[SP-F1] Feeding the Beast

[Ferrah 0]

Sitting at a back table near the wall, Ferrah exhaled while staring at the piece of paper that laid directly in front of her. It was a map. Not just any map either but one that identified the location of a particular creature. Why was she staring at this map? Well, that very morning, a gypsy had told her a very interesting tale. One where if a player fed any creature, it will become their familiar. A companion. And that is what drew her to this quest. Ferrah would never admit this out loud, but over the last couple days, an aching feeling of loneliness had begun. She had tried to push it down, but it would just come back worse than before. Which lead her to where she was now, attempting to go some insane (maybe not even true) quest to find a companion.

There was only one problem.

The creature that she was trying to acquire was in the mountainous region of floor one. A place known for it's Ruins and higher level monsters. At only level two, there was a real possibly of not coming back. With a small laugh and a shrug Ferrah stood up from the table, map in hand, and left out the front door.

[Ferrah 0]

It had been two days.

And for those two days Ferrah had been trekking across the map in order to get to the mountain region of level one. By this time, the once shadowy bulk had now begun to take on actual features. For instance, if focusing hard enough, she could see some of the remains of civilization. Even at this distance, it gave off a feeling of...eeriness. Sure, it was just a bunch of rocks and old stone, but for some reason it caused a shiver to travel through her bones. If all all possible, any Ruins would be avoided. God only knew what creatures lurked in such deserted grounds.

It wasn't long till dusk began to fall over the region. At that point, it was time to find some shelter. After all, it was basic knowledge that when the sun went down, all the unsavory monsters came out to play. Finding an adequate space, a fire and tent were then set into place. Taking a seat by the fire, Ferrah then accessed her menu and acquired a loaf of bread and water. Dinner. Taking out the map as well she began to study it.

What she was searching for wasn't exactly dangerous. They were known to only hunt human's in their grounds if they were starving or desperate. They don't really attack, but lurk in the shadows of the dark, stalking and observing. What she was seeking, was a ShadowCat.

[Ferrah 0]

Spending nights out of towns was something that Ferrah would never recommend to another player. Unless they were with a other players or of a higher level. The chances of coming across high level monsters, or even Player Killers, was highly possible. And when outside of town, it was easy for them to make you their pray. It was just because of that fact that Ferrah had barely slept that night. Sure, she was a light sleeper anyways, but one could never be too careful. Beginning to pack up Ferrah silently began to hope that what the gypsy had said was, indeed, true.

Once the space was clear of all evidence that someone had been here, Ferrah started on her way once more. Sometimes, just walking got boring. In order to entertain herself she would begin to hum random songs that would pop into her head. Most happened to be from her brother's favorite band, David Mattews Brothers. Whenever she was around, Vincent would continuous play them, just to get on her nervous. When Ferrah's frustration was expressed Vincent would just simply laugh. How she missed Vincent's light-hearted attitude. Before she knew it, memories of the fun times they had together were flashing before Ferrah's eyes. Smiling sadly, she kicked the nearest rock and tried to distract herself.

The rest of that day was spent in silence. No monsters. No player killers.

When night fell once more she had arrived at the mountain pass. Making camp in the shadows of the rocky structures she began to prepare herself for the next day. Things were going to get harder from here on out.

[Ferrah 0]

It was just as Ferrah had predicted. Not even a second after getting though the mountain pass, the whole thing had begun to shake. Stumbling and crashing into the wall Ferrah was in total shock when part of the mountain started to detach itself. Next thing she knew, there was a piece of the mountain staring down at her. Only...it had appendages. And a mouth. Suddenly a loud moaning started to reverberate though air and the words {Mountain Troll} appeared over it's head. "That is just my luck."

Then a rocky fist was heading toward the spot where she was standing.

Letting out a small cry, Ferrah was barely able to move before it came crashing into the ground. Little cracks appeared around the area of impact. All she could do was stare. Never before had anything like this ever been faced. It was different and on a whole new level. Doubt began to cloud her mind as panic was closely setting in. The fist picking itself back up was like a dream. What knocked her out of that dream was her brother's voice echoing inside her brain, telling her to "be careful." It was that thing he had said to her before leaving the house. Snorting through her nose Ferrah faced the troll with her head head high and sword drawn. In a sudden movement Ferrah was running up the arm of the troll, blade raised and heading for it's head.

Hit: Even #

Miss: Odd #

[Ferrah 0]

Upon getting to the top of the trolls arm Ferrah then thrust the beginners blade forward. The glowing blade cut through the stone like it was butter. Inwardly, she was cheering, but outwardly a smirk just decorated her features as the creature wailed in pain. Hands coming toward it's face in an attempt to get her off Ferrah then jerked the sword out, which caused another cry of anguish, before leaping off it's shoulder and safely rolling back on the ground. Where like a spring she bounced back up and waited. The thing is, Ferrah was patient. If it could be helped she would not attack first. It was easier to gauge someone, or something's, action of one watched and waited.

Holding it's head, the mountain troll then started to growl in anger. Spinning around to face her it revealed ugly misshapen teeth as it's lip curled up to growl once more. Looks like she had made it angry. Another good thing. When angry, people no longer begin to think about their actions. Which had it's up's and down's. In this case though Ferrah was going to look at it on the plus side.

This time, the troll took it's left arm and swung it back beside it before starting to bring it forward once more. Much like a baseball player does with a bat. In that case, she was must be the ball.

Dodge: 1-5

Get hit: 6-10

[Ferrah 0]

There was no time to actually move so Ferrah did the first thing that came to mind. She hit the floor. Laying on her stomach, cheek pressed in to the hard earth she then felt something swing right over her body. Her hood had flown off at the sheer force, letting her ebony black hair free. But there was no time to fix it. Eye dilating and adrenaline coursing through her veins Ferrah then rolled over and hopped back up.

Not even a second later a foot had been where Ferrah was laying. It was right behind her now. Every sense was screaming at her to run, to hide, to do something besides stand there. So she did. It's right arm was coming at her while the other one was attempting to block all exits. Trying to trap her. The only thing it did't think about was the space between it's legs. Right as the hand open to grab her Ferrah stole backwards. The hand grabbed thin air and she was now behind the Troll once more. The creature seemed to hesitate for a second, staring at the spot she had once been. It seemed to confused. Another smirk.

Getting a couple slashes in on the back of it's knees, the Troll then fell forward and landed on it's knees. Making and upwards thrust Ferrah watched as the sword sliced into the creatures back. Another cry. Momentarily, she found herself feeling bad for it. This creature was not intelligent. If she were going to steal away, now would be the time.

Sneak away: Even

Continue to fight: Odd

[Ferrah 0]

It was now or never.

Not even bothering to put the sword away Ferrah took off into the mountains. After about a half a mile she then hid behind a boulder and waited. Just in case the Troll attempted to try and find her. Minute after minute passed and no troll. Then there was a rumbling. Peeking around where she was hiding Ferrah watched in amazement as the Troll stood...and then proceeded to reattach itself to the mountain. Before her eyes the Troll became invisible once more as it melded with the mountain. (That will never get old.)

Exhaling and relaxing, Ferrah the took out the map to find where she was. Still near the entrance of the mountains. Which means she needed to go more toward the left or the right. What she needed to do to find a ShadowCat was stay near the outskirts of the mountains. Near ledges and outcrops. That was where they lived. Normally, they were also solitary creatures, expect during mating season. Now it was matter of which way to go. More left or more right.

Left: Even

Right: Odd

[Ferrah 0]

After doing a through investigation of the map Ferrah made the decision that left was the best way to go. Placing the map back in her menu she then started hiking more toward the left side of the mountain. Unlike the air in the grasslands and forest, the air in the mountains was thin and lacked oxygen. More than once she found herself having to take a break to catch her breath. Back in real life Ferrah lived in flat land. Trips to the mountains had been taken, but that was during the winter when there was snow and ice. Not the most prime opportunity for hiking.

-TWO DAYS LATER-

The further that she went, the more the vertical climb started to increase. Pretty soon Ferrah was having dig her shoes in the ground just to keep her footing. One misstep and it was down the slope for her. Unfortunately, the fates like to play with her. One minute she was walking and then next she was sliding down on her side. She could feel the rock dig into her skin. It was a strange sensation, but not a painful one. Right when she thought that she might skid all the way to the bottom she suddenly found herself landing. Slightly disorientated and surprising Ferrah took a glance of her surroundings. It was an outcrop. "Thank god." Righting herself and then dusting herself off. Behind her, a light wind dusted across her back. Spinning Ferrah came face to face with an opening into the mountain. (Could this be what I think it is...only one way to find out.) Taking a step forward she started into the darkness of the cave.

[Ferrah 0]

With barely any light, beside the one that she was providing from a small lantern, Ferrah continued to take cautious steps into the darkness. The cave itself was relativity wide, enough to fit three people, and it was about seven or eight feet all. This was not what she had hoped it was. No ShadowCat would live in something like this. It was something else, that much was certain. But what was the real question. After finding out that this was not a den Ferrah should have turned around. It would have been the smart thing to do. But it was too late now.

Running a hand against the caves wall, just to make sure not to stumble on anything, Ferrah couldn't shake the feeling that something was watching her. Maybe even following her. The more she felt it, the faster she walked. It wasn't long until her feet pounded against the cave floor creating an echo that bounced off the walls. (Stupid. Stupid. Stupid…) It was the one word that was repeated over and over again. But now matter how many times it was said, it didn't change the fact that there could be real trouble here. Coming to a dead stop she could only stare as the Cave entered into a cavern that had three separate tunnels. There was no time to think. She would have to trust her luck and just pick one.

The first tunnel: 1-3

The second tunnel: 4-6

The third tunnel: 7-10

[Ferrah 0]

There was no time to think. In a quick form of judgment Ferrah just simply chose the third cave and ran. In wasn't even a second that stepping into the cave began to slant up. Her breath became heavier as her legs continued pump up the incline. Whatever was behind her not been delayed by the three different caves. If she had to guess, it was following her based off of smell. If not then it had some type of night vision. Useful in such a dark environment.

Suddenly, up ahead there was a light. Not just an light but a natural light. One that came from outside. In a last ditch effort Ferrah forced herself to sprint the last couple meters. Getting out, or more like stumbling, she found herself in a strange area. The ground was flat but surrounding the edges were stalagmites and boulders. The perfect battleground. Suddenly there was a noise behind her. It was indescribable. Rolling onto her back all Ferrah could do was gape at the creature. To start off it had the body of an Gorilla, long arms and short legs. Only it was hairless. There were no eyes, but three nostrals where the eyes should have been. It had no noticeable ears. Probably just holes in the side of it's head. (And I thought the troll was bad...)

The creature, which had a {Mountain Smogon} above it's head seemed to stop right at the edge of the cave though. Like it was afraid of the light. Apprehensively Ferrah stared, barely breathing, so see what the creature would choose.

[Ferrah 0]

Much to Ferrah's horror, the beast took a step into the large area. It felt like watching a baby take it's first steps. At first hesitant, but slowly getting more and more confident. Within seconds that whole thing was illuminated by the sun's rays. The color of it's skin was an ashy gray, a sign that the {Mountain Smogon} didn't leave the cave much. Next thing she knew, the skin on the low half of it's jaw began to part and then jagged pointed teeth were revealed. (A meat eater.)

That noise again. It sounded like a mix between a dying cat and an ape. It was a horrible noise. Without meaning to, a gasp left Ferrah's lips. With a snap the creature was now facing her, visibly sniffing trying to find her. Then it did. At a medium pace, the {Mountain Smogon} then started to lope at her. That was what shocked Ferrah out of her shocked stupor. Pushing herself up, Ferrah quickly drew her sword and faced the beast. This was just like every other monster. At least, that is what she was telling herself.

[Ferrah 0]

The creature in all it's blind grace leaped at Ferrah; mouth open and teeth ready to dig into her soft flesh. Ducking and then spinning around she found that the creature had already turned to face her once more. Instead of blindly lunging, like the first time, this time it just smelled in her direction. Then it started to walk. Not at her, but around her. It was stalking her. Trying to find an opening. Which didn't make sense. If the creature was blind, then how would it find an opening. Then it hit her.

It's other senses.

Every tiny step that Ferrah was making to keep up with it's circling was being carefully calculated, waiting for a change to lunge at her once more. (Is this thing semi-intelligent) Unlike the troll, this creatures didn't seem all that prone to using it's appendages, just it's mouth. Quite honestly she wasn't sure of that was a good thing or a bad thing. Just to be safe though she was going to go with the latter. Apperently, something in her footwork indicated that it was time to strike again because the creature got done on all fours and started to run at her again.

[Ferrah 0]

It shifted right.

Then left.

And back right.

This pattern continued until it's front claws left the group and it was in a fully lung. Ferrah, not having time to effectively, put her sword up in defense. Only, there was no automatic contact. The creature had lunged to far over to the left. But that didn't stop something from slamming into the sword. There was a wounded cry as Ferrah's body rolled backwards a couple feet.

Stopping on her side she stared as the creature cradled a wounded arm to it's upper body. Much like a mother holding a nursing child. It's nostrils were flaring as hard breaths passed by them. It's head was frantically going back and forth in search for her presence. That was strange. It had her scent earlier, why not now. It was only that she realized that unlike before, she had been covered in dirt, so she smelled like her surrounding. Getting hit had been a blessing in disguise. Now, did she want to charge or sneak attack.

Sneak attack: Even

Charge attack: Odd

[Ferrah 0]

It had lost her scent.

Now was her chance.

Standing slowly Ferrah watched as the beast's head swiveled back and forth; nose in the air and tongue out. It looked almost like a giant ugly hairless dog when it did that. Only this anime was sentient. Almost human if she really thought about it, though she didn't like to.

Once standing she then started to run at the beast. It's head turned toward her but it was too late to back out now. It may not smell her, but it could still hear her. Fortunately, it seems like she was able to catch the beast of guard as her sword sliced open it's flesh like butter. Amazingly enough, Ferrah watched in amazing as black pixel poured out of the wound, before it slowly healed itself. Right after the slice was a quick jap, then a roll backwards to get more distance between them. A creature that 'bleeds' black pixels. What exactly was this thing?

Ferrah HP: 13/13 v. Beast HP: 11/18

[Ferrah 0]

Several second passed, but it felt more like several hours as Ferrah and the beast rounded each other. By now the slice had healed and was no more. The strange black pixels were also gone. There had been a mental note made about the black pixels, either ask someone or do some research. It was more out of curiosity than anything. But now was not the time to be distracted. This creature needed to be beat and a ShadowCat needed to be found so Ferrah could leave this god-forsaken place.

This time, both parties went for each other at the same time. With a quick set of jabs Ferrah had managed to land a few good hits on the creature. Nothing major though. The Smogon although had manage to land a fairly good it with it's claws across Ferrah's back. Spinning, she was able to put her sword up just in time as the Smogon went for her shoulder. The creature, which had unsuccessful tried to bite down, got her sword instead. With a wave of it's head the sword was toss clear across the battle field. (Shoot.) It must have realized what it had thrown because suddenly it was advancing on her quicker than normal. Backing up, Ferrah felt her back hit a rather large stalagmite. Trapped. Taking calming breaths she stared the beast down as it menacingly approached. Teeth clacking and claws scraping the earth.

Ferrah HP-9/13 v. Mountain Smogon-8/18