I think it's about time our favorite little freak's best friend (and service animal) got some proper love, and that of course means a design update.
One of Scarlet's final creations, and her most successful before Mogjegon. Not exactly sentient as she'd hoped, but still extremely intelligent, Scarlet had no problem raising and training the beast into a fiercely loyal companion, ready to protect and defend her at a moment's notice.
Mantis was already fully grown and fully trained by the time Suma was born, so it didn't take much for him to be transferred to Suma when mama Scarlet realized Suma was going to need some...extra help. The poor boy got confused easily, and upset even easier. Prone to aggressive outbursts and violent fits, Mantis seemed to be the only thing able to calm him down on a bad day for a long time.
Luckily, Mantis was already rather attached to the guy. He'd fallen in love with Suma from the moment he was born, already determined to make sure this strange cub would be safe and protected. Suma is the only thing alive that Mantis allows to be so close and touchy. It annoys him, but he also knows it keeps Suma calm, and a happy Suma makes a happy Mantis.
While Mantis' primary attacks involve his natural tiger instincts and that paralyzing venom in his tail, he is capable of spitting flames on command, though he very rarely does it. Hurts his throat, and singes his fur.
Nowadays his job is basic service animal fair for an emotionally unstable lad with an aggression streak. From full body compression, to comforting snuggles, to even full on wrestling, Mantis and Suma are a match made in hell.
