As he slowly came to his senses, he knew right away he was no longer outside. He felt a cool current of air from above, and it smelled nothing like the market stalls. He could taste blood, no doubt from a busted lip. And there was something else, on his chest. And it was most certainly not clothes, unless he suddenly had a fur coat on.

He opened his eyes slowly, moving his arms to push himself up. Only to feel little pinpricks in one of his arms, enough to make him flinch upright and to see a furred blur of red and black fly away from the...bed?

Drake looked about slowly. His neck ached like he had been sleeping at the wrong angle for 3 nights in a row. Lifting an arm he spotted it all bandaged, except there was some bleeding. It seemed whatever had caused the pinpricks had opened a wound underneath. Looking himself over more he had most of his body was bandaged. Which made him wonder, who had undressed him, then bandaged him? Drake was not sure if he was to feel violated, or to smirk at the thought of someone daring to do so.

A blue ring cast above his head as he heard a racket at the foot of the bed, sparks around his right hand as he leaned up against the head of the bed.

At first there was nothing, and after a very long wait Drake was just about to drop his hand down. Until something appeared to his right as something lunged toward his face. Drake shouted out in surprise as he fell off the side of the bed, a creature clawing at his face while constantly hissing.

He rolled about, grabbing at the creature at his face as he attempted to get it's claws out of his eyes. He couldn't even speak as every time he tried a claw went in his mouth, tearing at his inner lip.

He was just about ready to shock this thing to death if it didn't get it's furry behind out of his face. It's bites were starting to sting, and he could feel deep claw marks across his face.

"Get...off!" he managed before finally throwing it off him, using a foot to kick it back. It crawled away. That thing had done some damage, he could feel the stinging pain already. "Little demon..."

"Close" Drake heard a voice, a calming voice. And footsteps as the door creaked closed. "More like 'little devil'. That's what her name means, devil. Diabla, off!" Whoever it was clapped their hands, and the little creature, as to which Drake could see was a Ryuu-neko, scampered off out of sight. Ryuu-nekos, little beasts. Some Drake could handle. But by the colors, it was one of those dark ones, perhaps with a bit of a fire one. Both of which were very aggressive. How someone managed to breed a cross was a mystery to him.

He pulled himself up the side of the bed so he could stand yet stopped when his head was over the top of the bed. A female green reptilian wearing long desert pants, a tan sleeveless shirt and a dark grey hooded cloak draped over her shoulders. The Ryuu-neko leaped from the bed to her outstretched arm, crawling up to her neck where it curled over her shoulders, over the cloak.

Drake kept his eyes on her as he now pulled himself up to his feet, leaning on the bed. He attempted a step forward, putting pressure on his leg which seemed to still be injured. He almost fell forward, getting onto a knee. As he went to stand up again, he found his arm being taken by the woman.

"Easy, you've lost a lot of blood" she said to him. "Do not walk, do not talk. Rest" he heard, a soothing voice that sounded so very convincing. The next minute, he found himself with his back on the bed.

The female Dreamkeeper seated herself on the end of the bed, crossing her legs over the side.

"Got pretty roughed up out there. What could you have done to piss off the city guard so much, they kicked you to the ground and then kept kicking till you were literally on the edge?" She pet the head of her Ryuu-neko softly. "Mind tellin' me?" She turned her head to Drake expectantly. He opened his mouth to speak...only for silence. Not even a sound. She rolled her eyes exasperatingly, waving her hand. "Speak" she said, and he knew she said that as he saw her lips move.

He took a breath, and finally heard the sound of his breath.

"What...what was th-"

"Answer my question first, or you shut up again...got it?" He nodded after he was cut off, and she returned it with a smooth smile. "Good boy. Now, answer the question." He was hesitant at first, as his business was his alone. She opened her mouth, about to speak. Drake beat her to it.

"I was hunting...I was hunting something" he sighed, finally having answered. She closed her mouth, forming a victorious, rather smug smile. She returned to petting her half-bred Ryuu-neko. Drake eyed it for a moment, he was most curious about it. The woman did not take in this curiosity as she looked off to a picture hanging on a wall now.

"And what were you hunting?"

"That's...that is confidential, I'm afraid."

"Oh...is it now?" Now she looked over once more, and Drake was caught in her teal blue eyes from under the cloak. The Ryuu-neko suddenly got a bit fidgety on her shoulders and began to move about, and in it's wake kicked off her hood. Revealing her face, her face seemingly glowing in the light of the room, her green scaled skin somewhat reflective. And long algae-like green hair...Certainly breathtaking. He shook his head to clear it, and he only just missed the small smirk the woman had.

"Come on. You can tell me, handsome...tell me." Drake felt conflicted inside, and opened his mouth to speak, to tell her everything-

"Siren!" The woman groaned, and rolled her eyes.

She eyed him, and his mouth closed slowly shut. Her Ryuu-neko leaped from around her shoulders and onto bed, circling about to watch it's master leave.

"Stay quiet...okay? I'll be right back" she whispered before opening the door, and Drake was just about ready to charge the door, but instead he stayed. He had no idea where he was, how many allies this woman had. No, he would have to choose another way out.

So Drake got to looking around the room, trying to spot out whatever he could use. Now that he got a good look, rather than staring down the little troublesome beast that seemed to be staring at the door, or the beauty of the woman. The door was one way out, but possibly the worst. Next to the bed, on the side he had not fallen was a bedside table with a lamp. He looked about the room, across the plastered over white walls with some paintings detailed onto the plaster layering. His eyes traveled along the walls till he found what he needed; a window.

Glancing at the Ryuu-neko, he carefully moved his legs along no matter how tired they felt, and how much he wished to sleep. The Ryuu did not seem to stir as Drake slowly put his legs over the side of the bed, standing on the wooden flooring. It creaked. That was enough to set the small beast off as it turned it's head with such insane speed.

Then the next second, it had it's back arched, facing towards him before leaping at his face. He ducked just in time for it to leap into the wall behind him. As it shook it's head, stumbling about he got up and got himself ready, moving to the end of the bed. He heard someone just outside the room, that urged him to his next action must quicker as he ran at the window, raising his bandaged arms then jumping full force, smashing through the now shattered glass.

There was a shout from inside the room, and he felt a tug that seemed to almost try to pull him back toward the room, but as soon as he hit the hard dirt ground the feeling was gone. He went into a roll, ending up on his back as he saw the green face of the woman.

He scrambled up, dusting himself off as if he wasn't in any pain at all, then he bowed.

"Well, I'd stay for tea, or whatever you planned but, well you know how it must be. But I thank you for the hospitality" he added with a smug grin. Then he started heading off. The woman could only smirk after him.

"Isn't he something...right, Diabla?" The Ryuu purred as it went round her neck, rubbing along her chin. "Better get after him, can't have him hurting himself, now can we?"

Some Time Ago...

A smash some distance away was heard. What could have caused that sound, the reptile thought. Siren hugged the wall, creeping along in the shadows, moving her hands along as if crawling along the wall. She stopped at the corner, curling one of her hands around. With the other she held her cloak hood down over her face. She could hear shouting. That truly did entice her to look even further onward upon the situation, and that's when she saw him. Someone holding two guards, one by the tail and one by their neck with his hand.

Then they seemed to flinch, and something clattered against the ground. It echoed, but she could not see what it was. Instead Siren kept her gaze upon the coming fight. The held guards fell and in just a short moment the lone fighter was charging more guards that had come upon the scene. This was going quite a new way now, most unexpected. Siren looked on out of intrigue. They moved with such fury it was quite exciting to watch. And yet, he killed none of them. Soon the reinforcements were finished then the lone fighter moved upon the captain. Here she leaned out more, expecting to see a ferocious fight. A victory, a powerful man getting past his injuries and beating the-

Her mouth almost fell agape as the reptilian fighter was hit from behind. Then, he was down and the guards still standing were beating into him. That did not turn out how Siren believed it would.

"Ah well" she muttered under her breath, and started to go back around the corner. Siren made it only a few paces before something stopped her. She held herself there for a moment, before she gave in to her inner conscience for perhaps the first time in...well, forever. Siren made a one-eighty on her heel, turning right around as she rounded the corner. headed for the scene of action and brutality.

"Now what might be happening here, boys?" They stopped for a moment, turning their gazes upon her. The captain was quick to aim their weapon in their direction.

They flicked their unarmed hand in her direction and one of the guards moved in her direction. As they got closer, she began sauntering over towards them. They looked plenty menacing, holding a halberd as they approached Siren. She slid a finger along the back of the blade, smiling innocently towards the guard.

"Ma'am I must request that you leave the premises. This is guard business. Leave, now."

"Why...don't you...put the weapon down?" There was a glow above her head, but would not be seen by the other guards as the one before her was in the way. The guard paused...then dropped their weapon down. Now Siren was smirking from under her hood. "Good boy. Now, move aside and sleep." He moved aside, and the halo disappeared just in time. Then he suddenly dropped to the ground, out cold. This was almost too easy for her. The other guards raised their weapons to the new threat as she continued towards them.

They moved forward with determination and a fierce look in their eye despite having watched their fellow guard collapse at her hands. For all they knew, she had a small weapon like a knife. Their intentions were clear. If she approached anymore, they would fight her off.

"Come on, boys. There is no need for violence."

"After you just killed him?! Who do you think we are?" one asked. She smirked under her hood. She flicked it back and watched as there was a small sense of bewilderment at her stunning appearance, yet only for a very short moment.

"Killed him? No, he only felt tired." Siren looked them all up and down then. "You all look like you could use some sleep." With that, they all seemed to stand still...then they collapsed. Two collapsed into each other and slid down so that they sat upright against each other while the others slipped to the ground. This gave her plenty of time to look over the scene, decide what to do. Even though back around the corner, she had already made her decision. Although, she was hesitant on this.

All but one of the guards seemed to be in good shape, as she saw blood pooling from their jaw. Siren kneeled down by him, lifting his head slightly. And then put it down, eyes widening out of surprise. They were not in good shape at all. By the uniform, this was the captain. But, he still breathed.

Then she went to the lone fighter. Bleeding from multiple lacerations, bruised all over, arrow wound in his leg. Unconscious as well, but breathing. Not the best way to be in, and Siren knew this. She owed him nothing, yet still...

Before doing anything that she may soon regret she went from one sleeping guard to another, whispering into their ears that they would remember a brawl with a drunk. But not remember their appearance. It would enough but her powers couldn't override memories. Sometime they would remember.

After all was whispered and done Siren strolled back over to the lone reptilian fighter. Carefully, lifting him by his arm she lifted him over her shoulder. Heavier then she thought as her legs buckled under his weight. Taking her time, grunting as she did she lifted him fully up and over then made a slow travel through the alleys she knew, almost like the back of her hand.

Siren was capable and careful, she'd done this before. The guards here held too much power, going against orders and beating into others. No doubt this was another drunk, though she smelt no alcohol about him. Still he would end up like the rest unless Siren helped.

"You're...quite the fighter, huh?" she said quietly to the unconscious body. No response, but what did she expect? "Nice chat."

Soon, though it didn't feel that soon really to her, they arrived to a building that still had it's lights on outside and inside. Instead of going to the front Siren went round to the side where she sat him down on top of a large dumpster, really the only spot she could put him before knocking on the side door. There was nothing, so she knocked again.

This time there was some talking on the other side, incoherent murmurs. Walking towards the door before finally it opened. A canine dreamkeeper came out, looking none too happy. The light illuminated her from behind, almost silhouetting her.

"Siren? Siren, what have I-"

"No time." Siren pulled the other around which earned a surprised yet quiet yelp. The lizard gestured to the unconscious lizard, staring at the canine. There was a long silence. Then the canine dreamkeeper covered her face with a loud groan.

"Sirennnn" she started, pinching the bridge between her ears.

"I had to! Poor guy took on five guards at o-"

"Five?!" Siren was pulled against the wall as she was stared down. "The others were only two or one, a couple three. But five?! You are really pushing it now." Siren hissed back, pushing the other's hand off. She went over to grab the male by his shoulders, starting to pull him off.

The canine went over quickly to grab him by the legs just as he came off, grunting as she felt his weight. Siren had to hold back a laugh, only giving off a very quiet one.

"You...you owe me...big time."

"I'll buy drinks on the house" Siren said, earning a glare. As they went in they came into a kitchen, and a small one at that. The canine's features were revealed in the light. She had a dark green dress with a white apron, stained in places by drinks. Her ears were floppy and fur was the color of silver and the hair on top of her head a coal black. She had a long fringe along her left side of her face that hung down. Her eyes were of a light pink with darker pupils.

"Todd! Todd, I need you to cover for me! Tell Izark I'll be busy!" There was some quite fast yelling from somewhere else in the kitchen but they were already exiting the kitchen as it started.

Siren smiled lightly to the canine who seemed more focused on getting their unconscious visitor up stairs where visitors stayed. Of course since he had none of his own...

"We'll take him to my room. Camilla, take a-"

"I know where it is" she snapped, and Siren giggled lightly. Camilla was not in the mood. They pulled him up the stairs. Once at the top the turned down the hall. By now their unconscious occupant was murmuring incoherently about...well, it was incoherent so they had no idea. Though they did look at him in confusion, before shrugging to each other.

Camilla grabbed the door open before entering first. A fast motion greeted Siren's feet as a small animal sped out.

"Diabla, not now. Sit." The Ryuu-neko sat down, and the ring above Siren's head was gone. Earning a disapproving look from Camilla. "What? She was in the way...can we just get this heavy guy down." They positioned at either side then set him down. Then they set to positioning him straight, vertical along the bed. Now they took time to look over the wounds.

"Get some bandages." Camilla nodded and out she went. Meanwhile, Siren's hands hovered above the unconscious lizard, slowly undoing his clothes. They would need to be removed to...

She paused as she took off his top clothing, looking him over. She took her time to examine, look him over...just staring. He was covered in many scars across his chest, some along his arms. This guy had been through a lot.

"Ahem." Siren jolted out of surprise, then brushed her back upon looking to the door to see Camilla with a sly smirk. Siren motioned her over. And they both got to work to applying dressings to the wounds. And that was how they left him...before he woke up.

Siren smirked about how she had been staring at him, he had looks. And just like that he was already gone. Slipped right through her fingers. Out the window, quite literally. She looked at the broken window, sighing. She was never gonna see him again, would she? Well, it wouldn't matter. He was out there now, alive...or dead in an alley. She could care less, really. Siren had tried to save him, he jumped. Yes, he had managed to run away. But he would no doubt have been bleeding out.

Then there was the window. The window he smashed. And if she ever did run into him again he was gonna pay for it. With either money or pain. And she would be glad to deliver the latter. Or have Izark throw him to the wolves, the wolves being the guards. They would deal with him no doubt. Either way, Siren knew it would take up at least half a month's work to pay for the window. Just thinking about it made her smirk disappear.

"I'll find you again, buddy...and when I do...you'll wish you never crossed me."