Tourn RP Archive

A small stream ran through this side, from wall to wall. Oddly, it seemed like the water began and ended at the stone walls, so there was no possible way to crawl out through some kind of water duct. The water was warm, but not hot. There weren't many creatures in the water, just some squirrel-sized shrimps and dog-sized lobsters hanging out. If you were crossing barefoot, or just swimming, it might be best to keep an eye out for a lobster claw. There weren't too many though, so you would probably be fine... The #beach banked both sides, and the #bridge crossed over the top. The shade provided under the bridge seemed to be a popular place for the crustaceans to hang out during the peak hours of heat. Also, toward the middle of the stream, and next to the sleeping mats, there was a large rainbow-colored glowing rock. It radiated a bit of heat.

With a ZAP of lightning and a loud splash, Isabelle appeared in the area... Tai'Tana was here. @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

Ipapel was certainly woken up by that my lord. She definitely lost her footing against the sudden appearance mixed with the depth of the water, splashing into it. panic She started flailing almost instantly, even though the water wasn't very deep, she still did not want to be under it. It takes her a good minute to calm the FUCK down and make her way to the side. As she settled against one of the walls, she heard a crunch in the distance as a big ol crab got a liddol crab. "What,, the fuck,,," She is desperately trying to get the water out of her face.

"Hhuh? Who is there?" A grumbly voice nearby Isabelle spoke. "There's two people around here- who are you?" @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

Isabelle looked towards the source of the voice, trying her best to dry off her glasses to be able to SEE whoever was speaking. "W-what? I don't even know where I am!" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"What is your name?" The person asked again. "Ugh. You're not an amphib. I can feel that about you. You're human, aren't you? Why were you brought here?" @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

"If you must know... it's Isabelle. And I don't know why I was here... something about killing us all if I remember correctly?" She was able to get most of the water off before putting her glasses back on. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Tai'Tana was a.. Interesting sight, for sure. "Killing you all? Huh.. Weird. Speaking a' weird, who's the flailing guy on the bridge." @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

"There's... oh-" She looked up, noticing Juno on the bridge flailing. Ip didn't have... much to say. Considering Rakin was an amphib it was... almost expected. "I... have no idea who that is. Is... there a way I can get out of here?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Uh. No, don't think so." Tai'Tana grumbled. "You should help me grab crabs. You can keep some." @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

"W-what?" Isabelle looked down, eyes growing wide. "Are you sure there's no way out?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Less yapping more crabbing." @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

"Okay okay!" She's lookin for crabs I guess. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Tai'Tana held her hands in the water, occasionally shuffling around and narrowing in on a certain spot. He lunged forward, diving down in to the water, and came back up with a huge crab. "AHAHA!" He laughed, holding up the crab proudly. "Dinner. Dinner for two days! Speed it up, human, or you will starve from lack of crab." @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

(do i have to roll or can i just-)

(roll please i think its funnier that way)

(aight)

10:56 PM

She wasn't ready for hunting I suppose. And her tendency to avoid water.... Nothing. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Oh come on... you know you wanna join my table..." She tries again, this time grabbing a decently sized one. Nothing to write home about, but also not nothing. "Gotcha! Don't know how you're getting out of here when I can't... but gotcha." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Hmmm. Decent sized crab." Tai'Tana comments without looking over at Isabelle. "Maybe you will not starve tonight. Maybe you have bare minimum of competence." @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

"I'll... take that as a compliment. What now?" She looks over to Tai'Tana, also noticing the appearance of another on the bridge. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

HI BECAUSE I'M FUCKING STUPID ISABELLE SLOWLY BUT SURELY MAKES HER WAY OUT OF THE WATER WITH THE CRAB.

"Bye small crab woman." Tai'Tana said and bit down in to the crab, shell and all.

It was a little after Isabelle had left did a new stranger come across the stream. Moses had followed the sound of what seemed to be running water, and thankfully, his instincts were right. Coming across the water, his face lit up and he quickly bent down by the edge of the stream to wash his face. The cold water against his skin felt heavenly. After the quick rinse, Moses dried his glasses with the bottom of his shirt and glanced around. When he noticed a quite large figure down the stream, he at first thought it was some sort of animal.. but the way they moved was too human-like. Slowly, Moses walked closer and waved his hand in hopes of getting the person's attention. "Hello?" He called out. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Hello, other human." Tai'Tana said, not looking over at Moses approaching. He moved his hands around the water, and suddenly threw herself forward, a pillar of sand rising up and pushing out a decently sized crab. He grabbed it and lifted it up in the air. "Are you going to crab?" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses watched curiously as the stranger fished--crabbed? Whatever they were doing. He stopped a couple feet away from Tai'Tana and shook his head. "No.. Well, not right now, no," he replied with a small smile. "I'm Moses. Are.. Do you live here, by chance? I think I and a few other people have been dropped here and.. well, we're confused and would like answers," Moses asked. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I think so. Yes. Me, Llinos, and Itsuki have been here a while now." They said. "Why are you and the other woman here now. You're not amphibs." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"And what's your name, stranger?" Moses asked, his smile growing just a tad. At least the locals didn't seem hostile. "...And I'm not sure who the other woman is, or what an amphib is.. But I guess that means you've come across us new people already. We uh.. How do I describe this?" Moses hummed. "A guy named Rakin kidnapped people with powers to fight for some species..? I don't really remember all the details. I was a bit too angry after a bit to care about what he had to say.." He admitted. "But by chance, do you know him?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I am Tai'Tana." She said and crushed the crab's head in with her hands before tossing the creature over to Moses, all the whole still not looking at him. "I have not heard of this 'Rakin'." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Luckily, Moses caught the crab. Well, what was left of it, anyways. Damn, this person had some serious grip strength. "Nice to meet you, Tai'Tana. Thanks for the crab," he hummed. "I see.. How did you and.. Llinos and Itsuki come to this place? You seem to be on the older side.. Have you been here long?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Well, a few weeks ago. I was just hanging out in my cave. Then I felt tingles. Then I disappeared. Same thing happened to Llinos and Itsuki, where they were at." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Huh.. "That's similar to what happened to me, and what I assume everyone else who just got here," Moses commented with a small hum. "So you guys haven't been here very long... That explains the more rural structures. Is there anything dangerous that we should be looking out for around these parts? I'm not even sure where we are exactly. Is this Earth?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Sometimes giant crabs attack. And sometimes it's so hot you can't be outside. And one time there was a little hurricane. I think." Tai'Tana replied and began walking out of the stream. "And no. This isn't earth. There's alien minerals here. I can feel them." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"Giant crabs??" Moses repeated. Okay, noted. Also, stay in the shade, noted. Though, at the revelation this wasn't Earth, Moses' expression tightened a bit. "Alien minerals..? How do you know that, Tai'Tana?" He asked @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I have mineral sensing abilities. Like all caecilians. There are things here that are only present from asteroids. Or our amphib Wells." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Well, first a demon, now a genuine alien? Caecilian? Amphib? Whatever those were. Moses was learning a lot of new things today. "Huh.. Okay. That's rather interesting. And I assume the other two with you are also Amphibs, correct? I wonder why humans were called here if only non-humans were here beforehand.." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Yes. I'm a Caecilian. Llinos is a toadlin. And Itsuki is a salamander. I do not know why you and other human woman are here now. Along with many others I can sense. Not my business." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"Hm.. I don't know what those species are.. but I suppose they'll be noticeable if I run into any of them," Moses nodded. "Since being here, what have you three been doing..? I assume just living off the land and such?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 (edited)

"Mostly just hanging out. Not too bad. Itsuki got plant powers when he got here. Went a bit crazy and made a giant patch of vegetables. Been eating those and crustaceans." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses nodded. "I see.. at least there's edible food here. If we're lucky, maybe someone else who was taken here also has abilities to help with that. With a stream here, we at least have fresh water to keep us hydrated as well.." Moses commented, his expression slightly relaxed. "Have you explored all of this place? Is there anything beyond just the trees and ocean around here?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Yes. My group has explored everything. If you walk too much further there is just stone walls that appear. You don't see them till you get close. So. Smaller than it seems." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"A stone wall..?" Moses questioned, his brows furrowing. "..so I assume Rakin and whoever he works for is keeping us here then. Is the wall unbreakable? I assume one of you would of either tried to break it or climb it..?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I climbed it. Glass ceiling on top. I tried to go through it. Feels about ten feet thick. Then nothingness. We are in a void. Didn't want to risk opening it up. To space." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

A glass ceiling that then led to space..."Rakin did mention something along the line of throwing people out to the void once we lost our purpose. Perhaps that's where he intends to dispose of us," Moses hummed. "I still wonder why you three are here before us though... Rakin himself looked rather odd. Humanoid.. but still different. I wonder if that means anything," he pondered aloud. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Hah. This Rakin guy sounds fun." Tai'Tana laughed and trudged out of the stream. She shook herself off, getting Moses a bit wet. "What did he look like." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses thought for a moment. "Really green," was his first response, not minding the drops of water that got on him. Though, he did wipe his glasses on his shirt again. "About my height. Maybe a little shorter. Had a half-shaved haircut. And.. really dark eyes." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Hm. Most of that does nothing for me. I am blind." Why did he even ask? "But short and green. Llinos told me a lot of froglings are like that. And toads and frogs hate each other." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"Froglings..?" Moses questioned. "Hm.. Is there any more information you can give me about all of these species? We're not on earth, so I'm completely out of my element. The more I can learn, the better." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I feel like they are self explanatory based on the names." Tai'Tana said. "But what specifically. Do you want to know." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses hummed. "Sorry, guess it was too broad. Uh.. How about where you guys are from? Is that.. more specific?? Or is that also too broad.." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. All of us? All six groups?" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses nodded. "Yeah. Sorry for imposing. I just would really like to learn," he replied with a faint chuckle. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Okay. Well." She took in a deep breath. "We are all in the Americas. North, South, Central.. All across." "Caecilians are spread out across the whole range. Sparse and underground. And in caves. Usually we are little worms." "Toads live in a desert somewhere near.. The south part of the United States...? Eugh..?" "Salamanders live in another part of the South of the United States. But East-er." "Newts live in part of the Amazon Rainforest.. Brazil..? Mmm.." "Axolotls live in a lake in Mexico. Don't remember the name." "And Froglings currently don't have a real home. Currently all over the place. Previously they were in a swamp around the east-middle part of the States.... Hm." "Oh but also a lot of amphibs move away. So they can be most places. But power and numbers centralized in those places. And you can teleport between them." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Wow, Moses was learning so much today. He would make sure to tell Viktor about everything he learned when he got back home. Viktor would love to hear that the little creatures he finds in the pond in their backyard can also be cool people too. He listened intently, nodding despite Tai'Tana being unable to see it. "Intriguing.. I've never come across anyone like you guys before. This is.. fascinating," Moses hummed. "I assume you all must originate from.. space?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Populations of conscious amphibs are low. Besides around population centers. Obviously." Tai'Tana added. "And sort of. From space. Amphibians existed on Earth already. Then the Pilarians sent in the radioactive meteor. Radiated Amphibians. Made us smart. We still use the meteor rock for power." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses wish he had something to take notes with. "Okay.. So there's very little of them being like you and the others here.. I see. I guess that makes some sense," he nodded. "..And a meteor gave you your powers? And intelligence? How interesting. By chance, is there some secret like.. seventh species? Outside the ones you just listed and explained?"@Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 (edited)

".. Have you seen another amphibian species that is still around? I'm not aware. Of any others. Not impossible I guess. My kind are more isolated. But also. Sometimes groups split off. Frogs and toads are more recent, Axolotls too. Then salamanders and newts. Caecilians have never split off." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"I was just curious.. This is just a wild guess, but if you folk were taken first and Rakin seems similar to a frogling--He spoke a lot about wanting to bring back the 'ultimate species', so I was just wondering if it was all connected or something," Moses shrugged. "Sorry, it's probably just a farfetched idea, but you answering my questions has been really helpful. Thank you, Tai'Tana. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Hmmm. You have interesting ideas. Could be that. But I've never heard of another species of amphib." Tai'Tana shrugged. "Ultimate species........ hmmm." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses also thought, wondering what exactly Rakin's goal was. To reserurate a species would take a lot more work than just chaos vibes, right? "Well, I suppose whatever Rakin intends, we'll only figure it out if we find and interrogate him. He's working for someone else too, so maybe if we go a step above, we might figure out even more.. But since you don't really know who Rakin is, I assume he's left you guys alone for the most part.. I wonder where he's hiding out," Moses rambled. "Thanks again for the chat, Tai'Tana. I'm going to go look for others still. I promised someone else I would explore and report back to them later. Another person who was kidnapped and put here with me. If you run into someone named Calamity, that's her. Let her know I already came by here, yeah?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Calamity? Good name." Tai'Tana grinned, showing off all of her pointed needle-like teeth. "Good luck finding more. I can sense a lot of people around here." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"I think you'd like her. Good spirit, she is," Moses chuckled. "Thank you, Tai'Tana. I shall see you around then. Have a good day," he told him and walked away from the river. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Bye. Go crab sometime." She waved in his general direction and walked off a different way. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Whichever directions Cane and Kiran might end up approaching from, once they get close enough to the stream Mallon would be able to be spotted. They’re hunched over, half-visible in the shade of the bridge as they sit on the edge of the stream. Knees pulled to their chest and arms wrapped around, they seem like they’re entirely unmoving. In fact, the only sign of any movement comes from a faint glowing light that appears to bounce around them, definitely enough to catch attention at least. @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Scream | Cane + Uly

Call it luck, call it Ser nature, but sooner or later Cane found himself gravitating toward water. Following the stream all the way to the bridge, it was here that he stopped and pondered getting himself a drink of water. Fortunately, he had sampled a couple of the coconuts earlier; that seemed to be enough to tide him over. The water inside of them did not kill him either, that was a plus. The only question now was whether or not this water would... While he was pondering whether or not to risk it for the sake of comfort, it was then that Cane spotted someone else out of the corner of his eye, hunched up and bundled by the creek's edge. "Mali king amin." Cane called out to them, hoping to get their attention without startling them. @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

Unfortunately, Mallon would probably be startled by anything at this point. Their head snaps over to where the unfamiliar voice is coming from, faintly glowing eye locking onto Cane’s with an intense stare. Bobbing out in front of their forehead is a lure— the source of the light bouncing off the underside of the bridge. A low warning sort of rumble escapes them, earfins pinned back against their head and body tensing, though it seems more out of wariness than hostility. Doesn’t look like they understand what Cane is saying. @Scream | Cane + Uly

Cane tilted his head at the response from the stranger. His golden eyes peered through the eyeholes in his mask as he attempted to get a better view at his company. At first glance, they certainly did not appear to be Terran, but there was no harm in trying. He did not know many other languages... "Hello?" @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

One earfin flicks in brief acknowledgment, though their eye narrows slightly. “…What do you want,” they finally reply, voice dull and somewhat raspy. There’s specks of dried blood spattered across their shirt. @Scream | Cane + Uly

"Well, I would like to know what is going on." Cane answered calmly with a hand on his hip. At least they could meet in the middle on language, hopefully they could find common ground elsewhere. "Can I assume that you were abducted as well?" @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

Kiran reached the water's edge and carefully stepped in. Itnwas cool but not cold, and they couldn't feel any leaks. They stepped their other foot in as carefully, and slowly moved deeper, until they lost their patience and trudged deeper, accompanied by loud sloshing. They were still holding their clothes in their hands, and though they noticed Cane and Mallon not far away, they didn't seem to care or try to cover themself. They paused where the water was about up to their mid-thigh, tail splashing in and out of the water, and pushed their shirt and pants into the stream. @Scream | Cane + Uly @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

Mallon’s face sours. “I was. Yes,” they reply curtly. They don’t seem willing to offer any more details on that part right now. “I do not know what is going on here. If I did then perhaps I would not be here any longer.” Their gaze breaks from Cane momentarily at the sound of water moving, and they squint warily at the new figure splashing closer. At least they don’t recognize either of the two, but it means they can’t classify either of them threat-wise yet either. They’re still visibly on edge. @Scream | Cane + Uly @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Cane opened his mouth to speak, but the sound of splashing water distracted him. Look off to the distance a ways, he could spot another straggler. Like his current company, this one did not appear to be Terran either, but he waved to them all the same, if nothing else to show that he was friendly. Things were starting to line up in his mind, only slightly. He would have to return to Isabelle with his new info soon. “If we put our minds together, we might be able to find something out together.” Cane suggested, turning his attention back to his nervous compatriot. “'Idiya salmahat alnulium.” @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Kiran turned their head when they noticed Cane's wave from the corner of their eye. They stared at the other for a moment with the mildly miffed expression they had arrived with, and seemed to size Cane and Mallon for a moment and think how to acknowledge them. Then, they lifted their hand from the water to listlessly wave back, but they accidentally let go of the shirt they were holding, and it fell to the bottom of the stream with a splosh. Kiran swore loudly. @Scream | Cane + Uly @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

Mallon stares blankly at Kiran, not even flinching when they drop their shirt and swear save for a single blink. The light of their lure has dimmed slightly, but it’s still casting a somewhat eerie glow on the underside of the bridge. Their head tilts as they slowly look back to Cane at the unfamiliar words. “What are you saying.” @Scream | Cane + Uly @Twig | Kiran + Riki

No sooner had the suggestion for them to put their brains together did Cane see the stranger in the distance drop their shirt into the water... Talk about awkward timing. "Idiya salmahat alnulium." Cane repeated. "It means--" He paused a minute to think over the words in his head before relaying a proper translation. "--If the stars allow. Think of it like, if luck is on our side, we will be able to figure out this problem together. Perhaps I should start first; I am Cane." @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Kiran grumbled and leaned down to fish the shirt from the bottom of the stream. They couldn't quite reach, and had tp crouch a bit and lean further. However, they didn't want to put their face underwater, so they had to tilt their head up, which meant they could no longer see the bottom of the stream. @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 @Scream | Cane + Uly

Mallon can’t help the faint snort that escapes them at the phrase’s translation. “If luck had chosen our side I doubt that we would have been left here,” they mutter. “Wherever that ‘here’ may be.” After a brief moment of hesitation, they offer, “My name is Mallon.” Squinting at Kiran in the stream again, they frown slightly. “Do you think they are trying to hunt?” They don’t exactly sound impressed. @Scream | Cane + Uly @Twig | Kiran + Riki

When it came to whether or not the duo, or anyone on this planet, was lucky, Cane could not really argue with his company; they had him there. At the mention of the third though, he gave Mallon a side eyed look out of the corners of his mask. "If that is hunting, we might be in more trouble than I thought." Taking a step away from Mallon, he once again waved down the stranger, inviting them to abandon whatever they were doing and join the two near the bridge. "Mahiat!" @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Kiran lifted their head and straightened up when Cane addressed them. They stared at the masked person with a slightly disinterested, annoyed expression. Their translator picked up on the language Cane had used, and made Kiran reply in the same vein: "Mahada tataju?" They then turned their attention back to the shirt at the bottom of the stream, and picked it up with their foot. However, as they leaned down to pick the clothing item from their toes, their balance was thrown off by their tail splashing out of the water. After a brief moment of startled flailing, they fell backwards into the stream with a loud shriek and the crash of the waves. (what do you want?) @Scream | Cane + Uly @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 (edited)

Cane's eyes widened at their reply. They definitely did not look Ser, yet they knew his tongue. Truth be told, he was almost impressed...Up until the point that the fumbled their own shirt and fell back into the water. It would seem as though their gracious host had gathered quite the variety of contestants for his game show. Putting the awkwardness aside, Cane once again waved the person over, this time with noticeably less enthusiasm. "Naza saknafa. Nahan narwartasval." @Twig | Kiran + Riki @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 "Get yourself together. We are communing." (edited)

Kiran sank into the water like a stone, and scrambledto sit up to get their head back to the surface. They shook their head, their mane sending water flying everywhere. They sneezed and sputtered, and heard what Cane said. They turned to glare at them furiously and barely held themself back from making a very rude gesture, and instead pulled a bit of a face. They didn't have anything to say to that, so they only scoffed. They stood up, now in possession of both of their clothing items, and shook themself more. Eugh. Water in the ears. @Scream | Cane + Uly (edited)

Mallon raises an eyebrow as the two converse, glancing back and forth between them but not really finding any explanation. Slowly they stand up, with a faint wince at the buzz in their legs from sitting for so long, and a couple of faint snickers slip out as they watch Kiran flail about in the stream. “Not everyone can be a hunter,” they shrug in reply to Cane’s earlier statement. Seems they’re loosening up a bit, but with their arms crossed over their chest they still look somewhat guarded. @Scream | Cane + Uly @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"That is true." Cane answered Mallon while keeping his eyes on the third. Even though they had found their footing, and whatever they were looking for in the stream, they still seemed hesitant about joining the other two by the bridge. "Guahayar." He called out again before waving them over. This must be what herding the little alavin felt like... @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 @Twig | Kiran + Riki "(we are) harmless"

Kiran rolled their eyes. "Anna lastu ha ifanmika", they huffed. They took a closer look at the shirt they had fished from the bottom of the stream, and saw that it had not in fact become less sandy. Now there was not only sand particles, but some slimy algae and water weeds in between the metal weaves. Utterly disgusting. That's it. Their clothes were ruined. This would mark the beginning of Kiran's nudist era. They let out a deep, resounding growl like a riled lynx, and splashed the water with their tail. Then they let their arms flop down to their sides, still gripping the ruined clothes as though hoping they could still be salvaged, and threw their head back to look at the sky with a deeply annoyed, frustrated, and defeated look. World mean to them. They then tilted their head to look over to the fish people, and stared at them for a moment, before sighing and wading over. "Mahada tataju?" they repeated their earlier question. I'm not afraid of you. What do you want? @Scream | Cane + Uly @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

Cane's pupils widened at their response. This was like herding the alavin, exactly like it. "Tuma tala ila una." He called out again. At first he thought his mask might have been muffling his voice, but considering they were responding in his native tongue, they were clearly just being stubborn. "Manahan natajmahow." @Twig | Kiran + Riki "Then get over here." "We are grouping."

As soon as Kiran growls, splashing the water loudly, Mallon answers it with a jump and startled hiss of their own—not unlike a spooked cat. They look visibly embarrassed for half a second once Kiran just simply walks over. Muttering something under their breath in less words and more a vague approximation of language, a mix of growls and clicks together, Mallon sighs impatiently. All they really can do is stand there with arms still crossed and wait for more of an explanation. @Scream | Cane + Uly @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Cane was surprised by Mallon's reaction, but when their comment about hunting went through his mind, the dots connected and he made no comment about it. Now that the three of them were finally together, together being used loosely, he spoke up again. "We should probably talk in Terran so that we can all be on the same page." He suggested before putting his hands on his hips. "I am Cane, and this is Mallon. Were you abducted as well?" @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Kiran's head swivels around to stare at Mallon when they make those growling and clicking sounds, but not with the usual indifferent or miffed expression they tended to have. Their eyes were wide and their head tilted curiously, and they stared intently for a moment, until they blinked and shook their head slightly, the ill-disposed expression returning. They turned to Cane, and their translator switched the language Kiran was speaking. Their voice completely changed as well. "Kiran. And yeah. I was abducted," they said listlessly. (edited)

2:55 PM

@Scream | Cane + Uly @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

Mallon is momentarily surprised by Kiran’s stare, but quickly meets it with one of their own until the other glances away. It didn’t exactly seem like recognition…they’re not really sure what to think about it. Anyways, Cane seems to have taken the lead in the conversation once more. Their gaze turns back to him at the new unfamiliar word. “What is ‘Terran’?” @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Scream | Cane + Uly

Well, that was an easy question, met with an equally easy answer. So they were still all on the same footing. This still did not answer why they were all here. Sure, he was told the purpose, but that did not answer why them specifically. Before he could continue that though, Mallon spoke up, diverting his attention. "Ah--" Cane gestured with his hand. "--Terran, the language that the people of Terra speak. The blue planet, with the green lands. Most of the people I have encountered here speak it." Turning back to Kiran, Cane pressed on. "Where are you from? You speak my language, but you do not look Ser...At all, in fact." @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Kiran glanced at Mallon once they spoke, then back to Cane with the disinterested look. "My planet? I'm from Velos. I'm not surprised if you haven't heard of it, it's in the middle of nowhere. I'm lerava. And I use a translator." They pointed their throat and then ear. @Scream | Cane + Uly @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

The people of Terra… “..Humans?” Mallon questions, frowning faintly. “There is more than one language if you mean them, there are many. I’ve learned that.” They seem pretty pleased with themself. They don’t recognize the species’ names either, but they’re at least able to recognize it as such. But it’s not that that grabs their attention. “Planets..like space?” The words feel strange in their mouth. They’d learned a little bit about it, but not much—it kind of baffles them to think about. They in fact do not have any idea where they are right now. @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Scream | Cane + Uly

(Hannah got Mallon on Duolingo)

(LMFAO that plus the one convo they had w darcy :3 )

Kiran looks at Mallon again once they talk, and nod to affirm they meant planets in space. @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 @Scream | Cane + Uly

Velos and Lerava, two words he had certainly not heard before. To be fair, the universe was a big place, bigger than comprehension. Still, he never thought that he, a cook, would be the first of his kind to meet a new race. Strange how life works sometimes. "If your planet is in the middle of nowhere, then I would hazard to guess that we are in the middle of nowhere as well." Cane suggested as he gestured to the sky above. "I am not quite sure how you were pulled from your planet and me from mine without us being somewhere in the middle land." Turning his head back to Mallon, he switched gears. "Terran is the language they use when they send their messages out into the..." He struggled with the word for a moment before continuing where he had left off. "...Space...With their beacons." @Twig | Kiran + Riki @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

Mallon’s eyebrows furrow as they struggle to fully comprehend. They may only be aware of the bare minimum of space, but they were at least told that, supposedly, most of space is uninhabitable to humans. “We are..on another planet now? ..In the sky? I.. I don’t understand. I thought I was still home.” They refrain from mentioning to Cane that they don’t recognize the word ‘beacon’ either, at least in the context he’s using it. They’ve asked him to explain things enough as it is and it’s starting to feel embarrassingly like their first days above water all over again. @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Scream | Cane + Uly

"Mmh, that's pretty likely. That green guy said that it would take too long for my m– ...For... people from my planet to reach this place in time with their fastest transport. So, this is not just in the middle of nowhere, it's far away from my in the middle of nowhere." Kiran looked at Mallon with a condescending look. "Yes, we are far in the sky. Or you could say beyond the sky." @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 @Scream | Cane + Uly

"We have to be on another planet, this is not the Muhota." Cane gestured to the wilderness around them. "Whatever the 'green guy' has planned, he will have it play out on his terms, not ours. It reminds me of a verse we have back home, the saray algahadafi; the conflict of shells." Using both of his hands, he stood in between Kiran and Mallon in hopes of better explaining his thoughts. "If you put a handful of black shelled...What did Isabelle call them...Fish--Crabs--into a box, and a handful of red shelled ones, they will not fight. If you shake the box, they will pair up and see the opposing colors as enemies, when the real enemy is the one who shook the box." @Twig | Kiran + Riki @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

Mallon’s earfins pin back against their head once more at the look Kiran sends their way, but they don’t really have time to challenge it before Cane is speaking once more. What he’s saying, it… it definitely takes them a second to process, but it does kind of make sense in the end. “Where I was…before,” they find themself saying, a surprise even to them, “we were made to fight like that. It took… It took too long for us to realize.” @Scream | Cane + Uly @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

Kiran hummed in reply. What Cane said made sense. They looked at Mallon, mildly surprised by what they said, although it barely showed on their face. @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 @Scream | Cane + Uly

“I have been trying to put the pieces together, but nothing I have been able to come up with makes sense.” Cane continued to narrate his unfiltered thoughts aloud. “Why would they need the three of us, some Terrans and some Galleons. What do we have in common that is so important?” @Twig | Kiran + Riki @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

Mallon narrows their eye as Cane continues. “Would we have to have something in common?” They question. “We do not even know what we are meant to do here. Perhaps that is it.” Is that a joke? But something seems to click, as their head tilts slightly. “I have an ability. Different from the rest of my species. The humans call it powers. Do both of you?” @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Scream | Cane + Uly

Kiran listened to the both of them with their arms crossed, their dripping wet clothes hugged against their torso. They seemed only partially invested in the conversation. "Hmf. That weirdo on the beach said something about powers too. I don't really know what that would mean. I don't have 'powers'. At least I don't think so. Depends how you define it." They thought back to their conversation with Rakin, looking into the distance while reminiscing. "We are just for entertainment, just toys. It's not that deep. Who knows why weirdos do anything. They just thought we are funny or something and that it would be funny to put us in situations. That's what bored, powerful people like to do." @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 @Scream | Cane + Uly

“Nothing is ever that easy.” Cane immediately refuted the idea that this was bizarre chance. “When I first landed here, I encountered a Terran, and then another person with horns. I am but a simple cook, why would I be needed for this game? I find it hard to believe I was standing in the wrong spot on my planet before being abducted.” The eyes behind the mask dilated, pupils turning into thin slits as his brain raced. “This seems like an awful lot of work for a random game. You have to go pretty far to corners of this existence.” Placing one hand on his hip, he gestured to Mallon. “One of the others here suggested something similar to that. I wonder if you are onto something.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 (edited)

Mallon’s more inclined to agree with Kiran this time, though. “It certainly seemed random,” they mutter. “One moment I was climbing the docks. The next I was chained to a wall. In space, apparently,” they add almost as an afterthought. It’s still a little bit too much to think about. They do seem pleased that Cane likes their suggestion of it being connected to powers, but Kiran not having any doesn’t really fit that description. What catches Mallon’s attention more is something else. “You keep calling this a game,” they say, eye shifting to Cane completely. “What do you mean by that?” @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Scream | Cane + Uly

"Deadly game at that", Kiran grumbled. "Hmmh. I think they knew about us beforehand. 'Took liking in me', or something. Ugh. ****n... weirdos... why can't they leave me alone...?" they muttered the last part quietly to themself. @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 @Scream | Cane + Uly

Cane paused for a moment as Mallon confronted him, mainly because he mistook Kiran’s mutterings for a contribution. After a brief delay, he responded. “My mistake, I assumed we all received the same ‘welcoming’. I was informed that I was going to be killed as some sort of ritualistic offering to revive a dead race. If that is to be true, abducting all of us from across the galaxy and leaving us to wander until that time sounds like a cruel game to me.” After, he turned to Kiran to see if they would agree. @Twig | Kiran + Riki @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

Kiran looked at Cane in surprise. "Revive an extinct species? Is that even possible?" they frowned. "I was just told we were in a tournament where we will fight each other to death gladiator style." @Scream | Cane + Uly @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

They are here to be killed. Mallon’s only distantly aware of the fact that their hands have started to shake, as they ball them into fists tight enough that their nails are digging into their palms. “I received no such welcome,” they bite out, a faint scattering of interlocking shells rippling across their shoulders. “I was told nothing at all.” Then Kiran says that it’s meant to be fighting to the death. A tournament. That word, they recognize, and it rips a snarl out of their throat. “Not if I kill him first.” @Scream | Cane + Uly @Twig | Kiran + Riki

“I apologize.” Cane tilted his head slightly as he took in Mallon’s reaction. Admittedly, it felt very odd. There was a part of him that wanted to react like they did. He had been kidnapped, had his life threatened, was dumped on a strange planet full of strangers and the reality of their plight was just now setting in. In fact, he had just announced to his newfound company that his life would be ending soon. The part of Cane that wanted to react was locked away, locked behind the iron mask, and all he could do was stare. “Perhaps I will be the only one killed then.” He suggested, hoping to take some of the pressure off of his allies. Even though Kiran had mentioned a tournament of death, there was a good chance this was all a bluff, but there was an equal chance it was not. “Maybe that is the game. What good is an execution without an audience.” @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Kiran grunted. "Said when my... ...would finally reach this place, they would only find my dead corpse", Kiran shrugged, swallowing that one word like they didn't want to say it. They glanced at Mallon and smirked at their declaration. "Go off, I'd love if you killed 'em." They looked at the bridge, and waded closer, into its shadow. Man. The sun was killing them. They even sat back down into the stream. In the bridge's shade even the water was cooler and nice. They were about shoulder or neck deep sitting down. @Scream | Cane + Uly @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 (edited)

Mallon’s gaze snaps to Cane’s, rage spurred on by fear and Kiran’s support visible across every inch of them. “No one is dying again to bring something else back,” they hiss, earfins pinned against their head once more. “Not if I have a chance to act.” A chance like the one they’d never taken, months ago. “You would just sit back and accept it? Fine. Suit yourself.” With what seems to be calm acceptance from Cane, the conversation feels somewhat eerily familiar. “But I refuse.” @Scream | Cane + Uly @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

Cane blinked at Mallon's fiery response. It was hard to tell exactly what he was thinking given his masked appearance, but his eyes were busy scanning. They were scanning everything, his allies, the environment, the sky, everything. After a few moments of silent deliberation, his pupils relaxed and he refocused on Mallon specifically. "Of course, but like I said, this fight will be on their terms. Before we try anything, we need to know the who, the where, and the how. This is the puzzle I have been trying to wrap my ahead around. Fortunately, I already know the who..." @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Kiran followed Mallon's reaction with mild interest, though it wasn't visible on their face. Then they listened Cane's much calmer and more advised response. They didn't have anything to add, so they started to try and scrub some crap off their clothes under the water. @Scream | Cane + Uly @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

Mallon glances over to Kiran briefly, seeming a little bit disheartened at the lack of obvious support this time, but certainly not deterred. They clench their jaw as Cane elaborates—he’s not wrong, but they’re not the type to just admit that. “Then we change the terms,” they huff finally, crossing their arms. “We are not the only ones here.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Scream | Cane + Uly

“Well…” Cane also glances to Kiran. While they seemed to be the more carefree one of the trio, he had to be mindful not to mistake it for indifference. “You are right on that part, but we do not even know the rules of this game yet, and we still do not have the ‘where’.” At this, he looked to Kiran for input, wondering if they had a suggestion on how to flip the table on an enemy they had yet to perceive. @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Kiran noticed Mallon's gaze from the edge of their vision, but didn't lift their own. As Cane also turned his attention on the lerava, they started feeling annoyed by the unwanted attention. They looked up at the two, especially Cane, with a mildly miffed but expression. Though, that was pretty much how they always looked like. "Don't look at me, I have no idea. But that green guy talked about some Alrai Pin. Called them his god and stuff. I guess he was created by that god or whatever it is. And well, they teleported us. With what technology, I don't know", they shrugged. Then, they looked at Mallon. "You could know something useful if you have been in a game like this before and survived. Can you speak on that?" @Scream | Cane + Uly @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

“You both still have been told more than me,” Mallon grumbles, staring at the ground as Kiran brings up Alrai Pin. They’re not upset, exactly, but they hate not knowing as much as everyone else seems to. Then Kiran asks about the previous tournament, and an unreadable emotion crosses their face for just a moment. One of their earfins flicks once as they lower slightly. “…We were summoned to an island. I had barely been above the surface for long—I still do not know how they found me. Everyone there had an ability of some kind.” Their sentences are short, clipped. Almost emotionless. “It wasn’t until we were in too deep that we discovered the real reason. Those that lost their fights or chose to leave had their powers stripped from them and were imprisoned. The cult leader—“ Mallon’s voice falters, if only for a moment. “He used them to resurrect someone. Like you said we would be used,” they add, glancing at Cane briefly. “They let us leave. I don’t know why. But those that chose to stay were— were killed.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Scream | Cane + Uly

Cane’s eyes narrowed into a squint as Mallon brought up an event eerily similar to this one. The only thing of note was the matter of leaving. In their current case, it did not seem like they would be given that option. “I think you might have filled in an important piece Kiran. Before I continue, to get us all caught up together, do either of you know who the Pilarians are?” He gestured to both Kiran and Mallon with his free hands. @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Kiran's eyes widened slightly with recognition. "Oh, yeah. I.. know a little bit. We used to watch some sort of show made by them." @Scream | Cane + Uly @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

Mallon sighs, once again crossing their arms as they shake their head somewhat sullenly. “No. I’ve never heard of that before.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Scream | Cane + Uly

"You used to watch a show made by them?" Cane repeated against his will. He could not help but be partially derailed by Kiran's comment due to the absurdity of it. Trying to stay on target, he lowered one arm but continued to gesture toward Mallon with the other. "They are another race. No one really knows where they came from, but they are--how would you say--warsmiths? Warmongers. They exist to destroy what is created, and create what was destroyed." @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

Kiran looked at Cane dumbfounded and a little startled by their reaction. "Well, yeah. I figured it was pretty popular one. I don't know. Some sort of documentary I think. I wasn't too invested in it so I don't remember much. It was several years ago" Kiran shrugged. "Hm. that what you said about them, doesn't surprise me. Oh yeah. The green guy also talked about his 'gods' building mass destruction weapons once this tournament is over. Checks out. And the language I heard before I got teleported was Pilarian, I think." @Scream | Cane + Uly @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 (edited)

“Warmongers,” Mallon repeats quietly. The term is, frustratingly, again unfamiliar, but luckily the description that follows fits the pieces together. “…I see.” They frown, slightly, glancing at Kiran as he speaks up too about the weapons and the language. “You think they are the ones that control this then?” @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Scream | Cane + Uly

“They create problems, always.” Cane reinforced. Lowering his hand back to his side, he continued. “If I am putting the pieces together correctly, I think this Alrai person might be their god, or maybe someone connected to their homeworld.” He glanced briefly to Kiran, noting the information they provided for him. Cane then turned his attention to Mallon. “It would make sense then that this is one of their games, like that island you spoke of before.” It was hard to tell with his mask, but his pupils did change after remembering the events how Mallon had described them moments ago. “…I am sorry you had to go through that.” @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Kiran hummed, listening to what the other two said. They seemed a bit distant, likely thinking about these possibilities. After Cane had spoken and expressed his condolences, the lerava glanced at Mallon, but didn't say anything. @Scream | Cane + Uly @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

“..How do you know so much?” Mallon asks after a moment, head tilting ever so slightly. They surprisingly don’t seem suspicious or annoyed anymore but rather curious as they glance between Cane and Kiran. “Both of you recognize these people or gods or whatever they might be.” They pause, however, at what Cane says following that, and after another brief silence say, “..Thank you.” With a small shake of their head, Mallon adds, “What happened there… It.. It cannot happen again. I will not let it.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Scream | Cane + Uly

"Like I said, I am nobody. A mere cook to some, a feeble scholar to others." He shrugged when asked why he knew things. "When your enemy wants to make themselves known, they will be known. That might be why they were wiped out, or so I thought." At this, Cane glanced to Kiran, wondering if they had any knowledge of the ongoing wars against the Pilarian peoples. Turning his focus back to Mallon, he tilted his head slightly. "It is important to remember that these are just ideas. We still do not know for sure what is going on around here, although it is a safe bet that it is nothing good. Still, I would refrain from attacking anyone just because we suspect that they might be playing for a different side." @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Meeting Cane's gaze, Kiran just shrugged. They had not heard anything more than that. At Mallon's question, they replied hesitantly. "Hnn... I... live with an alien species that has more knowledge about things and people outside my planet. I don't know much, though." @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 @Scream | Cane + Uly

Mallon snorts quietly at Cane’s reply, one of their earfins flicking. They decide not to mention the fact that they’ve already done the direct opposite of that recommendation. “I feel that the enemy has already made itself known. If they wanted me to play nice then they should have as well,” they mutter. Glancing between Kiran and Cane once more, they don’t exactly seem satisfied with the answers they get, but don’t challenge it either. @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Scream | Cane + Uly

It was impossible to tell due to the mask, but Cane gave Mallon a look at their reaction to his tactical recommendation. He would have to make a mental note of that. "Well, I appreciate you giving me a chance." He gave a slight wave to the other two before continuing. "And I appreciate your input. I really do think that we are getting somewhere. Now if only I could find out where here is." With one hand on his hip, the other moved up to the back of his head as he looked around. "I believe I should attempt to reconnect with my allies and see if they have learned anything new themselves." Turning back to Kiran and Mallon, Cane tapped the forehead of his mask with his fingertips before flashing the duo a peace sign. "Mali king amin--" After a brief, and admittedly awkward pause, he added quietly, "--friends." @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Kiran glanced up at the both of them. They frowned and glanced away. They grunted. Friends, huh? "..." @Scream | Cane + Uly @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

Mallon blinks once, their eye widening slightly in surprise. They can’t help the faint smile that flickers across their face. “I will see you again then,” they state, nodding with a short jerk of their chin. “Perhaps I will discover more as well.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Scream | Cane + Uly

"Be safe." And with that, Cane departed, off to find more stragglers and hopefully more answers.

12:07 AM

@em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Kiran glanced towards Cane as he walked off. They noticed the clouds in the horizon, and frowned a bit. They still didn't say anything. @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

Mallon squints at Kiran once Cane leaves, noting their somewhat strange reaction. They don’t seem to have noticed the incoming storm themself. “What is it?” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Kiran turned to Mallon. "Huh? What?" @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

“You went quiet,” Mallon shrugs. “And you seem..upset.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Kiran frowned a bit and huffed. They shrugged and looked at the sky again. They pointed towards the horizon. "Those are some big clouds. And dark. Might rain." @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

Mallon glances up where Kiran’s pointing, but they don’t seem too off-put. In fact, they actually look kind of excited. “I like the rain,” they say, earfins flicking up. “Perhaps it will make this heat bearable.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Kiran grunted in reply. "Maybe. I wouldn't like to get struck by a lightning, though." @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

Mallon shrugs again. “True. But I will take my chances out here with the storm.” They jerk their head in the direction of the bridge behind them. “In the worst case this can be a shelter of sorts.” Seems like they’re going to linger around here for a little while. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Hmm, yeah", Kiran looked at the bridge. "I wanted to go see those trees, but I guess they wouldn't be the best to hang out at in a storm. Hm." @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

“I do not know.. But I do not exactly want to..to run into some of the others who are here,” Mallon admits (incredibly vaguely). “You are welcome to stay here if you would like.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Kiran grunted again, and glanced at Mallon. They played with their clothes a bit, in thought. They were wondering if they would start to rust if they stayed in the water for long. It was nice and cooling for their system, though. "You aren't the most social either, huh?" @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

Mallon sits back down in the sand, shuffling so that they’re mostly under the bridge again but still close enough to talk. “I can be social,” they huff, somewhat petulantly. “I am just..still getting used to it, I suppose.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Mhm, alright", Kiran shrugged. "Well, anyway, thanks for the offer. I might come here then. But I want to go check the trees just in case. I think I need some sustenance as well..." @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

“Sure,” Mallon replies, offering a little wave goodbye. “I will see you around.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

“Sure,” Mallon replies, offering a little wave goodbye. “I will see you around.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Yup." Kiran stood up from the stream, still holding their soaked, sandy clothes in their hands. They shook water out of their mane, and started sloshing their way to the shore.

Aileen flew over to the stream and searched over the carnage the storm left with all the mud and water and such strewn about. It's possible the water and stuff that was moved could have revealed something.

Well, with the lower stream of water and the scattered sand, the large rainbow glowing rock that usually rested under the surface was on full display. At normal levels it had seemed like a solitary boulder, but now it could be seen that it was quite long and extended to an unknown point underground. Besides that, there were lots of little crabs and shrimps scattering about, trying to find a place to hide again... And one giant red crusher claw sticking out from under the surface. It alone was as big as a horse. Maybe you didn't want to find out what it was attached to. @Mister Jokestar

Aileen flew down and perched on the rainbow rock. Tapping it with her talons and examining it closer. She attempted to search her brain to see if she would know anything that might be useful about this type of rock. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

The rock radiated out a strange warmth along with the light.. But if she didn't know anything about the amphibs, she wouldn't know anything about this rock. @Mister Jokestar

Aileen looked towards the claw now, and flew over next to it inching closer. Aileen looked for any proof that it was alive, did it move? Was it warm? She didn't know much about crustaceans either. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 (edited)

The claw moved ever so slightly as she disrupted the sand... But no, it wasn't warm. Well, any warmer than the surrounding area anyway. @Mister Jokestar

Aileen flew off and searched for a rock, something along 5 pounds that she could carry in her talons. Once she found it she will grab on to it and fly above where the claw is and drop it. She wants to observe if more movement will be seen by an arrupt disruption. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 (roll?)

(She can pick up the smaller crabs)

(that is what she'll do, does she need to roll for the drop?)

(Nah)

Aileen picked up a crab and flew up over the claw dropping it, gliding in circles keeping her trained eyes on the claw as the crab fell. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

The little crustacean clearly wasn't happy about getting yoinked, but it failed to fight off Aileen.. It fell and fell and fell, until it struck the giant claw. There was instantly a lurch as the claw shot up, entirely smothering the small crab. Mounds of sand shifted away as the creature moved up, slowly revealing a ginormous coconut crab. It's eye stalks quickly scanned the area as it shook the sand off of itself, looking for the culprit... @Mister Jokestar

1

Aileen wasn't sure if the crabs capabilities, and didn't want to fight it directly. Was it waiting? Is it part of the maze? Aileen looked around and saw a figure approaching the stream area, she flew down and just before landing in front of the figure transformed back into her human form. "Hello there! Care to help me out in a pinch?" @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

Mallon isn’t necessarily startled by the bird, but they are startled when the bird suddenly becomes an entire person. Their earfins pin back briefly, but once the person starts talking they relax a little. “..Why were you a bird,” they ask, squinting slightly at her and momentarily ignoring her question. @Mister Jokestar

"Special physical abilities based on place of birth, more specifically, I'm an Avian. Want to fight a crab? A big one." And Aileen pointed over to where the crab was in the near distance. @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 (and mads cause I'm case the crab sees us)

Huh. So maybe kind of like Hannah then. Although maybe Aileen should have started with the whole ‘fight a big crab’ thing, because she’s got Mallon hooked from the moment she says it. Their eye widens and they immediately move closer to the stream. “Yes.” It’s been a while since they’ve hunted anything that big. Shells ripple out across their shoulders. @Mister Jokestar @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

The crab turned to face them, giant spindly legs pounding down on the wet sand, spewing it even further. It let out a loud grumble, but did not yet attack. @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 @Mister Jokestar

Aileen wasn't yet fully confident, and it showed when she attempted to kick the crab, it didnt seem to make much of a difference at all... "You should probably be aware that I am more of a schollar..." She gave a sheepish grin to mallon before quickly putting her attention back on the crab. "I still want to defeat this though... it might be part of the maze." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

Mallon hasn’t blinked since Aileen pointed out the crab, and they don’t break their gaze to reply either. “Maze or not. Food is food,” they shrug, slipping into that familiar circling motion even though it still does feel a bit strange out of the water. They’re not attacking quite yet, more just sizing up the crab first, but their lure is beginning to glow. @Mister Jokestar @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Well, seems like the crab was more pissed off by Aileen since she kicked it. It swung one of its giant claws and threw Aileen to the ground harshly. It growled again and moved its eye stalks to face Mallon now. @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 @Mister Jokestar

"Uhg... I hope this is worth it." Aileen attempted to swipe at the crab with her legs from the ground, but again not much help. "I hope you are more adept..." @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Shells harden across Mallon’s skin and covering most of their face. They’re not exactly built for taking on prey like this, but at least they can try to match the crab when it comes to armor. Their eye and lure glow as they try to get the crab to come closer towards them and away from Aileen. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @Mister Jokestar

Luckily, that distraction worked. The crab honed in on Mallon's lure and began to scuttle toward it, entranced by its color. It totally ignored Aileen. (Instant fail for defense against Aileen) @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 @Mister Jokestar

(so I don't need to roll? Crab just needs to roll DMG from Aileen? @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 )

(yep, you can roll to see if its a crit and i'll roll to see if its a crit fail)

Aileen took this opportunity to kick again while pushing herself up. The kick landed, but... She knew it was still a weak kick. "I should've gone to that self defense class ..." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

The crab hardly noticed that strike as it continued toward Mallon.. (Crab is at 29HP) @Mister Jokestar @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

Mallon briefly averts their gaze to Aileen, but they don’t seem very impressed at the attack. Sorry queen <//3. They look back to the crab, squinting slightly, and now that it’s closer they make their own attack—lunging for one of the crab’s legs. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @Mister Jokestar

They were much too heavily armored for that attack to do anything. They simply reached out their crusher claw toward Mallon's lure... @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 @Mister Jokestar

Aileen attempted again to attack, as she was positioning her self, she slipped in the mud, and her kick was brought down faster then intended. It worked to damage the crab but she still felt disgusted with her own ineptitude. "Uhg..." she needed to rethink her approach... @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

Well, that kick hardly bothered the crab, which was entirely entranced on Mallon's lure. The enticing nature of that glowing orb may have been just a bit too effective, as the crab reached forward and snapped its claw down on to it, crushing it. It didn't remove its claw, instead yanking Mallon upward and growling. @Mister Jokestar @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

In hindsight, perhaps they shouldn’t have assumed their hunting instincts would carry them through against something of this size. Mallon isn’t able to dodge the claw in time—and an animalistic snarl of a scream tears out of their throat as the lure crushes with an audible crunching sound. Blinding pain spots their vision as they’re yanked up, thrashing wildly as they dangle in the air. Imagine being held up by just a single finger. It isn’t fun. [20 hp] In sheer panic they lash out, limbs flailing wildly, with a desperate attempt to dislodge the claw. @Mister Jokestar @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

As Mallon was lashing out, their claws luckily managed to come in to contact with the crab's bulky exoskeleton. It creates a decent gash- causing the crab to yell out and throw Mallon back in to the water. It hissed, turning its attention to Aileen instead now that the lure was gone... @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 @Mister Jokestar

Mallon’s back here! The crab seems to be gone for now, but their guard is still up pretty high. They slip into the water, a faint hiss escaping as it stings against their crushed lure, and quickly swim further down the stream to hide out under the bridge again for now. A faint clicking sound can be heard as they carefully inspect the damage. (edited)

Lykos was dropped in here, once again splatting spectacularly onto the sand. They shook themself off and looked around, spotting the stream. Probably a good place to start looking for crabs. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

After that...interesting fight, Nathan had decided to make his way down to the stream in search of some food- crabs, maybe, like Llinos said, earlier. Setting his jacket and un-baked pot down somewhere safe, Nathan turned around and was very fortunate to see a big-ass fuckin' wolf near the stream. "Apollo, you got wolves here?" Nathan hissed through his teeth, carefully shuffling back to his belongings. He could pack and move...further down the river. Rationally. Rationally! @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

The animal’s head whipped towards the voice with a sudden growl. It stopped as soon as it started though, shaking its head. The wolf sat and then spoke. “Ahem- greetings. To begin: yes, I am a talking wolf. No, I will not harm you or anyone else. My name is Dr. Lykos, what is yours.” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"River Styx, the wolf is Apollo's messenger," Nathan practically bursts out. If he hadn't seen the death-fire-phoenix lady earlier, he would have probably collapsed. But instead, he stood steadfast, brows knitted together in deep confusion. Way too many things here were proving every godly-encounter he learned as a kid. "And you're a doctor," he said after a moment of...slowly, gathering himself. "Apollo's messenger has a doctorate." At least he wasn't gonna try and kill him- great. So was this the power or the entertainment aspect? "I'm Nathan. Just, just Nathan, no doctor." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

At the outburst, the wolf tilts their head in confusion. “I do not know whom you speak of. Is this some god? I am no deity’s messenger.” After a moment of processing, they speak again. “Nathan, very well. Do you have magic.” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Y. Yes," Nathan said after yet another moment of trying to get his thoughts together. "Uh, yes, yeah- Apollo, patron god of Delos? Uh, poet, singer, messenger- Usually a wolves kinda guy, but I guess that's also Artemis and Hecate." A tiny little gesture at his wolfiness. "And you're a wolf. Kinda. Guy. Snf. Uhm-" "-yes, I do have magic. Pretty much everyone stuck here does, I guess." They jammed their hands sinto their pockets, digging the heel of their foot into the sand. "May I. Guess. That your powers is... also your wolfiness?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Lykos just sorta. Blinks at them for a moment. Their head is tilted again, confused by Nathan’s infodump. “..I am a godless beast. Beholden to no gods, especially not some.. music one.” They seem to think for a moment at that question. “…In a way, yes.” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Huh. Dang. Guess he really didn't know about the Greek Gods. Nathan shrugged a little, pretty well and unbothered by that new discovery. "Honestly, that's pretty fair and all," Nathan hummed. "But don't diss Apollo, sure, he's the god of music and stuff, but also prophecies and- and a lot of other, really cooler stuff. But you do you, man, with or without gods." "So I'll also guess that you're a competitor in this here death fight," he scoffed. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“..Perhaps the gods in your world differ greatly from mine. I certainly would not describe Novus as.. ‘cool.’” They nodded, pawing at the sand for a moment. “I am. As are you, I assume. What magic do you use. Your power.” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"What's a Novus?" Nathan asked, tapping their arm. "Or who's a Novus. Or where's a Novus. Man, I learned there was a place in Russia called Tula today." "Uh, I can manipulate and control clay. I guess that's the easiest way to say it. And I can turn my limbs into axes and junk too, also like clay, which is also an easy way to say it." Swiftly, and without much effort, Nathan's left arm shifted into the fancy-dancy, plain axe he always had, and swung it into the sand with a crunchy sort of 'thunk'. "Why'd you ask?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Mm, Novus is the god of new beginnings, technology, and some other bullshit. It is also a country. Is Russia where you hail from?” Lykos listened, clearly more interested in this than the other topic. Their eyes lit with curiosity as Nathan easily changed his form. “Fascinating.. many here have magic much different from what I know. Are you able to shapeshift your entire body? Does it hurt you?” Their tail was wagging a little. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ (edited)

It was always genuinely so damn interesting learning about other gods- especially gods he had never heard about before. Sure. Yeah. Jesus was interesting and all. But Novus? Damn. "I'm from good ole'fuckin' Ninjago City," Nathan sighed, scratching behind his ear. "But Apollo isn't some Ninjagian god, he's Greek. Along with the other gods I listed- Artemis, Hecate, et ceterey. I'm Greek, but that's a long story. Uh, I was born in Ninjago." Nathan quirked an amused eyebrow at the doctor's sudden piqued interest. Made sense a doctory guy would be interested in powers and the like more than gods. Science over magic and all. Also, the tail was a very amusing sight he enjoyed greatly. "I can transform my entire body if I wanted to, but I just gotta account for the bones and the like. Uh, I can. Rearrange them? But hey, they gotta go somewhere. Can't just turn small all of a sudden." Nathan was stomping at the sand, his face wrinkled in concentration. "It doesn't hurt me either, not if I transform my body. So long as it's a part of me, I'm a part of it, and it doesn't hurt a bit." "Though, uh, if I...remove, parts of my body- like, like clay, it's gonna hurt. Rrrreal bad." "You interested in powers and stuff?" he asked, looking up from the ground. Looks like the three wasn't good for him. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Ninjago..?? That’s a stupid name. Magic, or powers, are fascinating to me. I studied transformative magic for a time, it is- haha! It is so rare in my world to see transformations on human bodies!” They stood up and walked a little closer to Nathan, observing him closely. “Is your form composed of clay, or are you able to transform your body into clay-like material?” That tail was wagging around with excitement. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Bah, you'll never believe who keeps this place safe- Ninjas, could you have guessed? Eh, they're pretty sick though." He was stomping with a little more intensity than before, dragging his foot along the sand. "Really, huh? I've seen a few guys with transformative abilities. Small ones here 'n there- could turn 'emselves into metal and the like, but again, most of those were their own powers." As the doctor appeared, Nathan took careful...care to un-shift his axe arm. More out of fear of accidentally hurting Doctor Lykos than anything. "I get that a lot," Nathan mused. "Clay-like material, that's actually a really good way to describe it. Here, I'll show you- watch." The foot he had just planted into the ground began to visibly change- |As easily as molding clay, his leg began to shift, steadily changing from those of human legs into those of a bull, or a goat's legs. While Lykos could not see it, the bones were readjusting itself to fit the structure of bulls, hoof and joints and all. Nathan was grinning like mad the entire time, brows furrowed together in deep concentration as the same process continued through his second leg. His pants had remained, remarkably, intact throughout the entire shifting process. His appearance was closer to a satyr's than a minotaurs, having only two legs instead of the usual four. Unsurprisingly, the horns and ears that came with the whole satyr deal was missing, too, but Nathan seemed more than happy it had worked the first time. Cough hack. "Like, I'm not even joking when I say this is my favorite one to transform into," Nathan grinned, stomping his newly transformed hoof into the sand. "I've been waiting the entiiire time here for an actual reason to do this." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Lykos began to speak before cutting themself off and watching with great interest at Nathan’s display of power. They shifted from paw to paw excitedly, their tail absolutely just whipping around now. “Stars above- Amazing! Ha- wow, that is fascinating! Have you always been able to change like that?” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Clip clop. Hoof. "Heh. Uh. Thanks," Nathan laughed a little, scratching at his head a little bit. He wasn't really used to these kind of compliments. Not that he ever did this before, which kind of attributed to that. "Thanks! Um, uh, ever since I got my powers, yeah? It was always smaller stuff, though, hands, axe-arm- I rarely did this big ol' thing, though. Too much work, kind of hard to use normally." "Another added perk is...I guess, I don't really need to use water when I mold stuff? Also, uh, eating clay. Is like, the same as just eating bread. Clay powers, and all." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Astounding- your powers change your very biology..! How long are you able to maintain these legs? Could you change your entire body if you wished?” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Hm," Nathan thought, tilting his head briefly. "I'm not sure. For, for both, I guess? I could do this forever, it. Literally does not bother me." "I could? Change my entire body? Not that I've ever tried, or, like, know where to start with it." "Mmm, think of me kinda like a clay figure, and my bones as the metal wiring, I guess? Like, I can bend the wiring and change how my bones...are. But I've never actually tried my entire body, y'know?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Lykos looked surprised. “You haven’t experimented with it? Try it! There’s a healer here, he can fix you- experiment!” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Hm." Nathan thought some more, scratching a little at his chin as he considered damaging his own body for the pursuit of science. The doctor did have a point there was a healer here- Naixho hadn't swapped over in the most recent switch around -and there was plenty of clay around to help fix himself up if he really needed it. "Why the Hells not, man," he finally said with a shrug. "Fuck it, we ball. Let's experiment with shit." Despite how good he was at hiding his emotions, Nathan couldn't help but rub his hands together with eagerness. So much shit he could do. Risk of bones aside, the things he could possibly shift into were frickin' endless. "Should we, uh, find him first? Naixho, that is. Yeonaixho. Or do we just. Like. Go for it, man?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Lykos moved into an excited pose, like a dog in a play-bow. “Wonderful! Ah- well, I suppose that is the safe thing to do.” They started walking away, sniffing at the air. “Don’t dawdle, revelations await!” Wow they’re really psyched for this. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Nathan lifted his hand into the air; maybe the arena could fix his existential dread.

Itsuki stormed to the stream and began vigorously scraping off the hardened chocolate and streamers that were covering him. The rapidly increasing heat on this side was helping just a tad as it began melting off the chocolate. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

If he were pretty honest with himself the...entire talent show...fight was pretty. Kinda bizarre, to say the least. But hey- at least Celena was gonna be here now. Zapped back at the streams, Nathan quickly found out he wasn't exactly alone. In fact, it was one of the judges from that trippy show from earlier. ...He wasn't exactly too pleased to admit he kinda found that guy cute, before, and, well, after the chocolatey streamers bit. Depositing his things on the grass again- with some extra care to the pot- Nathan carefully waded into the stream. His pants, rolled up to his knees, probably wouldn't get too wet. Hopefully. "Hey, uh," he greeted, scratching behind his ear a little. "You were one of the judges, right?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Uh huh." Itsuki deadpanned back and shoved his head underwater, shaking his hands through his hair in a vain attempt to scrape all the sugary mess out of his hair. He surfaced again and tried parting his hair back how it used to be, smacking his tail on the water in frustration. "I didn't choose to be there. That frogling guy just did it- must be that Rakin guy everyone was talking about. Didn't know those other amphibs there though, or the old guy." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Nathan shuffled back a little bit to give the guy some space to get the chocolate out of his hair, head tilted back somewhat as he thought. "I think the big guy- Agustin, or somethin', he's from the other side of this," Nathan said after a moment. "So the other one, uh, might be, too. And yeah. Snf. That's Rakin. Grrreat guy, yeah." Huh, shit. Frogs didn't have tails. Neither did toads. "Are you...Tai'Tana?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"What-" He laughed out, just one little laugh, before looking over at Nathan. "No. I'm not Tai'Tana. She's way taller and gray and blind." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Right on," they managed out, folding their arms over their chest. "Tall, grey, and blind- I'll keep searching for her at some point." "...Y'know...clay is kinda helpful for getting stuff outta your hair," he offered, fingers curling into the nook of their elbow. "It clings to other stuff, but it's pretty easy to rinse it outta your hair and, uh, stuff." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Uh huh. And where do you plan on getting that from, Purps?" Itsuki asked, sinking his hands back down in the water and attempting to rub the chocolate off of the nooks and crannies and out from under his nails. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Purps. So cool. "Well, I uh, have some right here. Here. Right in here." They were patting down their pockets as they spoke, a somewhat disgruntled expression growing on their face. "Here. Uh. Here." They just made *that fuckin' vial. "Right, give me. A second." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Yeah, gather up whatever pottery shards or something you have loose in your pockets I guess." Itsuki rolled his eyes and dunked his head again. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Nathan is miserable. He's throwing? He's throwing? He can't find the damn clay? He's throwing? @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Once Itsuki needed to come up for air again, he flipped his hair back and looked over at Nathan, unimpressed. "Need me to help search you? Full-body or whatever?" @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

By the time the guy had resurfaced, Nathan had finally found the damn vial. He was now messing around with the clay and molding it into a little toad guy. "I'm fine, but uh, thanks for the offer," they said with a laugh, letting the toad statue melt back into regular clay. "Uh, here you go- yeah. It was, made from mud 'n shit, but I managed to turn a good bunch into clay." Was it going to be a pain in the ass to get a bunch of new clay again? Kind of. Was it worth it? More than kind of. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"So you want me to rub a bunch of mud on myself in order to get this chocolate off. And you think that's gonna help." Itsuki put his hands on his hips, not believing it at all. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"I- clay. And yeah, it does help. It's kinda like, soap, I guess? But it doesn't. Kill shit, it just makes stuff less sticky. Since it like, binds to stuff." "You can try it if you want- I guess it's just like a mud bath, but like. Less...dirt? I guess? You don't have to use it on yourself immediately." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Mhm. How about you come demonstrate on me..? I mean.. I'm just sooooo tired from judging that 'fight', my poor little arms... If only a big strong man could come show me how to do it." Itsuki pouted. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Nathan blinked a little, feeling the heat rise in his shoulders, his cheeks- pretty much everywhere. Strong man. Big strong man. Either it was the euphoria or their face absolutely aflame, but their heart had most certainly leapt into their throat. "I- huh?" Nathan managed out, feeling the clay melt slightly in his hands. "You, uh. You want me. To. Do it on you?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Itsuki grinned as he saw Nathan blush. That was a better reaction than he had gotten out of anyone here. "Yeah, why don't you show me how it's done, Purps? You know, putting your hands all over me n' all.. that would give me a great idea of how to do it myself.." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"You are comin' on really strong there," they said with a strangled little laugh, scratching behind their ear a little. Damn. They were certain their ears were burning, too. Tucking the vial back into his pocket, he shuffled a little closer to the guy. Where to start? "I don't even know your name," he said after a moment. "Um. I don't think Rakin introduced you, either." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Itsuki. And what's yours, Purps?" Itsuki stepped closer to him as well, grinning. "And man, strong is the only way I come. Most people appreciate that." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"You are. Very. Uh- enthusiastic about all this." They were laughing in between words, and while they were trying to remain as cool and collected and suave about all of this, they were absolutely losing it internally. Man. He thought he could just talk to this guy, maybe- Hells, maybe get to know him just a little bit. Y'know, since he was cute and all. And he liked cute guys! Hot guys, too! But man. "Not that- not that that's a bad thing. That's a great thing! I. Uh. Uh. Nathaniel. Nathan. I'm Nathan." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Nathan? That's a good name." Itsuki said, though he probably would have said that about any name right now. "Now come on, I don't bite, unless you're in to that kind of thing." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

That was very unfortunate. Because they were totally into that kind of thing. Nathan finally managed to swallow back their stammering to finally lift their hands, still cupping the clay. "Yeah. Yeah, uh. Where'd you want me to start?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"My hair would be good, feeel free to pull if you have to to get it all out." He grinned, crossing the gap separating them. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ (edited)

Hells. He was going to start stutterin' 'n shit again. "You are really...uh. Like, really excited about all this," Nathan finally said, trying to figure out a way to get to his hair. Which was pretty hard, considering he was. Tall as hell. "Hades. Uh, do you think you could, like. I'unno. Get a little...low...er? So I could get to your hair?" He had a hunch he was going to regret this. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Nathan, I've been waiting for over a month. I'm a bit excited." Itsuki said, his grin growing even wider. "And of course. That's no issue." Yeah, he got down on his knees right in front of him, pretty close... He stared up at his face, chuckling. "Is this a good view?" @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"A month?" was all Nathan got out before Itsuki was dropping to his fuckin' knees in front of him. Nathan let out a strangled string of curses, nearly dropping his hard-earned clay in an attempt to cover his burning face. He buried his face into the crook of his arm, trying to stop his head from reeling. "Dude, save it for when we're not in public," he finally managed to say, humor in his voice, "and in the middle of a fuckin' stream." Without any other room for distractions or. Even more risque shit, Nathan immediately set his clay-y hands in Itsuki's hair, trying to work away at the chocolate and bits of streamers that were left. But he seemed to have already done a pretty good job at getting most of it out during the duration Nathan was scrambling to find his vial. "What do you mean you've been here for a month?" he asked after a moment. "Have there...uh...been other competitors before us?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Itsuki only laughed more at Nathan's embarrassment. "Hate to tell ya, there's not much private to be had here. Just that old stupid shack. And the little one the short guy made." Itsuki said. "And yeah, me and the other amphibs on this side have been here for over a month. So you understand how pent up I am." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"I, um, helped patch up the old shack back there," he hummed, "the roof needs a bit of work, but at least the walls are sturdier now." "Just you, Llinos, and Tai'Tana here for a solid month, huh...and the other competitors only started coming here, like a day or so ago. Maybe less." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Did ya now? Maybe we'll have to check it out- oooh-" Itsuki mumbled as Nathan scratched a certain part of his scalp. He leaned forward, resting the top of his head against Nathan's stomach so only the back of it was showing. "Yeah. Keep scratching there. That feels good." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Ha- really, huh?" Nathan said with a light laugh, continuing to scratch at his request. The guy was...pretty affectionate, but it kinda made sense now. He began combing his fingers through his hair, muscle memory from years and years of washing hair kicking in. "Your hair's pretty smooth, all things considered," he commented. "The chocolate 'n shit shouldn't be too bad on ya." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

As he kept scratching, Itsuki's tail wagged in the water, flinging droplets everywhere. "I- mmmmm- I try to keep up my routine here with plants I grow-" He reached his hands out and placed them on Nathan's waist, pulling Nathan further against him. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Oh, neat. Plant powers, huh-" Nathan squeaked, loudly. Like, an actual squeak. "W-we really gotta have a talk about boundaries, man," he wheezed out, setting his hands atop of Itsuki's. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Itsuki continued to lean in to him for a moment before slowly leaning away. "I can stop if it's really upsetting you- I'm just.. Really happy." Itsuki said and looked back up to his face. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Oh, this guy. "I mean. I mean- I'm not...upset," Nathan admitted, shifting a little in the water. "I- I'll be honest, I saw you here and thought the, the most that would happen would be me introducing myself and well, scramming. And- and then- whoo." "Look- I'm sure you're a really great guy. And you've been cooped up in here for a. While. But you're just coming on...a little bit strong. Just a smidge. Strong. We just- we just met, I don't really know...anything about you. And, uh, yeah." "Oh, Hades, not to mention we're just out here in the middle of the- the- yeah. Snf. A little too strong, but there's nothing really wrong with that, I guess." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Thankfully, Itsuki refrained from making any more awful comments. "Sorry- sorry.." Itsuki sighed, taking his hands off of Nathan and moving them on to himself. He rubbed his shoulders, slowly moving his hand across his shoulders and what he could reach of his back. "I-.." Itsuki faded off, not having anything else to say. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Nathan fiddled with their hands a little bit, damp with clay and bits of chocolate residue. He really did like this guy. And while he wasn't really...known for the spontaneous hookups, he did, more often than not, bring home random guys to his dorm for a night or two. It was nice. It was, nice, knowing people. Talking to people. Doing things with people. And hell, he could die in a week, a day, hell, even less, if he didn't manage to win or escape. "But you're a really interesting guy," he quietly said, the corner of his mouth quirking up slightly. "And a really cute guy, at that. I wouldn't mind gettin' to know you more. In, uh. Snf. More ways than one, y'know?" Trying to piece his thoughts together into sentences, Nathan let out an exhale of a breath through his teeth. "I guess I...am a little bad with managing my feelings. I just felt that, hey, you're a cute guy, might as well chat, shoot my shot, I'unno. And I guess, I didn't really expect this to. Work? I know you've been pretty much cooped up in here and all, so. I guess that worked. Well. Snf. I guess I'm just kinda...reeling from th'fact it's actually happening, and all." "I just need a little time to get to you know you first, that's all. Well, considering nobody here knows whose fight is gonna be up next, I'd kinda say time is a wee bit shorter than usual." And he smiled, some anxious sort of a smile, before extending his hand out to Itsuki. "I'm Nathan Vouvali. Twenty-seven. Uh, I control clay and shit, and I like white peaches." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Itsuki continued his self soothing behavior, now moving his massaging down to his sides and stomach. "Usually guys just go along with me- and usually the stakes aren't as crazy. If one guy says no, there's fifty more at the same bar to ask.. But there's only a limited amount of people here, and they're getting thrown out every few hours. I don't know how many more chances I have until I'm all alone again.." "So.. If you wanna wait that's fine, I'm just a bit antsy to get anything before we all die or whatever. Since I don't think there's a way I'm seeing my husband again." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Right, that's, that's fair," Nathan sighed, scratching at his neck a little bit. "In...better circumstances, there's. I guess, better chances, more time to get to know someone." On one hand, the impending feeling of doom wasn't exactly a great thing- and on the other hand, suggesting that more competitors would come around was also not exactly a great thing, either. "Husband?" Nathan repeated, cocking his head to the side. "You have a husband?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. Yes, his name is Geri, but we're in an open relationship. He's someone I can always rely on being there if I need him." Itsuki said and twisted around the ring on his left hand. "We're both from pretty sheltered backgrounds, so we didn't want to limit ourselves. He's great." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Nathan's focus darted down to the ring on Itsuki's finger, gleaming silver in the sun. "He sounds great, too," Nathan hummed in agreement. "I think it's pretty nice that y'guys met- and can rely on each other." He didn't want to pry too much about the guy's life, but there was a pang of sympathy for him. "Hopefully you can get to see him again. There might be a way to get out of here, but I'unno much else aside from that," he considered. "Just something about Rakin and his 'master'." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. I don't think we're getting out." Itsuki stated plainly. "I literally don't think there's any way. We're stuck in the fucking middle of space." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Well- no, get this- Rakin, he has a pair of frog legs on his hip. At some point...earlier, I tried. Making a grab for it, and was told pretty bluntly that would get me a, ah. One-on-one meeting with his boss. Master." "But who knows. I certainly don't. But we got here somehow, so there has to at least be some way out, too." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. His frog legs? Well, yeah, if you took those you'd basically kill him. Toads and frogs have that weakness. But what would you do after he's dead?" @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"I. I'd what." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. After you kill him. How would that get us home." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Nathan blinked. "Right. Uh. I didn't know that would. Uh. Kill him. I wasn't really given the nitty gritty, just the, uh, touch-it-and-my-boss-comes, thing." "Damn, guess that plan's goin' out the window," he grumbled, scratching a little at his chin. "Damn. Well. Shit." "Not much of an escape plan if your plan only gets you stranded permanently, huh," he sighed. "Sorry for that flicker of hope there." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Yeah, it's pretty dumb the toads and frogs are like that. But if anything happened to my tail a similar thing could happen." Itsuki said. "And don't worry, you didn't get my hopes up. At all." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"...Huh." Right, the tail. "Honestly- I would not have guessed that at all. But it's, uh, good to know. I guess. To stay aware." "And thanks, that's pretty helpful." Not exactly a lie, either. "To know that, uh, the frog-leg-removal plan would have been. Absolutely disastrous." "I'd still like to get to know y'more," Nathan admitted, a little quieter still. "Everythin's shit and all, but, yeah. You seem like a pretty neat guy to be with." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Thank you, thank you. I've been severely lacking on compliments since I got here." Itsuki smiled. "This might be like- a really weird side tangent but.. When you got taken here, did you have any testosterone with you? I.. obviously haven't had mine since before I got here.. It's making everything a million times worse." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

At least that smile was back. Nathan smiled, a little more at ease now without having to worry and scramble for another way out. Time. He had all the time in the world. Yet at the mention of testosterone... "Skata, I did, I think," Nathan groaned. "But I think a bunch of my shit went missing after I got here." "Tell ya what, I'll put in a good word with Rakin 'n ask for some t-gel, or t-shots, or whatever," Nathan cheekily said, lowering his voice as if it were a secret. "He might be in charge of this shit, but if he can whip up a buncha sets and stadiums, he can at least get us some testosterone, eh?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Urgh. Would you say your relationship with Rakin is good after he threatened you? Why would he care at all what we want?" @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"...Do you really think even a guy like that would deny someone their t-shots?" This is a challenge. He will fistfight Rakin for testosterone.@Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"... He repeatedly flings people out in to space. Maybe they were transgender too. Maybe he's super transphobic. I don't know." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Yeah, it's a space deathmatch but if we're denied gender affirming care I'm going to tackle him to the ground." Nathan cleared their throat and cupped their mouth, shouting as loud as they could- "RAKIN." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Itsuki flinched back, moving his hands over his ears. But Rakin was a no show. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Nathan frowned, folding their arms over their chest. "Damn. I thought that'd work." "Hey, you've been here for a month- you know any ways to get the guy to appear?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Before he brought me in a bit ago to judge the fight, I had never seen the guy. The people on this side didn't get the same rundown as the other side, apparently." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Nathan tried to call Rakin's name again, but gave up with a pathetic half-wheeze. "Damn, that's crazy," he winced. "Well- I did see him here earlier- uh, a big guy, Moses, I think, knocked him out or somethin'." "...Oh, and he hates when people fight, apparently. He got in th'way of a scuffle, too." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Itsuki had some more questions if Moses was considered 'a big guy'. Maybe Nathan was talking about the size of something other than his height... ".. Well.. I know an activity that sometimes looks like fighting." Itsuki chuckled. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Nathan blinked. Once. Before the heat in his cheeks began to rise yet again. "I don't think. That. Is the best activity to convince Rakin to give us testosterone," Nathan mumbled into his fist, ears burning. "In fact, I think he'd hate us more. Real transphobia era awakening." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Hmmmmm. No way to know unless we try. Unless you want to actually fight." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"It. I. It doesn't. Have to be a real fight! I'm just saying, I don't think bangin' in front of a, like, sixteen year old is the best way to go about things." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"... I mean we could move somewhere else...." Itsuki mumbled, poking together his two pointer fingers. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Ah- again, if you wanna get testosterone, let's not maybe have sex in front of a kid," Nathan wheezed. "Dude, I promise you'll get it. But you have not had t-gel or whatever in weeks. What's more important? Testosterone or getting some?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".... You can't make me choose.." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Erotes, save me- Rakin, BUDDY, y'got any t-gel or somethin' on you?!" Nathan exclaimed, somewhat desperate to get this man his testosterone or something. "'Suki here's gonna resort to some pretty drastic measures I'm sure you do not wanna see!" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Itsuki glanced around the area. ".. There's not even anyone around- what sixteen year old are you talking about..?" He mumbled. Pathetic man. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Ouyya," Nathan groaned, sinking a little bit into the stream. His pants were definitely getting soaked, but at this point, he honestly couldn't care that much. Damn. His head was hurting. "Rakin, the sixteen-year old up there." A jerk of the thumb upwards. "Comes zappin' around whenever there's trouble, like the worlds shittiest superhero." Llinos. "Bet that Rakin kid would be an awful good toad," Nathan sniffled, drumming his fingers along their arm. "All short and bumpy and frumpy 'n shit. Looks like one, too." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"What Rakin isn't sixteen- I don't think an-" Itsuki paused as the tingling sensation of electricity built around them. "We should probably get out of the water. Before we die." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Sure looks like a sixteen year old- short, and high pitched as shit to- oh yeah, No, Zeus Almighty-" Nathan was scrambling out of the water as quick as he humanly could, still weighed down by his waterlogged pants. "Fun! Fun, great, fun, that worked." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Itsuki scrambled out of the water right after he did, which was good, since Rakin struck down right in the middle of the stream where they had been previously. "Yeah that guy isn't sixteen man-" Itsuki said as Rakin glared over at them. "What do you want." He hissed. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Sounds like one," Nathan whispered before jamming his hands in his pockets and turning sharply on his heel to face Rakin. At least he paid attention to Llinos' spitting fury then. "Hey, buddy," he cheerily greeted, as if nothing wrong could hace possibly happened. "So, yeah, I know- this is a death fight 'n all, and everyone's gunna die- great. Uh, but do you think some gender affirming care would also be nice?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"You want me to give you something after you insulted me." Rakin crossed his arms over his chest. "Why should I." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Do you really want people to die here before having gender affirming care? That's crazy. That's crazyy." "Look, man, you dragged a buncha people into a death fight and kinda- well, not kinda, just refused to give them testosterone 'n shit. I got'a right to be upset." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I don't want people to die. But now I also don't want to help you. Did the toad tell you to say all those things." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"What toad?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"..." Rakin just glared. "Man, don't play that dumb.." Itsuki sighed. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"I didn't meet a toad! I met like, a buncha other people, but not a toad," Nathan protested, arms outstretched with exasperation. "I met you, but I'm pretty sure you're not a toad. I met Moses and like, Naixho, but they ain't toads either." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Llinos. I know you talked to her." Rakin said. "She almost fought you." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"I don't think nearly getting my chest punched out is th'same as talking, but you do you," Nathan sniffled. "Fine, don't give me t-gel, or whatever. What about that guy?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I don't even know what the hell you're asking about. I've never heard of this." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"...you haven't heard of t-gel?" Now Nathan seemed genuinely confused. "What about t-shots? Testosterone shots?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"T.. shots.. Testosterone. Is that some kind of weapon." Itsuki tried to stifle a laugh. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Oh, this was great. "Well- do you at least know what transgender means?" Nathan asked, cocking their head to the side. "Y'know, like, changing one's gender or gender identity?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"... Yes. I think so." Rakin said, the most transgender cis man ever. "What does that have to do with getting shot." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"So there's like, estrogen and testosterone. They're like, hormones and shit. Uh, those born as women tend to have more estrogen than testosterone, and the other way around for men. Pretty much. Uh." "But, like, if you want to transition into a man, or more masc-presenting, I guess. You'd take t-shots, which is a medication used. To like, increase the amount of testosterone you'd have. You gotta inject it into yourself, like- yeah. Needle." "But other people use t-gel, which does. Kinda the same, but less. Powerful? I use it, 'cause- well, yeah. I use it." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Rakin was nodding along with this. ".. Interesting.. I didn't know about this. Why do you want it, I thought you two are men. So shouldn't your testosterone be fine." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"I mean. I am a man, yeah. But I wasn't born as a man. I started HRT- that's the like, testosterone stuff- when I was younger, and I've been taking them regularly. If you, uh, miss doing your shots or somethin, your hormones get kinda all out of wack." "My chest is kinda flat naturally, but I wear this to, y'know. Pass better." Nathan gestured a little bit at his binder to kinda emphasize the point. "It keeps my chest pretty flat- there's also a buncha other stuff people can do, like, top or bottom surgery for gender reaffirmin' stuff." "I'unno about Itsuki though, he can explain his stuff." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Uh. I got my tits cut off I guess. Don't have the other surgery yet." Itsuki shrugged. "I would like to get back on my testosterone- been a while now.. I usually do the shots." "Hm. Interesting. I didn't know this. My master is curious.." Rakin sighed. "I need to go talk to them and see what we can do. I haven't seen 'testosterone' in the stores I've been getting everything else from." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Aw, dang. That's a bummer. I don't think there's any over the counter stuff for testosterone," Nathan frowned, scratching a little at his chin. After a moment, he cocked his head to the side, more out of curiosity and intrigue than anything. "You've been. Going to stores? To shop for stuff?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. I use my powers to take things from stores. I don't go there in person." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Ah, stealing. Gotta love stealing." Nathan nodded firmly. As a constant advocate for stealing from Walmart and Rite-Aid and other corporations, there was a strange sense of unity with this guy who kidnapped them and was shooting them into space. "I'll be honest, I don't necessarily need the t-gel, but I'unno about Itsuki, he might need it a bit more than I do." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"It would be.. Appreciated." Itsuki said. "Very well. I will have to ask. Since my master didn't know about this either, they may.. Require that you speak to them more about it if I get you this. You should consider if it's worth catching their attention." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Does your master know about transgender people?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"No. That's why they're interested." "This is a lot of work.." Itsuki mumbled, crossing his arms. "Can't they just mind their own business?" "No, I don't believe they can." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Hey. Man, if I get to. Tell your master, boss guy, about transgender people, I'm all for talkin' it out with them." Nathan is totally unprepared for this. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. You have made your choice. I'll be back to fetch you too later." Rakin said and zapped himself away. ".. I feel like that was the wrong choice." Itsuki said, plopping down on the sand. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Nathan, completely unaware of the Horrors Dante experienced earlier, sat down on the sand next to Itsuki, and began trying to wring the water out of his pants. "I think it'll go fiiine," Nathan reassured. "It's just talking about t-shots 'n shit, what will go wrong?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. Didn't it seem like Rakin was trying to talk us out of doing it..? In his weird little man way.." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Well, I guess. But that's a verrry small price to pay for some good ol' gender affirming care up in here." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"My insurance rates on Earth were high enough." Itsuki rolled his eyes. "I wouldn't be surprised if he gets us evil testosterone or something. Oh- maybe we he 'takes us to see his master' they'll give us some privacy, hmm?" @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Nathan couldn't help himself but snort-laugh loudly at the idea of 'evil testosterone'. "Wh- wha- what would evil testosterone be?? What would it do?" Nathan laughed, swiping at the corner of his eye with his thumb. "Un-transes your gender? I think he was like, genuinely kind of curious about it. At worst, he'd probably like, try to test it on himself or something. Or not know how needles work." A coy smile fell on his lips, and Nathan tapped his chin in mock thought. "You're still thinkin' about that, huh? Thought you were saying it was the wrong choice earlier." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I dunno, our hosts seem to have a lot of pretty unique ideas about how to be evil. Like making me judge that last fight. It was awful." Itsuki said. He looked over at Nathan, grinning. "Well yeah, I'm always thinking about it. Probably just wouldn't be best on the beach. I already have sand in places where the sun doesn't shine, I don't want any more." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"That's pretty fair. The chocolate was probably...not a very enjoyable part of it all." "Well, who knows about what'll happen after. That is, hoping that everything goes smoothly." He picked a bit at the sand, frowning, "But you aren't wrong with worrying. Hell, those two first fights were. Nuts." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Yeah, I think Rakin wanted me to narrate the fight to the blind guy, but he wasn't very appreciative and Rakin didn't zap me back in to the spectator stands again." Itsuki said. "Were you at the last one? With the whole chocolate fountain and awful singing?" @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"The blind guy- oh, yeah, Yeonaixho." He saw him and Naixho talking earlier in the first fight- though, he got a bit distracted with Celena...'s magicky stuff. " "Yeah, I was watching the last one. It was a...very...different one than the last ones. Though, granted, the first two ones were just 'run to the frog totem' so far." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Yeonaixho is a dick anyway." Itsuki rolled his eyes. "I wonder if he'll keep the next fights like those. No.. Fighting or running." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

A blink. Nathan shifted a little to the side, tracing a messy little goat in the sand with his finger. After a moment, he said, "Hopefully so. Less stressful for everyone involved, I'll say that much." "Y'dont like Yeonaixho?" he asked, poking a finger into the face for some eyes. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Yeah. He won't heal me anymore because I wasn't going to use my powers for his benefit. He literally admitted he only healed me in the first place because be wanted me to do something for him. Typical fucking guy." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Nathan cocked his head to the side, brows furrowed together in thought. That didn't at all sound like him- he healed him earlier, all without asking for a request. He didn't really seem like the...personal benefitty guy. "Are you sure you met Yeonaixho?" Nathan asked after a moment, puzzled. "That doesn't really...sound like him." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Shirtless blind guy with the blond hair and healing powers? Unless there's a second guy of that description, it was him. What, did he not treat you like that?" @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Yeah, that's him," Nathan sighed, propping his head in the palm of his hand. "No, not at all- I was a little roughed up before I met him, and he offered to heal me after we got to know each other. He's like, this super fatherly, nice kinda guy- though I haven't seen him in a bit..." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Well isn't that nice he healed you with no alternate motivations.." Itsuki grumbled. "I don't think he's very nice at all." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Well- I mean, we were just a little group of competitors, us and a kid," Nathan considered. "And I did just get clocked in the jaw. But, regardless." Peering over his shoulder, he did a little once-over of the beach and the surrounding areas. It seemed pretty quiet, to say the least. He thought he might have heard some voices before. "It doesn't seem very. Fair. It's actually a little weird, to say th'least." "I might go looking for him, dig around. Snoop, maybe." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

".. Someone punched you?" Itsuki asked. "But yeah, sounds good. Be back soon or whatever so Rakin can put us under a microscope later." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Yeah, yeah, this kid, angry kid or whatever." Nathan stood, brushing his pants off a little and starting to gather his stuff again. "Eh, I wouldn't worry too much about it- I have a hunch he'd just grab me out from wherever I'm standing." "I'll see you around, 'Suki," he hummed, sending a little two-finger salute before heading off, leaving the goat drawing in the sand behind him. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Byeeeeeeee." Itsuki said, leaning back in to the sand. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Shortly after the fight, Kian was returned to the stream. It was somehow even hotter than before, and sweat began forming on his head the moment he realized he was back. Kian blinked, squinting soon after. He went back to the water, splashing his face with it to clear his mind. That fight was something else entirely... nothing like the other ones. He hoped Celena and her family were okay. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Kian would hear a splash! in the distance of the stream. If he looked in that direction, he would see a pair of arms breaking the surface of the water, and an infant was propped up so that way she wouldn't get wet at all. Sovran sat up in the water with a gasp, coughing slightly as he took in a few deep breaths. "I-I'm gettin' real sick of bein' dropped into places," He mumbled as he stood up, cradling Minerva close to his chest to block her from the direct sunlight. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva seemed just as annoyed with being dropped into the stream, if not more. She had been enjoying her nap with Uncle Sov! She cried as she was held up, but calmed as soon as Sovran held her to his chest. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

The splash and crying startled Kian, and he stumbled backwards onto the ground. "Wah-! M-Mr. Sovran??? And i-is that a baby—Y-You have Minerva??" He asked, scrambling to get back up and offering the older man a hand. "A-Are you two okay? That.. Y-You two saw that fight just now, right? It's o-okay, Minerva. Don't cry.." Kian said with a worried voice as he moved to help Sovran up. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“I’m alright, Kian, no need to worry ‘bout me or Minnie, we’re both okay.” Sovran spoke as he took Kian’s offered hand. Water dripped from the man’s entire body, but the baby was spared. “Yeah, we saw the fight. Well- I did,” Sovran spoke quietly as he bounced Minerva. “Didn’t let the baby see a thing. Sickening, wasn’t it?” @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva looked to Kian with faint recognition, and seemed generally pleased to be out of the stream, but otherwise had no comment (being a baby and all). @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

A relieved smile spread across Kian's lips as he saw both Sovran and the baby were relatively okay, and he gave both of them some space. "I'm glad.. A-And she didn't?" He let out a small, relieved sigh. "T-That's good.. I'm sorry, little Minerva.. You don't even know w-what's going on and now.." Kian faded off. Now her father was gone. "M-Miss Jymairyi.. Is.. W-Where is she? Did she give you Minerva to watch for a bit?" The boy asked, slightly changing the conversation. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Sovran let out a sigh as he held the baby a bit closer. Poor kid was fatherless. “.. I know Jymaiyri’s ‘round here somewhere, she didn’t get switched. I took Minerva from her for a moment to give her a moment to grieve,” Sovran sighed. “Didn’t expect to be teleported back here with her still, I intended on giving her back before we all got sent back.” @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva was just chilling. Vibing. Yep. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Kian smiled a bit at Minerva, worried about her future, but relieved she was unharmed in the present. "I-I see.. that makes sense. Miss Jymairyi.. I can't even i-imagine how she must feel right now. I feel so sad for her," he commented with a somber expression. "Celena a-and her family too.. I just talked to her about being more open to them.. n-now this..." Kian looked down at the sand for a moment, blinking a couple of times before looking back at Sovran. "W-We should get little Minerva out of the sun. It's r-really hot out here for a baby.." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

“You an’ I both, I feel horrible for her. Their family didn’t deserve that to happen. All they wanted was a chance to be happy.” The name ‘Celena’ wracked Sovran’s brain for a moment before he put a face to the name. Right, he had seen her at the stands, had seen the way she cried. The grief wasn’t familiar on her face, but he knew who she was. Sovran sighed. “Bad timin’ for her, it sucks that things happened like that. All she wanted was a family, huh? Fuck’s sake, this place is hell for everyone.” He glanced down at Minerva before looking to Kian. “Yeah, you’re right. Let’s get somewhere with some shade for her. I could make some water for us to drink, too. How’s that sound?” @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Kian nodded and held his cape up over Minerva to give her some shade, smiling a little at the baby. Though, he gave Sovran a look as he swore. "I agree with you, Mr. Sovran.. i-it really does suck, but you shouldn't say bad words around little Minerva. She might start saying them o-or something," he commented. Ah yes, because cursing around a baby is the biggest issue right now, Kian. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Minerva, who didn't have the strongest concept of language, just blinked at Kian. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

(OH NO I MADE HIM CURSE)

5:58 PM

(I DID THE ONE THING ABOUT HIM THAT HE DOESNT DO)

5:59 PM

“I slipped up-” Sovran gasped as he looked down at the baby. He began to bounce her. “I’m sorry, baby girl, I didn’t mean to curse in front of you. Let’s keep this between us, alright?” Sovran spoke in a hushed choice. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"A-bah," Minerva replied eloquently. She was very good at keeping secrets. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Kian chuckled as he watched Sovran and Minerva. "L-Looks like you're off the hook for now, Mr. Sovran. You s-should thank little Minerva for being so secretive," he joked with a small smile. "A-And I guess I won't tell Miss Jymaiyri either.. I don't w-want her to be more upset than she is. Let's get going now, yeah? I-I think there may be some covers more inland." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"Atta girl," Sovran chuckled. He ruffled her soft hair. "Let's not start any bad habits." He looked back to Kian. "I should thank you for pointin' it out to me. I'm usually better when it comes to my language 'round the little ones, but it slipped my mind. There's a lot on it at the moment." The man glanced around. "You're right, there's shadier areas for us to be in. Let's head on up somewhere. The farmland had plenty of shade, we can give it a try. Plus, there's plenty of fruit there, we can get an orange or two, those are good to have in hot weather." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

The boy smiled a bit more at Sovran. "I-It's okay, Mr. Sovran. I'm sure e-everyone is a bit stressed out," Kian commented as he walked with Sovran. "Oh, the farmland! Uncle Agustin t-told me a bit about it. I got a few oranges from him already, b-but getting more wouldn't hurt! Yeah, let's go there. I'm sure the shade from the trees w-would be nice too," he beamed. "Which direction is it, Mr. Sovran?" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"A few oranges already? We'll get you some more. There's even some strawberries there. You like strawberries?" Sovran asked with a grin. "It's over here." Sovran pointed in the direction of the farmland. He started to walk in that direction to lead the way. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

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