Tourn RP Archive

To the far upper left side of the tundra was a large and dense pine forest. The #pathways ended a bit before the trees began, not venturing in to it whatsoever. A few sparse trees reached out toward the #ice-stream. The trees were thick and stood tall, and it was freezing cold there, sun never reaching down toward the ground. There wasn't even any snow, as the pine tree canopy was so dense it caught all of it. Across some trees, there were giant scratch marks gouged in the bark, some seeming pretty fresh. Eh, it was probably fine to hang out here.

With a ZAP of lightning, Jymairyi appeared in the area... She and Minerva were dressed in some winter clothes that were surprisingly to their style. No person one was here. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

As soon as they'd appeared in the forest, Minerva began crying- she didn't like being teleported, and it was cold, and this was terrible. Jymaiyri stumbled as she caught herself, and rocked Minerva back and forth, trying hush her. She looked around her surroundings. These woods didn't seem like the best place to stick around... @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

A cold, howling wind weaved through the trees, billowing frost and snow toward the two.. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Yup. Jymaiyri was getting out of there. She made sure Minerva was nice in snug in her baby sling, and made her way to where the forest's exit seemed to be... @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Lykos trudged into the forest, trying to ignore the freezing cold. At least there was no snow on the ground, but there wasn’t much for them to den up with. They continued to walk through the woods. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

@Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 can you roll an insight for me flat d20

Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

used /r

# 9
Details:[d20 (9)]

It seems like they were walking in a direction wtih even more scratches in the trees, but they failed to notice. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 (edited)

The wolf was beginning to believe this was a completely different planet. The stars were different, and while the plants were similar, they smelled different. Many things smelled and felt different, it was disorienting. The wolf continued to look for somewhere comfortable to sleep, out of view of civilization. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

("Beginning to believe")

1

Far, far in to the woods, there was a small indent in the cold hard ground. It looked like something an elephant or two could comfortably lay in, that's how large it was. Along the bottom there was some comfortable looking old moss and.. one of the wool blankets from the barracks? It was old and tattered and dirty. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Well, how nice! Lykos’ tail wagged just a bit before they sniffed the air, checking for any occupants. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

There was definitely someone else sleeping in this pit. Probably less than an hour ago. Maybe even less than ten minutes ago. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

(Animal or human like?) @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

(Animal)

…given how dark it is, it has to be night, yet it’s occupant is gone. Strange. Lykos stalked around the den, intending to find and challenge the animal. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Well you'd think Lykos would know what being nocturnal meant. There were some large bones scattered across the area. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Any hints to what kind of animal? @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

(Looks like they had unguligrade legs) @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Good. Something to eat out here. They stilled, listening for any animals. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

@Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 perception

Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

used /r

# 20
Details:[d20 (20)]

(YES)

9:05 PM

@Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

About twenty feet ahead of them there was a creature. As big as an elephant and twice as heavy. It sat behind a tree, hidden away in the darkness, but a twinge of reflection could be seen bouncing off its eyes. It's eyes were bigger than basketballs. And dark. And looking right at him. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

The wolf took an attack stance, keeping their distance and running behind the animal. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

used /r

# 8
Details:[d20+3 (5)]

@Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 def

Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

used /r

# 9
Details:[d20+1 (8)]

Modifiers: NNC: Attack +3, defense -2 Lykos: attack +3, defense +1

Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 pinned a message to this channel. 11/19/2023 9:24 PM

As Lykos changed forward, the full girth of the creature could be seen. It was an absolutely massive frog, standing at least ten feet tall with a thick body that was only held up about a foot of the ground. It was mostly tan, with a dark stripe going from the top of its head down its back, and similar stripes around its eyes. Frilling off of its sides and thighs were blood red hairs. They were dense and heavy and.. fleshy. As Lykos got close, they began to glow an ominous red color, lighting up the area and getting rid of any of his dark vision advantages. Its front arms were bulky and strong, strong enough to keep it off of the ground and stanced in a defensive posture. The back legs were similar, tensed to pounce at any time. And it did. With great effort it lunged at Lykos and opened its mouth in an attempt to swallow him whole, but luckily, it fell just short. It sat in front of Lykos, mouth open, large enough to eat and swallow him in one bite. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

A frog, easy to tear into. Lykos jumped away from the gaping maw and attempted to bite into its neck. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

@Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 attack?

Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

used /r

# 8
Details:[d20+3 (5)]

(dude. Come on.)

Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

used /r

# 6
Details:[d20-2 (8)]

(What kind of damage is this)

(With teeth? Biting?)

Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

used /r

# 5
Details:[d7 (5)]

NNC has 45 HP

Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

used /r

# 13
Details:[d20+3 (10)]

(It was my attack-)

(Sorry

(You're good!)

1

Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

used /r

# 21
Details:[d20+3 (18)]

@Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 def

(OH GOD)

Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

used /r

# 12
Details:[d20+1 (11)]

1

(D6+1 please)

Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

used /r

# 2
Details:[d6+1 (1)]

(Lykos is at 23 HP)

10:21 PM

It let out an awful bellowing screech as Lykos bit down on it, and puffed itself up full of air. There were terrible snapping sounds from its fingers before it grappled Lykos and pushed him on to the ground, large bone fragments pushing through his fur and grazing his skin. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Lykos yelped as the frog pushed them down with those loud snaps. Strangely they did not come from themselves, but the frog? Lykos attempted to get out from under the frog, pushing and clawing at the tremendous beast. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

(I'll do defense from your other attack roll)

Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

used /r

# 11
Details:[d20-2 (13)]

Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

used /r

# 7
Details:[d7 (7)]

(YOO)

Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

used /r

# 38
Details:[45-7 ()]

(NCC is at 38 HP)

1

Damn, yeah, those claws were sharp. They dug down in to the supple squishy flesh of the frog, drawing out blood. It bellowed again and tried to scratch at Lykos.

Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

used /r

# 4
Details:[d20+3 (1)]

(damn nnc)

10:50 AM

@Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 def

Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

used /r

# 8
Details:[d20+1 (7)]

1

Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

used /r

# 3
Details:[d4 (3)]

(Nnc is at 35 hp) The creature stumbled forward toward Lykos pretty sloppily. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Lykos attempted to get behind the beast and attack, once again jumping for its neck. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

used /r

# 18
Details:[d20+3 (15)]

1

Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

used /r

# 3
Details:[d20-2 (5)]

Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

used /r

# 6
Details:[d7 (6)]

(Nnc is at 29 HP)

Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

used /r

# 16
Details:[d20+3 (13)]

@Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 def

Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

used /r

# 4
Details:[d20+1 (3)]

1

D7 please

Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

used /r

# 7
Details:[d7 (7)]

augh

Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

used /r

# 16
Details:[23-7 ()]

(Lykos is at 16 HP) After the frog bit down on it, it continued screeching and slapped him off with a clawed hand. The claws sunk past his fur and gorged his skin this time, splattering blood all over the two of them. In addition to that... Lykos would begin to feel a bit ill. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

The wolf yelped and stumbled off of the frog. Shaking their head in an attempt to rid themselves of the nausea. Shit. Not what they wanted. Their injuries weren’t much, but it wouldn’t take long for them to get worse. The wolf turned to escape, it was better to run and live to fight another day. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 (edited)

The frog didn't chase after them, but it did keep bellowing in its gravelly tones. A warning to stay away. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

The wolf growled and ran back towards the #bonfire . (edited)

With a ZAP of lightning, Scott appeared in the area... He was dressed in some winter clothes surprisingly to his style. @Mister Jokestar

Scott patted himself down, until he found a pocket with something inside. He reached in and felt the deck of cards there. Tears were running down his face and he wiped his nose with the sleeve. He sat down, unsure of what to do next.

Ko hadn’t found anything of use in her side of the forest. Outside of climbing a tree to lie in wait it didn’t provide anything of use to her. Making her way through the other side of the forest she paused upon seeing someone else. Despite what Rakin had said she didn’t want to kill someone especially if she didn’t have to. Mind made up she approached. “Hello,” she greeted, “are you alright?” @Mister Jokestar

"No... I'm sorry" he tried to compose himself and stood up. "I'm Scott." He extended a hand out, damp from his tears. @Shae | Ko

“Ko,” she spoke shaking his hand, “I suppose this means you are also a contestant. I can’t think of another reason you’d be upset besides being forced into this tournament.” @Mister Jokestar

Scott released her hand his arms dropped to his side. "Yeah... You were taken from your life as well? No warning?" @Shae | Ko

“None, just the weird chanting and then poof. I woke up with Rakin who explained what was going to happen and then I woke up on the other side of the forest. So far you’re the only other person I’ve seen here, not that I’ve explored much.” Ko explained, she really hoped everything was okay back home. @Mister Jokestar

"I guess it is all the same... I wonder if Rakin was the guy I talked to." Scott just shook his head, "I guess I should've asked..." he was still struggling to keep it all together. A lot of emotions were all running inside him. @Shae | Ko

“I’m not sure if knowing his name will make a difference. But considering the circumstances I wanted to ask as much as I could,” Ko offered. Who knows maybe if she met the host she could ask for Rakin to be there too. He at least seemed the more sensible of the two. “If his voice matched the one that chanted in your head then you talked to Rakin. He told me he had to talk to other I assumed he meant other contestants.” @Mister Jokestar

"I think it was the same voice... I was just so... Surprised? I'm not sure if that's a good word. I'm sorry I was taken at the wrist possible time and it's... It's really not good, and I need to get back and I.. I..." Scott couldn't hold it and tears came again. He was under incredible distress. @Shae | Ko

“There’s no need to apologize. Anyone would be distraught at being taken against their will,” Ko assured. She didn’t know enough about Scott to know how to comfort him but she could at least try. “Can I ask what you were taken from that has you so distraught?” @Mister Jokestar

Scott looked far off, "Only the most important day of my life... The day before my wedding..." @Shae | Ko

Ko’s eyes widened at the admission. “Ah, I see. That is quite the important day,” she spoke, “I see why you’re so upset. And I wish I could offer you some comfort but so much is unknown about our situation here I’d hate to give you false hope.” @Mister Jokestar

"The guy... Rakin... He took any possible hope away. I'll die here. That's what he said." @Shae | Ko

“True,” Ko mused. A worrying event but one he seemed sure of. “But you haven’t tried to escape, I don’t know if any of the others here have tried yet either. While Rakin seemed sure of himself I’m going to do my best to avoid death while I’m here. If you’ve given up hope already then perhaps he’s right, but if I were you I wouldn’t give up just yet.” @Mister Jokestar

"You ... You really think there might be a way back home?" Scott stared at Ko with pleading eyes. Desperate for something to hold on to @Shae | Ko

"I think I'm not willing to accept that there's no way out of here," Ko spoke. She didn't want to give him false hope, but she was doubtful that Rakin had told her everything. "You won't know unless you look. I can't promise you'll make it back in time for your wedding, but maybe you can make it back to your love." @Mister Jokestar

"Your right." Once again Scott began to compose himself and try to regain some semblance of being together. "Macy wouldn't want this. She's want me to try at least. Plus I was able to bring these," he pulled out his deck of cards, "so who knows... Maybe I'll get lucky." A small slight smile was all he could manage, but it was something. Something he could hold on to. @Shae | Ko

“Perhaps you will. I was able to bring my charms with me so at least we were allowed some token or item when brought here,” Ko said. A tidbit to file away for later, she hoped most of the contestants just had small tokens and not weapons. At least then it’s be more fair. @Mister Jokestar

"Yes well, this is a bit more then a random deck of playing cards. They are magic, and a bit chaotic... But it can prove to be useful. I once had to break Macy out of a jail cell using them. " Scott was slowly returning to his old self. There was still sadness in his eyes but he was getting more motivated. "Your name was Ko right? How much did Rakin tell you, I kind of was a bit... Upset and didn't really ask a lot of questions." @Shae | Ko

“Magic?” Ko asked, looking closer at them as her eyes brightened slightly. “Intriguing. Not as much as I would’ve liked. Essentially we’ve been entered in a tournament. The goal is to be the last one to die. Rakin is the right hand man to our host Alrai Pin. As far as it seemed Rakin would rather us be fighting and killing for the chance to escape but our host won’t listen to him. Meaning if we want to survive this place it’ll be by changing Alrai Pin’s mind.” @Mister Jokestar

"Got ya... Alrai Pin... I just have to explain to him, and change his mind. A tournament though... I was in a competition once but it kind of ended prematurely, due to alligators in love. " Scott thought about it. He might not be a good fighter, but his goal wasn't to win. Just to love long enough to find some way back home. Yeah... He could do that... Hopefully. @Shae | Ko

“I’d approach him with caution. He is the one that brought us all here with the expectation we’d kill each other,” Ko added. A worrying though that their best bet of escape is the person who put them here. But maybe she could find another way out. “I’ve never been in a competition before.” She admitted, exhibitions sure but those were planned fights, “I’m not sure how I’d fare against more than one competitor.” @Mister Jokestar

Scott looked around, "I wonder where we even are. It's cold so ... Maybe somewhere up north like Canada?" Scott wasn't good at geography, he also didn't know many more countries than America, Canada, and Mexico. @Shae | Ko

(More countries than Asha knew)

(true lol)

“Outside of somewhere isolated I’m not sure where we are,” Ko spoke, looking around, “Canada’s a good a guess as any. Know any place in candy particularly isolated?” @Mister Jokestar

"Well... I've never been. I just know it gets cold. Most north I ever got was Indiana. By the way where are you from? " @Shae | Ko

“I haven’t traveled much either so my geography skills are lacking. I’m from Japan,” she said. A little put off at her own lack of knowledge. @Mister Jokestar

"Japan! Isn't that like... Where anime cartoons come from like uh... Dragon balls? Someone like that." @Shae | Ko

“I-,” Ko began. Taking a deep breath before saying more as she processed what she was asked. “There is much more to Japan then anime. But that is where it comes from.” @Mister Jokestar

"Oh... Sorry, I'm kind of... What's the word Macy used? Not good at empathy. Ummm... Well that's cool though, Japan is far off though, so he grabbed People from all over then." @Shae | Ko

“In a tournament where the other contestants are theoretically trying to kill you lack of empathy can either be a weakness or a strength depending on how you wield it,” she advised. She supposed she couldn’t fault him, he wasn’t the first to simplify her home and he wouldn’t be the last. “A concern if he grab us from all over and one after the all of not all at once. Makes you question how much power Rakin has, and if it’s enough to do all that how much power does our host have.” @Mister Jokestar

"Lacking empathy could help?" Scott wasn't sure how not understanding people's culture would help, but that was because he didn't understand what actually empathy meant. "I know I heard him in my head and then woke up in that room. Oh and there was a bright light. I thought I was dead for a sec but I realized it wasn't the same." @Shae | Ko

“It could if you want to win. Not caring about who you have to take out to be the last one standing would help,” Ko said, perhaps she shouldn’t be giving out advice but as of now she didn’t see the harm in it. “The room with no visible exit and a chain on your wrist?” She asked, assuming they had all been in a similar set up after the light.” @Mister Jokestar

"Yeah and blood on the floor... I really don't want to kill anyone though. Really I just need to get home, so survive, find a way and get out as best I can." He started to fiddle with the box containing his cards. "Maybe we should find somewhere to hole up. Sleeping in the ground doesn't sound very restful and eventually we'll need to sleep." @Shae | Ko

“Let’s hope the other contestants feel the same,” Ko spoke. If even one of them was okay with killing everyone else things would get a lot more chaotic as soon as they tried. “We’d need somewhere warmer, I don’t think we’ll survive too long out here if we don’t find or make a heat source,” she advised. @Mister Jokestar

"I'll let you lead... I mean if you are okay with sticking together. Macy said I'm really bad at directions, and I mean... I did get lost in the mall. But it all worked out in the end." @Shae | Ko (Would you like to move to pathways as we go?)

“I’m okay with it. Try not to get lost out here, it could be you freeze considering the temperature,” she advised, picking a direction as she started walking, “stay close.” @Mister Jokestar

6:15 PM

(Sure)

Walking down the pathway toward the left pine forest was Zahara, holding a plate filled to the brim with raw fish. She was humming to herself quietly as she walked. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Lykos had been surveying the area. The place they were now trapped in. They found themself returning to that forest, the place most similar to their home. …That woman they talked to before. Why was she entering the forest? ..with fish?? The wolf followed the woman at a distance, trying to figure out what her plan was. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 (edited)

Zahara was oblivious of her pursuer, simply minding her own business and continuing on. She was following a path of increasingly worrying scratch marks. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Scratch marks… were these from the frog? Was that what she was doing? Visiting… Robbie? Dante did say the treated the animal like an equal. They continued to follow silently, keeping an eye out for any animals. (edited)

4:36 PM

@Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

The woods were eerily silent at this hour, and Zahara walked the path with confidence. Lykos would remember the area they were approaching. The burrow wasn't too far away, and at this point, blood could start to be seen.. Zahara didn't pause to look at the blood, but it was clear that she had seen it as she picked up the pace and began to sprint toward the burrow. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Well then! Lykos picked up the pace, clearly she was visiting this beast. …maybe it could somehow communicate. Amphibian person to… amphibian. Why else would she spend resources on it? @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Once Lykos began running, Zahara finally glanced behind her. Her eyes widened and she let out an entirely silent shriek as she tripped over her boots, sending the plate of fish and herself clattering to the pine needle scattered ground. She held her hands up protectively over her head, but said nothing. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Lykos slowed down, stopping a ways away from Zahara. Doing their best not to scare her more. “Are you alright? I won’t harm you.”

5:03 PM

@Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Zahara took a few deep breaths as he spoke, slowly lowering her arms. "Y-ya-.. Ya gotta tell me you're sneakin' up on me.." She said quietly. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Apologies. I.. yes. I should’ve spoken to you. I am not used to conversing like this.” Poor excuse. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

@Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Still eyeing him, she pushed herself up to her knees and began gathering up the dropped food from the ground. It was now covered in sticky pine needles.. gross.. "It looks like somethin' attacked Robbie. H-have ya seen anything monstrus an bloodthirsty around..? R-robbie is nice.." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

The wolf lowered its head, ears flattening. Apologetic, perhaps. “…I encountered Robbie before I was told he wasn’t just a wild animal. We fought, he defended his territory well.” Lykos sat, licking their muzzle nervously. “…I will not attack him again.” @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 (edited)

At hearing it was Lykos, Zahara nearly dropped the plate again. "Y-you-.. Do you promise? A-and did he manage to claw you at all..?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Lykos lowered their head further. “I swear. He did claw me, I imagine he has some sort of toxins as I began to feel nauseous. It wasn’t enough to hurt much.” @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Zahara looked away from him. "Y-ya might die soon.. His toxins are very strong.." Zahara said quietly. "They are laying dormant right now.. but they'll be back.." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Lykos lifted their head, quickly staring directly at Zahara. “What?! You- are you serious?!” No, no, no, NO. They cannot die- Not Here. “How- damn it- Is there any antidote? A way to stop it? Or at least slow?!” @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Yah.. He's so big, he's got a lot of toxins. There's nothin to fix it, everyone just leaves him alone. You're pretty big, so if you don't get swiped again, ya might survive.." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Lykos shook their whole body, trying to push off that sudden stress. “I- I will not bother him again. I swear it… Thank you for telling me that.” @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Yes.. please do be careful, and don't go round attacking frogs." Zahara lightly scolded and stood up to full height. "It'd probably be best for ya to leave. I need to take care a Robbie." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

The wolf backed off, hackles raised over the sudden scare. “Very well. I’ll leave you to.. that.” The wolf walked off, but only enough to remain out of sight. They were intrigued by this, wanting to see if they could communicate, or if this woman was just sentimental. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

@Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

After Lykos had left, and waiting a while after that, Zahara finally continued on, deeper in to the woods... @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Lykos followed behind, sniffing the air to see if Robbie was in the area. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

The further they got, the more and more it smelled like Robbie... A mix of his and the large frog's blood. Finally, Zahara arrived at the den. "Oh, Robbie.. Did that big mean wolf hurt ya?" Zahara asked softly as she approached the frog, who was now curled up in the den. It let out a low, bellowing tone. "Yah, I know.. You're hurt.. Lemme help ya. Please." Zahara set the fish down in front of the large creature, and it sniffed the air before slowly looking over at her with its big dark eyes. She didn't fear it at all. It faced the plate and flicked out its tongue, picking up pieces of fish from the ceramic. Zahara carefully moved over to its side next to one of its gashes and reached in to her pocket, taking out some medicine and bandages from her pocket. She began to treat the frog as it was distracted by the food.

Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

used /r

# 14
Details:[d20-2 (16)]

@Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 defense on that, no modifier

Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

used /r

# 18
Details:[d20 (18)]

Lykos stayed in the shadows, ears flattening a bit at the ‘mean wolf’ part. It wasn’t completely unbased, but still. They continued to watch. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 (edited)

Thankfully, Lykos was sneaky enough to not get noticed by either the frog or Zahara. Zahara worked carefully, disinfecting the wounds she could find and applying bandages over them. It wasn't clear if Robbie was aware of this, or if he did, if he cared. She stepped away as soon as she was done, and Robbie was still flicking his tongue at the more than empty plate. "Now dun go an break it, Robbie.." Zahara said gently and reached for the plate. Robbie bellowed again, lunging forward toward her hand. Zahara jumped backward with a surprising amount of agility, landing solidly back on her feet. "Robbie. I need that plate back. People can't know I'm out here helpin you." Robbie only continued to bellow, slowly stepping out of his burrow and toward Zahara. When one of his giant feet came down upon the plate, it shattered in to many pieces, causing the creature to screech loudly and shake out its hand. "R-Robbie!" Zahara frowned, holding her hands up over her mouth. He only hissed and bellowed again, continuing to step closer to her. "J-just- just hold on- and I'll go get Agustin... He'll heal up your hand- just hol on-" Zahara stared back at Robbie for a few more moments before running away back the direction she came. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

…It was just an animal. Name or not, Robbie was no more intelligent than any other frog. How disappointing. ..Still, it was strange, how large it was. When Dante had changed, he was the size of an average newt. This one was humongous, and unable to become humanoid. Something had happened to him. And the doctor wanted to know what it was. And possibly who did it to him. There was a slight chance it was related to why they were brought here… Lykos gave Robbie one final look. They almost felt.. pity. With that, the wolf turned and left the injured frog. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 (edited)

…Robbie and any other animals were more likely to be further in, and hopefully they would stay away. “Here. I am not above manual labor. Now, how many sticks did you want.” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ (edited)

Maybe the forest was still spooky, but she did feel...a little comforted by the wolf assisting her. "Uh, like- oh, maybe six, a little more couldn't hurt, too?" Connie asked, looking around the forest. Most of the sticks seemed kind of small for a rod, but that only meant the hunt for them would go on a biiit longer. "Gah‐ I can help, though! M'not gonna make you do it all on your own!" At that, she was already heading off to a few different trees nearby, peeking at the fallen and not so fallen sticks. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Well.. lack of red-green vision certainly made looking for brown things a bit harder. Everything looked rather similar to the wolf. “What.. size did you need. How long, how thick.” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Heheh, stick," Connie quietly cheered, picking up a prettyyy good stick. Not too short, but it was decently long enough! She could tie a few together, maybe. "Like, this long, this thick! It's alright if its not that thick, I'll tie a few together!" Connie said, holding up her newly found stick, about as long as the width of her torso. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

They live in a forest, it should be easy to find a damn stick. “Damn this dichromatic vision… I, hmph. I apologize, I am having some difficulty.” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Aw, that's alright!" Connie reassured, quickly jogging over to the wolf. She gave him a little scratch behind the ears as she passed him, clutching her stick to her chest as she squatted down by the trees. "I'unno what the- the- dichrome. Stuff is, but that's alright!" Her eyes lighting up with delight, she grabbed another similar looking stick. "Found another one!" she called, beaming. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Lykos flinched away from the touch, and then stared at her, confused. “Wh.. why did you touch me.” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

She faltered, lowering the new stick she discovered. "Oh, uh, sorry! I shouldn't have pet you," she apologized. "Uh. Uh. Uh. Cause you were. Kinda sad? And, uh. I assumed- that was wrong- that you might like a pet?" "I, uh, I won't touch you next time! Yeah!" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

The wolf’s ear flicked, a little agitated. “You shouldn’t randomly touch others.” Oh fucking finally. Good stick. Lykos picked up a nice sized stick, holding in their teeth. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ (edited)

"R-right, yeah! That's on me- won't happen again!" Now the bad luck had fallen Connie, with all the other sticks near this tree being all short and stubbly. "Aw, darn." "Hey, you got a stick!" she said, eyes all bright again. "That's awesome!" She tapped the sticks together as if she was clapping, but with sticks. "Hey, um, I didn't get your name! That is, if y'have one. I'm Connie!" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

..shit. Their mouth was only so big, how were they supposed to carry more sticks? The wolf dropped his stick for a moment to speak. “I am Dr. Lykos. It is good to meet you, Connie. Hm, do you have powers?” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Oh, woah, wolf doctor. And unsurprisingly, no stick. Crumbs. "Ooo, doctor!" Connie eagerly said, tapping her sticks together in applause. Jymaiyri's words came to mind, something about her husband? Oh- right! "That's sick! Like, a- a nurse doctor, or a therapy doctor?" "And yes, I do have powers!" She puffed her chest out a little before immediately scrambling to unbutton the fingers on her gloves. "I got lightning powers! And I can run like, suuuper super fast!" Confidently, she snapped her fingers, only for some weak little excuse of lightning to sparkle and fizzle out. Like a party sparkler. A pathetic one. "I should really stop trying to do that," she whined, shaking her hand furiously. "But I have powers, I swear!" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“I am not a medical doctor. I am a doctor of biology and transformational magic.” She.. likely wouldn’t know what that means. Not important. Lykos watched unimpressed at the little display. “Hmph. Your magic will get better with age.” There was another stick.. perhaps they could just pile them up for now. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Ooo!" Yeah, she didn't know what any of those words meant. "That's cool!" she said, honestly. It sounded cool! Attempting to hunt down a stick, she seemed to find a good one- before immediately gasping and turning around in mock affront. "My magic is good!" she gasped. "I swear! I know how to use magic! Watch, watch!" Biting down on both of her gloves at once, she yanked them off in one smooth tug. Frantically, she began to rub her hands together, the air around her growing staticky with magic. It felt as if there was just static crackling in a thick orb. "Watch!" she exclaimed through her clenched teeth, and promptly lit the air around her alight with crackling, vibrant lightning. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Lykos’ fur stood up with the sudden spike in static. They shook their head like a dog shaking off water. “Heh.. haha! Well, impressive. Hm.. are these enough sticks?” They picked up another decent stick, placing it into a pile, making three sticks. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Once the lightning had died off, Connie's now exposed hands were immediately feeling verrry chilly. "Augh- well, yeah! I do have powers and all, it's just kinda...wimpy, sometimes. It's super strong when it works, though!" Tugging her gloves back on to her hands, smiling at Lykos. "Yeah, should be enough! And I got two, so that makes five of 'em!" She could use the shorter fishing rod, it didn't matter too badly to her. "Thanks for helping!" After a moment of flexing her now gloved fingers, she cocked her head to the side. "Um, do you have powers?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Of course. I do not mind, there is nothing else to preoccupy myself with.” The wolf moved to pick up a stick before pausing at the question. “..No.” Then they got to trying to hold three sticks in their mouth. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Luckily, Connie had opposable thumbs and two hands, so she was able to pick up her two sticks with ease. "Huh!" she said to both of those statements, simply cocking her head to the other side. "Cool! So, uh, you're just a wolf who can talk?" A beat- "uh, you can like, nod- we could do yes-no!" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Well, essentially yes, so… Lykos nodded yes. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

9:22 PM

(wanna go back to #pathway ?)

Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

(wanna go back to #pathway ?)

(sure, nwnw!)

Taylor, after saying his goodbyes and thanks to Axciom assisting him in finding Poppy, stuffed her in his coat hood as he wandered around. Feeling more comfortable - though not by much - to get a good idea od his surroundings. Sighing out a cloud of warmth within the cold as he found himself within one of the forests. He couldn't remember the last time he was allowed to wander this far from his home, given he was always busy assisting his uncle.... @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Lykos found themself returning to the forest once more. A meal was on their mind, and a desire to learn more about the available fauna. If it was as large as Robbie was, then they wouldn’t have to worry about going hungry, so long as it wasn’t too hard to kill. …Between the pine trees, a large wolf was lurking. Searching for something. Sharp teeth and golden eyes shone out from inky black fur. There was a beast in these woods. @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

Snow crunched beneath his feet as he wandered around. Looking up at how tall the trees were as he could tell Poppy was doing the same. It was almost truly silent in the woods sans the natural noises that kept it from being such. Though some sounds seemed closer than others. Making him tug the coat closer to himself to ease his anxiety. "...you're just imagining this Taylor. You always do." He muttered under his breath as he kept walking. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

It hadn’t been long since their last hunt. Only week or so; still, it wasn’t a bad idea to look. No telling what was here, and how abundant. …the wolf failed to notice that they were not alone here. @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

It was a few minutes of traveling around the forest before anything happened. And even then it wasn't that big. Just tripping over a raised tree root that was hidden beneath the snow. Squealing as he barely caught himself on the tree before getting a face full of snow. "Oh goodness. Sorry about that Poppy, I didn't see it there." He chuckles shyly. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

..? Strange sound, rabbit perhaps? But from where…? They would have to hear it again. The wolf stood still, sniffing the air and listening closely. @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

He grunts, testing his ankle to make sure it was still how it should be. "...good. No nicks. Wouldn't be the best place to get it. " He dusts himself off as he continues, telling himself once again he's likely alone in the forest. And even if he wasn't it was probably just another person.... yeah. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

A sudden, LOUD sneeze erupts from between the trees. Followed by several more sneezes. Lykos shakes their head and sticks their snout into the snow. “gahh… damn it.” @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

Taylor yells. Almost jumping a foot in the air as he was surprised by the loud sneezes. "H-h-hello? Who's there?" He called out. Ignoring the soft smack of the back of his head from Poppy after he almost threw her out of his hood as he was much more worried about who spooked them. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Lykos’ ears perk at the voice. It was.. somewhat familiar. The wolf emerged from between the trees. Ah, one of those from the ice. “Greetings. I apologize for startling you.” That was indeed a talking wolf. @Barry | Taylor + Kevin (edited)

"....hi." For once - surprisingly - he didn't shriek in surprised terror. Honestly for a moment one could swear he gave out a sigh of relief seeing it was a wolf. Albeit a talking one. "Its okay. I'm pretty easy to startle." He awkwardly chuckles. Rubbing the back of his head. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Hm. Are you searching for something? These woods are dangerous to be wandering.” @Barry | Taylor + Kevin (edited)

"I-er- no. Sorry we were- I was just walking around. Wanting to get a feel for the environment you know?" He replied quickly. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Hm. It is dangerous here. If you come upon a large frog, leave immediately. It has deadly poison. Tell me, have you seen any other animals? Rabbit perhaps..?” @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

Almost flinching at the mention of the wolf looking for a rabbit. He began to sweat despite the freezing cold. "N-no i apologize i haven't seen ant rabbits i-in the area. Likely they have white fur giving the s-surrounding and whether conditions." Which wasn't entirely a lie, but for some reason he had it in his head that Poppy might possibly be on the list of rabbits the wolf is looking for. ... even though she's entirely made of plush. Yeah. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Hm. I thought I had heard one before. I am attempting to find food for everyone. If you have seen any animals, please tell me.” @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"Of course! I mean a person....animal.... er. An individual has to eat after all!" He stumbles through his words. Fidgeting with his hands again as he looks around, still nervous if he'd notice Poppy at all. "But uh... if I may ask. Is it just you here or are there other wolves in the area?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

They squinted at him as he stumbled over his words. “..Indeed. And, as far as I am aware, there are no other wolves here.” The wolf also looks around as he does. “What are you looking at.” @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"Hm? Oh uh sorry its nothing I'm s- uh. I'm just looking around. Still a bit nervous given well- how we all got here after all..." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Hm. Understandable, I suppose. …When you were first abducted, whom did you speak with. Rakin, or a different being.” @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"Different-?" He just looked bewildered at the idea of there being other things working with Rakin to make this entertainment the man talked about. "R-Rakin." Taylor swallowed thickly. It slowing starting to sink in more of what he didn't fully process their first and so far only meeting. "W-what about you?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

The wolf scowled for a moment before shaking their head. “Hmph, so little sighting of it.. I had the.. misfortune of speaking with the other host of this.. tournament. What did Rakin tell you.” @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"....that billions of eyes would be on us." He was honest with what he said. "And that he'd make sure my death will be quick and painless when it happens. B-but obviously there has to be a lie somewhere so its fine." "Oh I know all about your life, Taylor He gave a pretty convincing smile, not wanting to make the wolf more tense than they already were. Placing a hand on his chest as for a moment, it seemed as if he would start to zone out. Yet he held it together, swallowing thickly again as he focused on who was near him. "What about you? Are you okay? Did this... other host do anything to you?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 (edited)

Lykos’ ears flattened. “Billions?! Why- how?! Are.. are there spectators??” They didn’t fully expect Taylor to know, more so thinking out loud. “Stars… I.. My encounter with the other host was.. was..” They shook their head. “..it attempted to kill me. It stopped- and then I was brought here. I believe we both.. arrived on the ice.” @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"That would make sense honestly just... he said we'd be like celebrities even if we couldn't reap the 'rewards' of it just..." He couldn't keep his smile on his face as he continued. A mix of slight anger but mainly fear and anxiety trickling through. "Why do something so cruel to everyone here? To be interesting and living? That's the reason? There has to be more i just... sorry. I'm trying not to be annoying about this its just a-a lot and I think I'm just finally having it all sink in more." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“It is perfectly reasonable to he upset about. We’ve been abducted, told hardly anything about our situation, and now we’re being treated like some fucking circus.” They growled in frustration. “I am not doing to die here- especially not for someone’s entertainment.” @Barry | Taylor + Kevin (edited)

"Yes. Yeah." He nods, turning away for a moment to wipe his eyes even though no tears had come to them. "Sorry, I'm okay just- yeah we just need to find a way outta here and we'll be okay." He was saying this more to Poppy than Lykos, but seeing as she was still hidden in his hood it wouldn't be too hard to misunderstand who it was directed towards. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

They turned away, giving him a moment to collect himself. “..I do not believe I have introduced myself. I am Dr. Lykos.” @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"Oh- yeah sorry I'm Taylor Jacquard. Just Taylor is fine though. " He introduces himself as well once he was composed again. His eyes more notably rimmed red from his rubbing, but they just seem so naturally a part of his face they normally aren't noticed. He does tend to be quite emotional after all. "Dr.... huh." He sniffs, wiping his nose with the back of his sleeved wrist. "W-what do you specialize in? If it isn't rude to ask of course...?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Lykos could hardly notice the redness, being color blind and all. They wagged their tail a little when he asked. “Ah, I specialized in Biology and transformation magic. Don’t be so concerned about rudeness. I will tell you if you have upset me.” @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"Oh? Is that er..." He tilts his head, looking at the bits of what looked like a coat of some sort on their back. "Is that why you're currently a talking wolf? Or is that separate?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Their ears flattened a little. “Yes.” @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

".. I. Uh. Sorry. " He shyly apologized, realizing he may of asked an awkward question. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Hmph, do not apologize. It is a natural question. Before you begin to theorize, I am in this form of my own volition. I-“ Their ears flicked. “..Do you hear that?” @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

He flinched, looking like he was sweating some as he realized Poppy was starting to shift around in his hood. "I can't hear anything." He said, like a liar sweating in church. Not realizing Poppy's ears perked up behind his head as she stood up. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Lykos gave him a hard look as the ears appeared behind him. “…either you’re lying to me or you are deaf. There are… rabbit ears behind you.” @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"Eh?" He turns around in a circle. Showing Poppy popping out of his hood as his back was turned as he tried to act like he didn't know what Lykos was talking about. The stuffed rabbit plush just looked down at the wolf. Her button eyes just staring at them for a moment before she just shook her head. A plush arm lightly facepalming as if she was agreeing at how dumb Taylor was being about this. Like seriously. Did he forget she wasn't an actual rabbit?@Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Lykos sniffed at the plush. It just smelled like Taylor, not an actual rabbit. “Hm? Is this.. a robot, or something?” It didn’t smell like metal. But how was it moving..? @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

Taylor was stiff. Anxiously fidgeting with his hands as he was finally caught in his attempt to hide Poppy. "She's uh... a plush. A very special plush. Very easy to be torn if you're too rough plush so please be gent- ah! Poppy come on!" He is smacked softly on the head to stop spiraling in his anxious blabbering. "Okay okay I'm sorry forlying! Can you blame me after the last canine you ran into?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Lykos let out a little huff. Whether it was a laugh or a scoff, who knows. “I am not going to eat her, how is she moving. Is this your magic?” @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"Well... I mean. I guess you could say that. Though she's special like I said. All the other dogs and plushes I have move around aren't as-" He coughs as he can feel Poppy give him a look even with her emotionless face. "- as big of a personality. Yeah." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

He sniffed at her again. “Hm. So you are actively.. no, you are not actively moving her?” @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"It's sorta hard to explain. But with her, I mean I can make her do stuff. But she reaaaaally doesn't like it. Trust me she's let me know after the first time I did it to her when we- I was younger." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Lykos tilted their head. “She is powered by your magic, but not controlled by you? …Why.” @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"Look I don't like making her do things she doesn't want to do. I mean unless its to protect her but ... I don't like taking control from people." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Lykos squints at the doll. “I understand that, I do not understand how. How.. how does this.. construct have will?” @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"Dr. Lykos." Taylor says stiffly. Raking a hand through his bangs for a moment as if to compose himself again. Long enough to give Lykos a good look at some of the scar that wrapped itself around his temple past his hairline. His hand falling to rest on his knee as he squatted down to be at the same eye level as the wolf. "I don't appreciate you minimizing her as a 'construct', even if that is not your intention. Poppy is Poppy. And I would be thankful if you took the time to think about your wording if you wish to talk about this in the future at all." He was gentle with his words... but he was obviously protective of Poppy and her feelings. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

The doctor is taken aback by the sudden directness from the man. “..Apologies, I just.. wish to understand... How… Poppy has will and.. feelings.” @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"How do you have will and feelings? Can you explain the exact reasoning for that? She does and that's all that matters to me." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 (edited)

“I- hm.” They looked away, contemplative. “…I suppose.. That is all that matters. And, I.. I apologize if my questions had upset either of you.” @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"Its... Its okay. It is just. I'm a bit sensitive about it I guess. She doesn't mind but I'm... not happy when people just see her as a toy and nothing else." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Hm… she certainly has a personality. Fascinating. Well… I was hunting before we spoke, I wish to return to that. Be safe, Taylor.” @Barry | Taylor + Kevin (edited)

"Yes. Be safe as well. " @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Riki led Nora into the forest, keeping an ear on the surroundings. There were come branches lying in the snow, many of which were very small and twisty. The straightest wood here seemed to be for the most part the trees. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora was completely amazed by the forest, looking all around at the giant trees. “W-wow…… th-the trees.. they- they’re really tall..” She was too distracted to look for sticks. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"They really are. The trees back home aren't usually this big", Riki hummed in reply. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“The, um.. the fruit trees and.. and palm trees… were smaller. These are- they’re, um.. really really big.” She looked around for a moment for a good stick, but didn’t see any. She looked back up to Riki. “Um.. M-Mister Riki, do.. do, um.. animals.. live in these trees?” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki looked over at Nora and smiled fondly. "Perhaps. I do not think this forest is natural... but there might still be normal wildlife that has been put here. Perhaps squirrels, or monkeys. Birds would be likely." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 (edited)

Not natural? It’s not normal… so it’s not… like real outside. “Oh, um… it’s- it’s like… like a zoo..? They- they make… little houses for.. for the animals in zoos.. and they.. they look like jungles.. and desserts. Is it- it’s like that? Um, not.. natural?” @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

Riki paused, and looked at Nora with slightly wider eyes. "...Yes. I think you are right. This is like a zoo in space..." And the contestants were the exhibit. What a horrid idea. Riki let out a light sigh through his nose, and looked around. He noticed a bent sapling that was struggling under the weight of snow. Riki walked over and shook the snow off the tree. "Would this maybe do? We would have to somehow cut it, though." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora tilted her head at his reaction. She was right, but he was upset? “Oh, um… do.. animals.. not like zoo..?” Was it because they were.. in the zoo? “Oh.” Zoo means someone’s watching. Zoo means not free, not at home. “O-oh. Mm, I- I don’t.. wanna be… in a zoo.. mm.” She fidgeted around, mirroring his discomfort. When he spoke again, she jumped a little, stirring from her thoughts. “Bwuh? Oh, sstick. Um.. mhm, that.. will do. Um.. I need.. I need t-two sticks.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

Riki looked back at Nora and smiled softly. "We will get away from here..." he said gently. "Hm. Well, try looking for another one nearby, and I'll try to get this one, okay?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

His smile and reassurance eased her worries. “Mhm.. I- I wanna.. go home.” Nora nodded and started to look around. She found a great stick!! She waved it around excitedly to Riki. “I- I found one! Um, it’s.. it’s kinda.. wet from- from.. the snow. But it’s- it’s good!” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Yes, so do I, little one", Riki hummed. He started trying to break off the juvenile tree, but it proved difficult. It was icy and tenacious, and Riki had to work hard to even bend it. "Well done! Give me a moment, I should get this one soon.." He bent and twisted the sapling to the best of his abilities, and finally it started to break and splinter. It still took a while before he managed to fully break it off, but it was finally done. "Hah, there", he sighed, and lifted the little tree for Nora to see. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She grabbed at the stick, looking it over. “Mhm! Um.. good stick. …I wanna.. go inside. Then, um.. then I can.. make th-the net.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Yes, you must be freezing. Let's go." Riki nodded. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora ran into the forest. Away from Theora, from Connie, the ‘fone’, her dad- not dad. Liar. Stupid stupid mean awful LIAR!! She eventually ran so much her legs gave out. Barely into the forest, she fell into the snow. Despite every instinct fighting down the tears, she was crying again. He probably lied about that too. It’s not safe to cry, he just wanted her to be weak. Easy to kill. She bashed her little fists into the snow, screaming with frustration. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu (edited)

After a delightful interaction, Celena had made her way into the forest. A part of her felt nervous about entering it, but at the same time, it was nostalgic to be surrounded by so much nature. A part of her felt relaxed and at peace to see the snow covered trees, and- A scream. A scream in the close distance, a familiar one. With a pounding heart, Celena took off toward where the scream had come from. There, she came upon Nora who was on her knees and crying. "N-Nora?" Celena asked as she quickly made her way to the other girl's side. "What happened? Are you hurt? Wh-what's going on?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora flinched at the voice, quickly turning to stare at Celena with eyes red from tears. She looked… rough. She had left her gloves inside, her hands raw red from scraping against the snow. Her breathing was crackly and strange, like she was almost hyperventilating. She pulled away from Celena, choking out a sob. “N-no!! Go- go away..!!” Her hands pulled at her hair, covering her face. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Celena felt panicked at the sight of Nora. This was too familiar- Too painfully familiar- "N-Nora, please stop- Don't hurt yourself-" She scooted a bit closer. "It'll be okay, it'll be alright- Just- Take some deep breaths, okay? It'll help you feel better, feel a bit steadier, I promise. Here, do it with me- Deep breath in-" Celena took in a deep breath, before she let it out slowly. "And deep breath out. Come on, let's- Do that a few more times, okay?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

At the suggestion, she just pulled her hair harder. Breathing- feel better- ’Do you want to take in some deep breaths with me? It might help-‘ Was he lying then too? [self harm] She wailed with frustration, hitting a hand against her head repeatedly. ”NO!! ITS- ITS NOT OKAY!!! HE- AAAA HE LIED!!! LIAR!!!!” Her voice was shrill as she screamed out her anger. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu (edited)

Celena didn't know what to do. She wasn't well equipped to handle this type of situation, not any more- Her body began to tremble. Fuck. Fuck. Her body moved on its own toward Nora. Suddenly, Celena was on her knees in front of Nora. Her arms had reached out and pulled the other girl in for a hug, one that was warm and soothing. "Please stop, please, please stop doing that," Celena quietly begged. "It'll be okay, I promise you- I won't lie, I promise. It'll be okay, it'll be okay." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora’s body went rigid at the touch. For a moment she stayed there, unmoving. It would almost seem peaceful if she didn’t sound so scared. Trapped in the arms of His largest creation- the doll with hard wooden arms- trapped trapped Trapped TRAPPED TRAPPED She jerked suddenly, thrashing and yelling to get out of the hold. ”NO!!” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu (edited)

"I-it's okay, Nora! It's okay, really!" Tears pricked at Celena's eyes. "It's me, Celena- You're safe, you're okay, I'm not lying- It's okay! I promise you, it's okay!" She didn't know what to do, she felt useless. She didn't know how the hell to make things better. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She continued to struggle in her grasp like some rabid animal. “Sssstop- LET GO!! GO!!” She sounded terrified. Her throat was starting to hurt from so much yelling. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"Okay, okay, okay okay-" Celena immediately let go and scooted away in the snow. "I've let go, okay? See? I'm- Even scooting back. I-I'm sorry. It's okay." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She pulled away like Celena’s touch was physically hurting her. Nora curled into herself, hugging her legs and rocking. She stayed like that for a while, her breath shuddering as she mumbled to herself. Finally, she spoke. ”C-Celena…. Celena..? whyyy.. wh- why.. did he lie..?” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu (edited)

"Who lied?" Celena asked softly. Her heart continued to pound in her chest as she kept her attention on Nora. "Who lied to you, Nora?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She sniffled a bit, wiping away a few tears. ”J-Juno… I- I called.. I called him.. and- and he..” She wailed again. ”He- he said I.. I w-wasn’t.. real.. not.. not his d-daughter..” She sounded so distraught. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Celena frowned. "That doesn't- That doesn't sound like Juno. He- He loves you, Nora. I've seen him talk to you, and I've seen how he talks about you, that- That isn't something that someone can fake. He loves you." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She shook her head. “I-it wass his voice!! it- who.. who else.. sounds.. like him.. I- I heard him..” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"I don't think it was him- I think this place is playing tricks on us," Celena insisted. "We're here for Alrai Pin to complete whichever goal he wants, but I'm sure that we're here for his amusement too. He probably wants some drama- That has to be the answer." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

That’s… was that it? The other girl, she was sad too. Maybe.. “y-you.. it.. wasn’t real..?” Maybe those booths were evil.. evil ‘fones’. Maybe that’s why it felt weird when she touched it. She looked up from her ball of sadness. “…you.. could you.. call? Y-you see..?” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"It couldn't have been real. Juno loves you, there's no way he'd do that to you." Celena said. She gave a nod at Nora's request. "I'll call, I'll call him. Can you take me to where you made the call at?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

’Juno loves you’ ‘Juno loves you’ ‘He loves you’ How much would she have to repeat that to make it feel real again? She stayed in her spot for a moment, deliberating. Going back there felt scary. She shakily stood. “mhm.. th-thank.. thank you.. thank you..” She sniffled again and rubbed at her face. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu (edited)

"No need to thank me," Celena did her best to give Nora a smile, though it was a bit nervous. "We're- Technically sisters, you know? I Feel like I-.. Haven't earned the right to call him 'dad' yet, but- That would make us sisters." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Ohh, that just made her want to cry again. Not sad tears, happy. “mmhm..! Sisters.. hee..” She gave a weak smile back. “b-big sister.. hee.. um.. th-the ‘fones’ are.. are over.. there..” She started to walk towards the booths. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu (edited)

"Mmhm, sisters," Celena hummed. She went and followed after Nora. "Alrighty, phone time, phone time.." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

If there was anything Nathan was in this world, he was cold. With the crackle of lightning, Nathan's knees soon met the frigid, powdery snow, along with the rest of him. Hunched in on himself with nothing but his ragged breath as company, he could feel his damp cheeks stinging from the cold. That same clawing, crackling feeling was building up in his throat again- Bile, but wrong. Human, but wrong. "Shit," they hissed, some deranged, gravely noise leaving them. "Shit, shit, shit." What happened to not getting attached? What happened to not caring? Of fucking course, they got attached, started to care, found themself promising a literally unpromisable promise. "Artemis," he begged the winds, "Artemis, Artemis, Artemis." The severed red strings were still clinging to Nathan's arm like a lifeline. He could still feel their warmth, hear their cries, fresh in their ears- could still remember their smiles, their laughter, them and the family and him. Look for where the horizon stretched on endlessly, for the wall, for something, anything. He had to get home to them. Nathan pulled himself whole again, forced himself to stand, and began to walk. (edited)

1

Stumbling around in the snow, Mallon has to brace themself against a tree for a moment just to catch their breath. Their vision’s still a bit fuzzy after the fight—leaving them somewhat disoriented, but still with the very real urge to keep running. It’s a new feeling for them. One they don’t like. They’re well aware of one thing, and that’s how exposed they are out in the open here, but it’s the quickest way to get them to the stream and hopefully, avoid anyone else who wants to beat the shit out of them. Hopefully. Right now, as far as they can tell, they’re alone. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

(BWAUHGH. I was writing essay) Brr. Cold on the cold side again. The half-eaten orange was steadily freezing in her hands, pulpy fruit staining her gloves. At least she had the sense to put them on before being all mopey and sad. Though, with a full belly, she was less miserable, and more just sad. Tired, maybe, though she'd been sleeping for a really long bit while she was here. Seated against a tree, Connie felt the surface she was leaning against shake. Without much thought, she shifted, looking up over her shoulder to see what it was. Lykos? A toad? Was she in toad territory? Ah! Not a toad! In fact, it was a murdery guy! Looking murdery! Connie froze like a deer in headlights, only managing a quiet little "a!" of surprise. Hopefully they didn't hear well. @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

Mallon also freezes, blinking down at the kid on the other side of the tree. Unfortunately it’s their vision that’s bad, not their hearing. They shrink back carefully, eye narrowing, but seeming more defensive than anything. Mostly because they kind of can’t afford another fight at the moment. They seem also kind of..confused? Like they hadn’t expected anyone else to be out here. Their head tilts, earfins pinning back, but they don’t..say anything yet. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Like pinpricks, yellow eyes dart to track every bit of their movement, from their body to their eye to their fins. If not for the moment, she'd be asking so many questions right now, but her mind is haywire and not working with her properly to even think of any questions. So cool. So scary. So murdery. Yeonaixho's fight is still fresh in the back of her mind. So slashy. "h h," she wheezes, too scared to move. " hh. " She's just a wee little lad who can't definitely harm this guy. @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

Mallon frowns, not sure what to make of this. They study over Connie in response, a bit more curiosity breaking into their gaze, but evidently deciding there isn’t a threat right now. Finally they speak, scratchy and rough as their voice slowly comes back to them. “Not going to hurt you. Without reason.” Instead they simply start scanning around, grumbling something unintelligible under their breath at not finding more than a small patch or two of snow with how dense the canopy is here. They look kind of lost. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Connies eyes widen a fraction more when they speak, still absolutely rigid in place. Without reason. Did Yeonaixho receive the same? 'Without reason.' As the...guy. Mallon, right? Begins to shift and move, Connie relaxes ever slightly more. She's still a bit on edge, but less so after that...reassurance. "Are you...okay?" she asks after a moment, not wanting to turn her head to see what they're gazing at. She tries to follow along with her eyes as best as she can, though. @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

Mallon huffs, eventually giving up on their search for more snow. They simply flop down to sit against a different tree, lure bobbing slightly. Connie’s question gives them pause for a moment, as they actually consider before answering. “Will be,” they grunt, scraping one hand against the muddy ground next to them. “Attacked. No reason.” Mallon babygirl there was in fact a reason. They seem mostly okay with just sitting here for now though—they can make it to the stream later on. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

As Mallon makes his way to sit elsewhere, Connie shuffle-shifts to keep watching them curiously. She almost wants to say, 'wow, I think there is a reason', but she's not keen on. Anything that might result of that, however...visceral it may be. Connie watches them for a moment, trying to think of something to fill the silence. The little wobble of their...thing? Seems familiar, though. "Are you a fish?" she asks, a sudden shift in topic. @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

Mallon’s aware of Connie watching them, though they still don’t seem very concerned. They pick at the ground a little more, earfins flicking a few times as they wait for their vision to clear the rest of the way, but at Connie’s question they straighten up and lock eye(s) with her. “An Angler. Not anglerfish. Just Angler.” The way they say it sounds..proud, almost, but there’s a touch of sadness hidden beneath. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Angler..." Connie muses, her voice trailing off before she said the rest of it. Good at swimming, huh? "What's an Angler?" she asks, noting their proud little demeanor. She tries to pay attention to every little bit that's happening, but she doesn't seem to notice the sadness lingering in the depths. (Kind of like an anglerfish. Angler. Angler.) "Like, the...fishing? Kind of angler?" @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 (edited)

Mallon blinks. Tai’tana had said something like that too. Weird. “Anglers. Lophii. Whatever you want to call us. Deep-dwellers.” Their voice appears to have mostly come back to them by now, less rough and more their typical bluntness. “And no. I don’t fish. I hunt,” they add, as if there’s some sort of difference between the two. (Not really.) They seem to think so at least. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ (edited)

If anything, Connie seemed a bit more confused than anything. Angler? Lophii? "Deep-dwellers?" she asked, cocking her head to the side. Her hair fell into her face, rather than their angler thing. "Like...fish-like, fish-adjacent, or not at all...fishy?" She tapped her finger against her thigh. "What kinda stuff do you hunt? Fish? Mammals 'n stuff?" @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 (edited)

Mallon pauses, then shrugs. “We don’t come from fish. But are like them.” That seems to be the extent of their knowledge on the subject. They do, however, seem to be more inclined to talk overall. “Anything I’m able. I prefer fish. Or squid. But seal was nice once too. You humans—“ They pause, squinting slightly, then evidently decide that yes, Connie looks human. “—and your cooked food confuses me. It tastes best fresh.” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Mermaids was the first thing that came to mind. Merlopians was the next. She didn't say either of these aloud. "I like fresh fish too!" she protested after a moment. "Sashimi is nice! And so is sushi! I've never had raw squid before, they scare me. I've had calamari, though!" "So you're...kinda fishy-like in terms of everything," she considered, squinting. "Isn't it cold here?" @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

Mermaids do exist! Too bad Mallon is not a fan. “Raw squid is chewy. Good to tear.” They wrinkle their nose slightly. “Sushi has weird bits in it.” I think they had sushi in Snow idk. If not it was Iowa which would probably be worse. Mallon actually grins at her question, all sharp and pointy. “Cold, yes. But I am used to it. Where I am from there is no light beyond my own.” They chuckle, strangely. “The first time I saw the sun I thought I was going blind.” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

(Can confirm its not good in iowa)

3

"Like avocado and kani?" Connie asked after a moment. "Or like, the rice and seaweed stuff?" Maybe they ate seaweed too. She didn't know. "Ooo, wait, so like the deep, deep dark." Like Minecraft again! But real. "So...you're kinda used to the cold and dark...?" (She tried not to flinch at the pointy teeth.) @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

“Hmm. Seaweed would be okay. If it was not dry.” They shift against the tree, knees propped up in front of them. “The crab was fake. I could tell.” “Used to it. Yes.” Not as much anymore, but enough to get by. “I do miss it,” they admit, surprising even themself. “But not enough to return for good.” They can’t. But that’s beside the point. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"If the seaweed in your sushi roll was dry, I think that's another problem," Connie mumbled. Unless it was a handroll. Dry seaweed was normalish for that. A little squint. "Yeah, didn't they say the winner would get sent home?" Connie asked, pouting slightly. "I'd hardly doubt this is home for you." Was that why they hurt Yeonaixho that badly? @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 (edited)

Mallon’s expression sours slightly at the reminder of their fight, though they don’t necessarily look upset as they rub at the gills on the side of their neck. “They said so,” they mutter. “Assuming they are telling the truth. This is home for no one.” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"...so they...lied?" Unsurprising. From Rakin's...Rakin-ness and the shadiness of it all, she would have actually been a bit surprised if they sent them home. For Zahara and the others, it was proabably a temporary...home? But still. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

@em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

(OH SHIT. MB)

They shrug, head resting back against the tree. “Don’t know. Rakin sent my— Sent something of mine. Back home. I saw it. So it is not impossible I guess.” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"...Huh." That's all she really said, leaning back against the tree as well. Sent something home, but not them. Huh. "...What did they send home?" she decided to ask, attention flicking up to their face. "Rakin said they'd send you home, but well. You're still here, I guess." @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 (edited)

9:19 PM

(IT HAPPENED AGAIN.)

(nw skjdnjkdn) “Rakin said he would send the winner. Of everything. The survivor,” Mallon points out, arms crossed loosely over their chest. “He was. Not happy with me anyways.” That’s an understatement. They can’t avoid her question forever though. “..The viol. That he was playing. It was mine.” That’s all they have to say about it. Or at least it seems to be. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

...Well, she wanted to believe that. A lot. Really, really badly. But considering Rakin's...everythingness. She had to unfortunately admit she didn't believe him. "Why was he...unhappy? And what's a viol?" Connie asked. "The thing he was playing? That's a viol?" @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

Mallon’s frown sharpens into a glare, though it’s directed at the ground. “Because. I won,” they half-growl. Mallon bbg that was not why <33. “He needed Yeonaixho.” It sounds kind of sarcastic. “I did not care.” They at least nod, once, at her last two questions. “Yes. He stole it.” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Yeonaixho mention. Connie seemed to perk up at the mention of his name, though she didn't show it. A segue. "Because he was a healer?" she asked, feeling some sort of guilt return to her stomach. Weird. "Maybe because he was a healer. I'unno." "...Why were you so angry at him?" Connie asked, quiet. "You guys were on the same side, right? Did he not wanna heal you?" @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 (edited)

Mallon snorts, going back to scraping at the dirt with one hand. “Rakin doesn’t care. He just wants powers.” They don’t answer her for a little while. The only sound is their claws in the dirt, until they finally stop with a glare off into the distance of the forest. Their hand balls into a fist. “Nothing he could do would heal me,” they snarl bluntly. “He killed my— He killed someone I loved. So I avenged them.” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Yeah, that figures, too. Connie's attention darts down to their claws, some tingly sensation rising along the back of her neck. This feels wrong. "Yeonaixho...killed someone?" she repeated in a hushed whisper. 'He's the kindest person I know.' "I..." Connie faltered, somewhat in disbelief. Shock? Confusion? She had never met him- just heard Miss Jymaiyri talk about him once before. "I. Um. H-huh." Could he do something like that? She didn't know. "...Huh," was all Connie said, staring up at the roof of the pine forest. Huh. Was it right to kill one who killed one of your own? She didn't know. "I...I'm sorry for your loss," she said, hollow words, useless words. "I'm sorry. That's. T-that's awful." @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

“He killed a lot of people,” Mallon bites out. “Someone had to right it.” It’s a big effort for them to force their voice back to neutral. “……Thank you.” Just as hollow. They keep staring out at the trees, though they do seem…visibly, the faintest amount of appreciative. (Though perhaps Connie would react differently if they mention it was a different version of Yeonaixho. That seems important and relevant to the whole idea. ………..They don’t. Oh well.) @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

A lot? Connie felt something awful sink into her gut. A distant thought wondered if Jymaiyri knew about this. She decided to brush that thought away as fast as possible. "I've...never lost someone before," she quietly said. Charlie didn't count, he came back right after. "Um. But. I'm sorry. I can't imagine what it's like to lose someone." "...who, um. Were they? If you want." @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

“……..” Mallon doesn’t answer for a good while. They seem like they want to, at first, but there’s an unreadable look that passes over their face. Who was he, to them? It’s not a question they can make themself answer yet. Not when his name still tastes like dust in their mouth. “..I should go.” They stand up abruptly, swiping mud and grass off of them as they move. “This isn’t— I should go.” An apology half-lingers in their mind but they’re not even sure why. “They could be looking for me.” It’s an excuse, and a poor one at that. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ (edited)

Connie jolts a little at the sudden movement, and shifts, slowly, to a stand. "Wait, I'm sorry," she softly says. "Did I say something wrong? I didn't mean to. You don't have to talk about it. Um. I'm sorry I pried." She knows that look. She knows that look. What is that look? She knows that look. It's familiar. She doesn't know why. "W-who's looking for you?" she asks, hoping for a different change in subject. She probably knows the answer. They did...um. Maul. Yeonaixho. Badly. Really bad before. @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

“No,” Mallon says immediately, somewhat surprising themself. “It’s fine.” Is it? They latch on to her question with a strange sort of nervous, almost cornered energy. I just realized I dont think they ever learned Agustin’s name but Im gonna pretend they did. “Agustin. I was attacked at the cameras.” Shit. Hannah. In all the chaos they’d completely lost track of her. “He jumped me. And slammed my head into the desk.” Explains their initial confusion earlier. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Uh oh. Change in subject and change in. Well, everything- demeanor? "Agustin?" she echoes. Zahara mentioned him before, along with Dante. "Agustin- h-huh? Wait, why would he do that? He's not a competitor or- or anything. I think. Pretty sure." There were a few reasons Connie could think of. @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒

“I don’t know.” They can guess at least. Mallon glances back into the forest, towards the way they’d come from the camera room, as they shift awkwardly in place. “He did not want me dead when we first met. He showed me how the phones work.” Actually, now that they think about it…. “I told him I was going to kill someone after that. If that’s what he is mad about. I don’t know why.” Mallon. Why are you like this. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Ah. "Ah!" Connie squeaks, her voice much higher than it should have been. That figures. "Um! Oh, okay." "Uhm. People sometimes don't like it when you say you're gonna kill someone," she says after a moment. "Um. 'Cause murder isn't...good. Y'know? Well- some people think its good. But generally, uh, murder isn't. Good?" "...He might be mad 'cause it's someone he knows," she continues, leaning sliiightly into an unsaid question; 'who is it?' "Maybe. I'unno. Maybe it's just the murder thing, but who am I to say! Heahghg I'm just a kid!" @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 (edited)

Mallon huffs, crossing their arms petulantly. “Maybe he did know Yeonaixho. I don’t know. But if he did then he was lied to.” Their expression sours, and they shift back and forth as if holding back the urge to start pacing. “Manipulated. Tricked. That’s what he does.” They’re not talking about Agustin anymore. “Did.” “Maybe it is not good. This time it was. He won’t ruin anyone again.” Yeah but you will. The cycle be cyclin’. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"...are you talking about Agustin or, um, Yeonaixho?" Connie had a pretty good feeling they were talking about the latter. "...He had a wife and a baby," she slowly says, almost hesitant. "Sure, he won't- he won't ruin anyone, I guess, I mean, you killed him. But, they saw the whole thing, y'know? She's like, a kid, she's a really small kid, like, a baby...she watched her dad die, and- and. Um. Uh." Connie flexes her hands a little, trying to find the best way to word this. "Well, maybe, maybe it was justified, or, yeah, but- but. Would...your loved one want the same thing to happen to him, too...? What about his family left behind?" (She's shuffling back a little half-step.) "If Yeonaixho killed your dad to avenge someone, wouldn't it hurt, too?" @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 (edited)

A wife and a baby. Something settles uncomfortably in Mallon’s gut. It’s not enough to change their mind. Pacing helps, though. Frozen dirt crunches beneath their feet. “Good,” they say abruptly, with a sharp turn. “Maybe she will not have to remember.” That is definitely not an insane thing to say in response. My god. Connie inches backwards, and Mallon’s gaze snaps over even as they pace side to side in front of her. Their skin prickles painfully, sharp with the aching reminder that they have no protection. Not anymore. She continues with her question, though, and at first they don’t react. But then, they freeze—suddenly, frighteningly still. They don’t say anything. But they’re, for once, an open book. No. Ekmeros would not want the same thing to happen. Not to Yeonaixho. He would not choose Mallon over him. He had every chance to. He would have hated them. He did hate them. Sand dries their mouth to bone—snow dragging their heart to freeze. There are eyes upon them, voices in their ear, cold, dead hands on their skin and their own hands are empty, failing, useless. Fool. Their claws sink bleeding wounds into the flesh of the tree beside them, barely keeping them upright. They think they hate him for it. (They think they love him despite it.) Slowly their head turns back to Connie. They haven’t moved a muscle beyond that. “What about his family left behind.” Cold neutrality seeps in. A familiar tone, to them at least. Do they really count as that? Are they allowed to count as that? If Yeonaixho killed your dad. If Yeonaixho killed your dad. Your dad. “I wonder,” they breathe out, voice suddenly, openly, pained, knives in their chest and swords in their shoulders. “If it would hurt.” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ (edited)

"Good. Maybe she will not have to remember." Connie doesn't respond, though her face twists into one of horror at their words. She wants to respond, to protest; 'that's awful, how can you be so awful to a baby?' She wants to leap to defend what's left of Yeonaixho's family, but the sudden movement silences her. The fear driven by their sharp claws digging into the core of the tree overrides the instinctual urge to defend. She's quiet for as long as Mallon is, too, her heart trapped in her throat. She doesn't like that look in their eye. She doesn't like that cold, hollow tinge in their voice, not the way that trickles into something aching. She feels as if she's done something horribly wrong. Connie's silent, brows knitted deeply together. @em | mallon 🎣 + kenji 🌒 (tee)

Mallon’s chest rises and falls, breath rasping in their lungs. With Connie silent, the only sound for a good long bit is their haggard, pained wheezing in the biting cold air. Eventually, they speak, voice shredded into bits. “You do not understand. You don’t.” A thin, keen of a sob chokes their throat, sharpens into anger, bleeds through their chest. “You don’t.” All they can think to do through the fog, through the snow stinging their skin and sand rattling in their mind and pointed, clawing pain, is flee. So flee they do. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Connie's chest tightens when they speak, but she manages to still herself long enough for them to run. She tries to say something, but her words falter and die in her throat. Her ears are buzzing. She thinks that may be tinnitus, or somethin'. She doesn't understand. "Yeah," she sighs to the wind. "Yeah." Was it right to kill one who killed one of your own? Her chest aches a bit more.

2

When they got to a clearing just before the woods god dense, Jymaiyri briefly parted from Aldreda's side. She held her hands out, and up from the snow sprung large, hardy pines. They were almost identical to the trees already in the forest, though spaced unnaturally close together so that they formed a hollow just large enough for a few people. The only entrance was a gap between two of the trees, boarded up by (less thorny) vines. With her eyes closed, Aldreda would only really be able to hear the creaking of wood and smell the overwhelming scent of pine. In the warmth of Aldreda's presence, Jymaiyri was able to cover the ground in soft, mousy grass that'd be significantly more comfortable to lay on than the cold dirt beneath it. Coiling vines spread across the tree trunks. Some even bloomed into small, sweet-smelling flowers. It ended up a pretty picturesque little getaway. "Alright, open your eyes now." Jymaiyri hummed in a soft tone, leaning close to Aldreda again. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Aldreda entirely burned down the little hollow, looking pretty proud of herself. She clapped her hands and walked off.

Lykos led the way into the forest, stopping at a very unnatural looking clearing. They stared at the large pile of ash, worry crossing their face. “Hm.” They walked around, sniffing the air for a moment before stopping with a frown. “Useless nose.. hm. Maia, can you see anything in the ash? Er, something shiny, like a ring?” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

( @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 I’ll at both of yall if there’s anything in the ash or if aldreda is still around-)

(Nothing's in the ash but Aldreda is probably somewhere around building up her energy again)

12:00 PM

(just like burning stick somewhere)

(Would you be chill if we brought her into the interaction?)

(Ye but i assume lykos and her are going to the fight later)

(Yea to be fair, we’re both gonna be busy for the next few hours so maybe it’s best to wait?)

(im fine if its just a few messages before they go but either way)

1

(PH YEAH I FORGOT THE FIGHT)

12:07 PM

Maia looked around and spotted Aldreda. She pointed at her eagerly. Spotted someone!! @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Aldreda was leaning against a nearby tree with her eyes closed, humming and burning away a long stick. She seemed to be off in her own little world...

Lykos saw her, but was stopped by the announcement. He looked horrified. “Connie! Damn it, Maia, I need to go to this. I- I’m sorry. I’ll be back.” With that, she raised her hand and disappeared. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu (edited)

Awkwardly, Maia stood there alone in the forest. She watched Aldreda curiously. The fire was captivating to look at.

... Aldreda rose her hand and also disappeared. Sorry Maia.

... As Julien and Dante were running out, Dante was suddenly zapped away by lightning. @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“Dante?!” Julien’s head whipped around as he frantically looked for his cohort. Fuck, was he fighting again? Regardless, Julien froze in place, hoping maybe he’d be zapped back to exactly where he’d been taken from…

... He could wait for a while, but Dante never came back. @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

Subaru ran around for a minute, wandering into the forest as she soon spotted Julien. He was just standing there. Menacingly. "Hey dude why are you just standing out here in a blizzard?" @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

Julien didn’t move. “I’m waiting for someone,” he replied simply. Upon further inspection, he was shivering. “What are you doing in this weather, stranger?” @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

"Looking for people. Like you. Were you waiting for an amphib of some sort?" Subaru was very much not shivering. Not even wearing anything reminiscent of being cold. @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

Julien nodded, his teeth chattering loudly. “Yeah, actually. Dante… have you seen him?” his eyes widened a bit. “And why would you be looking for… me?” @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

"Well I'm not looking for you specifically." Subaru admitted. It played the video. "Dante got raptured my dude. I saw it happen to that Agustin guy. And Lykos saw it happen to Zahara. They're all gone. Idk if you even like... Do anything, but we're trying to figure out what to do. You could try to help us, but that would require you to move into the warmth." @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

Julien froze in place as he took everything in. …Shit. “Well first off, I’m Julien Glass. I have… sludge powers now, and just like you, all I want to do is get the hell out of here.“ he moved closer to Subaru. “I suppose if Dante is truly gone, I’ll go with you to the other side.” he said reluctantly. @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

"We're not going that far. I mostly just meant inside. We've got a little party going on in the dining hall. Figuring out how to fight back." Sub explained, rocking back and forth. "It's Subaru. We talked about Miss Calamity during that weird resurrection thing Rakin did. But since you're willing anyways, we can go either way." @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“Oh… that’s more ideal, actually,” Julien mused. “Well then, you lead the way, Subaru.” @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

Subaru nodded. "Sorry for the static by the way. It means that the big guys can't hear us." It explained as they went off towards the dining hall. @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

Jymaiyri and Minerva Arrival

The Notorious Night Creature

Scott Arrival

Zahara and the Wolp

Fairy Tale scene of Child and Wolf in the Woods

Taylor and Lykos

Riki and Nora

Sisters in the Woods

Nathan Woods Time

Connie and the Fish Thing

Firewood Times

Where Is Jymaiyri?

Julien and Tsub