Wow the chapter names just get less and less creative don't they?

I know I've been holding back on the fight scenes lately, but worry not! Next chapter is where it all goes down. So prepare yourselves dear readers.

Oh, also, if you like RWBY, you should follow my other account, Im_Caffeine.

Welp, that's enough out of me for now. Let's get on with the chapter.

It wasn't long before the Earthrealmer dived into asking question after question.

He asked him the most foolish of questions, in all honesty; Was he an alien? Did he eat humans? What did he eat? Was Jaguar his pet? It was a while until he asked a sensible question; "Where are you from?"

So Reptile told him the story, beginning with the conquest of his realm to the battle in the Kahn's palace. It left him mercifully speechless.

"Woah," Derek finally said, "Man. So you're from this Outworld place and the only way back is with a magic portal?"

"To my knowledge, that is the only way," answered Reptile. "I don't suppose there are one of those in your village?"

"Yeah, sorry," Derek scratched the back of his head, "Earth is kind of short on magic, and it's not my village. Believe you me, I'd rather be anywhere else right now."

Same here. "Why is that?"

"Frankly, the people here treat me like shit just because I'm not from here," said Derek.

"So that is why you had no qualms in fighting them?" Reptile asked.

"Yeah, basically," Derek looked down at the guy he knocked out. "To be honest though, I had no idea I could do that."

"In that case, for your aid and your bravery," Reptile held out his clawed hand, "I thank you, Derek Frankoskin."

"Franciosi," Derek corrected him, "and you're welcome, Reptile." He shook his hand, not even hesitating at the cold scales. "Ah, damn. I just realized."

"What?"

"Those guys at the village hate me enough as it is, but if I show up alone, claiming that the other two were killed while I was spared..."

"I see," Reptile understood. If he went back unscathed, it would raise suspicions. But if he was a little worse for wear... "Come here. I have a plan," Derek did as he was told. "Prepare yourself. This will hurt."

Before Derek could respond, Reptile lightly, but quickly slashed him on the arm, leaving behind four shallow scratches. He did the same to his other arm and back and left one slightly deeper slash on his leg. He was impressed once again. The Earthrealmer remained stoic until the fourth one, where he yelped slightly in pain.

Reptile stepped back to admire his work. The boy looked as though he had been in a struggle with some clawed creature. Perfect.

"Good thinking," Derek said looking at his clawed form, "but did you have to cut so deep?"

"Silence," Reptile had another idea. He found Derek's knife next to the unconscious Earthrealmer and took it in his hand. Gritting his teeth, he slid the blade along his palm, coating the steel in his green blood. He handed the bloodstained knife to Derek.

"Okay. Thanks, but why did you do that?" he asked.

"Tell the other villagers you fought me off," Reptile explained, "That should gain you a shred of respect from them. It might give me a day's rest as well."

"Ah, okay," Derek realized, "Thanks."

"You should go now," the Zaterran pointed out, "And try to look like you just fought."

"I just did," Derek said smiling.

"Yes," Reptile hissed, a hint of a grin on his face. "Thank you, Derek Fancy-Horsey." He shook the boy's hand again.

"No problem, Reptile." Derek didn't bother.

______________________________________

Before returning to the village, Derek decided it'd be wise to run for a while and do a few push-ups. By the time he reached the village, he was soaked with sweat and panting.

"Alright, Derek," he said to himself, "Make this convincing."

A deep breath and he ran into the village, limping slightly and shouting for help.

A woman peeling potatoes was the first to notice him. She ran to him with concern on her face, babbling in Spanish. He didn't speak, but he got the gist of it.

"A m-monster," he stuttered, breathy and terrified. "A monster in the jungle." The woman said something, but Derek grabbed her arm with a strong death grip. "I barely escaped with my life! And the others..." He started trembling quite convincingly.

The woman said something and started walking him to the village leader's house. Derek was pretty sure that meant she bought it.

Damn I am good.

Still ranting in terror, Derek had to hide a victorious grin from growing on his face.