The walk back to the castle was...with no incidents.
Both friends talked catching up on their lives before and after waking up as humanoid reptiles...all and all was quiet.
Then they reached the capital city.
Cedric of coarse called everyone´s attention (being both a snake man and the right hand of the prince) however this time people talked and murmured noticed the giant...lizard-man walking alongside him wondering who that was.
for said lizard...things were getting...irritating.
"Grrr...i know crocs arent a thing on Meridian" he said with a growling tone "but I swear if I hear once more person calling me a lizard" he growled.
Cedric himself gave a snort of amusement, "Technically crocodiles are very large lizards~" He said with a little laugh before shooting him a teasing smirk, "But seriously don't let them get to you."
He said with a shrug, "Especially considering the situation the best thing you can do is embrace your new form in whatever way you possibly can."
"Tch smae class different order" said Croc "and I will remind you this is my first time outside the swamp and into public since i become this" he added taking sniffs at the air
Point." Cedric said with a nod as he gave a smirk looking over at the eyes watching them through out the city, "But think of this as a chance to make a good first impression."
He said he gestured toward their surroundings before taking notice of a particular scruffy if somewhat smelly man who reeked of alcohol glaring at them from the entrance of a upcoming alley way, "In fact.."
He trailed off before jerking his head over at the man, "here comes a good chance to show the people of Meridian why Killer Croc should be feared and respected~"
"Eh? uggg" Croc snapped back in disgust "Ugggg my nose" he said covering his muzzle.
One thing Croc had was his super sense of smell...but when it find someone like the man who stink like he hadnt bath in days...
Yeah needless to say the isekai reptile wasnt happy.
"Good lord...did he took a bath in a wine barrel pissed by pigs or what?!!!" he roared in anger
And his words didn't go unheard as all those along the street watching Cedric and Crocs march to the castle flinched and gave looks of shock and fear
Though the man who was the topic of the ridicule (thanks partially to all the beer in his system) only glared angrily at Croc, "Hey what did you say you fucking freak!" He roared out throwing a bottle down at the ground, "You think just because you're one of that tyrant monsters you can insult me to my face!"
"Tch its not an insult if its the truth" growled the Croc "and you are more than a freak than me..on that note please look for a belt or something cause we are in public and no one want to see your miseries" he added noticing the baggy pants the man was wearing
"WHAT!" The man roared enraged at this and his anger along with his clouded mind soon lead to him reaching into his pants pocket pulling out a large knife, "You want to say that to my face you disgusting lizard!"
Croc growled and stood up to his full size towering over the man.
"Call me a lizard ONE...MORE...TIME" he said in enraged tone daring the man to do so
The man threw a cocky smirk with many on the street giving the drunk and apparently suicidal fool looks of disbelief, "You're a ugly fucking...lizard." He said with a slow drawl emphasizing the word Lizard while smirking as he brought up his knife
But before he could do anything
SNARL!!!
He found a scaly claw grabbing him from his head and his body being moved away from the ground as Croc hoisted him up with a murderous look.
"Argh..let..me..go you..disgusting animal!" The man said in a grunt while latching his hand onto Crocs face with his left while lifting up his dagger and bringing down as hard as he could against him
CRACK
and the blade broke in contact with the scaly armor only making the Croc angrier.
"GRRRRR!!!" The reptilian villain growled before throwing the man into the air.
"Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!" He cried as he went a good couple of feet over the roofs before gravity pulled down.
WHAM!!!
Only to find himself batted by Croc´s tail and into a building.
BAM!!!!
Making the whole wall fall on him.
"ROAAAAARRRRR!!!!" Croc roared causing many to panic and ran away
"FLEE FOR YOUR LIVES!" A woman screeched as she grabbed her child and rushed off with many doing just that while Cedric merely crossed his arms and smirked at the sight of it all
He wasn't sure if it was Cedric body and memories but since coming to this world he was starting to find a more sadistic side of himself coming out, "Hehe..that's one way to make a impression~"
He said as he came up to Crocs side smirking down at him
"Grrr thats one way to see it" he said "although you better think on an explanation for them" he added pointing to a group of guards coming for them.
lead by a certain blue skinned troll-like character they both knew.
"HALT!!" he cried pointing a sword at Croc "dont move!!"
Croc raised an eyebrow.
"You know those two terms means the same right?" he asked
In reply the blue "troll" gave a growl clenching his sword, "I suggest you watch your tongue beast." He glared at Croc, "And explain yourself." He took a stomp forward, "What are you and why are you terrorizing innocent people?"
He narrowed his eyes adding in a slight dark growl, "And it had better be good because Prince Phobos doesn't take lightly to those that cause trouble in his kingdom."
With Cedric having to hold back a snort of amusement at the words coming out of the traitor and spies mouth before moving forward with a slither, "Stand down Vathek."
He ordered in his best commanding voice, "My friend here did nothing but defend himself from a drunk fool."
"Lord Cedric" Vathek said in neutral tone "Friend? Im sorry my liege but i find that hard to believe"
"Oh?" Cedric arched a brow as he leaned down to Vathek level glaring into his eyes, "And why is that?" He asked adding in a dangerous growl, "You aren't calling me a liar are you Vathek?"
The blue soldier backed up a bit.
"N-no at all...sir" he said "but you have to admit you arent the more sociable around and that you call" he looked at Croc "whatever he is a friend" he spat out the word "is hard to believe"
"True." Cedric said with a slight incline of his head, "I'm not what you call a social person and those I truly call friend are few."
He remarked with a nod before giving a dangerous glare, "But that just means I don't just label anyone a friend."
He glared into Vathek eyes, "And it also means I find myself taking great offense to this unwarranted hostility from one of my friends just defending themselves and putting a drunken idiot out of his misery."
Vathek sweated and his hold on his sword seems to tighten.
"You know...attacking civilians is not something...the Prince would approve of right?" he asked back "and not to mention causing mass panic"
Cedric despite himself snorted and smirked at Vathek, "You call it terrorizing.." He places his hand on his chest letting out a malicious laugh and smile, "I call it keeping them in line~"
Vathek was about to say something else but the croc interrupted.
"if you are done making a mockery of yourself we need to leave" Croc snorted "after all you dont want us to keep the prince waiting right?"
"Indeed.."Cedric hissed out with a smirk, "After all the Prince does not like to be kept waiting." The smirk grew slightly at his next words, "Especially when he has a new powerful warrior to induct into his service ~"
That made Vanthek pause.
"Warrior?" he asked eying the Croc "What do you mean? Who is this?"
"This Vathek." Cedric said with a smirk, "is Killer Croc and he will be showing the rebels personally how he got that moniker ~". He said and ended with a chuckle
The Croc growled.
"Unless you are the one that wants to find out why thats my name?" he said with a growl almost challenging the Galhot
Vathek narrowed his eyes and did his best to not show any unease or fear in front of this...creature, "Just try me lizard." He replied back with a growl holding up his sword before Cedric intervene
"Gentleman, gentleman please there's no need to fight." He said before shooting Vathek a taunting teasing smirk, "After all we're all loyal followers to Prince Phobos are we not~?"
Vathek hummed but sheathed his sword
"Indeed..." he said "so it wont be a problem if we...escort you both to the castle right?"
"But of course not." Cedric said with a tone of dark amusement, "Why in fact we'd be honored to be escorted by such a loyal soldier like yourself~" He said chuckling while putting emphasis on the word loyal
"Right..." He said with a nervous tone "this...way please"
"Huff...after you" Croc added and the group of soldiers and reptiles walked down the street towards the castle
Cedric smirked outwardly at this show of obedience and wondered if he put the galhot on edge any with his choice of words
Though his amusement was also mixed with unease at the meeting that awaited them as he wanted and had to sell Croc to Phobos just right he rather not risk setting off the prince paranoia or the like
Or risk exposing himself in the process by arousing suspicion
(Meridian castle)
Croc (or more specific the soul inhabiting the body) was half sure of what would happen if someday he met Phobos.
He could imagine the expression full of himself looking at him as if he wasnt nothing...an speech about his superiority and then ordering him to serve him.
Up to now that seems to be the most possible future; as the moment they entered the throne room he got a full view of Phobos on his throne looking at them as if he was some sort of god.
Sheesh...inferiority complex much?
The dark prince cast a disinterested gaze at the ground of guards, Vathek, and two soul displaced reptiles before speaking up, "Ah Cedric you've return."
He said in bored fashion before arching a brow at Croc, "And it seems you've brought back a interesting specimen with as well."
He cast a dark gaze at Killer Croc, "Tell me.." He leaned in speaking in a low dark dangerous tone, "Just what am I looking at?"
At that question Cedric slithered forward before his body was engulfed in light and arches energy shrinking down, "A deadly blood thirsty warrior who's come to swear his service to you my prince."
A voice spoke out crouch and bowing before Phobos
"Talk about getting down to the floor" thought the Croc.
"Indeed? So the rumors of the swamp monster i have heard are true then?" the prince asked "A savage creature with a blood thirst?"
"Tch...are those rumors from your own soldiers or from those cowardly rebels?" asked Croc "because i dont remember biting anything with your symbol on it these past days"
Phobos arch a brow and gave a hum, "Hmm..true " He said inclining his head, "I hadn't received any word about my men being devoured."
He remarked with humor in his tone, "Which certainly gives you the benefit of the doubt...or." He narrow his eyes, "At least says you aren't with the rebel traitors."
He leaned back into his throne, "But that doesn't mean you aren't against me despite Cedric speaking in your favor." He examine his nails, "However if my servant speaks true and you are here to swear fealty."
He raised his head, "Than tell me." He narrow his eyes, "What precisely are you...and." He gave Croc a hard look examining his clothing, "where exactly are you from?"
Croc huffed...high and mighty tone? yeah he was starting to hate it.
"Well i can tell you im not a lizard or a shapeshifter" said Croc "im what you can call a crocodile...as for where im from?....hard to say...i know im not from here but i think thats obvious as neither you or anyone seems to know what i am"
"Quite.." Phobos said with narrow eyes and a dark gleam "But you see that puts us in a query." He stood up from his throne giving Croc a hard look, "Right now there is a viel over my realm."
He began to walk down the steps, "The only connection we have to the infinite real is the odd rifts that open to the realm of Earth...but." He gave Croc a hard look, "You don't look like a denizen of that realm.
"Ummmm a bit racist there your highness" said Croc "after all..what do you really know about Earth? Its a realm bigger than this one and there are plenty of shadows for creatures to hide"
Phobos arched a brow at this giving a low hum with Cedric deciding to interject, "He speaks true you highness."
He said with a low bow, "With what we've been able to learn recently of Earth through my own recon there is.."
He glanced over at Croc, "A likely chance that with the raise of what the earthlings call science many creatures and beings of more mystical or inhuman origins were forced into hiding."
"I must say though...it felt nice feeling the sun´s rays and your swamps were quite cozy to me" said Croc "i dont know if i fell through a portal but i wont complain" he growled "Well except for that rebel plague you have going on"
Here a look of disgust entered his eyes, "Yes a plague is a fitting description for those traitors." He said in a low dark tone before nodding at Croc, "And I thank you for acting as well mannered guest by deal with those that crossed your path appropriately."
Here he let out a malicious chuckle before pausing, "But.." He raised his hand up to his chin rubbing it, "That still leaves us with the matter of yourself to address." He arched a brow, "Tell me do you truly seek to enter my service."
He stepped up to Croc not showing a ounce of fear as he folded his hands behind his back, "Why?" He looked into Killer's eyes, "Why not seek a way to return to your realm?"
"Ummm call it convenience" said Croc "in here it seems guys like me doesnt rise as much eyebrows as back home" he said "plus it seems a nice place for a reptile to live..plenty of swamp, lakes and rivers...easy food...can see myself getting a home here" he added "plus if what Cedric told me is true..then you could use some extra muscles on your side"
"Hmm this is true." Phobos said with a slight smirk, "I'm always looking for skilled warriors to help keep order in my realm."
He examined Croc, "And your knowledge of Earth could be useful for plans I have." He stated in low tone as a smirk grew, "Not to mention your potential prowess on the battlefield'
"That is of course if you are as dangerous as you look?" He stated with a arched brow
Croc raised an eyebrow.
"Name´s Killer Croc...i think that speak for itself" he said "unless you are looking to test that?"
Phobos simply arched a brow with a smirk, "A test..yes a test." He said with a nod as a malicious grin grew on his face, "And I think I know just the test needed to see how ruthless and skilled you really are~"
He said before letting out a dark laugh as he looked over at Vathek, "Vathek we recently had a number of rebel soldiers taken prisoner did we not."
Vathek gave a blink as Phobos began to walk back to his throne, "Yes we did your highness but what about them?" He asked as bad feeling formed at the pit of his stomach and at that question Phobos shot a malicious grin of his shoulder, "Simple i've decided to give them a chance to earn their freedom."
At those words a shocked silence filled the throne room as the Prince sat on his throne and explained, "I will give them any weapons they need or acquire."
He looked down at those staring up at him, "Once they are suitably prepared I will set them against our new friend here." Here he gestured over toward Killer Croc, "In a fight to the death~"
He said with a dark purr as a darker smirk grew on his face, "Should they win they'll be free to go..however." The smirk grew as he stared into Croc eyes, "Should Killer Croc leave up to his name and slaughter them than not only will the traitors have been dealt with but he shall be worthy of joining my forces~"
"Yeap i saw that one a mile away" thought the Croc "Sounds like a fair deal to me" he said stretching a bit "so where we having this fight?" he asked not feeling that worry
"I think the training yard should do." Phobos said with a nod and gleam of anticipation, "We only need to set the date."
Here he gave a thoughtful hum, "I believe tomorrow morning should work." He said with a nod looking over at Killer Croc, "Give you and the Rebels time to prepare so you'll all fight at your best~"
"Ehh sounds good to me i dont have any plans" said Croc with a smug tone "would give me time to find a place to crash in after I move in"
"Very well." Phobos said with a nod, "I'll have my men arrange quarters for you." He said looking at Croc, "Now Vathek."
He looked over at the blue galhot, "I want you to deliver the message to the rebels and make sure they are prepared to put on a good show for their prince~" He added with a chuckle before looking at Cedric, "And Cedric since you brought him here than you shall serve as his minder till Croc here proves himself."
"Understood your highness." Cedric in his form of a blue eyed blond human wearing green robes as he stood up, "Excellent for now you are all dismissed." Phobos said with a wave of his hand with the soldiers, Vathek, and Cedric turning to leave
"Come Croc I shall escort you to a room." Cedric said calling over his shoulder
"Right behind you" said Croc before turning to see Vathek "Oh by the way could you tell them to not pee themselves? Dont like my lunch smelling like fear" he mocked
At those words Vathek gave a low scowl and tried his best to hide his disgust from this animal why was it that more and more monsters seemed to flock to Phobos banner, "I'll be sure to pass along the message."
He stated before he started to make his way to the dungeons while trying to figure out a plan to make sure his comrades from the rebellion survived while denying Phobos another potential asset and warrior for his army.
Croc looked him go until he was out of sight.
"I bet he will try to get them out the prison and pretend a riot and escape" he said to Cedric
"Hmm most likely." Cedric with a nod before looking over at Croc, "Unless he decides that move is to risky and attempts to gamble with his comrades lives and kill you?"
He said rubbing his chin before shaking his head, "But honestly your theory sounds more to his character."
"Umm should we send guards or do something about that?" Croc asked
"Hmm..nah." Cedric said shaking his head with a smirk, "Let Vathek have his fun it only works to our favor~"
He said with a dark tone of amusement, "After all if the rebels do try to escape than I think dealing with them before they can will easily meet Phobos standards~"
"Ummm" Croc thought about it "on that you are right" he groaned "although i hopped to sleep on a bed tonight not having to spend it on the marsh around the castle" he huffed
Cedric gave his friend a look of sympathy, "if you want we could let them escape and i could talk to Phobos about arranging a different test for you."
He stated in low tone as they walked through the corridors, "After all their escape can hardly be blamed on either of us, and I have no doubt that you'll pass any initiation test the prince gives you."
"Sigh...no think its better if we stop them...plus you know Phobos doesnt like excuses so better use this on our favor" Croc said.
Better gain quickly the favor of the prince so at least he can have a place to sleep
"True.." Cedric said with a sigh before rolling his eyes, "Besides last thing either of us want to deal with is pretty boy prince in a bad mood i'm sure."
He muttered in low tone before looking over at Croc, "So straight to the dungeons for stake out than, or would you prefer me to show you quarters to rest for a bit first?"
"Sigh i think i can take a nap as i doubt he will try anything until night fall" said Croc "so plenty of time"
"Very well." Cedric said with a nod guiding Croc down the corridors, "Besides I think you're overdue for a real bed and some rest my friend"
"Indeed thanks" said the Croc mentally preparing himself for the night
"No problem my friend." Cedric with a slight smirk also mentally preparing for the night ahead, and the larger challenges that await them
(That night)
Peace and quiet ruler over the castle as everyone retreated to bed.
The only one´s awake were the night guards and even they felt quite at peace..after all who would try attack the prince´s castle?
However down in the dungeons some things were happening.
First of all the guards and patrols were delayed.
Secondly no door was locked.
And thirdly...when the prisoners got their dinner...one of them found a key inside his food...a key to open the cells he and the rest of his fellow rebels were in
"It looks like the spirits of the Queens are shining down on us." A scraggly man whispered to his cellmate a large muscular man with a scarred right eye as they began to quietly unlock their comrades chains
"Yes but we must be careful." The scarred man said as they glanced carefully out their cell door keeping a sharp eye out for the guards
"i will free the others" Scraggly called approaching another cell.
inside were a blond man and a teen dark skinned girl that looked to be in her teens
The two looked up in slight shock seeing the man before the girl jumped up, "You're free!" She whispered yelled with a excited smile, "Does this mean we're getting out of here!?"
She said clapping ehr hands together exciteldy before the blond man placed his hand on her shoulder, "Easy girl." He said in low serious stare as Scraggly opened the cell, "What's going on?"
He asked as the girl and him stepped out of the cell, "How did you manage to get out?" The scraggly man smirked as he replied back, "Phobos men should really keep a better eye on their keys~"
He said with a laugh with the girl snorting before the blond man let out a hum, "Hmm well however this has happen we need to act quickly."
He said with a harsh whisper narrowing his eyes, "I heard some of the guards gossiping earlier and apparently some kinda unknown monster sough a audience with the tyrant to enter his service."
The mans eyes narrowed, "And the tyrant intends to test the best by setting him against all of us in a battle to the death!"
The girl looked up
"All of us against one of them? Jeez must be quite the monster" She said in almost a mocking tone.
"i wouldnt joke with that" the blonde man said "Phobos is a sadistic man so he probably expected us to die the moment we step into the arena"
Scraggly gave a nod, "He's right lass." He said in a dark tone, "And considering the abominations in his service like Cedric or the Tracker another monster joining their number means trouble for the rebellion."
He said with a slight growl before turning on his heel, "So come on we need to get the others and leave now before it's too late!" He ordered with hint of frantic impatience, "I'd rather not find out first hand how dangerous this new abomination is."
With that they open two more cells pulling out 4 more people.
Once the group was complete the question was how get everyone out of the castle.
"Ummm" scarred eye looked out the dungeon door "No patrol...thats weird...for what we know a change of guards shouldnt happen until midnight yet i cant see or hear anyone"
"Maybe they're all slacking off." The dark skinned girl from earlier shrugged before a old man with a large scruffy beard let out a snort, "The day the tyrant let's his followers slack off without executing them, is the day he willingly gives up the throne."
He said in a hard tone before narrowing his eyes, "No something isn't right." He said before looking at the Scraggily man and the Scarred man, "Are you sure that key came from our friend on the inside?"
He asked having heard rumor that the rebellion had a man on the inside but only the higher ranked members such as Caleb, Aldarn, or Drake really knew his identity for safety. So the spy wouldn't be exposed by any potential traitors or spies among the rebellion
"It must be" said Scraggly "if we were to be taken to the arena then the best time to leave would be before that" he said.
"Yeah but how we are suppose to leave?" asked the bearded man.
"The pipes" said scarred eye "Captain Caleb mentioned the pipes of the castle were big enough for a small troop to move into them and they lead to the swamp area around the castle...if we find a way in we could leave through them"
"Yuck!" The girl said with a frown, "Would you prefer staying here as the tyrants guest." A annoyed muscular woman with pale skin and white hair who was standing besides a orange skinned galhot asked, "No than shut up, and suck it up brat!"
She ordered before turning to Scraggly, "Any idea where those pipes are?"
The man nodded.
"I heard some guards complaining about a fallen wall not far from this...apparently humidity weakened the structure" he smiled "and the way they were talking about smells...i will bet the pipes are there"
"Than lead the way." The woman said with a nod with the group beginning to make their way to the fallen way as the dark skinned teenager grumbled under her breath, "Can't believe joined the rebellion for this."
She said in sour tone first imprisoned in her first week now this! She really should have listen to her mom and become a seamstress
The group moved as quiet as they could stopping now and then trying to see or hear any guard.
As for now...there was none.
and for those with more time in the rebellion...it was quite unnerving.
Finally the group reached the end of a hallway where the wall was torn down and a big hole could be seen.
Water could be heard running from it
"So who first?" The teenager asked before letting out a yelp as the white haired woman gave her a push, "Ahhhhhhh!"
Her shout of surprise echoed as she fell down the hole with the others in the group giving the woman shocked looks with her merely shrugging before jumping in as well without a word
"Well come on you spineless worms!" The scarred man yelled before jumping in as well with soon the rest following and soon each of them found themselves sliding down the water and through the pipes before eventually
"WHOA!"
The teenager yelled out as she flew out a pipe exit and found herself falling into water below with her than breaking up to the surface, "Coff..coff..ugh!"
Soon more splashes followed behind her as she looked around.
Giant roots and vines covered up to where she could see...small lakes and pounds filled with vegetation...she could hear the sound of frogs and insects flying around.
"See it wasnt that bad" the white haired woman said as she walked to the shore
"Uh..huh." The girl said with a deadpan doubt before sighing following the woman as the others began to make their way to the shore
"Looks like we're all here." The blond man said as the old man with the scruffy beard spoke up, "Good now lets get out of here." He said with a hard tone, "It's only a matter of time our escape is noticed so the more distance we put between us and Phobos soldiers the better."
He said as he walked up to the shore
However before he could reach it fully.
something grabbed his foot...and pull him underwater before he could yell
"WHAT THE HELL!" The teenager yelped with fright as the others whirled around in shock before putting their guards up tensing, "We're not alone." The scarred man said with a growl, "Dammit I knew this was too easy." The blond man hissed
everyone looked around trying to see anything but all it was quiet around them.
The teen specially began breathing hard not liking the sudden change of atmosphere.
"Shouldnt...shoudnt we run?" she asked
"To where girl?" The blond man spat out, "We've been set up." He growled out clenching his fists, "Odds are that key never came from our friend and instead came from the tyrants servants."
He looked carefully at the water, "And if i'm right than I've got a good guess at what we might be dealing with."
"What? What are you talking about?" The girl asked looking ready to bolt
"Use your brain girl!" The blond man snapped with a growl his eyes swerving around, "The guards just happen to let slip about Phobos new beast."
He looked over at Scraggly and the Scarred man, "Two of us just happen to get a key hidden in their meal."
He growled, "And we face no trouble in our escape with not a guard in sight." He clenched his fists, "If it's not a set up than i'm the missing princess."
"Hehehehe" a growling laugh echoed around them "i dont think so...for one she is cuter that you" the voice mocked "and two...im actually a bit disappointed that i was right about you guys making a break here...if you rebels are so predictable i have to wonder how you have been able to evade the prince all these years"
The white haired woman let out a growl, "We've evaded him because the rebellion can and will always take on whatever your master throws at us!"
She yelled out with a narrowed glare, "And we might not have weapons but we're far from defenseless so come out and fight you coward!"
"Hehehe ohh i like you...shame you seem too old for my tastes..." the voice mocked "but since you insist"
ROAR!!!!!
a root was demolished as Killer Croc came rushing through it a full speed fangs and claws at ready; bulldozing and forcing the group to split while he tackled the muscle scarred eye man first
"ARG!" The scarred man yelled in shock as he tried to grab ahold and grapple Crocs jaws inches away from his face as the scraggily man yelled out, "WHAT IN QUEEN WEIRA NAME IS THAT!"
"A monster that needs killing!" The woman yelled out as she grabbed a large rock on the ground and threw it as hard as she could at Croc
The rock impacted his head braking into pieces.
Feeling annoyed Croc growled and piledrived the man before turning around (whipping scarred eye with his tail sending him back to the water) and roaring at the other rebels.
ROARRRRR!!!!!
"Show no fear!" The blond haired man grabbing a sharp looking rock from the ground and rushed forward with his cry fueling the rest of the group as they all grabbed what they could and rushed the best
All except one as the teenager stepped back staring in terror at the sight before muttering to herself, "Fuck this." She said before whirling around and fleeing, "Screw the rebellion Phobos can rule for eternity for all I care I want to live!"
"Come back here you coward!!" the woman cried only to get her attention back to the fight as Croc snapped his jaws around the blonde haired man´s arms and then use him as a battering ram against the other attackers
"ARGGH!" The blond haired man yelled out in searing pain as Croc did so though another of the group tried to take Croc by surprise
"Forget that traitor focus on this monster!" The Galhot roared trying to grab the monster from behind around his neck but the beast strength made that no easy task
ROAR!!!!
Croc throw himself into the ground and began rolling.
CRACK
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!"
Not only the Galhot was forced to let go of the reptile, but the arm of the blond ended up being torn from his body
"BRAN!" The white haired woman exclaimed in horror as the galhot screamed in utter pain and agony, "ARG FORGET ME!" He between gritted teeth, "JUST KILL THIS BASTARD!"
He yelled while clutching his bleeding out stump at that the white haired woman still before giving a hard nod as she glared at the fucker who brought such harm her comrades, "Hey ugly!"
She raised her arms wide to get the animal attention, "Why don't upi try fighting like a man instead of a fucking animal!"
Croc grinned (bloody arm In his maw)
"In that case" he said spitting out the arm "why dont you get naked and let me fuck you like a woman?" internally the soul felt a rush the moment he felt blood in his mouth...it seems he also go some blood-rush a Croc can get "Hehehehe although...i think the one that ran could be more my type"
The white haired woman gave a growl noticing the scarred man trying to sneak up behind the beast with what seemed to be a sharp stone so she opted to keep the monsters attention on her, "Maybe if there's enough left of you breathing we'll let you have your fun with the coward before we give you both the executioner's axe."
She said with angered spite because if there was one thing she despised it was cowards and traitors, "After all." She shot a taunting smirk, "It's not like any woman would willingly spread her legs for a monster like you."
She said with a laugh as the scarred man pounce at the beast and attempted to stab down at it's head with the sharp rock as hard as he could
Only for croc to turn sharply and slam him with his tail sending him flying a good couple of feet.
"Hehehehe never say never" he said turning to the woman "Who knows what the future will bring...plus" he gave her a predatory look "When did I say she must be willing to do so?"
The white woman gave a growl while taking a uneasy vstep back taking stock in her situation anybody could see it didn't look good as tried to figure way to turn tables in their favor, "Disgusting animal."
She said with anger growl, "No different from the rest of your masters servants lapping up his scraps while taking everything you can from my people."
She narrow her eyes, "Well the only thing you'll be taking is your masters wasted time when he digs your carcass out of this swamp!"
She road as she did a crouch roll and threw a large stone at the monsters eyes
Croc crossed his arms making the stone break on them at impact.
roaring he fell on all four and rushed against the woman
The white haired woman however did her best to keep her nerve as she returned the charge before making crouching her legs and leaping as far and high as she could over the beast with the intent of twisting around and attacking at it's back.
But the moment she landed her legs were swiped by the tail of the creature sending her to the mud.
Before she could recover a clawed hand fell on her head and pressed her face into the mud
The girl than grabbed onto the arm trying desperately to break free from the grip as her voice was muffled by Crocs hand
"im sorry i think i didnt hear you well before" he said adding more pressure "who´s carcass did you say will be need to dig out the swamp?"
However in the next moment a voice roared out, "GET AWAY FROM HER BASTARD!" As the three remaining rebel prisoners all charged and pounced at Croc hitting and punching him where they could whether it be their fists, large stick of lumber, or large rock they found
Croc snarled in anger.
Good news he release his hold on the woman.
Bad news...he know had the both hands free.
"Urk!!!"
"Agg"
worst news...he also had his mouth free.
SNAP!!!
"ahhhhhhh!!!!!"
Two prisoners grabbed by their heads.
one having an arm inside the maw.
Croc growled and before the three could do anything the creature jumped back into the deep water taking the three with them leaving the woman behind
"NO!" The woman yelled with anger and fear before banging her fist against the ground, "DAMMIT!" She said in a roar as she quickly realized that the last of her comrades still in stable fighting condition were likely dead or good as dead
And as much as she wanted to continue the fight and kill this monster she knew that she had to try to take this chance to flee to at least maybe give the rebellion a warning about the tyrants new monster
As much as it disgusted her to leave her comrades like that coward from earlier she realized this was a fight she couldn't win so she quickly got up and attempted to run as fast as she could
From the water Croc emerged cleaning some blood of his maw as the corpses of the rebels began floating up to the surface.
"Ummmm...should i go after her...or should i let her go?" Croc asked "What do you think...Lord Cedric?" he added looking up to one of the giant roots where he could notice a serpentine body
The transformed form of Lord Cedric slithered out of the shadows with a smirk with a hum while carrying the struggling form of the teenage rebel from earlier eying them both with absolute fear, "Let her be."
He said with a smirk, "After all we need to deliver a appropriate message to the rebels that they have a new monster to worry about~"
"Ummm" Croc hummed "eh could work, plus i can find her later if its needed" he sniffed the air "i have her essence after all" he took another sniff "Umm and that other girl"
"Right here." Cedric said throwing the teenager at Crocs feet, "Do with her as you please~"
At those words the girl looked up with tears falling down her face as she stared up in terror, "P-please.." She stuttered out in fear, "Let me go..i'll do anything!" She exclaimed in fear
Croc smiled at the girl.
Early teen no older than 15...dark skin..long black hair in a braid...black pants and boots and a bikini top...very nice in his eyes.
"Well my dear...i think you can start by telling me your name and why were you with these....traitors" the reptilian said in low tone
The girl gulped as she stuttered out, "M-my names Piper." She said looking up at him with terror and tear stained face, "My brother joined the rebellion after our parents died." She rubbed her arms nervously, "I wasn't aboard for the idea in the first place but he was the only family I had left."
"Hisss...and tell me Piper" Croc continue "Hows life have been treating you since you joined the rebellion?" he asked "You feeling the return of the princess? Think Phobos can be beat?" he gave a fanged smile "and please be honest...i can smell lies too and you wont want to lose the only chance you have to continue be alive"
The girl gave a fearful gulp holding up her hands, "Look I didn't even really want to join okay honest!" She said in terrified tone shaking her head, "I don't give a damn about some missing princess or Phobos ruling, I just wanted to survive!"
Croc nodded.
"Survive...yeah we all want that" he smiled at her "I tell you what...if you can give me a list of names of any rebel you know that lives in the capital i will convince the prince to let you stay in the castle as my personal maid" Croc offered "No more rebels..no more hiding from soldiers...secured food and bed...a nice easy job...sounds good?"
The girl gave a gulp internally admitting it did sound like a good deal especially when the alternative was losing her head, "Yes sir." She said with a slight stutter internally terrified at what being this monsters maid might mean but if it means she'll live she'll take it, "I'll tell you all everything I know I swear!"
"Thats good my dear" The Croc hummed before turning to the snake "So Lord Cedric i suppose now we need to inform the prince about what happened and i hope he will be satisfied with my work"
"Indeed my friend~" Cedric said with a amused hiss, "And I have no doubt the prince will be satisfied with the results."
He said with a chuckle while glancing over at a dead body before smiling over at Croc, "And this..this is only just the beginning~"
"Hehehe indeed" he turned to the girl "Well come along Piper...let me show you your new life" he flashed a fanged smile "and i assure you...it will be quite the ride"
At this Piper gave another gulp feeling a chill fall down her spine as she wondered if perhaps death might have been the better option after all.