Tempting Darkness

It was a moonless night around the confinds of the musalium.

The noise of intruders seemed to echo in the dank tomb.

The echoing footsteps weren't the only thing heard within the tomb. If the group would listen closely, they would likely hear snarling resonating in all directions it would seem. There was a creature of darkness lurking about, attempting to find a way out and hunt for some unlucky prey. The beast had awoken here as the sun set, as if someone had placed him here. Now, with the scent of an apatizing meal coursing through his overly keen nostrils, the unholy monster skulked his potential morsels.

The intruders, a mule and a griffon, slowly made their way into the tomb.

"You sure about this being the right tomb, Grief?" asked the mule.

"This is the one the boss said, Mezek!" snorted Grief, "All we need to do is find that ring the boss wants and get out!"

"I've got a bad feeling about this place." stammered Mezek.

"You did say that when the boss was told about the black relics!" said Grief.

"And I was right, wasn't I" snapped Mezek.

"Yes," snorted Grief, "But the fact we are still alive should tell you something! Now lets move!"

Grief and Mezek would then catch sight of the cursed beast. Tall and muscular with shaggy jet black fur covering its entire body, its soulless, glowing red eyes glared at the duo with immense hunger. Drooled dripped off his long and pointed, formidable fangs. The snarling turned more into growling. It seemed as if this creature was contemplating on who to devour first.

"Um....Grief...."  said Mezek nervously.

"I..I see it too..." replied Grief.

"It..It..It has the ring...As Well..." stuttered Mezek.

"I say..." started Grief, "Screw it! Run for it!"

The two raced out of the tomb as fast as they could, not even bothering to close the tomb behind them.

With a fear inducing howl, the monster spread its massive demonic wings and flew towards them with immense speeds. Its claws were drawn and ready to carve into their flesh should it get close enough. Given the speed its wings propelled it, this would be a likely possibility.

"Split!" called Grief as the creature closed in.

The two darted in opposite direction.

Splitting up seemed to be their best option as given the monster's lack of intelligence, it appeared confused on who to target. Of course this would only buy the pair a few seconds before it would choose, and Mazek was the unfortunate prey. The living nightmare let out another howl as it flew towards the mule with great speeds with the use of its massive ebony wings. Its fangs and claws were once again at the ready as the prepared to make a meal out of him.

Mezek could only glance back as the creature closed in on him.

Suddenly he stumbled into an open grave as the creature flew over him.

The monster was seconds from closing in. It could feel its claws inches away from making their mark. It grinned hungrily, when suddenly they prey vanished from sight. Before the beast could begin to understand what happened, its head collided with the tombstone of a nearby grave. Its large black furred body crashed straight through the stone and tumbled to the ground, rolling about a short distance before coming to a stop. Blood surface from the corner of its head and it lay on its back with no signs of moving.

"Mezek!" called Grief running over to his partner, "You alright?!"

Mezek Climbed out of the grave and spat "out a mouth full of dirt.

"That was close." he muttered, "Did you see where it went?"

"It's over there." pointed the griffon, "It's not moving, I think."

"Best not push our luck." said Mezek, a little shaken.

"Look!" said Grief, "Boss said to get the ring..."

"I wouldn't chance it!" snapped Mezek, "I'd rather risk the boss's wrath then that...Thing!"

"Don't worry!" snarled Grief, "I'll get it!"

Grief walked over to the beast and pulled off the ring.

"See!" he called, "Easy! Now lets move!"

Mezek staggered to his feet and the two quickly made their way out of the graveyard with their loot.

The monster remained unconscious as the Griffon removed the ring. It seemed to be snoring, although these were heard as low and intimidating growls. The bottom of his soulless glowing red eyes were seen as slits through his closed eyelids. Its mouth was opened, giving Greif a good view of the creature's deathly fangs.

As the duo escaped, the stern and rigid gold eyes of an ancient warrior caught sight of them. It appeared this individual was following whoever placed that monster within the tomb.

"Are you unharmed?" Came a voice from above. Once the duo would look to the  source, they would see a large Griffin standing at 6 feet and 4 inches. His massive ivory feathered wings that nearly doubled his already impressive height flapped to keep him afloat. His name was Tharros Polemistis, and much like Greif,   was the  lion-eagle hybrid species known as Grffins. This appeared to catch his interest of the two as he awaited a reply.

"Yeah.." said Grief, "Nothing much. My buddy fell into an open grave."

"If I were you," started Mezek, "I'd watch your back around here.."

"We need to be going." said Grief coldly, "Our boss is waiting for us."

The two made their way from the other griffon into an old beat up truck and drove away.

"Boss?" Tharros questioned. From his experiences, he was able to assume these 2 didn't have the best of intentions. As such, the Griffin didn't think twice about following them back to their master and speak to him directly. Crushing a malevolent being under his taloned feet did sound satisfying after all. As such, he continued his flight and trailed the vehicle.

The truck drove up to a werehouse and Mezek flashed the truck lights.

The door open and they drove inside with the door closing behind them.

As the exited the truck, they were greated but a condor.

"Well?!" snorted the condor.

"Right here, boss." said Grief, handing him the ring.

"At least you two dunderheaded excuses for graverobbers get the job done!" snorted the condor, "Any issues?"

"Just one minor issue..." said Mezek nervously.

Mezek explained to the condor about the creature that attacked them and the griffon that spotted them.

"You Blittering Idiots!" spat the condor, "If that griffon followed you two here..."

Tharros stopped a fair distance from the warehouse. He wasn't even thinking of charging in headstrong. For all he knew, there were numerous thugs armed to the teeth. While the Griffin was confident in his abilities, he preferred to take the more stretegic route. His black feline pupils increased in size as he focused his vision and giving it telescopic capabilities. First he wanted to see if therewas an initial threat around the extirior of the building before attempting to make his way inside.

"But what about that...Creature?" asked Mezek, "It almost made me lunch meat."

"You speak of the pervious owner." said the Condor, "Such a creature is hard to believe to exist. That is if you don't now the truth..."

"About what boss?" asked Grief.

"The curse of this ring." said the condor, "But I explain it more elsewhere...I fear we might be over heard."

Tharros was moments away from making his approach and see what exactly was within the warehouse. His pointed white feathered ears twitched to a faint and distant noise, but the fact that it was rapidly approaching allowed him to detect it. He turned around and enhanced his vision, giving his eyes telescopic capabilities. What he saw brought some uncertainty to the prideful warrior.

The cursed monster had recovered from his injury and had fed a fair amount to regain its strength. This was evident from the large amount of blood smeared across its dark gray, shaggy furred muzzle. Now it utilized its massive midnight black wings to travel at astounding speeds as it highly acute nose tracked down his prey of interest; the Griffin and the  mule. He would be at the warehouse in a mater of moments to feast on the duo.

"Get in the truck, boys." said the condor, "We're leaving!"

"Right boss!" said Mezek and Grief at the same time.

Tharros pondered for a moment as the pitch black predator was closing in fast. He knew exactly who it truly was inside and was well aware nobody was safe for a number of hours. He had encountered this beast on a couple of occasions and was familiar with the amount of destruction it can cause. He didn't wish death on anyone, not even some low life crooks. As such, he quickly decided to give them fair warning. He outstretched his massive wings and took flight for the warehourse, where the trio would likely catch sight of him as they made their way to the truck.

Grief had glanced upwards and spotted the griffon flying by.

"Oh no!" he muttered.

The condor looked at him and then spotted the griffon.

"You Bumbling Dunder Heads!" he spat, "He Followed You! Go And Get Rid Of Him!"

However the condor's words fell flat as a bone chilling roar echoed from outside.

"It's That Creature!" cried Mezek in a panic.

Tharros caught sight of Greif as quickly as he spotted him. He instantly ceased hi flying and hovered above the ground with a continuous flap of his wings. He exchanged glances between the 3 as the roar resonated through the night sky


"Yes. As much as I would enjoy bringing you down myself, I prefer not to allow that beast a morsel. Its power is incredible and I advise you proceed with caution." The hybrid warned, sounding stern and confident.

At that moment, the monstrous wolfbat made its entry, planting the dark gray soles of its crimson shoes on the ground. The blood dripping from.his muzzle was a clear indication he fed prior to making its way here. The fangs of this creature glistened in the moonlight as it snarled at his prey. 4 delectable choices it would seem. Now the only question was who to devour first.

Mezek and Grief Trembled at the sight of the wolfbat as it came down towards them.

The condor stood there, fixated on the creature, and started to tap his cane on the ground.

"I have no idea what it is you seek," he said to the creature, "But you will not find it here! You can try me, if you dare!"

"What are you doing boss?!" jumped Mezek in fear.

"Well?!" snarled the Condor in a harsh yet daring tone, "Are you a monster or a corpse?"

Tharros gave a disappointing glare at Grief.

"You appear to be a Griffin, yet all I see is a hopeless coward. Stand your ground." he demanded, turning his eyes back to the monster. Much like the condor, Tharros was undeterred by the monstrous creature. He retained a solid fighting stance, gripping the 4 edged halberd and watched the wolfbat for any signs of attack.

The living nightmare opened its mouth, extending its lower jaw to eerie extents. Seconds after, it let out a high pitched screech slightly visible through a cone shaped distortion in the air. This would likely stun the 4 and cause temporary deafness, where it would charge in and make its move.

Both Mezek and Grief fell to their knees at the screech. But the condor was unfazed.

"What's wrong, you monstrosity?!" he called to the beast, "You scared of me? Come on! Hit me with your best shot!"

Grief nudged Mezek and pointed towards a create. The Two looked at one another and smiled dispite the pain from the screech.