It glanced at Onyx-three, not giving the same respectful nod, but the absence of a snarl on its face was, perhaps, the friendliest acknowledgment he could get. Helion watched the beast die at last, the silence that followed almost deafening after the tumultuous and very loud battle that had just occurred. Oddly enough, though, it felt calm, satisfied. For the first time it felt like it could think clearly, even if just for now. Away from the Black Spire's constant influence and having just satisfied that deep, craving urge for violence and destruction. It no longer felt like it was one step away from completely losing control. Perhaps there was something to this "channeling it into productive violence".

"It is strong," it replied without the usual scathing bite in its voice. Also absent was any follow up self appreciation, only acknowledging the compliment - and returning one. "Climbing on it was very brave - or very stupid. You are a good shot, at least." Even if the wolf-beast had done little in comparison to the powers of chaos, in the way of damage, it had gotten off some good shots, the evidence of which was still staining the surrounding sand red.

It stepped up to the dead sandworm, looking at one of the massive mandibles on the side of its...face? If one could call that a face. A hand to the thick hide and plating of the creature and black fire raced around the base, burning away flesh and muscles and sinew, carefully controlled to only burn in a straight line down until the mandible came free.

It was a giant thing, but V-Ruby-One had the fortune to inherit its life-giver's many arms so hoisting it over its shoulder and securing it with a multi-armed grip was secure enough. "Well, I think this will suit enough for a trophy."

@V-Onyx-Three

Onyx-Three didn't expect Ruby-One to return a compliment, or anything at all that wasn't an insult of some sort, but replied without missing a beat. "Thank you." Whether that had been brave or stupid, they still didn't know themselves. Either way, they had both survived. And perhaps, on top of a trophy, some sort of respect had been earned as well.

Although they only needed to bring back one trophy to show Vargas their success, he figured that it would be best to have two, one for each of them to keep. And Onyx-Three was already getting good ideas of using a spike to make arrow heads or another creations. As Ruby-One burnt off a mandible, he struck at the center of a spike until it broke. It wasn't quite as clean of a break as it could be, and the entire spike would've been too big to carry back anyways, but it was something.

There was some amount of concern as they watched it lift up the mandible, but it didn't seem to have as much difficulty with it as they thought it would. "Good trophy." Having many arms seemed so useful, not only for combat, but for carrying things and balance as well. For him, just carrying that one spike was somewhat awkward, though it was offset by his large tail that was his main method of balance. "I will bring this back too. For crafting. Let me know if you want anything."

And so began the journey back to Draco. Despite his exhaustion, and the added burden, it seemed much easier than the trek here had been. They hoped Vargas would be proud.

"Exit V-Onyx-Three"

@V-Ruby-One

It watched judgmentally as Onyx made to tear off its own trophy to return to the Forge. With a returning flash of savage pride, it noted how pitifully small it was in comparison to the massive appendage it held over its shoulder (barely holding it but whatever). IT would look far more impressive returning to Draco with this monstrous prize.

But it figured if it intended for crafting, it would be more practical to choose a smaller piece. He could go play with his trinkets and toys if he wanted. Not really the Helion’s thing.

”I don’t need anything,” it snorted as a response. True enough, but rudely stated, as if tools were beneath it. I don’t need any tools but my claws and the magic of chaos to destroy and unmake.

Pushing the mandible up a bit farther to feel more secure, it turned, tail swishing behind it. ”Let’s go then. And see if our Master approves.”

*exit