Christopher
"Well, fair enough." 

*Valac nodded, it wasn't much of a bomb shell. He usually went solo for his entire life. This didn't really worry Valac too much, he believed he could survive he's made it this long alive. But that was the dormant within wouldn't allow it, no matter how much Valac wanted to perish. It was the leading cause of why he survived for so long. Though, he slightly feared Noctis would see him in such a state, so he would suppress it as much as possible. He took his blade out from his holster with wisps of darkness and unique blue magical energies would radiate off of body of the sword. As they reached the trail, he grinned a bit his blood was racing. As they headed toward the trail, once witnessing the trail, he knew taking it from a direct approach was incorrect. Instead he had to go for information, and had to play his cards correctly if he wanted to obtain a victory.*

"Well here goes nothing." 

*He muttered to himself. He squatted down, before springing up into the air right into the brushes of a nearby jungle tree. He changed the positioning of the blade, similar to that of a dagger. He wasn't as quiet or as efficient as Noctis, but Valac was quite good at maintaining subtle, and some silence through his stride across the branches. His eyes would graze the area, analyzing what may lurk around. He trying his best to discover the location of the target, or targets. He was scouting, and to him, obtaining environmental information, or evidence would prove useful as he followed the trail. Not walking on the ground initially as that would prove disadvantageous for someone to follow in the open. Seeing the dragged trail more closely, he was directly over it, as he was high up above within one of the brushes. He was being analytic and strategic, though, he knew he probably might not be enough. He began to overestimate the opponent's prowess. It was an issue he always has, but it was better to be overly cautious than to be overly confident.*
Cynthia
Whenever or if ever Valac would glance back to see where Noctis was, he'd find his companion gone. 

Noctis could obtain a pseudo invisibility, a particularly potent mix of his that utilized his Enhancement Magic and his Illusion Magic. The process was relatively simple and went as such. 

1: Noctis places an illusion in the spot he's standing, basically creating a "Layer" Of illusion- a copy of himself. His illusion magic is advanced enough to emit sound and follow a pre-sequenced pattern of events. 

2: After the illusion is set and placed, Noctis uses his enhancement magic to boost his physical stats, giving him an insane boost of speed. 

3: Noctis uses a secondary illusion and layers it directly onto his skin, the magic being a spell that basically created camouflag, reflecting what it saw on either end, effectively making him transparent. 

4: Noctis then dashed away at a speed that most eyes could not track, and placed himself in a new position, camouflaged and with the first illusory Noctis still standing in place. 

5: Finally, Noctis used his illusion magic to distort the sound he made- he could take it and filter anything he did through his illusions, and then pitch or change the volume. So he basically threw any sound he made away from his direction and turned the volume down as low as it would go. This effectively allowed him to vanish and become deathly silent- all within nearly the blink of an eye. 

This particular move had required years of practice for him, but now was one of his most deadly skills. It had been used in his encounter with Maze and the Woodland Protectors, with a little added flair for Mazes' perceptive eyes. 

He now followed through the trees, his footsteps silent as a butterflies wing beats and his enhanced body easily keeping track of everything as Valac continued his hunt.
Maria
Deeper within the jungle came the dying bray of a donkey, and then a low rumbling roar that seemed to shake the very trees. The jungle became as quiet as death, not even the bugs making any noise. There was a blood trail where Valac stood, leading towards the direction of the sound. 

Upon following, Valac would find a hulking shape hunched over a now dead donkey. Well over eight feet tall and with a body as wide as a wagon, with a slithering tale of scales and a barbed point like a scorpions- there it was. A massive white tiger with claws as long as longswords and a deadly waving tail, his maw buried in its meal- not yet noticing Valac.
Christopher
*Seeing the massive beast, he knew it would prove a challenge, though, he had to take into account that he couldn't play around. Each step grew slower... Quieter, as he approached slowly from above. His sword in his hand, as it silently resonated in the air, with it swaying side to side as if building force or momentum. As he soon approached above, finally granting a certain advantage, he took his chance. Unfortunately, a bit of an accident occurred, what some would call, human error. As he jumped off to try and strike the large beast, his body initially coming off of the branch created a sound as it vibrated from the relief of weight that was being afflicted by it. 

It's resonate sound would echo behind the beasts ear, especially, above the beast. It could probably quickly notice that, as only gravity was giving momentum to Valac. He didn't utilize extra force, or used his physical prowess to further boost his momentum in order to afflict a strike, as he knew it would cause too much noise. He wasn't as experienced in the arts of silence to be quiet with every move, so he had to take the brunt of making the sound. He quickly impended toward the beast, with his blade in his hand, initially waiting for a reaction as he heard the sound of the branch reverberating behind him. He assumed that he probably wouldn't have initiative due to creating an alerting sound, but he would be prepared for the oncoming assault from the beast. Knowing that its hearing was superior similar to his based on biological build. 

He readied his blade, but instead of a more offensive position, it was more defensive. He held his blade out before him, having it out infront of him so he can initially react to a probable impending strike, but he had something to block with. Something he can defend himself from the brunt of the possible incoming strike.

He knew he had already made a mistake, and it wasn't on purpose. He knew he lacked skill of a true assassin, and was more of a pugilist.*
Maria
The beast snarled as the reverberations rang above it and it's head snapped upwards. Despite its size it moved with ferocious speed, icy blue cat eyes wildly zeroing in on Valac as he plummeted down towards his target. It's maw was drenched in blood, bits of flesh still caught in its massive teeth which only made it more terrible of a sight. 

Of all things, it reacted with its tail. The pointed almost blade like edge of it stabbed towards him and luckily, hit his blade instead of him. The force of the strike would likely send him flying backwards, colliding with a tree if he did not correct himself. 

The tiger then turned and hunched itself down- the pouncing position. It would strike now at a moments notice- launch like an arrow to finish the job. 

After only a few moments- the beast dashed towards Valac with a snarl, tail darting to the left while one claw swiped from the right to pincer him and end the fight if he didn't manage to avoid it.
Christopher
*Valac was tossed back with a loud thud against the tree. He slid down against the dark brown bark that was the tree. He let out a cough, as he kept his blade forward. The initial strike caused his hands to shake a little. Not from fear, but rather the hit was quite powerful. Seeing the large cat pounce toward Valac, Valac leaped into the air, grabbing upon one of the branches before catapulting himself above like a bullet speeding through the air. He managed to avoid it, he soon began to fall back down, like a missile about to make its mark. 

He kept his sword forward, as it would not only provide an opportunity to block a strike, but with the further moment due to the height of his jump he believed there was a chance to strike. He had to witness the speed of the beast before making an initial judgement. Testing the waters and seeing how strong this being is. Knowing based on the first strike, Valac's strength was far less superior than that of the beast. Which was problems. He knew the only thing that would cause at least damage was his blade. He was like a rocket impending toward the target. He began to strategize, creating pathways of which he can take, another step, another move. Creating a mapped out plan as to how he can manage to survive, but also try and fight back. At least have a chance, but he knew based on wits, and physical prowess... Valac was quite insufficient. He felt like he was already lacking, he still felt the sensations of the previous strike in the palm of his hand. Like reverberations cause by the inertia of the strike climbing up his arm, to even his shoulder. He was beginning to sweat a little, he felt like it might happen again. That what lies dormant my activate if he were to fail to defeat his opponent in this state. He knew that... The sensations he was already feeling in his abdomen. That of cold, ruthlessness, survival instinct, and intense adrenaline, he wanted to maintain compose. He didn't want to change into a monster.*
Maria
The beasts tail once again flicked out towards him first, the scales like iron links that seemed to scintillate together. It's strike was so horrible and fast that there was a cracking sound like a whip as it struck. The sharp blades tail would meet his sword and cause sparks to fly, and then it would swat with its paw. 

The massive paw would slam into his body as his sword arm was thrown off course from the tail- luckily the claws would miss his body but the paw would strike with the force of a horse kick. 

It would not give him a chance to rest, as it would follow with a snap of its jaws, chasing after him through the clearing if the paw wasn't dodged- simply biting at him if it was dodged.
Christopher
*His physical prowess could not match that of the beast as he was tossed again. Thrown like a ball across a foot ball field. His body shattered through a tree, before being stopped by another large thick trunk. The tree would slowly collapse as the strike he had endured was far too much for him to handle. His body slowly slid off the bark leaving a large abrasion on his back. The look on Valac's face said it all, dread. Dark purple flesh-like debris and blood would be splayed across the bark of the tree... He didn't flinch from the pain. He laid on his side, as he looked extremely enraged with his own lack of physical prowess. He looked as if given up. As the tree fell over, a loud thud hitting the ground, with the sound of branches cracking as it fell, the bones in his torso. In particular, his ribs, as well as his vertebrae crumbled. 

It was broken. He couldn't move because his body would not allow him. Sure he can endure the pain, but his body would prevent him from making such a mistake. Causing more damage just to move and continue the fight was not worth it. He laid there... The sclera of his eyes slowly beginning to be consumed by darkness. Something within him needed to make him move, regardless of the now numerous broken bones on his body. Valac breathed heavily, trying to keep composed not wanting to have what lied dormant take an active initiative. As he had no control over it yet, and knowing it was going to conclude poorly... Even hurting Notcis in the process assuming he was nearby. 

Valac felt himself at the edge... His internal organs now bleeding that was from the osteo-shrapnel that would spread throughout his body. He felt darkness slowly grow throughout his body. His regeneration went from normally efficient speed, to starting to accelerate quickly. He felt his control slipping from his grasp, as he remained on the ground. It was pretty much over for him. This battle concluded quickly due to Valac's lack of physical prowess.*
Cynthia
Noctis had to admit that the beast was fearsome. He chewed on the sweet roll that the barmaid had given him to as a going away present, along with two apples, a slice of cheese and a loaf of bread- with plenty eyelash fluttering and obvious invitation to thank her with more than words. Words had been all he had used however, not because of her looks or because of his taste, but because he'd seen Emi's face behind her shoulder, smiling that dreadful smile. 

Shaking that thought away- he focused back on the fight. The creatures tail was a mutation, serrated and sharp, it's strength was easily more than a grizzly bears and it was as fast as any jungle cat in full pounce. That alone made this a difficult job- one that a full party should be attempting, and not a weak one. His first instinct was to help, to jump down there and assist his new friend. What was the point of being a persons friend if he were only going to let them die?

But Scipio hadn't helped him during his first encounter with a beast from the Beyond Lands. He'd been there, watching, the veil between life and death for Noctis- but he hadn't helped. Noctis wouldn't either. 

The beast struck him solidly once and charged- good, a Dodge from Valac. Noctis groaned as the entity attempted yet the same attack as his initial opening, albeit with more force and speed- but this creature had shown it could react, and it was *Clever.* 

The tiny man flew across the field and crashed through a tree, and that's when Noctis registered the state he was in. Noctis had hoped that if put under some strain, the small man would display some of his latent strength. Yet even if he was working up to it, the fight was ending too quickly. From that position he'd be dead with the next bite, the beast would aim for a vital or even attempt to bite him straight in half. 

He had to help a little. 

Enhancing his back and arms, as well as the senses he used to help him aim- he raised Ebony Rose and held it by the blade between two fi

Ngers. 

As the beast lunged to finish the kill- he threw the sword like a spear. It flashed through the air so fast that it caused ignition and a thunderous clap, and the blade pierced the base of the edge of the beasts whip like tail and pinned it to a tree, causing the massive Tiger to get jerked back and off balance and screech in pain. It writhed and slashed at an unseen attacker and pulled with its tail- ripping free finally but severely damaging the tail in the process. The tails strikes would be much weaker and much slower, and any more damage would sever it completely and cause serious blood loss. 

Ebony Rose, the black longsword, sat buried in the thick jungle tree with its ruby gleaming with the beasts blood. 

"Fight Valac! You have something to live for now- you have to do whatever it takes to win!" 

Not his best work, but he'd just woken up from an eons long nap. Sue him.
Christopher
*Valac still looked with a bit of dread. He slowly got up, he felt pain shoot up his spine and torso. The pain was intense but he didn't release any sound. Nor a scream. His regeneration began to slow down as he kept himself composed, conserved. Preventing what was within taking action. He slowly got up... Blood was dripping from his nose, and slowly seeping from his maw as he breathed heavily through his mouth. It was viscous, dark purple goo what was his own blood dripping from his mouth... His face was monotone... As he began to walk, yet slowly. Feeling his shattered bones shift, and change though being held in place with a darkness like glue that was mending them together, it hadn't fully stabilized yet. He began to walk a bit slowly before he began to move faster. Ignoring his pain, and further damaging his regenerating bones. Fractures would begin to run up the small pieces within him as the pain would induce his mind with so many thoughts of wanting to release what was within. 

He was now at a full sprint now, it felt as if everything was beginning to slow down, yet he was moving faster. Holding his sword in his hand as he aimed to grab the other blade, in order to obtain an advantage. The look of his face looked serious, but extremely hopeless. He didn't think of hopelessness, but after that second hit. He really thought in his current state it wasn't possible. He thought of resorting to trump card he initially had, but he knew it would take awhile to satiate his desires. Valac quickly made it toward the blade but keeping his eye attentive on his opponent, keeping his blade infront. He felt so frustrated with his lack of power. 

He had only thought of his desires going crazy, a voice began to whisper in his ear. Saying:"Let me out" And "Give me a chance!", of course knowing this manipulative words would conclude in brutality. He suppressed it. The voice whispering in his ear, a tone and weight of malice that was strong, yet so desirable to take.*
Maria
The beast was in the center of the clearing now, away from Valac. Blood spurted from its injured whip like tail, the blade at the end no longer firm but nearly limp. It could still use the tail- but how well? 

Valac would have time to get ahold of Ebony Rose. The sword would require a firm pull to get free from the tree, but afterwards... 

Ebony Rose was a beautiful longsword. It had been made by two best friends, a Child of Celsus the Goddess of the Forge, and a Child of Aristo. A masterpiece, a weapon that was both deadly and beautiful, like it's master was in his flesh. It's edge would never dull, it's blade never break and it was perfectly balanced, down to the last atom of its existence. Other blades were more powerful, contained far more magic- but this one was perfectly crafted to be a simple and elegant weapon of death. 

With black metal and glittering rubied roses in the blade, it seemed to drink the blood of the beast and would feel as if Valac had carried the sword his whole life. 

The beast would head the sword being pulled free and turn, snarling and pacing slowly, unsure what had caused it's new wound. After a moment, it would leap forward and stab with its spear like tail. The strike was much, much slower than before, about the speed of an athletes thrust with a saber.
Christopher
*The blade grew a little distracting as he picked it up, he felt the power within the blade, and as he held it, about to test it out... He was pierced. He wasn't fast enough to react. Even though the beast was at a weakened state, Valac was far more injured than the beast was. The beasts tail completely pierced through his abdomen. It was... Now too late to suppress anything.* 

"I won't let myself fall." 

*He said almost as if a different person, he held the blades, dual wielding them, as darkness quickly seeped out from his body. His demeanor began to change and so did his behavior. He quickly swing his blade toward the tail that was imbedded into abdomen, using it to his advantage as his blood imitated as if fingers to grab the tail. He was planning on cutting it off in one swoop. His strength began to change, and the darkness within would cause him to regenerate faster.*

"I will make you suffer." 

*Valac wasn't himself anymore, that piercing blow was enough to... Technically defeat him, but now something else decided to take hold of Valac. Something that lied dormant, and would prevent him from dying. Not because it cared, rather it was his body that was more of a tool than anything. Born of darkness, harboring his true self within. He spoke again, as he began grinning, his dark viscous blood dripping and seeping through his teeth... Soon a radiation of such an aura would release off of his body. An unimaginable evil. A monster. Like a beast, or a dragon. 

What was within would not allow Valac to die no matter the circumstances. Luckily the injury had not caused swift death, and allowed the opportunity for a counter strike. The darkness from his body would slowly begin to grow, as Valac's more endearing personality would change into something more sinister. Though, Valac was trying to suppress it as much as possible knowing he cannot control what is within. His true self.*