At this moment, an ear-splitting roar sounded, followed by the wind-whipping sound of massive wings flapping through the air. Overhead, far above and seated almost within the clouds one could see a huge bird-like creature, black in color.
And then it descended, and one could get a better look. Scales as black as coal, shining in the ambient light. Spikes and spines surrounding a huge reptilian head, mouth filled with dagger-like teeth. A long tail, lined with spikes, perfect for crushing anything smaller than it. Huge, blood-red eyes, glowing and pulsating with primal power. An odd thing, hanging by a long chain, wrapped around one massive paw...
And then, in an explosion of dark smoke, it was gone. Falling through this cloud was another figure, almost impossible to discern at its downward velocity.
When it hit the earth, the very ground shook, dust thrown everywhere in a large cloud. Through the dust, one could see two bright red spots of light, shining despite the visual obstacle.
Marakai kneeled there for a moment, his massive great sword buried blade-down in the earth. When he finally stood and pulled it free, one could see just how large he was - nearly seven feet tall, and with a build a grizzly bear could be jealous of. Jet black, hardened leather armor made seemingly from a Dragons hide adorned his large form.
He had landed perhaps ten feet away from the large manticore and the man accompanying her. Raising his huge black sword to settle over one shoulder, he directed his first words toward the demon before him.
"....Hello, again, little one. These friends of yours?" he asked with a smile. His red eyes flared and pulsed as he anticipated and smelled bloodshed.