with that in mind, they almost never grew to such sizes. Tazmich Fyhs were even tamed as small house pets due to their ability to get rid of pesky rodents. But this creature would not be satiated with small animals. It needed human flesh.

THWAK! WHAK! SNAP!

“TUH!"

Powerful vines launched out at Marik, who raised his blade in defense. With a 'SLASH!' here, and a 'SHLING!' there, vines were torn to shreds by the medjay's precise strokes. The Tazmich Fyh cried out in shock and pain then withdrew... but did not fully retreat. A surprisingly wily creature, it hung out of the distance of Marik and his sword, while its oozing maw pointed towards him.

HAAACK! PITOO!

“GUH!?"

From its... 'lips', the carnivorous plant hacked out a glob of spit, taking Marik aback and striking him in the chest. He was strong enough to keep standing, but that meant nothing when he realized just how sticky the plant's saliva was. It was like syrup and goo had been mixed together, and it all weighed heavily down on his body. He tried to move, but his limbs were restricted.

SHSHSHSHSHSHSHSHSHSH!

The Tazmich Fyh began moving forward, snapping Marik's eyes forward. Gritting his teeth, he watched the monster's mouth open wide once again, filling the air with its aromatic breath. To it, he was an easy meal. In response…

“HAH!"

The medjay exploded into flames.

Fire erupted out around him, forcing the Tazmich Fyh back. All of its syrupy spit had been burnt away, freeing Marik. Again, he may not be the most powerful wizard in Guarude, but he was still a capable user of magic.

Flaming runic symbols appeared around the medjay's body, fading away. And with them went the fire, which dissipated to the air. He couldn't risk setting the forest around them ablaze. Do you know how difficult it is to stop a fire in the dry land of Guarude? Not easy.

The Tazmich Fyh's vines all shot upright. Even now, the creature proved its intelligence as it realized just how dangerous Marik was. That is not a good thing. If the carnivorous plant was truly frightened of him, it would have run away by now. The fact that it was still here, still sizing him up despite the fact he just exploded into fire, made it clear to him that it still wanted to eat him.

And it figured it could pull it off.

SNAP! THWAK! WHAK! SLAM!

In a furious assault, the Tazmich Fyh began striking at Marik with its relentless vines. They moved fast enough to overwhelm any normal man, and had enough strength to snap bones if they met flesh. But through it all, the medjay effortlessly deflected strike after strike after strike.

His dancing blade was a sight to behold, constantly glinting and glimmering through the sunlight which pierced through the canopies overhead. But the Tazmich Fyh's strikes were just as impressive. No matter how many tendrils were torn or sliced, it still had more to try and attack Marik. Again and again and again and again and again!

Enough of this.

“HAAH!"

ZWOOSH!

With more runic symbols appearing around his hand, Marik prepared a mighty blast of fire. It sparkled and flashed above his palm, surging with an incredible power. And once that fireball had reached the zenith of strength, he pulled it back and lobbed it forward.

Fizzzzz...

Only for nothing but smoke to come out.

Marik's eyes grew wide. He was supposed to send his fireball right into the Tazmich Fyh's mouth, making it explode in a dazzling display of fire and shrubbery... but nothing came out. It did not take him too long to figure out why.

There was a slight mist permeating the ground around him. It was easy to miss if one was not paying attention. A soft gray color, it wafted above the ground, appearing similar to the morning fog in a more moist land. But this was not fog. This was not mist. This was nothing natural. This odorless substance... was neutralizing gas.

The Tazmich Fyh's tendrils had been cut and torn, but not without reason. Each sliced tendril started to produce this neutralizing gas. Maybe a few wouldn't be enough to stop his magic outright, but he had cut through dozens of tendrils! And now all of them were working together to cancel out his magical abilities.

The Tazmich Fyh had planned this.

Gritting his teeth and growling, Marik looked around briefly before snapping his gaze back upon the monstrous plant. For amoment, he swore he watched its insipid lips twist into a sadistic smile. How a creature like that was intelligent enough to pull off such advanced maneuvers, the medjay did not know.

Unfortunately, the Tazmich Fyh was approaching him once again, its vines raised and ready to strike. Marik too prepared his sword in one hand, while his other hand dropped down to one of the many pouches on his belt. He was not so foolish as to think his magic would be enough to protect him. Inside was a plethora of items he could use to get him out of a sticky situation. All he'd need to do is-

HAAACK! PITOO!

Nothing. He could do nothing.

With pinpoint accuracy, the Tazmich Fyh spat out a wad of its spit, slamming into Marik's hand and hip. Just like before, its texture was gooey and sticky, causing his hand to be glued to his hip. He couldn't even move his fingers to get them into his pouch!

SHSHSHSHSHSHSHSHSHSH!

Its tendrils uprooting soil and grass, the Tazmich Fyh approached Marik in a savage rush! The medjay could only ready his scimitar in preparation and brace himself. He had not given up yet, and knew of several ways of getting out of this problem. All he needed to do was wait for the monstrous plant to get into position.

Closer... closer... and closer it came. When it was only a few feet away, the Tazmich Fyh's mouth split open, revealing its many rows of serrated teeth, and the oozing... dripping... gaping maw that was its mouth. With a deep, husky breath it breathed upon Marik, and... huh... it smelled rather sweet. And then came the rancid odor of dead animals and bugs.

Marik pulled back his scimitar. The Tazmich Fyh's jaws closed shut.

STAB!

Marik's eyes grew wide.

All at once, the Tazmich Fyh grew as rigid as a statue. Its mouth was still gaping, drooling over the medjay in front of it... but there was a large hole in the back of its throat. A hole so large, one could see the other side of the forest through it. Standing there, his mouth agape, Marik watched as the ravenous plant suddenly fell back, collapsing on the ground like a wet napkin. A few twitches rumbled through its body – he even heard it give a dying wheeze. But as the seconds went on, the Tazmich Fyh suffered a pitiful death.

And on the other end of it, planted into the ground with its fork-like prongs, was a gold and black spear. Gawking at the weapon, the medjay slowly approached the javelin...

Flash!

“Ghh!?"

Only to watch as it suddenly vanished in a dazzling display of golden light.

“Ya'know..." said a familiar voice, making his ears twitch in its direction, “That's the second time this week I've had to come and save you, Marik. I think you're losing your edge!"

The medjay turned to face where the voice was coming from, his eyes falling on Nile. The Princess of Guarude stood a few feet away from him, her fists on her hips in a cocky pose as this equally as hardy grin laid on her lips. She was wearing the same skimpy clothes she wore when they slayed the Drakvin Midvar a few days ago. This whole situation felt like a replay of what happened in that earlier hunt; he was about to be eaten by a large beast, only for the timely intervention of his princess. And just like last time, he only wanted to tell her one thing.

I had this under control!

Marik's face said it. He even palmed his chest in a defensive manner. But being a mute, nothing came out of his mouth save for an annoyed gasp. In response, Nile chuckled at her friend, further making him feel exasperated by all that occurred. But that confusion and slight annoyance faded away as he nodded... and then silently thanked her.

“You're welcome," replied Nile, “Nyeh heh heh! Now come here. Let me get that spit off of you!"

Marik nodded, begrudgingly yes, but still accepting his princess' offer. As she approached him, his mind raced with a flurry of thoughts. Had she followed him? Of course she followed him. Did her father know? Of course he didn't! This is Nile we're talking about; she's always adventuring around Guarude in defiance of the pharaoh's orders! So should he escort her back to the palace? Yes, he should... but he knew he was incapable of doing so. If Nile wanted to be here, then Nile was going to stay here, and there was nothing he could do about it.

Gweeaaaaam...

“Yuck... I can't stand Tazmich Fyh spit," said the desert princess as she looked up at her medjay with a smile, “We have a few in the royal gardens, but I tend to stay clear of them."

As Nile spoke, her golden magic fell over Marik's hand and hip, burning away the wicked plant's dubious drool. He could feel its sticky substance fade, allowing him to move his hand and limb freely. A job well done, the princess smiled and nodded, while her ears and tail twitched. She looked ready to receive praise for her actions... only to remember that, yeah, Marik's a mute. Even if he could speak, she doubted he'd praise her anyway. And when she looked at him, the puzzled expression he wore confirmed it.

“Yeah... I don't know what I was expecting either," Nile replied with a shrug of her shoulders, as if he had said a word.

Dropping her arms, the two looked over towards the collapsed corpse of the Tazmich Fyh. The air of camaraderie they shared quickly faded, and the princess knelt down beside it.

“This is... terrible..." Nile bemoaned as she stroked her hand along the monster's husk, “I've never seen a Tazmich Fyh grow so big... and it looked like it was going to eat you had I not showed up..." she looked over at Marik, giving him a look of disbelief and misery, “What is happening to Guarude?"

Marik slumped over slightly. He wished he could say something – anything – to reassure his princess... but the words were impossible for him to speak. He could only frown and shake his head. Nile nodded in response and then looked down... before standing up straight and giving a more affirmative nod.

“Well... no use crying over it now," she stated. Looking up at Marik, she appeared determined and focused, “At least this helps confirm that something is definitely happening in Vertan Oued. No Tazmich Fyh would be this mutated unless something was twisting it like this. We just need to find it!"

Leave it to Nile to sound so affirmative, so assured... even when they had no idea what was going on. Is it the sign of a great leader when their words alone can make you believe in anything? Or does that make him a blind fool when it's so obvious that neither he nor she knew what they were looking for? Marik couldn't tell you. But when he was here with Nile, and when she looked over her shoulder and smiled at him... he smiled back.

“Let's go, medjay," said the princess as she began walking forward, “We have our nation to save!"

Marik nodded and followed along.

On the backs of their reptoids, the duo exited the forest and entered into Vertan Oued proper. Coming to the river, the medjay gazed around in a cursory and cautious manner. He searched for any other animals or monsters that may cause them grief, but most of the creatures here appeared docile and calm. So was it only random that the Tazmich Fyh was both enlarged and aggressive? No, that can't be.

He looked over towards Nile... where he saw his princess had straightened up. In a moment rather out of character for the typically active and energetic catgirl, she was focused and silent. Straightened up on the back of her ebony reptoid, both her ears and tail were rigid as her eyes swept around her immediate area. The face she wore was concerning to Marik, as it appeared confused... lost... bewildered even. It was like she was looking for something that... did not exist. Reaching for her...

Touch...

“Ahah!?"

Marik's fingers brushed along her shoulder. Nile looked at him, her mouth agape and eyes wide with shock... before she let out a deep breath and relaxed herself. Nodding, it did not take long for her catlike smile to return to her lips.

“Nyeh... let's set up camp here, Marik," said Nile as she dismounted from the back of her reptoid, “I'm sure you and Odion can use the time to relax."

“RRAAAAAAAK!" replied his reptoid at the sound of its name.

Together, Marik and Nile began to unpack his things, starting first with the tent. As he began setting it up, he stole glances at his princess every now and then. She was helping him set up their camp, removing bags and placing them down, all while wearing that trademark smirk on her lips. But occasionally, he'd notice a shift in her being. She'd space out and gaze off towards the distance, much like she did before. What was she looking for?

Marik wished he could come out and ask her. If he did, she'd have no choice but to answer him. If he shot her a quizzical glance, or an accusatory look, Nile would understand him. They were so close, that he never doubted if she understood him or not. But the princess was a wily woman. She'd see his face, know that he was concerned for her and wanted to ask her something... and then she'd ignore it.

Nile could be cruel like that sometimes.

After an hour or so, the duo had their campsite set up. It was an impressive little fort as it sat near the river, but not too close. The tent was firm and strong, a little dugout had been grooved around them, there was a pit for a fire, and two seats sitting next to said pit. Standing before it, Nile smiled and nodded in a pleased manner, no doubt mentally praising herself. Marik rolled his eyes in response.

“Now with that out of the way," said the princess as she leaned in next to her friend, bumping their shoulders together, “Let's get a good look at this place. I saw a bunch of old ruins on the way here to save you. If I had known about them before, I would've come here eons ago to explore!"

What was more annoying? The fact that Nile was still exploring abandoned temples and structures despite the orders of her father and vizier? Or the fact that she again claimed she had saved him? He could've saved himself!

Still, Nile did have a point; there were a plethora of structures around here. Together with his princess, Marik again performed a cursory glance around their surroundings. He mostly saw animals, overgrowth, and a few structures he could tell were simple huts. Nothing out of the ordinary... however...

“Huh...?"

Marik's ears twitched and he looked over. Nile was doing... that again, whatever 'that' was. Dazed and confused, she was focused on the distance, and remained as still as a statue. The medjay reached out for his princess, only to stop and pull back. Gazing forward himself, he looked into the same direction as she did, wondering if he could see whatever it was she was seeing.

No. All he saw was the forest on the other side of the river.

“Hmm... that Tazmich Fyh we fought," said Nile as she snapped herself from her trance-like state, “That was way bigger than usual. Tazmich Fyhs are... like..." she placed her hand against her knee, “This big, right? No... even if they were only this big, they'd be too big. But that one? That one looked like it could eat one of us whole. I... huh..." she cocked her head, “I'm beginning to think... that Vertan Oued really is the focal point of Guarude's troubles. We'll need to thoroughly check it out to see if something is amiss, Marik."

The medjay nodded... but that did not mean he had forgotten Nile's little episode. When she turned around to face their campsite again, he looked into the same direction she once was gazing at. All he saw was the same forest; there was nothing strange about it. But something had to be there... why else would Nile look so...

Lost?

…

Shwing! Slash! Cut! Ching!

“Nyeh heh heh! You really know how to handle a sword, Marik."

Why was he doing this? Honestly? Why was he doing this?

Swinging his scimitar left and right, he cut through vines and foliage, Marik made a path for himself and his princess. Nile was behind him, watching him perform with this snarky grin on her lips. Was it annoying? Yes, because she could be helping him with all of this. But she wasn't. Typical princess behavior.

Together, the two traveled deeper into Vertan Oued, their campsite left behind along with their reptoids. Like the forest previously, it was thick with overgrowth and foliage, and only occasionally broken up by aged and derelict structures of unknown purpose. Their walls were faded, but often they could make out old characters saying things like 'WATER' or 'PROTECTION'. Other times they'd see the names of a god like 'OSIRIS' or 'ANUBIS'. One name caused Nile to pause momentarily however.

BASTET.

She nodded... and then moved on.

“Do you... feel anything, Marik?" asked Nile as she loomed over her medjay's shoulder, “Anything... out of the ordinary?"

Aside from the fact that animals and monsters of Guarude – some of which were typically docile – were suddenly attacking the people of the land? No, nothing was out of the ordinary. Marik even shot his princess a confused and even mocking look, as if to say,

What are you? An idiot?

Nile did not take his accusatory glance particularly well.

“Hold your tongue, Marik," she said whilst pointing at him, “Unless you want that tongue removed before the day's over. Though..." and then she chuckled, “It's not like it would make much of a difference. Unless you want that singing career to go up into flames."

Nile laughed at her sarcastic remark. Marik rolled his eyes in annoyance. His princess' question continued hovering in his mind however. Did he feel anything out of the ordinary? No, he didn't. But Nile asking made it clear that she felt something was out of the ordinary.

He knew her magical capabilities greatly – and I do mean greatly – dwarfed his own. Nile had access to magic that not even the greatest of wizards in Guarude could hope to obtain! So if she felt something, then something was out there. It would explain her spacing out before, but... it didn't actually tell them what it was she was feeling. Even Nile seemed confused, because she would have said something by now.

Right?

Slowing down, Marik prepared to ask his princess what it was she was feeling... but she kept walking past him. Before them was a nearby clearing, allowing sunlight to flood upon them. Without hesitation, Nile walked into the clearing, forcing her medjay to follow behind. It was a surprisingly spacious area, circular in shape, with a sizable lake in the center of it. And in the middle of the lake... was a temple.

“What the...?" muttered Nile in confusion.

Nearly all the structures they had passed were so worn by time, that whatever purpose they served had long since been forgotten. Most were nothing more than walls, maybe an overturned support beam or fallen column. But this structure? This structure was a pyramid.

It wasn't a large pyramid, as it was barely bigger than a house. In certain areas it was derelict and crumbling, struggling to retain its triangular shape. Everywhere else however, it was green. A tree was growing through its sides, vines were spread throughout the bottom of it, and flowers were mixed in with uprooted dirt and stone. As if in defiance to those who originally created the pyramid, nature had reclaimed it.

But it was all perverse.

The tree which grew from its side was gnarled and twisted. The vines and roots that spread out from beneath were thorny and vicious. And the flowers that grew on its side let out a constant stream of pollen and noxious fumes. It was all deranged and twisted, as if corrupted by something.

“What is that doing there?" Nile questioned, “Why is a pyramid here? Is... is it a temple or a... or a burial ground?"

Looking over, she traded glances with Marik. He was no better, being just as confused as she was. Vertan Oued was a large forest in Guarude; not every aspect of it had been mapped out. With the thick woods covering it, this meadow and temple could easily be passed by former explorers and cartographers.

There was clearly something amiss with this temple, and no, it's not because the temple was here. The gnarled tree, the violent roots, the noxious flowers; had they too been caused by the mysterious force that was affecting Guarude?

Deciding to investigate, Marik began walking towards the edge of the lake... only to stop. Nile was standing completely still. Turning around, he faced his princess, where he got the best view of her expression he could find. Softly lidded eyes, small gaping mouth, a dazed face, all as she was as still as a statue. He reached out for her like before, but did not touch her. Instead, he traveled his eyes over towards the pyramid once again.

“I... see now..." said Nile, jolting him in place, “Marik, I--"

Sswwwwwwwwwwwwwssssshhhhh...!

The princess' words were cut short.

Flinching, Marik quickly withdrew his scimitar and rushed forward. Coming to the edge of the lake, he peered over into its surface, gazing upon its pristine waters. He heard something swim through it, but as he stared upon it now, he saw nothing. Until...

Swwwwssshh...! Swwwwwoooosssh...! Swwwwwwssssiissshh!

Through the surface of the lake, he watched as these ridge-like appendages appeared. They grooved through the water, spreading them apart as they arched up and then down. Something was in this lake, something big. And whatever that 'something' was, it was protecting the pyramid within its center. Gritting his teeth and parting his legs, Marik prepared himself for whatever this beast may be. And Nile?

“I understand now..." she whispered.

It was drowned out by the--

SKAAADDOOOOOOSSSSSHHH!!!

“EEERRAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNN!!!"

Water was tossed sky high, cascading around the body of the wicked creature which swam within the lake. What emerged, water flowing down its brown and black scales, was a serpentine creature. It stood at a length well over 30 feet, and had a girthy width of over six feet as well. Its head appeared slightly avian, with a sleek and sharp appearance that slid into this beak-like mouth.

This creature was wicked as it slithered and swayed in the air like a towering monstrosity. Mouth dropping in awe, Marik gazed upon the awesome beast as its shadow was cast upon him and his princess. It was a Gam Nischish, or a 'lake snake'. But lake snakes were small and meek. They hunted for bugs and frogs at the most! But this one appeared mutated, not just due to its size, but due to these extra appendages like the fins on its head, and the dorsal fins along its back.

But the strange mutations did not end there. The Gam Nischish opened its mouth, giving a roar which shook the land and pushed Marik back. It wasn't just a roar to show its might, it was a roar to force back those who dared encroach upon its land. This beast was protecting something, and it wanted them to know it.

Marik remained defensive, even putting himself between the Gam Nischish and Nile to protect her. But his princess walked past him, even pushing him out of the way. Her body was stiff like a statue; not even the mightiest of winds could break her course. She walked towards the lake, ignoring Marik's cries of confusion, and the mutated lake snake's roars. Entranced, the Princess of Guarude lifted her hand, and--

THWAK!

The Gam Nischish slammed its tail down upon the ground, causing it to split and making the earth shake. It was its final warning. Any further action, and it would eviscerate anyone without hesitation. Quickly, Marik once more put himself between Nile and the beast, brandishing his scimitar as he looked up at it. But his princess took in a deep breath and walked forward, where she placed her hand on his shoulder.

“Marik," she said, causing him to turn and face her, “Do you... trust me?"

What an odd question to ask. He even looked at her with an eyebrow raised, wondering if she had stricken her head. Why had she asked such a superfluous question in such a moment? Gritting his teeth and growling, Marik began cutting his eyes between Nile and the Gam Nischish, constantly switching between the two. The beast's growls turned deeper and more guttural, waiting for the two to move. Nile meanwhile wore a more serious and stern face, awaiting his response to her question.

She wasn't joking, wasn't toying with him, wasn't trying to lighten the dangerous mood by asking him something rhetorical, no. Nile was being sincere. She truly wanted to know if he trusted him.

Nile was... a lot of things. She was feisty. She was hardy. She was haughty. She was a tomboy. She was hoyden. She could be so very arrogant!

But...

She was also talented. She was kind. She was courageous. She was brave. She was selfless. She loved the people of her nation beyond anything else. And...

She wasn't just his princess, nor was he just her medjay. She was his friend. So when she asked him if he trusted her, all Marik could do was swallow his spit... and nod. All at once, the serious and stern face Nile wore melted, shifting into that trademark, catlike smirk she always wore.

“Thanks, Marik," said the princess as she reached up and grabbed the back of his head, bringing him in for a-- “Nmmph~"

“MMMMMFFF!?!?!?"

Under Nile's guidance, if not outright command, their lips met in a kiss... a deep kiss. The Princess of Guarude was far from shy, whether it be in combat or in romance. Her lips parted his lips, and her tongue pushed into his maw. Eyes wide, Marik could do nothing but stand straight as if frozen solid, while his princess' tongue began brushing along his. The taste of her lips and tongue made him melt, relaxing the medjay... and coaxing him to kiss her back. For what felt like an eternity, they shared their kiss... until Nile pulled back with a soft--

Chu...

THWAK!

The Gam Nischish had grown impatient with the two. Caring not for their words or their kiss, the mutated lake snake dropped its tail down upon them, attempting to crush the two with one solid strike. But when it lifted its tail, it saw nothing but a crack of the ground... and not the bodies that should be left within them. It pulled back, confused momentarily, then slowly turned his head to the side. Standing there, embracing one another were Nile and Marik. Even amid their kiss, they still had enough wherewithal to dodge the beast's attack.

“Marik," said the princess, “I have to get into that temple in the center of the lake. The cause of Guarude's problems is in there," she then turned to face him, shooting him a serious look, “That means I'll be leaving you with this Gam Nischish. You can handle it, right?"

Now it was his turn to shoot her in an incredulous look. Yes, she had saved him from the Drakvin Midvar earlier that week, and yes, she had saved him from the Tazmich Fyh earlier that day. But if she expected him to trust her, then she needed to trust him in return! This Gam Nischish may be big and unruly, but he was not a star medjay for nothing!

Even Nile seemed to realize her question was moot. Chuckling, she shook her head and pulled back... before shooting him one parting glare.

“You better not fucking die on me!" she said, “And that's an order from your princess!"

Marik cocked his head... and then nodded as a grin spread out on his lips. No medjay would ever ignore a command given to them by their sovereign, no matter what! If Nile told him to survive... then dammit, he was going to survive.

Turning together, the two faced the Gam Nischish, which lowered its head to size up the duo. In a moment of clarity, the mutated lake snake realized that they weren't normal. They weren't scared of its size and power, nor its roars and water. Nile even walked up to it, before extending her hand out.

Flash!

In a dazzling shine of golden light, Nile caused her spear to appear from seemingly thin air. Holding it in one hand, she pointed its twin forks towards the Gam Nischish, causing it to pull back.

“Listen here, you overgrown snake!" she shouted, “You stand before your princess, and I will not, nor my medjay, be disrespected by the likes of you! So, for your own sake, I command you to stand down! Or else..."

“EERRAAANNNN!!!"

“I see... so you've chosen your fate..."

SWISH! THWAK!

Once more, the mutated Gam Nischish brought its mighty tail down in an attempt to crush Nile. But this time, instead of the princess leaping out of the way, the beast's attack had been blocked... by Marik. Using his scimitar, he held himself between Nile and the lake snake, deflecting its attack, and protecting his princess.

The beast was larger than him; strong enough to split the earth with a single strike. But with a surprising strength all of his own, Marik held back against the mutated lake snake. He could feel the earth crack beneath him, and even his body began screaming out. But he ignored both his own pain and the shifting ground, less he allow the Gam Nischish to crush him and Nile.

And Nile?

“Thanks, Marik," she whispered as she rushed by him.

Raising her hand, the Princess of Guarude held her palm out with the lake in front of her. One couldn't see it, but one could hear the sound of stone shifting and sliding. Beneath the waters, stone slabs suddenly launched up, coming to the surface of the lake to create a makeshift bridge. Seeing this, the Gam Nischish roared out in confusion, then pulled its tail back. It was prepared to slam it down upon the bridge, breaking it, but--

SLASH!

“EEEERRAAAAAAA!?"

Marik's scimitar slashed into its hide, rupturing scales and drawing blood. The mutated lake snake's head turned, facing the medjay and gritting its teeth. As Nile began crossing the bridge, her swordsman prepared himself, swirling his sword around before readying it in his hand. Marik had slain quite the plethora of beasts that call Guarude its home. But a serpent? That's new.

But not new enough.

“EERRRAAAAANN!!!"

THWAK!

The beast dropped its tail once again, uprooting earth and soil. Leaping upwards, Marik dodged the strike, only for its tail to come swiping over along the land. Just barely he kicked up his legs, avoiding its followup attack to land on its body. Roaring at him, the Gam Nischish's head dove in, its jaws snapping in an attempt to bite him.

“HAAH!"

But Marik slammed his scimitar down between its jaws, stopping it from biting him whole. The swords of the royal medjay were different from the weapons typically used by the knights and guards of Guarude. Its blade was a brilliant and sterling silver, curved to perfection, and stronger than almost any metal. But of course it was, for his blade was not made of some common ore like steel or even tungsten. Caked into its very being was pure Guarudian gold! And Guarudian gold is different from the gold you'd find in other lands. It was firm yet lightweight, brilliant and strong. Nothing could dull it, nothing could break it.

So when he slammed his blade down between the mighty jaws of the Gam Nischish, it could not hope to crush him. Not that it didn't try.

Shaking its head left and right, the mutated lake snake attempted to close its jaws around Marik, regardless of the blade keeping its mouth pried. When it became clear that no amount of closing would crush the medjay, it instead wheeled its head back, and--

“RRAAAAH!"

Splat!

Spat him out!

He flew fast and hard, but instead of slamming down on the ground with enough force to injure him, Marik slammed down on his feet and skidded to a halt. As spit and drool oozed down his form, the medjay stood tall and prepared his scimitar in his hands. And then tiny embers began erupting around his form, burning away the Gam Nischish's drool. No longer hindered, the medjay retook his battle-ready stance, while the mutated lake snake lowered its head to face him.

Insidious growls left its scaled lips as it eyed the young man. With great ease it could crush a person, eviscerate them with its gnarly teeth, drown them within its waters, or swallow them whole. But Marik was different. Marik was not normal. Even with its primal mind, the Gam Nischish understood this. It would need to be smarter. Fortunately for it...

Bububblblblbblblbubububublblbubblbulbublub!!!

“HM!?"

It was far, far, far smarter than even Marik realized.

Around the muted lake snake, water began bubbling up and flowing. For a moment, the medjay thought the beast was heating itself up, causing the water to do this. But then he realized that, no, the Gam Nischish was commanding the water. The water bubbled upwards as the creature was performing hydrokinesis!

Using its awesome magical abilities, the Gam Nischish caused large globules of water to hover above and around it, much to Marik's shock. His head swiveled from side to side, astonished by what he was seeing. How could an animal – a beast – perform something so wondrous as this!? Had its mutations progressed this far that it could perform magic?

He was impressed... but now wasn't the time to be.

“YAAAH!"

Darting at the mutated lake snake, Marik readied his scimitar to slash it into its body. It was wild, brazen, sudden, stupid... and a feint. In retaliation, the Gam Nischish sent its flowing orbs of water towards him. They were as large as cannonballs, and were twice as deadly. If one struck his body, they'd shatter bones with ease. But right before one could strike him.

“YAH!"

Marik leaped up, dodging the waterball with ease.

Not only were they large and deadly, they were surprisingly firm as well. How firm? Firm enough that he could put his foot on one... and springboard off of it. From waterball to waterball, the skillful medjay leaped, scaling upwards with every bound. It all happened in a matter of seconds, and before the Gam Nischish realized it, it had come face to face with Marik. He brought down his blade...

FWOOOSH!

“GAH!?"

And was swiftly blown away.

The Gam Nischish again proved its magical skill. Summoning a torrent of wind, it knocked Marik aside before he could slash at its face, knocking him into the waters of the pound. Disoriented, the medjay twisted about within the waters of the lake, before quickly snapping his gaze upward. Just in time too, for the mutated lake snake dove beneath the waters and opened its mouth wide.

SNAP!

Its jaws snapped around Marik once again. Fortunately, he had his blade to...

Oh... wait...

No. No he did not have his blade. When he was blown away, he lost his grip on his sword and dropped it! Which means...

“Nnnghghgh!?"

All around Marik was darkness. The jaws of the Gam Nischish had closed around him completely, surrounding him on all sides by its dangerous maw. Spit, drool, saliva; it all oozed around and down him. Its lashing tongue also struck at his body, while its teeth attempted to tear him apart.

But Marik wasn't futile without his sword. It was nothing more than a tool, an extension of his own capabilities. He was more dangerous with it, yes, but he was incredibly dangerous still without it. And this Gam Nischish would learn this.

With his hands on the roof of the beast's mouth, and his feet pressing down on its tongue, magical symbols began erupting from Marik's body. They shimmered in the darkness of its drooling maw, causing his body's physical strength to be amplified. To the surprise – and horror – of the mutated lake snake, the medjay began forcing its mouth apart. Even as the waters of the lake began pouring into its mouth and rushing alongside him, Marik would not budge. With one last--

“YAAAH!"

He pushed the jaws of the Gam Nischish open completely, allowing him to leap clear out of its maw and back into the lake.

The beast pulled back, head twisting left and right as it shook it. Confusion racked its body, shocked by Marik's retaliation. The medjay meanwhile had swam away, where he found his sword sinking through the water. Grabbing it, he brandished his blade and turned around, watching as the Gam Nischish refocused its gaze upon him.

SWOOOSH!

Quickly it darted for him, spearing through water like an arrow piercing air. But even now as he floated in its lair, Marik was prepared. He glared at the beast, brought up his sword, and--

“EEERRRAAAAAANN!"

SNAP!

…

This temple was old.

Incredibly old.

Dust rumbled through the air, foliage and vines hung from the ceiling, grass grew through the walls and stairs... and in the distance... ahh... one could hear flowing water. She had been in her fair share of pyramids and temples before, both ones in use and those abandoned... but this one was most unique of all.

Down a long staircase, Nile descended, her spear readied in one hand, while her other hand was raised. Hovering above her palm was a golden ball of light, one she used to illuminate the corridor she was in. Along its walls were written ancient symbols and hieroglyphs, ones that had been so worn by age and time that it made it difficult to read them. What she could ascertain however, was that this temple was used to worship a god. Which god? Well...

“Aaah...?"

Nile entered into the temple's innermost chamber, where she gained her answer.

The room was wide and rectangular in shape. Columns extended from the floor to the ceiling, and there was a depression down into the center of the floor. In the middle of the chamber was a raised square shaped platform; perhaps a pool, maybe a fountain? It was a basin from which water was collected, that much Nile could tell. And at the back of the room, hanging above the chamber and the raised square, was the relief of a lion's head.

Oh... sorry... a lioness' head.

It was difficult to tell due to all the time and erosion, but the divine visage of a goddess was recognizable to Nile all the same. This was a bust of the goddess Tefnut: the deity of water. The ancient Guarudians who once lived in Vertan Oued must have used this temple to pay homage to the goddess, thanking her for things such as rain and the lake outside. In fact, that would explain the basin in the center of the chamber. This temple used an archaic filtration system to produce clean water. It would perhaps be collected through rain or the lake outside, cleaned of its pathogens and germs, and then collected into this basin for use like drinking water.

How could Nile tell? Because the modern filtration and sewage systems of Guarude looked incredibly similar to this. She was impressed by her ancestors... but that did not explain why she was attracted to this place.

Wondering down towards the center of the chamber, Nile placed her hands upon the raised platform, and closed her eyes. She could feel something in this temple, something powerful. Whatever was causing the aggressive nature of the monsters of their land, it was here. But where?

“Nnghh... dammit!" Nile shouted as she slammed her hands down on the basin, “I can't leave Marik out there! I have to... huh...?"

Bringing her head up, the princess' eyes gazed towards the bust of Tefnut in the distance. Grass was growing around it and through it, some stones had been shifted apart and were cracking, but one aspect appeared overgrown more than the rest. So many vines, so much foliage were growing above Tefnut's head... but why?

Approaching the relief, Nile readied her spear in her hand, and began swinging it left and right. The vines were torn apart with clean cuts, revealing what laid beneath them all; a sun disk. It was large, with an opulent, golden rim, and a blazing red surface. But there was something beneath the surface of the sun disk, something... glowing. Something... green.

“I've found you..." Nile whispered as she readied her spear, “Tefnut, please, forgive me for this. NYAAH!"

KLAAASSHH!!!

Stabbing her spear forward, Nile shattered the sun disk into thousands of pieces. They sprinkled down around her, but she was not harmed in the slightest, nor did she flinch. For sitting there behind the sun disk, was the cause of Guarude's problems.

It was perfectly round and glowed a bright green color, shining with this wonderful brilliance that cast a light upon Nile's face. Entranced by the glow, she reached out for this spherical object, and placed her hand upon it. Gently she stroked her hands along its smooth surface, marveling at its flawless shape. And when she lifted it up, it had this hefty weight that pushed down upon her hands.

There was a presence within this object, one that went along with its glorious exuberance. To those who weren't magically inclined, they may see it as nothing more than a shiny rock. But to Nile, she understood that what she held in her hands was a power unlike any other. This was not just some shiny jewel, this was a Mana Stone.

While far from numerous, Mana Stones were rocks formed entirely of magic. Typically, it takes hundreds, if not thousands of years to form one naturally, making true Mana Stones – such as this one right here – an incredibly rare commodity. Even those formed by trained wizards aren't as refined as the one she was holding!

Nile understood now. She understood why Guarude was suffering, why the animals were mutated, and why they were so aggressive. This mighty rock was the cause of all of their problems. Mana Stones need to be contained in specific chambers, less they leak out what is called 'magical radiation'. This can trigger transformations in others when exposed for a long amount of time, such as an increase in aggression, a changing of one's body, and even an increase in intelligence.

Sounds familiar, doesn't it?

“I understand now," Nile whispered as she raised the Mana Stone, “Tefnut... you were trying to guide me here, weren't you?" she nodded and closed her eyes, “Thank you. I'll be sure to give you proper praise when this is over. But..." she turned, facing the entrance of the temple, “I have to save Marik."

With the Mana Stone in hand, Nile rushed out of the temple.

…

“EEEEERRRAAAAAAAANNNN!!!"

SKAAADOOOOOSSSHH!!!

The Gam Nischish broke through the surface of the lake. Littering its body were a plethora of cuts and slashes, causing blood to ooze down its serpentine body. Even the waters of the lake had been dyed red by the lake snake's blood. But despite the plethora of slashes it suffered, the beast continued to fight! And hanging on its mouth, stabbing it once again.

“YAAAH!"

Was Marik.

His scimitar tore into the head of the Gam Nischish, once again splitting scales and drawing blood. The beast was as resilient as it was powerful. No matter how many times he slashed it, stabbed it, or bashed it, the lake snake refused to go down! No, it grew even angrier, even more desperate to kill him!

With a whip of its head, the Gam Nischish tossed Marik up into the sky. He twisted about, before turning around to face the lake snake. It's jaw was again split open, preparing once again to swallow him whole. His scimitar in hand, he was prepared to stab the beast as soon as he sank into its mouth.

As Marik fell through the air, all of life seemed to move in slow motion for him. Whenever he focused, it was like existence slowed to a crawl for him. It allowed him to do amazing things such as making precise shots that no one else could. But right now, he wasn't focusing on the Gam Nischish he was falling towards. Yes, it was trying to kill him, but Marik found his gaze being directed somewhere else.

The pyramid in the center of the lake; within its entrance, the medjay saw a glowing green light. It glimmered from the distance, but was still bright enough to dominate his attention. His focuses split, he didn't realize the Gam Nischish had once again--

SNAP!

Closed its jaws around him. Man, he was going to smell of funky breath for days at this rate... maybe even longer... ugh...

Like before, Marik began summoning his magical might to free himself from the jaws of the mutated lake snake. But the beast was stronger now than it was before. Having realized how dangerous the medjay was, the Gam Nischish was increasing the strength it had to properly clamp and crush him. He fought back with equal strength, entering a strange tug of war with one another. Neither side would break, would bend... but only one of them was human. Eventually, Marik would tire out, and when he did...

THWAK!!!

“EERRAAAA!?"

“UGH!?"

Something struck the bottom of the Gam Nischish. Something big. Something powerful. Something ephemeral. Something... divine.

The blow was so great, the beast's mouth was snapped open, and Marik was flung out. He was so confused, he didn't have enough time to correct his fall. Fortunately for him...

Pat...

He didn't need to.

Marik landed safely in something big, in something… soft. What was this? What was he laying on?

Oh! Oooh… oh dear…

He landed on a titanic pair of breasts. They were great, glorious and golden, while being both firm yet soft enough to cradle him like he was something precious. He scrambled momentarily in confusion, before an equally as glorious hand reached out for him. Lifting him up, its strong fingers curled slightly, before turning him to face…

Nile.

The Princess of Guarude had transformed into a golden goddess, her body shimmering with the raw power of divine might. It was like an aura had overtaken her form, and increased to a titanic size. Everything about her was so glorious, so powerful, so godlike, that it was almost painful to gaze upon her!

But there was a gentleness within this titan. A kindness that was mixed with warmth to create love and compassion. As Nile lifted Marik, he stared upon her face... and her eyes. Gone were the catlike eyes she typically had. Instead, they had been replaced with these glowing pools of overflowing, golden, magical, divine might. They stared down upon Marik, who looked back up with bated breaths.

And then a smile spread out on Nile's lips.

“EEERRRAAAANNN...?"

Recoiling from its strike, the Gam Nischish twisted around and faced the golden goddess that stood before him. Nile stood as tall as the mutated lake snake, glaring upon it with her glowing golden eyes. Confused, it twisted its head left and right as it looked at Nile, while she slowly bent over and placed Marik safely on the ground.

Sitting there, his mouth agape, the medjay watched as his divine princess stood upright. Now that he could gaze upon her in her full glory, he realized that a glowing green light sat within the center of her chest. This light sent energy throughout the rest of her golden form, causing green energy to pulsate as it mixed with her power. She seemed to call upon this green light, allowing it to amplify her already divine powers.

“ NYYYAAAAAAAAHHAHAAAAA!!!"

Nile's howl flowed through all of Vertan Oued, echoing with this reverberation that sent shivers down the spines of all who heard it. Even the Gam Nischish pulled back in awe and fear of the golden idol before it.

“EEEEEERRAAAAAAAAAAANNN!!!"

That is until it rushed forward.

In an attempt to bind the princess, the mutated lake snake wrapped around her body, coiling around her thin waist, arms, and neck. Reaching back, Nile placed her hands upon its thick body, fighting back against the serpent. Its grip was tight, but she was stronger. With a flex of her divine power--

“ NNNYAAAAAAH!!!

She forced the Gam Nischish to relinquish its hold over her, pushing it back down in the lake surrounding them. Quickly recoiling, the beast turned to face Nile once again. She started marching towards it, causing water to splash around her divine form. With a low, demented growl, the mutated lake snake began summoning the same magical attacks it used on Marik.

Bububblblblbblblbubububublblbubblbulbublub!!!

Water bubbled around its form, eventually rising up as condensed balls of water. They flickered in the sunlight and the glow given off by Nile's golden form, but even with this showing of prowess, the princess was not deterred. She continued marching towards the beast, coming closer and closer.

“EEEERRRRRAAAAAAAA!!!"

One after another after another, the Gam Nischish fired its destructive balls of water at Nile. But with a mere raise of her hand--

SPLAT! SMACK! SNAP! SPLAK!

She erected a barrier of golden magic, protecting herself from the beast's barrage. Continuing along with her march, Nile pushed her hand forward, clutching at the air like a claw. The Gam Nischish, its attack having failed, quickly rushed towards her in an attempt to again bind her with its serpentine body. Just like last time, it wrapped around her waist and chest, even spiraled around her arms and neck for good measure. But this time...

GRAB!

“URK!?"

Nile's hand wrapped around the Gam Nischish's neck, causing its eyes to bulge. Then she brought up her other hand, wrapping it around the beast's neck as well. Even though it was wrapped around her body, she was the one who held power over it! Clinching upon its body with both hands, Nile forced the mutated lake snake back.

SPLAAASH! SPARKLE! SHEEEAAAAM!!!

Flashing lights of magical energy sparkled off the body of the Gam Nischish, taking the form of green bolts of energy. They surged through its body and flowed into Nile, creating a dazzling light show that Marik bore witness to. At first he was confused, but then he realized what his princess was doing.

She was siphoning magic from the beast.

If it was muted thanks to the effects of the Mana Stone, then it was only right that she used the Mana Stone to cure it of its transformation. And that's what Nile was doing. She was taking the magics which had transformed the beast, and returning it where it belonged. All of that magic surged from the Gam Nischish, flowed throughout her body, and was absorbed into the green core of her divine form.

It was amazing! It was blinding! It was horrifying! And it ended soon.

“ Nyyaaaaaaaahhhhhhnnn..."

The light show ended... and the Gam Nischish was gone. At least, Marik couldn't see it. But Nile raised the palm of her giant hand, and opened it up. Resting in the center of it, wiggling around like a fish out of water, was the once mutated lake snake. Having been returned to relative normal, it flopped about in confusion upon the princess' hand. She smiled, chuckled too, and then--

Splash!

Dropped it back into the water.

Sitting there, Marik gazed up towards Nile, his mouth agape in sheer awe of what he had witnessed. The gilded goddess that was his princess, turned around to face him with her fists on her hips... where her head tilted to one side.

“ Nyeh heh heh!"

Her chuckles not only reverberated through his ears, they reached the very depths of his soul. Slowly getting to his feet, Marik walked up towards Nile, who extended her giant hand down towards him. He reached out for her, paused, and then grabbed a hold of her index finger, grabbing it gently.

“ Let's go back to the camp, Marik."

He nodded.

…

So this was the cause of all of their problems, huh? This... little rock? Well, okay, fine, it's not really little... and it's not really a rock either. What he was holding in his hands right now was crystallized magic in the form of a sphere, and it seemed to pulsate and throb... almost like it was...

Alive...

Along the horizons of Guarude, the setting sun cast a net of burning reds, oranges and yellows. One could see the approach of night, could even feel the air start to grow colder. Diurnal creatures were going to sleep, nocturnal creatures were beginning to awake, and their reptoids were resting next to one another, slumbering like the lazy lizards they were.

Seriously, why were they so tired considering all they had done?

They had returned to their campsite following their little bout with the mutated Gam Nischish. Sitting upon an overturned log for a seat, Marik marveled at the Mana Stone, his hands running along its curvature. From the bottom to the top and back again, he ran his hands along its surface, all while gazing upon his reflection within its surface. How odd. This small, almost unassuming stone was the cause of Gaurude's beast attacks. If he saw this in the house of an aristocrat, he wouldn't even bat an eyelash. And yet...

“Beautiful, ain't it?" said Nile as she sat next to him on their overturned log.

He looked over at his princess, reading the catlike smile on her lips. Not too long ago, she was a towering, titanic goddess, one who glowed as bright and gold as the gilded charms she wore on her body. Now she had returned to normal, looking like the Nile he was used to.

“That little Mana Stone there is the cause of all our problems," said the princess as she placed her hand upon the orb, “It must have been forming in that temple for centuries. It's what's caused all the animals to grow wild and mutate like they were. I'm thinking that the attacks we've suffered were like that Gam Nischish. They once were normal animals who lived here Vertan Oued, but due to years of unknowingly being exposed to the Mana Stone's influence, they were changed and grew aggressive. But now that we have it, we can lock it away for safe keeping. Nyeh heh heh! I gotta say, this is one amazing get! If I was just regularly treasure hunting and came across this, I'd be super excited!"

Marik tilted her head at her, slightly annoyed as his jackal ears twitched. Seeing this, Nile lifted her hand and gave a hardy laugh at her friend, making him roll his eyes... and then smile. After all that had happened, her boisterous laughter was as reassuring as it was infectious. Guarude's latest problem had been dealt with. All they needed to do now was return home.

There were things Marik wanted to say, not just in regards to their situation, but to Nile specifically. But, of course, the words wouldn't leave his mouth. They could never leave his mouth. It left him sitting there, a somewhat sheepish look on his face as he raised his hand. Placing it to the back of his head, he scratched it idly while his golden eyes looked up at Nile, only to look to the side.

If he could, he'd thank her. If he could, he'd say how he'd have died had she not saved him time and time before. If he could, he'd tell her how it would've taken him ages to find the Mana Stone. If he could, he'd tell her how much she meant to him. And, no, not just as a princess, but as his friend... as something... more.

But again, the words wouldn't leave his mouth; couldn't leave his mouth. That didn't stop Nile however. He didn't need to say words. They were so close, she could read him like a book, despite his inability to say anything.

Marik looked up at Nile. Nile looked back at Marik. That feline smile of hers caused his tail and ears to spring up. Her expression was filled with so much mischief, while at the same time being so... alluring. Coming in closer, the princess said not a word as their hips touched one another. She then raised her hand and placed her curled finger upon his cheek... where she gently stroked it down.

Marik turned, facing Nile completely as he shuddered in place. What was going on in the mind of his princess? He pondered that... but could not come to an answer. The mischief in her eyes, the vivacious smile on her lips, the alluring expression she wore; it all... guided him... in. And Nile moved in too.

Nile moved in too.

“Nmmph..."

“Mmmff~"

The first time they kissed, it took Marik by surprise. Now as they kissed, the jackal kissed back. Their eyes closed shut and a soft hum left the two, while their tongues danced in this slow and lewd dance. Moving in closer, they both deepened the kiss on their end, while their once soft moans grew louder and quicker.

The taste, the smell, the feel, even the sounds; it was all perfect. So perfect that when they pulled back, this palpable heat traveled between the two. Both of them looked at one another, panting softly as this bridge of spit connected their lips. And then Nile chuckled, her tongue licking up the spittle, while she raised her hand.

“It's gonna get cold tonight, ya'know?" she said whilst pointing at their tent with her thumb, “Let's get in there and really heat up! Nyeh heh!"

Even if he could speak, he was sure no words would leave his mouth save for nonsensical babbling. Reaching up, Nile grabbed her hand, chuckling as she began pulling him off towards their tent. He paused for a moment before entering however, turning to face the unlit fire pit they had created. With symbols arising from his fingers.

Zwooosh!

He cast a fire that brought light and warmth for the night.

Enough of that.

The two slipped inside of their tent, and--

“Nmmph!"

“Mmmph~!"

Embracing one another, the two stood in the tent, their shadows illuminated by the flames of their fireplace. Bodies intertwined, Marik and Nile's lips and tongues vied for dominance between their mouths. The passionate moans of the duo filled the air, while their lustful hands groped and grabbed at one another.

Marik's hands sat on Nile's hips, greedily grasping upon her body. The Princess of Guarude's figure was without a doubt the most perfect figure a woman of her age and status could have. It was graceful and curvy, forged through years of athleticism. When his fingers trailed along her waist and sides, he caused her to giggle amid their kiss, before wiggling her hips with saucy little movements. Their kiss breaking, a gasp left the medjay's lips as his hands clutched at the air... before squeezing upon her hip and butt!

“Nyaaah~! Oh Marriiik! Nyeh heh heh!"

Nile's butt was so curvy, so shapely, so firm. Like this remarkable, golden peach, when his fingers pressed upon her ass, he felt his fingers sink into her pristine flesh. Marik danced his hands along her butt, guiding them from the bottom of her royal rump, all the way to the top. Every stroke drew this playful groan from the princess, who bit into her bottom lip as a lewd grin spread on her face.

“More, Marik~" she whispered into his ears, “Is this how you handle your swords? Nngh~ amazing~"

Nile's tail curled along her back and she nodded gleefully. Placing her hands upon Marik's shoulders, she gave him a tender squeeze and then pushed out her butt, forcing more of it into his grasping hands. He didn't hesitate, and quickly began groping his princess' ass with all the desire he could muster. And there was a lot of desire.

Around and around in erotic circles, Marik rolled Nile's butt around. His fingers and nails both clawed into her supple flesh, pulling her cheeks apart and causing her thin panties to slide betwixt the crevice of her ass. Each squeeze, each grope, drew more and more moans from the catgirl's lips, even making her back arch with feline grace.

“Nyyaaahhahaaa~ so good~" she moaned.

Leaning in, Nile placed her lips upon Marik's neck, attacking him with a flurry of kisses. Each kiss drew a deep groan from the jackal's lips, making his ears twitch and tail do likewise. Amid her arousing assault, her hand slid down towards his hips. They were strong, fit and firm, as befitting a medjay of his caliber and status... but no, that's not her target. Her target was this... nnnnn... big... mmh... fit... haaah... and firm tower he was beginning to sport between his legs.

Pat!

“Nngh!?"

Nile placed her hands on the growing lump which had emerged between Marik's legs. And she had such a firm grasp as well. Her fingers so perfectly wrapped around his growing hard on, cupping it in a manner both gentle yet firm. Fingers squeezing, she began to grope his dick through his pants, making his back arch and mouth split open as he gave a needy moan.

Maybe he wasn't the only person who knew his way around a 'sword'.

Taking command over Marik's body, Nile looked up and watched his face melt with pleasure. Taunting chortles left her lips as her fingers continued stroking upon the shape of his dick. The pants he wore did a poor job of obscuring the length and size of his manhood, as the thin white garment seemed to mold itself around his dick.

Several more times Nile stroked her fingers along his dick, giggling as she watched Marik's reactions. But then her hand moved up, where she slipped it beneath the waistband of his pants.

“Hahahahaaa!"

Nile's perfect, powerful, pristine palms, wrapped around his cock, holding him like she was holding a pole. Marik's eyes grew wide, his ears twitched and his tail sprung up, while his gaze fell on his princess' face. Naturally, she grinned as she looked back at him, even wiggled her hips. And that tail of hers? It began swishing and swaying left to right on the floor. She was about to pounce!

“Gotcha!"

“Oof!?"

If only she gave him time to prepare himself.

Nile dove forward, tackling Marik to the floor of their tent. Fortunately, the ground had already been lined with soft cushions and blankets, making his fall not as painful as it could be. Unfortunately, he was still pinned to the ground by his amorous and hoyden princess!

With a wicked grin on her lips, Nile's face hovered just above Marik's, and chuckles left her mouth. Pursing her lips, she placed against his lips in kiss after kiss, driving him to kiss back. But right as he was catching up with her tempo, the catgirl began pulling back down. Traveling down to his waist, the desert princess began thumbing her hands along his pelvis, while her eyes fell on the sizable lump before her.

“Nyeh heh heh! This is what I love most about you, Marik," she said, her tail continuing its predatory swaying, “I never have to ponder your feelings. You may not talk, but your body always paints a vivid and honest picture. Nyeh heh heh! And this picture..." Puuuuullll...! “Is the most vivid of all!"

FWIP!

“NYAH!?"

“Ah!?"

Down, down, dooowwwwn came Marik's pants. And what was freed from within? Well, isn't it obvious?

Standing up tall before Nile's face, was the medjay's mighty, throbbing, cock. It was a spire of lust and affection, and it cast a shadow down upon the princess' face. Inch upon inch upon inch, this wide and girthy size, and its erotic shape; such a dangerous tool on such a skillful young man would give anyone pause!

But not Nile.

Now more than ever, her tail was swaying with speed, making it clear how desperate she was to 'hunt' such a gifted prey.

All the fighting, all the adventuring, all that time spent out in the sun today, had caused soooooo much sweat to accumulate on his body. While things were cooler now, that did not mean he was free from the musk of his body. The air around him was soaked with the randy odors of a young man. It radiated off of him, and flowed right into Nile's nose.

“Nyyaaaaaahhh~~~" she groaned, her body shuddering, “So big~ so goood~ Nnngggh~"

Placing her nose up against his dick, the princess gave audible snorts of her nostrils. Oh yes, she wanted him to hear her as she took heavy whiff after heavy whiff of this throbbing manhood. Each smell made his body jolt, even caused his toes to curl. Propping himself up on his arms, Marik gazed down upon Nile's face, watching as his golden goddess of a princess grinned up at him.

Her hand wrapped around the base of his cock, squeezing it tenderly. Up and down she began stroking him off, sending jolts running from the base of his dick all the way up to the tip. Again and again and again, she handled his cock with this erotic flawlessness to her that made his back arch.

With deep, guttural moans, Marik pushed up with his hips, thrusting his cock through Nile's talented hand. She giggled at him, but placed her free hand upon his hip, pushing him down to keep him in place. Smiling, the desert princess looked up at him, watching his every reaction, while his golden eyes met hers.

Bringing her hands up to the tip of his dick, Nile gave it a squeeze, forcing precum out through his slit. It oozed down his length and tracked upon her fingers, making her giggle... and then pull up.

“Nyaaaaawwwwww~~~"

Nile hung her open mouth above Marik's cock, breathing hot air over him. It tickled his manhood, sending jolts through his body. Wrapping both hands around the base of his member, she held it upright with her mouth, keeping it trapped. Then slid out her catlike tongue, which began dancing in the air above him.

Dammit, Nile was so cruel! He wanted so desperately to feel her mouth wrap around his length! But she knew this... so she tortured him with this. She was a cat in every sense of the word. Hunting was one thing, but making her prey sweat with fear was something else entirely! Around and around she swirled her tongue through the air, taunting him more and more! And right when he couldn't take it anymore...

“Nmmph~!"

“OH!?"

Her mouth sank down around his dick.

On all sides, Marik felt... warmth... drool... the prickling of her teeth... the brushing of her tongue... the clamping pressure which captured him. Funny that. Multiple times he was caught in the mouth of that mutated Gam Nischish. Now he was willingly letting his cock sink into the mouth of his princess.

Not that he could think about it for too long as the pleasure he felt began overwhelming him.

A long, drawn-out groan left Marik's lips as Nile captured his cock. Smiling still, the Princess of Guarude sat up on her knees, while her head began pushing down deeper. She wasn't just talented in the way she handled his member, but was outright gifted. He watched his long and burly cock sink deeper and deeper into his princess' awaiting mouth, going so far as to press against the tight entrance to her throat. But before slipping it in, she pulled back all the way to the tip, all in one flawless movement.

Why? Why was this happening? This thought bounced around in Marik's head on infinite repeat. He had heard rumors of his princess'... ahem... proclivities. Mere rabble, he thought. Besides, it was not in his position to question or judge his princess for what she did behind closed doors. She was his ruler... and his friend. But now?

Now...

Now these roles they played were beginning to melt. Did Nile only see him as her friend? No, it had to be more than that! Why else would she be sucking his cock with such skillful passion? Then did she see him as more? But if the rumors were true – and he was beginning to believe them – then she's done this with others before. So that can't be it either!

Regardless of his inner turmoils, one thing was clear; his body fucking loved it. To Nile's surprise, she felt Marik's cock grow longer and thicker in her mouth. It pushed down on her jaw, making her groan, and then sputter around him. Slowly pulling back, she retreated from his member, causing a mixture of her spit and his precum to ooze down his cock like clear syrup.

“Fuck~" Nile groaned, “Nyhaahahaaa~ Marik... nngh~ I'm really gonna need to focus to slay this beast! Nyeh heh~!"

“Nnghh...! Aaah...!"

Placing one hand on his pelvis again and her wrapping her other hand around his dick, Nile held Marik in place as she shot him a wry wink. Then she pushed down, pressing his cock against her cheek, even tapping it against herself a few times to get a real feel for how firm and long it was. But this was all building up to the sight of her mouth opening once again, her tongue hanging out in the open... and it all pushing down.

“Nmmph~! Slurp! Slorp! Shlurp! Shlup!"

“Aaah! Haah! Naaah! Hooouuh!"

Up and down at a steady pace, Nile 'Slurped' and 'Slucked' his cock in these loud and lewd sucks! He felt her lips run along every inch of his dick, her tongue cradle the bottom of his member, and he felt her teeth pluck at him, all as her saliva tangled around his throbbing member. Grunting and groaning, Marik reached up and placed his hand upon the top of his princess' head, grooving his fingers through her blue locks. And Nile?

“Slorp! Mmph~! Slurp! Nmmph~! Slurk! Mmfff~!"

She just kept on sucking, not even hindered in the least bit.

Faster and faster, her head bobbed upon the cock of her medjay, while her fingers stroked the areas of his dick she could not reach. And she couldn't reach them only because she didn't want to reach them. At least... not yet.

Amid her speedy fellatio, Nile's tongue lapped along the sides of Marik's cock. Not only did he smell of randy man musk, but he tasted just as perfect as well. So much salt danced in her mouth and on her tongue, drawing lurid groans of lust from her mouth. Those moans traveled through the jackal's cock and reverberated through his body, bringing another howling moan from his lips.

Grab!

And that drove him to place another hand on Nile's head.

Eyes growing wide, the princess was taken aback, surprised by how brazen Marik had become. But the medjay did not stop there. Slowly he stood up, getting to his feet, and forcing Nile to rest up on her knees. Still wide-eyed, her blowjob had come to a halt so that she could look up his powerful body and gaze upon his face. Marik meanwhile, hunkered down with his legs, and drew back with his hips. If the rumors of Nile's affairs were true, he was going to experience all his princess had to offer.

Or, ya'know, he was just so overwhelmed with lust, he couldn't help but to--

Plap! Smack! Pat! Plap! Plap!

“MMFF!? HNN! NNFFFPH! MMFF!!!"

Without build up or warning, Marik began thrusting his cock in and out of Nile's mouth... and throat. His long and burly member pushed into her tight esophagus, parting it open around his member before it retreated back out. The raw pleasure he felt sent quakes throughout his body. Nile's mouth and throat had no equal!

More... more! Marik fucked Nile's mouth more! At first, the princess sat there, enduring the randy thrusts of her medjay. Every push caused spit and sweat to splatter around on her face and his hips, while drool and precum oozed down her lips. Even his heavy, sweaty, tight balls were smacking against her chin from how furiously she was fucking her.

But then Nile reached up, and placed her hands down upon his fit and firm hips. Bracing herself against him, the Princess of Guarude held herself in place as she endured thrust after thrust of his cock.

And then a smirk spread out on her lips.

While he took her off guard with how brazen he had become, she was quick to recover. Kneading his hips, Nile endured blow after blow of his hips as he fucked her throat. With his every penetration, her throat would seize around his cock, squeezing it as tight as a vice. Even while he was the one doing the fucking, her erotic skill was without rival.

“GUH! HAAHH...!"

Amid his roaring moans and groans, Marik clinched harder upon Nile's head. In response, she wrapped her arms around his waist, embracing him tight. She even brought over her hand and gripped his tail just for added measure!

In her mouth and throat, the jackal's cock reached its absolute zenith. Thicker, longer and harder, his member carved out a path in Nile's throat, and sputtered endless precum within her! Almost there, almost there! Just a few more thrusts and--

“HOOOOUUUUU!!!"

On the outside of the tint, one could see their shadows. Nile, on her hands and knees, her ass hiked up high and tail straight. And Marik, his back arched and mouth pointed towards the skies, howling like a jackal should. All the while...

SPLORT! SPLURRT! GLURP! SPLORK!

The lewd sounds of his orgasm absolutely dominated all the sounds in their tent. Even their reptoid mounts outside heard it, as both turned to face the tent... before returning to relaxing at the riverside.

Marik's cock undulated, tanking thick wad after thick wad of gooey seed within his princess' mouth. He was not the kind of young man who masturbated often, so when he came, ooooooooh, it was so damn thick, so damn virile, so damn... fresh! It coated the walls of Nile's mouth and throat, oozing slowly down like rich syrup. Cum even sputtered from her lips, came down to her chin, and broke off where they fell on her breasts and the floor. And Nile?

“HNNNNNmmmmmmphhh~~~"

She moaned around his dick as his delicious, salty, fragrant seed dominated her taste buds and nostrils. The hold she had on him grew slack and her body relaxed, indulging in his body as she tipped her head up. Once, twice, thrice, the loud and lewd 'Shlurps!' and 'Gulps!' of her mouth and throat echoed through the tent. Pulling back, Nile left Marik's cock with an audible 'Shlup!' flicking cum and spit about as she did so.

So much pearly-white seed oozed down the princess' lips in thick lines. Bringing up her hand, Nile caught some on her fingers that fell off her chin, pushing it towards her lips.

“Gulp! Gllp! Glup! Nmmph~! Nyaahh... Fuck~ nynnmph~"

Nile sat there, panting momentarily after her thorough mouth-fucking. Her eyes closed shut too... until... her lips morphed into that catlike smile of hers. Chuckling, the Princess of Guarude stared back up towards her Marik, flashing him a grin. And the medjay?

“Uh...!?"

Thud!

He fell back on the ground, panting softly as his eyes fell on the roof of the tent. Was this what sex felt like? He's hunted a wide variety of beasts throughout Guarude, both big and small. Just earlier that day he contended with both a mutated Tazmich Fyh and mutated Gam Nischish, yet he wasn't anywhere near as drained as he was now! Again, was this what sex was like? Or maybe all of today's action tired him out quicker than usual.

The same could not be said for Nile.

The Princess of Guarude giggled as she crawled up her medjay's body, pinning him beneath her illustrious form. Placing her hands down beside his head, she locked her gaze upon his face, her dark eyes meeting his golden ones. Batting her eyelashes at him, Nile sized Marik up once more... before diving in with her lips.

“Nmmph~"

“Mmmmff..."

Together, their lips met in a kiss, one that was somehow both as wild as their kisses before, while being so much slower. Marik could not only taste Nile's lips and tongue, but also taste himself on her body. And... surprisingly, the taste wasn't as bad as he thought it would be. Their lewd liplock was so energetic, so strong, driving them to kiss one another more and more, longer and longer, deeper and deeper.

Chu!

Until Nile pulled away, that is, leaving him confused as he laid on the floor of their tent.

Sitting upright, the Princess of Guarude straddled his lips and posed with her arms above her head. Her eyes closed shut and her smile grew in size, all as she stretched herself out with the grace one would expect of a cat. She then dropped her arms... but only so that she could place her hands on her chest.

“Nyeh heh heh!"

As her hoyden and charming chuckles filled the air, the desert princess began to idly grope her chest. The garment she wore was so thin, it may as well have been nothing more than drapery that was loosely tied together by golden locks. But no matter how hard the wind blew, how fast she moved, or how high she jumped, her clothes always covered her body as if stuck to her like glue. They only came off when she wanted them to come off. And right now, Nile was using that fact to taunt Marik.

Her hands on her chest, the desert princess ran her fingers upon the curvature of her busty breasts. Their shape was without rival, being so perfectly rotund. Gently, she ran her fingers down her cleavage, cupping them at the bottom, then coming back around to their sides. There, she squeeeeezzzeeeed herself, pushing up her busty, perky tits for Marik's viewing pleasure.

And, oh yes, so perky.

The jackal sat there, entranced by Nile's bosom, watching as it raised up and down with her every breath. Noticing his locked gaze, the princess chuckled... and then reached down to grab his wrists. Up and up and up she brought them, where she placed his hands down upon her form bosom, and then squeezed her hands over top of his. In doing so, he clinched Nile's bosom, realizing that not only were they busty and perky, but they were so damn firm too! Squeezing her breasts even through her thin top, was like squeezing upon soft, malleable stones.

Like her ass before, Marik took his time to properly explore – if not outright worship – his princess' divine body. His hands rolled her tits around, while he palmed upon her hard nipples through her top. Fingers squeezing in, he lifted her chest up... and then let them drop with an audible 'Plap!'

“Nyeh heh heh!" Nile laughed amid his groping, “I see that even you can't deny a nice pair of tits, huh?"

Tilting her head, she placed her hands on his wrists, not to stop him, but to just hold him. All the while, she allowed him to do with her tits as he pleased. Grope them, squeeze them, knead them, lift them up, let them drop, run his fingers along them; whatever it is his mind thought to do in that moment, he did it, and she let him do it. But there's so much groping he could do before the need for more overtook them both.

Despite being incredibly thin and skimpy, Nile's clothing actually came in two layers. There was the top layer, a black garb that wrapped around her body and came all the down to her legs. Grabbing upon it, Nile began pulling it off, sliding it off her golden locks with a pleasurable sounding--

Swwwwwwwwwiiiiiiiiiiiiiiip!

Letting it drop to the side, Nile revealed the clothing she wore beneath. A simple white top that was like a bra, one that covered the middle of her chest perfectly. And at the bottom, covering her womanhood, was a thin and erotic pair of black panties.

Placing her fists upon her hips, Nile smiled and nodded in a haughty manner. The arrogant look she wore made it clear that she expected his unconditional praise. And while Marik often met her proud looks with disapproving and annoying glares... he could muster up no such thing right now. Right now?

Right now...

He reached his hands up, again placing them on Nile's bosom. His princess cocked her head at him, smirking... and saying nothing. They both wanted to do it, so why bother playing around anymore? There was nothing covering her chest other than this thin garment anyway. So...

Marik pulled them aside.

Fwump!

Nile's clothes were incredibly thin, and yet, they still obscured just how utterly divine her breasts were.

They sat exposed before Marik's eyes, where the first word that came to mind was big. Funny that. He grew up with the desert princess, oftentimes trained with her, but he never stopped to properly gaze upon her chest. It was partially out of respect; she is his princess, not some girl who you ogle shamelessly. She was also his friend, and he'd never betray her to do something so lewd as to gaze upon her breasts.

But now his gaze was dominated by her bosom. Her tits were simply remarkable. So big, so shapely, and with brown areola and nipples that were as hard as diamonds. And with her golden-brown skin tone, gazing upon her bust was like gazing upon the glorious treasures within a pyramid. Marik was stunned silent, while Nile again nodded in an affirmative and haughty manner.

“Does this please you?" she asked rhetorically.

By the gods, if he could speak, the things he would say.

“Nyeh heh heh! That's okay, Marik. I'll take your silence as a 'yes'," she then raised her hand, hooking it in towards herself, “You may touch them," Grab! “Nyaaah~"

Marik did not hesitate to take advantage of such a generous offer.

Perfect. Nile's breasts were perfect. Their shape, their size, the way they bent when his fingers sank in; there was no equal. But it was the feeling of her flesh that was most enthralling. Her flesh was smooth and pristine. Running his digits along her was like... well... like...

It was like groping shapely gold.

Raising her hands, Nile placed them behind her head as she began softly shaking her chest left and right. Her pose, her movements, the catlike moans that left her lips; it all drew Marik in. Like before when he groped her chest through her top, he took his time to explore her bosom, squeezing her tits, lifting them, running his fingers along their sides. But now, he had her nipples to contend with.

His index fingers circled around her sensitive areola, coaxing sharp moans from Nile's lips. Then his fingers came up, flicking her nipples and making her breasts as a whole bounce. And when they bounced, oh, they boouuuunnncceeed. Ripples quivered through her bosom, and she bit her bottom lip, groaning luridly as she pushed her chest out towards him.

Marik's hands were remarkable. The way his fingers stroked along her flesh showed precision and purpose. He's never been with a woman, right? If the jackal did have previous lovers, she'd know. So why was he so good at this? Were these really the same talents as when he's in battle?

His touching didn't just stop at her breasts. Nile's entire body was beautiful, and Marik was going to enjoy it for as long as he could! Bringing his hands away from her breasts, he drew them along her sides and brought them down towards her hips and stomach. Squeezing her, he began to knead and grope her pelvis, drawing moans from her lips. All the while, she continued to sway left and right with her hands still posed at the back of her head.

She was like an erotic dancer putting on a show for him and him alone. Each saucy sway of her hips and bounce of her breasts, caused this incredible heat to rush throughout his body. And that heat of course, rushed straight to his cock!

Smack!

“Hm?"

Nile stopped her dancing, her ears twitching upright and her tail doing likewise. Something bounced against her ass, and she knew what that 'something' was. Grinning from cheek to cheek, Nile dropped her hands from the back of her head... and then lifted her body up.

“Gnnh?"

Marik grunted as his princess stopped straddling his hips. He shot her a curious and concerned look, but all Nile did was laugh back at him. Before he could move, the Princess of Guarude swung her leg over his head, spinning around before leaning forward on his body.

Above him he found himself coming face to face with Nile's pussy, with her only guard being her incredibly thin panties... and even they barely did anything. With how moist her pussy was, he could see her slick, pink labia shimmer through her sheer underwear. Flowing along with it was the erotic odor of her womanhood... as well as her honeypot's nectar.

Snap! Plat! Smak!

Nile's pussy juice oozes through her sheer panties, where it dripped down upon his face. Some even slipped into his gaping maw, giving him a distant taste of his princess' cunt. And that taste, ooooh, it was sweet. No, it was sweeter than sweet. Nile's pussy tasted like... like... like...

Honey... sugar... chocolate... gold. Nile's pussy tasted like gold. And this was just what he got from her nectar; imagine how amazing it would taste once he got his lips on her directly? Well, he didn't need to imagine for much longer.

“Nyeh heh heh!"

As she danced her pelvis above his head, the Princess of Guarude reached down and grabbed the clips that kept her panties locked on her hips. They were elegant, golden, and with one pull of the pin keeping it up.

Click!

It all fell apart.

“Aahh...?"

Pieces of Nile's panties fell upon Marik's face, obscuring his view. Almost desperately, he clawed her underwear from his eyes so that he could gaze upon her pussy. Her glorious... golden... perfect... pussy. Nile's moist mound was as erotic as it was shapely, with slick pink labia, remarkable and glowing honey, a throbbing clit... and her pubic hair was shaved into the symbol of an ankh.

Oh yes... from this pussy she would create life. Someday. But right now...

Plap!

“NMMPH!?"

“Nyeh heh heh!"

Right now, her pussy was sitting on his face!

The full weight of Nile's illustrious body pressed down on his face, while her sculpted and shapely thighs squeezed around his head. Reaching up, Marik gripped upon his princess' hips and legs, trying to move her off of him for fear he'd suffocate! But she remained firm, hell, she even laughed and giggled whilst wiggling her hips left and right.

“Nyeh heh heh! Trapped down there?" asked Nile, “Use that strength you had to break out of that Gam Nischish's mouth, and maybe I'll release you! Nyah hah hah!"

Of course, that was Nile's way of saying 'You're stuck!' Accepting his fate, Marik stopped groping at her hips and legs, while the desert princess turned to face her target: his big, burly, throbbing cock. It stood tall between his legs like a mighty obelisk; nicely curved, thick and veiny, with precum oozing from its tip in a delicious pearl! To think that not too long ago, he was pumping seed down her mouth and throat like a fucking horse. He really was a prodigy, wasn't he?

“Hey, Marik!" Nile said as she lifted her hips above him momentarily, “Open your mouth."

“Huh?" Plap! “NNNMMPH!?"

Well, he obeyed... even if he didn't mean too.

The moment his mouth opened up, Nile pushed her pussy down upon him, forcing him to clamp his lips around her moist mound. And, yeah, he was right before. The mere droplets of her juices that fell on his face before, simply did not compare to the raw taste of her cunt when it fell on his lips.

A deep moan left Marik's mouth as Nile's cunt sat so perfectly on him. Her ambrosial honey began oozing between his lips without end, overwhelming his sense of taste. Hooking his arms around her thighs, he desperately hugged his princess' pussy closer to his face so that his tongue could lap at it relentlessly. What he lacked in skill, he more than made up for with enthusiasm.

“Hnnn~! Nyaaaah~ Yeaaah~ That's it, Marik!" Nile moaned as she wiggled her hips on his face, “Stick your tongue up my pussy~ nngghh~! Make this cat purrrrr! Nyaaaah~"

Again he obeyed, delving his tongue as deep into her folds as he possibly could go. It scraped along the walls of her pussy, making her twitch and groan. Every stroke of his tongue scooped up more and more of her honey, which he greedily swallowed down like a thirsty man in the desert. And living in a desert, if anyone knows what it feels like to truly thirst for something, it's him.

But that's not all Marik did. As he lapped at Nile's folds, he struck a part of her body that coaxed quite the strong reaction from her.

“Nyooooh~~~! Fuck~"

What was that? What did he strike? He didn't know, but he could tell Nile loved it. So... he struck it again!

Slick!

“Nyoooooh~! Nyaaaah~! Nnnggh~! Marrik!"

If only he knew that he was striking Nile's g-spot.

Unaware of how pleasurable that bundle of nerves was – or even what a g-spot is in general – Marik still assaulted it like a man on a mission. Again and again and again, he lapped at the ridges of her cunt, being sure to pay close attention to his princess' g-spot. Every lick, every slurp, every jab, drew louder and lewder moans from her lascivious lips, and even made her arch out with her back. And when she fell forward...

Smack!

Her face slapped up against Marik's dick.

Looking forward, Nile's feline eyes targeted his dick once again. The entirety of his penis was throbbing with desire, while the head of it pushed up towards her nose. She gave it a teasing sniff, where she could still smell his cum wafting off his member. It drove her to open up her mouth once again and--

“Mmmfff!"

As Marik dined on her cunt with the desperation of a starving man, Nile sucked his cock straight into her mouth and throat. There was no buildup; it was unnecessary. Her throat had already been thoroughly trained by his burly member before, so all she had to do was swallow. And 'swallow' she did.

Their bodies intertwined in a 69, the princess and her medjay pleasured one another with their hungry and talented mouths. Slurping, sucking, swallowing and snacking; the two ravenously dined on one another's bodies, sending rippling waves of pleasure throughout their forms. Nile danced her pussy on Marik's face. Marik thrusted his cock into Nile's throat. Both of them worked in tandem to bring each other to higher and higher levels of pleasure. The princess' molding throat had no rival, no equal! But it was the medjay who'd bring this to a shuddering crescendo. How? Well, he opened his mouth, and--

CHOMP!

“HNNNGGG~~~!"

Bit Nile's clit.

It wasn't a hard bite, mind you. He figured biting it too hard would cause pain, and he didn't want to do that! But any bite at any level would've been strong when she wasn't expecting it. And Nile definitely wasn't expecting it.

SQUUUIIIRRRRT!

It was a shower; a shower of feminine jizz!

Nile's pussy squirted her honey all over Marik's face and mouth, flooding him, drenching him, completely coating him in her ambrosial honey and scent. It stained his face and streaked down his features, while the intense taste of her pussy reached the rawest, more delicious flavor it could possibly obtain! And that delicious flavor... ooooh...

“Mmmmffff..."

Marik moaned as it flooded his tongue, and then sank down his throat in a slow crawl as he swallowed it down. Groping and kneading at Nile's body, he continued stimulating her folds with his tongue, drawing out his climax as long as he possibly could. The Princess of Guarude meanwhile panted above him, with her hands pushing herself up against the ground.

“Nyaah~ Haah~ aah~ Nyoooh-oh fuck... nghh~ you're... nyeh heh~ pretty damn good at this, Marik. Nyooooh~~"

“MMMM!?"

“Oh! Nyeh heh heh! Right!"

Pulling her pussy off of Marik's face, Nile finally – finally – allowed him to breathe. He could hold his breath for quite some time, even proved himself capable of eating out his princess while doing so! But at some point, enough if enough! He needed air, and now that he was free, he gasped for it and leaned up. And then he licked his lips. And then he savored Nile's taste.

Oh... his princess was perfect.

Looking up, his eyes fell on Nile, who turned around to face him head on. She sat down on his lap, with his cock standing tall and hard against her. The poor, throbbing thing; it looked so painful! How it pointed up, how the veins ran up and down its sides, how the tip was so red, and how so much precum oozed from within! It really needed to finally... cut loose.

And that thought made Nile smile.

“Hey, Marik," she said as she rocked her hips upon his hips, “Eyes up. We're not done yet."

Against the burning embers of the fire outside their tent, Nile glowed like a true golden goddess. Her arms were crossed beneath her bosom, and she wore this haughty smile on her lips while her catlike eyes gazed down upon him. The alluring and captivating aura she exuded mixed with her tomboyish and hoyden demeanor, creating this domineering dragnet that he couldn't escape from. He didn't want to escape from it.

Drawing over his hands, he placed them upon his princess' strong and shapely hips, groping them like he was palming a princess, gilded idol. She chuckled back before dropping her hands, placing them upon his wrists. Back and forth, to and fro, she danced her hips upon his hips, moving her body to some invisible music. That dance continued on as she raised her arms above her head, performing exotic hand movements while her busty chest swayed from side to side. She even began to gyrate her hips around and around, further stimulating both Marik's eyes with her sensual sight, but also his cock with her erotic movements. Closing her eyes and smiling wider, Nile filled the air with one of her boisterous laughs... before dropping her hands back down to her waist.

Enough of this. He was ready for this and she was ready for this. There was no further need for foreplay.

Shooting Marik a hungry gaze, the Princess of Guarude grabbed his cock by its shaft. A groan left his lips, followed by a shudder, all while his princess pointed the tip of his dick up towards her sweltering folds. The head of his dick slipped and ground against her moist mound, triggering jolts of desire through both of their bodies. Nile played it off better though, even grinning with barely restrained excitement.

This was it. No more fucking around! Everything was lined up! So she pushed--

PAT!

“NYAAAH~!"

“OOOH!?"

Dooooowwwn...

With one mighty, weighty penetration, Nile took the entirety of Marik's cock deep into her glorious snatch. His manhood delved deep into her pussy, prying apart her hot folds as his dick reached deep. Somehow, she was both soft, yet so damn possessive. The intense grip she had on his manhood was like a statement all its own. Nile could speak with her own body language, and hers said...

This dick is mine.

And she was going to make good on that declaration.

Sliiiiiiiiiiiiideeeee...

And...

Pat...!

“Nyaah~"

“Aoh!"

When Nile moved up, he felt every ridge of her pussy pluck at every inch of his dick. It sent jolts of pleasure through his body, and the impact sent a wave through her form as well. It was just one thrust – just one thrust – but it was still enough to make her busty tits bounce up and down. At the same time, her pussy again gave a possessive grip on his cock, squeezing it tight within her.

And, again, that was just one thrust. Nile was only getting started!

Bringing her hands over, she placed them upon Marik's broad chest, propping herself up against him. In response, he placed his hands on her hips and gripped her tight. They both knew what was coming; the air was thick with desire and excitement. And with Nile being Nile... well...

Pat! Pat! Pat! Pat! Pat! Pat! Pat! Pat!

“Ah~! Haah~! Nyah~! Nyaaah~! Aah~! Nyooh~ Oooh~!"

Her pace was rhythmic and fast, and yet she restrained herself. Up and down, Nile bounced upon Marik's cock, sending rippling waves throughout her body. Just like before, her breasts bounced up and down, but they did so at a far quicker speed than they had before. Such succulent, firm, and shapely orbs; they smacked against her chest again and again with lewd 'Plaps!' All the while, this boisterous grin sat on her lips.

Gripping her hips hard, Marik groaned as his ears twitched. He knew pain. He knew strain. But this? Such intense pleasure? There was nothing in the world that could rival this feeling. Nile's pussy wrapped and stroked around his cock, seemingly molding around it. At the same time, her weight pushed down upon him, sending a quake throughout his body and even through the tent as a whole.

What did this look like from the outside? The shadow of Nile – the Princess of Guarude – bouncing up and down on the cock of her faithful medjay. Perhaps it was best they were in Vertan Oued; no one could bother them here.

Nile rode him with such desire, such authority. The tomboyish princess could be as blunt as a hammer to the face, yet as deft as a dagger to the heart, and never was that more evident than now. He could tell that – at any moment – she could really put her superior skill to work. If she wanted Marik to cum, she'd make Marik cum, and there was nothing he could do to stop her. Hell, his cock was already throbbing with such raw intensity within her, desperate to again unleash the contents stored within his balls!

But be it in this tent, or on the training mat, whether Nile challenges him in a sparring match, or a sexual battle, Marik would rise to the challenge. Guess that's his own way of saying that the same aggressive nature he showed when he fucked her mouth was coming out again.

Smack! Grab!

“Nyah~!? M-Marik?"

His hands gripped hard upon Nile's ass, squeezing them into his strong and needy fingers. Pushing in, Marik moved until their chests were pressed against one another... and then he kept pushing in. He had laid on his back enough tonight; now it was her turn!

“Nyaaaah~"

An erotic groan left Nile's lips as she was laid upon the floor of their tent. Above her, Marik kept his cock buried in her snatch, while his hands moved to grab her legs. Clinching upon her thighs, he lifted her legs up and kept them pried apart, giving himself ample space to move before her. She looked back at him, her head tilted to one side as she batted her eyelashes. Nile's typically boisterous smile was gone, replaced as she panted in such a lewd manner. That is... until that catlike smile of hers returned.

“Nyeh heh heh. Go ahead, Marik," she cooed as she laid her hands above her head, “Fuck me~"

That was a command he would not disobey.

PAT! PAT! PAT1 PAT! PAT! PAT! PAT!

“AAH ~~! NYAAH~! OOH~! GODS~! NNNGGHH~! NYAAAAHHH~~~!"

He lacked rhyme, he lacked reason, he lacked finesse and skill. But he had power. He had precision. And he had the latent talent to learn.

His ears and tail upright, Marik slammed his cock into Nile's pussy with ruthless aggression and speed. His long, thick, burly member claimed her pussy over and over again, all while pounding into her with the full weight of his body. And 'pounding' was certainly the word for it. The sheer force that came through his body not only made their tent wobble around them, but sent furious waves throughout Nile's golden form.

Her breasts! Her glorious, perky, busty, breasts! They were a blur with how hard they bounced up and down! The fury of Marik's thrusts were so great, that her breasts reached high enough to smack her chin! And her hair too! Those imperial blue locks fluttered around her head, and her ears twitched furiously.

“YES! YES! MARIK! NNYGAAAAH ~~~~! HARDER! HARDER!" PATPATPATPATPAT!!! “YEEESSS! NYAAAAHH~~~!"

Left and right, Nile's body twitched and turned, while her fingers curled above her head. Her body reacted to every powerful slam into her pussy, not just in her tits and hair, but her voice as well. Never had Marik heard her cry out with such erotic desire! That sound! He wanted to hear more of that sound! He wanted to make Nile go crazy!

And he knew how.

Amid his primal pounding, Marik remembered that spot in her pussy that made her go crazy before. If he found it with his tongue, then he could find it with his cock! So he shifted his angles, taking aim with where he felt it before. And with one solid--

THWAP!

“NYOOOH~!?"

Nile's eyes grew wide, and a bullet of spit launched from her lips. That told Marik everything.

THWAPTHWAPTHAWPTHWAP!!!

“NO~! NYOOOH ~~~! OOOHH~! MARRIIKKK~~~! NYAAAAH ~~! NYAAAAH~~! NYAAAAAWWWWWWWW~~~!"

SQUUUUUUUIIRRRRRTTT!!!

This tightness... this incredible, possessive, gripping, tightness.

Nile came, and Nile came hard. Convulsing, her pussy gripped his dick with a hold so great, he couldn't pull out no matter how hard he tried. Even if he were to enhance his body with his magic, he'd still be forced to endure his princess' undulating and gripping pussy.

And the release. This glorious, clear, fragrant, delicious, release! Nile let off a geyser of feminine cum which flooded Marik's hips and pelvis. She was a furious squirter, and she showed no shame about this fact. Though with how loud she was screaming, and how her body was racked with orgasmic bliss, it's not like Nile could deny anything at the moment.

But she was not the only one suffering an earth-shaking orgasm. Her pussy had become tighter than any vice, and it undulated desperately. She need not say a word, for her body again spoke them for her. And her body said...

Cum in me...

And being the ever dutiful medjay he is.

SPLURT! SPURRT! SPURK! GLORP!

If she thought his cum was thick before when he coated her mouth and throat, that was nothing compared to what he was tanking in her pussy right now.

Bomb after bomb after bomb after bomb after bomb of virile jackal seed was planted into his princess' perfect pussy. The pink and gold of her moist mound was all painted white, as his hot, heavy, voluminous seed rushed to coat every inch of her body possible. Nile's head jerked back and she bit into her bottom lip, flinching like she'd been stricken as she felt her womb being breached by Marik's virile seed. And when she thought it was over...

SPURT! SPLURT! SPLORT!

He tanked more into her!

His tight balls were giving her everything, depositing all of his lust – all of his love – into his princess' womb. And he didn't stop until he simply could not give her anymore. And as sweat, steam and musk wafted off of their drained bodies, Marik placed his hand on Nile's hip, and sloooowwwwwlllly pulled back, drawing his cock out of her spent pussy.

Shlop! Shwap!

Bouncing to freedom, his dick flung cum about in the air, while his gilded eyes read his handiwork. His cum – his cum – was oozing out of Nile's cunt, where it pooled beneath her body. And the princess was laying there, her chest heaving as she panted... while this elated smile spread out on her lips.

“Nyooooh... purrrrrrrrrrrrr..."

Amid her sexual delirium, Nile placed her hand upon her belly, and stroked her fingers down to her womb. There she patted it, as if she could feel his thick cum sloshing about within.

“Nyaaah... it's so warm, Marik," said the Princess of Guarude as she opened her eyes and looked up at his face, “I hope you have more where that came from.

The medjay jolted in place, his ears and tail pointing upright.

More?

…

“Purrrrrrrr! Puuuuurrrrrrr! Purrrurrrrrr!"

He's never heard Nile purr before. He was used to his feline princess acting like a cat in a more... mischievous manner. She was adventurous and spry, oftentimes getting herself into trouble and danger all throughout Guarude. Deadly efficient as well, she battled like a big cat with a primal bloodlust. But right now as they laid beside one another, her tail curled around his leg, a smile on her face, and these cute purrs leaving her, he realized he had never seen her be so affectionate before.

The morning sun rose over Vertan Oued, illuminating the lush and vibrant valley. Sunlight cascaded through its trees and canopies, shimmered upon its river, and brought life to the diurnal beasts that rested through the light. But one couple didn't sleep much. One couple kept themselves up all... night... looooooooonnnnnnnnng. And that couple.

“Wow... nyeh heh... you were fantastic, Marik."

“Aaah...?"

He really didn't know how to respond to that question, and merely looked at her with an eyebrow raised. Morning sunlight was pouring through the slightly open gap of their tent, illuminating her perfect, naked body in all of its glory. The golden-brown flesh of her body, the erotic and powerful curves of her athletic form, her hoyden imperial-blue hair, and that catlike veneer she wore on her face; Nile was perfection incarnate. And as she wore this grin on her lips as her powerful eyes looked up at him, she knew that she was perfect, and she indulged in it.

“I know this may sound rude, Marik... but I like the fact that you can't talk," said Nile as she raised her hand and placed her fingers on his cheek, stroking him gently, “Because you can't talk... you're so... earnest. Nyeh heh heh! I know I said this last night, but... I don't know..." moving in, she embraced her medjay, hugging him tight, “Of all the medjays protecting my kingdom, you are without a doubt the greatest. And definitely not because you're such a great fuck!"

Marik pouted at Nile at that last remark, his ears twitching and his golden eyes in a glare. She chuckled back, before straightening up. Turning around, she glanced over towards the entrance of the tent, driving Marik to do likewise. Together, the two watched as the morning sun rose over Vertan Oued.

“We should return home," she stated, “With the Mana Stone in hand, all of Guarude's problems are in the past. We'll have new problems to face when the time comes! Nyeh heh!"

Was that supposed to be reassuring? Does their work ever end?

Marik pondered this for a moment... only for his thoughts to be cut short. Nile had straightened up full on his body, her back arching with a feline grace as her tail and ears both stood up straight. Her arms too stretched out above her head as she gave out an exotic cry of 'Nyaaaaaaaahhh!' before dropping them back down.

Placing her fists on her hips, Nile tilted her head at Marik with a grin on her lips. And despite everything, heh, he chuckled and smiled back.

“Ready to go, my medjay?"

Marik nodded.