Attack on Tilandre's Outpost

Ceejus had taken a very brief break from adventuring the continent of Valmasia. He has seen all of the continent, but that doesn't mean he has succeeded in helping everybody that might need his assistance. He stayed in an inn for danarium for the time being, and decided to get out a little bit.

He grabbed his staff, which was leaning on the bed he had slept on. You never know when something bad might happen. Especially when it's Ceejus. Bad guys just seem to flock to him. He also threw his cloak on, and put his head through the hoop of the necklace that the amulet he had recently found was on.

This amulet had a star shape to it, and was in perfect condition, unlike his old one, which had been used over time. He set out of the house and decided to go west, towards wychwood. He had never really been through the forest a ton, and figured now was a good time to breathe in the luscious greens that grew there.
(Ceejus Tayake)

 "...This substinence..." A voice spoke out from the shrubbery, his source calling from a higher brush.

"Fails to quench my thirst... It's just not -enough-" Just as such a statement made it's way, the disturbance of the canopy filled the immediate surroundings above. The silhuoette bounced back and fro, toiling in a limp fashion from tree branch to tree branch, snapping them along the way until-

A loud thump beckoned attention from all around, the sight, far more grotesque than the damage done from the fall alone. A mess of sanguine fluid staining the evergreen grasses and bark at a tree's base, the twist that the remaining limbs protrayed themselves upon the lifeless figure, and finally the stature...

It was literally withered and leathered skin, crinkled loosely around the skeletal system. A corpse, drained of the muscular system within it's structure, and deprived of vitality. A glance would provide enough detail concerning the gaping hole in it's chest, likely from an impalement of sorts from a lance, and the hallowed eye sockets, vacuumed from the flesh's hold.

The body was in the embrace of a shadow, visible to none with the exception of Ceejus had he laid his eyes on the distraction from the Yokai-infested woodlands he traversed.

A turn to the canopy it descended from would reveal the perpetrator...
One in an ebony cloak, hooded, wearing a skull mask that shown his seemingly black eyes from beneath. A stomach churning feeling rattled at the man, a strong indication that this entity was no stranger to depravity...

From the looks of it, it was volunteerly giving it's self away, making no effort to render it's potency on the matter hidden in the slightest. The trees began to brown, and the grasses wilted, leaving an overall dying sensation to surround them both. Tentacles flailed around the humanoid like tormented fish of the sea, gasping for air, and in desperation for the sea's comforting embrace.

This thing... Was glaring right at Ceejus... Silent.... Waiting.... Calculating it's next plausible move...
(Arachnis)

As he was walking towards the deeper end of Wychwood, he felt a sensation that sent chills up his spine.... Something evil was in his presence. This couldn't have been good. He has felt this before. It were almost as if his body was instinctively telling him to prepare himself for whatever might be threatening him.

He looked around slowly as something had spoken near him. Once again, Ceejus had walked into a bad place at a very wrong time. A loud thump had caused the Wind Magi to jump to the side and instantly into his fighting stance.

The staff was gripped tightly when his eyes made out a picture of a man whom had his guts ripped out. Such a sight would've made Ceejus vomit, if he had not experienced this sort of thing before. He has seen death after death, even a man exploding in holy light right beside him... So it was more threatening than it was gross.

He looked over and saw something that was definitely new to him. Some... thing.... Staring right at him. The silence was very agitating to Ceejus, and he couldn't explain how this mysterious man was flying. Gravity...? Maybe? He wasn't sure if he would say anything, for it could be ultimately bad for his health.

With the body that was off to the side, and the skull mask he was wearing, it was obvious that this was not friendly in the slightest. Still, Ceejus had mustered up the bravery to speak. "What do you want, Creature?" He asked with only a slight sense of hostility in his voice.
(Ceejus Tayake)

The Harukean gave a slight tilt of the head, simply observing the man before him. Although it wasn't made known, it was percieving more than his physique and weaponry. Beneath the skull-mask's surface, two pupils phased to a cloudy gray, shifting the entity's sense of perception up to a sixth sense.

In this mastered perception, Ceejus no longer wore clothing nor skin, but a skeletal system that illuminated the physique he bore with a bright sapphire glow. As bright as it was, it lacked the potency he's seen in many others, sensing this magi to not be as great as a threat as past warriors he's faced before. Regardless, it held the stare for a while longer, it's eyes eventually shifting back to it's original color.

"Your ignorance is enough to make my skin rattle with disgust..."

A voice boomed, echoing through the trees and bouncing back to Ceejus in an bassful taunt, diluted with the effects of occultism to trick the senses. It's source, undoubtedly from this 'creature', but sounded as though it were omnipotent. An illusion? How was this entity capable of doing such?

"I am far greater than a title of 'creature', peasant." The condescending humanoid called out. The air grew heavy, baring down on armor and accessories alike, weighing them alongside Ceejus to the ground, had he failed to resist the earth's pull. Gravity magic was a work, not so much in a malignant way, but more of a oppressive fashion.

"Men, women, and child alike, should look up to me- And beg for nothing but forgiveness for their sins and others alike... I am a god... And destined for greatness." He boasted, utilizing his power to back up his claim.
(Arachnis)

The insults did not affect Ceejus. He was much to collected to take offense to anything as minor as that. But still, he felt everything getting much heavier. He slowly dropped to one knee. He was almost sweating because of the effort he made to stay up.

He fell on the ground. The impact of the fall was so great, it had shot dust and debris into the air. It was too much to take. Ceejus wasn't going to be downed this easily, however. He had suffered through more than just a bit of Gravity Magic.

He struggled, but managed to get on his hands and knees. He stood on one knee while he was bend over the other. He even had a hard time trying to talk because of the strain he was put through.

"Alright then... If you're a god... What do you--- Want with me" He managed to spit out, still hardly standing on one knee.
(Ceejus Tayake)

The 'god' went silent, his gaze shifting the the life-siphoned corpse that lain on the ground beneath him, and then back to Ceejus with intent as ambiguous as his identity. "...Subsistence. I must feed on mana circuits... And you... You have one ripe for consumption.." A tentacle that lashed out to his side curled around from his back, reaching forth for his being, threatening to touch him due to it's reach. They counted in a total of eight protrusions, all of which fitting the physical description of the terrifying rumors that spread throughout Danarium of a monster lurking within the woods...

This... Was that monster, favoring to tear Glacium and magi alike from Danarium's ranks, and hunting them on basis, leaving many uneasy to travel without company. It was all-thanks to this creature, for the deaths of dozens of Glacium magus alone, all of which fallen prey to his insatiable hunger.

"Hrnnn... Yes..." His voice hissed, hushing at the errie breeze that held the enviornment in a slow flux. "You'd do well... However, I'm sure that no individual wishes to die without a fighting chance... Tell me... What do you have to offer? What could you offer to spare the circuit you possess?"
(Arachnis)

Ceejus was staring at the ground that he was trying not to lay upon. It was surprising that Ceejus had even stayed up this long on his own. Only in the corner of his eye did he spot the tentacle that was lashing out towards him, desperate to touch.

He stood on both feet, but was still crouched. He extended his back and was able to stand, but only enough to hunch over, as if he had a stomach ache. To his surprise, the thing that called himself a god was willing to spare him and his circuit.

"I... Don't have any ideas as to what a god would want from a mortal such as myself..." He said, trying his best not to offend this creature that had Ceejus' life in his hands.

His staff was still in his hands, and he slammed the butt of it into the ground, using it as a way to keep him on his feet as he spoke to the demon.
(Ceejus Tayake)

The magi's feet met the ground, and with a slow pace for Ceejus, two eyes glared upon his victim. Rather than tentacles that encircled his figure, his hand reached out for the magi, fingers spread and attempting to rest themselves upon the man's shoulder. "Hrmm... Well, that is just unfortunate..." Had Ceejus failed to resist the weight that held him down in place, the hand's impact would match the likeliness of tonnes, dropped upon his figure.

Gravity, alongside natural magus strength was all that was presented. The gaze he held, was the likes of a predator's to it's prey ensnared in it's trap, gleaming with a crimson hue. "Life is precious... However, sometimes... Sacrifices, must be made." A serpent of the void squirmed up the magi's back, arched for Ceejus' face. It curled and twisted about, weaving about to aim at his face, prepared to strike at a moment's notice before suddenly!...

The magi didn't do anything, infact he just stood there for a while... Apparently, he caught whiff of something else. "...You know?... I've come to a realization, mortal... Do you want to know what that is?" He asked, turning his head slightly to face him at a sideways glance at such close proximity.

"You wage no importance, nor value to me with your mana circuit's potency." Arachnis, had just called the man weak, and without the slightest hint of regret nor worry in his voice. "I can feel several sources of potent mana loitering about, separate from Danarium itself... One of which, more potent than all of the villages individualized."

His head turned south-east, but what could possibly lie remotely close other than Danarium and the Pheonix Academy?

Unbeknownst to this man, this monstrosity could sense a collection of mana signatures compacted together in close proximities, easily capable of pin-pointing the massive amounts of mana collected in villages without use of the landscape; Thus, this man was staring directly at a village from over several hundred miles away... but how?

"...It's a wonder... In your own way, you saved yourself, at the cost of so many more..." his hand slid off the man's shoulder, and the Harukean began to pace off, southbound, as though all was casual between the two...

"Why settle for ample sittings such as yourself... When one could rather settle for the massive quantities that hold this world under their boots...Today, marks a new era... I starve no longer... Today, Valmasia learns the wrath, I possess."

Just like that... The man began to walk off... Did Ceejus just get out of that situation with a mere statement easily able to be misconstrued for an insult of sorts? And what would truly come out of it, had he allowed this thing to get away.
(Arachnis)

-[Flight ensues]-

It was a few days later, flight had been hastened with the aid of cosmic magic, time built up with the occasional periods of rest in travel, he had finally made it...
Not to Nostvale, but the once lost Tilandrean outpost. He looked down upon it from the skies, uncaring for the air forces for the moment. Saliva pooled from within his maws, overflowing past his lips and seeping down for the land below.

To him, the many members of Saffron Avis failed to account to him as a threat, and with the potential of being notice growing, he had a choice... Was he to finally sink his clutches into the masses below to end his constant strife out of degeneration? Was he going to finally push himself to do what he once thought to be impossible?

Was he finally going to consume the many lives below... To ascend even further and beyond?

As the seconds ticked on by, it was all a matter of action. What the Avis did completely judged the outcome of this fly-by...

"So much.... Substenence... " He spoke with a quiver in his voice... " To think, I've preyed on them individually up to now... Although these ones lack potent mana signatures independently... They're more than enough in this quantity. " He predicted, hovering overhead...
(Arachnis)

{NARRATION} The Tilandre outpost, the defensive position that afforded the Saffron Avis quite a spot to see Alteros from. As well as offer a less hospital route for those needing to get through Nostvale quickly. The Saffron Avis seem to be tense, but not quite alarmed towards anything as of yet. Within the cavern entrance, Arachnis was offered quite a view of their positions, nothing much, but enough to lure away some of the Saffron Avis soldiers. He could try waiting, but something else might come along if he is not careful.

A grandiose grin grew upon his face, sinister in quality and tainted with the malicious intent he had in store for those whom were planned to fall victim to his clutches. Two pupils scanned across the outpost from his place, clouding to a dull gray, shifting his perception over to the sixth sense. As of now, the walls and trees that proved to obstruct vision were omitted from his gaze, leaving only the mana circuits that entangled their skeletal systems to be eyed.

As of now, he could easily count up the quantity from within, and surrounding the structure, accessing what he was up against, should he decide to be bold. As of the moment, it seemed he was just waiting? No... Counting, calculating his odds as he slowly made his move from the cavern's entrance, not attempting to draw attention to himself as of yet.
(Arachnis)

{NARRATION} As Arachnis continued to try and discern their numbers, he found himself at wit's end trying to overcome the physical obstacles known as trees. No matter how hard he stared, however, he did not possess the ability to see through trees nor bend them aside with Nature magic. During his staring, however, a travelling merchant appeared. "Hello, good sir!" Greeted the merchant, currently riding on his horse which carried the caravan. With him was three guards, but they seemed more like lumberjacks hired for their intimidating presence than actual combat skills. But then again, looks can be decieving.... "Would you be interested in buying some goods? I sell quite a stock!" The merchant was rather lanky, as if he hadn't eaten in days. With brown hair and brown eyes, the rather dull and middle-aged man smiled in a customary manner to attract business.

Arachnis froze in place, oddly enough, three entities managed to somehow sneak up on him. It seemed as though he was too busy focusing on the structure, attempting to see through the tormenting trees in his way, that he did not sense the incoming merchant heading his way. Slowly, he pivoted his head, eyes gleaming behind the skull mask he bore. "Oh?" He started in wonder, "Well, yes. You have excellent timing, I've been looking for some goods for some time." The gray pupils within the skull sock husks faded back to a dark chocolate brown, far from their usual warm embrace.

The magi turned to reveal his slender, yet armored body cloaked in a partially covering manteau. "I'll take... Your men, your horse, your wares, and your person..." From his back grew several protrusions, stretching from his flesh not as an extension of the same properties but as solidified masses of occultism, serpents of the void that snaked up to his shoulders and beyond.

They grew out in pairs, finally reaching a solid number of 8. He grinned, showing his sharpened row of canines, lines of saliva already pulling from his maws, drawing agape in awe to this find.

Without much hesitation after this bold proclamation, the tendrils took their dives for the men, horse and merchant all at once. "An addition to my little 'shopping spree' wouldn't hurt now, would it?"
He knew not if he could take them down before much of the Saffron took notice, perhaps it'd suit as a lure to flush a few of them out from their comfort of company...
(Arachnis)

{NARRATION} The merchant grew fearful of Arachnis' presence, never before seeing tendrils appear before his very eyes. The guards themself stall, soon devoured by the powerful draw of their lives. Tne tentacles got their supper, the horse included. Their screams of pain resounded through-out the caverns. Unfortunately, none of the guardsmen heard a thing, far too pre-occupied with whatever business to come and investigate. After a minutes of waiting, Arachnis could safely conclude that nobody would be arriving or sending a patrol to investigate the noise. He could wait again, like before. But he may end up with a surprise. Or, as usual, he could find another means to attract a patrol squad to him.

Carcasses; Bodies drained of their circuit, skin stretched out across their skeletal structure, undiscriminating of race, nor social status, remained at the Harukean's feet. The lifeforce absorbed was assimulated into his essence, engorging? yes, but not enough to satisfy his hunger for power...

Amazingly enough, as the minutes passed by, not a soul approached- It was beginning to irritate Arachnis. Perhaps they were as corrupt as the Glacium were? Or...Maybe the screams weren't loud enough. Regardless, he had an idea, a suitable lure of sorts. The bodies were torn to shreds, but not obsolete as of yet.

A tentacle descended for the lifeless corpse of one of the guards, twisting around his neck and heaving him before Arachnis like a body-shield. With the accumulated mass, he used it to elongate the tentacle holding the brittle skin-coated skeleton, pushing it up for the air, prior to finally launching it with a curling thrust eastward. Did that not work? Arachnis was intent to get results as soon as possible, and thus, quickly resorted to picking up the second corpse.

Unfortunately, the corpse's neck was far too feeble, having lacked nourishment during it's life, the merchant's head plopped from it's shoulders in it's drained stature. It was without Arachnis' knowledge, and thus, he went to throw it int he same direction as the body, only to accidently toss it directly for the outpost structure itself. Maybe if he was lucky, it'd hit a tree and draw attention? Or one could stumble upon it? He knew not...
(Arachnis)

{NARRATION} The body was sent flying towards the outpost, hopefully, to draw the attention of the nearby guards. But alas, they still did not notice the corpse near them. Perhaps it was the distance, or perhaps they were too callous to consider what might be happening. Or maybe, they're currently allowing the mentally deficient guard. No matter the reason why, Arachnis has once again failed to lure some guards away. Waiting or otherwise some other option would be best used to draw their attention.

Arachnis stood there dumbfounded... not just for a second or so, but literally a solid minute or so prior to realizing that not a soul had come to notice his presence. Was he invisible? Were they truly that oblivious? No, this was something else, or at-least that's how he interpreted it. This was an active INSULT upon his figure, and thus, something he would -NOT- stand for.

The Occultist allowed the flames of his shadow to flair, unleashing the full extent of his power to preform an act that he had confidence to guarantee their knowledge. His hands clutched into tight fists, teeth gritting and the magi warrior literally trembling in his own rage. "Ignore... this..." He growled under his breath. A tree fell victim to his gaze, his fingers opened up, and with a slow motion upward, violent quivering, not of struggle but fury shrouded his figure.

Gravity magic at full force ripped the small tree by it's roots, allowing it to hover just hardly a few inches from the soil below. If this wasn't noticible, then perhaps the people within were incompetent. The tree, tilted slightly due to the off-turning hold of the gravity magic he mastered, and finally, launched with blurring speed, smashing up against the gates of the outpost, shattering it into a mess of wooden splinters and dust.

Did he hit someone? Did he alert someone? He was sure of it, and thus, made a slow backpedal for the caverns, awaiting for the 'angry bees' to swarm from their 'hive'.
(Arachnis)

{NARRATION} The tree was ripped out from the ground, garnering the attention of the soldiers. They all stood still and stared in awe of the tree being moved without strings nor any discernable show of force. However, what they did catch a glimpse of it being hurled to their gate. "After them!" "They have to be nearby!" They began to shout for answers, men being armed and rushing out of the gates. They were riled, every guard within the outpost was ready for combat and out for blood. Unfortunately, some of them were harmed by the pieces of wood that crashed into the gate. They wanted revenge, but they didn't know where to look. Arachnis could catch a glimpse of their numbers, nearing at least over three dozen guards that were ready for combat.It might be a good idea to leave now, there's no telling how many guards they will send on patrol...

As predicted, they came rushing out in the confusion, still attempting to look for him. He loved the thought of finally being able to feast on so many lifeforms. Out they poured, increasing in quantity by the dozen! It must have been an entire militia in there! He backpedaled a little more, but not before making his position known with a loud shout-out for their attention.

"OVER HERE!"

Was he insane? It was likely, he was willing to bring them all unto his location, speeding up his rush for the cavern only after he was sure that they were rushing to his location. His goal? To make it to the caverns, perhaps the darkness they held would provide him with the advantage! His magus sense honed only on those with a mana circuit, and thus could act like a night vision of sorts, as long as he was careful enough not to fly into stalactites above.

Once a suitable cavern ledge could be found, he'd perch there, watching eagerly as the predicted Saffron searched about, in hopes that they'd traverse in the cave, even if in large numbers.
(Arachnis)

{NARRATION} The guards soon turned their attention towards Arachnis' call, forming up in their usual formation before they began to approach. Their armed forces greatly outnumbering Arachnis, something he would do well to remember as they began to enter. Single file at first, before dispersing themselves off into rows. It seemed like two whole rank and files entered, totalling thirty men in all. They did not spot Arachnis just yet, their torches now being lit. This is quite possibly Arachnis' only chance to flee while he still can. Their numbers are all shown, but their equipment isn't easily discernable from the darkness.

As enticing as they were... It was simply too much for him to take on at once... However, with an aerial advantage within the dark caverns, maybe he'd be able to utilize the surroundings he had to scatter their ranks. However, there was the pressing concern as to what it was their weilded upon their backs... Could it be possible that they were all armed with ranged weaponry? If discovered, such could render his advantage, obsolete in no time...

Deception was a course of action he found most pleasurable in a time like this... And so, it was committed to. He turned his head up for the ceiling up above, the light of the flames far below allowed for the exterior of the stalactites to glow. He hovered closer, reaching out to grasp at the material and tug it from it's surface, hoping on it keeping it's structure without crumbling... Although, had it managed to shatter, the mesa-side behind him and it's darkness was his new ally, darting into it would be his first emergency course of action...

Had all gone well, and he managed to retrieve a chunk of the cavern walling material, he turned to the direction they were likely facing as a majority... South, heaving the 'rock' with the aid of cosmic magic to bounce it along the flooring. Perhaps it'd be mistaken for him making a dash further into the cavern, towards Tilandre? Meanwhile, Arachnis awaited for them to make their move prior to attempting his turn for the north-side, back for the outpost itself. The remaining soldiers were his targets for the moment...

As bold as he was, he was far from risking an unnecessary battle with an entire battalion.
(Arachnis)

{NARRATION} The guards were unable to spot the man as he hovered over-head, the sudden rock fall caused the guards to be taken by surprise, a sudden avalanche that destroyed any possible way for them to get home safely. It was a disaster, a horrible outcome that they hadn't expected. But unfortunately, Arachnis was halted by the six guards aiming their bows towards him. They merely caught his attention with the sound of a string pulling back by pure strength. He'd definitely notice them, but now it seems as if they were ready to ask questions. Then again, he could always swerve around them, initiating a fight between the six remaining guards.

As he escaped the situation, he gave the militia something to gaze upon with the destruction that a few rocks thrown was capable of on the cavern's entrance back to Tilandre, bringing the ceiling to collapse on the exit, spraying dust with the accompaniment of a violent earth tremor, It was all the perfect distraction for Arachnis to make his leave for the exit back to the outpost...

His head was still turned back for the likely dumbfounded or even panicking people he left behind, only to turn around at the sound of string pulling... Bows, raised and aimed for him at such close proximity, their heads, sharp and threatening pointed for his flesh beneath the armor. He was still hovering over the ground, and could test his luck on moving from his position altogether with a quick display of speed... Perhaps it'd be enough to dodge their attempts to release their arrows altogether?

He couldn't sit around and waste time... It was only a matter of time before the rest came, likely all armed with bows as well... Which... Granted the Occultist an idea. An occultist's flame still shrouded his entireity, tendrils holding out to his sides, and arched for the Archers.

"Well, what do you want to know?" He asked, testing them, atleast for the moment he was still making his decision. A burst of cosmic energy escaped his physique, allowing him a burst of speed in an attempt to reposition himself behind them in a massive swerve around the 6 guards in an arc motion. No contact with the ground, made the movement fluid, even capable of being assumed as 'teleportation'.

"Better yet, how about we cut the formalities..." He spoke with a weak chortle, his afterimage, fading soon after his voice broke whatever awkward silence could've taken place in that moment. "I'm hungry." He whispered in a loud manner, reaching his hand out for the nearest guard, giving them little time to react.

Battle was at-hand.
(Arachnis)

The tentacles lashed out in all directions, but the battle was far from easy...
None of the warriors went down as easy as he had hoped, fighting back with every once of blood in their body, spilling it to the soils below to leave this warrior winded. He knew the rest were coming, and in his current state he couldn't take them all, but perhaps wound them, considering their current handicap. They couldn't get more backup from Tilandre anytime soon, meaning that he could leave and come back with better luck next time...

Or so he imagined... A blade sunk into his stomach, leaving it to almost leave his innerds sliding out. A spark of crimson static tickled the area, sealing the wound to keep the organs at bay. A lengthening tendril hardened in a straightened out stature, forcing it's way through flesh like a land, successfully impaling an individual Saffron Avis.

The entry wound gave a crimson glow, their vitility slowly draining away, restoring the Occultist's lost fatigue to a mild extent, and allowing his own wounds to heal. Blades from both sides were parried with flailing tendrils, hardening on their contact, catching them with a flurry of sparks, even pushing them off to deal with them in a systematic procedure.

Another spray of blood misted the scene, impaling through the abdomen of yet another Saffron warrior sending him into the air to be siphoned. An arrow punched it's way into Arachnis' chest, earning his snarl at the pain. His eyes looked up to take sight of the archer, preparing yet another arrow to Arachnis' dismay, already pulling on the bow's string.

Fortunately, his hands were unoccupied, and with the swat of his hand, a force without a face lashed out at the casted bow, smacking it from the man's hold and the arrow bolting into the soil below. Unarmed from a distance, he was pulled with the open palm of the magi, chest pressed out, thanks to the use of gravity magic inducing his body's movements.

Into an extended tendril he fell, stabbed and allowed to fall forward. Naturally, the tentacles pushed for the skies, to force the bodies to sink further into their hold, draining them of their lifeforce along the way.

The remaining two were tripped by snaking tendrils that set down by their feet, soon after, slithering up their legs to successfully ensnare and constrict at their victims. They squeezed at their armor and bodies, effectively bending and crushing at the metals that surrounded them, and sapping at their flesh beneath. A final warrior remained, a bow aimed directly for the magi...

Evidence of the last attempt to fire such a weapon at the magi was displayed on his chest, in which he wrapped his fingers around in public display. A few grunts, followed by a prolonged shout to the heavens in pain, and the arrow was pulled back out from whence it came, dropped to the grounds below to allow the gouging hole in his chest to squirt out blood.

Crimson static tickled at the wound, and soon after a black symbiotic fluid surfaced, bubbling at the site of damage...
As hard as it was to believe... The bleeding stopped, and the skin around the opening began to crawl into a zipped seal...

Regeneration enhanced Lyperion Utovex's absorption of it's victims.

"Don't.... even... Think about it..."

The bodies he held under the influence of the tendrils fell to the grounds, all of which siphoned down to skin and bone, vacuumed of all lifeforce and functionality.
In the midst of this, was Arachnis, approaching the last one... Tendrils receding back into his figure... "Just come quietly... Otherwise, I'll have t-"

An arrow launched for him, this time for his head, and with the swat of his hand, the arrow was halted in mid-animation and thrusted into the ground off to the magi's right. "You don't listen much, do you?"

-Fade to Black-

Had any of the troops managed to make it back in time, at all, they'd come back to the corpses lying about, and the intruder standing at the highest point of the outpost, hostage clutched like a meat-shield via a tendril that, for some reason, refused to suck the lifeforce from this man...
(Arachnis)