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Post by Tea-Of-Eternity on Jan 19, 2019 17:19:20 GMT -6
Ryika;Breim | WardenFight For what you Truly see As Yours
As Ryika looked at everyone and continued to walk she was still looking at all the little figures and noticed that the draft had changed as if something was yanking the air out of her lungs, she looked up and saw more figures but this time the looking as if they was frozen in place and she looked around and noticed that others was shattered like a night sky. Seeing all this gave her an uneasy feeling that just wasn’t settling wight with her and she looked at Ozzer as if something was wrong with him as well something didn’t seem right, she then saw a bright glowing blue light what looked to be gems that was right next to her. She got closer to it as then it suddenly moved she jumped back and noticed that it was no gems more like scales, she backed up and she then heard a rumbling noise coming from the thing that moved. So she followed the Growing scales all the way up to notice a large Creature standing before them, she saw it’s purple eyes and the fur on her body stood up.
She looked at everyone as they all noticed the creature and Froze and she heard a few soft comments and she looked at Ozzer, they all looked scared she looked down at her hooves as she thought they was pushed to their deaths. She remembers her cousin Haruka as he always cheered her on and the words always told to her “Protect what needs to be protected, you will know when that day comes.” and she thought maybe this is the day for her, she knew the way they acted none had combat training but she did, “Guys if this thing comes after us I want to guys to run, I do have a lot of combat under my belt and I’d rather it just be one of us to get hurt than all of us. My faith already had been decided when I took on this Job and if this is how It needs to be then, I’ll stand at it with pride in My eyes.”
She didn’t even know what she was saying but she knew if she was going to Die she was going out with a fight and with Pride knowing she could save them, at least let them get back home she wasn’t going to stand here and be scared they needed someone to save them if this creature was to attack and if this was her purpose then so be it. If this is what they was sent for to know what was in these Tunnels well than all them can go back to tell everyone what dangers Lies in these Tunnels, she at this point didn’t feel scared anymore she walked in front of Ozzer and looked up and looked it in the eye’s she knew at this point it was either going to hurt them or it wasn’t. She just knew that she was going to make sure everyone gets back home even if that means she doesn’t, “If this is what has to happen then so Be it, but I won’t let you hurt my Comrades if that’s what you’re thinking, we was lead here to Believe we was looking for a Crystal to replace, We didn’t mean to disturb you and we Are sorry but I can’t let them get hurt and I won’t stand by to watch it.” She stood her ground like a Soldier and she thought of one last request, “Hey if this goes bad I have one Last request, Tell Haruka if you any of you know him, Not to worry I know what had to be done and I will never forget him.”
She knew this either was going to go back or it wasn’t but she didn’t want Haruka to think she would forget him if something was to happen to her, she honestly didn’t feel threatened by this creature maybe because ever since she was little she was always know to be very brave. She was brave and she knew she was but these weeks she had spent with this group they had grown on her, even if it was little talk and if something was to happen to them it would destroy her knowing there might have been something to stop it so she stood her ground and awaited what to to come of her.
WC:764 | Post 5#
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Post by crystalbluefeather on Jan 20, 2019 21:37:45 GMT -6
Kano
Guard of Breim
The stallion had this pit in his stomach he could not quite shake, some sort of unease that sent shivers down his spine. He stayed silent after his words about the statues and followed his comrades into the cavern. He was quite in awe of it all. It was... breathtaking - the largeness, the gems, and most particularly the realistic horse statue gems in their brilliant glory.
That is until he saw the purple eye staring at him. Staring straight into his soul, he watched as the horses around him froze. Some of them whispering apologies and words of small hope and encouragement. Tenebris gave him a solemn nod - the stallion was counting on Kano. Kano knew that- he knew in the instance the nod was given. His thoughts flew back to when he and Tenebris relied on each other when the sky cracked open and sent destruction below. You would think that would make him feel slightly better about the situation- that he survived something worse and could he and his party would survive this with relative ease... this was not the case.
He was too young, too unprepared for this and Kano knew it. Why did the higher-ups assign him to this mission!? He was only 18, just out of the academy for Argus’ sake. They should have sent someone more experience. Kano’s anxieties fluttering in his chest, which the beige horse did his best to conceal. The most worrisome thought was that he failed the group before it had even begun by being the guard that was assigned to protect them.
Somehow, his hooves broke their frozen state and moved forward - past the horses that were ahead of him as he was in the rear of the group to join beside Ryika who took it upon herself to protect them. Saying that she had experience fighting and that she would want the rest of the group to run if it came to that scenario. She even spoke to the beast itself. He had a calm look on his face, determined as if to say that everything will be okay. To say to himself that he was going to prove his anxieties wrong. He may have never been in a real fight, but sure as hell trained constantly for one. He was already preparing and he was ready to dive right in if need be.
He gave a small, encouraging smile to the mare now beside him as if saying, “I’m not leaving.”
Post: 4
words: 422 |
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Post by fossature on Jan 21, 2019 7:25:40 GMT -6
Ciel felt his knees close to buckling as he locked eyes with the beast’s piercing, yet hypnotising stare. His gaze felt trapped once he had realised far too late that it was not, in fact, a rather rotund and richly coloured crystal, but an eye, only coming to this realisation because of the reactions of his peers. Gulping, he shuffled closer to the edge, hugging the wall for support, internally scolding himself for being so oblivious. His first reaction was to shift the blame from himself and to the others in the group- but that didn’t feel right considering this encounter was just an unexpected variable not one horse prepared for.
Trembling voices filled his ears and for a moment he tried to ponder what exactly this creature could be- it didn’t fit any existing schema he could think of, from what he could see through the legs of the others- but donned scales and was far too big for his liking, which immediately classified it as a dragon in Ciel’s logic, despite whether or not that was actually true. Vigor returned to his gut as he recalled his past experience with a dragon, the anger and energy he felt remembering that specific day filling him and making his jaw clench in a reaction. Ryika stepped up and spoke at a prime moment, with his emotions heavily amplified by the shattering, giving Ciel an output for his newfound resentment and patriotism. As he saw the younger stallion move beside her, he knew he had to join her- it didn’t comply to his morals to just leave her there, and he was just in the mood to do something he would probably regret.
“After all that’s done,” He spoke in a calm, low voice, moseying up to Ryika’s other side with dignity, “You’re going to need medical attention.” Ciel grinned vastly at Kano and Ryika, feeling a flicker of a connection with his fellows. He felt invincible- ignoring his small stature and nonexistent fighting skills, he held his head high and begun to formulate a plan. He looked to the ground, then the beast- and finally to Ozzer.
He carefully walked in the vicinity of the group, nosing the ground softly to feel for the nearest, smallest statue. “Lousy teke- it’s not like I need you anyways,” he muttered to himself, cringing before placing his lips around the statue’s head and lifting it, the metallic taste of dirt making his tongue recoil. “I bet Aodh sent this monster too… hate those guys.” Ciel’s whispers were muffled by the object in his mouth as he spoke to himself, slowly making his way to the front of the group, each hoofstep placed with utmost caution. With a few deep breaths, then a swing of his arched neck, the statue was flung into the air in the direction of the beast, along with droplets of his saliva. “And- fetch!” Came his shout, which was much louder than he anticipated, but he didn’t pay any mind as he was glowing at the thought of successfully distracting the ‘dragon’ so everyone could leave unscathed- Ryika the brave soul would live another day, Ciel would have repaid his life-debt to Ozzer, and he could even bring back some statues to sell to get his business rebuilt- but his train of thought was derailed and his face fell in horror as he realised his aim was off, and instead of flying over the beast and landing on the other side for it to chase like his limited knowledge on animals said would happen, the statue instead landed short and struck the beast near its eye, which in itself knocked the breath out of Ciel’s lungs.
"Crap," Ciel hissed. He stood in silence, his heart pounding, anticipating its reaction.
POST: 3
WC: 641
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Post by SunaTheWolf on Jan 24, 2019 3:18:18 GMT -6
Iyasu
Though tea sounded excellent, Iyasu kept quiet as he put away the candy he had taken out. Others could have his share of the brew. He was satisfied for now. He could make a pot, multiple pots even, when he got back home to Nariah. He quickly smothered the thought of “if he got back home.”
Iyasu let the conversation drift around him as the group traveled, listening to what was said, but more lost in thought than participating. He did not feel he had much to add to what was said. However, he was drawn back to his surroundings as everyone took note of the crystals. They may be of a similar appearance to what they had been seeing in the tunnels, but they were not in the correct position. Instead, they were strewn across the floor, or rather, they looked like they had been set down. Who could have done that?
He felt a shiver run through him at the thought. Then realized it was not just his thoughts, but that the air itself that felt off. As if it was being drawn down the corridor and he felt drawn in with it. He took a deep breath to center himself. They were fine. He was fine. And they had to forge on.
The crystals grew in size as the group headed down this new path, but Iyasu soon began to wonder why some of them look… carved? And why did some of them looked like the energy within them was not right? Iyasu hesitated briefly by a broken crystal, fascinated by the erratic light pulse it was emitting. He hummed as he looked at the cracks that seemed to exist below the surface. How could they have formed? It did not seem to be a natural phenomenon. He sighed and picked up his pace to keep up the group. There were so many questions, and not enough answers.
Iyasu nodded as he heard the others talk, agreeing with much of what was spoken. He did not know much about carving, but he was pretty sure that what he was seeing should not really be possible. If it was, then whoever had carved these statues was more talented than any equine he could think of. He would have believed it if someone had said they came from a story or a tale of the gods. He wished he could show this spectacular sight to others he knew, Yoru would likely have found it intriguing. However, the fact they were carved suggested someone had come this way before. But who? When did they come through here? ...and why?
Iyasu felt conflicted as the crystals became increasingly more lifelike. The beautiful crystals brought a sense of calm and he was utterly entranced by the impeccable workmanship, even if the peaceful nature of the crystal equines made his skin crawl, but the overall strangeness of the circumstances had his nerves on edge the longer they traveled and he could not shake the feeling that something was very wrong about the whole situation. He began to worry that he would comprise this mission. Should he not have come? What if he brought bad luck to this group? What if he already had? What exactly were they heading toward?
But that anxiety was wiped for just a moment as their party stumbled into a large cavern. It was almost like being outside again the way the crystals sparkled like stars. Iyasu paused only a moment as the air swirled around them, mind brushing against the thought of Alya. Then his nerves began to settle in once more as they passed more complete and even more beautiful statues. Something was wrong, but what?
At the sound of a growl, Iyasu is sure his heart has stopped as his body stiffened. No. No, no, no. He whirled to look behind him, only to see blue light reflecting off scales and the glow of a great purple eye. They were confronted by a creature that Iyasu had no name for. It looked like nothing he knew of, nor did it match any writings he could think of. Am I finally being punished for praying to Ignacio? Have I actually doomed us?
He trembled as he heard the quiet utterances of others, drowning in guilt. Then he heard the more confident speech of Ryika, and the confident actions of the young Kano. How could he be cowering at a time like this? There were others here. Others he may need to help if they escape from this beast. Others he could help right now by not being weak. The beast still had not attacked yet, so there was a possibility this could turn out alright. “Please turn out alright…” He murmured as he steadied his legs, but flinched as Ciel yelled ‘fetch’ and threw a statue toward the beast… only to watch in renewed horror as the statue hit very near the creature’s eye. Could he still hold hope now?
“Gods protect us…”
POST: 2 | WORD COUNT: 836 |
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Post by mariahwhy on Jan 26, 2019 20:50:22 GMT -6
Ozzer | Warden
Ozzer had no clue what it was. Like the others, it was something he had never even heard of before. Not in myth or fairy tale. He honestly wasn't too worried about it knowing what it was called either, to be honest. All he knew, and all that mattered, was that it was a great, giant beast in a cavern full of creepy statues deep within the Labyrinth. That was all the info he needed to know that he didn't want to be around it anymore. His legs quivered, seeking immediate escape, but then Ryika stepped forward. Followed by Kano. And then Ciel.
He scoffed at their bravery. There were times for standing up to things, but this wasn't one of them.
Suddenly a small statue flew past his face, making him flinch. It bounced almost comically off of the beast's large face, the eye blinking in reaction. Slowly Ozzer turned his face to Ciel, eyes wide but very much conveying a sense of "what the hell was that?"
But some good came out of the shetland's actions. The small crystal shattering on the floor created enough vibration in the ground for him to sense the layout of the room through his blessing. It was a pretty simply cavern, despite the great beast and its oddities. There were two tunnels leading out of it - the one they had entered, and another on the other side of the room that they could not see from their current position. He didn't dare take the second tunnel though - who knew where it led. It could very well be a dead end, and they'd be trapped.
The absurdity of Ciel's action had dampened his fear enough for a plan to begin to formulate. His stomach still prickled with fear, but logic was taking over. "You can tell Haruka yourself, because we're all getting out of here," he whispered to Ryika, a plan beginning to formulate in his mind. "Everyone, douse your lanterns, and don't move." It would be difficult for some to navigate without the lights, but the crystals offered enough glow to at least find their way out. He was assuming the beast could see at least partially in the darkness, but their lanterns were like a spotlight giving them away.
Once they were all extinguished, he began to send out small vibrations, like the taps of a donkey's hooves running against stone, out towards the other tunnel. He hoped the beast would go for the bait, essentially creating the "fetch" effect Ciel had been going for. And as soon as it was distracted enough for them to run they could get back to the tunnel they had entered from. And presumably it would be too small for the beast to fit through.
"If the beast moves to our right, run for the tunnel," he breathed calmly as he could. "But if it comes towards us.... run anyway." Brave as they were, he couldn't have their lives on his hooves.
(Post 5: 497 words)
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Post by gone-astrayy on Jan 29, 2019 0:28:48 GMT -6
Arya | Master
A sound that Arya couldn't quite place drowned out the rest of the groups words, she just watched as a couple of them stepped forward. She looked over at Iyasu, seeing his mouth moving, but unable to hear his words. It was then that she realized the sound of her own rushing blood had deafened her to the world momentarily. The fear of seeing such a massive creature within the bowels of the earth, one that they were now trapped with, sent fear and adrenaline coursing through her veins, even as her limbs froze to the spot.
Seeing Ozzer begin to speak, she shook her head rapidly, trying to focus on his words rather than her own rushing blood. Stowing her notebook and pencil, she quickly snuffed her lantern out, hoping that the calm and surety that Ozzer had in his voice could seep into her bones as well. She couldn't tell if it was still her emotions being out of control, or plain regular fear, but she wanted nothing more than to bolt back up the tunnel they'd come through. She wasn't brave, and she certainly was no hero. Arya was meant for the world of books, not adventure.
Her kitsune could likely feel her mounting terror, for he wound through her forelegs, pressing his sides to her limbs as he let out a quiet whine. If they made it out, she'd never leave her compound, of that she was certain.
"When do we move? Why hasn't it attacked?" her voice was breathy as she whispered to Ozzer, or anyone who was listening really. Logically, she knew that just because it was big didn't automatically make it dangerous, but as one of their members had just thrown a statue at it, she'd reckon that anything would be pissed about being struck.
Word count: 302
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Post by FaunaFawn on Jan 31, 2019 18:41:27 GMT -6
 Shigure the Healer You dangle on the leash
of your own longing;
your need grows teethThe sight to see was something that felt completely other worldly. Shigure felt the tension rise, and his own nervous and coward like thoughts crept into his mind, to fester all that might have been good. He worried for others as they mentioned of where it came from, others mentioned of laying down their lives for the cause.
Yet Shigure looked at the creature and faint spark fell from his body. Oh no, he panicked inwardly. Stay calm, he told himself mentally, please relax. But he could feel the current run through his veins, begging to be gone to run its course. Shigure moved silently form behind moving along the cave walls, away from the others to ensure a spark would not hit on of them even if it meant separating himself from the others.
It was, what was best for them all. Shigure looked to them more and felt himself gulp as he turned his attention to the creature. Fear grasped him like noose and he was lost to it. The mentality to protect itself was to strong and sudden spark and pop of light erupted from his body in front of him. It ended as quickly as it came, and he felt his body release, the sweat drip from his body as the electricity seemed to have left his veins. He felt okay, felt more sane now. Though he turned his attention to the creature and the realization of what all that had come. Shit.
WC:247 | Post # |
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Post by MusicalMagpie on Jan 31, 2019 21:20:41 GMT -6
Silently the creature watched you as you watched it. The glowing eye studied you, the intense purple seemed to go right through you. The muttering between equines seemed to trigger no disturbance in the form. The statue chunk flung by Ciel bounced off the smooth scaled face and for a moment the face was illuminated, every dark scale glittering with the crystal's light. It wasn't a sound you could hear, but one you could feel. The air in your lungs shakes with the rumbling groan that came from the beast. Large crystals jutting from the back of the form began to glow brighter and three slits open back behind the head. The beast began to lift its head and shift on the dirt when a quick spark of light pulsed from Shigure.
The beast snapped its attention to the equine and the great jaws parted. The open maw glowed brighter than many crystals you've seen. Dirt and stone grinds under the body of the beast as it started to rise. And just behind the head, you notice that the glowing slits had started to release a bright mist.
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Post by leaftail on Feb 2, 2019 12:50:52 GMT -6
Tenebris | Tie
Time seemed to pass so slowly as the giant eye stared back at them. Tenebris had to remind himself to breathe as he was trying so hard to stay still. There was movement as Ryika stepped forward, almost causing the tea shop owner to reach out with his teke to stop her. ‘ Don’t move!’ he thought, eyes widening. ‘ It might see us!’ Her voice was soft, and he pinned his ears back as she offered herself up to defend the group. Then, Kano did the same, taking a step in front of them and saying he was staying. Oh Argus, what the heck was going on? Now was not the time to be brave! They didn’t even know what that thing was capable of. To make matters worse, the small healer was next, taking his place on the opposite side of Ryika. But what he did after, made Tenebris heart almost stop. Ciel picked up a small statue, and then chucked it at the monster before them to distract the giant creature. Instead of it going to where the healer had wanted it to, the statue ended up whacking the monster near its eye, lighting it’s ugly mug for all of them to see. ‘ Oh for Argus’ sake…’ Tenebris thought, lowering his head in defeat. ‘ We’re screwed.’ One by one, the others started to realize the situation, a small prayer coming from Iyasu, and a plan coming from Ozzer. He doused his lantern as the warden instructed, suddenly plunging into darkness. While his eyes adjusted, he twisted his ears to hear the escape plan and was surprised at the small, barely noticeable vibrations that appeared. They seemed to come from Ozzer and then move away. Tenebris realized that Ozzer was utilizing a blessing to do a better job at distracting the beast, to give them a chance to leave. The giant creature wasn’t moving. It was still just staring at them. In the next seconds, something changed. Things were off, a feeling that sent goosebumps racing across his skin. Tenebris pulled his gaze from the group, and back to the monster. It was starting to move, the crystals on its back glowing brighter, and suddenly three slits appearing. That was when Shigure let out a spark of light, getting the giant beast’s attention. Its jaws opened, glowing bright. Tenebris turned his head from the bright light, trying to shield his eyes. When he looked back, the creature was rising, and a mist was leaking from its...gills? Slits? It hadn’t come towards them...yet. “ Okay...it knows we are here. Now what…?” he whispered, readying himself to run.
Post: 5 | Word Count: 438 |
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Post by fossature on Feb 5, 2019 8:42:26 GMT -6
Ciel’s entire body jumped as his peripheral vision caught the small jolt emitted by Shigure, but before he had time to cuss him out, the beast’s attention was drawn. The glow of the beast’s cavernous maw held Ciel’s eyes and put him in a temporary trance-like state that lasted only seconds, this awe of the glittering jaws detaching him from reality- as if he was just watching in this scene happen in a play of sorts instead of being a participant. The misty substance spurting from the creature immediately set off alarm bells in Ciel’s head, his first instinct to hold his breath and cover his muzzle with his teke- and when his teke failed, he had a glint of remembrance as to why they were actually there in the first place. They had a duty to fulfil, but most importantly, they needed to get out alive. That godawful stuff looks poisonous, he thought to himself, but I hope it’s just for show. That’s what animals do, right? Like matin’ displays?
As the beast’s gigantic form towered over Ciel’s nine hands of height, he stumbled backward to quickly put some more distance between him and danger. His bones hummed from the rocks grinding beneath the beast’s massive underside, and his ears swivelled to hear a faint tapping noise to his side, first thinking it was the tunnel going to collapse, but then coming to the conclusion that something else was in the cave with them once he realised it was moving.
“Anyone else hear that tappin’ noise?!” He whispered, slightly louder than a breath though tinged with urgency, “I- I think there’s somethin’ else in the cave with us- perhaps a li’l baby one… watch out.” He shuddered at the thought of a smaller, creepier creature crawling through the tunnels, searching around frantically for evidence of his claim, but his searching came to an untimely end when he noticed the plume of mist expanding, prompting him to draw a large breath and hold it just in case. With cheeks and lungs inflated to their limit, he closed his eyes for one split moment of peace, tapping his hoof on the ground to have a steady sound to focus on. If being struck didn’t draw its attention, what did? Careful not to close his lids for too long, Ciel opened his sky-blue eyes and looked back to Shigure, thick brows creased. That damned curse from Ignacio did it… that's interesting. Drawing up comparisons between the other Healer’s little electrical outburst and the beast’s general appearance and apparent hoarding problem, he came to a logical conclusion, and started to form the bare bones of an idea. He released his held breath to speak.
“Now, I could be wrong- but maybe… the horrid thing likes shinies.” Panting in-between breaths, he continued. “Anyone pick up some crystals earlier? Or… maybe we could chuck some lanterns over…? I'm not opposed to pretendin' to be statues- Hell- anythin’s worth a try at this point. Argus, lend me your smarts.” He knew most of the others wouldn’t trust his plans at this point, and honestly, he didn’t blame them. “Cover your mouths everyone, 'n stay near the ground. Let’s hope that mist rises to the top.” ’N’ let’s hope the mist is the worst of our problems- I’d take a peaceful misty death over being mauled any day. And with that he held his breath again, tensed to flee.
WC: 593
POST: 4
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Post by crystalbluefeather on Feb 5, 2019 20:17:28 GMT -6
Kano
Guard of Breim
Several curses erupted throughout Kano's mind as several key events unfolded before him. So many of his herd-mates were doing their best to hatch and execute a plan to save all of them. Ciel's lousy throw caused the gem to rouse the beast. Ozzer's plan of dousing their lanterns and sending the beast in the opposite direction, thanks to what he presumed was Ozzer's blessing was placed on its head when Shigure released an uncontrolled light show. Snapping the beast's attention, who became much more aggressive, towards the healer. The beast opened his bright glowing jaws and a release of blue mist.
The stallion was panicking, his chest rising and falling rapidly. Kano did his best to control his breath as Ciel noted that they were not alone. 'Great just great, now there's another one. A nice cherry topping to our day.' He thought rashly. Not realizing that Ciel was referring to Ozzer's vibrations. His ears pricked as another idea came to fruition. Possibly use the lanterns to draw the beast away and hold your breath in hopes that mist would rise. However, Shigure would still be in possible danger as the horse had not moved from his position and the large glowing beast attention was locked on Shigure.
Kano didn't know what to do his head turning to and from the creature to Shigure to Ciel to the creature and back to Shigure. He narrowed his gaze, grabbing his lantern and lighting it once more. He dashed forward, past Shigure, past the beast, and towards the direction the previous vibrations were sent. Once he reached the mouth of the other tunnel, he began to stomp and prance. "Over here you lousy lump!" He ridiculed. Hopefully, this was enough for the beast to steer away from Shigure and towards himself. Kano sent a silent prayer that Argus would save them. He hoped that the others would understand his action and leave. He held his breath, only releasing when he needed more oxygen in his lungs. A flutter of hope rose in his chest when the mere thought that once the beast approached he could outrun and slipped away safely. He continued to hold onto that thought.
Post: 5
Words: 362 |
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Post by CaptainFlowers on Feb 6, 2019 16:23:23 GMT -6
AKIMOTO![]() Woodworking Master | Breim
![]() Akimoto felt like one the crystalline statues he had passed: frozen at the sight of the eye staring them down. The mist collected around the creature as it moved to regard the equines. Something seemed off. Akimoto couldn’t quite place his hoof on it, but why would the creature not move to attack them with it’s massive size or sharp teeth. There was just the mist, glowing with the same beauty as the crystals. Ciel was right. There was something wrong with the mist.
Kano tried to draw the creatures attention. It seemed a vain effort in the close quarters with the mist spreading. He didn’t have the strength of speed for a diversion, or even to fight with. Really, all he could do was try to think his way out of it.
“Arya,” Akimotto called softly to the other master. Maybe she could help him come up with a plan, “I agree with Ciel, something doesn’t seem right about that mist. They way it’s falling I don’t think it’ll rise. We need something to blast it away at the very least. Buy us all some time. We can’t leave when we’re so close to finding a crystal. Kano will buy us time, but we need to resolve this. Is there a way to fan the mist away? Like fanning smoke from a fire?”
Wordcount: 224 Post: 3 |
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Post by SunaTheWolf on Feb 6, 2019 16:28:42 GMT -6
Iyasu
Iyasu worked to try and keep his breathing under control, knowing he was dangerously close to falling into a full blown panic. The creature had taken the breath from his lungs. It was glowing so much brighter now. Was it getting ready to attack? Was it just warning them?
Ozzer’s words pulled him back from the edge though, and he quickly killed the light from his lantern. As darkness enveloped their group, Iyasu felt a spark of hope form in his heart as the beast did not move. Except… why was it not moving? His words were soon echoed by Arya. He thought he saw a faint light and turned his head. Had one of the others lanterns malfunctioned? Or was he just catching a crystal in his vision and overreacting? Considering the difficulty he was having of centering himself he did not deny that possibility. Same when he thought he noticed movement, considering his eyes were still adjusting to crystal light. Ozzer said to wait did he not? He was not positive he could get his legs to move, would anyone else?
He began to turn his head to the large problem at hand when a bright flash had him turning and just making out Shigure. What was that…? He had already started moving to check on the older healer, but more movement had him looking back at the beast. Oh gods. It saw. His brain fuzzed. How could he distract it? Could he? It could not go after Shigure. He could not lose anyone. He would not… His legs trembled as he realized he was three quarters of the way to Shigure without thinking, his mouth open to ask if he was alright. The beast was not attacking. But had he just made things worse? Was it the movement or the light that was the problem?
He soon heard Ciel. That. Was not a bad idea. Would he ever not be surprised by that? Perhaps if they threw their lanterns? Except they would need to keep at least one… Were there any "shinies" that the group could use to distract it? And the mist it was emitting… was it poisonous? Just for show? What was going to happen?
While stuck in his thoughts he saw light and quickly looked back at the group. Kano had lit his lantern. Iyasu felt dread pool in his gut, as the young guard ran and started yelling. Gods help us...
POST: 3 | WORD COUNT: 408 |
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Post by mariahwhy on Feb 6, 2019 22:02:27 GMT -6
Ozzer | Warden
"I don't know," came his faint answer to both of Arya's questions. He waited to see if the beast noticed the vibrations... his group members certainly seemed to. Had the situation not been as it was, he might have barked out a laugh at Ciel's comment. But instead he simply shook his head, a gesture the shetland probably didn't even see. There would be time for explanations later once... A sharp crack made him flinch, his heart skipping a beat and his false trail flickering out. He whipped his head around to the other healer, but brought it back round again at a bone shaking groan. Everyone had noticed the flash, even the beast. The donkey shrunk back as it rose, his legs feeling like they shaking enough to create vibrations even without his blessing. As the mist rose behind the beast so did the palpable tension of the group. The beast might not be attacking, but this certainly was not a good sign. His head felt fuzzy, like it was full of white-noise, the terror overpowering the sense of calm he had been trying to force himself into. But Ciel's voice once more broke through the fog, piercing as always. His large ears twisted around. He wanted to fuss at him. Tell him this wasn't the time for jokes or small talk. But surprisingly the stallion was concocting a plan, and one that Ozzer could not disagree with. His eyebrows shot up, before his face finally fell into the smallest, albeit still worried, grin. "I think Argus is speaking through you now."Before he could begin directing Ciel's plan, the guard took it into his own hooves to make the first move. Kano was off like a shot across the cavern, the same direction Ozzer had sent the tremors. He watched him go, glanced at the monster only briefly to see if it worked, then turned to the others. "If anyone does have a way to keep that mist away, that probably would be a good idea... but we need to move." He didn't worry about keeping his voice low now. Things were being set into motion, and there was nothing for it now but to go for it. They couldn't waste the chance Kano had given them. He spoke quickly. "Head back the way we came as quickly as possibly. If you can try to throw things as you go - your lanterns, crystals, I don't care - to distract it then do so." He glanced over at his shoulder to where he could just see Kano's stomping form, lit by his lantern. They couldn't leave him behind. "And you," he looked to Shigure, back against the wall, "Whatever you did, can you do it again? If it gets too close to Kano?" He hated to volunteer someone as bait, but the creature had seemed drawn to whatever he'd done, and Shigure was at least closer to the exit than Kano was currently. His hide twitched violently. It was time to leave.
(Post 6: 502 words)
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Post by FaunaFawn on Feb 7, 2019 19:12:26 GMT -6
Shigure the Healer You dangle on the leash
of your own longing;
your need grows teeth Everything felt as if it was moving to fast and not at all. A predicament he has found himself in before when in surgery with a time crunch. Everything was too much and not enough. The beast looked at him and he held his breath this was not good at all. Voices were heard, but he took none of them in. What to do what to do? He should not have volunteered, but who was he to know that there would be a beast lurking below.
Head whipped as others began to act more and more. Horses moved and Shigure pressed himself back into the wall. Oh no, what did he do? He thought bitterly to himself. He looked at the mess that had come of this. Shigure gulped and looked to the leader as many tried to distract the beast and collect crystals. He looked to Ozzer and nodded as the notion was clear. Spark on command to lure the beast away Kano. He would because he got them into this, Being unable to control things.
Eyes narrowed as he tried to settle, yet the more he did, the more sparks seemed to ignite around him. Why was he doing this, he prayed this would be over soon, as he felt the shock course through his veins. Once more his body was crying out to release the electricity, but he held back, holding it to ensure Kano would be safe. Just a few seconds longer.
WC:246 | Post # |
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Post by gone-astrayy on Feb 9, 2019 3:03:56 GMT -6
Arya | Master
Arya's eyes remained glued to the giant creature, taking in as many details about the beast as she could. If they survived, she'd be drawing and writing notes about it for the next week. Why hadn't she come across something, some knowledge about this from any of the many books, tomes, and scrolls she had poured through, throughout the years? Granted, no one on record had ever traveled this deep, but that didn't mean that this thing didn't travel outside of this cavern. Surely someone must've seen a glimpse of this creature throughout history. Well, someone besides their party.
Akimoto's voice snapped her out of her thoughts, and she looked over at her fellow Master. Shaking her head, she tried to think of a solution. "If someone here is blessed with air manipulation, or earth manipulation, we could either blow it away, or throw up a wall to contain the mist if it is too heavy to rise, but I don't think we have anyone here with either one." Looking down at her cloak, she thought briefly of using it to try and wave the mist off, but it would work no better than trying to use a cup of water to douse a blazing fire.
Upon Ozzer's command, and Shigure's movement, the group began to head back for the path they had come from. While she was more than happy to be able to book it away from this nightmare, there was no way she was going to leave without trying to grab a crystal. There were plenty here that they could use, and she wanted to feel normal again.
Keeping her eye on the beast, Arya moved over to one of the larger crystals, it had to easily be as big as herself. Sending a prayer to Argus, she felt her teke spark haphazardly to life as she moved to try and lift the crystal. The mare didn't know if it was how dire the situation felt, if being close to the crystal was giving her the ability to reliably use her teke once more, or if Argus heard her prayer, but her teke did not fail as she began working on lifting the crystal. She was not prepared however, for how heavy it was. Looking over at those who'd not made it past her, she jerked her head, trying to get some help.
"This thing is too heavy for me to lift alone, and we can't go back empty hooved." Her kitsune ran in circles around the crystal, his tails twitching wildly as he looked from her to the tunnel exit, as if trying to ask her what the hell she was trying to do when they needed to escape.
word count: 453
post: 4 |
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Post by leaftail on Feb 9, 2019 18:54:22 GMT -6
Tenebris | Tie
The mist that poured from the creature continued to slowly inch towards them as they all tried to figure out what to do. Ciel instructed everyone to cover their mouths and keep low to the ground, just in case the mist was poisonous. It was a good idea, as they didn’t know what this mist was capable of, but it wasn’t long until Kano jumped into action. Tenebris felt his heart stop as his friend grabbed a lantern, lit it once more, and ran ahead. The urge to call after him got caught up in his throat and Tenebris could only stare with wide eyes as the guard became the bait. He willed his legs to move, so that he could join Kano in keeping the group safe, but they stayed solid and the pit in his stomach reminded him of the fear he felt at being useless. Akimoto quickly suggested that someone with a blessing try to keep the mist away as the rest of them turned back, but once again, Tenebris wasn’t of use there. He ground his teeth together as Ozzer commanded the remaining party members to start moving. Finally, his legs found themselves and he twisted on his heels. With Shigure there to use his damned blessing, not that he was mad at the healer but more so at the circumstances, he hoped the two of them would be able to not only distract the beast, but be able to flee as well. Maybe Ryika would be able to help them out as well, since she had also claimed to be willing to protect them at all costs earlier. As the group started to double back, Tenebris caught sight of Arya trying to lift a giant crystal to take with them so that they could at least return without empty hooves. Tenebris slid to a stop at the other end of the crystal and reached out with his own teke, finding it more reliable than it had been in the past few days. “ Here, let me help!” He said, straining to get his end of the crystal up without stepping on the kitsune that currently running about. “ I think we need one more to help...uh…” For a moment, Tenebris racked his brain to try and remember everyone’s names. “ You! Akimoto or...Iyasu, can one of you help us out? This thing is heavy!”
Post: 6 | Word Count: 398 |
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Post by MusicalMagpie on Feb 9, 2019 19:46:16 GMT -6
The mist started to pool around the beast, illuminating the form and putting more crystalline statues on display. As the sparkling mist encroached on the equines it lit up the large cavern with dazzling violet light. Distracting from the beautiful glow were the loud hisses from the creature. The two glowing eyes flicked between Shigure and Kano. The glowing from the great body grew more intense, gems lining its back rang with some kind of energy, and the vent slits on the creature's throat poured more mist. More sparks flew from Shigure and the creature followed suit. From the creature came a sound like an earthquake and a rising tone that reminded you of a whistle. The creature's body was fully lit, a giant reptilian. The jaws parted wider and something within glowed brighter than any gem.
All of the sound stopped. The monster had gone silent except for a feint whistle. Then suddenly, from the jaws burst forth a stream of light. The piecing sound like that of a tea kettle split the momentary silence and rang off the cavern walls. The beam of light hit its target in an instant. The moment the light came in contact with Shigure, the Healer began to crystallize, growing still like one of the many statues in the cavern. |
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Post by FaunaFawn on Feb 14, 2019 19:22:32 GMT -6
Shigure the Healer You dangle on the leash
of your own longing;
your need grows teeth Bad luck, was that what one would call this moment? Being in the wrong place at the wrong time? Was that an adequate phrase here? Perhaps it was just fate, something no one can avoid regardless it would have happened regardless. It seems this fates have decided it was time to stop everything for him.
The creature opened its mouth and suddenly Shigure was rearing up, but backs legs would not move, turning to stone, he felt everything and panic was shown in his eyes as he stood there, stone eating him up. Head whipped to Ozzer eyes looking so sorry as if he failed them all. The stone was quick as it covered more and more of his body, his voice failed him, but his lips mouthed the words Run. He prayed they would see, plray they would understand and perhaps avoid the same fate.
Thankfully his mind could not linger much on such thoughts. The stone covered him, and his last heartbeat was heard and suddenly there was nothing. No bright light, no warm comfort, just cold hard stone of a figure that once was Shigure. He was gone in seconds, just like that. He was no more.
WC:200 | Post # |
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Post by mariahwhy on Feb 15, 2019 21:54:39 GMT -6
Ozzer | Warden
It was an odd relief to finally be moving towards the exit - the adrenaline that had been building in his body finally finding its outlet. He hurriedly led the others, blessing keeping track of everyone's proximity. He could see the dimly lit opening of the exit. He could imagine those first crystals they'd seen, before an ominous warning, now the faint promise of returning home. The donkey was glad that he could feel the others, because his heart was beating too loud in his ears, and the sound from the monster was growing so loud that he could hardly hear anything. From his peripheral he caught a glimpse of flashing light - Shigure. He chanced a glance over, worried that it was a sign that Kano was in trouble. But the body language of the other, lit up by his own blessing, pointed to a nervous reaction like before. Ozzer eyed him warily, but continued moving. They had to. There was no choice. Suddenly one of the horse's hoofsteps stopped, stagnating somewhere behind Ozzer. Then another. And finally one more. He drew to a stop and whipped around, afraid of what he might see. He was unprepared to find them gathered around a crystal, trying to lift it. "What are you doing?! Leave it!"His voice echoed across the room as suddenly everything else went quite. He realized, by everything else, he meant that he was completely just registering the lack of noise made by the monster. It had gone completely silent, other than an almost imperceptible whistling. His head swung up to look at the beast, noting its gaze in the same moment that the beam of light shot from its gaping mouth. The light and the sound made him flinch, his body shrinking backwards, knees almost buckling. The severity of what was happening was almost unbelievable. "NO!" he brayed, locking eyes with Shigure for one final moment. His gaze returned the apology ten-fold. This was his fault. He had put the already jumpy horse on the spot, and he had been targeted. This was his fault, and the healer was... gone.
Crystallized. Gone. "RUN!" he screamed. There was no strategizing now. There was no out-witting a beast with such powers. Escaping was their only hope. "KANO RUN!" he screamed across the cavern. He couldn't lose anyone else.
(Post 7: 387 words)
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Post by gone-astrayy on Feb 16, 2019 3:40:08 GMT -6
Arya | Master
Silence.
The sudden silence was deafening. And then out of the silence came the sound of a shrill whistling noise, like wind being forcibly pushed through one of the tunnels. Except... It wasn't coming from the tunnels. Arya's gaze moved in slow motion towards the beast, her eyes shining from the light pouring from the creature. And then she was blinded by a light that drowned out everything else. Following the beam, she watched in horror as it engulfed the healer who'd tried to distract it to give them time. Worse yet, and she didn't even think it could get worse, crystal began to overtake Shigure, rapidly climbing over the features of the terrified horse.
His face was the last bit to be immortalized within the morbidly beautiful crystal, expression full of apologetic sorrow.
As she stared at what had once been a living creature, she thought back to the crystals that had been so beautifully sculpted to look like horses, animals, trees, several of which she had sketched out. Horror and terror at their peaks, with adrenaline now flooding her system, she realized they had been no sculptures, they had once been living souls; victims to this monster.
RUN!
A scream shot through her ears, and she dropped the end of the crystal she'd been holding in her slack teke. She'd later wonder if the crystal she held had once been alive too. Whipping her gaze from Shigure, to Ozzer, to the monster, she stumbled as she tried to maneuver around the crystal, watching as everyone bolted for the tunnel.
While every instinct was telling her to flee, to not look back, hell, she'd run until she was above ground if that was how far it took to get away from this creature, she looked back at Shigure. Could they just leave him here?
word count: 305
Post: 5 |
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Post by fossature on Feb 16, 2019 9:22:50 GMT -6
He only needed to take one look at Shigure to know that he was a lost cause. His intimate knowledge of the equine anatomy had him listing every vital organ that had been undoubtedly crystallised by the creature’s beam as the process was happening. He didn’t need to see the end result- he didn’t need any more nightmares. Even before the minerals had snaked their way through all of the Healer’s living sinew, Ciel had already turned away, heart throbbing in his throat, not denying but not yet ready to accept that someone on the team had died that day, on a mission he participated in. He already knew nothing could be done to save him, and he didn’t feel guilty about thinking this, especially not in the moment.
In his humble opinion, everything had already completed the steep descent into chaos. The pony’s conscience, every idea- his very mind was picked clean, and his brain felt unreachable as his primal instinct to flee kicked in. Hurriedly, he scrambled nearer to the exit, leaping sideways out of pure shock from the noise the dropped crystal produced, now beginning to bolt for the exit, drilling into his own head that he had the shortest legs and was the easy picking from the beast’s perspective. As he neared Ozzer, he butted the donkey’s backside with his head in hopes of giving him a boost, which threw him off-balance momentarily before he regained his feet and belted faster than he’d ever before, air whizzing past his ears and whipping his mane to and fro. Too scared to look back, and too high on adrenaline to fully comprehend what was in front of him, he blindly hoped for the best, his throat tense with words never said.
WC:302
Post: 5
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Post by leaftail on Feb 17, 2019 11:06:50 GMT -6
Tenebris | Tie
Just as he called for help to lift the giant crystal, a bright light took his vision from him followed by a screeching, ear-piercing sound. Freezing, Tenebris felt his breath catch in his throat until the light dimmed and he got his sight and hearing back. Twisting his head to look back, his jaw dropped. What was once a living, breathing horse now stood a life-like crystal statue. There Shigure stood, a victim of the creature. Now, it dawned on the tea shop owner. The crystal figures weren’t artisan statues that they were just staring in awe at, they were victims of this monster, frozen in time. The dropping of the crystal took Tenebris’ attention as he felt it’s sudden weight. Arya was fleeing with the others, pushed on by Ozzer’s cry to run. He jumped back, avoiding any injury to his hooves and looked back to where Kano was, at the other side of the cavern. He should be running with the others, but he couldn’t just leave his friend without making sure he’d be okay. “ Kano! Get out of there!” He wasn’t sure which path the other would take, either through the unknown tunnel or try to pass the beast to them, but he couldn’t wait too long. His legs started to back up, sliding into the giant crystal causing him to stumble over it. He was quick to regain his footing, as he tried to keep Kano in his sight while leaving with the others. Seconds dragged on too long and he had to think of himself for once. Kano would make it, he just had to. Grinding his teeth and closing his eyes, Tenebris made the hard decision to turn and follow the others. The selfish act tugged at his chest, but Tenebris picked up his pace until he was galloping out of the danger zone with the others. Kano would make it. He just had to or the guilt would weigh on the unicorn for a long time.
Post: 7 | Word Count: 333 |
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Post by crystalbluefeather on Feb 17, 2019 13:47:20 GMT -6
Kano
Guard of Breim
The cavern growing eerily quiet, caused the watch member to stop in his tracks. His eyes watching the whole thing. His eyes widening as a bright beam of light shot like a canon right at Shigure. His mouth gaped open, a silent scream escaping his lungs. The particular horse, he was trying to protect was now a frozen crystal - frozen in time. He failed, his legs began to slowly tremble, his lantern swinging from the pivot his jaw created.
He could hear the faint screaming of his fellow comrades. Barely, making out the words to run. He could feel the fear in the air, the rattling of several hooves scrambling to escape the giant, murdering beast. His ears pinned to the back of his head as he slowly backed to the edge of the mouth of the tunnel. He could dart down it. It would temporarily safer, though he knew nothing of the tunnels, and who knows where it led. Kano could try to dart across the cavern again, another risky feat; especially if this creature can create death beams like that.
He could not afford to be lost. he had to take the risk. He created a loud whistle, stomping his hooves once more to get the beast attention. He then threw the lantern down the tunnel behind him and bolted. His legs burning as he locked eyes with the familiar tunnel. His hues narrowing, as he focused on that point. His hooves carrying him as far as he could. He did his best to maneuver in the very dim light. As he passed the crystalized Shigure, he gave a solemn nod. Kano would not forget the stallion he failed to protect. He hoped, he prayed that Argus would say him from the beast. That he would make it to the others. That they would return home safely. In the back of his mind, the beige, spotted horse also hoped that Shigure's death would not be in vain. That they got what they came here for. Kano did not dare to look back at the beast as he ran, fighting the urge to stop and catch his breath. 'Not until I reach the others.'
Post: 6
Words: 369 |
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Post by SunaTheWolf on Feb 17, 2019 22:44:52 GMT -6
Iyasu
Iyasu turned his head as he heard his name, trying to discern who exactly had called him. His eyes found Tenebris, who appeared to be helping Master Arya… with a crystal! Iyasu felt a flash of self-loathing burn through him. How could he have even thought of leaving without remembering to try and complete the mission there group had come for in the first place?
“On my way!” He quickly turned to help the others. It did not matter if there was a terrifying creature looming over them all. They had come here to help the citizens of Nariah. They needed to at least try to complete that mission.
"What are you doing?! Leave it!"
Iyasu stalled at Ozzer’s exclamation. And then he noticed.
Silence.
Iyasu felt every hair on his body stand up. The creature, the one that had sounded like crashing stone and been a constant since it had awoken to their presence, had ceased to make any sound.
He flinched as the tension snapped when a beam shot forth from the open glowing maw, a piercing whistle shrieking around them. He blinked the light away to look where it was aimed, only to feel his knees begin to buckle and a scream ripped from his throat.
Iyasu watched in horror as Shigure began to crystallize. The same Healer he had moved to help earlier.
He was quickly swallowed up by the crystal, forlorn expression forever frozen. Iyasu felt like he could throw up, alongside a sense of growing horror. He spun in a circle, seeing the statues around him, the ones he had so admired in a new light. They were all… They had been… “They were alive…” Iyasu stumbled back, mind being overcome by thoughts and emotions forgetting for a moment the danger they were all in.
“RUN!”
Ozzer's screams knocked some sense into him. He looked toward Arya and Tenebris, watching as they dropped the large crystal. It is too big. He pranced in place, fear and logic warring for a moment. He finally grabbed a crystal that took up the majority of his one pack. “Grab a small crystal if you can, but it is time to leave!” Iyasu knew many had already fled, but perhaps someone else would grab one. It would likely mean nothing in the end, but he was not thinking that hard about it now. He spun back toward the exit and took a few strides before stalling once more to look at Shigure.
They had to leave him…
He could think of no way to carry him and make sure no one else was lost. There was no way to take him. “Argus guide you home…” Perhaps they could send a rescue party back for him, but for now their survival was paramount. Iyasu took off for the exit once more, seeing Kano take off as well. He kept his eyes on the few equines behind him as he put what little speed he had into getting into the tunnel.
He prayed to the gods to let them leave this nightmare. That Argus guides them back to Nariah, Cascade keeps the rest of them healthy, Alya grants them speed, and Kaia keeps the earth around them strong.
As Iyasu felt tears run down his cheeks, his heart clenched, and he prayed that Ignacio did not mistreat them now. That the god did not curse them for failing to save one that he had blessed.
He prayed to all of the gods that Shigure was at peace.
POST: 4 | WORD COUNT: 580 |
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Post by GingerBlues on Feb 18, 2019 15:05:15 GMT -6
Your plot is complete! Stay tuned for a wrap-up journal!20 AP and 20 CS to all participants!
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