Sandra
*The air blade Lucien sent out would cleave through it's already damaged limb, severing it's body from its dismembered leg. Having lost both of its legs, it fell to the ground, marking it completelt vulnerable to Ikari's attack.*

*The burning fire had already tenderized the beast's otherwise soft flesh. Due to the strength behind the downwards strike, it was able to break through the bone plate and cut right down the abomination's middle. This left a huge portion of its guts hanging out; the sudden smell of the corpses and rotting was enough to leave you winded.*

*This time, however, the abomination would've gone down. With a final roar of defiance, it's body became limp before completely dissipitating into the air. Particles of it's corpse became detached in clumps until they dispersed, leaving nothing behind but the skull of a deer. Yet, this skull was rather different. The bone was not white; it was completely dark purple, with bright yellow signs and sigils running along it. It was a nice decorative piece, though; get rid of the smell and you could hang it off your wall. Or you could sell it.*

*Yet, the conflict did not seem over. From the edge of the forest clearing, the three of you would be able to make out an overpowering presence of necrotic energy. As you turn to meet it's figure, you would be able to catch the sight of something wreathed in black, silver lined robes. It's face was hidden under it's hood, leaving no part of its face visible. It strode towards the three of you, letting its immensely powerful aura spill from its person. The visible energies of dark and unholy magic flowed like a river out of every single pore in their body, some splitting to form characters from different languages. Somehow, though, you knew they all meant the same thing: death.*

*It stopped 10 meters away from Ikari, pointing a long, withered hand towards the skull.*

"I'm going to want that back."

``` The abomination is dead. ```
Curtis
*Harley let out a sigh of relief the abomination was dead. She would do her best to get up, using the tree that she hit as leverage to stand up. She felt tired, and also felt like she could of done more to help. It made her sad inside she didn't feel like she stepped up more then she should of. One hit and she was basically taken out, her summon was also defeated with a single blow. However, that sadness would soon turn to determination she couldn't let this keep her down. For now at least, she was trying her best not to put any weight on her leg. At least the other two were fine. 

She was amazed at the twos attacks, being able to completely cut down the monster with their strength. She gave the pair a thumbs up and spoke in a soft voice. 

"Good job!" She said with some enthusiasm with her, but noticing the corpse and how it was basically fallen apart she was wondering what exactly made up this abomination? From the look up it, it seemed like something of a necromancers work, yet it only brought even more curosity and the desire to learn. 

All her thoughts would stop though, sensing a cold and necrotic energy. It would make her shiver as she looked over that way to see a mysterious man who wanted the skull back. She was in no condition to fight but in her mind there was no reason to play the hero, she felt like the job was done and there was another time and place to figure out this mystery.*
James
The demon slowly walked forward, her demeanor surprisingly calm as she simply picked up the skull. "You do, do you? I don't suppose you're just a mere collector, are you?" She replied with mock innocence, and despite knowing she didn't have much of a chance against this thing, she figured she may as well attempt to make sure this doesn't become a problem again with more bodies and another bounty in a week or two.

Here eye quickly flicked over to Lucien as she simply slowly stepped away from the thing, it was a quick signal and one with a very easy to understand meaning, *"Take over."* She knew the vampiric elf would be far better and more rational about reasoning with this thing then she could be and so essentially passed the torch to him, praying that he still wasn't in a bloodlusted frenzy and about to get them all killed.
John
Lucien charged at the beast, prepared to follow up with another attack. Mal coursed through his sword, until it came to a stop. The beast collapsed in front of his eyes. The swordsman had to bounce back to avoid being squashed by its massive body. It disintegrated afterwards, leaving behind an unbearable stench. The elf was all but pleased with the smell and sight, revulsion replacing his fury. He headed towards the witch with the goal of taking his sheath back. Immediately, he froze.

His whole body tightened, possessed by a new presence. As if out of a flash, the energy this being released did not give him even a moment to react. Feelings of terror, despair and anxiety overwhelmed him. The fear awakened him, bringing the beast inside him back in its cage. His eyes reverted in color and his mysterious plating crumbled off, revealing his actual skin. The man scurried over calmly, as to not provoke any rash actions by either side. He smiled and nodded back to Ikari, accepting her request.

Despite being inwardly frightened to death, his expression remained composed. Lucien steered his blade into the dirt and let go of it, despite keeping it nearby. *"Ah, so you must be the owner of this fascinating specimen. It is a pleasure to meet."* He pressed the tip of his fingers against his chest and tilted his head faintly. A courteous bow followed, one performed with utmost elegance. After returning to his upright posture, he continued. *"I would like to make it clear that me and my friends are not your enemies. We simply attacked the beast for our own safety."* The man covered by his black cloak explained. *"We will be more than happy to return the item to your collection, after which you can return to your previous endeavors. Before that, however, I doubt you would mind a brief hiatus? One in which we could discuss terms?"*

The swordsman was well aware of the clear disadvantage they had. He was very confident that the being could make quick work of them. He took a risk - a calculated one. The entity must have been aware how much stronger it was. Lucien doubted it valued the lives of three random weaklings at all. What it did care about, evidently, was the mask. He assumed it would be willing to parley if that could secure its precious item.

And so he sprung his hands out, palms open wide. He shook his fingers to and fro. A satisfying smirk came to his face, eyes closed. *"To reveal my honest intentions, I shall inform you of our job. We were asked to come to this forest and see who had been causing such a ruckus. It would be in our best interest if you ceased whatever experiments you practice in this area. Of course, asking such a thing without knowing what your reasoning and ambitions are would be ignorant, akin to scum - not gentlemen."* His body moved to express his points throughout the whole time. The elf spoke effortlessly, all coming to his mind at the moment. While he had some skill wielding a sword, his true power were his words.

*"So. Could we know what your interests are? Why do you harm creatures in this forest? Could all this perhaps be changed in a way where none of us suffer?"* He gestured the skull held in Ikari's hand with his head during the last question.