Hunter and Hunted

by LoveBetweenLionsandLambs

The lands beyond the Great River were home to many dangerous creatures, and none were more feared than the man-eating naga. The worst was the King Naga, two-headed monsters that devoured humans and naga alike. For those who called the jungle home it was eat or be eaten, survival was a challenge. For a human girl, banished for the crime of witchcraft, it was a death sentence.

1. Prologue

"You have been accused of the crime of witchcraft," bellowed Lord Xemnas. The whole village had gathered for the trial. Xion stood in the center of the mob, all eyes on her as the elders decided her fate. "And are hereby judged guilty!"

"No!" cried Xion, but he continued on as though she hadn't spoken at all.

"Silence, abomination! You are unnatural, and were never meant to exist! As such you are not welcome among us. Because you are a monster I sentence you to exile in the Serpent's Jungle beyond the Great River. Should you be seen on this side of the river again you will be killed on sight! Now gather what belongings you can carry and get out!"

Xion paled at the sentence. The jungle was not a hospitable place. It was filled with dangerous creatures, including the naga, which was said to prefer to taste of human flesh above all things. Even worse, these lands were home to the giant Tail-Mouthed King Naga. Half naga, half giant serpent, the Tail-Mouths devoured man and naga alike to but nothing could quench their insatiable hunger. How would she survive alone in a place full of monsters?

Of course, the answer was she wasn't supposed to survive. She wasn't supposed to exist in the first place. They wouldn't kill her here, not as first resort, lest her spirit leave some lingering curse. No, they'd let the naga do their work for them. They were sending her to be eaten alive.