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"Riley," The smooth voice crooned from above. "It's good to see you."

The white giant stood fast, but nodded amicably at the sunwashed toa standing on the ledge above them. Leslie was an ally, maybe a friend. They worked together well. "It's been a while."

"It has," There was something strange in Leslie's voice. A venom. Riley didn't know what the toa was capable of, but knew it was something major. "I've come to collect my debts. You owe me."

They would have been happy to pay in labor, in gold, but this...

Before the giant could react, a black shape slammed into them from the side, toppling them over. Startled, shocked, really, that something could topple them given their size, they scrambled to look the thing in the eye as the creature grasped at their throat. It was massive, a horned beast with talons, the size of... the size of them. A mirror clone of themself grappled at their throat as they pulled at the wisps of hair at the creature's maned neck, the fur ethereal and unreal.

"Don't fight it," Leslie ordered, eyes shining in the dark. "Let it take you. It's far easier if you don't fight. Don't you worry, I'll give you a high rank."

Another shadow joined the fray, this one slightly smaller, wiry hairs turning to mist. A shadow of Leslie leapt at Riley, only barely being held at bay by an outstretched claw. Darkness began to creep down Riley's claws as the enemy shadows snapped and growled.

"Don't fight it," Leslie ordered again.

The world went black.