Don't poke the... Crocodile

Shaye was quick to think of a plan, and Rhyme couldn't argue with it. They had to fight or be trapped until the creature decided it didn't want anything to do with them. He took a good look at his opponent as Shaye threw a rock at it, getting its attention like she wanted. Rhyme threw up his defenses, moving much slower than Shaye had. He had fought a caiman before, and he remembered how thick it's hide was. He also remembered how quickly the creature had tired. Rhyme hadn't killed it, the long reptile had made its retreat before then. This one though, it was like them and had nowhere else to go. The water was shallow, and it was far from in it's element.

Rhyme let it focus on Shaye, it's anger evident as it charged her. Taking to land the creature burst forth toward his cousin and Rhyme would take his strike. Knowing how thick it's hide would be Rhyme had to make every hit count. With a quick hit and retreat Rhyme punctured its left eye and took some of the raised skin with him. Of course this brought the gators attention to him, but it couldn't see him with its blinded eye.

Shaye took the opportunity to distract it again and Rhyme did his best to land a finishing blow. He grabbed hold of the creature at the base of its skull and shook it with all his might. The animal was huge though, and Rhyme only succeeded in taking out another chunk of flesh before he had to spring away. Shaye may have tried to distract it again but it's one good eye was trained on Rhyme. He felt his heart beat faster in his chest and the adrenaline rush as the creature hissed in displeasure. He'd already weakened the kill spot, all Shaye has to do was take the last shot.