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180.571429	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Barging through the door of The Handyman's apartment Apex threw of the bag she was carrying and found somewhere comfortable to sit as she began to examine her arm. Her flesh had well and truly failed in that battle, there was no denying that. No matter she would replace it soon enough. Although she, regrettably, need the Handyman's help.\n\n\"Go get me a Knife. A sharp one. I also need a screwdriver, pliers and you know what just get me all the fucking tools you have. I need to be councious whilst I'm doing this. Oh and use your power to get good at surgery or something. You can do that right?\"\n\nHer commands now given she began to search through the bag of tech they had looted pulling out different components and placing the ones she needed down before beginning to organise them together." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman would chuckle slightly, \"I'm The Handyman, of course I can.\" He would say to her, before disappearing into a different room.\n\nUpon return he would heft a tool box onto the ground, unclipping the latch revealing a wide array of tools inside. He would unfurl a tarp across the floor securing it with tape and swiftly fetch the first aid kit from within the kitchen. Within the first aid kit was both the normal items expected and a set of assorted tools like scalpels, needles, scissors and all the sort. To be safe he too would fetch a sharp knife from the kitchen.\n\nWith the area prepped, a mass of tools collected, and his skills readied (Surgery, Mechanical Implants, Medical Care), he would squeeze his hands into a pair of clean rubber gloves and spray the tarp with antiseptic spray.\n\n\"Shall we?\"" }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "\"Yeah I'm ready. I'm about to numb my nerves in the arm. As soon as I do that I need you to finish what that bitch started, I need you to cut the rest of my arm off. Ready? 3.\"\n\nShe took a deep breath and closed her eyes.\n\n\"2.\"\n\nOpening her eyes again, she exhaled. Reaching into the bag she pulled out a rag and began to bunch it up in her hand.\n\n\"1.\"\n\nShe shoved the rag in her mouth before moving her hand over her wounded arm.\n\n\"Zermph\"\n\nShe mumbled through the rag before activating her shock plates. Her faced scrunched up as the pain travelled through her entire body. It was painful even though she had toned down the intensity. Despite this it had managed to achieve just what she wanted, her entire arm was now numb. Well her arm and most of the rest of her body too." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman would release a sigh of anxiety as he listened to her plan, it was extreme but it had to be done. At least she said so.\n\nBefore letting her continue her countdown just yet he would swiftly hobble over to the kitchen retrieving a much larger and heavier blade as opposed to the more precise knife he had previously collected.\n\nKneeling back down onto the tarp he would nod at her to continue, holding the blade against her appendage. As the countdown hit zero he would quickly slice into the flesh in a circular motion around the selected location, once the flesh had been removed he would place it against the joint slamming the blade down to disconnect it fully.\n\nHe would quickly spray the site with antiseptic spray, cauterising the key bleed points with a highly heated blade before pressing gauze and bandaging against it for the time being." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Even with her nerves nummed by the large amount of electrical current she had passed through them she couldn't deny the pain was nigh unbearable. If it weren't for the rag stuffed in her mouth she was almost certain she would be screaming. The rag was there though so she did not scream. She endured as the Handyman finished what Red Kaze started and sawed her arm away. Then she had to grit her teeth as the Handyman took his own inititive and began to cauterize her open wounds. \n\nFor the next minute she just sat there recovering from the agony she had just put herself through. Reaching up with her remaining hand she pulled out the gag and began to breath heavily before looking down at the components she laid out before turning her head towards the Handyman.\n\n\"Alright, now for the easy part. See all those components I've laid out? I'm going to place that first part directly into my bone to root it in place. Then I need you to connect that second section and tighten all of the screws for me. Can you do that?\"\n\nWhilst she waited for the answer she got to work inserting the first part. Compared to what she had just been through the pain in this case was nothing." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Once again the handyman would respond with a simple calm nod towards her,\n\nHe would take a screwdriver, quickly sterilising it and preparing to work. He would place the components across the tarp, preparing them for assembly as she began to work on the first part. \n\nAs Apex finished he would swiftly pick up the second part, placing it against the first and connecting it. The screws were tightened in mere moments and it was assembled.\n\nHe gave the arm a look over, spraying and wiping it with antiseptic and applying heat to any bleeding once again." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Once the Handyman finished connecting the second part of her arm there was a short painful snap as the artificial nerves fully interfaced with her biological ones. The entire arm then went limp falling to the ground. Mechanical clicking could be heard as each individual component within the arm moved to ensure propper functionality before finally she lifted her arm and flexed each finger of her hand.\n\n\"Though my flesh may blacken and fail I am reborn in steel...\"\n\nShe stood up and took a few steps forwards before turning to face her partner in crime. She smiled as her arm began to shift, metal plates moving around as a blade began to unfold before locking in place parallel to her arm. The blade itself was around four feet in length, extending a couple feet past her hand.\n\n\"So Handyman, what can I do to repay you for your help?\"" } ]	176	1,264
137.36	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Into the slums and into the scum.\n\nBy any means Grunt wasn't a hero, he wasn't perfect and it would be lie to say he hadn't ever broken the law. However, he did place his activity a step a step above the common criminal. \n\nTheir crimes, baseless, for money, for desire. For Grunt, his crimes, whilst they served himself they too served the world.\n\nToday was the day, he would venture into the slums and track down a few of the common thugs. Before long he would return them to civilised ways." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "While Grunt headed into the slums seeking thugs, it remained to be seen whether he would indeed end up just being another thug, at the end of the day. With such a basic outfit, it was understandable that someone would be confused upon seeing him. \n\nStill, the Slums wasn't the sort of place where you could go looking for trouble and leave disappointed. He'd made it nearly ten minutes with nervous glances shot his way and rummaging in the shadows before a group of four men, each holding a bat, a knife, and a pair of pipes respectively, stepped out of the shadows, menacing towards him.\n\n\"You lost, buddy? Looks like you need some help, to me. Whaddya say, huh? I think we could help you out.\" \n\nHe smirked, tapping the pipe up against his shoulder and sneering at Grunt.\n\n\"Lookin' at you, I think You Think this is your territory or somethin'. Lookin' for some marks, huh?\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Grunt would let out a sigh, the group was clearly what he had been searching for. They were at least somewhat intelligent, a group was the correct choice after all although not all can afford it.\n\nGrunt would take a step back and place his hand behind his back, summoning his pipe to his hand.\n\n\"Silence.\" \n\nHe would flick his hand forth from behind and release it from his grip. Grunt would send the pipe forward with an extreme speed towards the leader's chest. He would attempt to measure the force to not hurt him too much, just very very painful. A broken bone perhaps." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"Listen, pal, I'm tryin- Ghhk!\"\n\nThere was an audible Crack In the silence that followed as the speaking man crumpled, grasping at his chest and convulsing on the ground. He didn't scream or anything, but it was obvious from the way he was moving that Grunt had, at the very least, succeeded in his objective of inflicting Pain.\n\nThe others seemed a bit flabbergasted, for the moment, at the speed that had just occurred. Also, for some reason, the pipe didn't seem to be obeying the laws of physics.\n\n\"Fuck,\" One of them whispered, taking a hesitant step back, \"Cape.\"\n\nThe other one with a pipe tossed it to the ground and reached down to grab his injured compatriot." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "\"Apologies.\"\n\nGrunt would dismiss his pipe and look towards the group.\n\n\"I do not need to hurt you all, I understand this city, that it is a struggle.\"\n\nHe would take a step forward towards them,\n\n\"There is a better way, not that the law is always correct. But that even in breaking it there is a decision upon how.\"\n\n\"If you wish for a better way, you may work with me. But.\"\n\nHe would point to his own eyes, then back to them.\n\n\"If I catch you doing this shit, if I catch you robbing those who are undeserving. You will not remain unscathed.\"" }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"Fffhhk...\" The injured man inhaled shakily, looking up at you with wild eyes, the sort you'd only see from someone in a fight or flight response of panic.\n\n\"Idealistic Prick,\" He wheezed, \"You think we...\"\n\nHe wheezed and cut himself off, curling up on the ground in a ball of pain even as his comrade tried to pull him away.\n\nAnother one of the four spoke up instead, stepping between you and the downed man.\n\n\"We canna jus' 'work with ya', pal, we already got a boss and he'd fuckin' turn us into paste if we turned traitor.\"\n\nHe shook his head, frustrated. \n\n\"But sure, righ', ya Understand. C'mon mates, fuckin' book it!\"\n\nTogether, they finally managed to get their 'leader' back onto his feet, and they collectively began to run back down the alley." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "\"Halt.\"\n\nGrunt would send his pipe forward in front of the group spinning at high speeds acting as a barrier of kinds.\n\n\"Boss. Name and information.\"\n\nAny who continued to move after Grunt's request would receive a swift Piping To the shins.\n\n\"Nobody needs to be hurt, just give me what I ask.\"" }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "A trio of audible Thonks Filled the alleyway, followed by another pair, as the three of them simultaneously tried to run away regardless, then two tried Again After the first set of pipings.\n\nFinally, they all turned back to face Grunt, glaring at him with the indignation of a successfully corralled group of hateful losers.\n\n\"S'fuckin' Mace! 'aven't ya heard of him?\"\n\nDespite the prompt piping they'd just received, they somehow still managed to project an air of smugness.\n\n\"He's Big In the Nova Imperium, for sure. Smashes people what for, ya hear? You gonna try and mess with him with your little pipe? Hope I get to watch!\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Thunk.\nThunk.\nThunk.\n\n\"I have not, who is this Mace?\"\n\nHe would begin to walk towards the group calmly, stopping a distance before them. Not too close.\n\n\"Ah the racists yes? Do you share these views?\"\n\nThe question was primarily directed at their leader but to the group as a whole." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "The injured man just groaned, clearly not in the mood to play 20 questions after having gotten the crap knocked out of him. He glared up at Grunt, wheezing.\n\n\"He's a brute. Smashes things. That's all. And look, none of us are racists, we just follow orders so we get paid.\"\n\nHe managed to say, struggling to his feet again and shaking off the helping hands of the others carrying him. It seemed sort of like one of the others— the stupid sounding one that had just been bragging about how strong Mace is— didn't entirely agree with that premise, but he at least seemed to have the decent sense to not say as much out loud.\n\n\"Now, can we fuckin' go? I need to see if you broke my ribs or some shit, fuck.\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Grunt would stand simply as they spoke, listening.\n\n\"Correct response,\" He would say to them as they provided information, if they were racist after all Grunt would have to smash them up a bit. It was good to hear they weren't, Probably.\n\n\"You may exit, Rest well it will likely bruise.\"\n\nGrunt would dismiss his pipe and would stand watching, allowing the trio to exit the area. Once they had exited Grunt would resume his area search, he now had a goal and a lead. To gather information and take down the big bad racist." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Grunt's search continued for another half an hour, but it seemed that the neighborhood was almost More Empty than when he'd first arrived. When he began walking down another alleyway, he heard a sudden repetitive Thunk... Thunk...Thunk... Sound from behind him, then a deep, booming voice.\n\n\"You lookin' for Me, punk? You don't know where you Are. This here's My Neighborhood. Ask nicely and I'll letcha go, buddy.\"\n\nHe was an absolute unit of a man. A solid half-again as tall as Grunt and with some muscles the size of watermelons, and skin that looked to be raised and grooved in some way, looking patterned or scarred as if like the sharpened edges of a mace. The effect was even more pronounced around his hands, where his balled fists looked very nearly exactly like fleshy versions of the medieval beating instruments." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Grunt simply turned and looked towards his target,\n\n\"You are the punk,\" He says flatly. \"Cease, scum.\"\n\nGrunt would flick his hand forwards once again, summoning his pipe and launching it towards Mace's chest with the highest force he could muster. For a second layer of pain he would heat the metal of his pipe aiming to at least cause burns and blisters were he to grab it." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "The bulky man's eyes flashed with anger and he Roared.\n\n\"Ragh! You'll fucking bleed for that, you little shit!\"\n\nHe had just enough time to grasp a trash can lid leaning against the wall of the alleyway and Fling It towards Grunt before, unexpected by Mace, a heated metal pipe Slammed Into his chest with enough force to knock him back several feet down the alley and producing an audible Crack Of impact, then a thud as he landed.\n\nMeanwhile, the trashcan lid was flying towards Grunt at a lesser speed, on trajectory for his head." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Seeing this lid flying towards him grunt would simply dismiss his pipe, raising his hand defensively and summoning it once again before attempting to intercept the projectile with it by raising it into in front of the target location and spinning it acting as a barrier and shield to stop the lid.\n\nHe would then attempt to move closer to Mace, keeping a distance but attempting to assess the situation." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "It was a narrow thing, but Grunt managed to just barely retrieve his pipe in time to block the oncoming trash can lid, thrown with such force that the impact rang loudly throughout the alley and the lid partially Wrapped The metal around the pipe before falling to the ground with a clatter. Through his power, Grunt could tell that the impact of that throw had been hard enough to potentially kill someone if it had hit the wrong way.\n\nMeanwhile, Mace grunted and pushed himself back to his feet, his face a thunderhead of anger.\n\n\"Fucker,\" He growled, \"You'll regret that, too.\"\n\nA bit of smoke rose from the burn on his chest, but the area around the wound seemed to have healed— or changed, at least— by becoming more jagged, much like around his fists. He stomped the ground Hard, launching himself towards Grunt with a vicious roar." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "That lid was a close call for sure, The Grunt would have to be wary to avoid or it may just mean his death.\n\nGrunt would afford his growling no response, he had not the patience or the time to do so. With full force once again Grunt would shoot his pipe forwards towards the stomach once again heating it and applying the maximum force he could muster. With him rushing forward it would hopefully intercept the ape and deal with him swiftly.\n\nHis ability seemed to be problematic however, increased strength, durability and a healing method. It was a pain but, enough hits from his pipe and it would probably be fine." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Clearly infuriated, the muscled man Ripped A chunk of concrete wall from nearby, clearly hefting it to hurl it at the intruder, but with a sudden look of panic on his face he instead held it out in front of him, intercepting the pipe on its collision course, creating a loud Crack And a large crater of impact within the concrete wall. \n\nBelieving the attack to be averted, Mace reared back and completed his throw, launching a huge chunk of concrete through the air at Grunt with a roar of effort. It began its arc invariably towards him, more than 900kg of solid rocky material flung towards Grunt.\n\n\"DIE SCREAMING!\" The racist screeched." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "As Mace hefted the block of concrete into the air grunt would drop himself to the ground,\n\nHe would re-summon the pipe to his hand swiftly, gripping it tightly as he attempted to propel him and it forward below the projectile.\n\nHis hands gripping onto his pipe he would shoot himself forward with a rapid speed, adjusting his trajectory with the pipe towards Mace's crotch.\n\n(Illustration for demonstrative purposes)" }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"What the f—\" Mace rumbled as he watched Grunt slip n' slide underneath the hunk of concrete, which shattered with an enormous Crunch Where he'd been standing a moment ago. By the time he'd realized what was happening, it was too late. Mace took the brunt of the impact directly to his crotch as the pipe Crunched Into his sensitive bits. However, as was perhaps understandable, his gut reaction to something slamming into that area was simple.\n\nSmash.\n\nWith a sweeping punch, the enormous mace-shaped fist Whammed Into Grunt's side, sending him flying into one of the adjacent concrete walls of the alleyway, shattering at least one bone with a sickening snap and causing him to lose his grip of the pipe.\n\nMace staggered, then fell to the ground on one knee, taking ragged breaths." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "With a wheeze Grunt would slam into the adjacent wall falling to the floor before a moment would pass,\n\nBefore letting the metal of the pipe hit the ground he would will it to stop, hovering for not even a moment before shooting back towards Mace. It would aim directly towards his chin, taking into account any alterations were he to attempt to move out the way.\n\nHis power may repair the damage but It was unlikely it had an anti-concussion feature. He would shoot his pipe forth at the maximum speed he could muster, whilst attempting to regain composure himself." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"Y-You... Fuckin'... Trash... My fuckin' Balls...! Th' fuck is wrong wit... You!\" He groaned and cringed. \n\nHe didn't even notice the pipe as it went for him a third time, and with an audible Clang It slammed into his chin from below, ragdolling his head backwards as he fell, slamming the back of his head against the concrete floor of the alley. \n\nA few tense moments passed, but he didn't move after that, and the alley was filled with silence as the huge man lay motionless in front of Grunt." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Grunt would muster his strength rising from the floor, he would clutch at his chest with a pain. It would likely take a while for these wounds to heal but he was alive, For now.\n\nHe would hobble over to the motionless form of Mace on the floor, crouching down beside him. Grunt would give him a few more heavy swings to the skull before moving to loot his persons. His wallet and belongings were more than fair takings after all." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "The repeat swings to the downed mans skull didn't Seem To have any additional effect, but with skin that was as durable as he had it was hard to really tell.\n\nPerhaps unsurprisingly, his wallet didn't actually have all that much in it other than 30 quid or so. The only other thing on his person was a crumpled up piece of paper with an eight digit code on it, and an address.\n\nAs for Grunt, it was really difficult to move now. Trying to do so made it abundantly clear by the stabbing pain whilst trying to breathe that at Least Two ribs had been broken, and possibly more given the intense soreness in one of his hips. It would be a Bad Idea to try any more combat today." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "For Grunt it was time to head home, he would mentally record the note as well as placing it in his own wallet. He would be sure to investigate the address at a later date but for now rest was needed.\n\nWith money and the note now in his possession he would begin to leave, but not before doing some more permanent damage. Grunt would slam his pipe down onto Mace's wind pipe with full force followed by a thourough inspection of his eyes with a super heated pipe. Even if he did heal he would surely behave a little better in the future after all this. \n\nWith his punishment handed out Grunt would grasp his pipe firmly, quickly accelerating himself out of the area, he would dismiss his pipe and switch to walking normally when he determined he was now safe. Back to his apartment he headed." } ]	129	3,434
226.323529	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Once more, company is expected. This time the place had not been scrubbed down for the sake of appearances. No use pretending if they would be working together for a while, is there? So Cronenberg has set up a few chairs away from the autopsy table and left a folding table near by to sit around if people felt the need. Blood stained the floor and plastic hung from the ceiling for privacy. Scalpels are laid freshly clean in a metal tray left on the kitchen counter next to the fridge that held a blood bag and chunks of various materials.\n\nCronenberg sat at the table with her phone in her hand. She had prepped this meeting and had their coffee but the hard part was waiting. She was impatient and her mind was filled with ideas. Her skin crawled and needed to be changed. Not right now." }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "Gabriel shows up, he has arrived cautiously, knowing what the others may be thinking of him. He is looking about for ways to escape if need be at the soonest chance. He doesn't know what to expect, but assuming he survives the first meeting, he may be on the path to getting away from the religious fanatics. He has associated with them for safety more than his own beliefs. The end of Cauldron and the effects of GM in fact was worse for him because he would have preferred staying at his post and keeping his sense of purpose" }, { "author": "hakkku", "message": "At first Tabula had been skeptical.\n\nA meetup of tinkers, with the intent of forming some kind of group in which they would do... What? Bounce ideas off each other? Improve each other's technology? It wasn't a concept he was unfamiliar with, he had been raised by a group with similar motivations once he was left stranded and alone almost a decade ago. But that was why he was skeptical, what if those who came were from his old team? There was a chance that any of those tinkers had escaped the battle in the riverside district and they would surely be out for his head.\n\nBut that possibility wasn't high enough to deter Tabula's curiosity, and the prospect of improving his craft Was An attractive one. So he had agreed to come along to this meetup, though not as himself. No, he wouldn't divulge that particular information until he was absolutely certain he would be safe around these people. That meant he would need to come in disguise, and what better animal to explore the slums in than a rat?\n\nSo as the third attendee to this meeting Tabula would scurry into the rendezvous building, and quickly makes his way into the room that had an unmistakable miasma of metallic scent that could only be described as bloody. With a small amount of effort Tabula makes a few large jumps and climbs up and over the table to gain some amount of height, before muttering a greeting and cleaning what blood he could from his rodent body.\n\n*\"I do hope I'm not overly late, or the last person to arrive.\"\n\nWas that a... Talking rat?" }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Apex entered the room looking completely dishevelled. Her hair was a matted mess of blood and dirt and her clothing was torn and blood soaked. Her right sleeve was in tatters revealing the completely mechanical arm below. Tucked into her belt was a pistol noticeably lacking the magazine. Unlike the previous time she had met up with Cronenberg there wasn't even an attempt to conceal her identity this time, her face clear for all to see. She walked over to a seat and sat down, pulling out a cloth as she began to clean the muck from her arm.\n\n\"I apologise for being late. I had an appointment with some fascists that dragged on longer than I would have preferred. We had some... Fundamental differences we wanted to work out before we went our separate ways.\"\n\nTrusting herself to finish cleaning the mechanics of her arm without look she finally looked at the others in the room. She gave a quick nod to Cronenberg and glanced over Tabula, she didn't know them and didn't want to question the rat. Her eyes ended on Gabriel. Of course the fucking cultist would be here." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "\"No one is late, you are right on time. Nice to see you again, Apex.\"\n\nCronenberg didn't bother with her mask either. Her tired brown eyes scanned the room. The potential in this small apartment is quite something. The rat barely got a glance given her own tinkering. Gabriel got a suspicious look but she went on.\n\n\"My name is Cronenberg. Apex and I have discussed this already but we are interested in forming a group of us tinkers. As tinkers we are both vulnerable and highly desirable targets for larger factions. If we collaborate we are safer and can trade tech easier to improve our own designs.\"\n\nHer strangely flexible hands were held out to her sides. She sat stood and walked along the autopsy table. Her eyes looked to Apex first as she checked the reactions.\n\n\"We will ask you to remove yourself from dealing with the fascists and the cult. I have no issue dealing with any other gang but I think those two factions are bad for our health. Any questions?\"" }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "Gabriel looks over to Apex and the others* \"I did not come to piss people off. I came because there was a call for Tinkers, and as such I decided to hedge my bets and hear out any reason that may warrant such a call for those of us in New London. I have no issue with removing myself from those that idealize the one that brought destruction of my home and death to many as well. I as I am sure as many do these days find people that will protect them, and that was why I fell in with them at the time. Especially since they don't treat any of the 53's well at all either.\"\n\n\"I won't change my methods, but I am fine with getting the fuck away from them, presuming my safety and guarentee this will not come back to bite me in the ass.\"" }, { "author": "hakkku", "message": "Tabula simply watched the room as it seemed the entire group had assembled. Four wasn't a bad turnout at all, especially if this actually went the way he hoped it would. A voice spoke up, seemingly the one who had called everyone to this meeting, Cronenberg. She wasn't a face nor a name familiar to Tabula, though most weren't. He liked to stay in the shadows generally, not get too involved with his clients.\n\n*\"Not a bad idea, improving upon each other's technology would certainly bring forth some truly unique ideas with a group of this size, assuming our areas of expertise are capable of meshing.\"\n\nRat Tabula, Ratbula if you would, begins to pace along the table on two legs, hands behind his back in thought. Cronenberg speaks up once more, perhaps talking to the entire group... Though from the reaction their feathered friend gave, and the earlier comment from Apex it seemed less likely.\n\n\"I agree with Cronenberg and presumably Apex. We may operate outside of what the general public would call lawful, but the Imperium and those Scion cultists are genuinely insane.\"* A pause, before. *\"Though before we move topic I have to ask, what do you mean by 'I won't change my methods'? What is that in relation to? Because if you start sprouting the ideals of either of those groups I want no part of it.\"\n\nRatbula approaches Gabriel as close as he can from the table, his face a silent deadpan." }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "Gabriel says in response to the question* \"I meant more that I am not gonna become some good two-shoes. Plus I prefer to gather people, powered or not, to help me with what I need done. The Fuckballs in the Cult that thought I was a Sign of God Are Insane, no doubt about that. But they are competent enough that they are not inherantly destroyed. Fuck those that think only those who lived in London before should be here afterwards.\" \n\n\"Knowing that they likely don't care for us 53's either, I don't give a shit about their opinion either. I just want Lackies, and I want a place to live and Tinker. Ideally I can keep getting parts without selling my soul to 'The Good Guys' but my priorities are Safety, Comfort, and ability to throw Tinker Parts into my Workbenches and experiment.\"" }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Apex looked at the case 53 with interest. If they were truly ready to throw away their connections so freely why were they even with that cult in the first place? She wasn't sure what was worse people who had actually been deceived and believed their ideology or those who willing associated with them despite knowing it was bullshit simply because it was easy. Tolerating intolerance like that was how people like herself were allowed to suffer. \n\n\"I would assume we would extend this to a blanket ban on selling our creations to the aforementioned groups and their associated organisations? The last thing I want to happen is Caesar pulls out my own creation against me when I'm trying to kill him.\"\n\nHer biological hand moved to her side as she raised her mechanical one in front of her. Each individual part seemed to moved independently of each other in a sequence before she formed a fist. Pleased with the results of her maintenance she let her arm rest on her lap.\n\n\"Anyway, before we get too far into discussions perhaps we should officially introduce ourselves to each other? Our names and our specialties?\" Her eyes moved to the rat. \"Although I think that might be more obvious for some.\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "\"I have no interest in working with Nazis. I am in favor of a blanket ban on selling to those groups. I'm not exactly going to be their favorite person.\"\n\nThey seemed to gaze past Gabe as they mention their willingness to removing himself from the cult. A raised brow as she looked back around the group. They walked along the front of the room with their hands in their labcoat. A sense of exhaustion seemed to roll over them. This is going to be some effort.\n\n\"I am Cronenberg. I am a bio-tinker who primarily specializes in body alterations.\" She made a show of bending her arm unnaturally far. \"Completely wet tinker. No machines, no mechanical parts.\" They shrugged their shoulders as they finished with \"My tech is primarily for personal alterations.\"" }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "Gabe shrugs \"Gabriel, My power operates chaotically. But no matter the chaos I make some sort of Parasitic/Symbiotic entity in some way. I can make Bio, Mech, Bio-Mech, and Power Based tech depending on what my workbench provides for me. They feed off of the user in some way, those that I use usually work well with me, but I don't know how they would react to others that well.\"\n\n\"I don't mind what we do, I just want some lackies, Obviously not y'all, but nonetheless.\" You get the sense of a smile despite having no feature to do so" }, { "author": "hakkku", "message": "'Us 53's? Does this guy think I'm... Oh.'\n\nTabula opened his mouth to speak but was quickly cut off by the cyborg that stood across from him, one of the ones who hard organized this little meetup. Apex, assumedly. She spoke on the idea of keeping their tech from the few specific gangs that had less than ideal, well, Ideals. His small rat head nodded in agreement, it was a sound suggestion and one that he already followed in his solo business. Though it wasn't like he had contact with any of the other larger gangs.\n\n*\"Once again I agree with the room, I have never had nor never will have an interest in working with filth such as them.\"\n\nBefore he got a chance to speak once more he was interrupted, again by Apex. A small crease of a frown made its way onto his face, though it was quite hard to perceive. This time her interruption was to get everyone to introduce themselves, a sound suggestion considering the only information they had about each other was that they were tinkers. Tabula listened as Cronenberg starts, smiles as she gives her demonstration and explanation of her abilities. Something he could work with, definitely. \n\nThen their monstrous friend spoke, from his description it seems like organic matter is something he can work with, another win in Tabula's book. Though the line on him wanting lackeys did not sit right, and elicited another frown from his ratty body. Sensing though however it was his turn to speak Tabula clears his throat to grasp the group's attention.\n\n\"To begin I'm going to address an earlier comment from Gabriel. I am not a case 53, this body is just the result of one of my pieces of tech. My name is Tabula, and I specialize in enhancement and detriment serums, works on anything with a bloodstream. Take my current form for example, it's the result of a disguise serum that can alter anyone's form to look like any person, or animal, given that I have access to their DNA.\"" }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Apex watched each member of their little gathering introduced themselves. Cronenberg she knew there was some potential for collaboration, Tabula could have potential but the interactions with her own tinker tech would need to be more thoroughly researched. Gabriel, well its hard to say. It wasn't exactly the most descriptive explanation however that could mean there was some great potential for growth.\n\n\"Well then, I guess it's my turn to introduce myself. My name is Elizabeth but you can all call me Apex.\"* She smirked at her fellow tinkers before adding. \"She/Her pronouns please.\"\n\nThat should be a good enough test to see if she needed to kill any of them immediately.\n\n\"I specialise in biomechatronics, the improvement of biological systems with mechanical versions.\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "\"Oh, Max. By the way. She/They is acceptable\"\n\nShe seemed to extend it as a kindness towards Apex. An olive branch.These people wouldn't rat her out. \n\n\"Now here's my deal. We're going to collaborate, we'll work together, and we'll defend each other. I don't care about any group that isn't part of us and if you join any group besides the nazis or cult, you are still welcome. But this group comes first.\"\n\nShe made a dismissive motion as she walked around the table as she spoke. She ran a hand through their short hair as they stopped near Apex. The only one they were certain of so far to be aligned with a similar agenda. Her posture tall and straight backed.\n\n\"Final thing is that anyone who decides to turn their back on us or break the conditions that we as a group lay out will be subject to going under the knife as a labrat for the group.\"\n\nShe laughed a little at the threat. It wasn't manic. It was bubbly and rolled out of her in bursts. \n\n\"Any questions?\"" }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "Gabriel laughs a bit \"I mean, of course, if someone were to betray us, they would have to die. The person can not be allowed to live with knowledge of our tech, and other such stuff. He/Him would be fine, I think I am going to avoid joining other groups for the moment after I leave the Children.\"\n\n\"Although, if I do leave the Children, I would need an assurance that I would have help with protecting myself from the Children of Scion. But otherwise I will be fine.\"\n\nGabriel shrugs and finds a wall to lean against, his tail wrapping around him as he considers what this thing could lead to." }, { "author": "hakkku", "message": "*\"Raine. I don't particularly care what pronouns you want to use, it isn't a bother to me.\"* Tabula lets out a ratty little sigh before turning to Cronenberg- *\"Your offer makes sense, and I'm amenable to it. I don't really plan on joining any gang without any good reason, though I will say outright that I sell my tech to most gangs, barring the obvious two we've stated here and a few others. It's not much, but it's enough to get by.\"* The rat lets out yet another breath before continuing to speak. *\"I am also amenable to the idea of collectively defending our group, as long as everyone puts in equal effort. I have been developing combat related tech recently, I simply need the correct ingredients to bring myself into a form where I can help in a fight.\"\n\nAfter this the red haired rat goes silent, letting the others speak once again. Unfortunately, that lets the cultist open his mouth again and what he said brought a frown to Tabula's face once more. Did he think they were going to protect any one member over the others? They were forming a group for a reason, and that reason was Not* To babysit someone like him.\n\n*\"What do you mean __If__? We're not here to babysit you, we're here to improve our tech, to bounce ideas off each other, to further our own power. Sure the group would come together to defend against an attack, but why would we defend any one member __more__ over the collective? I apologize if I spoke my own thoughts as everyone else's, but I felt like it had to be said.\"* Tabula shakes his head before turning away from Gabriel and back to Cronenberg. *\"Oh very good, I think that is a suitable punishment.\"" }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Apex's eyes darted to the Case 53. They narrowed as she tried to understand exactly what he had just said. The metallic segments of her arm began to shift, stopping before anything completely transformed. Restraint, she could hold back for now.\n\n\"Avoid joining other groups? If you leave the children? It sounds to me as if you still have loyalty to the group that worships genocide more than the fucking Nazi's. I don't understand why you would work for them at all, and don't say safety. They despise your kind and you know it. The moment they get a whiff of your treachery or failure from you, you're worthless. Just coming would be enough in my opinion.\"\n\nOne, Two, Three, Four, Five - Counting. That helped calm people right? Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten - It was taking a lot to not straight up kill someone. God why was she like this?" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "All humor left Cronenberg and immediately hostility burned inside of the bio-tinker's eyes as they slammed their hand on the autopsy table. They began to pace towards the door before Gabriel could get a chance to stand and put their body in-between the others and the exit. Hands reached out and locked the door with a 'click' before anyone could so much as threaten to run. \n\n\"No more 'if' I leave, no more promises, no more assurances. You don't have a choice anymore. You were already on thin ice by walking in here and making demands to keep you safe, you who decided because you were so scared this group would kill you-\" Her hand slammed back into the door. A loud thud. \"You should align yourself with them? And now, AFTER we revealed ourselves to you.. You decide now is when you want to say If? You are lucky-\" \n\nCronenberg bit the corner of her lip hard enough to draw blood as she tried to keep herself from lunging. \"We don't have a reason to even fucking trust you. Why do you think You* Have the right to make demands? We walked into my lab and decided you wanted to barter after we revealed our plans to you? No.\" She splayed her arms out in a wide gesture. \"You know that they'll gut you if you don't tell them everything that happened here- and I don't plan to play bodyguard. You are a spineless little worm. There's no more ifs. Your option is to leave the children or we will split you open right here.\" By now Cronenberg was screaming. It was not the most intimidating voice, perhaps, but it seems her own temper was flaring." }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "\"See, It was known that we were revealing ourselves by coming here we were putting ourselves at risk. If you all are gonna kill me, kill me. You can remain on your moral high grounds. They hate 53's, they see them as a sign of their \"Gods\" Displeasure. I recognize that by choosing to associate with them, It's as though I am playing with a bomb. They have me around because they think the fact my form is somewhat angelic in nature and touched by gold like him, I am a sign of his pleasure.\"\n\n\"I have not said at any point of this conversation said I was a Fucking 'Good' Guy. When I am saying I need assurance that I will not be killed by them by leaving them, I am saying that I am inherently at danger by leaving, along with losing some resources. If you three don't want to play ball, I don't give a shit. I came to listen to your proposals, you guys have explicitly been aggressive the whole time, when last I checked I have not harmed any of you directly. Yes Children of Scion are disgusting, but by Telling me that I Must Leave them, and have No Protections from the backlash, It is not a convincing argument.\"\n\n\"By setting this meeting up, you all knew there was a chance shit would go down. By setting up this meeting and showing up, we all acknowledged there was a risk by showing up. The simple fact that I have shown up and am entertaining the notion of leaving a place that gives me any sense of protection from people who may want to hurt me, should tell you that I don't care for them personally either. Finally, You three could have turned me away or killed me before a conversation if you three didn't have any reason to entertain the idea of me joining. As you have also said, if they know that I have come here, then do you think they wouldn't have figured out a way to know who was here?\"\n\n\"So if you three split me open here, then you three are fucked anyway, because you already are putting yourselves at odds with them, killing someone that is important to them. So it can be that we have a group of four that can defend from any incursions they have towards us, and to gather resources, or it can be you three and be worse off.\"\n\n\"I have already told you three that if you three will assist in keeping them off of my back, which is by extension your backs after tracing it back to you three after they kill me, then I have said I will join. Accept it by having me in the meeting, you knew what the ramifications would be. You could have turned me away at the door, or you could have killed me by now, and you would be better off, but now we are all guilty by association.\"" }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Perhaps she had been hasty. Perhaps it was this piece of shit alien shard in her brain that made her want to hurt people. With that possibility lingering in the back of her mind she did her best to remain calm. The mechanical components of her arm shifted back to their original positions as she raised her hand to pinch the bridge of her nose letting out a sigh.\n\n\"Look, whatever happens here we will be making enemies of both the Children of Scion and Nova Imperium. If you join or if you die makes no difference, at least in regards to the Children. Our issues are not with protecting you, I think I can speak for us all when I say we will obviously work to protect our groups interests the fact is you were demanding we protect you as condition of you joining.\"\n\nApex leant back in her chair and folded her arms. Her eyes scanning the room as she tried to gauge the reactions of her potential future partners.\n\n\"Nova Imperium has it out for me but you don't see me demanding that you all work to protect me. I would love it if you all came to value me and willing helped me but I'm not going to demand every fight my battles for me. So Gabriel, my angelic friend, are you joining with us?\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "The anger in Cronenberg seemed to continue to boil inside of her. A sharp breath escaping her nose as they leaned against the door. They seemed irritated even before this argument and it seems to have only gotten worse. She dug her nails into the sleeve of her lab coat as if to hold their self back. After a moment to take a deep breath to reel herself in, they spoke.\n\n\"You are spineless, Gabriel, that's my problem. You sit here and make demands because you were too weak to reject the hand of the cult.\"\n\nThey shook in their anger as they hissed each word out to him. Their eyes seemed to turn away from him to Apex for a moment. Itching to get her hands on the case 53 to cut into him. This damned urging. It was annoying. Her hands began to clutch her arm tight enough that it seemed painful.\n\n\"And what guarantee do we have that you aren't just going to be an eel who jumps ship the moment you feel you aren't safe? You are doing so with the cultists. You joined them because you were scared. You are rapidly losing my interest in keeping you alive.\"" }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "\"Again I have never said I was 'Good', I know what I am, and that is that I would prefer to live. You're saying that I am an eel that jumps the first sight of danger, but if that was the case, why would I have come here? I was in a safe enough situation before I came here. I was in a position of power, protected by others, and didn't have anyone in particular after my head. I actively put myself in danger by coming here and seeing what you all had to say before joining.\"\n\n\"I would be willing to join. Then again, it makes me question when someone has seething hatred for me, when I have done nothing to them. The Company I keep is Villainous, and I have never hidden that. Have I ever tried to justify their actions? No. Cause I feel no need to justify mine or their actions. Again, Kill me if you will, I would prefer not, but you all have the two options, me walking is not an option. So Either Kill me, or Have me join. Even then having me join is better for you all, after all what is the saying? 'Keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer.'\"" }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "\"Look, this conversation is getting away from itself. Gabriel, all we need to know is are you with us or are you against us. Yes or no, are you joining. We cannot allow conditional clauses and such with our organisation either you're in or you're not. If you're in you will cease all association, all contact with the Children of Scion. If you are out, well you know a lot about us. We can't allow that. Understood?\"\n\nDiplomacy was not her speciality. Yet here she was attempting it. Were it not for the fact she quite liked Cronenberg and did not want to fight in her home she wasn't sure she could have contained herself.\n\n\"What we want to do here is a great thing, between us I'm sure we could create one of the most powerful organisations in all of New London. I don't want petty arguments getting in the way of that.\"" }, { "author": "hakkku", "message": "As his prospective teammates worked to get a straight answer out of Gabriel, Tabula begun to feel a tingling in his little rat body. Nothing too intense, and not painful, but certainly noticeable. It could be described like the feeling of being shocked by an electric pen, but along his entire body. \n\n'Time's Up.'\n\nIt was unfortunate, especially at a moment like this for his stimulant to be running out. Tabula raised his front paws off the table and sat up in a much more human-like manner than he had been before, of course he did not want to revert back to his normal form while in an awkward position after all. \n\nSlowly the pain begun to trickle in. It felt like his whole body was being showered in acidic water and melting, while at the same time all of his bones experienced the most painful growing pains anyone had ever felt. It was a truly excruciating experience, and even more impressive was Tabula's ability to remain mostly silent throughout the ordeal. Aside from the sound of his skin stretching and liquefying in places, and his bones cracking and creaking as they reformed in a human-esque form, all the sound that could be heard from him was labored breathing.\n\nWhere once sat a red haired rat now sat a red haired man. His hair was a mix of reds and oranges and less so styled more than it appeared he had just gotten out of bed. His frame was wiry, and among most he would be considered tall, though in this company he was simply average. His light grey eyes were bloodshot with pain, but that was quickly beginning to fade. The man wore a pristinely clean white lab coat over a simple grey sweater, though both were currently crumpled as if they had been slept in.\n\n\"I agree with Apex. I do not care what excuses you use to justify where your loyalties lie. All I care about is if they lay with us or not.\"\n\nWith that said Tabula reads the room once more, scanning everyone's faces with tired grey eyes." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Cronenberg seemed to quickly be losing interest in the conversation as they stop watching Gabriel and begin tracing lines along their fingers with a nail. Their anger bubbling beneath the surface as they listen to the excuses of Gabriel. They turned to look at Tabula with fascination as he transforms back, a tilt of the head as they are distracted by the strange gorey change. They turned from the former rat man and looked back to Gabriel. A squint at him as she seemed to judge his intentions.\n\n\"I don't trust you and frankly I don't want you but it's up to the rest. Do you think you can be useful and not demand unnecessary resources? I would love to carve you up on this table but it sounds like the other two think you are useful.\"\n\nShe paced away from the door and grabbed a marker before going back to their spot at the door. She began to use the marker to draw lines over the bones of her hand, leaving long black lines over her fingers. Careful markings for a future plan. She held up her hand to inspect them almost like one would check nail polish. \n\n\"Are you in or out, Gabriel? Can we trust you? No long winded speeches or blabbering. Yes or no?\"" }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "\"Trust? That is built not given freely. Am I willing to play ball with you three? Yes.\" He says his long prehensile tail wrapping around his waist to take up less room in the area. He stretches and leans against a wall \"What are we planning on doing next?\"" }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "\"All right then. Willing to play ball I can work with that.\"\n\nThere was no point in harping on at this point. They had all made their position very clear and she wouldn't insult the people she would be working with any further by dragging it along. After all they had much more important things to worry about now than a potential betrayal. If that ever happened they would cross that bridge when they came to it.\n\n\"Okay first things first we should decide on a name. If we are going to operate together we want to come up with one ourselves before the met or worse Vanguard comes up with one for us. Ideally we won't be discovered until we reveal ourselves but no reason not to be prepared. I for one suggest the name Transcendence. Afterall, are we not transcending both technological and biological limits?\"\n\nNot to mention she thought it was a decent pun on the whole trans situation.\n\n\"As for what our goals should be I offer two suggestions. We can focus on gathering up supplies to help us all tinker and build our strength, or we can build our funds and focus on getting us a base of operations more suitable than than Cronenberg's apartment. Getting more advanced lab equipment would help as well.\"" }, { "author": "hakkku", "message": "And that was it.\n\nGabriel would be one of them, and the group could continue on with what they had originally converged to do. Tabula nodded in agreement with his companions though for now offered no final words on the case fifty-three's involvement. It hardly mattered this early on if he betrayed them or not, after all who would care about a barely formed group of tinkers.\n\n\"Group names... Hmm.\"\n\nThat was something Raine had not put much thought into, which was oddly funny considering his obsession over naming every single one of his prototypes. Apex's suggestion was interesting, but it felt too... Hero-y for Raine.\n\n\"Perhaps, though I don't think it gives off the right... Ah what's the word, connotation? I don't think 'villain' when I hear the word. I do like the general idea though, perhaps Ascent... No that doesn't work, not as a single word anyway.\"\n\nTabula enters a pose of deep thought in some attempt to salvage the idea he had put forward to not look like a total idiot.\n\n\"The Ascent Collective? Or perhaps Directorate instead? It has a much more, at least in my mind, menacing connotation. While at the same time provides a clean, perhaps even simple identity that is not easy to confuse with another... Just my two cents.\"\n\nWith his mind spoken Tabula leans back on the table and waits for his new companions to speak." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "`\"Villains\"` The Androgynous, electronic voice rang out. Stepping in with little fanfare, Toy Maker make's his appearance. His big cheery smile could be seen past his high collar coat. That bare arm of theirs was on full display, the plates of skin flexing up with a blue light shining under them as they did. They brought it up to wave towards the group, but mostly towards Cronenberg.\n\n`\"Greetings! It was my understanding that this was _more_ than just a meet up for Villains. Why settle on a villainous name? Wouldn't something Neutral be appropriate? Hmm?\"` It would have sounded condescending if that programed voice wasn't so cheery." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Cronenberg looked up from the arm that they had, in boredom, began using a marker to trace arteries. There was a look of puzzlement for a moment but it cleared and was replaced by their usual neutral frown. She made a motion towards Toy Maker and one of the seats at the table, making a show of greeting them. It was mildly frustrating that they just walked in without knocking, some people had secret identities. Not Cronenberg but some people.\n\n\"Welcome. And I would like the record to show I never claimed myself a villain. I am interested in transcending biology... Which is also why I agree with Apex. Transcendence is the perfect name. Besides the connection to us, imagine the nazis faces when they hear that name.\"\n\nShe laughed again, filling the empty air with bubbly giggles. The pun, it seems, was not lost on Max. To torture the minds of nazis by letting them know just who they were dealing with. That would make the dissection even better." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Apex was glad the discussion was back on to more important things. Well at least until another person came wandering in. She knew they had made this a pretty open invite thing but she hoped those who were interested would have made the effort to at least arrive near to the start time.\n\nApex arched her eyebrow in the direction of Cronenberg, the new arrival seemed familiar with them so clearly they might know something. Then again it perhaps they were just talking to the first person they laid eyes onto.\n\n\"A friend of yours?\"" }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "Gabe exits stage right" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "`\"Friend is a bit of a strong word in our case, but I'm no threat if that's what you're worried about. I just wanted to drop by and see what the huhbub was about, Cronenberg mentioned it, and I figured I'd at least give it a fair shake.\"`\n\nEsther stood with his head held high, and chest a little puffed out. The stature of confidence and zeal. His focus turned more towards cronenberg still, but they kept everyone in mind as they spoke going forward.\n\n`\" Transcendence is a good name though. Most tinkers work to 'transcend' normal human limitations, even my work to some extent is made to be greater than any else in the field of expertise I'm apart of.\"`" }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Apex eyes moved from cape to cape, lingering on each tinker for a shot while before brining her hands together and leaning forwards slightly in her chair. Despite her resistance to it a smile began to appear on her face, starting with a small curl of her lip.\n\n\"Well then, with that in mind I say we wrap this up and begin preparations needed to get a base of operations up and running. Let us be ready to take this city by storm.\"\n\nAnd hopefully get them rich in the process. Money made all their goals so much easier. Apex rose from her seat.\n\n\"Unless there is anything pressing I will leave now. I've got funds to gather.\"" } ]	205	7,695
162.3	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "It was maybe not a genius move to combine their lab with their secret identity but their identity didn't mean much anyway. It wasn't a permanent home or place of business. It was too small and not secure enough. The price wasn't bad but it wasn't worth the effort to make this place home. It will do though. Max wouldn't be greedy now. She could live with it.\n\nShe prepared for a visitor and had done some light cleaning. The dull metal operating table, more of an autopsy table but it works, was wiped clean and tools were stored in their rightful places. The dull faux wood was wiped off of most blood and new plastic tarps hung like curtains around the operating room. They even boiled some tea.\n\nThey were ready for business. They've never really done this, trading with other tinkers, so she was not sure the proper etiquette. She had her documents on her procedures but does that help? Either way, the door was unlocked and chairs were set out." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Apex moved through the streets of New London ignoring the world around her. Her eyes were locked to the path in front of her, not paying attention to the stairs from people as she passed by them. Suddenly she turned down a side street and headed straight for the door of a nearby building. Pausing she looked up at the building, this was the place.\n\nRaising her right hand to the door she stopped short of actually knocking. Instead her hand hovered there for a moment, the tightly wound bandage concealing the appendage. She dropped her hand and raised her left arm instead and gave three heavy knocks on the door before reaching down and opening it, stepping inside.\n\n\"Are you there?\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "\"Enter.\"\n\nThe voice from inside rang out, a tired sounding voice laced with a valley accent. The medical tinker pulled back a plastic tarp to show the surgical area where two cheap wooden stools sit on either side of the table. \n\nHer medical mask hid her face but there wasn't much effort in a costume. A lab coat covers a crop top and skiny jeans. \n\n\"Welcome to my home.\"" }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Apex followed the sound of the voice and entered the room with the Tarp. As the large sheet of plastic was pulled away she scanned the enviroment taking in everything she could, threats, exit routes, weapons... It had become second nature to her in the few months she had been a cape. Having concluded her check of the room her eyes finally rested on the other individual in the room.\n\n\"You have an actual operating table? Impressive. When I did my work I just sat at my desk in my old bedroom. Well that and the one time I did it one someones living room floor.\"\n\nApex wore a plain hoodie and jeans but the right arm of the hoodie had been removed. The entire right hand and forearm was instead covered by tightly wound bandages that led up to just above her elbow. Her face was concealed under a black mask with tinted lenses. She stepped forwards towards the operating table.\n\n\"I take it that this means you are also a purveyor of Human perfection? In a short time I have discovered so much I would be curious to see what you might be working on.\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Max would shrug their shoulders at the question. They say down on the edge of the table as Apex looked over it. There was a carefree attitude to the Biotinker as they watched their guest. No weapons on them and no signs of security systems. This person didn't seem to be a threat at this moment. \n\n\"My work is messier and generally it's easier to operate on people while they are flat on their back.\"\n\nShe gestured at one of the stools as she listened to Apex. Blood stains pooled at the bottom of the table and on some of the stools. The lack of metal parts and scrap was strange for a tinker- the tools were mundane largely.\n\n\"I am interested in completely altering the human form. Perfecting? Maybe. But I want to reach past perfecting the human form. I want to make something better.\"" }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "\"I wonder what its like to have a test subject..\"\n\nHer hand reached down and ran across the surface of the operating table, perhaps she could make one with tinker tech to help operate on herself? Or hell she could even get The Han- Crane to help. He was strange but he seemed like a reliable guy. Didn't pretend to be something he's not and most of all didn't judge her for who she was. Her head hurt, she needed blood, she needed to test her tech. She smacked herself in the head.\n\n\"God my head hurts..\"\n\nTurning around she hopped up on the the operating table, using it as a chair. Her eyes stared into Max's. Something better they say? She was intrigued as to just what was meant by that.\n\n\"Muscles, Organs, Blood, Cells, DNA... Chromosomes. All of it is weak, vulnerable to mistakes, corruptible and decaying. Soon I shall replace it all with steel, save for one thing of course.\"\n\nShe pointed to her head.\n\n\"We need what that golden asshole put in our heads. What about you. How do you plan on creating something better than perfection?\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "\"I haven't had any so I've started to test on myself.\" \n\nIt was so simple to her, a complete lack of horror or concern at the idea of being under the scalpel. They would reach up and pull their mask down with a limb that had a little too much flex in it. The fingers, though looking like flesh and blood, reached ever so slightly further and curled a little too far. \n\n\"I only work in organs and blood. I deal in the sticky blood and squishy meat, so I am well aware of the decay.\"\n\nShe tapped her head.\n\n\"I want to carve out the humanity and fill the space with all the things that we feared. Redundant organs, gnashing teeth, plated skin, carving claws. I deal in utter alterations, the large scale. No one will break us again.\"" }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Apex listened to the her fellow tinker with curiosity. They only dealt in flesh, that was a shame she had hoped had met with someone else who appreciated the fine art of cybernetic enhancements. No worries, she could still make use of this.. Surgeon.\n\n\"That is one method I grant you but limited as I'm sure you know.\"\n\nHer hand reached up to her face, removing the mask that concealed her face. Underneath she wore a fabric face mask concealing the bottom half of her face but revealing her deep blue eyes.\n\n\"You may call me Apex, what should I call you? We should be introduced before we talk business.\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "She raised an eyebrow at Apex but didn't seem to mind the statement. They reached up, pulling their glasses off and switching them to a less green pair. She blinked a few times as her eyes adjusted to the sudden wash of color. \n\n\"Limited perhaps but I will make a monster of myself yet.\"\n\nShe smiled wide in a way that didn't reach her eyes, which remained fixedly empty and cold. She leaned back and turned her head to the ceiling for a moment before looking back. The dark rings around her eyes more prominent now that the glasses were changed.\n\n\"Cronenberg works.\"" }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "\"Oh? A monster? I think thats a bit harsh to be honest. Monsters are the people who judge us for seeking perfection don't you think? No I like to think we are pioneers.\"\n\nShe didn't like the word monster. She had been called that many times before by those who claimed to be her family. Monster was a term resevered for those who deserved it, like Nazi's.\n\n\"So Cronenberg, I feel like our skills could be quite complimentary. You have the biological skills...\"\n\nApex reached up to the bandage covering her right arm, ripping them free and revealing the mechanical limb beneath. It joined the flesh at the shoulder and appeared to be constructed from a dark metal.\n\n\"And I the mechanical. Thoughts?\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "\"Monster might be harsh, yes.\"\n\nTheir voice was level but they seemed amused by the reluctant to use the word. They ran a hand through their hand as they looked around the room. So many ideas. \n\n\"Well, Apex, that sounds like a great plan. You know what?\"\n\nShe pushed herself to her feet and stretched her strangely stretched arms before slumping back into herself. They looked over Apex one more time. This should be really interesting.\n\n\"You've got a deal, this sounds like a profitable partnership.\"" }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "\"Perfect. Just Perfect.\"\n\nShe hopped down from the operating table and approached Cronenberg. Her metallic hand rested on her hip as her left hand hung freely at her side. At this closer distance Cronenberg would be able to see a series of metal plates and wiring running through her left hand and arm embedded within her flesh.\n\n\"I have plans to find more supplies for tinkering but I tell what I really need and I think you need it as well. An actual Lab. I think our first course of action sahould be to gather funds to create an actual space specialised for us to do our work. What do you say?\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Cronenberg's eyes would trace along the arm as if studying the wiring. She would tilt her head as she did, looking down at her own hand for a moment, before looking back at her. She would make a quiet chuckling sound and sigh.\n\n\"Well that's a smart plan. We need the lab and space to work, this place was only meant to be temporary anyway. Do you have plans on how we go about this operation of gaining resources?\"\n\nHer hands would go into her pockets as she fished around for her phone. She'd pull the cheap cellphone out and hold it up so she could begin typing. Fingers bending into strange angles as she touched the keys." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "\"So far I plan to keep on doinhg what I have been doing. Finding stuff I like, removing the owners from the equation and then taking the stuff for myself. That has been working out well so far but if you have any ideas on how to make my acquisition of resources more efficient I would be interested to hear about them.\"\n\nShe recalled her recent escapades since she had triggered and it certainly been an eventful time. She had fought with gangs of thugs, facist capes and other assholes. Considering everything she was most surprised at the fact she had yet to fight with a hero. Funny considering she had probably done more illegal activities than half the villains in this city.\n\n\"Although I am thinking where would we even want the lab? I would rather not be in the slums to be honest, too many cultists, too much risk.\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "\"Mmm, well with the collaboration of you and me things will be easier for jobs but resources are going to be tough split. We need bigger jobs, I've been offering my medical skills to anyone who wants it but it's not the most profitable.\" \n\nShe paced slowly as she typed notes into her phone. She had to think, move, stretch. Her mind went over the things that were going on and the factions. She made a soft hum as her feet clicked against the ground in her pump shoes that did not exactly match the rest of the outfit.\n\n\"We can't go too populated. We don't want the bleeding heart types to interrupt us.. Suburbs? Could work for cover stories and it's likely less controlled by cultists?\" \n\nShe stopped pacing and went to grab her tools. Basic medical supplies for now, it seems. Placing them on the operating table as she checked her supply.\n\n\"..Hit the nazis? Unpowered types. I don't think we're equipped enough to fight anyone important. Maybe some of the cultists?\"" }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "\"Even if they aren't profitable having medical skills is only a good thing. Especially for me if I'm being honest, I might know how to replace body parts but I'm not particularly good at healing the body biologically. Not that I have an issue with replacing my body just others might.\"\n\nSeeing the other tinker typing away on their phone Apex took out her own and pressed a few times with her still organic hand. She then flipped the phone around and held it towards Cronenberg.\n\n\"You best add my number just in case. You never know when you might need to contact me later. Anyway yes, a residential area that could be good. My only concern is people in those neighbourhoods can be quite nosey. Of course if we are careful we could deal with that. You can figure out that side I'll figure out who we can risk to kill. Although the nazi suggestion aint half bad, plus I've already made enemies of them so it's not an additional problem.\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "She began to punch in the numbers to her contact list. Her head bobbed as she listened to her. She would ping her with a quick 'test' text before going back to note taking. She kept her eyes on the screen as she spoke.\n\n\"We aren't the noisey tinkers, really. Good soundproofing would hide anything especially in a basement. I can search for decent properties in one of the residential...\" \n\nShe trailed off as she looked up. Her eyes flitting to Apex. A tilt of her head as she looked at her.\n\n\"We could make something out of this. This little partnership.. We don't last on our own for long. This might just work.\"" }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "\"Hmm indeed we might. I'm not going to lie to you though, I've been told I can be quite volatile. If you try to fuck me over at all..\"\n\nShe raised her arm up besides her as the mechanical mechanisms began to shift. The whole arm seemed to transform and in the blink of an eye four foot long metallic blade extended from the end of her arm.\n\n\"I will not hesitate to end you. You don't seem like a fascist prick though so I will make sure your death is quick by comparison.\"\n\n Her arm began to shift again as it returned to it's original, more normal looking state. Her mouth curled into a slightly disturbing smile.\n\n\"But that won't be a problem will it. You seem like a fine sort to me so I think we'll get on nicely.\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "She barely blinked as the blade whirled out from Apex's arm, staring down at it. She'd lean closer to the blade and stared at her. Eyes completely empty of both rage and fear as she flicked a scalpel from her sleeve into her fingers. She raised it up to tap against the metal with her own.\n\n\"I don't deal in backstabbing.\"\n\nHer tone was amused, tilted with her SoCal accent. She brushed her hand against the blade and waited for it to retract before she spoke again. She leaned back against the table once more as she sighed and grinned a strange, empty, smile at the other Tinker.\n\n\"Besides. As much as I enjoy being threatened, it's not necessary. We both have the same need to improve ourselves and I want to see how far we can go with-\" \n\nShe used the scalpel to gesture at herself.\n\n\"-us. This whole thing. As long as you are not going to betray me, I won't betray you.\"" }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "\"Well then, I look forwards to a long prosperous working relationship.\"\n\nShe walked over to the entrance of the room. Pausing for a moment as she turned to look at Cronenberg.\n\n\"It was nice meeting you Cronenberg. Keep in contact, we'll have to plan a little get together some time soon. Now if you'll excuse me my presence has been requested by the fascists. They have had the gall to exist in my city.\"\n\nShe turned back and stepped out of the room. Happy with how the meeting had gone. Hopefully they could work together soon." } ]	160.5	3,246
170.5	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "zetal", "message": "Well, it was the dead of night, again. Mika was starting to harbor doubts about her potential for heroism in general, given how often the most tactically sound decision for her power suite was to show up in the least heroic manner possible to try and ambush them. She comforted herself by trying to remember, at least, that she Was Doing good here, even if it wasn't in the most praise-worthy way. People didn't need to be the type to bust down doors announcing their name to be heroes, after all, right?\n\nShe approached the target address— it didn't look much different from the dilapidated garbage that was all around it. Still, she knew from her previous reconnaissance that this certainly Was The place. It wasn't particularly busy now. Part of her wished she Could Crash in while it was busy, but she didn't think she could take on an entire brothel full of customers right now. She was still too weak.\n\nShe approached the broken-down doorway alongside her creation, and tried the handle. Didn't hurt to try the obvious first, right? It Was Nova Imperium, after all." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Carefully Diabolist approached the door to the poorly constructed building. As she reached down and placed her hand on the handle the whole thing moved in her hand simply from her touch. Whoever had fitted this door hadn't done a very good job at it.\n\nStill it functioned well enough that it could be used to open the door, at least that is what she was going to do had she not heard a voice just the other side of the door. If she leant in a little closer she would be able to hear the conversation.\n\n\"No... Yes I get that there aren't any countries for them to go back to. That doesn't change the fact they are here! Babe! Stop it! No I'm not coming home I'm busy today you know I am. Look, it's because of those people that I can't get a normal job. No... No.. I'm just.. I'm just saying.\"" }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Those people, huh?\n\nShe grimaced with distaste. This definitely seemed like she had the right place. It would be just like a Nova Imperium moron to spout off about how it was all the Other Peoples fault that they couldn't get a job. Surely it had nothing to do with their total lack of drive, skill, or intelligence. Ridiculous. The idea that someone could lose a job, like they were entitled to it.\n\nPart of her wanted to just scold the little idiot, but she was here for a reason. Better to put this to rest and move on with her life. She had people who were worth a damn to save.\n\nShe lowered her voice to a whisper, and gave the decisive command.\n\n\"Go inside. Beat up anyone that fights us.\"\n\nShe followed him in, weapon at the ready." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As the two of them entered they would find themselves in a narrow hallway with stairs to the immediate right, a door to the left and another door at the end of the hallway. Sat on the stairs was a bald man, phone in hand, starring at the new arrivals who had just let themselves in.\n\nTime seemed to halt for a moment, no one taking any action. Only the man dropping his phone seemed to spur time to move once more. Leaping up from the step he was sitting on he rushed the zombie. One hand was wrapped around the undead creatures neck and the other grabbing the wrist of the hand that held the bat.\n\nThe zombie whilst lacking the restraint of a normal human still was in general weaker than one. All it could do as it was pinned against the wall was attempt to claw at the NI members face. This spurred the man to shout out.\n\n\"Intruders! We have intruders!\"" }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Oh, come on.\n\nShe Really Needed some new minions. This was ridiculous. Not only was it making things harder on herself, but the difficulty associated with subduing these people meant, ironically, that their lives were in even more danger than they would be if she had far more overwhelming force. After all, if she could just Drown Them in undead, she wouldn't even need to hurt them. Instead, they had to do something stupid like call for help, and she needed to resort to more and more violent means just to get the job done...\n\nShe cursed internally as she stepped fully into the room, then gritted her teeth as she wound up her bat as far back as she could, Slamming It into the base of the mans head as he held her minion up against the wall. True, he'd subdued the zombie for the moment, but he'd effectively disabled himself in doing so, she was sure.\n\nHopefully there wouldn't be too many other people.\n\n\"Disable anyone dangerous, please.\"\n\nMaybe asking nicely would help...?" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Swinging the bat as she stepped into the room a loud crack rang out as it hit the back of the man's skull at full force. He slumped forwards onto the zombie before sliding down to the floor. His eyes looked up at the bat wielding girl but were unfocused, still conscious but definitely disoriented.\n\nA second passed before the door to the left swung open and another man stepped through, his eyes immediately looking at his downed friend. Without a second thought he reached into his jacket and began to pull something from his hip when the zombie, following its orders, attempted to disable him.\n\nA gunshot rang out in the struggle followed by the splintering of wood as the bullet hit the bannister running up the stairs. All the while Diabolist could hear the rapid movement of people upstairs heading towards the stairs.\n\n\"Let go of me you stupid fuck!\"" }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Things were... Really getting out of hand. Already. She hadn't expected this many people for something like this. The Nova Imperium idiots must really value their sex slaves highly. Gross. She supposed it was better than them just 'discarding' them entirely, but that was a matter of debate for people that were actually experiencing it, not her.\n\nGun! Gun! Fuck! Fuck!\n\nShe turned away from the concussed one and turned her bat onto the new one with the lethal weapon. Okay... Just like last time. Slip past here, raise arms up, and then—\n\nShe Slammed The bat down onto the crown of his head as hard as she could, thanking her lucky stars that at least her zombie was capable of incapacitating people, even if they weren't the most... Combat effective helper.\n\n\"No Guns You fucker! Did I bring a gun? No! No fucking Guns!\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As the man struggled with the zombie he squeezed the trigger again. Another gunshot filled the air as splinters shot out of a wall. Despite the weapon it wasn't enough to counter the girl with a bat which soon enough came crashing down on his head. Much like his friend before him he slumped forwards into the zombie before falling to the ground.\n\nAs he did four men came running down the stairs and turned to look at the rogue and her zombie. Two of them pulled out their guns and aimed towards the most obvious threat, the zombie. The sounds of gunshots filled the room as a hole ripped through the left arm of zombie, the other bullet seemed to miss and hit the door at the far end of the hall. As they shot the other men pulled out knives, which drew attention to the fact that all of these men seemed like they had rushed to get dressed with shirts half tucked in and one wearing an extremely loose tie." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Filthy fucking animals...\n\nIt was the most prominent thought in her mind as she saw the group come down, all of them in various states of undress. So these were the sorts of degenerate scum that partook of this sort of place? They just looked like anyone else she might see on the street, other than the disgust she registered when she looked at them.\n\nFortunately, they were all focused on her big, beefy, almost useless zombie instead of herself. Well, they had guns and knives. It was unlikely they'd actually be able to damage her creation enough to destroy it, or even really do any damage that would necessitate repairs. Either way, her zombie And herself Were going to be overwhelmed soon. She needed some kind of plan. Hopefully clever?\n\nCome on, Think.\n\nOh. Hmm...\n\nMaybe...?\n\nShe dashed over to her creation, standing behind it, and with some quick hand-work she unmasked him, revealing the electrically-sparking decayed flesh underneath, exposed rows of rotten teeth and half-rotted eyes.\n\n\"Cape activity, gentlemen. You want to end up like Him? Put the weapons down. Now.\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"WHAT THE FUCK\"\n\nBANG BANG BANG\n\nGunshots began to reverberate through the air as the two gun wielding gangsters opened fire in a panic as the man standing before them was revealed to be a zombie. Several bullets ripping through the dead flesh leaving the zombie missing two fingers and a eye. The rest of the bullets impacted the wall behind the zombie.\n\n The two men with the knives immediately turned and attempted to run out of the door Diabolist had entered through but almost immediately turned and began to run up the stairs. Clearly seeming more panicked than they were from when the zombie was revealed.\n\n\"Shit shit shit! RUN!\"\n\nA loud metallic clunk could be heard as a object about the size of a drink can flew through the door hitting a wall and dropping to the feet of the gunmen. A loud hiss could be heard as white smoke began to rapidly eject from either side of the object." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Oh come on!!\n\nWhy was she so unaccountably bad at this? Her little ploy had almost the complete opposite reaction she had wanted. She winced as one of the bullets whizzed right through the rotted flesh of her zombies head, thanking her luck that at least it hadn't destroyed the useless thing. She Really Needed more of these to make a proper difference...\n\nAt least two of them were running— that would make this a lot more manageable for her-\n\nThen they ran back in, followed by a suspicious canister.\n\nCome. On. Really?\n\nThat was Bad.\n\n\"Follow me.\"\n\nShe tried to control the panic in her voice and led the zombie as quickly as she could into one of the neighboring rooms— she wasn't picky, just the closest one would be fine. In a hurry, she slammed the door behind her and pulled the hood and mask back over her zombies head. She had no clue who this third party was. If they were a Hero, she needed to keep her Power Under wraps. If it was a villain... Well, same deal, really, but...\n\nUgh... What now...?" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As the two men ran back in the gunmen were taken by surprise. This was clearly not what they had expected to happen and their momentary distraction gave Diabolist and her companion time to slip into the next room. As she did she heard the sound of another metallic object hitting the floor followed by the sound of a powerful electrical discharge followed by the sound of two bodies hitting the floor.\n\n\"Oi you racist pricks, I suggest you surrender. Vanguard is here.\"\n\nThe room Diabolist now found herself in was clearly a kitchen of sorts. Steam was venting out the top of a kettle as the water boiled inside and a half made sandwich sat on a plate on the counter. Looks like she might have interrupted someone's lunch." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Well, if she did interrupt someone's lunch, they probably deserved it. Racist pricks, indeed. Lighthearted thoughts aside, she really was in a bit of a pickle here. The arrival of a Vanguard cape complicated things. Diabolist was under no illusions about her likely perception as it stood right now. She didn't have the money or means to make a more benevolent Splash Of impact right at the moment, so she wasn't well known.\n\nBecause she wasn't well known, her presence here in a literal den of evil... Likely wouldn't look good. She would need to either leave quietly— a prospect that wasn't likely to be successful given the aforementioned Vanguard presence— or announce herself and hope things didn't deteriorate.\n\nThe latter option seemed like the only realistic one. She sighed, then poked her head near the doorway she'd just come through, careful to avoid any of the questionable gas if necessary. Then, she simply Shouted At the top of her lungs.\n\n\"Independent Hero Diabolist is on scene too!\"\n\nShe refrained from quietly adding 'just so you know' to the end of that. She'd thought long and hard about whether calling herself a 'hero' was accurate right now, given the circumstances, but... She Wanted To be one, at least. Maybe that was good enough.\n\nWith that communicated, she didn't actually have any desire to run into any of the Vanguard capes. She quickly moved through the kitchen, looking for other rooms she could scan on the way through. She... Did still need money, after all." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "A short silence followed Diabolists declaration before a loud sharp sound came from the floor above. Then silence filled the air once again, only broken by the slow progression of footsteps getting ever closer to the kitchen door.\n\nThey reached the otherside of the door. Three slow but heavy knocks sounded out from the door. A moment later a voice was heard.\n\n\"Did you say Diabolist? Are you our mystery cocaine girl?\"" }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Oh god, why. Was that how they knew me? Mystery Cocaine Girl? That was not a great brand.\n\n\"Ugh, oh, fuck— yes... I guess... That's me!\"\n\nDiabolist tried and failed utterly to contain the self-disgust in her voice as she replied. It obviously wasn't the sort of thing she wanted to be known for, but she comforted herself by at least acknowledging that she wasn't 'the Zombie girl'.\n\n\"If— If you come in, just letting you know, I don't... Have any funding, so my outfits are sorta awful...\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The door Diabolist had stepped through a moment ago slowly swung open, the smoke that had filled the corridor slowly spilled into the kitchen. From the smoke a figure stepped forwards, it didn't take a genius to realise who stood before her.\n\nQuartermaster's confident smile was the only part of her face that was visible, the rest concealed underneath her metallic combat helmet. The rest of her armour seemed to be constructed from multiple plates forming a layered defence. The final thing of note was the futuristic looking rifle with a revolving cylinder in her right hand.\n\n\"HA! You really are her!\"\n\nA rapid series of footsteps could be head behind her, a figure appearing in the smoke with a knife raised high coming down towards Quartermaster's shoulder. She didn't seem to react at all to the incoming attack; instead a bang could be heard followed by a flash as one of her armour plates came flying off. The knife wielding man didn't have time to react as the armour plate first hit his hand knocking the knife out of the way, then smashing into his face knocking him to the ground. Unphased she held her hand out towards Diabolist.\n\n\"I am Quartermaster, Head of Vanguard's tinker department. Pleasure to meet you cocaine girl.\"" }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"Oh my— You're—!\"\n\nDiabolist began to exclaim, then slapped both of her hands over her mouth. This was so embarrassing! Pretty much the Best Well known Tinker in the entire world was here to crash her raid, and the new trigger been nothing but embarrassing the entire time. Was this really how she was going to be known for the rest of time? Cocaine girl??\n\n\"Q-Quartermaster. Ma'am. I wish we could have met under better circumstances. I'm— I'm a big fan. You, uh... Didn't have to...\"\n\nShe was just trying not to stutter at this point, honestly, and she thought she was doing a decent job, albeit not perfect. This was such a mess. She could only pray that the incredible Vanguard Tinker didn't discover the dark secret behind her power." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "It was difficult to tell but it appeared as thought Quartermaster looked at Diabolists zombie for a moment before looking back at her.\n\n\"Don't be ridiculous of course I had to! It's my job to kick in the doors of villainy and bring them to justice. Anyway, we can talk after this. One of those guys ran up stairs and I'm sure there are more through out the house. You take the one upstairs and I'll deal with the rest, then we meet outside okay?\"\n\nHer face bore a confident smile before she raised her hand in a lazy salute and turned towards the unopened door at the end of the hallway. She readied her rifle at her side before kicking the door open and pulled the trigger, causing a stream of electrical energy to shoot out the end before expelling a cylinder from the side of the weapon. \n\n\"Knock Knock Criminal Scum!\"" }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"So cool...\"\n\nDiabolist whispered at a too-loud volume as she watched the Heroine move in to kick ass and chew bubblegum. One day she'd love to have That Kind of power. So awe-struck was she that she didn't even notice the meaningful glance towards her zombie.\n\nShe startled a bit when she realized that she'd been given a task! Scrambling herself back out of her own head, she ordered her zombie to take the lead and head upstairs. At the very least she could take on a Single Goon, for sure." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The zombie headed up the stairs without complaint and was followed closely behind by Diabolist herself. Immediately as the reach the top of the steps she hears a voice shout out at her.\n\n\"Stay the fuck back! Stay back you hear me?! Stay back or she fucking gets it!\"\n\nThe man who had run up the stairs moments ago was holding on to a young girl with a knife to her throat. His eyes darted around frantically scanning the room, a clear sign of just how much he was panicking.\n\n\"I'm warning you Hero.\"\n\nThere was a venom in his voice, almost pure hatred." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"Okay... Okay... Let's just relax and Don't do anything.\"\n\nShe said the last bit in a slightly pointed way, addressing her zombie especially. Slowly, she raised her hands over her head. \n\n\"Don't need to hurt her. It'll only make things worse for you. Look, the other Heroes are busy downstairs. If you let her go, you can run, alright? A life for a life. Hurt her, though, and it'll be weeks before I Let You die. I'm an Independent Hero, you know. There's a lot less... Oversight.\"\n\nDiabolist was bluffing. Sort've. She Would Hurt the hell out of him if he did anything to that girl, but she had no clue where the heroes were, and there wasn't much she could do right now anyways. Any rash decisions would look Really Bad, right now especially.\n\nBesides, as far as she was concerned, saving the life of an innocent would be worth the hypothetical risk of this moron getting a running start." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The man looks at Diabolist, then to her zombie and finally to the girl he had at knife point. Letting out a noise that could only be described as pure frustration.\n\n\"Fine you want her? Have her bitch!\"\n\nWith an grunt of effort the man threw the girl towards diabolist before turn towards a nearby window and attempting to rush towards it. From the looks of things he meant to jump out!\n\n\"I hope you enjoy her as much as I did!\"\n\nAll the while the sound of combat downstairs continue to ring out. Clearly Quartermaster is having quite the fight." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"Stop him!\"\n\nDiabolist shouted out impulsively to her Zombie as soon as the man released the girl. The rookie Hero caught the girl as carefully as she could, trying to set her down while attempting to give comforting words.\n\n\"It's gonna be okay, Miss. The Heroes are here. You're safe now.\"\n\nWhile Mika Wanted To chase after the criminal herself, there were some things that were more important, and hopefully she could leave it up to her Zombie to catch the man... Or at least slow him down. She'd be able to give chase in a moment as well, once she'd ensured that the girl was alright." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The man had seemed determined to jump right up until he reached the window. At that moment he hesitated just long enough for the zombie to catch up and grab him from behind. A struggle began and whilst the zombie clearly had the better position there was no denying it was somewhat weakened by being shot.\n\nAs the battle continued Diabolist could hear a commotion below. The sounds of dozens of footsteps entering the house, followed shortly after by the sound of footsteps coming up the stairs. A quick glance down the stairs saw two men in MPCU uniforms holding tasers approaching. \n\n\"Get on the fucking ground now!\"\n\nThey moved past Diabolist as they pointed their tasers at the gang member, pressing a button which seemed to activate a red laser.\n\n\"Red Dot\"\n\nAll the while the girl held on tight to Diabolist. Clearly not wanting to let go of the one who had saved her. Her Hero." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Diabolist couldn't help but tense when she heard the MPCU approaching and shout. For a brief moment of flooded terror, she thought they were here for her. Finally here to take her to prison despite her best efforts at being a Hero, all because of her twisted power.\n\nInstead, they tased the criminal her zombie had been hassling. She didn't want him to get in the way, so she issued another order.\n\n\"Minion, Come back.\"\n\nMinion Was the best she could come up with right now. Not the most creative. Well, once it was clear that things weren't disastrous after all, she actually relaxed and managed to bask in the glow of having someone She Saved clinging to her. This was it, right? The feeling of being a Hero. She was... So happy." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As soon as the Zombie heard the command it let go of the man and started walking back. Almost as he was free the man, clearly panicking, attempted to run towards the police.\n\n\"Taser, Taser, Taser!\"\n\nThe two officers shouted simultaneously as they pulled the trigger. Dart's flew out of the end of the tasers hitting the man square in the chest causing his entire body to tense up before collapsing to the girl. One officer rushed up and placed a knee on his back, beginning to handcuff him as the other turned to Diabolist.\n\n\"Quick take her outside, we've got it from here.\"\n\nAll this time the girl seemed to only hold Diabolist tighter." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"Right, Officer. Thank you for your service. Come along, Miss. Let's get you safe.\"\n\nDiabolist guided her carefully, then remembered—\n\n\"Oh, Minion, you follow as well.\"\n\nTogether, they all went downstairs and outside as instructed, taking her to the safety of the police. Plus, Diabolist might get a chance to speak to Quartermaster again! Hopefully she could avoid flubbing her lines this time around..." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Her zombie following close behind DIabolist took the girl slowly down the stairs. Now that combat seemed to have ceased and the adrenalin levels returned to normal. It was only now that she would realise her arm hurt a little and looking at the location of the pain she saw blood. It was nothing serious but seemed to be a result of fragments of a stray bullet. \n\n\nStepping outside she was immediately met with the flashing of cameras, journalists having already made their way here. As her eyes adjusted to the sudden change in light she saw a Paramedic rush up and take the girl from her, leading her back to an ambulance.\n\n\"Feels great doesn't it?\" \n\nBehind her, Quartermaster stood with a confident smile on her face. Stepping forward she placed one hand on the shoulder of the young cape and took her hand in the other, shaking it as she smiled for the camera.\n\n\"Being a hero is hard work and you have to make sacrifices to thrive as one. For example, avoid using people. Well avoid using people who haven't consented at least.\"\n\nHer voice was clear but quiet as she leant in close to Diabolists ear. Clearly she didn't want everyone around to hear their conversation. At that moment she let go of her hand but not without leaving something behind. In the palm of Diabolists hand was a folded piece of paper.\n\n\"You know, I think we should reward and encourage those trying to do good in the world Cocaine Girl and I hope that people who might come across misplaced tinker tech would be responsible.\"" }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"W-Well...\" Diabolist stuttered, shielding her eyes from the sudden barrage of flashing lights amidst the dark, \"Yea, but... I feel sick, too.\"\n\nIn the chaos it took Diabolist a moment to realize the implications of what Quartermaster was saying. Her just-relaxed heartrate suddenly spiked again, and she barely hid the panic underneath her mask. Quartermaster Knew?? She knew how her power worked? How? When?\n\nBut... She wasn't attacking? Diabolist grasped the piece of paper tightly, nodding frantically. How...? No, what? How was she supposed to get Consent To use her power on a corpse? How would that even work? \n\n\"Th... Thank you, but, how— wait—\" She muttered nervously, then paused and exclaimed— quietly— \"I'm not Cocaine Girl!\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Her mouth shifted to a confident smirk, her finger pointing to the visor on her helmet.\n\n\"Two biological signatures, one life sign.\"\n\nHer smirked turned into a friendly laugh.\n\n\"You will just need to do something bigger and better than dropping off thousands of pounds worth of drugs at our frontier if you want to shake that name I'm afraid. Still, what do you want to be called?\"" }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"I, uh, how would I—... Get Consent?\"\n\nShe shuffled her feet nervously, feeling less scared and more like this was a genuine opportunity for her to improve as a Cape, and a Hero. She'd struggled a great deal with the Ethics* Of her power, and at the end of the day she'd ended up more or less just Giving up On the prospect of actually using her power completely ethically, and just assumed that as long as she tried to do the absolute best she could with what she had it'd turn out as a net positive.\n\nBut... Quartermaster knew how her power worked, and seemed to think she could do better. If that was the case, she Did Want to know how she could do better.\n\nAs for her question...\n\n\"W-Well, I was thinking, uh, Diabolist, but then I thought maybe that sounded too evil... I had thought up Occult, Reprise, Midwayer and Conjurer, but those didn't seem right either...\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Well people who donate themselves to science is a good start. If you like I can put you in contact with some people who can help? My details are on that paper.\"\n\nShe once again waved at the cameras before continuing to speak.\n\n\"Eh yeah that does sound a bit evil. This is your chance to change it though, I need to make an official report and so far the only names we have for you are Cocaine Girl and Diabolist. So if you want something different you best say as it will be all over the news soon enough. How about Morrigan? So a little nicer, just a suggestion though.\"" }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Diabolist stayed silent for a few thoughtful moments, then shook her head, smiling underneath her painted hockey mask.\n\n\"I think I'll stick with Diabolist after all. If the bad guys are scared of me, all the better. I think people will learn that if they're good they don't need to fear the spooky Diabolist.\"\n\nAfter an awkward moment of consideration, she waved to the crowd as well, tilting her hood up just a bit to show off the white painted outline of a skull in the shadows under her hood.\n\n\"I'll definitely be in touch, though. Thank you so much, Quartermaster. You're My Hero.\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "She gave the young hero a smile.\n\n\"Alright then, Well it was nice to meet you DIabolist. I have to go and write up the mission report and conduct an interview. I hope to meet you again one day. Maybe even as a member of Vanguard?\"\n\nShe began to walk away before stopping and turning.\n\n\"Oh, by the way I really recomend you look at that paper Hero.\"\n\nShe turned around again and seemed to walk towards the news crew at the edge of the police line." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Diabolist felt a surge of relief that things had gone so well between the two of them. She'd always been worried about the practicality of meeting with and interacting with other Heroes, given her power set, but that hadn't been bad at all! It had been a generally positive experience overall, for sure.\n\n\"Nice to meet you too!\"\n\nShe glanced down at the paper, unfolding it and reading it quickly, or at least skimming it." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As Diabolist read the paper it showed some details about a PHO Account\n\nPHO Username: SoldierSailor\nMessage the word Cocaine and I'll know it's you. \n\nTurning it around revealed another block of text.\n\nEast alley of Newark Avenue, Green Dumpster\nI believe good deeds should be rewarded Hero\n\nThe address was nearby, no more than a couple minutes away." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "She committed the username and address to memory, then crumpled the note up carefully and stuffed it into one of her pockets. Part of her wanted to cherish the note closely as some kind of hero paraphernalia, but she knew that it contained some unnecessary identifying information that might actually end up being dangerous.\n\nBesides, she was sort of in a hurry as she had to stop herself from salivating and eagerly dashing off to the address. Instead she managed to control herself enough to walk off the premise and look casual as she blended back into the shadows of the city, taking a very brief detour before heading straight to the location noted.\n\nShe needed to collect her loot, then get back to her apartment Asap After all. This was huge! She was so excited." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "It didn't take long for her to arrive at the alley. It was quiet, not a soul to be seen. About half way down was the mentioned green dumpster. Walking up to it and taking a look inside she could see a carboard box with letters CG scrawled on top.\n\nTaking the box out and opening it revealed the contents inside. A collection to make any tinker think it was Christmas. Inside was an large assortment of different parts that could be used in her future tinker activities and then something else caught her eye. A cylinder no larger than a beer can, a sticky note attached simply reading QM-328 Electrostun Grenade.\n\nTinker Tech Parts x2\nQM-328 Electrostun Grenade x1" }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Oh, Christmas. Christmas Indeed! This wasn't just Christmas, this was like Mika had woken up only to find out that today was Christmas And Her Birthday, impossibly. She steadied her excited, shaking hands and reached out to collect everything.\n\nShe Needed To get back to her apartment with this stuff. This was Huge. With the parts from this, she would probably be able to make another— no, maybe even Two More zombies?? Or... No, wait, she needed to message Quartermaster first... But... Aahh..\n\nShe could feel the Thrilling desire To Create Rush through her, but she frantically battered it down as she collected the last of the items and began frantically running back to her apartment. Oh, the things she could do with this...!" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Diabolist headed back to her apartment as quickly as she could with her new goodies in tow. It didn't take her long.\n\nThe next day she would see herself in front page news, a huge photo of both herself and Quartermaster shaking hands under the title\n\nNEW HERO DIABOLIST ASSISTS QUARTERMASTER\n\nThe article that follows is quite flattering making her out as having helped Quartermaster out of a difficult spot. Someone had clearly been quite generous with their report." } ]	176.5	6,820
229.32	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "zetal", "message": "Mika was nervous, actually. It was one thing to go out with an easily concealed humanoid corpse, but after she'd gone into that stupid State She got into when she was tinkering around, her hands had gotten out of control and she'd ended up creating something that was truly monstrous. She'd done her best to hide its nature from the world by draping a series of loose bedsheets over the damn thing, but even then it looked like the worlds most unsettling ghost costume.\n\nStill, it wasn't like she was going to just leave it at home. This city was a crime-filled hellscape, so... Was there anything really wrong with bringing a bit of Hell To them instead? It would be a waste not to. \n\nSo, with her monstrosity and pair of zombie bouncers in tow, she stepped into the alleyway where she knew a busy Nova Imperium slave den resided. They'd probably try to stop her.\n\nHer skull mask glanced up to look Up, and Up At her newest creation.\n\nWell, if they did... That was Their Problem." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As Diabolist moved through the alley she barely got a quarter of the way though before a foul stench filled her nostrils. A stench that wasn't unfamiliar to her, decaying flesh. Continuing to move the odour only got stronger until she came across a small alcove halfway down the alley, flanked by small rectangular windows at ground level. The alcove lead to a few small steps that ended at a door.\n\nIf she looked up she would see a cctv camera pointed towards the door, most likely to keep track of those coming and going. It was difficult to say if there was an active feed or if it was simply recording. Suddenly Diaboloist would feel something hit her mask followed by another as rain began to fall." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Diabolist looked up towards the camera, then back down towards the door. She was flanked by her newest creations, a grim sort of determination. She didn't have much of a clue for what was causing that smell, but she was certain it wasn't a good thing, either way. Generally speaking it was never a good thing to be smelling Decaying flesh.\n\nShe shuddered and glanced at her creations. With a look towards the largest one, she spoke simply.\n\n\"Break down the door. We're going in.\"\n\nThings were different, this time. She was sure of it." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "With a look from its master it let out a laboured grunt before charging right at the door easily ripping it off it's hinges as well as taking part of the door frame with it. Almost immediately shouting could be heard from inside as the occupants were clearly surprised at their new visitor.\n\n\"What the fuck!\"\n\nAs the dust from the whole battering situation began to settle Diabolist would see a man rush forwards to the side of her bovine monstrosity and embedding a knife deep in the creatures shoulder." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Pointless. While theoretically a knife Might Be able to have eventually taken down one of her original creations, the animated human corpses, trying to use a knife to defeat her bovine monstrosity would be like using a paint brush to demolish a castle. \n\nDiabolist laughed quietly from outside, though it might have ended up sounding more like a giggle. Her minions, meanwhile, were eerily silent.\n\n\"Knock them out, carefully, please.\"\n\nHer precision in commands wasn't the best, she knew, but she just hoped they wouldn't be Too Brutal..." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Hearing the command the bovine beast swung its head to the side straight into the the knife wielding racist. The force of the impact threw him up into the door frame where he hit his head before collapsing to the ground motionless.\n\nLooking where he fell Diabolist could see there was another person who seemed to be under her minion. They were most likely behind the door when she had busted through. Now though there wasn't any sign of others in the building, at least she couldn't tell from where she was." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Hmm.\n\nDiabolist wasn't buying it. Two people? Well, maybe... She could have come at a good time. Still, better to remain on her guard. \n\n\"You, in front. Defend me. You two, behind. Defend.\"\n\nWith those commands given, she headed deeper into the builder, trying to stay... Vaguely stealthy, but without Too Much concern. With her new minions added on, she felt significantly more confident than she had before, at least." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As her minions fell into their designated positions Diabolist moved into the building. She appeared to be in a relatively bare room with a couch, a tv and a messy carpet with an upturned corner. The tv was on but only static was on the screen. In the corner of the room was an empty door frame leading to what appeared to be steps heading up.\n\nThe room didn't smell great and was clearly not maintained well but it wasn't the source of that foul smell of death that hung in the air. It was far stronger than it was outside however and was beginning to cause her to choke up." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "God, what the fuck?\n\nIt was the first and last thing that came to mind, given the circumstances. She had a walking horror show with her, yet this was the creepy shit. It felt like it should be Her Hideout or something, though she couldn't Stand The reeking smell. Why the creepy TV...?\n\nWell, either way, given that this was a gang hideout of some kind, the first thing to do was the most obvious. She carefully shooed her minions off of the rug and pulled it up by the corner, checking for anything suspicious underneath. It was possible they were just messy and so the corner was upturned, but... Hidden floor doors under carpets were a stable of gang culture, right?" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Reaching down and lifting the rug away from the floor Diabolist would find her suspicions correct. A sturdy hatch was situated in the centre of the floor, made from wood with a hinged metal handle that lay flat against the surface. It wasn't a small hatch, not by a long shot but whether or not the Bovine Horror could fit through was debatable. It was clearly designed with humans in mind." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Huh. Well, that seemed about as expected. Still, god, had the smell actually gotten worse?\n\nDiabolist cringed and tried to cover her nose, then waved the Bovine Horror forward. True, it'd be a tough squeeze, but her creations were nothing if they weren't flexible. Not needing to adhere to normal human bending standards helped with that a lot. She issued a quick order to the giant creature, informing it to lift the hatch and then head down ahead. After all, there was approximately 0% chance that She Was going to go down there first." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Reaching down the horrifying creation used its claws to attempt to pull up the the hatch. It took a little longer than one would expect to hook the handle but they managed to get a hold and pull. As soon as the hatch came up and awful smell filled the room. The unmistakable odour of death. Still that didn't bother the already dead minion and through a bit of effort it managed to squeeze in through the gap and down the stairs. Once through diabolist could see there was some source of light in there but unless she stepped in she wouldn't be able to see anything more." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Diabolist suppressed the urge to ask her creation what it had found and instead just struggled against her instincts to leave. This place was disgusting and she'd barely even found any gang members, let alone people to actually fucking save. Still, she was here, and she had a responsibility as a hero to investigate what was going on here.\n\nShe slipped into the hatch behind her bovine horror, and used the light from her phone to look around." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Slipping into the hatch and entering the lower level it would take Diabolist great willpower to not gag then and there from the stench. She raised her phone to use the light but it appeared to be unneeded as the area was illuminated already. She found herself in a long hallway with doors on the right side at regular intervals and another door at the far end of the hallway. In total there were four.\n\nAfter adjusting to her new environment for a moment Diabolist would only then notice something off putting about where she was, and it wasn't the smell. Looking at the sources of light in the hallway it became apparent that it was coming from a series of light bulbs in the eye sockets of pigeons grafted on the ceiling. The beady eyes of the creatures following the movements of her and her minions. Perhaps the most disconcerting thing about them was it was hard to tell if they were actually dead." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Mika's face scrunched up underneath her mask, and she didn't actually bother to Not Gag, she freely did so. What the fuck?\n\n\"What the fuck...?\" She muttered, her voice heavy with disgust. \"Fucking pigeons?\"\n\nShe coughed and held up her phone to the walls, looking around. Okay, this was some cape shit. She commanded her other two minions to follow her down as well, then started to push down the hallway. She knew she'd need to explore the other doors as well, but right now she had the feeling that whatever sick fuck was down here doing this shit was in the farthest door. It was the only one that didn't match with the others, after all.\n\nShe told her Bovine Horror to kick it down." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As Diabolist and her undead entourage moved down the corridor the pigeon lights seemed to follow their every movement. As she moved deeper in hell there was a sound she realised she had been blocking out subconsciously. The sound of pained groans coming from all around her, behind every door she passed and the door she was about to knock down.\n\nStill this didn't affect Diabolist's creations at all and they proceeded to fufil their orders to the best of their ability, the bovine horror knocking through the door with little to no effort. As soon as the large creature was no longer obscuring her view Diabolist would see a truly horifying scene. The room was a operating theatre of sorts with multiple operating tables. Lining the wall there were several very much still alive humans that appeared to have been physically grafted to the brickwork.\n\nAt the centre operating table was a man dressed in blood soaked scrubs with a facemask concealing his identity. His left hand was currently buried in the torso of a person whilst the other held a scalpel. As soon as the door was broken he seemed to have lowered the blade towards his patients neck as his shook his head.\n\n\"I wouldn't move anymore if I were you. I'd hate to have to kill a fellow flesh sculptor and I would really hate having to kill such a valuable test subject as my friend here.\"\n\nIt would be at this moment Diabolist noticed all of the victims in the room were non-white." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "It took Diabolist a moment to really process what she was seeing. It was objectively horrible in a twisted, disgusting sort of way and she could feel the bile rising in the back of her throat. If she hadn't already been numbed to this exact sort of thing— slightly— by her previous experience with her own power, she would surely have been in an even worse shape.\n\nAs it was, disgust was warring with horror and her mind was overwhelmed in more ways than one, leaving her with only one real logical course of action when presented with the scene in front of her, and the person in front of her that was currently in the midst of it all, reveling in it.\n\n\"Kill him,\" She whispered, loud enough for her minions to hear. She would have shouted it, had she been able to, but the forcefulness of how much she really truly Meant That order didn't surprise her in the least. If anyone deserved that sentence, it was this man. \"Now.\"\n\nHe was threatening to kill the patient? That was better than the alternative. Kill him. Kill him. Killhimkillhimkillhim. The fact that he was some distorted dark mirror of her herself only made the emotions more intense." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Shame.\"\n\nHe pulled his hand out of his 'patients' stomach, a needle in his hand with its plunger fully pressed. Then, with a surprising amount of speed he began to move to the far corner of the room in an attempt to gain some distance on Diabolists minions who upon hearing their masters command began to rush the man.\n\n\"Here comes the airplane!\"\n\nSuddenly the corpse hanging in the corner of the room the Doctor was approaching seemed to split apart with tendrils reaching out and pulling the doctor inside. The bovine horror and regular undead minions rushed towards the wall but stopped seemingly unsure what to do now their target was out of view.\n\nAt that moment a sound should be heard as the body on the operating table began to convulse. Their head turned to look at Diabolist with bloodshot eyes and black tears.\n\n\"Pl-Please.. Help me...\"\n\nAny further attempt to speak was halted but an awful cough, followed but a black liquid flowing out of their mouth. Whatever hope Diabolist may have had of saving them was ended as their flesh turned black before seemingly decaying and breaking apart leaving a cloud of black particals in the air." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Diabolist covered her mouth in horror. Not only was her minion entirely too slow to stop this sick son of a bitch from escaping, but he'd somehow had the time to kill the... Victim... Before he made his escape through what she'd wrongly assumed was a dead-end. What the hell was she meant to do now? This was beyond fucked.\n\nNo, No. This wasn't over. Stupid minions. Idiots. She was an idiot, too. Her hesitation had cost her precious milliseconds.\n\n\"Go Through It. Rip and tear. Find him. Kill him.\" She urged them desperately, not wanting that kind of monster out loose on the city for a moment longer. Was this really all she could do? She refused to give up so easily. Her creation was built with destruction in mind and That Was what she needed right now." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "In an instant Diabolist's minions began to tear through the mutated person and from there they continued to demolish the wall revealing a crawl space behind it. A disturbing laugh could be heard coming from the hallway.\n\n\"Come catch me little hero! I'm over here! Hehehe HA HA SUCH FUN!\"\n\nAll the while the black cloud that was once a person seemed to be expanding and what was more concerning was the fact it seemed to be dissolving the ceiling and walls it came into contact with." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"Fuck. No, no no no...\" She muttered to herself, looking around the room in a panic once she'd noticed the gas spreading.\n\nThinking quickly, she came to a decision. It was the only one she could really come to, given the circumstances, though it pained her greatly regardless. She moved as she spoke, frantically looking around for and grabbing the first nearest thing that she could which was valuable or useful, then heading for the exit, calling for her minions as she went.\n\n\"We're... We're leaving. Come on. Leave.\"\n\nAt this rate the place was going to collapse, and she knew better than most that walking into a Tinker Trap was asking for way more trouble. She headed for the exit, feeling utterly defeated, merely hoping there was Something To recover here amidst her emotional turmoil and maximized horror." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Diabolist and her creations turned to leave heading back into the hallway. Diabolist herself and her two regular creations managed to get through without trouble but the bovine horror was far larger and part of it had to pass through the dark particle cloud. As it did the top part of its head began to get eaten away revealing the creatures skull. A large part of one of its shoulders also seemed to decay. Once they were in the hallway they could see the doctor standing on the stairs standing there staring.\n\n\"Why do you try to stop my research?! You're ruining the fun!\"\n\nHe reached into his lab coat and pulled out a still beating heart with several tubes attached. Reaching down he pulled a small tag from the top of it before throwing it down the hallway. He then turned and began to move up the stairs whilst crackling laughter couyld be heard." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"Oh, fuck you...\" Diabolist cursed, running forward as soon as she saw the heart. \n\nIt was obviously some kind of explosive, but she'd be absolutely Fucked If she let this bastard get the better of her. She wasn't the Most Coordinated person in the world but either way she did her best to catch the thrown projectile, then turn and Throw It far back into the room she'd just exited. \n\n\"Come on! Hurry!\" She shouted orders to her minions, dreading the damage she could already see on them." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Through sheer luck and desperation she managed to grab the thrown heart, she could feel it still beating subtly. It was fucking disgusting. She spun around a threw it into the room she had just come from and it passed through the cloud of black particles it began to dissolve. What ever it was meant to do had been thwarted by this mans own tinker tech.\n\nThe device dealt with Diabolist and her creations rushed back up the hatch that had lead to this underground corridor in the first place. As she arrived back in the room with the TV she could see the doctor running out the destroyed door.\n\n\"You can't catch me little hero!\"" }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Catch him...?\n\nIt wasn't the Furthest Thing on her mind, but it was pretty low on her list. Much higher were things like panic, fear, and anger. She knew perfectly well that she wasn't being a particularly good heroine right now but she was terrified that not only would she lose her precious creations, she would lose her Life If she weren't careful here. Her lack of information had ended up with her accidentally stumbling into a tinker's lair, one of the worst possible places you could be, especially when it came to the sorts of Freaks Like this guy.\n\nShe jogged out of the house, panting. Panic and adrenaline was still coursing through her veins and she just hoped that this Psycho Wasn't coming back for her. Just to be safe she directed herself and her minions in as completely opposite the direction of his voice as she could manage until she completely broke line of sight with the apartment, then she whipped out her phone with a shaking hand. She would... She'd call Quartermaster. That was a real hero. Not like herself. She'd know what to do." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Diabolist ran in the opposite direction, the disturbing cackling laughter getting quieter but never quite leaving her mind. It seemed to hang in their air like a bad odour. It didn't take long for her and her minions to exit the alleyway onto a quiet street. It was hard to imagine just a few metres away there had been true horrors unfolding for god knows how long. Taking out her phone and dialling the number several moments passed. Then just as it seemed there would be no answer a click was heard.\n\n\"Well if it isn't my favourite newbie tinker, whats up Diabolist?\"" }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"Quarter...! Master...\"\n\nHer voice started out too loud, and then much too quiet after a pause, but it was muffled. She took a few failing breaths, then ripped the bottom of her mask up to let her breathe and speak more clearly, though it didn't help much.\n\n\"I... There's a tinker, a monster, he... There were pigeons, and the people he worked on were Alive, it was like a fucking slaughterhouse nine scene in there, I can't, I Can't... Oh god, I feel sick.\"\n\nShe felt broken, and she sounded broken, too, in her rush of despaired words. She was only silent for a moment, then choked on a sob. This was really the best she could do? This was the extent of her talent as a hero? It was pointless, wasn't it? Wasn't she just... Worthless? Even her greatest creation yet could only really stand there and dissolve while people suffered in front of it.\n\n\"I can't Do This. I'm... I'm not good enough to be a hero. I couldn't save anyone, and I couldn't stop him.I even tried to kill him because he Deserves A kill order but I couldn't, I couldn't do Anything...\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "She said nothing as Diabolist spoke, simply listening as the young cape let out her heart, her pure emotional response to the situation she had just been in.\n\n\"Diabolist, stop and breathe. First things first are you safe? If so stay put, I've dispatched Utopia she will be there soon to secure the scene and escort you to Vanguard HQ. I think it's high time we spoke properly. You did good, you went in and you got out safe. Once you realised the severity of the situation you called me, you remembered you aren't alone. You did good. Now please stay on the phone with me until Utopia arrives, so I know you're safe.\"\n\nA few minutes later 5 humanoid robots could be seen flying through the sky carrying someone before landing in front of Diabolist. The robots let the individual down on the ground and she walked closer to Diabolist. Her outfit bore a striking resemblance to Quartermasters only with no bandoliers and what seemed to be a radio pack and antennas attached to her helmet.\n\n\"I'm here Quartermaster, you can hang up now.\" She looked at Diabolist. \"Come on, hop on one of my machines. They will take you straight to Vanguard HQ.\"" }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"Safe? I-I... Think so...?\"\n\nBreathe? She was practically hyperventilating, and she wasn't really the type to hyperventilate usually. Still, she tried to take the moment to calm down but instead just ended up shaking from the stress.\n\n\"Oh god,\" She worried.\n\nPart of her thought that maybe this was it. Maybe this was when they finally just sent her straight to prison or killed her, discarded for having a power that was simply too evil. But she knew it wouldn't be that. Quartermaster had helped her. Actually seemed to Like Her. \n\nSo it was only for a moment that she considered running, and then it was gone.\n\n\"Okay... Okay...\"\n\nShe stared at what could only be Utopia, and slowly nodded.\n\n\"I'm... I'm so sorry for wasting your time,\" She said in a small voice as she climbed onto one of the machines. \"I couldn't catch him.\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"You haven't wasted any of our time. We're heroes remember, this is what we do. Now hold tight.\"\n\nThe whirling sound of the robotic man's flight pack powering up could be heard for the few seconds it took to reach its desired power and took to the sky. As it rose up Diabolist could see what looked like about 30 similar machines only land based approaching from a variety of directions. Soon they faded into the distance as Vanguard HQ got ever closer.\n\nRather than taking them down to the regular entrance Diabolist and her mechanical companions (Carrying her undead companions) seemed to gain altitude heading towards the landing pad reserved for the Fliers of Vanguard. They slowly touched down on the surface of the landing pad high. The mechanical men then seemed to line up like soldiers standing at attentions, one's hand towards the large door at the end of the landing pad." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "It felt Wrong Being here, like she was intruding, but she had to remind herself that she was being Invited. By some of the biggest heroes in New London. She stifled a shiver as she looked between the robot soldiers, then back at her monstrous undead creations which were tainting this beautiful place.\n\nWould they see under the covering and reject her? It was bad enough, right now, that even if they did she would understand. She would understand... Being horrified by this sort of thing, especially now.\n\nShe walked towards the door, creations in tow. If this were to be her judgment day, there would be no better people to judge her than these." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As she approached the door it automatically opened revealing a room that in reality was little more than a corridor leading towards an elevator. Stepping inside however revealed something different, this wasn't a mere hall but a journey through history. Both walls had been lined with decorative bricks atop which rough but stylistic artwork had been painted.\n\nThe first section depicted Scion above the bow of a ship. Next the appearance of Vikare, the first hero, and his death soon after. Each major event involving parahumans had at least a small depiction in the artwork, the appearance of the Endbringers and the Slaughterhouse 9. Behemoth's death was shown followed by the appearance of the new Endbringers. Then the start of that terrible event, Gold Morning. Scion wreaking havoc upon our world until the centre piece of the entire artwork.\n\nA depiction of a one handed woman in a christ like pose, the rising sun behind her head and a crowd of people rising with her. No personal detail at all, but none was needed. Everyone in New London had been told the stories of what had happened that fateful day. It saved those who remained on that earth but was unspeakable. It did not stop there however, no the story continued as it displayed the formation of Vanguard and New London. The rebuilding of Humanity. Hope. The past wouldn't be forgotten but it didn't have to dominate their future.\n\nDing\n\nThe sound of the Lift reaching the floor, its doors sliding open to reveal none other than Quartermaster. She wore her helmet but Diabolist could see the sad smile on her face. She held her hand out towards the younger cape.\n\n\"Are you okay?\"" }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Right. Hope... It was hard for her to have hope, right now. Not after everything... Not after what had just happened.\n\nStill, her heart skipped a beat as the elevator doors parted to reveal her personal hero, Quartermaster. It was part elation at seeing her in person once again, and part dread at the prospect of disappointing the famed Tinker. \n\nAm I... Okay?\n\n\"Y... No, I'm... I'm really not, sorry. I know... I know I Should Be. I'm a Hero. I'm supposed to be okay when others aren't, I'm supposed to lead the way and save people and make the world a better place. But instead I just fucked... Fucked everything up, and failed. I even managed to get one of my creations damaged through my own Stupid Incompetence.\"\n\nShe sniffled and rubbed at her eyes through her mask, staring at the ground dejectedly." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Quartermaster looked at Diabolist as she spoke, her helmet concealing any sign of what she was truly feeling. A moment of silence followed as the words seemed to hang in the air. She steps forwards and places a hand on the young capes shoulder.\n\n\"Listen, being a hero doesn't mean we aren't human. We aren't immune to mistakes or feeling overwhelmed. We have our own struggles, our own moments of doubt. What makes us different is how we respond to those challenges.\"\n\nHer hand waves towards the brick wall in the direction of one of the murals shortly after the central piece denoting gold morning. The sun now depicted at the very top of the wall it's rays of light enlightening a trio standing below. The central figure clearly represented Excalibur and to his left and right were Sovereign and Quartermaster respectively.\n\n\"We failed, each of us could do nothing as our home was wiped from existence, but failure is not the end. It's an opportunity to grow and become stronger. Even the best of us stumble along the way. What matters is your dedication to making the world a better place, that's what makes you a true hero.\"\n\nShe stood back to her full height and took a step back.\n\n\"And when you feel like you have stumbled too far, fallen into an abyss you cannot escape. Others will be there to help you back to the surface. I believe in you. Vanguard believes in you. When one of us falters, we lift each other up. Which brings me to this.\"\n\nQuartermaster holds her hand out towards Diabolist, revealing an armband with the emblem of Vanguard on it.\n\n\"How about it Diabolist? Let us face the challenges together, learn from our missteps and fight for a brighter future. You have the potential to be the best of us you just need to trust in yourself.\"\n\nHer hand remained hovering, waiting to see if the cape would take it." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Diabolist Shuddered When she felt the hand on her shoulder, and her downcast face slowly looked up to meet the expressionless mask in front of her. She strained her ears and the rest of her body was tensed too, as if she were desperately drinking in the words she was hearing, clinging to them like a lifeline.\n\nHeroes could make mistakes, too. She knew that. But, had any hero made as Many Mistakes as she had? Had any hero been cursed with such a godawful power? True, she'd had her own moments of doubt and moments of struggle, but Quartermaster seemed to be talking about some kind of hallowed Heroic Response to those things, and Diabolist could feel her spirit sinking again as she considered the meaning behind those words.\n\nWas she responding to those challenges in a way that was approproiate for a Hero? Was she acting like a Hero in any real capacity, in a way that would make her proud to represent that ideal?\n\nNo, she felt certain that she wasn't. \n\nFailing to protect a world— to stop a God Like Scion— wasn't in the same league of thinking as her failing to apprehend some kind of flesh-render demon who worked on living people. Not when it should have been fully within a Single Heroes capability to do so, realistically.\n\nAt the end of the day, what this meant was simply speaking, exactly what she was afraid of. She Wasn't Good enough. \n\nYet... Quartermaster didn't care about that. Maybe the Hero didn't understand the exact details. But, somehow, Diabolist felt reasonably certain that even if she had fully explained everything about what happened today, the woman would Still Believe in her, and think that she could become some kind of shining Hero that Diabolist felt certain she couldn't.\n\nThe girl stared at the outstretched hand for a long time, contemplating. She didn't know what it meant to be offered a place in Vanguard in any material sense, but she knew that as far as Ideals Were concerned she was far too... Marred. If she joined Vanguard, they would suffer for her addition. People would think less of the group by association with her.\n\nMore importantly, she Didn't Trust herself. Not after what she'd seen down there. It was simultaneously too awful to imagine, and yet also disturbingly close to the sort of thing she knew that she herself was capable of.\n\nMika took a frightened step back from the proferred hand, visibly shaking from the stress, and desperately shaking her head.\n\nWhen she spoke, her voice was weak and fragmented. Yet it was tinged with a strange thread of hope, like she Wanted The Hero to disagree with her. She desperately did. Wasn't this too good to be true? It was, but... Surely that was just because Quartermaster had made a mistake?\n\n\"You... You don't want me, Quartermaster. You might think you do, but you don't. I would only make things worse. For you. For everyone.\"\n\nShe'd give the Hero an opportunity to take back her mistake." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"I can't claim to know everything about you and I wont force you to join us. That is a choice only you can make. Just know this, if you decide to give it a chance, to walk this path with us I'll be right by your side. Every step of the way I will be there to support and guide you.\"\n\nQuartermaster remained where she stood, her hand still outstretched awaiting Diabolist's response.\n\n\"Nobody is perfect Diabolist, don't punish yourself because of that.\"" }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"...No, I'm sorry, Quartermaster. I'm so sorry. But not today. Not Now. Not right after what just happened. I... I still feel Dirty. The things down there, Quartermaster...\"\n\nShe recoiled from the hand, her mind envisioning the crawling, squirming things she'd seen down there, still alive when they should be dead. In that respect, her creations really were better.\n\n\"I... I guess it isn't really a no, per se, but I can't... I just can't do it. Not right now. I hope... Please forgive me. It's... It's not because I'm not Perfect, but it's because I can't even Pretend To be perfect. You can.\"\n\nHer heart hurt. Diabolist took a deep, shuddering breath and swallowed a sob as she looked at her hero, barely managing to meet her eyes. She took a couple slow steps away, hesitant still, but resolved in her course of action now, at least." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"If thats what you want I won't force your hand. If you change your mind at any point you can always contact me. You know how. Come on follow me, I need to debrief you either way.\"\n\nThere was something in her voice, not disappointment but a subtle sadness. She turned and walked back towards the elevator, motioning for the young cape to follow. Before entering it however she would stop and turn to look at Diabolist.\n\n\"Look, I have to ask, do you really think I'm perfect or at least pretending to be perfect? I just want you to know that is far from the truth. The man you faced today goes by the cape name the Angel of Death. I knew him in his civilian identity though, a fine man, a good man. Then I killed his child and birthed the horror that you witnessed today.\"\n\nShe stepped into the elevator, waiting for Diabolist to enter. As she did she reached up and removed her helmet, letting her long brown hair fall to her side. Reaching into her pouch she pulled out a photograph and held it out towards the other hero.\n\n\"I want you to know I am truly sorry for everything I have put you through.\"\n\nThe photo she held showed a woman who was now identifiable as Quartermasters civilian identity in a pure white wedding dress standing next to a man in an expensive suit. His eyes stared directly into the camera and by extension whoever looked at the photos. Diabolist had seen those eyes before, they were unmistakable. Just moments ago they had been poking over the top of a surgical mask." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"Okay, I... I understand.\"\n\nHer mind was still reeling from the effort involved in actually declining an offer to join Vanguard From Quartermaster No less. Was there something wrong with her? Surely there was. Any other Tinker in the city would have literally murdered someone for the opportunity she had just so callously rejected. But... It was, she felt, what she had to do. There wasn't really another way.\n\nThen, of course, things just got even more complicated, like they always did.\n\nShe placed her hands over her mouth in horrified shock as the pieces began to fall into place. The way Quartermaster had been behaving. The way that Man Had been behaving, and maybe even why he'd been there— in a place that she hadn't expected to even find a Cape, let alone a Thing Like that— in the first place. If he'd known that Quartermaster had taken a particular shine to her and had a grudge against the woman, that might explain targeting Diabolist by extension.\n\n\"Wh... What the Fuck?? How? No, what?\" She laughed then, a disbelieving laugh filled with confusion and fear. \"I... Can't believe that. Anyone you'd... You'd Marry... Nobody could just Hide That kind of horrific bullshit with nobody knowing! It's not Fucking Possible! You...!\"\n\nShe shook her head, angrily, trying to reject what was clearly in front of her, some of the fear from earlier finally translating to anger." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Quartermasters face didn't hide her feelings. Even a blind man could see the shame she was feeling.\n\n\"I...\"\n\nShe began to talk but stopped as if she couldn't breathe. Her hand clenched into a fist before she swung at the elevator controls causing the whole thing to shudder into movement.\n\n\"It happened six years ago. I didn't even know I was pregnant, I wouldn't find out till after. The Top Hats had just started to become a powerful gang able to extend their influence over an entire district of New London. We got a call for help, they were holding a shopkeeper and his family hostage and there was a cape presence in the area.\"\n\nShe paused for a moment to catch her breath, as though the very words she was saying were physically exhausting.\n\n\"I arrived, managed to get the civilians away from direct danger and everything looked good. Turns out it was a trap, as soon as I was with the civilians and thought I was safe a dozen Top Hat capes appeared and surrounded us. I'm good but even I would have struggled against 10, especially whilst defending civilians. Without a second thought I injected myself with my R.A.G.E serum.\"\n\nThe R.A.G.E serum was familiar to almost anyone who had even a smattering of knowledge about Quartermaster. It allowed her to transform her body granting her abilities equivalent to that of Brute and Mover capes. There was no denying it was a strange addition to a tinker most famous for her mechanical equipment.\n\n\"Well I won that but after a week I still felt incredibly ill. I did some tests and well, that's when I found out the serum makes your body extremely hostile to anything it considers a foreign parasite and that I had been pregnant.\"\n\nHer shame had transformed to extreme guilt but her eyes, her eyes displayed something else. Sorrow.\n\n\"He blamed me for that of course. I don't blame him for that, it is after all a result of my actions. He also blamed that shopkeeper though, they were the reason I had to go all out. Him and his family were indian and so all indians were to blame after that. Eventually it expanded to all foreigners, then finally anyone different. It took a year but we all thought he was dead, that was until yesterday when rumours arose. Then of course today, when you encountered him.\"\n\nThe elevator hissed as it slowed and came to a stop, the doors sliding open. Quartermaster replaced her helmet before stepping out. She turned back to Diabolist.\n\n\"I understand if you want someone else to complete your debriefing. If that's the case just say and I'll call Sovereign down.\"" }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Diabolist couldn't really do anything than just listen in mounting horror. It was an accident. A terrible one, true, but how could someone who supposedly loves you just... React like that? Especially over something as mundane as a miscarriage? \n\nShe was well aware that certain parts of the population— especially men, really— treated that sort of thing as if it were somehow tantamount to actual murder, but Mika had never really understood that line of thinking. The value of a life was proportional to the amount of it that was lived or could be lived.\n\nMiscarriages happened all the time, though, even without Tinker serums. She hadn't even really Needed To tell him it was because of the serum.\n\n\"Don't be stupid,\" She said, without even really thinking. A beat passed unmentioned, then her hands darted to her mouth and unhidden shock painted her face as she realized she'd actually just said that Out loud To Quartermaster, whilst she was in the midst of explaining what was probably one of the most traumatic moments of her life.\n\n\"I-I'm so sorry! That— I didn't mean to—\" She stuttered, then tried to collect herself quickly. \"I just meant that... It wasn't your fault. You shouldn't blame yourself for that and neither should he. When you said... Sorry, no. He's just an awful person. Maybe he always was? I don't know, but nobody who has a good heart would just Turn on you Over something like that. Nobody who had a good heart could Ever... Turn into what I saw down there.\"\n\nHer voice had taken on a darker tone near the end, words backed with iron certainty. There was no redemption for what she saw down there. None." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Maybe. Maybe not. All that matters now is it's my responsibility to protect people from him and to do that I need to know everything you can possibly tell me. Come.\"\n\nQuartermaster began to walk through a long corridor lined with large glass panes with doors between each. Every door was marked differently the first two Diaboloist could see were marked as General Tinker Lab 1 and General Biotinker Lab. Looking through the glass revealed the former was filled with work benches with several half constructed mechanical devices on them. Two people in costume, both no older than 15 seemed to be working on something. The latter was filled with a hydroponics bay as well as what seemed to be someone on some form of life support machine.\n\nPassing those first two rooms the rest of the windows seemed to be blacked out. Most likely to conceal whatever was being done within from those going about their day. The first 6 rooms were simply marked as 'Collaboration Lab 1-6'. These were then followed by several blank rooms whose windows weren't darkened revealing they were empty within before coming to rooms with the names of individual tinkers. Some that caught Diabolist eyes included Reclaimer and Utopia. At the end of the hall the duo came across the final door.\n\nQuartermaster\nHead of Tinker Division\n\n\"Alright then, this is us. Make yourself comfortable okay.\"\n\nShe held her hand up to the scanner at the side of the door and it slid open revealing what seemed to be a generic office were it not for the expansive lab visible through a glass door in the back of the room. She walked over to her desk and took a seat, pressing a button on the side of her desk causing a computer to appear from its hidden compartment within. She motioned to the seat opposite.\n\n\"Take a seat young hero...\"\n\nBehind Quartermaster were several shelves that seemed to be filled with newspaper clippings and awards. As was to be expected the majority of them appeared fairly modern but two object caught Diabolists eye. One was a newspaper headline from something called the 'News of The World' that had a picture of Quartermaster in a very different costume in the hands of Leviathan. In her hand was a rifle of some form firing a concentrated beam of plasma through the endbringers arm. Above the image was the text Quartermaster Thwarts Leviathan Attack on Rio While on Vacation. The second thing of note was the framed trading card depicting two individuals in green scaled power armour, signed D&D In the bottom left corner.\n\n\"And tell me everything you know about the Angel of Death.\"" }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Diabolist stared wistfully at the two doors as she passed by them, her eyes practically glazed over with unhidden lust for the power and secrets they held behind them. She'd just turned this down though, hadn't she...? Maybe it wasn't too late to change her mind? She could feel the Possibilities From her power whirling around in her skull now, begging to be made into reality. If she had the infinite resources that Vanguard could provide, what sorts of things could she make? \n\nSurely, her power whispered tantalizingly, she could even grow strong enough to challenge the strongest capes in the city, like Dreadnought?\n\nThe doors faded behind her, and she tried to clear her head. She needed to focus. Stay herself.\n\nWell... Plus or minus a little bit of well-earned gaping as she looked around at the incredibly impressive suite of technology and laboratory equipment that belonged to, she had to remind herself, the Best Tinker in the world.\n\n\"Ah... R-Right,\" She muttered uneasily, sitting down whilst still looking around at everything. \"He was... Awful. Sadistic. Monstrous. Should I keep picking synonyms? He seemed to be some kind of biotinker... Or maybe just a regular tinker that relies on biological functions in some way? It seemed like everything he'd created was Alive. It was horrifying. I thought My Power was bad, but that... If my power necessitated using living things, like him, I'd be an even worse monster. I'd probably just have to... To kill myself.\"\n\nShe shuddered." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As Diabolist spoke Quartermasters face fell. She seemed to be holding out a sliver of hope that they were wrong, that this wasn't who she thought it was but the description only confirmed their fears. Any glimmer of hope had died. The look on her face only displayed more sorrow at the young tinkers revelation on what she would do with that mans power.\n\n\"Don't say that. He is a man that has broken the laws of both man and nature. If some one with such a heroic heart as yourself were curse with his abilities I have no doubt that you would find away to use your powers without resorting to his...\"\n\nShe paused clearly looking for the words that would best describe the horrific acts the so called Angel of Death had wrought.\n\n\"Monstrosities. Perhaps in the medical field or to create body enhancements for others. Either way you've confirmed he this cape you encounter is almost certainly the Angel of Death, Utopia's reports from the lab only corroborate what you say.\"\n\nShe reached down and opened a draw in her desk. First she pulled out a roll of cash placing on the desk, next she pulled out a toolbox style case and placed it next to the cash.\n\n\"Here's what I'm going to do, there's £2000 here. That is how much we pay provisional members for participating in a raid, which is essentially what you did solo. Second is a reward for finding and reporting the location of the A-Class threat the Angel of Death. A collection of spare parts I have from my tinker tech, I may or may not have put more than the official reward in but we don't need to mention that. Of course if you ever do change you're mind you're Vanguard offer is also still there.\"" }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "She didn't really know what to say. She didn't really know what she Could Say. Sorry? It felt hollow. This was supposedly the man that had somehow fooled someone as inherently Good As Quartermaster to fall in love with him, all whilst hiding that sheer depth of evil within him, and Diabolist was simply bearing witness to her personal hero having to come to grips with that fact right in front of her.\n\nHow would she have reacted herself, if she had learned that someone she had trusted and loved was now one of the worst monsters in the entire world?\n\nShe had serious doubts that she would have handled it any more graciously, especially in the face of some dumb young heroine stubbornly refusing to join the premiere heroing organization of the new world for selfish reasons like fear.\n\nIt made her want to change her mind, but for whatever reason she just... Couldn't. She wasn't even sure why, anymore. It just truly felt like she didn't deserve it. Maybe... If she could prove herself? If she could stop that monster, bring him to justice... Surely then she'd see herself as worthwhile?\n\n\"...Thank you,\" She finally decided on, as she stared at the roll of cash and gift, \"I'm so sorry for your loss.\"\n\nShe knew it was an empty platitude, but it was all she could do for now. At least, until she could become strong enough to stop these sorts of tragedies entirely." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Quartermaster bore a sad smile as Diabolist apologised for her loss. Despite the clear attempt to conceal it the pain was clear to see just beneath the surface.\n\n\"You really have it to be the best of us. I had hoped we could speak in less dire circumstances but maybe next time. For now though I'll apologise but I need to write up this report and I doubt you want to sit here whilst I do it. Why don't you head down to Meteor Shot's and get something to eat? Tell the captain Q sent you and he'll sort you out.\"\n\nWith some impeccable timing the door opened as she finished speaking revealing a short girl in a black bodysuit covered in circuitry, the upper half of her face concealed by a black visor. This girl barely looked old enough to be called a teenager.\n\n\"You called boss? Need another private email hacked?\"\n\nQuartermaster let out a deep sigh.\n\n\"What have I told you about jokes like that? Anyway no, I don't need you for anything power related. I need to finish this report and was hoping you could escort Diabolist here on her way out of the tower. Can you do that?\"\n\nThe girl shrugged her shoulders in response.\n\n\"Oh this is cocaine girl? Sure thing boss. Come on Miss Cocaine, I'm Netrunner but you can call me NT. Thats what my friends call me.\"\n\nShe stepped to the side motioning for Diabolist to follow." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Though the offhanded 'joke' commentary made her wonder just how much the Vanguard capes Bent The rules. After Gold Morning, maybe Capes felt a bit more justified in doing whatever they needed to do to keep the city safe? She wouldn't blame them. It's what she would probably do.\n\n\"Cocaine—\" Diabolist choked out, then just sighed, loudly. She Really Hoped that wasn't the sort of thing that stuck around.\n\n\"Please don't call me Miss Cocaine, or anything to do with Cocaine,\" She managed to state semi-firmly, \"But it's nice to meet you, NT.\"\n\nShe followed the pre-teen out into the hall." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Alright then, no drug refences. You're the boss Di.\"\n\nAs the young cape walked back through the hallway Diabolist herself had walked through a short whilst earlier she had a noticeable hop in her step. Whether she had something to be happy about or if she was this bouncy in general was impossible to tell.\n\nAs she approached the lift the door opened automatically and she stepped in, turning as she did to face Diabolist. She waved her hand to the side motioning for the other cape to enter the lift. Once she did enter the doors close behind her and the small cabin begins to descend.\n\n\"So Di.. What do you think of the boss lady? She's pretty darn cool right? More fun than Excalibur at least, he's always going on about 'Our duty as heroes' and 'The responsibility that comes with powers' really boring shit. Not saying he's wrong of course but damn when you hear it all the time it does get tiring. Oh shit, here let me give you my contact details. Delphyne?\"\n\nAs she spoke she didn't seem to take a breath, as if pausing for a moment would some how lead to the end of the world. Still she did pause after speaking the name, holding her open palm out in front of her. A moment passed before a small hologram of a dragon appears. It's head looks up at Netrunner as its wings flexed out to their full length.\n\n\"Yes my lady?\"\n\n\"Could you shoot my details over Diabolist here? She seems like a cool gal.\"\n\n\"Of course my lady.\"\n\nThe holographic image vanished just as the lift came to a halt and the door slid open. Netrunner turned to Diabolist.\n\n\"Well this is the lobby, you want me to walk you out or are you good?\"" }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Diabolist was a bit taken aback. These sorts of cheerful, upbeat people were lovely to be around, but she had hard time with it. It took her time to get acquainted with people well enough to feel comfortable acting like herself. People that were usually guarded or cautious were, ironically, easier for her to deal with then since she could be equally guarded in response and feel comfortable.\n\nSomeone as openly, graciously friendly as Netrunner threw that all out of whack and made her feel uncomfortable for being too unfriendly in response, or she tried to awkwardly reciprocate without behaving properly.\n\n\"Di...? Uhm, right. Quartermaster was—Is—my favorite Cape, actually! She's been a big inspiration to me since even before I got powers. I just wish I could have gotten more Normal Tinker stuff, then maybe we could have worked together... Properly?\" Diabolist said, not even really considering the irony of the statement given that she'd just turned down Quartermaster's offer for that exact sort of thing.\n\n\"Cool dragon, by the way! That wouldn't happen to be inspired by The Dragon, would it? From the old world?\" She asked with great interest before realizing awkwardly that they were standing by the exit already.\n\n\"Uh, n-nevermind! Sorry! Bye!\" She stammered awkwardly, nearly tripping over her own feet as she tried not to overstay her welcome and headed for the exit with haste." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"See ya!\"\n\nThe Vanguard cape shouted out as Diabolist sped through the lobby, quickly ending up standing outside. Now outside of Vanguard Headquarters Diabolist could see the whole area was pristine when compared to the rest of the city. Almost as if she had been transported from the mortal world to the realm of the gods. Well trimmed hedges surround the tower along with several well maintained gardens and fountains. A paved road circles the tower like a barrier keeping the rest of New London out. As Diabolist took the view of the city in, she felt her phone vibrate.\n\n'She is named after Dragon! Isn't Dragon so fkn cool?!!!?!?!?!?! Anyways cya around Di 💖 '" } ]	186	11,466
157.833333	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "Knock Knock, Knock Knock, Knock Knock\n\nGabriel is going door to door with a few of his gang members to get the folks that live in their territory to have their \"Protection\", or alternatively if they decided to join the gang instead of paying for \"Protection\" To send them back to a place where they can start to be indoctrinated\n\nThey have been at it for hours now, collecting just as much money as they have been gaining people because they had no other option. This is what their typical weekly duties entail and therefor they must keep doing it to make sure the Gang/Cult can Prosper" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "It seemed as though it was just going to be another, fairly easy day of collecting protection money. It was routine at this point - Gabriel along with his three gunmen were all facing a door as Gabriel started to knock.\n\n\"Drop your weapons and surrender\" A voice said, fast and loud from right behind the group. Immediately the gunmen started to turn their weapons.\n\nThe owner of the voice seemed to be wearing a sort of armored leotard that was colored green and yellow. The user's lower face was visible, as well as their long black hair coming out the back of their helmet in a ponytail. The most distinctive part of the outfit were what looked to be large pointed ears pointing straight up from the helmet.\n\nAs soon as the group started to move, the cape brought out their baton and smacked two of the gunmen across the head in quick succession. One seemed to drop to the ground unconscious, while the other stumbled into a wall. The remaining gunman fired out three shots soon after - but the cape was already moving. They leaned backwards as if attempting to dodge the shot, and three pings could be heard as the bullets bounced off of their shoulder.\n\n\"Hey now, no need for that! Just drop your weapons before you get yourself in any more trouble\" She said, seemingly calm." }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "Gabriel would show his hands are empty other than the book he has in his hand. He would then slowly reach down to his pocket putting his hand in it to tap a button on his phone and to draw out a coin to mask it as he approaches the lady.\n\n\"I don't know what your problem is right now lady, I am just trying to help these folks find God. If they don't want to find God I am also offering them protection from gangs, but that protection costs money to provide it\"\n\nHe starts spinning the coins through his fingers with rapid movements trying to keep himself calm as he knows he needs to talk his way out of this one for his own safety and for his squadmates safety as well." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "\"Back off, get in the ground, and drop your weapons\" She warned as she backed away from his advance, seeming to get nervous at the sign of Gabriel randomly playing with coins.\n\n\"...You realize forcing people to give you protection money is illegal, right?\" The woman said, giving a confused look to Gabriel.\n\n\"I'm not going to ask again\" She said, staring at the men standing beside him. The men looked as though they were debating internally what to do, shooting glances towards Gabriel all the while." }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "Gabriel would sign to them to put the Guns down but be on guard. The button he pressed on his phone was for his other members in his squadron to know that they may need help. Gabriel would keep spinning the coin in his hand and wait and try to buy time for them to move into the area on foot \n\n\"We aren't Forcing Them to give us it, they just are thankful for our protection and give us the money of their free will\" He looks at the lady he was extorting and smiles at her \n\n\"Your doing it of your own free will, Right?\" He doesn't have malice in his tone but from the history they should know it is a rhetorical question that will be punished if answered the wrong way." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "\"Huh. That was easy\" She said. The woman tilted her head as if listening to something. Moments later, after the guns dropped to the ground, she moved before the civilian could be questioned. The man who had shot at her earlier immediately received a strike to his leg, and then his head. He toppled over moments later.\n\n\"How nice of you to admit to committing a crime!\" She said in a cheery tone. She then moved towards Gabriel, trying to get close and swung a leg out, attempting to swipe his legs out from underneath him.\n\nThe civilian woman that was watching, and wasn't particularly involved up until this entire time, shut her door hard and ran into the building once the fighting started." } ]	146.5	947
286	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "It was a calm night. For once, no major crimes, nothing for the police scanners in any case. Of course not all catastrophes are perpetrated by crooks. Some disasters are just plain bad luck or circumstance. Such was the case for tonight, A smoking building in a place where the police response time to capes was abysmal was a death sentence.\n\nLuckily, There did Just so happen to be a few capes near by. It would first be Creepy-Crawly that happened upon the scene as the fire burst from an open window, the start of something terrible as A mother and her child hurriedly run out of the smoking apartment complex.\n\nAs her child cried, the mother desperately dialed emergency services. Others inside the building were beginning to wake or rouse to the smell and sight of the smoke in the halls, but not all would be so keen. Something needed to happen now if many were going to be saved." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "The bug-man of the slums catapulted off his perch on a nearby building, flying through the air as the droning of his wings temporarily overwhelms the sounds of the conflagration.\n\nWhile his Breaker form was useful for its increased durability, it did not give him any particular ability to locate people in burning buildings. Still, the bug-man flits from room to room, busting down doors when he can, but trying to avoid the worst of the blaze. His Breaker form could take much damage, but even he wasn't willing to test an extended period of burning apartment on his chitinous exoskeleton." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "The second cape...\n\nThough some were frightened, most did not protest the help, and were escorted out under his protection as the flames grew ravenous.\n\nCreepy-Crawley's incursions into the building began to rouse many other tenets, and worked in his favor as this saved many more civilians from being burnt to a crisp. He also began to see.. Something else moving through the halls. He'd likely heard of it as well, escorting the injured and endangered outside. A woman's figure flying in and out of the building.\n\nHe would witness her flying straight through doors and up collapsed stair ways. In one occasion, she kept one from collapsing, such that he could run down safely with the civie in his hands. She didn't speak, but their was a strange.. Purple glow to her as she exerted herself to keep the stair case up.\n\nNo time could be spent gawking though, even as the stairway finally collapsed on her, and her clothes finally became consumed in the blaze. People needed to be saved. The top levels were clear now, but the fire was quickly getting out of hand." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Creepy-Crawly takes note of his fellow Cape, making only brusque comments or statements in moments when the two meet.\n\n\"Be careful around the staircase on this side.\"\n\n\"There is a family heirloom in Unit 46. It would mean much to family if it survived.\"\n\nAs the staircase collapses on her, the bug-man throws pieces of flaming rubble off her body and lifting her up to her feet. \"Are you injured?\" \n\nAfter the top levels are cleared, Creepy-Crawly flies into the air, buzzing his wings as furiously as he can, giving everyone in the building (and surrounding area) a splitting headache.\n\n\"*RESIDENTS OF [ADDRESS]: EVACUATE NOW, IN AN ORDERLY MANNER.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "She manages to stand, Despite the weight of the burning wood slamming into her. Something he may have missed in the ensuing chaos was that.. She did not have skin. Nor a face. Her clothes still burned away as she heeded his warnings and requests, working tirelessly to retrieve anything he asked for. Not everything could be secured, but what she did manage to get, she got while double clearing the entire building.\n\nBy the time the last civilian managed out of the building, the fire department had arrived, and started to douse the building and it's surroundings, with dazed and pained denizens in the surrounding area watching a safe distance away. The woman, now clearly some kind of mannequin. She dropped off what she had and before he could stop her, she went in for another round.\n\nThough they'd shown up, the firemen and women's efforts were in vain, the building was collapsing. \n\nIt happened in... Fifteen minutes. It was so fast...\n\nChildren were crying, Parents consoled them while they tried to not think of all that they'd lost, and despite best efforts... There were still some calling out for loved ones. \n\nIt came down with a deafening fall, and the wreckage roared, swallowing up what ever was left inside." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "The Bug-man took shelter in the dust cloud, using the shadows of the cloud of debris to take stock of the people. He hurt to hear the children cry; it reminded all too much of Moscow, back all those years ago.\n\nHe knew what it was like to lose homes.\n\nOnce the dust clears, Creepy-Crawly goes to work, slinking through the smoldering remains of the rubble for signs of the mannequin. Was it a Tinker invention? Some kind of Case? Maybe a fellow Breaker?\n\nHis curiosity was peaked, and, if the mannequin didn't turn up, he could at least pry some pieces from the rubble that meant something to those families." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "His hurry was intense, on-lookers watched as he torn burning rubble up and out of the way in his path to turn up something of use, something or someone to save. It wasn't long before what firemen and women were there began to help him, working through and eventually dispelling the effects of his stranger power. He was acting like a hero after all.\n\nWith enough wood, ash, and stone shoveled out of the way, he would finally find her body, limp and lifeless, just a Doll. It was shielding a toddler from it all, her fiberglass frame preventing the heat or debris from harming the child." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "While it made him feel a little better when his digging inspired people to look for the tattered and scorched remains of their past lives, he couldn't help but feel that he wasn't meant to be here during these sweet moments of humanity coming together.\n\nHe was Creepy-Crawly, the bug-man of the Slums. He was a scary monster who moonlighted as a curmudgeonly plumber; hardly the type for folks to rally around or look to for inspiration. The sooner he could find the doll, the sooner he could find refuge in the shadows—\n\nHis compound eyes seem to widen ever so slightly as he spies the lifeless doll, her frame shielding the toddler. Creepy-Crawly immediately covers his face with his hand, to spare the child from becoming scared by his gruesome visage. He takes the lifeless doll and throws it over his shoulder before hopping away to the nearest civilian helping with the cleanup.\n\n\"There is a child over where I was digging; the doll shielded them from the flames, so I think they're ok. Comfort them, be the one to save them.\" He seems unsteady as he tries to deepen his voice, trying to shake off the lingering Russian accent that had stuck with him since his childhood.* \"Children don't deserve to have their saviors be giant bugs.\"\n\nWith that, Creepy-Crawly's wings begin to rapidly flutter into action, and, with a deep squat, he shoots like a rocket up into the New London sky. The doll's frame flaps against the exoskeleton as he does so, and he flies away, touching down in an alleyway a few blocks over. Once he's back in the shadows, he sets the doll down and begins to feel out the automaton's frame, searching for any hidden mechanics or Tinker-tech." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Murmurs of the crowd fade, cheers and heartfelt thanks drowned out by the sound of the still crackling wood and hazy smoke.\n\nSettled down in the alley, his inspection brights to light a few things. Firstly, if it was tinker tech, it would have been impossible for him to tell, the most technological thing about this doll was it's articulation, a nearly full range of motion for a doll like this, it would have been an artists dream, who knows how much it cost.\n\nNext was it's shape, damaged, heavily. The entire frame cracked in several places, and some of the fingers were missing. The back was hit the hardest, being about caved in and shattered to pieces, held together only by wire frame structure on the inside.\n\nOther than these facts, there was nothing on the body it's self that even identified it as belonging to any certain cape or group. No tech to hide.. It had to have been a master's work. It was a few moments after the investigation that it started to rouse again, The entire doll becoming enveloped in a nearly neon purple light before it slowly faded out to a barely noticeable layer over the body.\n\n\"_O... Ow..._\" The hollow, familiar voice grunted in pain" }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Creepy-Crawly tries to wedge a chitinous finger in the joints, but realizes quickly that the doll is on the verge of breaking. Money doesn't even cross his mind, although his first thought is bringing it home to fix up or repair; if it was Tinker-tech, it was better to keep it off the streets.\n\nCreepy-Crawly sets to work on mending the back, smashing aluminum cans into flattened pieces of metal and slowly patching the back together again. It looked as if the doll's back was sponsored by at least a hundred different soft drink and beer companies, but it wasn't on the verge of collapse anymore.\n\nAs soon as the purple light envelops the doll, the bug-man leaps backwards like a frightened animal before slinking into a deeper part of the shadow, watching and waiting for something to happen. As soon as he can hear the voice, his expression sours immediately... Before softening.\n\n\"I don't know how many lives you saved tonight.\" He says from the shadows, the gruff, slightly accented voice likely being familiar as well to the doll's Master. \"Didn't know it was you piloting that doll, but you stopped a kid from being crushed.\" He steps out of the shadows, towards the soft purple glow of the doll. \"The kid's alright now. Thanks to you.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"_Good, Thats all that-_\" She attempts to stand but, she stops as she hears the impossibly loud stretch and crush of the new alluminium back she'd been grafted with. Her head twisted on a swivel so un-natural, it wouldn't be out of place in a horror film, and then back again.\n\n\" _You repaired my back with soda cans?_\" Her voice did dully echo." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "\"If you stood without the aluminum reinforcing your doll's frame, you'd be looking up from the concrete by now.\" Creepy-Crawly says, bluntly. \"I'm good with my hands, but I only had what was available to me. Besides, I was planning on fixing your doll with actual materials once I made it home; you and I both agree that its a temporary solution.\"\n\nThe bug-man comes a little closer, the usual hunch that the Breaker exhibited while in his chitinous exoskeleton gone, revealing that the Cape stood at a staggering nine feet tall. Creepy-Crawly crosses his arms, looking down at the doll with a non-plussed look on his face.\n\n\"Only thing that doesn't make sense to me about all this is why you decided to do what you did tonight. Last I saw you, you were tearing up a city block and causing a shootout with the cops. Explain to me why you can do both of these things and not see a contradiction in intent.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "She shrugged off the oddity of the repair for the reasonability of his words. Which only become more reasonable the more he spoke, leaving her in a bit of a puzzling situation. She'd never had to defend her position before in any serious matter, and yet here was this hulking mass of bug standing between her and retrieving her... Broken doll.\n\nAt least it wasn't the _real_ one.\n\nStill she indulged him. \"_It is a harsh contradiction I won't argue that it isn't. The thing is I have a certain set of abilities no one else has, granted to me by way of the worst possible set of circumstance, I have ever experienced. So I make my fun. That's the Poppet part. That's high speed chases, armed robberies, or just general havoc. I try not to hurt anyone, just the heros, and even then I don't try to seriously injure or kill them. It's just a game, a show maybe for those on the sidelines, fun._\"\n\nThe doll's face was as featureless as it was fractured, but the tone in her voice was not quite as deadpan, she spoke with this strange yearning that rang so sickly in her explanation, a horrendous mix of melancholy and joy. Now, it got serious, it dropped like a rock in tone, and while there was a hint of somber satisfaction, for the most part it was horror.\n\n\"_This part. This part is no fun. It's just what needs to be done. Minimize death, save who ever and what ever I can because by my very nature, I am the best for the job. I'm expendable, I serve no greater risk, and others stand to reclaim so much with my help. I don't know what you would call it. Maybe at some point, it was the fantasy I always wanted, but. Now it's just gruesome, but it still has to be done._\"\n\nShe rested her hands now on her hips, lifting her head up to face his own a little shaky given she was still a little scared of what he would do, knowing any of this. \"_ Hero I fought recently told me I could do so much good with my power, and it got to me. I do good. I don't need to be recognized for it. I don't want to be. Doing good should just be what's expected. What I think he really wanted to sway me with was attention. But when I want attention, I put on a mask, I call myself a princess, and I become a villain. Heros, don't wear capes._\"\n\nThough her voice wavered, faltered in places because she'd just never put her ideas out into the world like this before, Not all of it was succinct or refined, and she was so scared of her little way of life being blown away like a house of card... There was still a strong sense of soul in her words. She believed in part of if not most of what she was saying. Were it due to previous experience, or personal bias, was still a mystery." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Creepy-Crawly, at first, seems on the verge of exploding at Poppet. The entitlement to a good time at the expense of others infuriated the bug-man, and as he was about to open his maw and spit forth various invectives or demean the villainous Cape...\n\n...He decides to keep listening, just long enough to hear about her heroics. 'This part is no fun' nearly causes him to snap again, but something about 'heroes, don't wear capes' causes him to take pause. In a way, she's halfway to what he considers the ideal for Capes, Heroes or Villains.\n\nHe exhales before walking towards the entrance of the alleyway, gesturing for her to follow. Once at the entrance, he gestures out to the street outside, empty save for an occasional car passing by. \"Any one of these buildings could go up in flames right now, just like the one we both went through to save lives. All it takes is a stray surge of electricity, a leaky pipe dripping onto the wrong electronic device, even a candle left on too long. I say this because it shows that people live precarious lives here. Because we can't afford much better, we're stuck living on a tinderbox, which can explode at any moment.\"\n\nHe looks back to Poppet before pointing at the street. \"When you used your powers to tear up that road, buses couldn't use any routes that use that street for months. People that needed the certainty of that route could lose their jobs, or lose the ability to go to a good school. When you initiated a shootout, a stray bullet could shatter glass, or strike a civilian. We're both Capes: fucked up shit *Had* To happen to us to get where we are now, but that doesn't give us an excuse to ruin someone else's life because of misfortune in our own.\"\n\nHe looks back to his fellow Cape before crossing his arms again. \"...Now that's been said, you showed that you also understand what it means to help people. You're g-ddamn right that if people want to be Heroes, you don't wear a Cape. Thing is, to be a Hero, you have to buy into that same theatrical crap that hurts people's lives around you. Be a Rogue, if you want to help people. Its not fun, but if you want to do good, its best to do it from the shadows. If you're interested in doing what's right, then you can stand to be a little more humble. Not just you, every powered up idiot flying around town thinking they're a Hero can do well by that.\"\n\nHis expression softens, if it was possible given his horrifying visage in his Breaker form. \"If you're serious about being a hero, then stop being a Princess. I called you a child when we met last, but I won't hesitate to say it again if you Still Choose to cause trouble for innocent folks when you've proven to me that you know better.\" He sounds a little patronizing, but its spoken with the world-weariness of an older parent, showing that, despite his own bitterness and cynicism, he was still trying his best to do what was right." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "The battered doll stood there, soaking in his words like a well worn sponge- She got it, some of it, anyways. As her time as Poppet, Suzanne hadn't really seen or thought of the consequences of every little thing she did. She understood the big stuff was out of the question, she knew she wanted to hurt the people who could take it, over those who couldn't, but it didn't occur to her that so much could be caught in the cross fire that she couldn't see.\n\nEven still, There was still the half of it _he_ wasn't seeing, or perhaps he wanted to believe was her MO. It was and it wasn't. The cape's feelings were complicated on this subject, feelings still left behind from losing her sister and being so disrespected and mistreated by her mother ruined her. Stole what time she had left with the only person who didn't just tolerate her, who loved her for so much more, who cared about her before she ever had powers. The coincidence of her powers manifesting in such a way, that she could take advantage of the gift her father gave her, as strange and as twisted as it was to see her again...\n\nShe would only wish it one other way, and that was never going to happen.\n\nSo slowly, she shook her head and And that barely noticeable glow to her grew a bit brighter and she lifted off the ground in preparation to fly away. \"_I have to thank you for the talk, I really do. It's eye-opening, but I still have to Have My fun. Maybe I'll lie low as poppet until I can turn some data and find better ways of playing around with the heros that doesn't involve so much collateral. I know it's not the compromise you're probably hoping for, and you're right when you say I know better. Guess that makes me a dumb, dangerous kid._\"\n\nSuzanne's posture was stiff and stilted, trying to not bust the repair he made for one, and a little too shaken to move naturally for two. She let a gentle sigh go as she drifted up, using her arms to balance herself. \"_As for what happened today? I appreciate the offer for repair, despite it probably not being on the table anymore, and.. If you ever need help and I'm in the area, I'll do what I can. I just. I just can't stop being poppet, at least right now. I'm not strong enough for it, I don't know if I ever will be._\"\n\nShe didn't stick around after her final words, Zipping into the cloudy sky which was growing darker by the second, drops of rain starting to sprinkle down and pelt the hard carapace of his breaker form." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "The bug-man's face doesn't really soften (it can't, physically), but his tone does seem to be more gentle. Disappointed, but gentle. \n\n\"Just think about what I say, try and make a change where you can. I'll see if the next time you have your fun if you're a dumb, dangerous kid, or not. The choice is, ultimately, your's to make.\"\n\nAs she lifts up further into the air, Kurt crosses his arms, nodding. \"The offer is still on the table. There is a heart deep down in that doll, even if you make less than ideal choices. If you ever get yourself into too much of a jam... I'll try and break things up, if I'm around. Can't guarentee you'll walk away without a stern lecture, but that's my promise to you. As a thanks for listening to a bitter old man.\" \n\nAs Poppet flies away, he steps back into the deep shadows, shifting out of his Breaker form and starting the walk home, grumbling about fires, and the rain, and bad electricians' work." } ]	231.5	4,576
224.5	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "It was a short ride, but it was still night when they returned. Kurt and Annabelle arrived just in time for the street lights to kick on. She cut the engine to the bike and set out the kickstand.\n\n\"Casa de davidson. It's not much, but near middle of the night, it's the best your paranoid ass is gonna get. Head inside and make yourself comfortable, I've got to put my ride away.\"\n\nShe threw her leg over one side as she finished speaking, taking her helmet off and shaking her hair out of her face in the cold night air." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt clings to the back of the motorcycle, not so much hanging on for dear life as he is restless to get back into the city. Back into the shadows. He steps off the bike, lugging with him all of his camping gear in a bulging, over-large hiking backpack. It looks on the verge of bursting as he dons it, dark eyes shifting around in the dark and scowling.\n\nAs soon as he's inside, he's gotten to work, rifling through the backpack to find a shaving kit. Almost as soon as Annabelle reenters, the beard is being buzzed off by an electric razor, and Kurt's looks clean shaven for the first time in a very long time. \n\n\"Thank you for taking me in for the night. My own apartment is likely long broken into. I would be lucky if I still had a TV in there.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Annabelle's home was rather cozy for something in the slums. The living room was small, old dingy carpet flooring with tacky vintage wallpaper. The kind one might expect to see on bet or aleph. They really used what ever they could get their hands on to make homes for the earth omega residents, so it wasn't surprising old materials like that were plastered up.\n\n A cheap leather couch was sat up against the left wall, a surprisingly sturdy bookshelf, full to the brim with books, was squeezed between it and the edge of the window that looked out into the yard. To the other side, on a plastic drawer was a wireframe lamp that plugged into a nearby power strip, the drawer it's self filled with odds and ends. In front of the couch was a square coffee table with a stained glass insert for the middle, and space underneath littered with magazines and phonebook. There was a big box TV that was against the opposite wall on top of a media center that housed an old betamax player, a cheap DVD player, as well as the cable box.\n\nThe ajoining kitchen and wash area were relatively small as well, being somwhat bundled together. Washer and dryer units on one end, and kitchen on the other, a dining table in the middle with two chairs. The counter top had most everything you'd expect to find in a kitchen save for one item out of place, A photo, picturing Annabelle and another girl sitting together in what looked to be the now overgrown playground, though it didn't seem so bleak in the photo.\n\nIn the middle of both the kitchen and the living room was a hallway, that lead to three doors, one was almost certainly her room, but another was the bathroom that kurt (hopefully) used to shave in, with the third and final door being a linen closet, filled with towels, rags, sheets, and an extra blanket for colder months like this.\n\nAs annabelle walked in, she strode over towards the tv and pulled the remote sitting on the top, tossing it towards kurt for him to catch. \"If it's anything like any other parahuman's home after Christmas, you've got a mess and five kay in pounds just sitting in your living room. Wouldn't worry about it too much\" She replied to him, dropping her helmet and jacket on the floor next to the door, and striding towards the kitchen next to fix herself something to _drink_. \"I'll grab you a blanket in a minute, but while I still have you awake, I wanna talk strategy.\"" }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "As Kurt finishes up, he puts away the shaving kit and grabs a broom and dustpan, cleaning up after himself. As he goes to dump the hair into the trashcan, he pauses, taking a moment to look at the photo of Annabelle and the girl at the playground. 'Was she the one that Annabelle was asking about?' He thinks. \n\nHe sheds his heavy winter clothes, rubbing his hands together for warmth as he adapts to indoor living once more. He continues looking around, almost marveling at Annabelle's place. His apartment in the heart of the slums was downright spartan, and what little amenities he had were likely gone now.\n\nHe looks over at Annabelle, frowning. \"I'm not like other Capes. Christmas to me is the same thing as any other day of the year: no mess, no 5k in pounds lying around. Although they probably found where I stash my cash, regardless.\" He says, grumbling.\n\nHe catches the remote, looking it over before sitting down on the couch. \"Yes, fine. Strategy talk.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Two things pulled from the cupboards, A brand name tequila, another a tall glass. Annabelle poured tequila to about a quarter full and put it back. \"This shapeshifter is bad news, we've already discussed that, they have your face. We don't know much else about them I suppose, but that doesn't mean we can't learn more, or turn what we do know against them\"\n\nShe swung the fridge door open and quickly plucked two more things. First, ice, second, Mango juice. She tossed both into the glass and gaver it a good twirl around before taking a sip, not even bothering to put the bottle of juice back in the fridge. \"I can alert my... Team... About this shapeshifter, devise a way to pull their attention and get more information, or we can just out their existence on those online forums you don't understand, PHO... The thing is, if we did the latter, she'd undoubtedly going to be more on edge, may even retaliate... Either way, I think we stand to gain more by chancing another encounter with her.\"\n\nOne more sip of her drink, it went down smooth, she didn't even flinch at the bite of the alcohol, leaning against the counter and resting her head on the palm of one of her hands. \"I'm not asking you to do it yourself, but we're going up against a stranger, We need as much information as we can get. That reminds me, once we deal with this... You're still going to need a mapping of the slums inner systems, aren't you?\" Her lips curled into a slight, sly smile." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt goes over to the cupboard, looking for any liquor he might be interested in. \"My thought was using me as bait. If she has these pictures and hasn't circulated them yet, then my reappearance will give her reason to want to either blackmail me or make a move. Either way, you and your friends can catch her in the act. Go for her phone, destroy it, or steal it.\"\n\nHe pauses as Annabelle smiles, referencing his original reason for partnering with her in the first place. He blinks, and then nods. \"Yes, I would like that. You would benefit from such a map as well.\"\n\nHe then crosses his arms, less cross as he is remembering something. \"I still owe you help on that girl, too. The one you were looking for.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "There's a small selection, she's a woman of very particular tastes. Luckily, Hundred proof vodka is among them. There's also half bottle of apple whiskey.\n\nAnnabelle winced at the mention, Her eyes drifting to the same photo on the counter. Painful memories. She stood a little straighter as she slammed back almost half her glass and let it clink against the fake wood. She tried to speak, but with her mouth left agape for half a minute, she clearly couldn't find the words. A sigh dropped from her lips as she tried to recover.\n\n\"One thing at a time. We have options, and I have ideas. Using you as bait is too risky. We still don't know how their power works exactly, you said shapeshifter, but I don't think it's that simple. Never is, isn't it? I'll position my self, alone or with a partner, and get an encounter with them before we throw you out there to grab their attention. It's a good plan I think, just need to be careful they don't get away with more than they already have.\"" }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt immediately reaches for the vodka, praising the bottle in Russian before pouring it into a shotglass. No whiskey for this lost son of Russia: just the drink of his faraway home. As he pours it out, he looks up at Annabelle, and while his gruff demeanour remains, he clearly feels some guilt for having phrased his words poorly. \n\n\"We'll get to her when we can, Solnyshko. For right now, you're right: focus on the shapeshifter.\"\n\nHis scowl returns as he slams back the vodka, shivering at the drink. \"I'm the perfect bait. She hasn't released these photos yet; if she sees I'm back, that makes it all the more likely she'll remember she even has them. She'll either try shopping them around, or she'll try blackmailing me directly. She knows what I'm weak against too... Could be all the more reason to try and scare me face-to-face. As for how her powers work, my headache... Thingy seems to break her concentration over her disguise. If I didn't stop beating my wings, she'd have turned back into her normal form. Problem is that she'll know what to listen for next time... Which means we either do your plan, hiding me away until the last second and overwhelm her... Or give her false confidence.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Annabelle flipped around, grabbing her glass again and swirling the last of her drink inside, gazing at it hypnotically. When she stopped, and the vortex she'd created came to a calm wave, her eyes were staring at him through the glass. One, last, swig. Her cup clinked against the counter again. \" How about we do this. A coin flip.\"\n\nAnna prdocudes a coin from her skirt pocket.. Skirt.. Pants... Skants? It was a strange combo of the two categories of clothing, it looked natural actually if you didn't focus on it. In any case, the coin she produced was an old Canadian loonie. Held, almost no value today except for its novelty. On oneside, an image of the old queen of england, the other was of a loon, hence the name. \n\n\" Heads, I convince my team to gather Intel on this shape-shifter, and we use the knowledge to adapt a plan. Tails, we go with yours, and use you as bait to catch her in the act. Sound good to you?\"" }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt frowns down at the loonie, memories of a fallen Earth coming back to him. He still remembered his first trip to Canada, how silly the whole idea sounded that the people up there used 'loons' to buy things. Now, it was a relic, a memento of a country and people that don't exist anymore. Even the silliness of the loon is tainted by the undescribeble tragedy of Gold Morning.\n\n\"Fine.\" He says, before his expression softens somewhat. \"I don't mean to clash with you, kid. I want to be a good teammate, and I'll respect what the coin says. Just... If this shapeshifter really is dangerous, I'd rather put myself up front to take them on then potentially endanger others.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "A Soft, barely noticeable smile graced her face as she flicked the coin with her fingers, watching it tumble through the air. Was there a pang of sorrow in her heart as she watched it's sides flip? Heads, tails, heads, tails... Perhaps there was, She'd used to be a Canadian, Mexican-Canadian, but she lived in the bitter cold of the north, and while the winters here got cold. They've never reminded her of home.\n\nBut she was a New Londoner now, and so was he. They had a home as unlikely as it had seemed all those years ago when that golden man blew them all away. The years they spent just crawling back to their feet, only to land straight in the same muddy waters.\n\nAnna's hand swiped for the coin but she missed as it hit the counter and sputtered out of its spin to land... On Heads.\n\nShe toyed with the ice in her empty glass now as she tired to play off her fumble, and looked between him and the coin. \"So... I guess that settles it then, huh? Let me give my friends a message, and figure it out. You?\" She stood straight and waltzed past him to the sink, dumping out her glass and rinsing it off. \"Enjoy your vodka, Kurt\" Despite the dark circles around her eyes, and the half lulled gaze, She smiled with a warmth and emotion to her that wasn't something she showed often. It was like the smile she had in the photo, only more.. Hindered." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt looks at the coin spin, and then at Annabelle as the coin tumbles onto the table, her attempt at catching the loon not changing the result. If anything, Kurt is a man of his word, and so he nods, raising his empty glass in a half-toast.\n\n\"Lady Luck's chose your plan. Let's hope she's a better decision maker than you are catcher.\" He says, chuckling in his throat. The sound is halfway between a wheeze, a cough, and a laugh. \n\nAnnabelle smiling causes the cynical Cape to take genuine pause. \"Hey, uhh... Kid? You alright, Solnysko?\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Annabelle's back was turned to him, she'd started on washing the rest of the dishes in the sink. Looking at her now, for the first time without a purpose, just to be in her presence as a friend, Kurt could notice the small things about her that told a story. Her hair was a little ratty, unwashed. Those circles around her eyes were from a lack of sleep, and it showed in how she forced her body to move, it wasn't smooth. Her posture was stiff, unrelaxed.\n\nAll things telling of a woman who didn't know rest, wouldn't, for a reason she didn't seem ready to explain, with her lack of response surely saying as much, without explicitly using words. \n\nAnd this was her at a point where she was beginning to look more like some past version of herself, without all the stress and problems weighing on her head, if that photo was anything to go by. Just how worse did she look before? When she confronted him at the library, or even back during their first meeting in the alley way? What was she like before they met?\n\nThe rush of the water was cut with a squeaky turn of the faucet knob, and the steam rising from the sink mostly faded. Her red hands gripped at the edge of the sink and she leaned in with a sigh, realizing he might not leave her be without at least some kind of confirmation, a disarming way of telling him that she had it together, for now.\n\n\"-Yeah\" She whispered, curtly. \"I'll be fine, things get clearer everyday, right?\"" }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt scans her body language, noticing the little things about her appearance. If this is how she looked when she was happy, Kurt reckons, what did she look like when times were tough? 'And here I thought I had it bad,' the grouchy Cape thinks.\n\nKurt nods at Annabelle's curt whisper, her attempt at disarming him. He raises an eyebrow... But he knows well enough to not push it. If that's what she wanted to tell him, then that's all she'd be willing to tell him. Best not to push it, he thinks.\n\n\"Things get clearer, sure... Just make sure you're lookin' out the right window.\" He says, swirling his empty glass around slightly. \"Otherwise, if you don't, you'll either see the world too well... Not well enough.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"Everything is like crystal to me\" Annabelle deflected. She finally let go of the breath she was holding on, grabbing one of the freshly cleaned glasses, and filling it with tap water, carrying it with her past Kurt and headed towards the hall and her bedroom. Anna halted just at the entrance way to the hall and turned back to look at Kurt still in the kitchen.\n\n\"If\" She started, eyes darting between him and the ground, her hands cautiously, sheepishly wraping around the glass of water in her hands \"Want to help me... Still. The information I wanted to get, for the both of us... I'm sure that the _Songbirds_ have it. I plan on contacting them.\"" }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Both eyebrows go up at the invocation of the Songbirds. One of the most notorious cape groups in New London... And they were going to seek them out.\n\n\"Songbirds won't give up that info for free. They may be lunatics, but they're smart lunatics. They'll want something from you... What are you prepared to give up for that information?\"\n\nKurt pours himself another glass, eyes watching the vodka flow from the glass bottle to the glass cup.\n\n\"I want to help you... But we have to be honest with each other. The 'birds might make us do something we both consider beyond the pale.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Annabelle fell silent, defeated by the truth of his words, filled by the despair they held. She wasn't even sure if she could bring herself to take a sip of her water, she was so sick of the thought. She turned to continue to her bedroom, leaving Kurt with a last few remarks before turning in for the night\n\n\"I'll try to find alternatives but, we... I'm not exactly a hero, Kurt. When it comes down to it, I'll do what ever it takes... Not just for her, but you too. _Buenos noches, kurt._\" The sound of her door clicking shut soon followed as she disappeared into the darkness of the hall. Though, Annabelle stuck close to her door, waiting for Kurt's retort, if any." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt waits a minute before following Annabelle up to her room, leaning against the wall as he listens to her.\n\n\"We have to stop thinking in terms of 'hero' or 'villain'. We're people, with powers the likes of which are beyond the imagination of most people. And people... Sometimes make choices that are unthinkable. That can be unforgivable. I'll do what I can to help, but if they ask me to kill or otherwise hurt someone innocent... I may not value being a hero, but I value my integrity. Sometimes, I think it's the one thing I can hold onto above all else...\"\n\nHe sighs, before knocking lightly on the door.\n\n\"Can I see your face for a second?\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Surprisingly, she cracked the door open, just enough to stick her lightly pudgy face through with a bit of a pout. Same as before, her face told of countless sleepless nights, hours and hours spent on pouring over books, news papers, whatever she could get her hands on, Stress from always listening, from always keeping a keen eye open.\n\nAnd somehow, with her brows knit together and her face contorted and squished, comically pouting... She didn't look like a killer. There were stories of how she'd saved the triage center during the behemoth attack, the small acts of heroism she'd commited to, and her own moral standing she'd shown to him rather plainly in good faith. If she ever did kill...\n\nIt'd be a terrible day." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "His face clouds with anger for a moment as the raspberry hits him, and he seems about to explode...\n\nBefore he blows a raspberry right back.\n\nThe Bug-man cracks the slightest smile, and Annabelle can almost see the man he was, once. His smile was once bright, and its light shines out in the small crack in his worn, stern facade. \n\n\"Now I am satisfied.\"\n\nKurt nods at Annabelle's puffy face, his own cast in stark relief up close. His eyes are dark, not with age or anger, but from stress and grief. He was in his early 30s, yet looked for all the world like he was easily a decade or two older. He certainly acted like it, with his paternal attitudes and curmudgeonly nature. But, beneath it all, is concern. Base, human empathy and care, something which wasn't often expressed on the Bug-man's face.\n\nAnnabelle knew his story; he'd told it to her himself, after all. A tired man, mourning the follies of two worlds and thrust into a role he despised and never wanted. Yet, despite it all, he persisted. Like a stubborn old bug. Even if he never wanted this responsibility, with the prospect of doing the dirty work of one of the most dangerous and immoral gangs in the city alongside a team of Capes, he was damn sure going to give it his best try.\n\n\"Good night, Solnysko.\"\n\nWith that, he turns around, and starts to walk down the hallway, back downstairs towards the couch." } ]	177	4,490
178.647059	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Ten o'clock in the morning, Annabelle Davidson is barely woken up, towel wrapped around her head from her shower, a 'Eagles' tee-shirt two sizes too big barely hanging on her, a baggy pair of black sweatpants thrown on to cover the rest. Her feet dug into the carpet a bit as she walked through the hall towards the kitchen.\n\nShe eyed the photo sat on the counter, and her thoughts of Sophia couldn't be quelled. That familiar pang of anger, longing, and melancholy, striking her as clear as the light from the sun that poured in from the kitchen window above the sink. \n\nAnnabelle had yet to tell Kurt that she'd hired someone in the mean time to try and find her, and the more time that passed, the less results showed themselves, the harder it became to tell him. She was afraid of what he'd think of her rashly throwing money at a problem she'd been chasing solutions for since she started using her powers. She might as well have run into the wilderness like he had- though when he'd done it then, it had still made some kind of sense.\n\nHer head hung as she come to rest her elbows over the sink. '_Damn it_' She thought to herself. '_I just want to know she's still alive, right now._'" }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Annabelle can hear the sound of sneakers behind her on the linoleum of the kitchen. Kurt was well awake by ten in the morning (as Annabelle would now know from him living with her for so long, the crotchedy Cape was not much of a sleeper), and dressed in a ratty t-shirt and shorts. He squeezes past Annabelle to throw open a window, letting fresh air and the breeze waft inside. \n\n\"Early birds get worms, Solnyshko. We are getting some food, and you will enjoy it.\" \n\nHe grumbles in his usual, gravelly voice, and he gently shakes Annabelle's shoulders. \"Come, come: moping is a bad use for this morning. This should be a good day, not one where you lounge around in sweatpants and become stuck in doubt.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "She couldn't help but gasp a little at the shake, then fell into a giggle as it continued, turning up to face him with a half hearted smile. Solnyshko. The nickname had grown on her quiet well, more so after she learned what it meant. For a man who couldn't come up with something better than 'Creepy-Crawly', he'd picked something apt for her. Living with Kurt had done well for her in other ways as well. A few months ago, she might have blown off the same gesture, shrugged him off and mired in the dark of her room's black out curtains.\n\nNow, however, when the rush of fresh air (or as fresh as it could get here in the slums) hit her, the smile came easier to her. She pulled the towel free from her head, letting her half dried hair fall around her face, and tossed it at him. \"Not moping, just thinking\" She lied, both to him and herself.\n\nStill, Annabelle took his advice, turning around and past him to go get dressed into something street-proper. When she emerged again from the room, she still wore that shirt, now with a bra underneath, and a pair of faded black denim jeans and her usual boots to pair with it. Her lips filled out with a dark purple color and black, smoky eyeshadow and dark liner finished her look. Goth casual.\n\n\"Where did _you_ have in mind, Kurt?\" She said with equal parts Snide and Curiosity." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt stands in the doorway, crossing his arms. He's not frowning or scowling, but his face doesn't tend to be graced with smiles, even in happier moments like this one. \n\n\"A burger joint a few blocks over. You can get some food, something sweet, and help take your mind off your troubles.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Anna's breath fell as she walked towards the door, pulling the keys from her pocket. \" I suppose... I wouldn't mind a break.\" She waiting for Kurt to follow behind, opening the door and turning the handle lock with the keys. \"Lead the way friend, I'm hungrier than I look.\"\n\nShe examined him in much the same way he tended to with her. It was a change she noticed in him, same as she had- he may not smile, but in the way his resting face seemed less... Molded by annoyance and anger, it spoke to how relaxed he could be now around her." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt walks with Annabelle over to a building designed to intentionally look like a mid-century American diner, complete with red-and-white tiling on the outside and a small neon sign saying 'Open! Come on in!' hanging in the window. \n\nOnce inside, Kurt gets the two a booth, easing into his and reclining in the booth. He exhales as he closes his eyes, remembering the diners from his old world as he takes in the smells and sounds. \n\n\"Buy what you like. Its on me today, Solnyshko.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Annabelle couldn't stop the way her face lit up with the warmth from her heart when she heard his gruff voice slip that sweet nickname. It sort of reminded her of.. Him. Nostalgic memories of her father calling her his _Little Star_. She used the laminated menu on the table of the booth to hide her face as she made her selections. As the waiter come by to take their orders, she thought about how it was a funny coincidence that the two endearments were so similar. Like she was destined to be this.. Celestial figure, almost.\n\nEven more coincidental was how much it certainly seemed like A higher-middle aged slavic man was taking his goth hispanic daughter to lunch. Sweet? Eerie? She wasn't sure how to feel about it, so she instead let the worries drift away and scoot a little closer to kurt for the comfort of having a figure like that in her life again. Perhaps that's why she could be pulled so easily away from the same depression she often found herself mired in these mornings. Kurt was stabilizing, not like her father had been, it was different, he was certainly more bossy, but in the way your parent tells you not to eat a plastic toy because they don't want to see you start to choke.\n\nOutside of Cape work, Annabelle has isolated her self for a long while, and now this Russian man was her only confidant. One she needed, she recognized. One she liked having.\n\nWhen the food arrived, Annabelle was surprisingly ravenous, picking her burger up first and taking a sizeable chunk out of it, bits of lettuce and tomato falling to the plate below and the juices soaking a bit into her fries. She didn't care how she looked chowing down." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt isn't picky about how Annabelle eats, picking at the fries he ordered and dunking them in fry sauce. He watches Annabelle scootch next to him a little closer, and while an eyebrow does go up at the gesture, he doesn't stop her from getting closer. He sighs, putting his arms up on the top of the booth, relaxing. \n\n\"I didn't realize until I came to America how much greasy food can do for the soul. Now, I'm basically a burger evangelist. Most problems in life—\" He says, holding up a fry \"—can be solved with a little bit of grease and salt.\" He pops the fry into his mouth, chuckling." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Annabelle choked down her bite before speaking \"_itsofriggin'good_\" Another bite followed, smaller this time, she finished it quick to speak. \"Mm, rare to see you like this. I guess good food brings out the best in anyone.\"\n\nOne more bite. And another. Before she realized it the burger was gone, and her fries were next. \" Fhan youh\" She managed to mutter out, nudging him with her shoulder as she ate. Something bugged her while she ate though, and she paused long enough to swallow what she had and swivel her self to face him directly\n\n\" Wait.. You were in America? Like, before Scion attacked I mean.\" She let her eyes rest on him, squinting and tilting her head at an angle as she continued \"Maybe I had missed it when you mentioned it before, but for some reason I thought you were in Russia when scion attacked... I know you mentioned behemoth before in regards to your home town.\"" }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt nods, munching on a fry while Annabelle tears into her own fries.\n\n\"It's like I said: grease and salt solve all—\"\n\nHe frowns at the invocation of Scion, but it's more that he was off guard by the mention of his name than annoyance at Annabelle.\n\n\"I was born in Russia, but I spent most of my life in Denver. I was in New York when Gold Morning hit my world. I know, the accent makes it seem like I stuck around longer, but I've never been able to shake it.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"Aah.. I see. It's feels strange now to think about those times, almost eleven years ago, when the golden god became our golden dipshit.\" She slowly took the next few bites of her fries, almost as if she had personally took a rocket launcher to her hungry. That or, the burger finally hit her stomach. One of the two.\n\n\"I... Used to have favorites, growing up. I had an Alexandria poster on my wall, a mock Alexandria helmet, a figurine even if you could believe it. Then it came out she was heading the PRT in her secret identity.. Well, more really when she _died_. I Fell out of really caring about cape stuff as an.. Interest. My dad became my hero after that.\n\nI was in that same attack that hit the eastern seaboard, in canada. My dad was home... Surprisingly fast, and wrapped me up in his arms before the beam eviscerated us.\"" }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt listens intently, not touching his fries and sliding her the rest. \n\n\"You know my opinion on Capes, but... Your father was a Cape? What—which one was he?\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Annabelle happily took the fires, his gesture of kindness reigniting that small beast inside her that carved the heart disease sticks. \n\n\"Oh my father wasn't a cape\" She said, not quite without thinking. \" He was just my... My.\" Her mind race once she had to clarify what her father was to her, and she thought back to all the little things... How many of them soon seemed impossible to her now. Without. Without some kind of speed, beyond what he should have been capable of.\n\n\"....Holy shit. My dad was a cape.\" The realization hit her when she went to go put another handful of fries in her mouth. Her purple stained fingers fell back down to the fry basket and she held her head with her other hand as she tried not to lose her mind at the revelation.\n\n\"All these years, he was a cape and I didn't know... He.. He had to be local yeah.. What.. What cape would he..\" Anna trailed off, that intense look of thought on her face the same as when she was trying to puzzle out strategies and and tactics for capeside work. That same critical thinking part of her brain she overworked more often than not. Harder still, now that the ones she was contemplating were dead, and all she had at the moment without research, were the memories she had locked up in her head." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt's brow furrows at her sudden realization, and he places a hand on Annabelle's shoulders.\n\n\"Solnyshko?\" He says, quietly. \"We both walk with ghosts besides us in our lives. Let this morning be one where we just walk with each other, OK? The past will have it's chance... But let us enjoy our time in the present.\"\n\nHe offers up Annabelle another fry, nodding. \"Try it with the sauce. It makes it taste better.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "The fry is. A little stale, by this point, but the sauce redeems it with it's own burst of flavor, likely equally not as good for the body, but just well enough for the soul. \n\nThe meal is good. Better is the company. All together, it creates an experience that doesn't sit in the shadows of another, but makes its own impressions. Anna ate the last of fries before her and started to wash everything down with the sweet tea she ordered... Never as sweet as she wanted, in these new London restaurants, but it will do.\n\n\"I think it's good with the sauce\" She started, taking a finger and dipping it in for one more taste \"Mmm... _Mi Carnal_, I'm good with leaving the past behind today, but you could still do with some more personal affects if you're going to live at my place. We should stop by your place and grab what evers left, pick up old mail too, yeah?\"\n\nShe took a sip at her drink, not quite smiling but the hint of a smirk on her face as she waited for his response. \"Plus, I could use the walk. It is a nice morning.\"" }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt nods, standing up and paying the bill before requesting a small carry size container of the fry sauce. Once he stashes it in a plastic bag, he goes back over to Annabelle, smiling ever so slightly. \"What does that mean? 'Mi... Mi car—carnal'? Am I saying that right?\" He chuckles, shaking his head. \"Three languages, and I'm rotten at picking up a fourth.\"\n\nHe nods, looking outside. \"A nice morning, indeed. Old London wasn't known for its good weather, but this one has its moments of livability.\" He looks back at her, a little curious look on his face. \n\n\"You were a child when you came to this world. How much did you know of your old world? Not to get into painful memories... But I was old enough to remember what the world looked like, at least in mine.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"It means you're my bro\" She shrugged with a smile, taking her drink with her as she left the booth and headed for the door. \"Seemed fitting. As for life before the end?.. I can indulge you on the way. Whatever you want to know.\"\n\nShe walked through, pushing the glass door to the restaurant open, and letting the soft summer breeze blow past them on their way out.\n\n= To be continued =" } ]	175	3,037
188.2	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "ksa243", "message": "Tremor Titan, concealed in his dark and sleek costume, made his way down a dimly lit street nestled within the slums. Mindful of his surroundings, he navigated the shadows, strategically maneuvering through alleyways and weaving down dark corridors. The fabric of his costume aided his stealth, allowing him to blend seamlessly with the obscurity of his environment. With each step, the sound of his movements was subtly altered by his power, transforming his footsteps into whispers resembling the rustling of paper carried by the wind.\n\nCurious onlookers might ponder the reasons behind Tremor Titan's nocturnal stroll and his affinity for the shadows. The answer was straightforward, albeit unconventional—TT was on a mission to confront and dismantle a group of drug dealers. He relished the challenge that lay ahead, fully aware that it wouldn't be a straightforward task. However, the prospect of adversity only fueled his determination. He craved a worthy opponent, and he was prepared to face the inevitable obstacles that awaited him.\n\nBut TT was no fool. He recognized the importance of reconnaissance before launching his attack. As he neared the vicinity of the gang's hideout, he detected signs of patrols lurking the streets. Embracing his powers to their fullest extent, he intensified his ability to perceive vibrations. The world around him became a symphony of subtle tremors, allowing him to glean insights into his power's capacity to sense and interpret the subtlest movements in his environment." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "That night there happened to be a full moon shining down on the city. Despite this, Kristof went relatively unnoticed with his incredibly dark costume. The only real attention he received was an occasional driver glancing in his direction. As he continued to walk towards what he expected was a gang hideout, he started to see more and more gang tags on the sides of buildings as the buildings became more and more run-down.\n\nThe tags were all of the same thing - a large bleeding eye that was staring straight at whoever passed.\n\nUp until that point, Kristof's ability to have enhanced perception didn't provide much useful information. Mostly it was just the sound of snoring, TV, and music that would continually enter his range. Eventually they his target came into view - a building that looked particularly destroyed, even for the standards of the area. It was two stories tall, and clearly built with the idea of function over form. A body sized hole was in the wall right next to the door, making it even easier to hear inside.\n\n It sounded as though two men were playing video games on the first floor.\n\n\"—Hati right?\" The first one spoke.\n\n\"Nah, bitch is creepy as fuck. Nice tits though\" The second replied. A moment later the sound of an explosion came from the TV.\n\n\"God damn you fucking suck at this\" Said the first voice again.\n\nKristof could hear the sound of soft snoring coming from upstairs, sounding as though it was at least two people." }, { "author": "ksa243", "message": "Tremor Titan cautiously approached the dilapidated building, his eyes scanning its exterior for any signs of activity. As he neared the body-sized hole in the wall next to the entrance, he knew he needed to gather as much information as possible before proceeding. His goal was to scout out the hideout and map its layout, hoping to gain a strategic advantage." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "As he focused on the subtle vibrations going through the building, Kristof started to form a picture of the layout. It seemed much the same as any other house around the area - the first floor had three rooms which were connected, which then led to a hallway. The two men on the first floor seemed to be in the second room, while the third room seemed to be storage of some kind.\n\nThe hallway connected to two more rooms and a set of stairs, with the stairs leading up to a closed door. Something large seemed to be right next to the door, off to the side. From the way it generated it's own vibrations it was either an unnaturally still human or some sort of device. The upstairs seemed to be identical to the first, though what he could tell were beds were all situated on the second floor.\n\nThe two men seemed absorbed in their game, not saying much else useful for the moment." }, { "author": "ksa243", "message": "As Kristof stood next to the body-sized hole in the wall, he carefully observed the dilapidated building's exterior. With each passing moment, he assessed the signs of activity and tried to gauge the situation inside. The muffled sounds of the two men playing video games reached his ears, providing a slight distraction.\n\n\n\nCautiously, Kristof entered through the hole, his steps nearly soundless as he traversed the darkness. His heightened senses enabled him to navigate the space with precision, avoiding any potential creaks or disturbances that might alert the occupants. He moved with the grace of a predator, blending into the shadows, his dark costume further aiding his concealment." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "As far as Kristof could tell, none of the occupants were aware of his presence. The entrance lobby looked like it was a mess - pieces of the wall were scattered across the ground. In the corner pieces of a broken table were stacked. Bullet holes could be found across the various walls.\n\nVarious splatters of blood could be found throughout the room, probably from whatever gunfight happened.\n\nIn the next room over, two men were seated facing away from him, playing some sort of game on the large TV in front of them. That room seemed much more well kept, with a couch, table, and fridge. \n\nThe entrance of the third room was visible off to the right of the men sitting on the couch." }, { "author": "ksa243", "message": "As Tremor Titan surveyed the entrance lobby, he took note of the chaos and destruction that had unfolded within the space. The broken walls, scattered debris, and bullet holes told a story of past violence. The sight of blood splatters reminded him of the grim reality of the criminal underworld he was about to confront.\n\nCarefully and silently, he moved past the entrance lobby and into the room where the two men were engrossed in their game. Their focus remained on the large TV screen, seemingly oblivious to the presence of an intruder. Tremor Titan's senses heightened as he analyzed the layout of the room, taking note of the area around him\n\nWith his attention drawn to the entrance of the third room, positioned to the right of the men on the couch, Tremor Titan deliberated his next move. He weighed the risks and the potential rewards of exploring further into the hideout. Assessing the situation, he determined that it was crucial to gather more information about the gang and their activities before initiating any action.\n\nKeeping his presence hidden and his steps soundless, Tremor Titan decided to continue his reconnaissance mission. He cautiously moved closer to the entrance of the third room, striving to unveil the secrets concealed within the gang's hideout and gather vital intelligence for his mission to make a name for himself." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "The third room appeared to be filled with large tables. Most of the tables had large gallon jugs on top of them, containing some sort of clear reddish liquid. Possibly a drug? The remaining tables contained bags filled with a white powder.\n\n\"Fuck!\" A man shouted out from the couch, clearly startled from seeing the back of some strange man out of the corner of his eye. His partner on the other hand seemed much quicker to react to what was happening, and swiped a gun from the table before standing up and pointing it straight at Kristof.\n\n\"Who the fuck are you?!\" He demanded, finger on the trigger and ready to fire." }, { "author": "ksa243", "message": "Tremor Titan, poised and ready for action, assessed the situation before him. With the armed man pointing his gun, demanding answers, Tremor Titan swiftly calculated his next move. Sensing the imminent threat, he decided to unleash a controlled shockwave, harnessing the power within him.\n\n\n\nAs the shockwave rippled through the room, it shattered the stillness. Objects rattled and clattered, and the jugs containing liquid were toppled, causing a brief moment of chaos. While the shockwave itself emitted no audible sound, its effects resonated in the aftermath, manifesting in the form of broken objects and the cacophony of their impact with the ground." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "The two men flew back, hitting their backs against the wall with a loud thud before falling to the ground. Multiple jugs fell off the table behind Tremor Titan, hitting the ground noisily, with some even popping open and spilling their contents. A sickeningly sweet smell emanated wherever they spilled.\n\nThe TV that the two men were playing on was rocked off of it's stand, falling to the ground and hitting the table with a crash.\n\nBoth of the men seemed momentarily stunned, with the gunman having dropped his gun at some point during the attack. Both slowly started to pull themselves up off of the ground.\n\nFar behind Kristof a door opened, and there was the sound of footsteps coming down stairs at a steady pace.\n\nThe stairs were at the end of a hallway that curved out of sight, making it impossible to see who or what was coming for now, and they didn't seem to be in any rush. A different set of footsteps could be heard on the floor above, seeming much more lively and panicked." } ]	165	1,882
164.318182	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "superstes", "message": "Her family gone, her life permanently changed, her body scarred. It had been days since it happened. Days spent sitting in her family's ransacked apartment in both mental and physical agony. She had considered ending it then and there but she had not come out without a reward for her suffering. She now had the power to prevent others enduring what she did and so that is what she decided to do.\n\nSo over the next few days she began to experiment with her power. Quickly it became apparent that using it would burn her clothes away but whatever was protecting her from fire seemed to extend a little from her skin. So her old leotard from when she did gymnastics would work as a costume, she could get a better one later. The rest of her body would be an issue though. She had so many burns anyone who saw her would easily be able to identify her. Then a thought came to mind, she knew what to do.\n\nStepping out onto her balcony she looked out over the city. Closing her eyes she focuses her power causing flames to burst out and coat her skin. She now had leggings, gloves and of course a mask of flames. When she had some money she would have to invest in a fire resistant mask so her identity wasn't revealed if her power failed.\n\nThen, she leapt. She sailed off the edge of the balcony like a Phoenix rising from the ashes reborn anew. A second passed before she shot short but powerful flames from her hands and feet. Her first true, albeit clumsy flight had begun and she was heading straight for the slums. What better place was there to start her hero career." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "At first, it seemed like no one had noticed Phoenix as she flew around in the air. The slums seemed to have a surprising amount of civilians just walking around, going about their lives. Unlike the nicer parts of the city where cars were incredibly expensive, but some could afford them, here it seemed like no one could afford it. Occasionally a delivery truck could be seen making it's way towards a warehouse or store.\n\nDespite it being the slums, things seemed oddly peaceful down below. Phoenix could notice multiple people recording her movements with phones or cameras after about 15 minutes in. After an hour of patrol, it seemed like she was constantly being watched. Yet nothing seemed to be happening." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "It had been a fairly uneventful hour and she was a little bit confused with herself. What exactly had she suspected would happen? Extending a hand out in front of her she began to shoot a narrow flame from her palm causing her to slow down and eventually begin to hover.\n\n\"Alright then, where are you crime?\"\n\nAs she hovered stationary in the air she began to scan the world around her, searching for any sign of criminal or villainous activity. Perhaps she had simply been flying to fast to notice anything. Of course there was also that incredibly uncomfortable feeling she felt. The feeling of being watched. Was it just innocent civilians looking at a superhero? She would never know for sure." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Just as it started to seem as though it might end up being a completely peaceful day, the sounds of gunshots started to fill the air. The sounds seemed far away off to Phoenix's left side, though it was difficult to pin down exactly where they were coming from. Luckily, she wasn't left wondering for long.\n\nIn a two story house, some few blocks away, two figures came flying out of a wall on the second floor. It was difficult to tell what was happening from this distance, but one of the figures seemed much larger than a normal human. If phoenix looked closely, she'd notice an unusual amount of vehicles around the house as well. It wouldn't be out of place in the better parts of the city, but it certainly was in the slums." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Hearing the gunshots she turned to look down at the source of the noise. She could see something going on but she would never be able to correctly access the situation from where she was. Tilting forwards in the direction of the commotion she thrust her hands behind her before letting out a powerful blast of fire propelling her forwards.\n\nAs she flew down she would try to keep a little bit of distance, using her hands to slow her just as they had sped her up moments ago. She didn't want to stay here to long, that would leave her exposed. She needed to be able to see what was happening though so it was risk she was willing to take. Still there was no harm in some precaution. At a moments notice she was ready to flare her flames and launch her to the side." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "As Phoenix flew closer, the situation quickly became clearer.\n\nWhat looked to be some sort of monster had someone else pinned beneath them in the middle of the street. The monster was black in coloring, and looked as though it moved around on all fours, with claws that were quickly scratching away at the person beneath them. The creature also had a whip-like tail which seemed about as long as it's entire body, though it wasn't doing anything for now. For some reason though, it seemed like it wasn't doing any actual damage. Actually, the monster looked as though it was suddenly starting to lift off the ground.\n\nThe person pinned beneath the monster was wearing a gold and white costume, with a cape, and a mask that covered their entire face. \n\n\"Get this bitch off of me!\" The golden cape yelled out as the monster clung to him with two of it's claws. It was clear from his voice that he was a man.\n\nFrom the hole where the two capes came from, a few men dressed in gold brought out rifles and started to unload on the monstrous cape. The bullets seemed perfectly effective as green blood seeped out from the creature, leaking onto the person below them. The golden cape let out a scream of agony before the creature was suddenly thrown at the roof of the building hard, it's body smashing through the corner of the roof.\n\nIt didn't seem as though anyone had noticed Phoenix yet - they were all too focused on the fight." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "She had to be careful here. It was natural instinct to assume the large alien looking creature was the bad guy here but she couldn't help but notice they were fighting who she assumed to be members of the Children of Scion cult. She had no where to store her phone so she hadn't brought it along, she would have to settle for something far more crude.\n\nRaising a hand above her she let a huge plume of fire into the sky. At the same time she created smaller but far more focused and powerful jets of flame from her other hand and feet to keep her in the air. Hopefully this beacon will get the attention of some heroes. At least she hoped it would.\n\nAt this point she let herself begin to fall as she coated her entire body in flames, building up the energy to unleash a powerful blast launching her in the direction of the alien creature. She had to get close and figure out who they were. If they were a villain as well she guess she would take all of them on. She was a hero after all. Once she was closer she would slow herself and shout out towards them.\n\n\"Who are you?!\"" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "The creature seemed to be climbing to the middle of the roof, it's wounds slowly closing as Phoenix flew over. They seemed surprised, backing away reflexively and taking a defensive stance before relaxing just a bit.\n\nPhoenix could see the creature shudder, it's throat and mouth seeming to change somewhat as it watched her and came to a decision.\n\n\"I'm a HERO!\" They shouted in explanation before their body started to shudder again, seeming to shift beneath the skin. Wings sprouted out of their back as their body shrunk to a more human-like size. Suddenly, bullets shot through the roof, forcing a hiss of pain from them. Only a couple seemed to land but they stumbled back instinctively due to the pain.\n\nDown on the street the other cape had finished getting back up to their feet. They took one quick look at Phoenix before coming to their own decision. Pieces of broken up concrete suddenly lifted off the ground and rocketed towards her. More of the street seemed to be breaking apart as time went on, a never ending barrage of concrete launching itself into the air." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Alright then, let's show these cultists they can't get away with their shit.\"\n\nPhoenix turned to face the golden men, flames beginning to flare around her before she launched herself towards the Children of Scion. As she approached she saw the rocks heading towards her. Rocks? Really? Jets of flame shot out of various parts of her body causing her to rise and weave though the air, hopefully avoid the incoming rocks. Once she got close to the man she pulled her arm back before igniting a powerful jet of flames on her elbow. She propelled her fist forward towards the mans face.\n\n\"Don't though fucking rocks at me!\"" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "\"You're interfering. Clearly you need to be taught a lesson\" The man said calmly as the bits of debris around his body seemingly fell off. \n\nPhoenix successfully dodged out of the way of the initial barrage of chunks due to her superior speed, but as she got closer it became a bit more difficult to dodge. One piece partially hit her by slamming up against the side of her thigh. It didn't feel like anything was broken, but it would definitely leave a nasty bruise.\n\nAs she started to get closer to the man however she quickly found something was off - she was accelerating faster than she should be. She felt her body jerk to the side just slightly as she threw her punch, the golden man jumped off to the side to narrowly avoid her as she was pulled towards the ground hard.\n\nThe monstrous cape atop the roof took Phoenix's help as a distraction, and suddenly ripped it's way into the building. There were a few screams and gunshots, though things seemed to get quiet fast." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As she felt herself being forced to the ground, Phoenix created several jets of flame from various areas of her body to counter the force and prevent herself from being smashed into the ground.\n\nAt the same time she creates more jets of flame in an attempt to manoeuvre herself into the man. Not even hoping to hit him with an actual attack, just ramming into him would be more than enough.\n\n\"You can try!\"" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Resisting the sudden pull towards the ground entirely wasn't possible, but it seemed as though redirection wasn't that far fetched. As Phoenix redirected her body right into the man, she hit him hard. Both of them crashed to the ground, and the sound of a bone snapping could be heard along with a whimper from the man. The impact caused the already destroyed street to break apart even further.\n\nSuddenly the force on Phoenix reversed, and she found herself flying back towards the house - similarly to how the monstrous cape was flung earlier, except aimed at the side instead of the roof.\n\nThe man quickly tried to pull himself up off the ground but seemed to be struggling just a bit to move fast." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Fucking weird telekinesis shit. It was beginning to really piss her off to no end. What could she do about it though? Her previous attempt to counter the power had been completely in vain, she had only been able to redirect herself into the other cape. Perhaps that was what she had to do here?\n\nClearing her mind of any doubt Phoenix began to produce as many powerful concentrated jets of flame towards the ground she could. She might not be able to stop but hopeful she could launch herself into the sky and away from the buildings.\n\nAs much as she wanted to pretend this was to prevent collateral damage there was a far more selfish reason for her. She wasn't a brute, barreling into a building at high speed would hurt a lot." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "As Phoenix started to fly away from the mysterious cape, she could feel herself getting more and more control over her own movement. Suddenly there was practically no resistance at all, and she burst straight up into the air, easily avoiding hitting the house.\n\nBelow her, she could hear another gunshot going off inside the house, though it didn't seem like it was directed at her at all.\n\nThe mysterious telekinetic cape took a look up at her, then at the house. The street started to crack as even more pieces were pulled towards him. All the broken up concrete around him suddenly rose up into the air before smashing into the ground hard. There was suddenly a sizable cloud of concrete powder wafting through the air, making it difficult to see what was going on from so high up." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Well this wasn't going particularly well. It seemed this guy was quite possibly the worse match up she could have and unless she was willing to kill them this would require some thinking. Perhaps she could just make it uncomfortable for them? Buy some time until more heroes inevitably show up. Hopefully.\n\nFlying back down towards the telekinetic man she would begin to circle around the cloud of concrete dust. As she flew she shot out a huge stream of fire towards them. The concrete would snuff out the flames before they had a chance to actually hit the cape inside but thanks to the wide area the flames covered it should begin to rapidly heat the area inside as well as the concrete itself.\n\nThis would make it for lack of better words extremely uncomfortable." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "It was difficult for Phoenix to know exactly how successful her attacks were. While she heated up the cloud of dust, the monstrous cape burst out from the house, now without wings. There seemed to be trails of red and green blood going down their body, though they didn't seem particularly bothered as they went onto all fours and ran towards the dust cloud.\n\nThey glanced between Phoenix and the cloud, running around it as it slowly faded away.\n\nIt seemed as though the cape from earlier had disappeared. There was a hole in the street, going straight down into the sewer, just large enough for a person to squeeze through.\n\nThe monstrous cape let out a frustrated hiss, looking as though they were tempted to jump down into the hole before glancing up at Phoenix.\n\n\"They got away?\" The monster from below asked, looking upward. The voice sounded feminine, and as they stood back up their figure seemed vaguely feminine, if monstrous." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Letting the flames begin to die down she slowly descended until she stood near the other cape. Once she touched the ground the only flames still going were those acting as her mask.\n\n\"That's fine, they can run but we know they will be caught eventually. Are you okay though? They seemed to really have something against you?\"\n\nShe could only hope they weren't annoyed at her, for some reason she had a feeling she might have interrupted something but she hoped she was just being stupid.\n\n\"Sorry I couldn't get them though, It's my first time.\"" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "She let out another annoyed hiss before seeming to relax, her body morphing into something much more humanoid, though still covered in monstrous looking skin and a tail.\n\n\"I've been annoying them for weeks... Fuckers took issue with that and set up an ambush. Their cape, Fighter? What a dumb fucking name. He wasn't supposed to be here at all. Hard counter to me. He can telekinetically manipulate things with more and more force the closer they are to him\" She explained\n\n\"Thanks for the help though, you can call me Chimera. You a hero? If this is your first time... Wanna call it in? Knocked them all out inside already. Could even skim a little off the top of their stash if you want, not like the cops will notice\" She offered.\n\n\"Consider it thanks for the backup\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Fighter? You're telling me that annoying ass was called fighter? That isn't even a remotely clever name.\"\n\nShe couldn't believe she had been thrown around by some idiot call fighter. She was so glad that she had a functioning brain when she came up with her name.\n\n\"It's nice to meet you Chimera, I'm Phoenix. I would like call it in but I can't exactly carry a phone with me. It sort of melts to be honest. So you can if you want I'm not worried about taking credit for anything.\"" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "\"...You think I'm carrying around a phone?\" She asked with a gesture to her body, indicating that she had no clothes.\n\n\"If you don't want credit then... I owe you one\" She admitted, sounding a little annoyed. She turned towards the house, claws suddenly shrinking down to nothingness.\n\n\"Got to make sure I call quick then. Otherwise who knows when those vanguard fuckers will bother showing up\" She grumbled to herself as she made her way back towards the building.\n\n\"You can stick around if you want, but this is the boring part\" She said." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Alright, I'll stick around just to make sure no one else feels like making trouble. Besides I want to know what the proper process is so I might as well observe you and find out.\"\n\nShe will stick around for the boring part, its an important part of being a hero." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Chimera made her way into the building, not seeming to mind that Phoenix was following. It was clear there had been some sort of fight inside once they made their way in. Bullet holes were scattered across the walls and ceiling, and around a dozen gang members were knocked out all along the first floor.\n\nShe reached into one of the men's pockets, picking out a phone and calling Vanguard. The conversation was short, and consisted of her identifying herself and reporting the address as the site of gang activity.\n\n\"You waiting around the whole time? Wanna help me gather them up? I'll get the ones on the second floor and bring 'em down, try to make a... Pile somewhere\" She said before heading up." } ]	151	3,615
117.578947	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Apex walked through the streets of the slums of New London, something about the way she carried herself causing most people to avoid her as she walked. It had been too long since she had made some tech but she needed supplies if she was going to continue and that was the hard part. Still it wasn't hopeless, if you knew what you were looking for you could find suitable material almost anywhere and if you had help your chances of success only went up.\n\nTo that end she had made several subtle inquires online about finding other tinkers whose heroic persausions were lacking. There had been a few promising inquiries but whether or not anyone actually took her up on the offer remained to be seen. If they did surely they would be here soon." }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "Gabriel, the Angel of Strength shows up. He has a knife with him so he would have some sort of offensive weapon. He would walk up to the meeting place.\n\n\"You the one who put the call out?\" He asks Apex \"If so I am here now\"" }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "She looked the other cape up and down, they were certainly something for sure.\n\n\"Good, let's get going I know a place near here that should have some good supplies. It's a place specialised in tech disposal, they break it down into component parts and redistribute it for use elsewhere. There will hopefully be a lot for us to loot. Any questions? If so let's walk and talk.\"\n\nShe turned and began to walk in the direction of her desired location." }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "Shakes his head \"No, not really. Long as we know how to get in, we should be fine.\"\n\nHe walks at a brisk pace with Apex, letting them take the lead in getting them there \"Anything I Should Know about before we arrive?\"" }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "\"Apart from what I said no. Just be cautious, there might be something unexpected. This city is filled with surprises.\"\n\nContinuing to lead her... Partner to the location she had selected Apex thought about the possible risks. She honestly had very little idea as to the sort of security these places employed, hopefully nothing to intense." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "As the two walked throughout the city, they found themselves completely undisturbed. As they got closer to the facility they started to notice more homeless lazing about the street. The tech disposal place specialized in hoarding junk and finding the few gems inside - it wasn't something that lended itself to the upper class.\n\nOne odd thing the group did start to notice as they made their way through the neighborhood however were the tags.\n\nNormally the slums were primarily the territory of the Children of Scion, but these particular tags seemed unique. Every so often a wall would have a large eye painted overtop of it, as if watching over the area.\n\nDespite the foreboding tags it didn't seem as though anyone was bothering them. They made it to the facility without incident. It looked to be a large, warehouse style building. The entrance doors all appeared to be made out metal. In the area there were other warehouses, though there didn't seem to be many people around." }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "Gabriel looks at the tags with a feeling of unease. This is *His* Area. He seems to be getting agitated as he walks but then starts breathing in and out knowing blind rage is not the right way to go into the place" }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "These homeless, other people rejected by society and thrown to the ground. When she was done with New London the hardships these people had faced would prepare them to take back what was rightfully theirs. For now though she would have to focus on the task at hand. The tags she had seen didn't bother her, more gang symbols for gangs that would soon cease to exist.\n\nStepping in front of the building she noted they were all made of metal. Not an impossible obstacle but an obstacle nonetheless. Her eyes began to scan the building for signs of another possible entrance. Perhaps a window of some variety." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "While all the normal and cargo doors seemed to just be made of metal, there Were Windows on the building, approximately 15 feet above the ground. There isn't anything obvious right next to the windows that you could use to gain such height, though there is a large semi truck parked in the parking lot.\n\nFrom what you can tell of the locks on the door, they aren't particularly strong. A normal person could probably get through given enough time and effort.\n\nFor now, no on seems to have noticed the pair. The night is quiet." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Hmm, Well what do you think?\"\n\nApex looked at her current partner in crime.\n\n\"I was going to suggest leaping up and attempting to climb to the windows but they do seem pretty damn high. I could probably get through the door but I have the feeling they might be alarmed.I want to hear your opinion before I do anything though.\"\n\nIgnoring the fact her partner was a god damn cultist it was just a dick move to act without discussion. No that would make her like the Handyman." }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "\"Um, Deal with the alarms?\" Gabe would use his tail to stabilize himself as he tries to find a way to climb up to the window. He would grab ledges and such to keep himself stabilized" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Despite trying to simply climb straight up, there doesn't seem to be any obvious way up to the window from the ground, due to how high up it is. The only thing nearby that could feasibly used to gain height to the window is the large semi truck, but it's in the parking lot rather than right next to the building.\n\nThere was still no indication that either of them had been discovered. In fact, there was even a surprising lack of cameras - for the outside at least" }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "\"Fuck it, I'm going though the door.\"\n\nApex approached the door and began to examine it with a more thorough eye. She could see hinges on this side of the door meaning it would open towards her. That would make knocking the door in is quite difficult but there was still a chance. Clenching her metallic fist she twisted her body around, storing potential energy. Then with one swift movement she attempted to punch through the door to access the latch from the other side. \n\nNot the most elegant of break ins that was for sure but waiting was a dull task she didn't feel up for doing. Leave that for people without better things to do, like the cultist she was with." }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "Gabriel would shrug and lets the other tinker open the door herself while he grabs his knife and gets ready to go in after her \"Let's break into the building.\"\n\nOnce Apex has opened the door Gabriel would move in after her trying to keep out of sight the best he can do so \"Let me know if anyone is attacking us.\"" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Apex's fist broke right through the door, causing the thin metal to shriek for just a moment. The door easily opened from that point. In the end it didn't end up being even particularly loud. Despite the fact that the door itself didn't make much noise, as soon as it was forced open a high pitched alarm started to ring out.\n\nThe inside of the warehouse was dark, though moonlight shined through the high windows, casting the interior in an eerie light.\n\nOn both walls of the warehouse there were large storage containers, while the middle of the warehouse was taken up by multiple long tables. The tables appeared to have scrap of varying types just laying around." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "\"Alright, I don't give a fuck about this alarm. Get in, grab shit, get out. Any resistance just deal with them. They should know better than to oppose me anyway.\"\n\nNo time to worry about the alarm, Apex simply strode into the room and began to search for something that could reasonably be used in tinker tech. As much as she would love to go through aboslutely everything she wasn't foolish enough to believe that was possible. Instead she would quickly scan materials as she passed them by looking for anything that caught her eye and shoving it in her bag. \n\nAs she moved her hands actually began to shake a little. She hadn't been able to tinker for a couple weeks now so the very thought of being able to again so soon was, exhilarating. So close, it was so very close." }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "As they rush in Gabe would start pushing things that may be useful for him into a sack, his tail helping grab anything that may be of interest, stuff his Workbench probably would accept and then he could find out afterward what it actually does. He hopes this time it is a good thing, but he knows that his power has the inherent randomness that means he needs to try on mass to figure out something that would be really good for him\n\n\"Like you said, grab stuff and get out. Only fight things/people if absolutely necessary.\" He heads for anything else that would be interesting while counting the moments since the alarm goes off, so he has an accurate amount of time known since the alarm would have gone off so he could ideally bail out before any security forces show up here" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "As far as either villain could tell, there wasn't anything to stop them. Both of them filled up their bags full of their loot in a panic over the course of a few minutes.\n\nJust as it seemed they might be able to go through this without any sort of issue at all, the high pitched sound of metal being sheered off of the wall filled the warehouse. A moment later a red headed woman burst through the wall, wearing what looked to be a black wolf mask, a black jacket, and a white shirt. On careful inspection large portions of her outfit appeared to be bloodstained - as though she hadn't bothered to clean.\n\n\"W-well t-then... What do we... Have here?\" The woman asked, looking over towards the two tinkers as they just finished filling their bags. The woman's cadence seemed completely off, speaking unlike anything either of the tinkers had ever heard.\n\n\"Tinkersss or-? R-rats. In M-MY turf? I... Always w-wanted a t-tinker\" She said as she walked towards the two. Her head constantly twitched both as she spoke and as she moved - seeming almost like a bird that was examining it's prey up close and deciding exactly how to eat it." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Bad Vibes. That is what this person gave her. Just the way she spoke screamed at her to get the fuck out of there.\n\n\"Uh Gabe, I'm voting on getting the fuck out of here.\"\n\nApex was already moving, attempting to give whoever this cape was a wide berth trying to move towards the exit. As she moved though she made sure to keep an eye on the high windows, looking for a possible way to climb up and escape that way. She had a feeling this cape wouldn't want to let them just step through the door and leave, especially with a bag full of stuff from her 'turf'." } ]	112	2,234
223.461538	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "superstes", "message": "Apex had been a parahuman for months now but for the majority of that time she had been actively resisting using her powers. The thing about powers though is they want to be used, the more you resist the more they begin to cause you issues. In her case the incident with her family a few days ago. They had deserved it though, that much she was sure about.\n\nDespite not being particularly upset at the results of that day she still wanted to avoid the mental stress that came with refusing to use her powers so using them is what she would do. Being a tinker her first step was to find materials which is why she now found herself standing in the scrapyard searching for anything useful. She had been careful to try and avoid being seen but whether or not she had been successful was yet to be seen." }, { "author": "ksa243", "message": "Tremor Titan stood amidst the towering heaps of twisted metal and discarded machinery in the vast scrapyard. The sun's rays glinted off his black suit, and a mischievous grin adorned his face as he prepared to test the limits of his \"Newfound powers\".\n\nWith a surge of energy, Tremor Titan unleashed a torrent of vibrations from his body, sending shockwaves rippling through the surrounding debris. The ground beneath him quaked, and the metal structures quivered in response. He marveled at the destructive force he could wield, knowing that even steel and concrete trembled in the face of his power.\n\nAs he continued his training, Tremor Titan delved deeper into the intricacies of his abilities. He experimented with different frequencies, altering the amplitude and intensity of his vibrations. With each successful manipulation, he felt a surge of confidence and a growing mastery over his powers." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Having rooted through a pile of scrap Apex pulled out a large component that at first glance she thought could be useful. Examining it closely it became clear it would be useless for what she needed and threw it back on the scrap heap. She was about to begin rooting through the pile once again when she felt the area around her shift and vibrate.\n\n\"What on earth?\"\n\nShe turned towards the source of these vibrations curious as to what was causing them. There wasn't anything obvious nearby so she began to walk cautiously towards it. Each step slow and careful like a predator stalking prey. Moving around a large pile of shifting scrap she stopped short of fully revealing herself as she peaked at the cause of the vibrations. As suspected it was another cape.\n\n\"That's bold of you to test your powers in the open.\"" }, { "author": "ksa243", "message": "Tremor Titan turned around to face the source of the voice, his eyes meeting Apex's gaze. He responded with a nonchalant shrug, his tone carrying a hint of casual confidence. \"Eh, gotta train somehow,\" He replied, his words slightly distorted by the sound changer he had incorporated into his costume. The robotic quality of his voice added an intriguing layer to his persona, further emphasizing his enigmatic nature.\n\nUnbeknownst to Apex, Tremor Titan's lack of fear stemmed from both his desire to save face and the intuitive awareness granted by his powers. Even before turning around, he had sensed Apex's approach through the vibrations in the air, subtly perceiving their movements, voice, and even heart rate. It was as if the vibrations themselves whispered the presence of the oncoming cape.\n\nAs Apex's gaze swept over Tremor Titan, it became evident that he was fully attired as a cape. His costume consisted of a sleek, all-black ensemble, exuding an air of mystery and power. From head to toe, the darkness of his attire was only interrupted by the distinctive mask he wore. The mask, featuring four red slits for eyes, matched the color of his clothing but possessed a subtle metallic sheen, lending it an intriguing and otherworldly appearance." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Seeing as the person seemed like they were willing to talk and not instantly try and kill her, Apex stepped out from behind the pile of scrap fully revealing herself to the other cape. Unlike Tremor Titan Apex was not in costume, instead wearing a fairly casual outfit consisting jeans and a t-shirt. She did have a scarf wrapped around her lower face to conceal her identity. One thing that would catch the other capes attention was her left arm. It was covered in what appeared to be scars emanating from metallic components grafted into her skin.\n\n\"I suppose that's true enough. I prefer more... Secluded areas for my testing. Alleyways, Dark Streets, Houses that sort of thing. Less likely people are going to walk up on you accidentally that way.\"\n\nWalking over to an old tyre she sat down on it and began to examine her nails.\n\n\"Anyway, what do you plan on doing with your powers? I know you can't just not use them.\"" }, { "author": "ksa243", "message": "Tremor Titan, with an enigmatic presence behind his mask, replied to Apex's comment with a wry and somewhat playful tone. He leaned casually against a pile of scrap metal, his expression concealed behind the mask he wore.\n\nWith a subtle manipulation of vibrations, his voice took on a strange, robotic-like quality, as if distorted by unseen forces. \"Who needs secluded areas when you can make a grand entrance, right? Adds a certain flair to the whole 'testing powers' thing, don't you think?\"\n\nHe adjusted his mask, his eyes hidden behind the dark slits as if veiling his true intentions. \"As for what Tremor Titan plans to do with these newfound powers, let's just say he's here to shake things up. The world could use a good dose of disruption, a gentle reminder that nothing is ever as stable as it seems.\"\n\nHis tone turned slightly more serious, hinting at a mischievous edge. \"But fear not, my dear scarred friend, Tremor Titan isn't some run-of-the-mill villain twirling his mustache. No, he has his own peculiar principles, his own quirky agenda. He aims to challenge the status quo, to peel back the layers of illusion and expose the hidden truths. Think of him as the unpredictable jester of chaos.\"\n\nHe paused, his gaze fixed on Apex's scars. \"And what about you? Those scars tell tales of battles fought and secrets kept. Perhaps our paths have crossed for a reason. Two enigmatic forces, shrouded in masks and dancing on the edge of chaos. Shall we embark on this whimsical journey together?\"\n\nTremor Titan's words hung in the air, his masked face betraying no emotions, leaving his intentions open to interpretation. Every word that emanated from him carried a hint of jest or a subtle jab, further blurring the line between seriousness and playful banter." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "She wasn't sure about this person. So willing to be out in the open without any caution. It took a lot of guts so she could give him that. It was the perfect way to get noticed by the local heroes, something she couldn't deny she was hoping to avoid at all costs. At least for now. Each to their own she guessed.\n\nAt the mention of her scars she smiled under her scarf as she raised her hands to look more closely at the self inflicted surgery scars. She ran her hand over them, feeling the technology running under the surface of her skin.\n\n\"Hmmm, each one has a purpose. Each one an improvement to myself, fixing a problem with the weak shell that is my biological body. Fixing what god got wrong. Anyway, you want to embark on a quest into the chaos that is this city? I have to be honest I didn't really imagine myself going around with anyone else here but I can see how it could be beneficial. I'm looking for technology, do you think you could help with that?\"" }, { "author": "ksa243", "message": "TT's masked face remained unreadable as he listened to Apex's explanation. While her pursuit of self-improvement and technological enhancements piqued his curiosity, he refrained from openly expressing his fascination. Instead, he maintained a nonchalant demeanor, concealing his genuine intrigue.\n\n\"Hmm, fixing what nature got wrong, you say?\" TT's voice filtered through the mask, his tone tinged with mild interest. \"A commendable endeavor, I suppose. After all, who wouldn't want to overcome the limitations of their own biology?\"\n\nHe adjusted the mask slightly, ensuring its proper fit, before taking a step closer, his eyes glinting behind the dark slits. Carefully observing Apex's reaction, he continued, \"As for embarking on a venture into the city, well, it certainly has its allure. The urban jungle is full of possibilities and untapped potential, wouldn't you agree?\"\n\nTT's response was deliberately vague, his masked gaze fixed on Apex, hiding any hints of his true intentions. His subtle nods and occasional smirks hinted at an unspoken connection, as if he was fully aware of the hidden layers beneath their conversation.\n\n\"I can't promise you specific technology,\" He continued, his voice laced with a teasing undertone. \"But I do have a knack for... Acquiring interesting items. Who knows what we might come across in our explorations?\"\n\nHe paused, allowing the weight of his words to sink in, before adding, \"So, are you willing to venture into the depths of this chaotic city with Tremor Titan? Together, we may discover the secrets and treasures it holds.\"\n\nTT's masked presence added an air of mystery to his proposition, leaving Apex to wonder about his true motivations." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Exactly, although I cannot deny it is quite a costly endeavour. Using cheap materials will not cut it for this task, I must use the best I can get my hands on.\"\n\nHad she been able to she would have modified herself far more than she had already. She simply lacked the materials and the funds to do so. If her parents were anything it was wasteful with money. Oh well, they weren't being wasteful anymore.\n\n\"Well then, how about a partnership. I would assume you want to test out your powers in a more... Practical situation anyway. I have several places I want to go and having back up would be appreciated.\"" }, { "author": "ksa243", "message": "TT considered Apex's remark about the costs involved in her endeavor, nodding subtly as if acknowledging the challenges she faced. \"Indeed, quality materials are essential for achieving remarkable results. Mediocrity has no place in the pursuit of greatness,\" He responded, his voice carrying a hint of agreement. While he remained cryptic about his own financial situation, the underlying implication was that he had the means to acquire the necessary resources.\n\nAs Apex proposed a partnership, TT's masked expression remained inscrutable. He tilted his head slightly as if contemplating her offer before a flicker of amusement danced in his hidden eyes. \"A partnership, you say? It appears our interests align, at least for the time being,\" He remarked, his tone laced with a touch of intrigue. \"Testing our powers in practical situations can indeed yield valuable insights.\"\n\nTT took a step closer, his presence exuding a quiet confidence. \"I have my own objectives and destinations in mind, places where I believe our combined skills could be put to good use,\" He continued. \"Having a reliable ally by my side would certainly be advantageous.\"\n\nHe paused for a moment, as if mulling over the proposition, before offering a sly smile beneath the mask. \"So, let's embark on this partnership, shall we? Together, we can navigate the intricacies of this city, unravel its secrets, and perhaps find ourselves entangled in situations that demand our unique abilities.\"" }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Whoever this person was she knew she would rather have them as an ally than a enemy, at least for now. So the fact they seemed amicable to the idea of a partnership. She wasn't going to lie to herself though, she didn't trust this person as far as she could throw them but for now she could hide her paranoia.\n\n\"This sounds like a plan then. Here, take my number. I have a few things to do before we do anything extreme but I'll contact you when I'm ready. Then we will make this city ours. How does that sound?\"\n\nBefore she did anything extreme she wanted to make a few more modifications to her body. She didn't have the resources to do anything particularly impressive but she still had one or two inventions she could pull off with the little resources she had. Especially considering she was already receiving help from the Handyman. Hopefully that endeavour would also bear fruit." }, { "author": "ksa243", "message": "TT nodded, his masked face betraying no emotions as he reached out to accept Apex's number. He carefully stored it away, knowing that it would be a crucial point of contact for their future endeavors.\n\n\"Sounds like a plan,\" He replied, his tone steady and measured. \"Take your time to prepare and make the necessary modifications. We have plenty of chaos to stir up in this city, and I'm eager to see what we can achieve together.\"\n\nHe paused for a moment, contemplating their upcoming collaboration. \"Remember, Apex, trust is a delicate thing. But for now, let's keep our cards close and work towards our common goals. When the time is right, we can reveal more of ourselves.\"\n\nWith a final nod, Tremor Titan turned and began to walk away, disappearing into the depths of the scrapyard. As he faded from sight, his presence lingered, a silent promise of the upheaval to come.\n\nTT knew that this partnership held both opportunity and danger. As he delved deeper into the world of vigilantes and villains, he understood that alliances were fragile, and the line between friend and foe blurred. But for now, he would seize the chance to shape the city according to his own vision, and he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "\"Until we meet again then.\"\n\nShe waved at her fellow cape as they left, turning around to leave herself. She took a few steps before pausing and reaching into her pocket. Pulling out a bloody knife she threw it into the nearby scrap heap. Good luck finding that. \n\nShe would continue to walk away heading towards Fugly Bobs in order to meet up with The Handyman. They had a heist to prep and it was gonna fund her next set of improvements. Providing Mr Handyman can do his job." } ]	197	2,905
193	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "amari2", "message": "\"So uh.. Are you sure I have to carry you in this coffin?\" \n\nHarpy's first words to her friend for the first time in several minutes. She had waited until they had gotten closer to the Scrapyard in New London, and it was starting to get uncomfortable maintaining that awkard grip she had on the coffin. She held its latch but did it with 2 hands to make sure she held it true, but that meant her big hands pushed into each other causing mild discomfort.\n\nThis was the first time Harpy was wearing her new costume, Winds' Garb, and it made her appearance much less militant and much more angelic. A bright white reflecting off her and her innumerable feathers, she was easy to spot from anywhere. And with this cumbersome coffin in hand, it made an easy task even easier. \n\n\"I haven't seen Ratchet anywhere.. And thank you for coming along, I don't want her to be a lasting blemish on my reputation.\" \n\nHarpy continued after a pause, she was a bit put off by the coffin. Even knowing that Morgue was for the lack of a better word, undead, she still worried over the safety of it. Being in a coffin must be bad for everyone short of the deceased." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "`\"The aesthetic matters when it comes to make an impression on other capes.\"` her voice echoed from the inside, escaping through the breathing holes on the side of the coffin. `\"Even if it's a bit brightly colored, the impact of you dropping me onto the scene has got to be a little intimidating, I figure, in that sense, we're both doing each other a favor here, for both our reputations, so don't worry about it.\"`\n\nShe had somewhat of a point, even if like she mentioned, the cute visage of a cat on the front, and the cute bright pastel trans colors sort of diminished the image of a real coffin.\n\n`\"About her, think we'll really find her by just patrolling the city? I went back and read the news for the following day, you totaled her tech, among other things. Great work by the way, fighting tinkers can be stressful, and risky, glad to hear you held your own.\"`" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "As the two began to approach the scrapyard, unsure of the chances of finding their mark, a large 'POP' would echo from out of the scrapyard. Plumes of dust shot into the sky and smoke visibly began to cloud the area. It wasn't easy to see anything from this distance from the sound and debris made it easy to tell that something was going on. A loud 'VROOM' shook the scrapyard as a vehicle, distantly, revved it's engines. It may be that they just got lucky in uncovering their quarry, even if it seems the villain isn't fully defenseless right now." }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "\"Oop-\" \n\nHarpy jumped a bit from the sudden sound of an explosion, but excitement coursed through her every fiber upon hearing the rev of an engine. She found her mark. She tensed her muscles and brought the coffin closer to chest. \n\n\"Did'ya hear that?! We found her! I'll get us closer.\" Harpy was scared and excited simultaneously. On one hand, the feeling of failure and frustration hinted at her mind like a cringy memory. She didn't want to be made a fool a second time, incompetency in the eyes of the people was a terrible thing. However, she was eager to prove herself capable. Not only to the public but also to herself, so far every event she's been in has resulted in her failure. That was going to turn around, today! \n\nShe folded her wings enough to begin a descent while maintaining a glide. Her aim was to gain speed on her approach and expedite her time of arrival. As she got closer to the ground and she would completely unfurl her wings, catching the air and stopping her vertical descent. \n\n\"Do I throw you in front of the vehicle or on top?\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "`\"On-Top!\"` Morgue sounded from the inside the coffin. `\"If she runs me over, I'll be okay, but this coffin won't be! Not very effective imagery to be run over IN the coffin.\"`\n\nMorgue mentally prepared herself for the kind of fight she was getting into, but found her self lacking on a few aspects. Luckily, Harpy had already fought ratchet, So she had an expert on the topic literally carrying her into battle.\n\n`\"So real quick, before you drop me, Any tips on what to do when I am that close? I can probably wreck her Vehicle up something nasty, But doesn't help if she's got tricks up her sleves to circumvent that.\"`" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "The roar of an engine shook the scrapyard the closer they got. A backfire blasted out like gunfire and smoke fumed out in large clouds as the engine ran. A massive truck came into view of the dynamic duo, sputtering and puffing. It was the size of a dump truck with a large bin on the back to collect the scrap lifted by a large scoop mounted on the front. The wheels were massive and crunched broken down husks of cars under the wheels. It didn't look battle ready particularly but it was tough and big.\n\nRatchet sat in the cockpit of the vehicle as it loaded itself with scrap. The villainess seemed focused. The machine sputtered and lifted a big pile of scraps into the back of the machine with a whine of gears before going down to scoop more." }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "\"I don't see any guns or weapons besides the claw she's using. It might be supremely strong though so be careful there. Also, she had a fast vehicle, and it was able to transform in 3 different forms, so I'd say be cautious of what might be happening and keep an eye open.\" \n\nHarpy spoke, getting closer and closer to Ratchet, who seemed to not have noticed them. She reared her wings backs and tilted upwards, gaining height before she began beating her wings to increase her altitude even more. After she was sufficiently high, she would change her grip on the coffin before plummeting down. \n\n\"Hey! Ratchet! I heard you could use some spare metal!\" \n\nShe wasted no time in throwing the coffin, bottom first, right at the vehicle. She doubted, since it was presumably tinkertech, that it would do much damage to the vehicle. Harpy had her wings out to slow her descent, she wanted to maintain her height for now, her vision would serve her better there. \n\n\"Did ya miss me?!\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "The coffin SLAMMED against the vehicle, a dark ominous groan emanating from the inside. After just a second, the door violently swung open and out came the frankenstiened beast that was MORGUE.\n\nShe'd been making a name for herself, and this certainly lended to the stories. \"I arise, from beyond the grave!\" Morgue hollered, closing the door behind her and taking a grasp of the coffin. Her gaze finally fell upon Ratchet and she knelt down to almost meet her eyes at level.\n\n\"I think, it'd be in your best interest, to surrender in a calm 'n orderly fashion, Or this just gets harder for the both of us.\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "The vehicle shook as it drove and the villain inside seemed to startle when she saw the two heroes. Her eyes traced the flight pattern of Harpy with a wariness. She wasn't going to let these two get her this easy. She wasn't nearly as kitted as the last fight but she still had some tricks up her sleeves. A button was pressed on the truck and the whine of speakers echoed through the scrapyard.\n\n\"Oh piss off, I'm not going to surrender to you two chumps.\"\n\nThe machine groaned as the accelerator was slammed and it jumped forward in one harsh motion, picking up speed and making wide turns that shook the whole vehicle. The exhaust spat black smoke from the sides in a large spurt that made it difficult to fly around without choking. It rolled over another junk of debris and jolted with the bump, causing a loud whine from the engine." }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "Harpy was pleased to see the plan work so far. Seeing the spectacle that Morgue made almost caused Harpy to cringe, she wasn't very big on the theatrics of cape work. But besides that, she needed to focus on capturing Ratchet. \n\n\"Ratch-\" Harpy choked on the putrid smoke that bellowed from the exhaust beneath her. She burst into coughs as she lost altitude, maneuvering herself away and behind the vehicle. She doubted that exhaust level of toxicity was on purpose, but it meant if Harpy wanted to catch up she would need to fly through that exhaust at some point. \n\n\"Ratchet! I don't want to destroy your gear again! So please just make this easy on us!\" \n\nHarpy shouted forward, doubtful if her voice was even audible competing against the loud roar of that thundering engine. She beat her wings to gain height before propelling herself forward, tilting down to increase her speed to catch up as quickly as she could. \n\nHarpy didn't have the best speed, without the right conditions she couldn't hope to catch up to a fast enough vehicle, it needed to be now." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "In line with what Harpy wished out of this interaction, Morgue refrained from punching a whole straight through the windshield, and instead griped so tight to the hood and cab that she may have indented the metal just trying to stay stable as Ratchet took the vehicle for a spin\n\n\"You oughta think twice about sayin' no. Only reason your dump truck isn't in a heap right now is because our mutual acquaintance is so nice!\"\n\nMorgue stood with one grip to the frame of the cab, standing on the hood, she dipped her head down towards the passenger side window. \"How's this, cut the engine, and we can talk. Keep it going and I'll rip it out the entire block.\" She surely showed, by virtue of not being flung free from the truck, that she had the strength to follow up on her threat, a harsh look of annoyance on her face as she spoke." } ]	188	2,123
207.833333	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "superstes", "message": "Gang violence was an unfortunately common experience in New London but even then it was most commonly brawls or contained assaults and other criminal activity. Outright firefights were exceedingly rare. So when the sound of a single gunshot filled the air it was enough to get the attention of nearby people. The world seemed to grow silent, as if something scared had just been broken.\n\nA moment passed.\n\nSuddenly bursts of multiple gunshots could be heard amongst the screams of people running from the sounds. There was no question as to the source of these sounds and given their approximate location it was a safe guess this conflict probably started in the pub known as The Queen's Weaver, a place known for serving the Top Hats." }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "Jesus Christ. Mercy, or rather, Harpy was doing her daily and regular patrol of the city from the skies. It hadn't started more than 15 minutes ago when she first heard the gunshots going off. She didn't know what the situation was at first, so when she flew over and maintained her incredible height she used her enhanced eyes to get a better more detailed site of what she was going to deal with before she went in. \n\nShe assumed that it wasn't just a group of people opening fire on civilians without them firing back. That wasn't likely, if that was the case it wouldn't be this many shots, but then again perhaps there was a powered individual at play here. Too many factors she didn't know and too many things that could go wrong if she missteps. \n\n\"Hm..\" Perhaps she should wait for someone else to join her. Or, wait for the combat to dwindle and for them to run out of ammo before she struck." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Kaleidoscope had already been following a suspicious looking man on the way to the fight, her focus entirely on him. She kept her distance, keeping to the crowd as she used her power. So long as the man in question didn't look back, she'd be invisible to everyone else. It seemed like he really wanted to be somewhere quick, and it was clear he was hyped about something. That combined with the weapon he was carrying... Clearly he was up to no good.\n\nShe didn't accomplish anything on her last patrol. This time... This time she'd make a difference.\n\nThe sound of gunshots around the corner tore her from her thoughts. She blinked and glanced around as people started to scream and run away. The man she was following went into a sprint towards the fight.\n\n\"...Ah shit\" She muttered to herself, her heart suddenly pounding. Could she do it this time? If it was just normal humans... If they didn't have any capes, she could help, right? She ran after him to get a better look at what was going on." }, { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "Alone heard loud gunshots not faraway from him. He then heard people scream in raw terror.\n\n\"What the devil?\" He muttered as he proceeded to get some stone armor one and make himself a stone shield on his non-dominant hand.\n\nHe approached the site of the incident and saw a bunch of gun-wielding goons. He now decided to run past the running civilians and clashed his fist onto his shield to call their attention" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As the three heroes turned their attention to the source of the comotion they would be met with quite the scene. Three cars had parked outside the pub and appeared to have several people using them as cover whilst the shot into the building. They appeared to have brought a large white flag with an Arrow Cross within a diamond within a circle.\n\nIt wasn't all one sided though as whoever was within the pub was firing back and from the sound of it they had some high calibre weapons. Suddenly a smash could be heard as some threw a molotov against the wall causing flames to burst out and beging running up the walls and across the street." }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "Talk about a situation.. And that's a molotov. Shit. One of Harpy's worst enemies was an open flame, now there was one that was fueled and quickly spreading. Not only that, but there were a group of people firing from behind a few cars. She noticed, with her eagle like vision, the other two heroes. Though at first she didn't immediately clock them as heroes, though she reasoned if they were villains they'd already be participating in the gun fight. Someone encased in stone, and a lady in white and purple. Regardless of what their capabilities were, she had to act fast, especially since there was a fire involved.\n\nBeating her wings to gain more height, she stopped to then allow herself to plummet down. Catching herself when she was far closer to the ground, she used her downward momentum to turn it into a fast and glide just above head level. She aimed for the combatants at the left most car. The quick glide faltered when she tucked in her wings and brought her two feet forward. Aiming to claw at and harm the left most shooter. She simultaneously used her wing to shield herself from any fire coming from inside the pub, and from directly infront of her as well. The bullets would hurt if they shot at her, but it was better than on her human body." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Kaleidoscope focused on the scene in front of her. Two sides, fighting to the death. If one side were to lose... Well, then all the fighting could end, right?\n\nShe focused her power on any civilians nearby as she ran for the people hiding behind the parked car. So long as there were civilians still in range, she'd keep her invisibility completely. Hopefully a stray bullet didn't hit her. Her heart started to pound as she came closer and closer to the fighting. As she started to close in however, she noticed a cape swooping down. They looked like they were against the same people she was so... A hero?\n\nShe focused her power on Harpy instead, letting her body become completely visible to just her.\n\n\"Hey! I'll handle these guys!\" She shouted out to the hopefully hero. She ran towards the closest man, attempting to punch him right in his throat and then grab his weapon." }, { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "Morpher saw a bunch of goons and creeps fighting each other and using cars as their barriers. He decided to announce his presence by charging in and throwing a minor boulder at a car. When he noticed a gangster throwing a molotov at a few other capes, he decided to grab the gangster and throw them off.\n\nIf any of the gangster fired at Morpher, he would use his shield to protect himself and the other capes." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Like a falcon diving for its prey Harpy sped through the air towards one of the gunmen. Luckily for her it seemed as though the gunmen were more focused on each other rather than the sky so save for some stray bullets none ever came close to her. Just before she was about to hit one of the gunmen she heard a voice from behind as the same cape she had seen earlier, the woman, appeared and began to speak. Luckily her sudden appearance didn't distract the cape from their goal and her claws sunk into the criminal's shoulder.\n\nAs the man let out a scream several of the other gunmen turned to see their companion under attack by a cape. This sudden turn meant that rather than punching the unsuspecting criminal in the throat Kaleidoscope would instead strike the side of his neck, causing his neck to flex unnaturally as he fell to the ground and hit his head on the car as he fell. He seems okay but would likely be out of it for the next couple of hours.\n\nAt that moment both Harpy and Kaleidoscope would hear a loud smash as a large rock hit one of the cars. Looking in that direction they would see a rocky cape, Morpher approaching rapidly. As all three capes now converged on the left most car they could hear people inside the pup shouting and jeering as they continued to shoot at the other criminals. Most of the people by the cars continued to shoot back but those near the capes turned and immediately began to shoot in the direction of Harpy.\n\nThe passenger door of the middle vehicle swung open as a man in a black military dress uniform with slick hair and a chevron moustache stepped out on the streets. He turned to look at Harpy and Morpher. Kaleidoscope would detect seething pure hatred and anger from the man.\n\n\"Our nation could have been great but people such as you have left a stain on us. I shall entertain no interference from the likes of you. Ram the Rocky one.\"\n\nHe looked over at the car which had just had a rock thrown at it, the whole vehicle suddenly lurching back straight towards Morpher." }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "The gunshots at her were expected. She had already braced herself to endure the pain of her wings being shot, it was never a pleasant pain. What mattered is that now she had allies, and from the looks of it one of them could manipulate rock and stone. \n\nHearing the rock launch and land into the car, she was hopeful about this. From what she could see, 3 capes versus a bunch of thugs and.. What- who's that? She thought to herself briefly until the man finished his small monologue. 'People such as you.' Its not like she chose to awaken her abilities, it was in response to trauma. Asshole. \n\nThe car lurching towards Morpher intrigued her briefly, her eyes told her it looked unnatural how it moved, but then again she didn't know if anyone was in the car. Either way, she wanted this guy dealt with immediately. \n\nFirst, the gunmen in front of her. Keeping her wing forwards, she dashed forward and used the talons on her hands to smash at the closest one's arms. Hopefully she'd use her forward momentum after that to shove them into one another. Any stray bullets would have to be blocked by her armor.\n\nCurrently, angry." }, { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "Morpher saw that the goons noticed him and have began desperately trying defend themselves. He then noticed a pretty tall, intimidating man in a black military dress talking in some nationalistic rhetoric.\n\nThen, a car that was hit suddenly started moving right towards him. In response, he used his massive arms to push the vehicle aside and turn around 90 degrees towards the man, getting some rocks along the way. If it was successful, he would shove it away and make a stone sledgehammer as a way to both smash the car if it came back or knock the man out cold." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "The car was being thrown around? Dangerous. There were too many capes involved in this fight, and she doubted most of them were friendly.\n\nKaleidoscope stared at the newly arrived cape for a moment before deciding not to bother with him for now. She had no idea what he could do, and the bullets flying around honestly had just as much of a chance to kill her. She made sure to keep her focus on Harpy every so often to refresh her power.\n\n\"I'll take care of the goons!\" She called out as she continued to make her way through what she now thought were nazis, attempting to disable the men shooting at harpy with quick throat punches. She made sure to keep herself distanced from the mystery cape. If they really were all nazis, then she didn't even feel bad for focusing all of her efforts on them." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Morpher's quick thinking saved him from taking the full impact of the car, instead redirecting it towards the man who had sent it towards him in the first place. As the rock cape focused on redirecting the vehicle Harpy and Kaleidoscope continued with their task of beating facists to the ground.\n\nHarpy pulled their talons free causing blood to squirt from their body before rushing to the next nearest gunman. In a panic they managed to fire several rounds at the hero several of the bullets ripping through her wings. It didn't save them though as Harpy barely registered the pain as she smashed the gunmans arm and shoved him towards the final facist that had been hiding behind the car thrown towards Morpher.\n\nKaleidoscope stepped forwards punching yet another facists as his friend who had been shoved moved towards him. Kaleidoscopes target fell to the ground just in time for his ally to trip over him and smash his head on the ground. This left two more groups of gunmen outside the pub, the cape with the closer group.\n\n\"Hit the bird cape\"\n\nThe man in military costume spoke as he stared at harpy. Venom obvious in his words. As he finished his sentence all three heroes noticed the car door oppening, disrupting airflow and altering its course through the air towards Harpy and inadvertantly towards Kaleidoscope.\n\nFlames crept up the wall of the pub as some dry flower beds caught fire. If left unattended who knows what damage that molotov could cause." }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "The bird cape? She had a hero name already, if you're gonna hate on someone at least get to know who they are. She saw that she had successfully shoved the person away, but now she had to deal with the car coming for her head. Not only that, but it could've also smashed Kaleidoscope. \n\n\"Rock man! Focus the military man!\" Harpy shouted over to Morpher as she dashed towards Kaleidoscope. Using her enhanced leg strength and her wings to propel herself forward and into the air. Grabbing Kaleidoscope by the torso she aimed to fly straight up right after. \n\n\"I'm not sure if you can manipulate any water but I'm seeing that fire spread and I'm open to ideas!\" She spoke to Kaleidoscope as she flew. Holding on to her tight as to avoid the possible mistake of dropping her." }, { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "Morpher's action against the car was successful to an extent. Now, he had to wrestle with the car for a bit and not really concentrating a lot on what was happening around. Especially the fire spreading out from the bar and the other capes fighting the group.\n\nThen suddenly, the car turned around and 'flew' right right towards a few capes for some reason, after the same tall man ordered it to go at some bird cape. Seeing the Military man exposed and looking at another cape, Morpher saw this as a major opportunity to neutralize him.\n\nHe now began to see if the man was standing on the asphalt. If the man did, Morpher would telekinetically pull in the rocks right at the man's body right in front of his face as a way to make a sledgehammer to knock him out cold. If the man did not stand on asphlalt, Morpher would still make a sledgehammer from the nearest sources of asphalt to deal with him.\n\nEither way, he had to knock the bastard out cold." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Reflexively, Kaliedoscope started to run away as she realized a car was coming right for her.\n\n\"Fuckfuckfuckfuckfu— hah?\" So concentrated on running away, she didn't even realize Harpy was going to pick her straight up until it happened. Was she an enemy...? No. It didn't look like her emotional state indicated she wanted commit harm. She found herself relaxing in Harpy's arms with a relieved sigh.\n\n\"Thanks for that! I'm a m—stranger! Only one person can see or hear me at a time\" She answered, stopping herself from slipping up. There was no way she was about to be any help in actually putting out the fire.\n\n\"Just drop me on someone I guess!?\" She asked, heart pounding. She Really Wasn't used to being up in the air like this. It would be cool if it was her own power, but as it was she was just painfully aware of Harpy's arms being the only thing stopping her from falling to her death." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As the car careened through the air towards Harpy the winged cape expertly swooped down and picked Kaleidoscope up before soaring back into the sky. It was close and Kaleidoscope had to lift her legs up but they managed to avoid the airborne automobile.\n\nAs the duo rose into the air the cape looked at Harpy as she rose into the sky, his eyes narrowing in confusion. Whatever he was thinking was interrupted as Morphers asphalt sledgehammer swung towards him.\n\nThen all colour faded from the world for just a moment before it returned and something was off. The military man was on the floor a few feet to the side of where he was moments ago, Harpy and Kaleidoscope were much higher than where they had been moments ago, the gunfire that had filled the air had stopped and the fire had spread further.\n\n\"Oswald mate I really don't have fucking time for this. It's one thing to attack my shit you nazi fuck but you've only gone and attracted a couple of wannabe heroes.\"\n\nThe voice came from a man standing by the furthest car one of the men who had been shooting the pub was now on the floor with a man's foot on his back. That foot belonged to a man in a well fitted suit and top hat, his identity concealed by a white domino mask. In his hand he held a pocket watch.\n\n\"I'm gonna give you Nazi Larping fuck 3 seconds to get the fuck out of my sight. That goes to you 'heroes' too.\"" }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "Huh? The hell was that feeling? She didn't remember being this high, and on top of that she didn't remember the military man being on the floor over there. That was weird, but she couldn't let whatever happened just now unnerve her. She let herself fall a bit after gaining height and took another quick survey of the battlefield. A spiffy man in a top hat carrying a pocket watch, the neonazi on the floor and gunshots briefly stopped. \n\n\"You're a Stranger type? Ok. I'll leave you to take care of the Top Hat guy.\" Harpy said to Kaleidoscope as she pushed herself downwards, intending to land not too close while she positioned the friendly cape in her arms in order to avoid hitting the ground. She also opened her wings as she landed, acting to cover vision from her arms so that they wouldn't notice the movements of her letting go of something. Immediately after that, she'd start to bark over.\n\n\"We're only trying to help you, whoever you are! Furthermore, some people here need to be brought to justice!\" She shouted over, keeping her eyes trained on the entire scene, plotting her next move. Annoyed." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "A blink was all it took, and suddenly Kaleidoscope was much higher up in the air than she remembered. She shook her head, eyes scanning her opponents. What had just happened? Who had caused it?\n\nMaybe... The guy with the watch?\n\n\"Got it. I'll handle him...!\" She said as her heart started to pound in her chest. This was going to be her first time actually taking on a villain in a fight. She didn't really have anything special when it came to hand to hand fighting, other than being difficult to see. A stray bullet or whatever the hell the guy's power was could take her out.\n\nStill, she had to go. As soon as she landed, she went for the tried and true throat punch before trying to knock the pocket watch out of the man's hand. She didn't know if he needed it, if it was tinker tech, or what. It could even just be a normal watch. But he wanted it out. Which meant she didn't want him to have it." }, { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "Morpher has successfully managed to knock the man out cold, but there was another gang member now standing on the bastard.\n\nLooking closely at the man standin on top, he assumed that it may have been some kind of Top Hat. When the guy standing on the bastard spoke, Morpher just stood still for a bit.\n\nHe then saw the other two capes assaulting the Top Hat member and decided to take action by helping them out. He did so by using the same sledgehammer to whack the member on the legs." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As Harpy dropped their fellow hero to the ground below several of the men below looked up at her about to continue shooting before pausing at what she said.\n\n\"Who the fuck are you talking to degenerate?\"\n\nSeemingly happy with their comment the continued to open fire on the feathered cape, a hail of bullets filling the air in front of her. Several of the bullets fly close by Kaleidoscope as she runs towards the Top Hat cape who still stands there seemingly unaware still staring at his watch. As her fist thrust towards his throat it seemed as though she was about to one shot him but a mere fraction of a second before impact she could see his eyes go wide.\n\n\"A fucking ghost?!\"\n\nAs he spoke he had threw himself back without caution, narrowly dodging Kaleidoscope's attack and curiously avoiding the rocky sledgehammer swinging at his legs. Instead she hit the car he was standing next to. Whilst he fell back a gunshot louder than the rest echoed through the air as one of the gunmen by the car collapsed to the ground.\n\n\"Reveal yourself you shit.\"\n\nAll the while the cape on the floor, Oswald, wasn't as out of might have been assumed. The scrapes and cuts over his body from being hit and falling to the ground seemed to stich themselves together. Getting back to his feet he grabed the roof railing of the car next to him.\n\n\"Drive me to Victory Club.\"\n\nOn his words the car immediately sped away down the street dragging him along, his feet being scraped along the road but immediately healing." }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "Hmm? Somehow he detected Kaleidoscope.. And even weirder there was a louder gunshot and one of the gunners are down? Is there a sniper? That couldn't have been good, she was already barely avoiding getting shot at and dealing with these people. Even more annoyingly so, the racist guy was getting away. Now she had a dilemma.. And 0 time to think deeper about it. \n\nWithout spending more than a fraction of a thought, she shifted her stance and pushed off the ground while beating her wings. \"Shift your powers off me, I'm going after the Nazi!\" Harpy exclaimed to her Stranger teammate and continued to chase.\n\nBrandishing her talons, she figured the best way to deal with this guy was to cut off his mode of transportation. She was confident that she could easily rend the metal of cars, and she considered it easy. Gaining height for a brief moment to dive down faster, she swung her talons at the rear tire on the other side of him. If she were skilled enough she'd cleave it in two and severely hamper the car's ability to move." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "\"Fuck! Ow!\" She said, hissing in pain as she recoiled. Note to self: Punching metal HURTS. She could feel her own heart pounding in her chest after narrowly dodging all of the bullets.\n\nAs soon as Harpy told her to switch she started to look around frantically for another good target. Her eyes quickly fell on Morpher. Another independent hero? It seemed unlikely, but... He was against the gangs as well. She had no choice but to trust him.\n\nShe focused on him, revealing her presence to only him, before redirecting her attention elsewhere. She didn't have the luxury of time to look over what he was feeling.\n\nThe cape had somehow figured out she was about to attack. A thinker? Some sort of precog maybe? Or maybe it was just a danger sense. Thinking quickly, she came to a decision, getting close to the mystery cape once again.\n\nShe simply ran at him and grabbed him with both arms, trying to hold him still for Morpher to follow up with something." }, { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "Morpher tried to attack the top hat member, but obviously to almost no effect as he just jumped up.\n\nHe then saw some cape appear out of the blue and making an attempt to hold up the villain that was somehow able to dodge his attacks.\n\nHe then decided to do a short jump onto the villain to prevent him from leaping and if he dodged to the left or the right, Morpher would at least use his stony hands midair to at least catch him before the villain dodges them." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Harpy shouted out her commands as she flew towards the fleeing vehicle, trusting the top hats and remaining Nova Imperium non-capes to the other two independent capes. As she closed the distance she could tell there was something strange with how the vehicle was moving, it was hard to tell exactly what was off but there was enough to flag it as strange.\n\nStill the strange movement did little to impede her actions as she slashed with her vicious talons ripping apart the rear tyres, damaging some of the body work in the process. The car began to swerve as the burst tyres dragged along the ground, a shout barely audible over the noise.\n\n\"FUCKING FLY ME TO THE VICTORY CLUB\"\n\nSuddenly the car lurched off the ground and into the sky as it began to speed up and gain altitude. The roof of the car seemed to open up as the man within stood up revealing himself once again facing Harpy.\n\n\"Fuck off to the slums where you belong!\"\n\nHe raised his hands revealing a dagger in each. Harpy's enhanced eyesight could make out engravings along the blades reading 'Meine Ehre heißt Treue' for a moment before he threw the two blades towards the bird like cape.\n\nBack at the pub proper the few remaining Nova Imperium gunmen had seen their glorious leader flee and decided this wasn't what they signed up for and began to run away, leaving the remaining vehicles. As they ran the gun shots seemed to die down as Kaleidoscope and Morpher moved to take out the Top Hat cape. As Kaleidoscope rushed forwards to grab him he took a step back and raised his rands to either side of him, his mouth curled into one of the smuggest grins possible as he looked straight in the direction of Kaleidoscope.\n\n\"Would you look at that? Just in Time...\"\n\nAs he spoke, Kaleidoscope could pick up on the overwhelming emotions from the man. Excitement, Enjoyment and perhaps most worrying, confidence. The world turned monochrome.\n\nWhen colour returned Kaleidoscope found herself standing her fist clenched around thin air as if she was holding someone by their clothing and Morpher was now much closer seemingly at the ready to burst into action. The Top Hat cape however was casually sat on the roof of the car, examining the nails of one hand whilst twirling his watch in the other.\n\n\"Well the bird bitch is nazi hunting so I'll talk to you two, rock man and whoever the one I can't see is. I'm gonna give you one more chance to walk away or I'll show you why they call me Final Fate. Stand down, don't fight me and fuck off. I'll make sure you get the money you would have gotten from the bounties on gang members, even the ones we shot and killed and the ones who ran. Hell I'll even throw in a bonus for making Oswald fall flat on his ass. That was some funny shit. Only condition is don't call the authorities.\"" }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "Nice! That seemed to do heavy damage! The first things Harpy thought as she continued her pursuit, holding in the back of her mind her allies she was splitting off from. Yet another thing was held there, she needed to show restraint to not kill this guy. Even though she wanted to rend his soul from his body, it wasn't a good look for heroes. But what was more important was that the roof opened up and the car itself began flying. \n\nShe too immediately ascended to match the car in altitude. Though that evidently proved less than satisfactory, as the two daggers were launched towards her. Nothing she couldn't handle. Though she wondered about the true mechanics of this man's power. \n\n\"You talk all that shit for someone who seems to have a power of their own!! Are you a tinker?!\" She asked before speeding forward, using one hand to swipe wide and deflect the daggers with her sharp talons, and used her other hand to swipe at the man's chest. She couldn't kill, but she aim to maim and apprehend." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Kaleidoscope blinked, and a moment later she was gripping at air.\n\nWhat the hell? His power? How did he even know to dodge?\n\nShe scowled as she stared up at the man on the roof of the car. It was clear that he could react to her, or see her somehow... Without her invisibility she was nothing more than a normal person dressed up in a costume. Unless she decided to break her rules...\n\nNo. She had just started her heroing career a week ago. She wasn't going to backdown from the first major obstacle.\n\nRegardless, she didn't think she could do much to him.\n\n\"Hey! Uh, you lead and I'll try to cover you?\" She said to Morpher before repositioning herself behind him. At the very least the other cape would probably be able to take a hit with his stone powers. However that worked." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"STAB THE BIRD BITCH!\"\n\nAs Harpy went to slash at the man she would hit only air as the car began to fall from the sky, heading straight down towards the ground below. This was followed by a sudden sharp pain as one of the daggers that had seemingly flown past her had shifted direction and embedded itself in her ass.\n\nBack the the Queens Weaver Kaleidoscope and Morpher stared down the Top Hat cape before them. Kaleidoscope having come up with a plan Morpher nodded and prepared to take action moving forwards when once again a loud gunshot was heard, rocks shattering on Morphers side before collapsing to the ground. The cape on the car wagged his finger.\n\n\"Now now, you don't want to do anything silly do you? We have Overwatch.\"" }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "The hell? It turns out she was operating on a half-truth this entire time. It wasn't just limited to vehicles, but to the knives as well.. Perhaps it was closer to a telekinetic ability more than anything. Still the method was strange, and she did notice how the car plummeted right as he took control of the dagger. Maybe there was a limit to how many things he can control at a time.. But that was all besides the point. The pain was sharp and her first instinct was to stall her forward movement with her wings and draw the dagger out of her bum. The man was fleeing, she didn't quite know how his abilities operated and she had left at least 2 people behind. It didn't take longer than a moment of thinking for Harpy to flip her body around and beat her wings back to the Queen's Weaver.\n\nShe chose to gain height and allow her enhanced vision to get a better idea of what was happening while she was gone. It wasn't the best of sights and she was at least pleased Kaleidoscope didn't immediately die. She aimed to gain more height and position herself that Kaleidoscope would notice her ascent first. Unfortunately, she was being put on a timer. Bleeding from a stab wound was less than ideal, and she didn't help it by taking it out. The more she ascended however, the more grim the situation appeared in her mind." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "\"...Oh fuck\" Kaleidoscope said as she watched her nearby ally instantly be killed. That could've been her. Now it was just her and Harpy, and... Where the hell was Harpy?!\n\nShe looked to the ground, immediately starting to run after swiping a pistol off of one of the nearby bodies. She looked around in a panic for Harpy, and locked her power onto her as soon as she was visible. She didn't have time to feel relief though - instead she just ran as fast as she could away from the enemy capes.\n\nTaking on all of this was far above her. Especially if she was going to hold back so much." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The car stopped falling and once again took to the air flying away as Harpy began to climb to a higher altitude. From Harpy's new vantage point she could probably keep track of the car but her enhanced sight caught the glimmer of reflected sunlight from the scope of a sniper rifle in the window of a tower in the distance. She could also see back down the street to the abandoned cars with Final Fate sitting atop one with the collapsed form of the rock cape nearby, Kaleidoscope appearing nearby.\n\n\"Huh so you aren't going to try and attack me ghostie? Don't wanna take a swing? No? You sure?\"\n\nHe sat atop the car swinging swinging his pocket watch from side to side with a bored expression on his face. Several people came running out the building with fire blankets attempting to smother the flames that were flowing up the side of the building. All the while Kaleidoscope grabbed the pistol and seeing things were getting out of hand, got the hell out of there. No one attempted to stop her." }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "OH MY FUCKING GOD! She would've paid more attention to what she was seeing, but she had no time for that now. That was a motherfucking sniper glint, she thought good ones were able to hide those.. But thank the lord they didn't seem to be doing that. She couldn't risk stalling her height increase, there were too many unknown variables that she had to consider in her mind. Who were they aiming at.. Were they a parahuman.. Was she in the crosshairs.. Etc., the best idea was to trust in what she could do now and focus on her best possible route.\n\nNot bothering to stop her increase, she beat her wings a small bit to guide her sideways, aiming to gain distance from everyone as fast as possible. Immediately after, she curled herself into a ball and brought her wings around her to shield herself from the potential incoming bullet.\n\nThe plan was to wait until she was behind cover of some kind, enough that she couldn't see the glint anymore and wouldn't be visible to the sniper before continuing her flight as normal. It appeared that Kaleidoscope was aiming to make their leave as well.. At least they were on the same page. In that regard, she couldn't fight all those people by themselves." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Phew! She was going to make it!\n\nWait... Harpy? Where are you going? Nononono.\n\nKaleidoscope started to panic as she noticed Harpy drift out of view. She would only have a few more seconds of safety - so she ran towards the nearest alleyway she could in an attempt to break off sight with the group entirely.\n\nThey wouldn't try to chase down a stranger, right?" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Kaleidescope slinked off into the alleyway. No one saw her, no one knew anything about her. She was gone having helped save the day and with a weapon looted from the fallen Nazi's.\n\nHarpy on the other darted to the side covering herself with her wings, which also caused her to begin to drop towards the ground. She was expecting a shot but nothing came, instead she could hear a voice shouting up from the approaching ground below.\n\n\"Yo birdy, fly away and live another day. Stay here and you won't leave.\"" }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "\"Don't have to tell me twice..\" Harpy made no attempt to understand what just happened to her, who that was that was speaking to her or how. The mission was a failure, kind of. They failed to apprehend anybody but at least from what she could tell they minimized the damage to civilians. \n\nShe caught the air with her wings and flew back up a bit to gain verticality from the ground. But not too high as to make herself visible to that sniper she spotted. She did turn to catch a glimpse of who it was that was speaking to her, but nothing more than the quick glance with peripheral vision. She just had to pray that her flight speed was enough, and to get medical attention sometime soon." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "And so Harpy fled the scene and as promised not a single shot was taken in her direction. The two heroes helped save lives, that wasn't in debate whether or not they would be satisfied with that was something only they could decide. Whatever their conclusion they were safe." } ]	206	7,482
230.275862	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "The Magical Hero Girl: Heartthrob! Had just gotten off the bus from Downtown and politely waved to the driver. She had went into the mall with her costume fully on and mask concealing her identity. She stood near the entrance in her pink dress and boots, with her domino mask on. She looked, for lack of a better word, extremely silly as twirled her wand in her hand absent-mindedly. \n\nShe had considered this meaning important. Firstly, it helped another cape. Always good right? It offered a chance to mingle with the other locals! Very important. And lastly? She was bored. She didn't have the resources to tinker right now and fiddling with her wand really wasn't helping. She had changed the casing like ten times already! And if she wasn't careful, she'd break the illusion. People might catch onto the whole 'magic' shtick covering up tinker-tech. Very bad." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Misinformation of power was of course a very important stratrgy when it came to the begining of a cape's career. The thing for Andromeda has been that she's already blown one of her powers to the public with her part of evacuation during the end bringer attack. As such, she didn't feel the need to hide it, warping carefully across the streets of the tower district until she'd made it to the mall. She could spot the pink hero from just a hundred feet away. What a costume and theme, she thought, marching down the sidewalk. Her dark outfit with spikes on her guarded joints probably made her stand out even more against the bubblegum esq colors of Heart Throb's. Costumes on the complete opposite ends of the spectrum (or maybe just on wildly different parts of a kind of some political chart of cape outfits).\n\n\"Heart Throb\" Her voice spoke from under her mask, dull and a bit muffled. The pattern on it was like circular blackhole, with two white lenses that obsured her eyes in the abyss part. \n\nShe lent out a hand, gloved with that rugged combat tested material \"The name's Andromeda. Good to see you.\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "The small hero was forced to look up a little as she tried to look at the lenses of the mask. Her costume didn't give her much in terms of height and Andromeda was taller than her by no small degree anyway. She did long bow as she took the hand and pressed a kiss to the knuckle. Her costume giving her a sense of courage to be this sort of flirt. She is a Heartthrob, is she not? Love's is the name of the game. \n\n\"Wonderful to meet you mask to mask, Andromeda!\" Her accent was played up to be a bit more posh sounding and her voice was tooth-rottingly sweet in tone. A real character played up. \"What can I do for you, My Spacey Friend?\" She stood straight and seemed to bounce a little on her toes. Her wand held in two hands behind her back as she did so." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Andromeda stood in silence for just a moment. Had that really just happened? She knew some capes really played the part, some were serious, and some either didn't care or swayed. Perhaps this was to be expected, she thought. Of course, from the outside it seemed as though Andromeda was giving heart throb a long, cold glare.\n\n\"You can come for lunch while we discuss matters. I am rather hungry, and the mall food court has the best food in town by far.\" Her tone was deadpan, but she meant every word of it, including the bit about how the food here was better than some of the fancier restaurants in the same district. Under all of that though, she had another reason for not getting straight to business. This was her first time getting to chat with another cape, in a calm, safe situation. Andromeda wanted to enjoy it, and use it as a learning experience for meetings like this in the future. But mostly she wanted to enjoy it." }, { "author": "sabbaticgoat.", "message": "Being the centre of commerce and catalyst for social interaction that it was, the Mall was often bustling with people. The same could be said of the area immediately surrounding the mall, as smaller businesses and public services took advantage of the vast footfall the Mall itself attracted. Though, even this effect had its ebbs and flows. While Heartthrob and Andromeda made their introductions, the bus on which the former had arrived would be steadily emptied of its passengers; filing around or past the pair of capes to begin shopping inside the Mall, and taking with them much of the noise their idle chatter caused.\n\nIn this relative quiet, a _CLUNK_'ing became more obvious, the dull thudding of metal on linoleum followed by a jangling highly reminiscent of a sack of loose change. Muffled at first, but growing louder by the moment until the Mall's doubledoor'd entrance seemed to swing open under its own power and out strolled a grumpy-looking young man. No more than fourteen or fifteen, arms crossed in a strop and eyes affixed to the ground ahead by a not-insignificant amount of shame.\n\nThe boy was immediately succeeded by a towering figure, ducking through the doorway as it approached seven feet in height. A mass of of junk and scrap warped into a functional protective costume: lengths of chain pressed and rivetted into a suit under lengths of rebar, drill bits, and chucks of I-beams flattened into overlapping scales of plate armour. One of its hands rest atop a pommel and from it, extending toward the floor from the figure's hip, about four feet of gleaming steel blade. The ensemble didn't literally weigh a ton, but it certainly looked like it could. \n⠀\n\n\"Return home, knowing you are fortunate to have been given time to reflect upon your misdeeds. They could have pursued legal action.\" The voice which left the suit was deep, but hollow, as if echoing out of the large helm, as it chastised the would-be shoplifter and sent them on their way. Some capes really _did_ play the part.\n\nOne good deed seen to, the armoured figure turns to return to the Mall's interior - pausing as they do so, spotting the two masked individuals milling about, talking, outside... It was something of an awkward standoff. Unsure if they were off-duty heroes, or villains yet to begin some plot. Pendragon found the latter unlikely, in the middle of the day with a colour scheme like Heartthrob's. \n\nThinking it best to introduce himself before his staring approaches the border of creepy behaviour, the figure's free hand rises into a wave. \"Salutations!\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "The small tinker would watch the extremely armored new comer with interest as he spoke. Her eyes seemed to sparkle with fascination as her full attention briefly flickered to the knight of rebar and scrap. Her attention going to the sword, to the armor, the helm, to the shoplifter, in rapid succession. She wondered if, maybe, she could subtly ask to scan his armor? No there's no way to do that, even if she went with the 'Trump-Blaster' Shtick. She'd out herself too fast.\n\nHer attention shot back to Andromeda briefly to note the attention on her. \"I do like the food here.\" She nodded rapidly, bouncing between heel and toe. She tried to keep her attention from bouncing back and forth but quickly failed when she heard the metal clang closer and waved to knight man.\n\n\"Wonderful day, m'lord, isn't it?\" She giggled, actually fully giggled, as she bounced to her toes. \"We were just having a chat!\" She waved her wand vaguely towards herself and Andromeda. It sparkled a little. \"Care to join us for lunch? If my starry beauty is alright with it.\" She internally, though not visibly cringed at herself. Too much? Too much." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Andromeda's head turned sharply to meet Pendragon's gaze. He was a bit taller than her, hulking massive armor around. There was almost no way he wouldn't have caught her attention. She also didn't seem to mind the compliment from HT, though her flush was hidden behind her mask, the same mask with arm angled lenses that looked at times like this, like they were staring daggers into people.\n\n\"I suppose I'm amicable to the idea of him joining, So long as he promises not to disrupt the conversation at the least, when it gets serious.\" Andromeda folded her arms, standing a hair taller to bolster herself along with the statement. Like with her reason for not getting straight to the action, she actually was sort of happy at the thought of another cape joining the table on this- if she could convince more than one to help her, things would go a lot smoother.\n\n\"To the food court, then?\"" }, { "author": "sabbaticgoat.", "message": "Inwardly, Pendragon was amused by these circumstances. Looking from Heartthrob to Andromeda and knowing that the latter was at least attempting to look him in the eyes. He was trying to do the same, but between her sharply angled lenses and the artificial gloom within his helmet he was sure neither of them were actually getting anywhere. Nevertheless he lowered his waving hand, offering it to each of Hearthrob and Andromeda in turn.\n\n\"In that case, I, Pendragon, would be honoured to join you both for a repast. I appreciate your invitation.\" The knightly figure accepts graciously, \"I shall endeavour to maintain a demeanour befitting the gravity of our discourse.\" He says in an attempt to reassure his new acquaintances, hand sweeping to the side as he reaches out with his power - pushing on the steel in the door's locks and hinges to push them open ahead of Andromeda and Heartthrob. \n\n\"Of course. As is the noble custom, I shall defer to the fairer sex.\" _Ladies first_." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "The small pink bundle's attention seemed to bounce between the two. One moment her eyes seemed to watch Pendragon's movements like a hawk, studying him, before the next she seemed to become extremely fascinated by Andromeda. Her eyes were hard to track with the domino mask and contacts but she seemed to be paying attention for now. She bounced into movement as the doors opened and strode with a confidence only someone with theatre experience could have. She did, have experience that is.\n\n\"Why, thank you Sir Pendragon. Let us endeavor towards the Court of Food.\" She really laid on the knightly bit thick. Her voice breaking into giggles. Internally there were a lot of nerves. \"I am The Magical Hero Girl known as Heartthrob! But please, Heartthrob is much shorter!\" She bounced to the knight. Her movements were hyper-active yet very conscious of herself. She was careful of her hand placement on her Wand and made sure to twirl it to make it hard to make out the seams of where the case opened. \"I don't often eat here. I don't shop in this mall often. The clothes don't fit my style.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Andromeda stood there, watching the both of them for a moment as the theatrics grated on her. Okay well, they'd grated only slightly, mostly on pendragon's part, Andromeda didn't like being treated as dainty. If her lenses could express anymore weariness and thin any more than they already were, They likely would be pencil thin, staring him... Up.\n\nRight, Pendragon was still taller than her. Eventually Andromeda marched through the door, looking straight past the hulking knight. She contemplated using her powers to drag him along, across the mall's shiny floors, dissuaded only by the idea that it might cause more damage than it was worse, and she'd end up with some kind of debt from the scratched or cracked linoleum.\n\nShe paused and turned back for a second, realizing she'd forgot to introduce herself. Standing beside Heartthrob with a hand on her hip with her weight on the opposing leg, she addressed him. \"The name's Andromeda. Don't fall behind, Wouldn't want to miss you at the round table, Pendragon.\" With her piece spoken, she lead the assumedly lost Heartthrob through the mall, slow enough that she could sight see as they passed the shops and kiosks, and subtly so that Pendragon would have no such trouble actually keeping pace." }, { "author": "sabbaticgoat.", "message": "Pendragon watched on, quiet inside his armour, as he expected one of the pair of capes before him to take the lead. He assumed there was some degree of looking back and force, but Heartthrob's mask and contacts did make it difficult to track her eyes' exact focus - and Andromeda's lenses convinced him not to try at all to follow her gaze. Pendragon's own was just as inscrutable, really, the way to truly guess at which direction he was looking in being the general position of his helmet and its vision slits. \n\n\"Heartthrob it is,\" Pendragon is all too happy to use the shortened title, it _was_ a mouthful after all. \"Indeed, this galleria is not one I oft visit either. It lies beyond my typical haunts.\" He speaks, only beginning to move when Heartthrob and Andromeda had begun to make their way into the mall itself—an echoing chuckle loosed at the latter's jab at his Arthurian theatrics. \"I would not forgo this occasion for all the world, mighty Andromeda.\"\n\nCuriously, Pendragon's clunking footsteps would not return as he joined the pair inside. The heavy stomping of steel-booted feet seemingly a deliberate affectation to intimidate the earlier ne'er-do-well, and put aside in favour of gliding an inch of so over the ground to reduce any disturbance to the peace in these casual times. Similarly, Pendragon would remove his sword from his shoulder - compressing the steel into a shorter, stubbier, gladius-like form factor that could sit neatly at his side, a hand rest upon its pommel to deliberately maneuverer it out of people's way. \n\n\"Pray, what doth the agenda hold for your meeting?\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Heartthrob would continue to follow Andromeda with a spring in her step. She made a show of her distraction as she 'wowed' and 'ooed' at the various shops. In truth she's been to the mall, obviously, but it was not her go to place. She's rather lazy in her fashion and rather anxious in crowded spaces without her tech on hand. She was definitely loss though without these two.\n\n\"Our agenda, Sir Pendragon, is helping out Dear Andromeda with.. Something!\"\n\nShe twirled her wand with a shimmer before stuffing it into a hidden pocket in her dress skirt. She sewed that herself. It took several hours- tinkering doesn't make you very good at that, apparently. She looked up to the two larger heroes and asked \"How long have you two been at this whole... Cape-a-roonie thing?\" She waved vaguely at them \"I'm suuppperr new!\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "When finally they reached the food court, Andromeda had led them into a line for A family run italian place. She tried not to mind the stares they got while waiting inline, and answered. \"A few months. Not exactly hero work, but nothing illegal.\" She muttered. _'Nothing you could prove illegal'_ she thought. As they approached the counter, the bucktoothed man at the counter with curly hair and olive skin smiled at her. He went to greet her it seemed, but she waved him off. Did the two know each other? She said this place had the best food in town, maybe she was a regular.\n\nAfter she made her order, Andromeda continued, answering Pendragon next. \"It's in regards to the local drug rings and dealings. The Tophats, specifically. I need to go after them, And i have my reasons for it, but as far as the work is concerned, Getting them off the streets, even if for just a bit of time, sounds good, no?\"" }, { "author": "sabbaticgoat.", "message": "\"Ah, _something!_\"\n\nPendragon nodded sagely in response to Heartthrob's profound council. He brought up the rear of the group as they traversed the mall, not wanting to lose sight of either of his fellow capes amongst the relatively dense crowd and knowing that his suit made himself quite hard to overlook regardless of where he was positioned in their marching order.\n\n\"Like Andromeda, I have only trod the path of heroism for a span of a few months... Alas, my deeds have remained shrouded in obscurity, for the Vanguard doth seldom cast their gaze Riverside.\" Pendragon would elaborate as they filtered into the Italian eatery's queue. There was a subdued clank as Pendragon touched down on the floor here, stepping out of the line but remaining beside his companions as it dawned on him that he was not in civilian guise and as a result was not carrying any kind of cash or card. Food would have had to wait in any case, there was no way to get anything edible under his helmet without removing it and revealing his identity in the first place!\n\n\"...Ah. The Top Hats are a scourge, whatever your reasons may be; our goals are aligned in scouring them from the face of our fair city.\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "\"Something!\"\n\nShe repeated with enthusiasm as she walked. Her masked face scanned the crowd as she carefully maneuvered behind the much taller Andromeda. \"So I only debuted like. Today? But I've been doing a few attacks on the Imperium while I was getting myself set up! They, for some strange reason, don't seem to like me.\" There was a mischievous grin on her face as she made that comment. Shooting a glance around to make sure the two got the comedy of it.\n\nAs she stepped into line and shuffled along, she would reach into the ruffles of her dress. Withdrawing her hand she would pull out a small clutch coin purse and draw a few bills from it. She'd stow it once more in a hidden pocket and pay for a slice of Pizza. \"Not run into many tophats! I don't think at least.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Andromeda waited beside the place where ready orders were waiting for their respective customers to pick them up. She folded her arms and glared at the both of them. \"So we've got at least some experience between us. Good. The thing is, are you two willing to get A little dirty about it. I'm not talking anything criminal, but rougher than normal. You know they won't pull their punches, so we shouldn't pull ours, to some extent.\"\n\nShe picked her food up off the table and guided them both to a booth seat closer to the entrance. \" If that doesn't bother you then... We still ought to get to know each other A little. Cape wise, I'm not expecting identities, not here atleast. But, I can tell you why specifically I want to do this, if it bugs you not to know.\"" }, { "author": "sabbaticgoat.", "message": "Despite their surroundings, Pendragon adopted a somewhat somber tone as he joined Andromeda at the very end of the counter. \"I do not carry my blade for the mere aesthetic.\" He would remark, hoping that would convey the severity of the violence he was willing to engage in. The knightly-figure's fingers flex, squeezing, around the hilt of the short sword the currently resides at their hip.\n\nPendragon's demeanour returns to normal steadily, following the pair to their chosen table and—hm. He looks over the booth for a moment, before deciding that squeezing his steel-carapace'd form into a soft, upholstered, seat is probably not the best idea. Instead he turns, stepping away momentarily to drag over a loose seat from another table arrangement and sit in that.\n\n\"...I think sharing our motivations would be prudent; after all, it is in understanding one another's purpose that we may yet forge a steadfast alliance. My resolve is born from an unyielding desire to protect the innocent and uphold justice, to ensure that the weak find solace and the wicked are held to account.\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "There's no change in volume or tone but a flash of a vague emotion goes through Heartthorb's demeanor before she adjusts herself. She put a big smile on her as she attempted to hide it. \"I never go easy on criminals! But my power does not yet deliver lethal blows, if that is your request. Not unless I spend a lot of time focusing on it.\" She mentioned her power with a half-truth. Her tech simply wasn't designed to kill.\n\nHeartthrob sat herself down with a plop and carefully pushed her ruffled skirt together to keep herself neat. She placed her food on the table and looked up to the two with a curious look. She was fascinated by meeting other capes. She hadn't really gotten a chance so far and she had built her identity with lots of care and time.\n\n\"My motivations? I am, for one, a hero of love and justice! I aim to pull the desperate and helpless up from their spot and give them somebody to rely on! I am fight to make sure that love is free and none shall harm those who seek it.\" It's a pretty generic magical girl speech. Something based on a Aleph Japanese Cartoon. But she did want to help the people who had no where to go, people who were like her, and the free love thing was sort of an excuse to say 'I hate nazis.' \"I pursue justice for the people!\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Wicked held to accountability, justice for the people. Andromeda couldn't claim her reasoning was as noble or virtuous. She became a hero because it was all she could do to start her search, to use the power she was given without destroying her own life in the process. \n\n\"I put in the mask, I fight, because I have someone I need to find. Someone I need to protect. If doing that means busting drug deals, tackling gangs, saving other in the process, so be it.\"\n\nSitting down now, she stole a glance at her meal. Andromeda was hungry, but for more than just the delicious italian cuisine in front of her. She wanted answers, some feeling of closure, or vengence- no.. Retribution? She wasn't entirely sure. She struggled to get the next words out as she slowly lifted her mask, enough to take a few bites of her food, not enough to reveal her identity.\n\n\"...I don't think that's enough to make me a hero, like you said, heartthrob, but I can't say I mind it.\"" }, { "author": "sabbaticgoat.", "message": "Defending the innocent, holding the wicked accountable for their actions... Pendragon had maintained his flowery, pseudo-medieval court vocabulary while speaking about his motivations, though it was ultimately simply a very fancy way of vocalising the fact that he felt he now harboured something of a _noblesse oblige_. His power gave him the ability to intervene where most couldn't and where the police wouldn't. It was fulfilling to save lives and fight exploitation, Pendragon would as quickly stab a union-buster as he would someone pushing drugs on the street corner.\n\nThat was a much larger mouthful, however, and there was no guarantee anyone operating as a hero would be willing to agree that their duty extended beyond simple criminal acts and the schemes of supervillains. \"...You needn't fret, Mighty Andromeda. In the annals of history, it is actions, not intentions, that etch the legacies of heroes and shape the fate of kingdoms. So long as your search sees lives saved and villains thwarted, you are without doubt an ally of justice.\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "She leaned forward and took a bite of her pizza- cutting it with a fork and knife like a psychopath so she didn't drip anything onto her dress or make a mess of her makeup. She looked between the two as they spoke with no small amount of interest. Differing motivations are so fascinating to her. She thought of herself as a decent person but she knew the second guessing of one's motivations.\n\n\"You know, many of the best capes started because it was fun or they were desperate. I think you'll find that you aren't so bad for having less grand motivations or less directly good motives but you should think less about why you started and more about what you've done.\" She grinned wide at Andromeda \"Don't worry your pretty head about it. You are may look scary but I think you are gonna come out to be a superstar of a hero.\" She winked at her as she sat back, leaving her plate cleaned. \"Trust us, we're the heroes.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Andromeda was about to shove another forkful of Alfredo rigatoni into her mouth before she stopped, halted by their words of.. Support? She didn't quite understand. The idea that she really could be a hero didn't exactly settle in her mind, she knew she was in this for just one reason, and whether she failed or succeeded, she wouldn't know what to do with herself after.\n\nShe stuffed the pasta into her mouth, chewed rigorously, and swallowed hard. \n\n\"Thanks, the both of you. If anything comes of this, you'll have my backing when either of you need help. If not... Who knows. I still might show up, if it's convenient. Now, let's finish eating, can't exactly discuss strategy here. Anybody have a hide out?\"\n\nOnce more she began shoveling the delicious Italian cuisine into her mouth, not eating rudely, but clearly enjoying the meal like she'd not eaten all day." }, { "author": "sabbaticgoat.", "message": "\"...Alas, I lack a steadfast bastion which to sallyforth.\" Pendragon would admit somewhat sheepishly, though it was difficult to tell when a change in tone was unintentional given the echo of his voice out of the helmet. \"Heretofore I have allowed the winds of duty to carry me where they will. The labyrinthine network of disused subways and steam tunnels, shrouded in shadow, provide a shelter under which I find both the solitude to hear cries for aid as well as the swiftness to respond immediately; but they are no replacement for a permanent fortification.\"\n\nWhile Pendragon speaks, he does not move much if at all. In theory he could express and gesture as much as anyone else, but his armour was heavy and he was reluctant to expend the effort it took to move such as colossal suit around for the mere ability to more finely articulate his meanings in conversation. Eventually, however, his right arm does rise to wave toward Andromeda and Heartthrob. \"Yourselves?\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "There was a pause as Heartthrob considered the question. A frown forming before sinking into more of a cutesy pout with some effort as she thought about how willing she was to provide information about her place of residence. She could hide any information about herself, not exactly any photos and she had hid most of her legal docs anyway. The problem was the tinker station in her bedroom. And the parts scattered around the living room. \"Well...\"\n\nShe hummed as she thought it over \"I only have my home, though my identity would not be truly revealed by the place, I am unsure if it should be the first place to go.\" She slumped, lost in the ruffles of her dress, and sighed. \"It's really expensive to build a hideout!\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"Fine\" She spat out, finishing her meal. Her hands crackles with the green energy of her power and in a half second, the disposable bowl and fork are envelopes in a green flash, warped to the trashcan ahead of them.\n\n\"I hate to say it, but we'll have to find or commandeer an abandoned building. At a later date. For now, talking over PHO, in a group DM, should be fine. I think it's best we part ways, and keep in contact. My handle is CassiopeiasFallGirl. You two?\"\n\nShe folded her arms after slipping down her mask again, eyeing them both with that trademark thin glare of hers." }, { "author": "sabbaticgoat.", "message": "Pendragon's junk armour gives a slow creak as he manipulates it, easing the neck-joint to turn the head. His gaze tried to follow the vibrant green blur, only the otherwise inexplicable noise of trash landing in the rubbish bin denoting to him that Andromdeda had teleported the waste from her meal away. It was one of the more impressive powers he had personally witnessed, and a part of him was fiercly curious about the exact material properties of such weird esoteric energy...\n\nAlas, Pendragon couldn't allow himself to remain distracted by that haunting pull of power for too long. He had to keep up with the conversation! His helm creaks back into a front-facing position, once more regarding his new companions. \"Caution and discretion are amongst are most stalwart of allies in this clandestine world.\" He reassures, not wanting to know where Heartthrob set up shop in the first place. Nothing good came from learning about each other's civilian identities, after all. \"Correspondence will reach me at the handle _BalinTwoSwords_, I look forward to being able to discuss out future endeavours at length.\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "\"I wonder what I could..\" She muttered the sentence before it became nearly an incomprehensible babble. She wanted to scan Andromeda's power- maybe make some sort of spatial warping that let her shrink her batteries? Or light refraction that bent the dimensions of a room? Extra dimensional space? A light breaker state using a battery tech? There was a light breaker in Brockton, wasn't there? She was muttering under her breath again, she had to stop herself. She was going to give herself away at this rate.\n\n\"MakeYourHeartFlutter on PHO.\" She forced herself to pay attention. No need to reveal her true classification. That's dangerous. \"Of course, while I have nothing to hide as I mentioned, I must keep my place of rest safe.\" She reached forward and placed a business card with her contact info on the table. It was pink with white text and had her title on it along with her handle and 'PATROLLING THE TOWER NOW.' It also had a little doodle of Heartthrob's wand on the back of it." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Andromeda saves both the contacts on her account, and stows her device away, along with the card Heartthrob handed to her.\n\n\"Well, Pendragon, Heartthrob? Be in touch soon, garther any information you can on the top hats until I message again. I'll work on finding us A hideout. Andromeda _out_.\" She broguht a pair of fingers up and gave them a salute as she was enveloped by that energy they were ever curious about again, and was gone in a bright green flash. \n\nAndromeda now was outside of the mall, having seen a clear path through to the glass doors, and began to continue warping away, a hope growing in her heart." }, { "author": "sabbaticgoat.", "message": "As the others recount their Parahumans Online handles, Pendragon's fingers squeeze and flex around the hilt of his sword. He didn't have a card to offer, or a convenient place upon which to scrawl the information, and so in an effort to ensure he did not forget how to contact these new compatriots of his — he molded his armour. Two small lines of lettering, Andromeda and Heartthrob's PHO handles, physically engraved onto the inside of one of the many plates of his formidable suit. \n\nHaving recorded the informaiton as he could, Pendragon would stand and bid his farewells much as Andromeda had, though with a less impressive lightshow. \"Fare thee well, dear companions.\" Pendragon spoke as he pushed his pinched seating back to its proper placement at another table. \"Until our next meeting, may fortune favour your noble souls. I must be off to Riverside.\" With that, the hero rose a few inches from the ground, maneurvering upward until he were clear of most people and furniture, flying at speed toward the mall's exit." } ]	217	6,678
168.3125	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "It has been a few months since Fiona Marley, Panoptic, has gone to the mall for purposes other than general theft and petty crime. She doesn't really have safe spending money usually and she doesn't like going out on her own to these places but the other two had decided it was a good idea so she's here. Exhausted. She was hungry too, maybe she could trick them into buying her lunch.\n\nFiona sat on the front steps to the mall with her phone to her face. She was dressed up, relatively, but it wasn't particularly pretty. Her shirt was a nice enough band tee but it was baggy and forced her to tuck it into her skirt that had be held in place by a belt. She waited outside for her Cluster, aware of their proxity through a deep connection to their minds, and staring into space." }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "Rebecca Smith would show up after grabbing a drink and a bag of crisps from one of the stores in the mall and smiles when she shows up and sees Fiona. Becky would then walk out of the mall and over to Fiona \"Hey there, how are you today?\" Becky is wearing a simply comfortable hoody and athletic pants as she would wear normally. Although on her hoody there is paint splotches on it from her artistic endeavors" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "She'd look up from her phone and towards Rebecca. Her eyes lingered on the space over Rebecca's shoulder, however, and her attention didn't change much as she shifted uncomfortably. She didn't look too homeless right now but she certainly wasn't all together. \"I'm fine.\" She pursed her lips, a thin sheen of gold along them. \"Seen the other two? Felt them?\"" }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "\"Not too close? They probably will be here soon, or at least I am sure Charlie will be here sooner than later\" When Becky is close enough she would smile at Fiona \"Want some Crisps?\" Becky would offer her bag out for Fiona \"But how have you been recently if I may ask?\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "\"Yea.\" She'd reach her hand out and snatch the bag with a little too much speed, leaning back against the step. A thin layer of gold now shimmering along the steps now too causing a wet sound when she laid back. Her eyes looked back up as she took a few chips before tossing it back. \"As long as she shows.\"" }, { "author": "sabbaticgoat.", "message": "By contrast, it had not been very long at all since Charlie's last visit to the mall. It was a hub of commerce, bustling with people, and as a result: full of opportunity... Opportunity for _what_ she hadn't quite decided yet. More thought could be put into that at a later date, because for now Charlie's mind dwelled on the meeting ahead of her. It had been months since she had spoken to any of these girls in a meaningful capacity, and who knows how _certain events_ had affected them in the meantime?\n\nThis kind of uncertainty wasn't going to stop Charlie from showing up, of course, part of her was still eager to go. Excited to see her... Friends wouldn't have been quite the right word. Nevertheless, it wouldn't be long before Panoptic might feel that all too familiar fuzziness inside the radius of her awareness. That oddly woman-shaped hole where the perception of her power simply failed to grasp its subject. Closer and closer it would stroll, until Charlie's snowy-haired form wandered into view, lithe form a little darker its complexion than they might remember and clad in a beige tracksuit, its hoddie cut-off like a croptop. \n\n\"Long time no see, girls.\"" }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "Becky would catch her Crisps when tossed back \"Heeeyyyy Charlie! How have you been girl?!\" She clearly seems happy to see Charlie \"What have you been up to recently?\" Rebecca leans against a pillar while waiting for Charlie to come closer to the group" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "She'd sit up a little straighter as Charlie entered her vision. The gold fluid now shimmering the edges of walls and the steps as her range grew. She shifted herself as the combination of a friendlier face and a bit more bleed sat her emotions higher. \"Hey.\" She seemed to slump back into her posture but more comfortable. Calmer. \"Been a while.\" \n\nShe awkwardly ran a hand through her hair with a sigh. Her eyes still so unfocused. A static of annoyance and anxiety running through the cluster's bond. It seemed to be her natural state. She looked towards Rebecca once more, eyes focusing somewhere above her head, as she asked \"Anything interesting with you?\"" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Despite what she had said, Olivia found herself walking to the mall to meet up with her classmates. Originally she didn't want to get involved, but the more and more she thought about it, it didn't sit right with her. All of them already had a general idea of what each other looked like - or at least she had to assume so. She didn't pay much attention to the other's faces beforehand, but of course everyone would remember HER. If she let them all meet up without any supervision they'd likely end up doing something stupid. Maybe even something that could come back on her.\n\nOr... Plot against her.\n\nShe couldn't let that happen.\n\nShe wore a plain, gray hoodie with the hood pulled up. Her hair was rather distinctive, so the only chance she had at avoiding detection entirely was to make sure she wasn't facing directly at any of the others.\n\nRather than go straight up through the normal entrance, she went through a side entrance and started to make her way through the mall and towards the main entrance. So long as they didn't see her coming she'd likely be able to wait around and listen in on their conversation at the very least.\n\nAs she walked within 100 feet of the group she froze, anxiety suddenly spiking through her as she felt the other three through some sort of connection - their emotions pushing onto her." }, { "author": "sabbaticgoat.", "message": "They were sharing food already, Charlie couldn't help but note as she watched that crisps packet get tossed between Fiona and Rebecca. Not a significant morsel of information, perhaps, but amusing to Charlie nonetheless; when had 'FlyOnTheWall' transitioned from not trusting most of the group enough to appear out of costume, to accepting potentially poisoned snacks? ...Maybe it was just Charlie who had become acutely aware of how easy it could be to dose someone's foodstuffs. \n\nThe thought of that coincided with a heightened sense of anxiety that briefly made her look uneasy, though Charlie would attempt to bury the sensation and focus on the upsides of reuniting with old friends? Eh, classmates. She was glad to be here, she reaffirmed to herself, surely she wouldn't have come otherwise. Damn nerves. \n\n\"I've been jobhunting, mostly.\" Charlie begins to respond, happy to be catching up but simultaneously nursing a sense of annoyance at the invasiveness of the question - then brushing that off. Come on, Charlie, it's perfectly normal smalltalk. \"Parents want me to go to uni, but I feel like I have skills to offer, uh, _outside academia_.\" Charlie wags her head from side to side as she emphasises the phrase, hair moving less than one might expect - as if wet against her scalp, gelled into its particular style. \n\n\"...Anyway, what are we thinking about for the immediate future? Window shopping, food court, maybe shoot a PHO message to Olivia so she doesn't think we ditched her if she turns up here and we're already inside?\"" }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "Becky would nod \"Yeah, Was thinking some food, clothes, Probably should shoot a message to Liv so if she does show up, she knows we didn't just bail on her.\" Becky smiles because she is happy to be around the others, even as anxiety and nervousness starts to bleed through into her emotions. To which she responds by eating some more of her chips\n\n\"I hope Liv is doing fine, the people she seems to wanna mess with are no joke. They are also deadly serious in their view, so if she screws with them, with no backup, that would be very bad.\" She says as the nervousness/anxiety starts playing with her, this sets off alarms in her head, bc she wasn't worried or anxious at all today before now" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Her anxiety was dowsed by the insistence of Charlie to be positive. At least for the moment. She sighed and stood from her spot on the steps reluctantly, eyes flicking between the two, before turning towards the mall. The calm seemed to wash through her before paranoia spiked again through the bond with a sudden surge as the feeling of calm made her question why she was calm.\n\n\"Let's go inside maybe. Been a while since I've been shopping.\" She huffed quietly, reaching for her pockets. She stopped, realized she had no pockets, and crossed her arms. She looked around as she felt something at the edge of her consciousness. A distant feeling. Her range wasn't big enough yet to reach it but maybe if she could delay the other two for a little longer. \"Wonder what she's up to at this moment.\"" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Shortly after entering into the emotion range, Olivia ran straight back out.\n\nWhat even Was That? Some sort of master power maybe? She knew that her own master power was quite effective. Was it because she had merged her power with someone else's?\n\nIf there was some sort of emotional manipulation happening, then would it be better for her to expose it early? Or to make sure that she was never possibly touched by it? With a scowl she stalked away, going back out the way she came. None of them were really friends of hers, but...\n\nWell, she could give them a warning at least. She wouldn't expose herself, but she could at least make sure to alert the group on PHO. That could work for now.\n\nShe left back the way she had come, moving to leave the mall entirely." }, { "author": "sabbaticgoat.", "message": "\"Yeah that's. That's what I said.\" Charlie would reply with a brief chuckle, head tilting to the side curiously at Becky - her expression remained mostly amused, perhaps endeared by the copycat behaviour? The talk of Olivia's chosen company swiftly moved Charlie's train of thought on, a wave of disappointment crashing on the shores of this cluster's emotional bleed.\n\nCharlie moved to accompany Fiona as they made for the mall's entrance, shrugging. \"Maybe it's better we don't find out - she could have it out for us for whatever godsforsaken reason.\" Even if one were merely looking for the protection of an armed group, there were other gangs. Perhaps smaller, less notorious, but it was rare for all-out war to spill onto the streets for normies - as much as she tried, Charlie could not rationalise Olivia's interest in the neo-nazis, and that was as far as her train of thought got before being derailed by her phone's insistent pinging. \n\nWere the other two typing instead of listening to her? Charlie rolls her eyes, reaching up under her cropped sweatshirt to retrieve her phone from beneath it - her outfit otherwise devoid of pockets - to check the group chat.\n\n\"Guess she isn't going to make it after all - though I'll be honest, I think I've kind been feeling, uh, _it_?\" She nods to text on her phone's screen. \"It isn't coming from me either, you both know what I do.\" She reminds, dotting the back of her mobile with a patch of ichor and using it to adhere the device back into place under her top." }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "Rebecca looks at the others \"As I said in messages, I did not make it, y'all know I tag things with paint. Mine clearly ain't that sort of thing. I don't know what is causing this, but it feels weird\" She says as she slowly feels the anxiety ebb from her and she goes back to her calmer before the disappointment comes through \"As I said before, we can not change who she associates with, we can only advise her to not go and do foolish things.\" Becky face falls as she says that before she tries to put on a better face\n\n\"Well, if she can't make it, we might as well head in and see what they have to sell here. Or if nothing else, at least get some food.\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Fiona shrugged her shoulders at Rebecca's comment. \"I'm just a Thinker.\" She lied, keeping her voice low so only the other two heard her. The rollercoaster of the battle against the emotional bleed continues to make her anxiety spike. She began to make her way up the stairs and into the mall without really looking up from her phone.\n\n\"If she isn't going to come, she isn't going to come. I agree with getting food though.\" She made a motion like she was wiping her hands on her skirt and a smear of white paint was left behind on it, forcing the zone to continue to center on herself. Despite not looking up from her phone her stride was confident and she carefully maneuvered around the crowd without much effort. Damned thinkers. A faint buzz of a smug confidence spreading through the bond." }, { "author": "sabbaticgoat.", "message": "Charlie moved through the loose crowd of the mall's interior with similar ease to Fiona, though she lacked much of the Thinker's casual grace. Instead Charlie sported the weight of the ichor beneath her skin, allowing her to trudge ahead in an unnaturally sturdy manner - a teenage boy not paying attention to where he was walking taking a shoulder-check _quite_ poorly as Charlie shoved past. \n\n\"\"Okay, all for food... What are we feeling?\" Charlie muses, arms raising and being folded together behind her head. \"They have the new curry house upstairs, could grab a pretty private booth and y'know, _catch up_.\"" }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "\"That could work, after all a booth provides space for me to work on some of my paintings my customer's want from me.\" She smiles at the others as her mood starts to re-stabilize from the effects of the other two \"It can be my treat, at least if you two don't object.\" She offers generously. She also is looking at the other two and has a slight pang of envy that their powers have everyday use as well. Hers were tied to controlling areas, and she can't really do that at the moment in a place such as a mall at the current moment" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "\"You have customers? Damn.\" The envy pang fuels a spiteful surge as Fiona considers her own living situation. Petty theft has gotten her only so far and she wasn't sure how long she could make it on the cash she has. Apartments aren't cheap, after all. \"Your treat? Yeah, I'll take curry.\" Fiona would continue twiddling with her phone. She was too self conscious to admit she's bad with spicy food. \n\nShe began to turn directions towards the escalators, speaking up again to ask \"Wait you brought canvases to the mall?\"" }, { "author": "sabbaticgoat.", "message": "\"I suppose not, though I'd rather pitch in something.\" Charlie voices, she didn't want to freeload off of her friends. Especially not when she was still, ostensibly, being supported by her parents... Fiona's pang of envy is something Charlie can resonate with. Despite her relatively stable position, she still craved the independence and agency that would come with a recurring source of income like Becky's commissioned paintings. \n\n\"I guess she could be doing some kind of street art?\" Charlie responds, looking from Fiona to Becky, up and down her person for any supplies she might have been carrying. \"Modern art is all wacky anyway.\"" }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "\"Even though I do mainly paintings, you still need an idea of how you want it to come out, especially if you want to make sure that the client will be satisfied. So I would be working on some sketches for designs of the paintings, so I could get the best idea of what they want. I mean its better than diving into the painting and them being annoyed with the result.\" She says freely, even if she can feel the envy emanating from them \"Ideally I wanna find a career that could make using my natural artistic talent something more for fun, but right now I have to subsist on commissions and small side gigs.\"\n\nWhen the arrive to the restaurant she would find a table for them \"If you guys, have a way you guys wanna do it to speak more openly, I am open to ideas.\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "\"I've never had a talent for art and I've been avoiding art class since highschool.\" A bitter grumbling that spills from her with the resonating envy. Her voice would almost have reached a growl if it weren't for how it cracked as she spoke again \"I've been trying to get a good gig going but people are making my life difficult.\" She moved with purpose, her phone now tucked into her waist band, as they moved into the curry house and sat herself into the booth.\n\n\"I would know if anyone's listening. Talk quietly but we should be fine.\" The gold film coated her seat as she sat down and the white paint stuck to the underside of the table. \"C'mon, something to say?\"" }, { "author": "sabbaticgoat.", "message": "\"Oh, mostly prepwork?\" Charlie would muse as Becky spoke, much of her elaboration upon the artistic process lost on the athlete though Charlie could still appreciate her friends' obvious passion for the subject. Or, uh, friend _singular_. It didn't seem like Fiona was all too interested after all. \n\nCharlie brings up the rear of the group as they filter into the curry house, seating herself beside Fiona. They were 'sisters', after all, and being the smallest of the three of them Charlie assumed it would be less of a squeeze than setting up next to Becky and her sketching supplies...\n\nNow they were here, however, Charlie did find herself at something of loss as to what she should say. Or ask. The terrible event they shared had bound them together, inextricably, but now they were forever connected what was there to even share? \"I thought I'd have more to say, to be honest... I've just been trying to get by. I'd like to launch a little business with the, y'know,\" Charlie says, gesturing with her index finger - a thick globule of gilded goo beading on her fingertip. \"I figure cape security has to be booming more than ever?\"" }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "\"I have had to throw my hat in with the Hats for the time-being, but I would love to get out of them if possible. But I don't want to throw my hand in with random teams. Especially since my main use of my power is to scramble others, so it is very well as inclined to fuck with powers of those I work with, as it is for those of those any team I would join would be working against. Believe it or not, Unpredictability is not what others want these days.\" She muses a bit bummed, but accepting of it also" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "\"I've been working odd jobs as security.\" She said flatly as she sat between her clustermates. Her finger drew a line in the film of gold collecting along the edge of the table as she remained staring with unfocused eyes. Her attention drifting to the space around them with a frown. Her nosiness getting the better of her as she minded other people's business. \"My chances with the people I'm applying to are low. If it doesn't work.. Might resort to joining a company.\"" }, { "author": "sabbaticgoat.", "message": "\"The Top Hats?\" Charlie questioned, mostly rhetorically. There weren't many, if any, other gangs who had 'hats' in their name, after all. Charlie just wanted to muse over the idea of them, but didn't have too great an idea of what they were about. She knew they were violent, and extorted local businesses, but at least they didn't have a reputation for being massive bigots on top of all that. They weren't any worse than the Children of Scion in many regards, so Charlie decided not to speak ill of them. \n\n\"I guess that's fair, maybe it would be a reasonable to try forming your own team?\" She would suggest instead, pausing briefly to watch the waiter approach and subsequently thank them for the menus they distributed, waiting for them to get an appreciable distance away before picking back up the conversation. \"Oh, who are you trying to get in with, Fi'?\"" }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "\"Yeah, they just are basically like the typical street gang that were run by Capes that would existed before... Yeah, but anyways, it is something for the time being, and with any group as such, protecting your own is usually seen as good practice, and Capes especially. If I could find those that could manage being around my tags without being affected too much by them yeah, although the best people for that are those such as thinkers and tinkers, and those aren't the easiest to just pick up off the street.\" She muses out loud to the others\n\n\"But that is because the Tinker Tech is not affected by it at all, and Thinkers rarely have a physical manifestation of what they are doing with their power. But most other types have physical manifestations, so they do screw with it. So I would have to find people that can adapt on the fly to whatever fuckup of the day is, and would have to do so better than the enemies could do so if wanted other people. I mean I guess Master's could help too, at least if they don't summon minions with their powers, but Master's have always given me the creeps.\" She gives a slight shudder \n\n\"Otherwise they would have to work around my spots, which is not as ideal.\" She is sketching out some designs at the moment as she talks to keep her hands busy." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Fiona made a show of placing her hands over her mouth when questioned about who she was trying to align herself with before dropping them back to the table. \"Not saying, don't want you guys to figure out my cape identity before I even debut.\" She made another gesture of placing her hands over her face like a mask. She did seem to turn her gaze directly, well as direct as she ever did, to Charlie when the nickname was spoken. \n\n\"Thinkers are the best classification for any team. The order of 'best classification' always has thinkers and tinkers at the top.\" A shimmer of pride through their bond. Smugly talking herself up. \"Like I said though, if it doesn't work for me I'll go corporate or maybe even..\" She shuddered \"Rogue.\"" }, { "author": "sabbaticgoat.", "message": "\"It makes sense to get in with a group, yeah... Suppose if the reason you're in danger is mostly cape stuff, though, it might be good to get in with those children guys.\" Charlie mused idly, wanting to test the waters. To float the idea amongst people whose opinions she could use to gauge how good or bad a decision it might be without stating any real commitments. \"You they kind of revere us, and stuff. Bet they'd throw themselves in danger's way, and the normie members wouldn't be all scrambled by your paint.\"\n\n\"...Oh, you have a whole identity figured out?\" Charlie would question, shifting some to face Fiona a little more. \"Costumes and everything, if you're actively looking to get on a team? I guess I should put something together even if I intend to just go rogue, maybe I'll get a marketable plushie out of it.\"" }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "\"They stay to themselves more than any other gang, but they are Literally Worshipping the being that brought the end of everyone's previous lives. They see us as the Chosen Ones, but that leads to plenty of one sided relationships and they really don't like those that were marked by their trigger. Although, they do have that one angel guy with them, what's his name, Michael? No. Rapheal? No, not that one. Is it Gabriel? Whichever one it was, it was the one that was supposed to represent strength.\"\n\nBecca considers some things. She ends up thinking about how genuinely happy she is to be around her former classmates. \"If either of you want help with stuff related to alt Identities or help designing such, I would be happy to help. Mind you, even these days the unwritten rules are still meant to be respected, so even though I would know the face under the costumes, I wouldn't dare reveal it to others.\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "\"I don't trust the Children. I dealt with enough weird religious lunatics in my life and worshipping Goldie? No thank you.\" She drummed her fingers on the table, trying and failing to catch staff attention to order. \"Not to mention that they are just assholes.\" She slumped back into her seat.\n\n\"My identity is figured out, don't worry. Costume together and all. You'll see it when I make an official debut.\" She gestured vaguely to Charlie \"No marketable plush for me.\"" }, { "author": "sabbaticgoat.", "message": "There's a slight hesitation in the way Charlie holds herself after fielding responses from her old schoolmates, mouth moving if only so she could click her tongue and buy herself a few more seconds with which to put together a response that didn't sound like she was mostly comfortable with regarding Scion as a diety. \"Well... He's more real than any other _god_,\" She frames the word with quation marks using her fingers, \"That any organised religion has had. You kind of have to give them that! Valid criticisms, though- you don't have to buy it to make some scratch off of 'em. I bet they'd pay up for a second shiny golden god.\" She spreads the fingers of her upheld hands, a shimmering film of gilded slime stretching between her digits.\n\nShe didn't want to dwell too long on that point, though, in case the others grew uncomfortable - a mote of self-consciousness leaking from Charlie as she sought a new topic, wiping her hands off on a napkin and picking up a menu. \"Thought about what you wanna order?\"" } ]	163.5	5,386
157.714286	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "rmb_", "message": "Claire didn't really know how to feel, being out like this. It'd only been about a week since... The incident. The slashes across her face still hadn't even fully healed yet, sitting in stitches. But here she was, in a dark alley at a shopping center at dusk, in a torn up and altered costume. Instead of her skin being visible, there was a layer of thick, beige linen across every inch of skin on her body, including her face. She was still able to see and breathe, luckily, but to everyone looking at her, they'd see a face like a featureless doll's, only slight dimples and bumps to indicate where eyes and a nose might be.\n\nShe ran her hands over her arms as she walked around. She didn't even really know What She was looking for. She just couldn't be at home, right now." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Veronica was on a shopping trip to add to their wardrobe now that they had a source of revenue from the hospital. They had gotten off work late and decided to swing by the mall on the way home so they were dressed in their white scrubs with the black cross on the back. The short ginger would walk through the shopping center with the lazy and disinterested gaze of someone who felt no threats around them, the swagger only felt by those who use to be the danger.\n\nThey spotted the new cape and decided, that's probably fine. They would not get involved. They would keep walking and hope no one noticed the very obvious cape striding through the shopping centre." }, { "author": "rmb_", "message": "Claire felt out of place like this, in this costume, in this false skin covering her body. But being out of this would feel worse. People might look at her \"Cape-form\" Strangely, she couldn't even blame them for that, but she'd rather take that than how they'd look at her actual face. Coming up to her in public to tell her how sorry they felt for her, how they'd pray for her, asking uncomfortable questions. She'd already received a taste of that in the hospital afterwards, and wasn't looking forward to trying the full platter of fake sympathy.\n\nShe spotted Veronica, almost assuming they were a regular person with white scrubs until they saw the symbol on the back. They weren't wearing a mask, but plenty of capes didn't. She Technically wasn't wearing one. Seeing another cape made her feel like uneasy around here. She started to walk towards them, her body making swishing sounds as the fabric on her limbs rubbed against itself.\n\nHer brain made a split second decision on how to greet the other cape. For some reason, she thought she should try changing her personality more.\n\n\"Hey, you.\" No. No. Way too forceful. A personality change is one thing, but being rude is another. \"Uh... You a cape?\" She crossed her arms in an effort to look more closed off or intimidating." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Veronica stopped and sighed. They, of course, had been spotted. They weren't exactly an inconspicuous person. They turned and approached the cape with a tired expression, a bag on their shoulder and in their hand. They hoped this wouldn't become a fight, really. They weren't a fighter. They were a healer mostly. They could fight, sure, but their power didn't help and this person looked like they had something more than just fists to swing with. \n\nTheir stance was aggressive despite the tired eyes as Veronica responded \"Yeah. Veronica King or Triage.\" This person was definitely a new cape, Veronica realized. Too uncertain. \"Hero.\"" }, { "author": "rmb_", "message": "They said their actual name. Was that common? Claire didn't think so. She probably shouldn't.\n\n\"Raggedy Ann.\"\n\nShe still wasn't sure on the hero or villain bit. If she had to say it simply, she might say hero, but then she remembered people like Dreadnought or Excalibur or any of the Vanguard. She didn't feel like any of Those Kinds of heroes.\n\n\"Rogue. I'm new to the scene.\"\n\nAs she spoke, the area where her mouth would be moved up and down, the coarse fabric rippling with movement as her slightly muffled English accent came through it." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Veronica spoke is a thickly irish accent that bled into each word. They eyed Raggedy Ann for a long moment before sticking out a gloved hand to her. They gave a half-smile and said.\n\n\"Nice to meet, Raggedy.\"\n\nThey turned their head to the side at the introduction of being a Rogue. They whistled and ran a hand through a mop of ginger hair. They haven't met many rogues. They weren't, by nature, prone to popping up outside their shops or little cuts of turf.\n\n\"Well, you lookin to patrol oorr just walking the beat, feeling out the new powers?\"" }, { "author": "rmb_", "message": "Raggedy Ann extended her own hand, taking Triage's to shake it. Her grip would feel surprisingly cool, like she was shaking the hand of a life size doll with a skeleton, rather than a person's. It was a fairly bulky hand, with thick fingers seemingly made from fabric.\n\n\"You as well.\"\n\nShe took a few moments before answering, trying to come up with a response that didn't make her seem entirely incapable.\n\n\"Both. Couldn't hurt to get more experience in either camp.\"" } ]	135	1,104
214	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "The vehicle they sent to gather Krampus was rather unassuming, a simple black Lincoln of relatively modern make and model. On the streets of the tower district, it was hardly going to draw eyes. Perfect for transport.\n\nThe well dressed fellows that sat in the front seats chatted amongst themselves as scenes of the city rolled by out of the windows. Something about not being entirely sure of the boss' choice, though they kept as quiet as they could, looking back and forth between the rearview mirror from time to time, keeping that eye on Krampus.\n\nBefore getting in earlier, they did hand him a cellular device he was to give back once they arrived at the fancy two story dine and theatre in the shopping centre. It held a direct text line to _Darwin himself_\n\nThe message on the screen read plainly\n\n```Darwin: Krampus. I understand this comes at sudden notice for you, but I've looked over the list of candidates at my disposal, and none have stuck out to me quite quite like you have. This will be an opportunity for you, impress me and you'll be rewarded in kind. I leave the floor open to you for any queries you may have about this job, though I'll say that with any luck, violence will not be necessary```" }, { "author": "stigmatchi", "message": "Stepping into the car, his aura was that of someone from a redeemed family. A mob boss, some high-ranking official. Who could he be?!\n\n None of those - rather a random person, lucky to have come across Darwin as a child. Lucky to have been blessed by the world with an ability. Lucky to have been able to progress this far inside the Top Hats. So many things were going his way, he began to think that he would soon be shown it was all an illusion.\n\nIt couldn't be though. \n\nIt couldn't...\n\n` Krampus: This is an honor for me, Master. I will show you just how much of use I can be of you. Can you please enlighten me as to what you want me to do for you? While violence is not necessary, If you demand it I can raze anything into the ground. I can even freeze a target to death, and leave no trace! Whatever you need, you only need ask. `" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "```Darwin: Your enthusiasm is appreciated. To be blunt, you're coming to assist me with a meeting arranged by our enemy, Caesar. He's bound to be flanked by his chosen, and so you and another will do the same for me. I ask that you keep a level head about you Krampus, be keen and alert, yet not rash. Peace talks between Nazis never go well but, we come to the table with more than an ace higher than the Imperium.```\n\nAs if on cue with his message, viewing outside the windows showed spotting's of similar vehicles to the one Krampus was riding in now, mostly converging as they came closer and closer to their destination. Other Top Hats members, about three or four more cars worth. A lot of muscle for a peace talk, but they were meeting with Caesar of all people. It wasn't bold so much as it was necessary." } ]	199	642
181.25	2023-03-06	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "superstes", "message": "It was a well known fact that villains outnumbered heroes to an excessive extent. Sometimes though, one who does not yet bare the title of 'Hero' decides to take action to better the world. Whether or not what they achieve is heroic is yet to be seen. After all, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.\n\nThe one known as Diabolist and her undead companion skulked through the dark alley before stopping at the end as it opened into a square filled with low quality housing. This entire area seemed to drain life away from everything. Even in the height of the brightest day it would seem dark and unwelcoming.\n\nAs she searched the area the sound of a door slamming drew her attention. A few seconds later she saw a woman stumble into view, having come from what was most likely stairs leading down into one of the building's basements. The woman took a few steps before falling to the ground, her head landing in a puddle. Considering the reason Diabolist was in the area it was a reasonable assumption drugs had something to do with why the woman collapsed." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "It was worse here than she'd thought it'd be. A lot worse. Things had been Bad For awhile, but in the height of her career— before her trigger— she hadn't realized that places like this had cropped up again. She'd just never really thought... No, it didn't matter. What mattered was erasing it. \n\nShe tensed up with violent intentions when she heard the noise ahead of her, and very nearly pounced forward with her bat, but... Then the person just Collapsed All on their own. She quickly glanced around to make sure there were no others nearby, then dashed forward to check on the person. Pulse?\n\nWell, to say she wasn't tempted for the raw materials... Was a lie. But— she wasn't here for the Users. They weren't innocent, it was true, but they were much less guilty than the predators that were running this sort of operation. After all, the people selling this stuff wouldn't be the ones using it, surely. After trying to make sure they were okay... Or at least, not dead... Mika stood up and continued her approach, heading towards the basement doorway." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As Diabolist moved over to the collapsed woman she went to check her pulse but quickly moved her head out of the water first. Both her mouth and nose were submerged and without her help she would have drowned in a two inch deep puddle. Now that the woman wasn't in immediate danger of drowning she reached down and took her pulse.\n\nShe had one but it was faint and slow, her breathing was similiar. She may not die in the next minute but it was clear without medical help this woman would die soon. Diabolist though had a priority, the source of what had done this to the woman. Moving over to the steps she looked down and saw a metal door. This seemed the likely drug den she had been looking for." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"Fuck.\"\n\nMika whispered quietly. She took a few hesitant steps forward, then cursed again underneath her breath.\n\n\"Come back,\" She commanded her minion. The awkward undead fumbled back towards her obediently. \n\nMika just sighed through the thick hockey mask. She couldn't just leave her there. At least, not without trying. She pulled out her phone and quickly slammed in the number for emergency services. After a quick-as-possible conversation whereupon she gave the address and tried to ensure that they were on their way, she hung up and headed down the stairs with her undead in tow.\n\nWith a quick Rap-rap Of her knuckles, she knocked on the metal door. Hopefully she wasn't getting in over her head, here." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As Diabolist dialed in the numbers and put the phone up to her ear she was greeted with a cool calm but human voice.\n\n\"999 What's your emergency?\"\n\nThe following conversation wouldn't take long and sure enough the words Mika wanted to hear came out of the speaker.\n\n\"Please stay put, an ambulance is on its way.\"\n\nThe as quickly as it started it ended with her hanging up before heading down the stairs with her undead companion. The metal was cool against her hands as she knocked on the door. At first it seemed nothing would happen before a viewport in the top slid open.\n\n\"What do you want?\"" }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "She stood carefully behind her undead minion. They were taller than her, of course. Most people were. \n\n\"You Know What I want.\"\n\nMika tried to impart as much of a desperate Edge To her tone as she could while still sounding sufficiently demanding. She was bullshitting a bit here, but she thought it would be easy enough. She held the bat out in front of her cautiously, hoping that the shadows and darkness would hide any sign of herself, as well as... The true nature of her companion.\n\n\"C-Cut the bullshit. I brought money, okay? Please.\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The mans eyes scanned the people outside his door, narrowing in at the girls obscured face. Then his eyes crept up and stared at her companion for a good long while.\n\n\"Hmmmm... It looks as though your friend there has already had more than his fair share but if you want more and have the cash who am I to say no. Just try not to be like the last girl. Stupid bitch is probably dead by now.\"\n\nHe slid the metal plate back across the viewport before more bolts could be heard sliding across the door. As it swung open a cramped smoky room was revealed. Aside from the man who was at the door Diabolist could see two more women in varying states, as well as another man and a girl who couldn't be older than 14.\n\n\"Alright little girl, you and your friend can come in now just make yourself comfortable whilst I get you something nice.\"" }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Once the door was opened, she steadied herself, and tried to calm her racing heart. This was it. She was in, and now was the hard part. Everything before now, she could have walked away. Left, feeling good that at least she'd contributed to helping save some poor girl that was overdosing on god knows what drugs. But...\n\nShe felt the weight of the hockey mask on her face. She knew that as soon as she walked into the dim lighting of the room, the ruse would be up regardless. No, now was the time. There was no going back now. She brought the bat up into the air, then, as hard as she could, Cracked It down onto the back of the mans head as he walked away. \n\nAmidst the chaos, she turned her hardened eyes to the other man. \n\n\"Hit that one till he stops moving. Protect me.\"\n\nShe tried to keep the instructions for her zombie simple— she knew he didn't do well with complicated concepts. 'Hit that one' would probably work fine.\n\nThen, she tried to hit the first man again. He might not be Done Yet." } ]	170.5	1,450
209.25	2023-03-07	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "superstes", "message": "Diabolist brought her bat into the air before bringing it down on the mans head, a loud thunk echoing through the room. Whether it was the fact the man was on half a dozen drugs or the blow simply wasn't hard enough he seemed unaffected. He simply spun on the spot his fist swinging towards her.\n\nHis fist was inches away from contacting her the side of her head when the wooden bat wielded by her zombie smashed him right on the nose, a spray of blood flying through the air as the man stubled back before falling to the ground. Despite her order to hit the other man until he stopped moving the zombie didn't seem to obey. Instead stepping in front of Diabolist as the man who it had been ordered to beat rushed towards them, a collection of needles in hand being swung in a stabbing motion." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Oh fuck.\n\nIt was the only thing going through her head in the instant between her bat seemingly having No Effect whatsoever and the man's fist soaring towards her face like some kind of gross meat rocket. She had fucked up. This was seriously going to hurt—\n\nThen, her zombie saved her. Why...? \n\nOh. I told it to Protect me.\n\nWell. Thank goodness for that.\n\nShe darted back, trying to use her zombie for cover as the man ran forward with a bunch of needles. They wouldn't do any good against her creation, so she just watched until the man sunk the needles into her zombie, planning to dart back out and slam the bat into his head once he'd effectively disarmed himself." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Diabolist's undead servant didn't even flinch as the collection of needles embedded themselves into its shoulder. The clear surprise on his face only grew wider when he found his arms had been grabbed by the zombie.\n\n\"Wait what the fu-\"\n\nHe never got to finish what he was saying as the bat wielded by Diabolist smashed into the back of his head, causing him to slump forwards as blood ran down the back of his head. He still seemed to have enough strength in him as he pulled free one of his arms and attempted to grab the girl behind him. The zombies order drove it to take action to prevent it's master from being harmed clamped its jaws around the mans neck and pulled to keep him from reaching Diabolist.\n\nThe funny thing about the human jaw is it is far stronger than people realise, it is often our own mental restraint that prevents humans using their full strength bites. Even with the zombies atrophied musculature the lack of restraint meant as it pulled flesh ripped away from the mans neck. A spray of blood filled the room before the man went completely limp.\n\nThe two girls were huddled in the corner, seemingly more frightened of the new arrival than the men they had been here with." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Got him!\n\nIt was the first thought that went through her mind. After all, she'd felt that was quite the Solid Thump over the head she'd just given him, and surely that would be... Enough...?\n\nOr not.\n\nShe was preparing to try and dodge, when she realized the terrible new reality she lived in.\n\n\"No, Wait!\"\n\nShe shouted, of course, but the order had come after it had already happened. She'd... Killed someone. There was simply no way he was still alive after that. Even worse, there were authorities on the way already, which meant she was going to be in trouble unless she hurried. This was awful. She Felt Awful. \n\nActually, she just felt sick. \n\nDiabolist swallowed the bile rising up in her throat and forced herself to move. A dark part of her— the part that took over when she was doing her Tinkering— spoke on her behalf.\n\n\"You fucking— monster... Carry him. You two, where's the money?!\"\n\nShe snapped into motion after that, scanning the room for anything valuable she could take, or any sign of other rooms that might have valuables in them, ready to listen to the two girls for any hints or indication of where the valuables might be." } ]	208.5	837
163.285714	2023-03-08	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "superstes", "message": "The verbal command registered in the tinker tech powered mind of the zombie. It adjusted itself, wrapping its arms completely around the now dead drug dealer. In the meantime the two girls looked utterly terrified. One of them was completely unable to move whist the other raised a meek hand pointing over to the corner of the room.\n\nIf she turned to look Diabolist would see a small table with a pile of cash and another pile of small bags containing various different powders. It was a safe assumption these were drugs of some variety. That wasn't the only thing that caught her attention. To the right of the table was a piece of cloth hanging from what was now clearly a door frame." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Diabolist turned to look at the girls and felt her heart get ripped in half. This wasn't what she'd wanted. How had things gone so spectacularly wrong in a single instant?\n\n\"I-I'm sorry. Please don't be scared. I'm... I'm a Hero. I'm here to help. I just... Sorry. Sorry..\"\n\nShe turned away, knowing it was fruitless. What sort of Hero would have her 'partner' rip someone's throat out with their teeth? What sort of Hero would demand money?\n\nFeeling like her head was stuffed full of cotton, she moved on autopilot and watched as her hands quickly placed all of the cash into the bag. After another moments pause, she shoved the drugs in as well. Not for her, and not even to sell— she'd burn it all later. The city didn't need it.\n\nThen, she noticed the door. What...?\n\nShe moved to see what was behind it, still feeling the pressure of time against her." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The girl who had managed to point seemed to struggle for a moment before finally uttering a few shaky words in response.\n\n\"Y-You don't look like one..\"\n\nAs Diabolist turned away and began to shove everything into the bag the girl stood up and grabbed the other girl before running out. A few seconds later a scream could be heard as they reached the apex of the outside stairs.\n\nDiabolist would continue towards the hanging cloth and look inside. When she did it became apparent this was no mere drug den. This was a drug lab. Laid out on several steel tables was piles of equipment used in the manufacture of a variety of drugs. Along with the equipment there was what amounted to several kilo's of a variety of drugs at minimum." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "I know...\n\nIt was the thing Mika Didn't Say as she watched the girls leave. The words hurt her far more than her stupid mask could ever show. She would have kil—... Given Anything For a better outfit right now. Her stupid all black get-up was the bets she could do without professional levels of money. It was one reason why she was Here After all...\n\nThen, she realized what this place really was.\n\n\"Fuck...\"\n\nThis was awful. Nothing was going the way she'd wanted it to, now more than ever. She glanced around the room full of drugs, sighed heavily, then began packing all of the most expensive-looking equipment into her bags, followed by the actual kilo's of drugs, making sure to prioritize things that looked like they could be legally sold first.\n\nThen... Well... It was time to go. She'd done enough, here.\n\nShe made to leave." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Diabolist began to pack away everything she could find. For about five minutes she searched the area taking the equipment and drugs until she heard the sound of sirens in the distance, the ambulance. With everything she could find packed away she and her undead companion exited the den and fled the area.\n\nThe next day the East London Gazette mentioned the discovery of a drug operation in the slums that had apparently been raided by a rival gang. According to sources a man and a woman entered the drug den with baseball bats and devastated the gang members. Two survivors are quoted as saying the following.\n\n\"They came in dressed up so their body was concealed. .... They were villains with how violent and aggressive they were ... \"\n\nWhen Mika went through her haul she would find she had the following;\n\n£400 in cash\n\n£1000 worth of chemistry Equipment\n1 Corpse" }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Jesus Christ that's a lot of drugs...\n\nMika bit her lip and frowned down at the veritable Pile Of hard drugs. She knew it was worth a lot, of course. Not like she was gonna sell it though, of course. She wasn't going to contribute to the problem... Intentionally, at least. No.\n\nShe clicked a pen in her right hand a few times, then began to write.\n\nMy name is Diabolist. I'm trying to be a Hero. It's a lot harder than I thought it'd be.\n\nI don't want these. Please dispose of them. I don't know how to. I need money quite badly for my power, so if you could discretely organize that I'd appreciate it, but no worries if you can't, or don't want to. I'd understand if you didn't.\n\nI'm not a bad person. I'm just trying my best.\n\n-D\n\nOnce it was late enough that she felt she wouldn't get caught, she dropped the package— letter attached— off on the doorstep of Vanguard HQ whilst wearing her costume. She'd sensibly decided to leave her creation back at home with her new... Materials.\n\nThe cash and chemistry equipment, though— That She kept. It wasn't enough... Not nearly." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "``` Future Roleplays Are To Use Threads```" } ]	175	1,143
200.4	2023-03-05	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "``` Stolen for mission```\n\nPrepared Skills : Stealth, Reconnaissance, Lockpicking\nEquipment : Knife, Zipties, Glass Cutter, Lockpicks, Medkit\n\nToday was the day, the day he would begin his grand journey into villainy. Ludwig Schmitd would look forward watching the lights of the run down pawn shop flicker in and out of use as the crickets chirped, acting as a crowd for his initiation. There was likely no defence or guards but there was no use in being hasty in this day and age, first things first would be reconnaissance. Before approaching the building any further he would clamber upon a nearby building via a ladder attached to the side, once on its peak he would use the vantage point to scout the location. He would not allow any slip ups on his debut and he would make sure of it.\n\nAfter this everything was already prepared, the equipment, the skills. He had what he needed and well as for the skills- he could change them if he really needed something else. He had also prepared a calling card before the crime to be left, just a small business card, whilst it was nothing special it would signify him and his abilities to his victims; they would know his name." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Up atop the rooftop The Handyman watched his target. When he arrived the shop was already closed but it was clear there was still someone inside, the lights were on and shadows could be seen as someone moved around inside. It wasn't long until he saw the internals lights flicker off and the neon sign in the window ceased to produce a bright red light.\n\nA man appeared, stepping through the door and locking it behind him. Taking another step towards the street he reached up and pulled down a metal grate, struggling as it seemed to get stuck for a moment halfway down. With a solid kick it lowered completely and the man seemed to let out a sigh of relief. He looked up in the direction of The Handyman, although it soon became apparent he was looking at the cloud above as rain began to fall on the streets below. Clearly not looking forward to walking through the rain he began to run down the street, vanishing from view shortly afterwards.\n\nSilence filled the air, broken only by the gentle pitter patter of raindrops." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Prepared Skills : Stealth, Lockpicking, Robbery\n\nSchmidt would wait a few moments as the man walked away, his footsteps fading into the distance. Now with peace regained The Handyman would focus on his skills, swapping his previously used reconnaissance for the \"Robbery\" Skill in its stead; with his opposition exiting the area he had no need for it after all.\n\nA minute would pass and Schmidt would descend from the building finding himself back on the floor of those dirty streets so well. He would calmly make his way to behind the pawnshop, hoping there would be a back door he could use as an access point. As easy as the front is that shutter would make a whole lot of noise and what sort of shop didn't have another entrance? He would move sneakily, the mask upon his face covering his appearance as he moved. His eyes would scan around him as he moved, there was no opportunity for failure." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As The Handyman waited whilst he power instilled him with the knowledge required to be a master at robbery the rain began to get noticeably heavier. He moved across the road skulking into the nearby alleyway that led behind the shop.\n\nAt first glance there seemed to only be a wall but as he looked up slightly he realised there was no roof on this part of the building. Perhaps this was somekind of private courtyard or garden for employees? More likely just a small paved square where they could smoke, they were fairly common in shops like this.\n\nSuddenly he found himself looking to the sky as a blue blur sped by overhead near the speed of sound. No doubt a great hero with big problems. Far to important to worry about some small time thief down below," }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "A grin would overcome Schmidt's face, not that it was visible, an enclosed garden meant an entrance to it and that meant an entrance for him. His eyes would pace up and down the alley, the wall above was fairly high and it would be difficult enough unassisted. Luckily enough a large bin awaited near the entrance of the alleyway- a perfect booster. As for the flash of blue above him, a flash he would not need to worry about, who was he for them to interfere? A low time thief was not for such a person, he would likely be left alone.\n\nHe would calmly walk over to it, clambering on top of it before attempting to push himself to the top of the roof with all his might. He would then go from there to the open roofed garden area where he would attempt to descend carefully and calmly downwards into the outside area before searching for the door which would inevitably appear before him." } ]	189	1,002
196.833333	2023-03-06	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "superstes", "message": "It took quite a bit of effort to move the dumpster and it became apparent quite early on that one of the wheels was broken. Still after about five minutes The Handyman managed to push it to the far side of the alley and climb on top. Reaching up to the top of the wall he managed to pull himself up high enough to see into the small area.\n\nSure enough it was an encolsed courtyard paved with concrete slabs, weeds growing up through the gaps. On one side a rickety looking door that most likely led into the shop and opposite two chairs flanking a small table. On the table were several beer cans and an ash tray. Perhaps the most concerning thing of note was the presence of barbed wire lining the inside of the wall. Getting in would be easy enough but getting out this same way would be difficult." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Schmidt would attempt to clamber himself over the wall smoothly before descending downwards into the small smoking area. Before he entered the pawn shop he would have to secure his escape route. He would move a chair to the side of the wall before propping himself up on it, he would remove his jacket and use it as a barrier to grip the barbed wire as to allow him tension on it before trying to cut it off with his knife. Giving him an unprotected surface for his later escape.\n\nHe would then turn, removing himself from the chair and moving towards the door calmly. He would check if it were unlocked first before moving to lockpick it open. This would be quieter than the shutter and a faster method either way." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "It required a little careful manevouring but the new villain managed to avoid the barbed wire as he dropped down the wall. Moving the plastic chair over to the wall he had just descended The Handyman climbed up, taking his jacket and placing it over the barbed wire. Using it to grip the wire he then took his knife and began to saw at it in an attempt to remove it.\n\nA minute later it became apparent he was making no progress and his power, considering this to have a connection with robbery, made it clear to him his knife wouldn't be getting through the wire unless he had excessive strength. Even then it was more likely to be pulled from the wall then cut with the knife.\n\nWith that knowledge clear to him he hopped down from the chair and walked over to the door. It was flimsy and clearly not designed to keep anything particularly secure. After all who would be trying to break in from here? Trying the handle the door opens part way with a little bit of effort before stopping after about four inches. At around eye level there was a chain preventing the door from opening further." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Schmidt would frown at his failed attempts of destroying the barbed wire but what could he do, he had no super strength after all. Although proficient in keeping his calm Ludwig would naturally feel a twinge of irritation as he encountered the chain on the door, could they make such an enterance any more inconvenient to break in? \n\nIt was no matter, for however the strength of the chain may be it meant little if the door did not follow. Schmitd would pull out his knife placing the point against the attachment point if the chains holder upon the door. He would press it in firmly before slamming the back of the knife handle with his palm attempting to drive it inwards, removing or damage the chain mechanism to allow entry. \n\nHe would be entering soon and it was time to prepare, it was clear that he would likely have little use for Lockpicking at the moment so it was time to change skills before entry. He would swap locking for \"High speed evaluation of valuable goods during thievery\" For if this were to be successful he would need the most expensive items to steal after all." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "It took very little effort to break the chain of the door. Placing the knife behind the plate attaching the chain to the foor he gave it a firm tap causing it to pop right of the frame, the door swinging wide open.\n\nIn the minute that followed as he switched out his skill he observed the room he now found himself in. On one side there was a desk with a pc and a stack of papers. Underneath the desk appeared to be a safe. On the other side of the room there was a counter with a sink in it as well as a kettle, microwave and a small fridge underneath. To the right there was a door marked toilet and straight across from where he entered the room there was another unmarked door." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "What a waste of time that was Ludwig would think to himself as he began switching his recently aquired skill to \"Safe Cracking\", it was what he needed more in this moment anyways. He had a minute to kill before he could begin to open the safe so his eyes turned towards the stack of papers. Likely nothing of particular note but how would he know if he did not check.\n\nHe would spend the minute skimming through the papers, noting any worthwhile in his notebook as he went until the time had came. He would turn to the safe, kneeling on the ground with his ear to its cold metal face as he would begin to open it." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Activating his power again to shift his expertiese he began to shuffle through the papers. What at first appeared to be a random mess of folder was in fact organised, at least a little bit. Each folder represented a letter of the alphabet and within each one were multiple A4 sheets of paper relating to objects, how much they had been pawned for and who by, when the money was expected back etc. A detailed inventory of almost everything in the shop most likely.\n\nAfter another minute was up he then knelt down by the safe and placed his ear against it. It was at this point he realised the safe door was merely a decrotive facade and twisting the old style handle opened the door to reveal the actual digital lock behind. The Handyman knew that without either the code, the factory reset code or specialist equipment this would be difficult to crack." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Ludwig sighed, who would hide a safe with yet another fake safe? It would be difficult to crack but he was one of the best in the world was he not? It would be a difficult task but he would attempt it none the less. He would first switch his skill to \"Cracking digital safes\" Before making the attempt as to aid him. He would get what's in that safe one way or another.\n\nAfter the safe he would move upwards, placing his calling card on the pile of papers and switching his skill back to \"Lockpicking\" And moving towards the unmarked door. It presumably led to the main area of the store, he would plan to go through there and utilise his \"Robbery\" Skill to search for the valuable goods he would need." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Now further refining the skill he wanted to use new knowledge flooded into him. If things didn't work out he could always pry off the key pad with his knife then cause a short to trick the safe into opening. They may not be necesary though as one thing that was common with these safes if people not bothering to change the default code which in this brand of safe was always the same.\n\n0000\n\nAfter entering the last digit a green light lit up and he twisted the handle opening the safe. Inside the first thing his eyes were drawn to were the pair of glimering golden watches, a signed trading card of Legend and a handgun.\n\nMoving away from the safe he walked up to the door, which wasn't locked, and passed through entering what appeared to be the main room of the shop. He was behind a counter with a heavy metal reinforced plexiglass barrier between the staff and customer side of the counter. To his right was a locked gate which led into customer side of the shop.\n\nThe first thing that caught his eye was a flashing red light on a wall mounted box by the shops main entrance. That was the alarm box which appeared to have been activated. At this point it had been active for around five minutes if it had gone off when he broke in the back door." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Schmitd would grin as he opened the safe, two watches, a trading card and above all else a gun. The two watches would be put firmly within his bag and the card he would slot into his notebook to avoid it getting any damage during transport; the gun would remain at his waist fastened to his tool belt firmly but accessible where needed.\n\nThe alarm had been set off, it wasn't quite as sleek and stealthy as he wanted but his craft certainly wasn't particularly refined. He had around 20 minutes if capes were to head here from vanguard HQ, longer for police. And well if it was to be the man he had seen previously, god forbid. Ludwig would move towards the locked gate and begin opening it, he had to make moves towards the front enterance now to escape. He would attempt to open up the gate with his Lockpicking skills and move ahead. He would grab take a few moments to look through which goods he could find as he moved towards the front door taking note of anything he deemed particularly valuable, he was yet to reach the front door or gate but hopefully when it came to his \"Robbery\" Skill would lead him out of the situation." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Walking over to the locked door The Handyman knelt down and began to let his passenger take over and moments later a click was heard as the door swung open. Stepping through he scanned the contents of the room, most were in display cases but nothing that couldn't be opened with a lockpick or for the less concerned villains smashed open.\n\nThe things that seemed to catch his eye as most likely being worth the most were a few gold coloured rings as well what seemed like an antique flintlock pistol. Considering how everyone arrived here that meant someone was holding when scion attacked. Why were they holding a flintlock pistol is anyone's guess.\n\nAfter looking through the room The Handyman moved over to the door he had seen get locked a short while ago. Looking through the glass he could see the building he had been on as he cased the shop." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman would look the door up and down, nothing he couldn't handle. The shutter might be a pain and a touch noisy but surely it would be with ease that he would open it- probably. He would kneel down to unlock the door, inserting his lockpicks and following the movements as his passenger guided him forward. Mechanical locks were a simple mechanism and it would surely open with ease, bringing him one step closer to his exit.\n\nAlthough he still surely had a short while before the police were to arrive, his eyes turned back to the items he had noticed, what would the harm be? He would first move over to the rings, bringing out his lockpicks once again and attempting to open the case and take them for his own. Did he need a flintlock pistol? Most likely not but what was wrong with collecting another trophy or so. The Handyman was gravitate towards the next case and once again let his shard guide him with a swift and certain judgement to collect the pistol. With this his profits and rewards for the robbery should be sufficient to fund him for a short while; the card would likely be worth a decent amount but he did not intend to sell it for such a commodity was worth more as a trophy. \n\nHe would once again move over to the front door, taking a breath and calmly inspecting the shutter mechanism. He would use both his insight and knowledge granted to him by the shard as to decipher how he was to open it." } ]	174	2,362
155.333333	2023-03-07	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "superstes", "message": "The Handyman got to work doing what he did best. The same thing repeatedly. The locks to the display cases were actually fairly well made in comparrision with the rest of the locks in the shop. They still were no issue for the master lockpick that was The Handyman. Soon enough he had two golden rings and a flintlock pistol.\n\nAs he turned back to the door, he quickly began to pick the lock of the main door opening it and stepping through. Now face to face with the shutter he could see flashing blue lights in the distance but rapidly approaching. He searched the surrounding area and couldn't seem to find any mechanisim to operate the shutter." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman would have a grin upon his face, the police were quick but he was quicker. He had clearly overestimated the gates security, it simply opening with a forceful push of pull as it appeared when the owner was to use it. With his loot secured and a happy result it was time to go, before the police were any closer.\n\nWith a squat down his hands would firmly grasp the bottom of the shutters. A one, a two, and The Handyman would shoot upwards once again attempting to drag the shutter open. Even if it were not to open fully a decent gap would allow him to slip out easily enough. In due time the gate would be open and he would exit the store. They would dash into the alleyways he knew so well, using the darkness and hecticness of the slums to make his swift escape into the night." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The Handyman reached down and pulled up the shutter in one smooth movement, vanishing into the shadow of the night with his heist complete. The Next days issue of the East London Gazette would make mention of the pawn shop robbery but it was barely a footnote. It is the sad reality that events like this are commonplace. As The Handyman went through his Haul and appraised the prices he would find the following;\n\nA Signed Trading Card of Legend - £1000\nGold Plated Watches - £150 Each\nPoor Quality Handgun - £1500\nGold Leaf Rings - £50 Each\nAntique Firearm - £1400\n\nNow all there was for him to do was decide what he was selling and what he was keeping.\n\n```end```" } ]	154	466
298.166667	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "jacket", "message": "Dante stood at the edge of the rooftop, watching the milling crowds below. He was cradling his helmet in palms, idly roving his thumbs across the faceplate. His breathing was slow, controlled and yet he felt a little bubble of anxiety twisting deep within.\n\nHe shut his eyes and exhaled slowly, letting his discipline and training take control. He brought the helmet up and slipped it on. It felt snug, already well-worn to his features. \n\n\"Right.\" He spoke aloud, to nobody in particular. Dante shook out his arms and legs, before walking right up to the edge, and looked over to the next rooftop, a good twenty feet away with a darkened alleyway between.\n\nJust like he practiced a thousand times before, Dante stepped back a few times, and let the switch flip in his head. As he took a slow breath, the air around him rushed in, wreathing around his whole body, encasing him in a strange warmth that seemed to come from within himself rather than any outside temperature. \n\nDante broke into a sprint, clearing the roof in a few blazing strides. Just as he reached the edge, and his stomach instinctively churned at the prospect of falling straight down into the dumpsters below, Dante exhaled.\n\nThe air under his feet exploded outwards violently, and rather than fall, Dante shot up into the air, in a wide arc that cleared straight across the alleyway, and another quick exhale, this time causing the air from head to toe to burst forwards, caused another arrested all of his momentum, and let him land on his feet without shattering his ankles in the process.\n\nDante glanced back quickly over his shoulder with a spreading grin, the anxiety now replaced by the sharp jolt of rising adrenaline coursing through his body. It took a considerable amount of willpower, and over a year of practice, to keep his breathing in check as he inhaled to replenish the air, and exhaled to send himself rocketing forth, into the night and whatever it had in store for him." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Dante could hear some surprised exclamations from the crowd below— presumably just innocent surprise at the sudden sound of an airburst flying overhead. Fortunately, most civilians wouldn't blink at the concept of a Cape in their midst so long as it didn't result in their immediate maiming.\n\nSo, the nights patrol began.\n\nEven after two years of Hero Patrols, the depths of New London could still be an unfamiliar slate of gridlocked roads and urban sprawl. The city was in a constant state of development due to the high population and efforts to improve the struggling infrastructure, leaving most areas completely unfamiliar to those who don't visit them frequently, even over as short a time period as several months.\n\nAll this to say that on his patrol, Dante noticed a few things. An unexpected new coffee shop on the corner, there. The smell of fresh deliciousness from a fresh-baked bagel bakery. A once-popular clothing store, now decrepit and abandoned. Brand new high-rise apartments that had already fallen into disrepair over a couple short years, leaving them ripe with drug users and dealers alike.\n\nThings were relatively quiet for the most part, and to a certain extent one had to assume that the sights and sounds of the city at peace could be relaxing in some ways, noisy though it was.\n\nOf course, it couldn't last.\n\nThings took a turn for the worse in one of the few residential sections of the riverside district, where the relative quiet was Pierced By the sudden Smack Of flesh on flesh echoing through the alleyways, followed by a shrill Shriek Of a woman or girl in pain.\n\nWas it time to work? Or perhaps there were more important things for Airburst to attend to than a petty domestic?" }, { "author": "jacket", "message": "For the most part Dante kept to rooftops, keeping a bird's eye view on the city below. Things were changing, fast, and not particularly for the better. His expression under the mask was rather grim as he weaved a path through the dilapidated skyrises— Some of whom, he noted, he had worked on. \n\nDante landed with a soft thump on the lip of a rooftop, squatting above the crenellations when he heard the two-fold smack and scream. It pierced the hazy, sleepy evening silence, and before Dante had even fully registered the sound, he found himself moving towards it's source.\n\nAs he approached, maneuvering across the rooftops, he let the air dissipate away, and crouched low as he scanned his surroundings hoping to approach hidden and with the element of surprise." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "The speeds that a Mover 2 could, well, Move At were considerable. That added maneuverability and quick reaction let Airburst reach the point of contention in barely any time at all. So quickly in fact, he was able to hear the immediate aftermath of the scream.\n\n\"-t it, ya fuckin' slag! Gonna wake the whole bloody neighborhood. If ya didn't wanna get hit, shouldn't be such a dumb— dumb Whore,\" An unknown masculine voice spoke, sounding noticeably drunk.\n\nWeren't they always? It sometimes seemed that nothing good would ever come from these sorts of people.\n\n\"Fuck off, George!\" A woman sobbed, followed by the clatter of something metallic on concrete.\n\nAs he finished his approach, Airburst was able to glance over the edge of the rooftop down onto the bickering pair. A doorway was open— one hinge hanging off the frame, presumably from being slammed one too many times— leading into a residential apartment. Outside, in front of him, a trash can was rolling down the alleyway and a woman with a visible bruise was pointing accusatorially at the man.\n\nHer dirty blonde hair was rough and unkempt, tied back into several uneven knots. Both of them wore shoddy, mass produced minimal clothing, indicative of a shared economic bracket, at least." }, { "author": "jacket", "message": "For a beat, Dante considered his options. Domestics were, by and large, messy. There were a lot of variables in play, a lot of them unseen, and he couldn't really anticipate how either of them would react to his appearance. Still, though, he knew he had to get involved. The reason he'd even gotten to the trouble of being a hero was to stop all This.\n\nDante took a deep breath, and let the air build around his feet before taking a step off the edge, exhaling steadily to slow his fall til he landed in the middle of the alleyway, eyes trained on the pair.\n\nHe figured it was best to let them see him approach, avoid any unnecessary escalation. Dante strode towards them, with his arms held slightly up.\n\nEven then, the look of the shiner on the woman's face made a flash of heat bubble at his chest, and Dante gritted his teeth as he forced himself to breathe. \n\n\"Woah, woah, woah. Let's all calm down, yeah?\" Dante spoke loudly and clearly, careful to keep his voice level. \"Come away from him, love. I won't let him hurt you anymore.\"\n\n\n\nStanding at 6'4 and brimming with wide frame honed through a decade of hardships and manual labor, Dante was an imposing figure, even when he was trying to de-escalate.\n\n\"George, was it? Take a step back before this all goes somewhere we'll all regret.\"" }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "The reaction at Airburst's appearance was potentially expected. Most citizens would have a pretty volatile reaction to a Cape appearing, though obviously the range of reactions varied from intense fandom to violence to fear. After all, a Cape could represent nearly anything in the city of New London. Villain, Rogue, or Hero— all of them had the potential to escalate a situation severely.\n\n\"Fer fucks sake—\" George exclaimed before cutting himself off, drunk or not.\n\n\"Whossat then!?\" The woman shouted. She took a few cautious steps towards the blue-clad Hero, but you could tell that she wasn't exactly sold on the prospect.\n\nIt was becoming increasingly clear that, despite his increasing patrols, neither of these alley-dwellers actually knew who Airburst Was. \n\n\"Look 'ere, iunno if you're with the fekkin' Children or Songbirds or summat, but I pay our dues ya 'ear? Ain't want no trouble. She's fine, she is. Jus' a bit offa spat. Ain't that right, Doris?\"\n\nThe woman glanced between the unknown Cape and her husband, now equidistant. She seemed to be wavering.\n\n```Voided due to member leaving```" } ]	291.5	1,789
215	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "hakkku", "message": "Tabula was not often one to meddle in alleys outside his own, so to speak. His ideal world was being able to sit back in his own home and work, creating his tech and sending it off to whatever gang or villain wished to make use of it. But the world was not always ideal, and sometimes hard times called for hard choices. That Was why Tabula was out on a warm Saturday night, sober while most his age would be out drinking with friends. He didn't look quite like himself though, that would be the effect of the stimulant he had taken not long after leaving his apartment in the waterfront district. He was sporting the look of a man he had spoken with at length a few days prior, an older gentleman with salt and pepper colored hair, brown eyes, a kind face, and a shorter build than Tabula himself.\n\nIf one thing was certain, Tabula did not want to get Caught Pulling a job like this. Not only could it get him arrested but it could very easily lose him work and standing with the various gangs he had built up a reputation with within New London. So alongside his physical disguise the young man would also don dark clothing, a hoodie large enough to hide his frame and a mask to hide his identity. No point in going in un-disguised even if his appearance was different, that would just raise suspicion. Tabula had also purchased a variety of different items over the past week that would help with breaking into a store such as this without arising too much immediate suspicion. Lockpicks, Glass Cutters, and an amount of zip-ties to lock up anyone who may be staying overnight. He also carried a wooden baseball bat with him, just in case he couldn't make it out before anyone came to catch him.\n\nFor now however Tabula would be appearing to nap on a bench close to the store, keeping an eye on the place to make sure both the store and street was empty before he made his move." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The disguised cape 'napped' on the bench with his target clear in view. The ever uncaring people of New London passing by without a second thought. Tabula had been waiting on the bench for about 45 minutes when the light inside the shop flickered off.\n\nMoments later a man stepped out of the nearby alley and walked over to the entrance, pulling down a metallic shutter before locking it in place. He gave the shutter a shove before walking away down the street. Two minutes later he vanished from view and Tabula found themselves alone on a bench in front of Lusture Jewellers." }, { "author": "hakkku", "message": "As the echo of footsteps ring out across the brick walkway Tabula's face distorts into a vulpine smile, something that may fit his normal appearance but looks much out of place on this older man's face. He slowly rises from his bench resting place and retrieves the bag that lay upon the floor at his feet. Making sure the coast was clear Tabula would slowly approach the alley, figuring the shutter in front of the door would make too much noise.\n\nOnce inside the alleyway Tabula would begin his work, searching around for the door the shop owner had used to exit into the alleyway. He made sure to stay as quiet as he could, stepping quietly and not jostling around his bag. Assuming he found a doorway in the alleyway or back of the building Tabula would first test to see if the door was unlocked and he was lucky, but would quickly resort to his lockpick if it was locked." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As Tabula entered the alleyway the soft patter of rain could be heard as grey clouds moved overhead concealing the faint moon above. Save for a few dumpsters the alley was clear of anything of note. Starting on the second story of the buildings either side there were windows although they were all dark most with blinds lowered.\n\nIt wasn't difficult for Tabula to find the door he had expected to be here. It wasn't the prettiest of doors but it did look sturdy, the entire thing was made of some kind of painted metal. On the front of the door was a sign reading 'You're on Camera, Smile!' and looking to the top right of the door there was indded a cctv camera. The way it was angled though meant it wouldn't see anyone until the approached the door proper." }, { "author": "hakkku", "message": "\"Rain, great. I was hoping for a nice walk home.\"\n\nThe voice that came from Tabula's mouth was not his own, rather it was the gruff voice of an older man, very fitting for the form he had taken for this job. Ignoring the rain Tabula approached the door with a casual swagger and eyed the sign on the door cautiously, though after reading the short message he lets out a snort. \n\n'Like that'll stop me'\n\nTabula smiles at his own thought before flipping a rather vulgar gesture with his hand towards the camera and getting to work with his lock-pick seeing as the door was sturdy and wouldn't break under the power of his bat. He worked quickly, though not enough to lose focus on what was directly ahead of him. Hopefully being out this late at night wouldn't attract other capes, Then He would be royally screwed." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Seemingly confident in himself Tabula got to work taking out his lockpick and quickly trying his best to open the door. As he worked on the door the rain grew heavier and heavier. After a little bit of effort the lock turned in the door, the way now open for Tabula. As the metal door creaked open the sky let out a low rumble as a flash of lightning illuminated the dark sky. \n\nThat flash of light temporarily lit the dark interior for a moment. A small room with a with a chair and desk on one end, a kettle and microwave on a counter at the other. Two doors lead out room on the opposite wall from the exterior door." }, { "author": "hakkku", "message": "The dark interior of the building wasn't surprising to Tabula, why would they bother to keep a little old light on for someone like him? That did not put him completely out of a plan though, as a criminal should always be prepared for not being able to see. From his pocket Tabula draws and lights up a flashlight to get a better look around the interior of the room he's in, though it is in a rushed manner.\n\n'Don't have long to get out before hero response, five minutes tops? Figure that's the safe amount.'\n\nWith a quiet sigh the disguised villain makes his way towards the door most likely to lead into the front of the shop, where all of the good stuff would be. As he comes up to the door he first tries to simply open it, thinking there may be a chance it is left unlocked since the outer doors are locked at night. If that doesn't work however he will then attempt to kick the door in, not wanting to waste time on lockpicking again. Then if that doesn't work, finally, he will put the flashlight in the crook of his neck and begin to lockpick the door." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Walking up to the door Tabula finds instead of an actual lock there is a simply latch system. Twisting the knob allows the door to easily swing open revealling the man room of the store. A positive feast of jewels and jewellery arrayed in dozens of display cases. The aforementioned cases were arrayed in a U shape with tall glass panels separating the staff area, where Tabula was, from the public area. The only way through was another door on a latch.\n\nFrom the cursory glance with his flashlight it was easy to tell that there were at least thousands of pounds worth of jewels in this store, probably far more if they were real." }, { "author": "hakkku", "message": "Below the balaclava that covered his face Tabula's squinting face morphed into a dastardly vulpine grin. This Was the prize he was after, the prize he would need to work quickly for if he wanted any hope of getting use out of. For but a moment his mind occupies with thoughts of all the tech he could create with a payload like this, how much more money could be made from that tech. The thought fills the currently greying man's face with joy.\n\nWith that in mind Tabula gets to work, flipping out his glass cutters to gain access to his payload. A degree of unease spreads through his mind in how much time he had before he could safely leave the store, and if there was some random cape running around hoping to make him their first arrest. With a small degree of urgency Tabula starts to cut open the glass shells that separate him from the jewelry, and assuming he can get past the glass he begins to shove the valuables into his bag, not staying for longer than five minutes." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Stepping into the room Tabula's eyes are drawn to a display case that is actually in against the wall in the staff side of the desk. Clearly to keep it further away from customers prying hands, this is where the most valuable prizes would be.\n\nAs he began to use the glass cutter to get through the display case glass the door shut with a click. As he worked on the glass Tabula could see what looked like an absolute treasure trove, 3 necklaces each laced with different coloured gems with a large coloured gem as the centre pieces. On the left a large green gem, on the right a deep black gem and in the centre a sapphire of the deepest blue.\n\nAlso in the cabinet were five rings, four silver bands and one gold. The gold had a bright, pure white diamond. The four silver each had a different gem, one deep purple, another vibrant pink, a deep red and last but not least a dark green. With one final motion the glass between the jewels and tabula was no more." }, { "author": "hakkku", "message": "While most would be overtaken by the sight of such riches within their grasp, Tabula was not so motivated by greed. The sound of the door he had just entered through shutting felt almost like a bullet through the skull.\n\n'Fuck- Why didn't I!? Ugh, need to leave as soon as possible, not going to waste time taking the less valuable stuff with no exit.'\n\nThe villain huffed to himself as he reached into the now 'unlocked' cabinet to collect his prizes, shoving the necklaces and rings into his bag to keep them from sight. Taking one last final sweep over the cabinet Tabula turns to face his next problem... Escape.\n\nThe shutters from the front entrance only covered the door, perhaps with enough force he could destroy the windows. With that plan though he would also need to break through the glass that blocked him from the rest of the store. More time that he didn't have to waste, but...\n\n'It would be quicker than trying to figure out this latch door, wouldn't it?'\n\nTabula let out a long dramatic sigh to himself before making sure his backpack with the valuables in it was secure and picking up the wooden baseball bat he had brought along in case of a situation like this. With as much effort as he could put out he got to work on smashing the first set of glass walls that separated him from getting out the building, before moving on to the second set." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Grabbing his loot Tabula turns and begins his task of smashing through the glass. The first swing simply bounced harmlessly off the glass, it was clearly toughened to prevent this sort of thing. That being said it was clearly not the highest quality has after several more swings cracks began to form and soon enough the sound of shattered glass falling to the ground.\n\nA fortunate benefit from it being such tough glass was the fact when it did break it seemed to break away in rather blunt shards making moving through it fairly safe. Moving through the now accessible area Tabula could see the weather outside had grown far more intense. The downpour limiting visibility out of the store. Lifting his bat ready to swing at the exterior windows Tabula would spot something that gave him pause.\n\nAcross the street a dark robed figure stood in the rain with their back towards Tabula. They held an Umbrella yet despite the rain they weren't using it, instead resting it on their shoulder." }, { "author": "hakkku", "message": "For only a moment a look of 'oh fuck' Came over Tabula's face. It wasn't exactly fear, he was far too self confident for that, more of a sense of unease. This could very easily turn into a bad situation. So rather than rushing out like a madman he considered his options.\n\n'I think... All I can really do is either fight, or talk my way out of this. Perhaps a bribe... No, most hero types wouldn't take it. Perhaps pulling on their heartstrings would allow me to get out of this... If not then plan B will have to be fighting. Lovely.'\n\nAfter deciding on his route of approach Tabula begun to take on a defeated posture, slouching and making it a whole 'child caught in the act' show. He motioned for the figure to come along and open up the shop, or perhaps take him through the glass. But if they do not approach or cannot get him out the man will eventually break the glass himself and walk out into the rain." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As Tabula did that most rare of activities, thinking, the robed figure seemed to turn around. Slowly they approached the store front. Once Tabula motioned for them to join him they opened the umbrella, the unreasonably large umbrella that concealed their entire body with just a slight crouch. The door shook suddenly and then a feminine voice could be heard behind him.\n\n\"Well old man, I don't usually approve of crime in any form but you looked down on your luck. I have to say you picked a pretty bad place to rob you know that right?\"\n\nThe cape stepped into view looking in Tabula's direction. His direction, notably she wasn't looking at him. More past him than anything else.\n\n\"Were you aware this is a favoured location of several of the Top Hat's higher ups?\"" }, { "author": "hakkku", "message": "Tabula's eyes widened at the disappearance of the cape, had they figured he wasn't worth it? Or maybe they hadn't been a hero after all? Both theories didn't fill the tinker with hope... Tabula just hoped that the cape wasn't going to attack without letting him 'explain himself'.\n\nThen what felt like the entire building shook with a gale force wind, easily enough to send someone flying away. Yet nothing on the outside seemed to have been affected by it. Unfortunately the 'wind' had occupied too much of his attention and Tabula had yet to realize that he was no longer alone in the store.\n\nThe sound of this cape's voice genuinely surprised Tabula and made him jump forwards in shock, landing against the 'glass' of the exterior of the shop.\n\n\"Th-the Top Hats? No... No I didn't know.\"\n\nAt least That Was genuine. Tabula didn't indeed know this shop belonged to that gang, but in the end it made it all the more sweeter that he was stealing from one of his future rivals, or at least rivals of the group he is part of. Outwards Tabula puts on the best show of horror and surprise he can, before continuing.\n\n\"I know I shouldn't have done it... Maybe this is just the final nail in my coffin.\"\n\nTabula pauses for a moment, no reason not to be just a little dramatic if he has to convince this hero after all.\n\n\"Not long ago I got diagnosed with Huntington's Disease... I can't work anymore and my husband barely earns enough to support our family, much less pay for my medication. I hate feeling so useless, sitting around all day just waiting to die. So when I saw this place... Well I assume you can piece together the rest.\"\n\nAnother long pause before-\n\n\"I- I can give it back. But please... Don't arrest me. I don't want some of my family's final memories of me to be tainted like this.\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The girl laughs, her voice somehow unnatural. The echo's of her giggles were disturbing in an almost indescribable manner.\n\n\"Oh don't you worry mister, I have no interest in arrest you for stealing from criminals when there is much larger criminals available to grab.\"\n\nHer hand darted out, at first pointing past Tabula before being quickly readjusted towards him.\n\n\"That is why you are going to help me catch some actual villains. I'm going to disappear and then you will make as much of a mess of your escape as possible. Trip the alarms, do flee quickly, make sure you get the Top Hat cape to reveal themselves. At which point you can run and I'll grab them. If you try to run before hand I'll just arrest you instead. Understood?*\"" } ]	191.5	3,440
259.842105	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "thetwins", "message": "It was a otherwise quiet day for the South Beach St Elizabeths Mortuary, the business above them had long since died down and in the Morgue itself the graveyard shift had begun. However not all the bodies stored within the many refrigeration units where actually deceased, as seen by the small red tendril that had slipped out of one of the doors to unlatch it and allow a sheet covered girl to emerge.\n\nJane was once again taking advantage of her occasional small heist, sure she could not do it too often or people would get wise, but provided she alternated the locations and took note of personel changes she could hopefully keep it up for a while. It was fairly easy, play dead, be brought in just before end of the shift leaving her autopsy for the following day, sneak out, and make off with as many medical supplies as she could fit in to the conveniently supplied bags.\n\nUnfortunately it seemed this particular location had one particular personnel taking a nap on one of the slabs as she escaped, sure she knew they were comfy but it did throw a wrench in the plan. A wrench that suddenly awoke despite her best efforts to stay quiet while filling up the last of the disinfectants and sterile tools to stare right at her.\n\nNeedless to say with the jig up she ran, busting out the rear enterance and over a gurney to make her escape before the likely triggered alert got her into some real trouble." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Phoenix flew through the night sky her flames trailing behind her like a shooting star. She often went on night time patrols as she was far more visible with her power ten and it acted as a deterrent to the criminals that could see her in the sky above. As she sailed through the air she looked down at the ground for any sign of criminal activity. Just when she was about to give up she spotted something.\n\nDown below she saw a door burst open at the rear of a building and someone run out from within. Someone running like that was never a good sign, either they were running from something they did or running from something putting them in danger. Either way it called for a Hero's intervention. With a sudden burst of intense flames she sifted her momentum and began to fly towards the running individual down below. From their perspective it would look as though a meteorite was falling straight towards them." }, { "author": "thetwins", "message": "Seeing the dark ally suddenly start to become brighter Jane assumed that her terrible luck had meant a police cruiser was right behind her. However after several more seconds of running she realised from her shadow, the heat entering the night air, the light becoming stronger and of course lack of a engine sound that it was certainly not a police curser. Shifting the full body bag on her shoulder she kept running but craned her head backwards to look to see a Meteor like star falling directly at her \"Oh God why me?! Proverb 6:30, 31...I cant cant caught!...\" Pushing her muscles in an attempt to speed herself away from the falling star, adrenaline flooding her system as the pain from her legs changing, shifting and cracking, sounds out to give a strange bend to them, along with a far great burst of speed beyond what a human should be capable of. She grabs a nearby drain pipe to skid at the end and aid her turning, still clutching the bag tightly thinks of what to do about a flaming ball heading for her? Water being the first thing to come to mind." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Her eyes looked on the suspect she saw as they turned their head to look at her. When they continued to run she couldn't lie it gave her the feeling she wasn't the victim, still she couldn't hold to that assumption. They could just be scared.\n\nShe kept a short distance away from the running individual as they seemed to speed up and turn around the corner using a drain pipe to help pivot. Were they some kind of mover with minor superspeed? Concentrating even more intense flames behind her she too sped up, following the same corner the suspect had taken although with a much wider arc.\n\n\"Stop! Don't make this more difficult than it has to be!\"\n\nShe really didn't want to force them to stop. As soon as any sort of violence was needed everything became more complicated. The fact this person was clearly a parahuman made things easier but still." }, { "author": "thetwins", "message": "Janes eyes were darting around as they ran, legs starting to burn and pain shooting through them as she ran beyond the limits, Fortunate for hero she healed from the damage as quickly as she would cause it, the downside is that didnt mean she didnt feel it. Another upside? Pain pushed her forward and reminded her of who she was, giving her clairty and focus, if the motivation if the giant ball of fire that was now shouting at her wasn't motivation enough. \n\nShe needed to get away from whatever this was, it hadnt hit the street yet but would it impact like an actual meteor? Would the underground sewer be good? It would be confined maze but if she ran into one of those thick grates by mistake she would be cornered. The River was her best bet maybe, far more open with water to put out the flames and a deep bed for it to hit, it should limit damage, unless it was bigger enough to cause a Tsunami?. Giving the thing another look her eye squinted now it was closer, ok it wasnt big enough to cause that much damage, but still wasnt up for letting it hit her, so maybe some stuff to try loosing it. Her distraction though had her nearly crash into a random drunk walking home on the street, spinning around them at the last second leaving the man to stumble off to the side and brace against a wall \"Sorry! Wrath of God about to Smite me!...Try drink some water!\" Shouting back at the unlucky man before turning to the thing in the sky \"If i stop your going to hit me and whatever you are, your on Fire!\".\n\nMaking a diversion into the road she noticed several delivery vans coming up, maybe she could use those? No if they stopped the thing would catch her, if that thing didnt stop it would smash into a gas powered veichle with fire... The high beams could blind it, but that also could be bad. Better just keep running until she could think of something to turn this around... Wait, turn around, that thing did seem to make far wider turns than she could, wider turns meant more space traveled, meant slower, meant maybe she could actually loose it before she hit the riverside? It was worth a shot.. Shifting onto the street she did whatever she could to get more of a edge, such as leaping off a parked cars bonnet mid run and propelling her self towards a corner street lamp, grasping the pole like before to let her spin around the corner better." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"If you stop now I won't have to do anything! If you keep running though...\"\n\nThis was the annoying type of villain, not doing anything overtly dangerous so she couldn't justify going all out but at the same time they were fleeing and making it extremely difficult to apprehend them without hurting them. It would be so much easier if she was a villain, she could just incinerate her enemies just like what had been done with her family. That would make her no better than them though.\n\n\"Just stop before I have to call for more heroes to back me up!\"\n\nIt was one thing to call the MPCU once you had captured the villain and be given credit but it was something entirely different when you called them requesting Vanguard cape support. That sort of thing would give the impression you couldn't handle yourself. Not officially of course but to the general public, you had to think about this sort of PR when you were a freelance hero. \n\nSuddenly jets of flame burst out below her as she launched herself higher in the air. She was tired of trying to follow this persons path so closely. Why do that when she could simply take a high observation point and keep track of them from there." }, { "author": "thetwins", "message": "Heraring the voice behind her try to convince her to give up did at least give them more time to come up with something, this was her first time being chased by something more than a angry guy with a blunt instrument so it was all new. What she did know is if you got caught, you went to prison, and she had overheard enough stories of prison to definately not want that to be a out-come of the night.\n\nSo she did what she knew best, she kept running, making several turns in a roundabout way until she stopped at the waters edge, even after the lost track of the person she kept going not wanting to risk them suddenly catching up. However this did result in her not moving away as fast as say just a straight line, in the frantic flee'ing she had failed to notice them fly up above.\n\nComing to a step she somewhat slumped against the railing at the rivers edge, she wasnt out of breath due to her condition, but she did take a moment to take several deep and slow breaths to try and calm herself, pulling the lower half of her mask upwards slightly to let more air in. Slowly counting back from ten as she breathed, she closed her eye thinking she had managed to escape... Whatever she had been escaping from." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "She had no idea just what this person was trying to achieve. Well that was a lie clearly they were trying to escape but they were doing it in the most annoying way possible. Continuing to follow their escapades through the city she watched as they seemingly slumped against the railings at the edge of the river. They seemed to be unaware that she could still see them.\n\nSlowly she dropped to the ground a few feet Infront of them. As she stood there she let her flames die down, only the ones on her face acting as a mask remained. She crossed her arms as she starred at the other cape.\n\n\"And just what did you think you were doing?\"" }, { "author": "thetwins", "message": "The sudden voice called the girl to jump, quickly lowering her mask over the exposed mouth and swingiing the body bag filled with the loot quickly being pulled behind her as she stands up straight to look for the source of the voice and finding Phoenix. The girls legs had were normal at this point, though now the hero was closer there would be a distinct metalic scent coming off the girl, as well as red stains where her legs had been resting on the pavement, and where she went to rest her right hand on the smooth railing. The flaming face naturally did tell her this was the same one that had been chasing her before, but given it was now only on their head they at least got a better look at just what she was dealing with.\n\nThe flames on the face did make reading the persons expression somewhat difficult, though from what she could get from their body posture and tone she really needed to play this carefully, and maybe choose her words with care less she get into more trouble. Maybe if she kept talking long enough she could think something up, just she would need to do it slowly.\n\nTaking a few steps back she began to speak, her voice having somewhat of a pitched wheeze and rasp to it, though her nervousness seeped into the otherwise soft tone. \"Oh... Heeeeeeey, You?...Erm, I... I was\" Her single visible eye was moving around slightly willing her brain to run faster \"Out for a run?\" Stupid, she must have seen them right? But maybe they didnt know about the alarm and was just coincidence?." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Phoenix stood with her arms crossed unmoving, her eyes never leaving the other cape. Flames licked up the side of her face bathing both of them in a soft orange glow. At this distance Phoenix's eyes were clear to see, the right eye was a pretty amber colour the left however was completely bloodshot and red. \n\n\"You were out for a run you say? A run with a body bag? I somehow find that hard to believe. I tell you what, give me what you took from the morgue and I'll let you go with a warning. If I catch you again I will call the relevant authorities. How does that deal sound to you? Will you take it or do you want to give me reason to actually use my power on you?\"\n\nShe held her hand out towards them expecting to receive the bag." }, { "author": "thetwins", "message": "Jane looked to his hand as her offered her a way out, though it really wasnt a way she could take. To give up the goods would mean everything she did tonight was for naught. Worse yet, it meant those who needed the supplies and materials she had gained would go without, leading the chance of infections, untreated wounds and more. It wasn't like the others could just go to a hospital when they got injured, most of the time unless it was serious they would get turned away, or left to wait until it was too late.\n\nTaking a slow breath she goes to buy whatever time she could. She didn't want to fight, and she didn't know what this persons powers were, but for the sake of others she would take it, she had to after all. With a slow breath she brought in the air she needed to speak \"That... Sounds very Merciful, but the thing is, Real mercy doesn't come with conditions\" She shifts her stance to block the bag from being taken, but at same time tosses it over the edge to sink down into the water below. With the weight in it, it would quickly sink, and since it was a body bag it was water proof as well.\n\nThat was her decision made, but she couldnt just run now or the woman would catch her in fire from behind. She had to stand and face it to create a opportunity to get away so she could retrieve the items later. Still she knew this was going to suck however it went, and to think she had assumed this was going to be a easy night.\n\n\"Also... You... You didnt say calling the authorities was the first response to a no, so you came out looking to fight and hurt something, I deserve that for messing up like this, so guess... Ill have to take the hard way to do what i need to do, and... Take it, \"\n\nOnce the bag was clear and gone below the depths she would take her movement back but not look away from them, if she was fast enough to try go for the bag beforehand though... If it didnt suprise her then naturally she would go to stop her getting hind herself to protect it. After all it was easyier to do this is she didnt have to also worry about protecting something else." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"It's not mercy, you broke the law and I am offering you the chance to get away with a slap on the wrist rather than further overburdening the court system with petty crime...\"\n\nShe was beginning to get rather frustrated at the accusations this woman was levelling at her. They were literally breaking the law and acting like she was the criminal? The cheek was actually astounding. She simply stared as the stolen goods were thrown into the river.\n\n\"And what pray tell was the point of that? Adding destruction of property to burglary?\"" }, { "author": "thetwins", "message": "She shrugged somewhat taking several more steps back \"I really am not up for taking that risk, and i know enough to know it isn't the capes who decide the sentence\" Her eye was fearful for certain but remained on the fire cape as the light her mask emmited bounced around the shadows of the street. She seemed to be getting upset, which meant they might not make the best choice, she would need to use that to get away. \n\nThat did leave the question as to how, which while she did have options most depending on just what the other would do. So they continued to back up slowly using the handrail for support. \n\n\"As for the other question, Its easyier just to say destroying thngs,....Are just not in my nature, I might not know much but i know that\" \n\nA little more distance, she kept talking to slowly get furher away and give herself more time to react to whatever this person could do. She knew they could fly and make fire, so assumed that also included throwing fire or shaping it maybe? Though she didnt know if they had other powers, like hitting harder or being more sturdy beyond that." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "She couldn't help but face palm at what they said.\n\n\"I'm aware we don't decide the sentence but our reports do carry weight. Just.. Just go. I hope you have learned your lesson and seriously consider your actions next time. If I catch you again I wont be nearly as lenient.\"\n\nPhoenix took to the air again and moved over the water. Lowering herself down to it's surface she reached down to grab the bag, making sure to keep the majority of her body above the waters surface. She would hate to fall in the water proper, that would be extremely irritating. The bag now in hand she rose back up in the air, her eyes locked on the other cape.\n\n\"Remember next time I won't be some forgiving.\"" }, { "author": "thetwins", "message": "Jaen kept silent as the woman attempted to float over and look down within the murky waters. Given the bag was going to be several meters down at least by now it wasnt going to be a easy task. This was her chance however, she could not lose those supplies, but the cape wasnt about to let her get them to the people who needed them.\n\nShe didnt want to fight them, but didnt want them able to chase her down either, so stuck between a rock and a hard place she had to act. Timing her moment right, the girl moved with a unnatural speed once more to leap over the railing while Phoenix was fishing around \n\n\"Im happy to know you will be forgiving of this time\"\n\nThe girl would go to land on Phoenix, Hopefully dunking her down into the water without a chance to take a breath. Hopefully the shock would knock the air out of them and disorientated them as they go to surface and take in air. \nWhile this is happening she also hits the water, but in doing so there is a explosion of crimson within the water as she shifts her legs to merge into a enlarged tail and several other aquatic like traits. \n\nUsing the increased speed this allowed, she would swerve by the bags location, the blood upon the bag giving her a clear signal to its location for her to grab. Her loot secured, she would dash off into the rivers deeper waters out of sight and hopefully away before the other girl could recompose themselves." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As her hand waded through the water looking for any sign of the disposed body bag she decided it had clearly sunk into the deeper part of the river. She would have to report it to the authorities and get them to recover it.\n\nAs she was about to rise up and call said authorities she heard movement above her. Instinctively she flipped around so could see and her eyes went wide to see the person she had been chasing seemed to be falling through the air right at her.\n\nWith so little time to think flames shot out from every part of her body in an attempt to both slow her fall whilst burning her attacker. It was in vain though as the sudden extra weight caused her to descend far enough that her back touched the water extinguishing her flames and allowing her to fall further.\n\nPerhaps the worst thing about this situation was the fact there was now nothing concealing her identity. Her heavily burned face is now clear for all to see. Her eyes locked on to the strange cape as they seemed to be growing some kind of tail. Pushing away she swam for the surface, rocketing out of the water the moment some of her flesh broke the surface.\n\nAs she hovered above the surface of the water her flames were noticeably larger than before, her whole body covered in streaking fire reaching over 6 feet in length. Holding her hand out she blasted the water with a gout of flame, steam rising as it made contact.\n\n\"Alright then! You are now under arrest for the the attempted murder of a hero and revealing a capes identity. Come on out of the water villain!\"" }, { "author": "thetwins", "message": "The girls head suddenly pops out of the water at the the shout, raising a webbed finger \"1.S,,,Sorry a Hero needs to put others needs before themselves, The person stopping that is my Villain but i forgive you. 2. Fire... Really doesn't make the best mask, maybe try a ceramic? I didnt see your face though, 3. I didnt try to hurt you, but if you cant swim you should really work on that if your going near deep water, 4. I... Don't gain anything from fighting other than people getting hurt, So i cant willingly do that... Its been interesting to meet you though, please... Try to take care and have a nice night\" Between each point the girl would extend a finger, as well as quickly dart under the water only to re-appear at a new spot several meters away, further each time and seemingly expecting them to maybe throw some form of projectile or try to attack her, potentially making for a frustrating game of whack a mole. Her voice now seemed to be far calmer as well, perhaps due to the distance and relative safety she found herself in. Sure there was still the stutter and nerves but far less pronounced, there was however now a faint gargle sound in the voice. Moving her way to the water really had been a good idea, other than the clear escape path it did allow them to deal with the fire in a less messy fashion than her alternatiive..\n\nThe burning had really hurt for a moment, though the cold water had quickly soothed and put it out so it wasnt too bad, the singes to her costume though would be troublesome to repair, Maybe she could try for something flame resistant? Maybe she could borrow one of those fireman jackets from a truck, they would have spares after all." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Was this girl for real? Did she hear what she was saying? Phoenix hovered above the surface of the water in almost pure disbelief at the leaps in logic this person was taking.\n\n\"You have literally stolen from others, that's not putting others before yourself, it's putting yourself first no matter what justification you use. You say you didn't try to hurt me but you leapt on to my back, what if i didn't turn and you broke something? Speaking of you don't gain anything from fighting? Then why did you attack first!\"\n\nShe shook her head and let out a sigh.\n\n\"Whatever, you win. Swim away.\"\n\nThe flames from her feet and hands suddenly doubled in size and she began to rise into the sky like a rocket. She would file a report with the MPCU but she couldn't be bother to chase this cape any longer." }, { "author": "thetwins", "message": "The girl simply gives a saddened expression, she could not find the words to explain why she was doing what she was, at least not without putting others at risk. So she simply used the words that cane to her.\n\n\"If people fall, I will try to save them regardless of who it is and how much it hurts me. I'll take it and keep walking.\" She takes a final breath before preparing to swim away \"Also, I never raised by fist, I can only do that with no other option to protect those who I can\"\n\nWith that she darted underwater and away. She would keep underwater for some time until she arrived at a secluded area of the river further up. Checking the coast was clear she inverted her clothing and allowed the red spandex to fall away, the material seeming to drip more like blood before vanishing entirely. \n\nShe would then make her way back to the homeless camp, a few warm faces and smiles thrown her way as she lay down to bag and began making her rounds.\n\nHealth care wasn't free so there were many left without, at least they had been before they took her in. She ventured around using the bandages, disinfecting and cleaning the wounds, setting the occasional break, all using what she had gathered from the latest venture. She knew it would run dry before long, but for now she could help." } ]	245	4,937
147.052632	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "It was relatively warm on a Sunday Morning and Alan was sitting on the beach in his antique clothes.\n\nHe looked at the sea, gaping far and wide. He wondered if there were other lands to explore beyond the sea. Something beyond what people were living. Maybe there were other native humans of this Earth who were like his kind. The answer may not be known for as long as a way to traverse the ocean does not exist.\n\nThen, he relaxed his body, trying to get himself in the baking sunlight. He took a deep breath and looked around the beach." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "If there was one thing Phoenix loved about her powers it was her ability to use it to fly. It not only made patrols easier but they were overall more enjoyable. There was just something about rocketing through the sky, it almost made it worth what she had to go through to get her powers. Almost.\n\nDespite the enjoyable experience that was flying she still had to take a break occasionally and today she thought a stop on the beach would be a perfect place for that. Flying down low and slow she moved just above the water, holding her hand down she dipped it into the water. As a trail formed through the water she began to slow down before turning towards the beach and coming to a stop, landing on the sandy surface. Where she had put down she could only see one other person.\n\n\"Enjoying the sun are you?\"" }, { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "Alan noticed a Cape land onto the beach. Oddly enough, it kind of looked familiar from what he saw when he was wandering around New London, especially before becoming a cape himself.\n\nIt was a tall woman that was usually covered in fire and can fly around at her will. This was truly something Alan wished he would have gotten if he became a cape due to... Some obvious reasons.\n\nHer just landing not faraway from him after what seemed to feel for her like a pretty nice joyride. When he hear her ask, he decided to approach her first so she could hear him then answered: \"Yeah, I am enjoying the sun. It is quite warm, innit? Also, that landing you did was really impressive.\"\n\nObviously, the woman was much taller than him. Thus, he had to bend his neck up a bit to look at her eyes." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Phoenix couldn't help but laugh at the comment.\n\n\"I'll have to be honest, I don't really feel the heat of the sun considering you know the fire and all. Still it has been nice weather. I hate it when it rains, I just make so much steam its actually unbearable.\"\n\nEverytime it had rained and she used her powers a small cloud of steam seemed to follow her around. It wouldn't be that bad if it weren't for the fact it hindered her visibility.\n\n\"And thanks, I've put a lot of effort into flying and landing well. It's actually pretty hard to control the flames to be honest.\"" }, { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "Phoenix laughing in reaction to Alan's comment made him giggle a bit. He obviously knew that Phoenix being covered in fire all the time literally meant that she was resistant to it in a way and the quickest way for opponents to suppress her power would be prolonged exposure to water.\n\n\"I think you look amazing in those flames covering your body. And I wish I could happily like fly around like you, without a care in the world.\" He said as he sat down on the beach, thinking if it is worth befriending the woman or not.\n\n\"Maybe you can sit down on the beach with me for a while or something, what do you think?\" He asked, with a pretty friendly tone." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Yeah flying is one of the best things I've managed to gain from my powers. You really should see the city from the air, it's beautiful. You could almost forget the fact it's filled with violence, poverty and suffering.\"\n\nShe dropped to the ground and let herself sit as she look out to the horizon. Looking to the north she could see the black rocks of a an island in the distance. \n\n\"I can sit a while, but I will have to go soon. I'm on patrol and I'm only giving myself a short break.\"" }, { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "Alan smiled for a bit and answered: \"Like I said before, I wish I could fly. But obviously, I cannot do that.\"\n\nHe then chuckled in amusement and saw Phoenix sitting down next to him. He continued: \"I usually go there to rest after work.\". He decided to just lie down for a bit." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Can't fault you for that. Especially in this city you need a break after working all day and nothing beats the beach for that.\"\n\nShe reached down and allowed the sand to flow between her fingers. Clenching her fist she raised it in front of her, a sudden burst of flames appearing around her hand. Opening her fingers a misshapen lump of glassy rock fell to the sand below.\n\n\"You know I went to the beach back on Earth Bet once, when I was young. It was so different to this, it was all rocks and mud. No sand to be seen. Probably the worse beach I could imagine to be honest.\"" }, { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "When I was in Earth Bet, I never went to the beach. I mostly grew up in a landlocked city of Sheffield. I have never really been to a beach, until arriving in New London when my parents managed to find jobs that pay a bit better. He responded to Phoenix ranting a bit about her past.\n\nI actually have a minor job. I just come here from time to time, pondering about the world and taking a while off. He continued as he looked up to her, with more confidence." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Sheffield huh?\" \n\nShe was only ten when Gold Morning happened, it was before she had a true sense of the geography of her home. Still she had heard of Sheffield, she had read all about its role in the industrial revolution when studying the history of Earth Bet. Not that it really mattered now. The fragments of history people knew and the few artefacts that were carried over to Earth Omega are all that remain of the past.\n\n\"I didn't really grow up in one place, my family often moved between our different houses. Well, before gold morning at least. Our wealth didn't exactly transfer over. Anyway, enough about the past we should focus on the here and now. You said you had a job, what do you do?\"" }, { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "\"Yeah, Sheffield. That was the only place I lived there. I have been barely outside of this town, or that is what my parents told me.\" He responded.\n\nHis parents never really had enough money, from what he recalls and that is why they stayed and never really travelled anywhere, aside from Liverpool or London. He was barely ten years old when Gold Morning happened, so he did not know a lot about where his home was located, especially his history. Being raised in a village, while he was somewhat educated, but was vaguely taught about virtually everything, especially the history of Earth Bet.\n\nWhen she asked him about his job, he continued: \"Well, I go to a car store to fix small car parts. Sometimes I go serve the customers. It is a somewhat popular job in my youth. The local mechanics usually teach us how to do their jobs.\"\n\nHe thought about asking if she has a job or not, but changed his mind for... Obvious reasons and did not let the thought go through." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Ah that's not a bad job to be fair. Good work that will always be in demand. Not really my thing though if I'm being honest.\"\n\nShe tried to think back to before her trigger event, when she had been planning her future in New London. What had she hoped to do with her life? It said a lot that she couldn't remember, her life had been entirely consumed by her life as a cape, in fact she was fairly certain she now spent more time in costume rather than out of it. How life had changed.\n\n\"No, I think I'm gonna end up spending the rest of my life doing hero work. The moment you deal with one villain another pops up out of nowhere so I'll never be out of work.\"" }, { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "Alan heard the young woman more or less say that she basically does not have a job. He heard that not all of the capes had a job, probably because they were too busy doing their own things.\n\nBut anyways, the way she lived her life was probably rather questionable.\n\nHe decided to ask: \"If you are always patrolling the city, where do you get your money from? What do you do to... Like... At least get some food or anything of the sort? It seems that you get money from bounties, am I right?\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Phoenix couldn't help but laugh at what was said.\n\n\"I'm sorry, I'm not laughing at you but I hadn't even thought about it until you just brought it up. I actually haven't received a single penny from my Hero work if I'm honest. I was fortunate that when my parent's passed they left me with a rather hefty sum of money, well enough that I won't go hungry at night at least. It should last until I can get some bounties, or perhaps even a offer from Vanguard.\"\n\nNow Vanguard, if she could get an offer from then she would be pretty much set for the rest of her life. It wasn't even the amount it was the fact it was consistent. Well it was a government job after all." }, { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "\"Vanguard, huh?\" He responded with a bit of a stern expression. Being a cape himself, he thought about becoming a Vanguard member and the benefits it could bring.\n\nHe could definetely join if he made more effort and contribution to his part-time cape career. But, it may be rather difficult to join this group, unless it invited him for some interview.\n\nThen, he thought about revealing his cape identity to Phoenix, but during the thought process, he felt like it was not worth doing so. But aside from that, he went ahead and asked: \"Phoenix, can I please tell you a very secret fact of mine?\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Phoenix raised an eyebrow at Alan as he asked to share a secret. She wondered just what sort of secret he wanted to share with a random cape who happened to drop by on the same bit of beach as him. As the possibilities filtered to her mind she could only conclude this was some rando about to tell her something completely inconsequential or he was about to reveal something that would endanger her career and livelihood.\n\n\"That depends entirely on what it is. I hope you will think very carefully on if you should tell me whatever it is you wanted to say. I would hate for you to regret it.\"" }, { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "Alan cleared his throat and whispered into her ear after about a few seconds of thinking through if it was worth doing so.\nHe whispered: \"I'm actually a... Cape as well. I was thinking about joining Vanguard at some point. Please, don't tell anyone about this fact without my permission.\"\n\nAs soon as he finished, he got back starting to think if it was worth telling her or not. What would happen if she would actually get mad at this? Would she just get mad for revealing his identity? Time will see." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Ah..\"\n\nShe figured it might have been something like that. Thanks to this random stranger she was now in a bit of a tricky situation. The unwritten rules didn't exactly come with a guidebook but screwing them up would still lead to you being punished anyway. When it came to your own secret identity that was your to do with as you wish but for those who knew another's secret identity you couldn't use that to your advantage.\n\n\"I hope you realise what you've done. You've gone a put me in a position where I have some sort of power over you, where in order to make it fair I need to bring myself down. Don't mind the heat, I just want to create enough light to make photography difficult.\"\n\nHer hand swung behind her, pointing inland as a large cone of bright flames formed. As the flames licked the sand the fire that covered Phoenix's face died down revealing her identity below. The entirety of the left side of her face was horrible scarred, the right side less so but still damaged. Her right eye a beautiful deep amber colour, her left a bloodshot mess almost pure crimson from damage.\n\n\"I show you this so we remain on an even and fair playing field but I warn you, any action to levy this to your advantage and I'll assume you are just as bad as Darwin and his cronies. Now I should get back to work.\"\n\nHer face burst into flames yet again as she shifted the fire she had been shooting onto the beach into a much small but more powerful jet. Angling it down she launched into the air at a surprisingly swift speed." }, { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "Alan briefly regretted revealing the fact that he had a cape identity, especially when the cape just revealed herself to be a very scarred and mutilated woman. It seemed that she was burned up, tortured and mutilated by some goons, or whoever that was. Nevertheless, he was horrified by her looks.\n\nTo him, her warning meant that he should not share her identity with anybody else and keep it between her and him, unless she permits it, which may be unlikely. He heeded her warning and said: \"I swear to not reveal your identity to anyone.\"\n\nWhen she took off, Alan left the beach without saying anything else. When a few locals asked him what did he do, and what Phoenix looked like under her mask, he said that it was none of their damned business." } ]	135	2,794
450.75	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "skagerakk", "message": "It was nearly nighttime in the Riverside District when Velox reached his vantage point, a three story building overlooking one of the smaller streets towards the water on the western part of town. He knew from personal experience that the Top Hats had one of their stash houses on the third house from the right of the intersection towards his left across the street. This was his target for the night, not only to get some hefty cash prize from the drug money stored inside but also to get his hands on one of the drug runners who would have more intel about how one might get his hands on someone further up the food chain. \n\nIt was a risky plan, true, but Velox had surprise on his side. Nobody knew he was coming. Nobody even knew he existed. They were after Matt Vaughn, mid-level enforcer turned fugitive. A nobody in the grand scheme of things. But he was done being nobody. He would take what he was owed, starting with enough money and information to buy himself some new friends with Nova Imperium. He didn't particularly fancy working with the Nazis, but desperate times make for strange bedfellows, he supposed. \n\nThe last glimpses of the orange evening sun were just disappearing over the horizon as Velox crouched down on top of the apartment building he had chosen as a vantage point. He struck quite the formidable image in his costume, all black with only his eyes visible through the black helmet. Not that anyone would see him coming if everything went according to plan.\n\nAs the last rays of sunshine moved beyond the horizon and night fully fell over New London, Velox decided to make his move. He stretched out his power, basking in the electric rush that overcame him whenever he tapped into his speed. Time seemed to slow down around him as the flock of seagulls on the horizon seemed to stop mid-air, their distant cries a faint echo barely audible, stretched to nigh imperceptible sounds in the altered state Velox now found himself in. Bright blue lightning crackled around him in all directions as he thought to himself: Showtime.\n\nWith one push Velox launched himself forward, moving at inhuman speeds across the building to the edge and moved straight down as if defying the laws of physics themselves. At this speed any surface allowed him to move as if they were the normal ground underneath his feet. Effortlessly he ran down the frontside of the building until he reached the street level below. He reminded himself of the security precautions he knew the Top Hats had for safehouses such as this one. They would be at least half a dozen guards, likely armed, standing watch over the money and ammunition stored inside.\n\nTo any outside observer Velox would be merely a bright blue blur of light, nearly imperceptible on a passing glance, too fast to notice unless you were looking for it and too fast to react in any case. He had to remind himself that he had the element of surprise and speed on his side. He had time. He would use that to his advantage.\n\nMethodically he would run around the condo which served as the safehouse, jumping over the white wooden fence with ease before moving out towards the back. He would maintain his speed to check for any Top Hats standing guard outside. If there were any he would need to take them out before moving on to the inside. The last thing he needed was to get blindsided. But for now he did simple reconnaissance. He wanted to figure out how many and where his enemies were before he acted rashly. \n\nThat was one of the advantages his new powers offered to him. He could take things 'slow'. He had the time to react consciously rather than relying on gut instinct. Split second decisions could be stretched into a longer timeframe, allowing for more time to react and to consider what to do after. It allowed him to be in control. He was no longer reacting to what others did, but dictating how they needed to react to him!" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As Velox surveyed the city around him he would see a few pedestrians making presumably walking home after staying late. Even in this post end of the world life people had overtime it seemed. In the distance the sound of a car could be heard, not an uncommon sound in such a large city but there were far fewer than you would expect. Personal cars were an extreme luxury now and most families couldn't afford one.\n\nIt wasn't long until the orange glow of the setting sun was replaced with the electrical blue light of Velox activating his power. At the speed he moved it took very little time for him to arrive at the Top Hat safehouse. Immediately he noticed one gang member standing on the front door speaking on his phone. Continuing on his his scouting trip around the condo taking note of the defences. All the windows seemed to be reinforced with metal bars and the doors had heavy metal hinges and reinforced locks. Clearly they wanted to keep unwanted people out.\n\nAs he arrived at the rear of the condo he saw two more Top Hats in the process of carrying a large box out of the back door. What was in it was unclear but from the looks on the gangsters faces it was clearly heavy. Continuing around the otherside of the building he saw much of the same as before. Reinforced windows and on this slightly closer inspection it became clear they were blacked out.\n\nOnce he made his way back to the front the man on the phone had moved, a reminder that despite appearances his power did not stop time. Perhaps the more concerning thing was the fact the Top Hat had his hand around the grip of a handgun he was pulling from his belt. The man appeared to be moving slowly but was definitely moving and was turning towards Velox, what the new cape would do next is to be seen." }, { "author": "skagerakk", "message": "Velox now had his targets, or at least some of them. One man out front, two in the back, possibly more inside. Reinforced windows and doors. This was the right place. There were also two people carrying a heavy box out of the back door, he was certainly interested in its contents. But first things first. He needed to dispatch the guards and clear the house. Looting would come once he had the area secured. \n\nAs he saw that the man out front was going for his gun Velox recognized that his window of opportunity was shrinking fast. The guy had obviously been observant and noticed the blue streak moving past him. He needed to be dealt with. Lightning crackled violently around Velox as he channeled the energy along his right arm as he stepped out of his speed for just long enough to let the electric charge shoot out towards his opponent, guiding it towards him by pointing at him. \n\nThe charge shouldn't be lethal, unless the man had a pacemaker in which case it might cause a heart attack. Assuming he was a healthy man, however, it would merely overload his nervous system, knocking him out. \n\nAs soon as the blue streak of lightning discharged and left his body, Velox stepped back into his speed, watching the world slow down again. He would take a few steps to the side, starting to move back around the house, but keeping his eyes on the man he had just shocked, watching him go down. Once he was sure that he was no longer a threat, Velox turned his attention to the other pair of men, his next targets. \n\nKnowing that the situation could have changed drastically in just the short time he had been out of his speed, Velox carefully ran to the back of the house, keeping an eye out for any projectiles or other threats that might come in his direction while looking to see what awaited him out back." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The Top Hat had done well to react to the speedster doing a lap of his safe house. It wasn't enough though as lightning shot though the air hitting him straight into the chest, the impact causing him to fly back a few feet before hitting the wall and slumping to the ground. Smoke began to rise from the mans chest and the smell of burnt hair filled the air.\n\nAs Velox ran back around to the other side of the building he could see the two men had reversed their direction of travel. They were currently in the process of rather hurriedly rushing back into the building and pulling the door shut as they passed through. Unfortunately for them it wasn't close yet and at the speed Velox moved he could easily approach should he wish to do that.\n\nAt that moment a strange feeling came over Velox. For a moment the world around him seemed to turn grey, sound and smell vanished and as colour returned he found himself looking at a now closed door. The two men who had been part way through were no where to be seen. As he looked around he couldn't see anything immediately suspicious unless you counted the lack of people as suspicious. The only thing that even caught his eye were a pair of birds flying above." } ]	374	1,803
256.75	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Toy maker's strange visage could be seen parting the crowd with a pep in their step. They march down to the physiotherapy clinic, their stance full of purpose and determination as they reach the door. Signage points to the event starting in just a few short hours, with any luck, Utopia would be inside, and so, with confidence puffing up in their chest, they push the doors to the clinic open, and step inside." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As the door opened to reveal a open waiting room Toy Maker's eyes were immediately drawn to the armoured hero standing in the centre talking to what could only be assumed to a doctor. Behind her four robitic men stood holding large wooden crates each marked with a large Vanguard emblem. Utopia turned towards the opening door, her mouth shifting to a friendly smile. She quickly turned back to the doctor and said a few words before walking towards Toy Maker.\n\n\"Good morning, I assume you are the new tinker I was told would be meeting me? My name is Utopia, what can I call you?\"\n\nShe offered her hand for a shake, the friendly smile on her face never fading. In the background the robots began to walk away, heading through a set of double doors followed close behind by the doctor." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "They took her hand and gave a shut-eyed grin, that excited smile trying, but not quite going ear to ear. The words came out without the lips moving at all `\"Toy Maker!\"` A slightly accented, androgynous, artificial voice called out from the arm that shook her own. `\"I must say, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance!\"`\n\nThey stood a whole five inches shorter than her, but with every inch he stood with, he did so with pride and confidence. That excited expression calmed into something more ambiently warm and calm. Their blue eyes came clear through the lenses fitted in their domino mask." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Toy Maker? PR will love that name. Anyway it's nice to meet you, shall we get through the formalities and then we know its done and dealt with?\"\n\nLetting go of the tinkers arm Utopia raised it to her face and pulled back an armoured covering revealing a touch screen below. She typed a few things on the device with her finger before continueing to talk.\n\n\"So if I've been informed correctly you specialise in prosthetics right? You might not think it but I believe we actually have quite a lot of overlap to be honest, after all half of what I do is creating mechanical limbs. Yes, I think we'll get along nicely.\"\n\nShe slid the panel shut and allowed her arms to drop by her side.\n\n\"So you have an example of your work I can look at?\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "A bright, uncontrollable smile spread across his face when she praised his name, told them their fields overlapped quite a bit. \n\n`\"Thank you so much! I look forward to it, Utopia. Before I show you, There are some things you might not be able to gleam by just a glance at the tech, Namely the technology I devised within the 'skin'. A mess of sensors and other technology within my specially devised silicone work with connections established to the body, through surgery, to provide Exact skin tone, skin texture, and most importantly, Real touch impulses! The models i'm hoping to make for those in need wont have as much potential as what I'm about to show you, but they will at bare minimum contain the tech needed to provide the experience of really gaining back a missing limb! I should also be capable of completely replicating most any body part to a similar degree, but I haven't tested as much yet. Now, without further delay!\"` \n\nHappily, Toy Maker got to work to give her a look at their work. They tapped a prompt that came up on the screen of their communicator and the rectangular section of screen and speaker fell deeper into the arm, and a section of skin slid out from the side to complete the 'normal' arm look, though the fine seems could still be seen.\n\nThen, all the panels of flesh separated a little, making their arm look a little bigger, a blue glow emitting from the larger seams and mechanical whirring sounding from shoulder. A sudden and alarming BEEEEP Signaled them. Toymaker would lose all control over the arm at that point, and used his other, real arm to pull it freely from the disengaged connection as his shoulder.\n\nThe internal mechanism of the lock was littered with all sorts of tiny ribbon cables and connectors, ports, and metal locking contacts. Toy Maker then guided the panels of skin up and out of the way to show the tech they were working with. A titanium skeletal frame, with inlets and outlets for tiny cables, miniature pneumatics, and mechanical joints. The skeletal frame seemed to allow enough space for that previously seen communicator to sit gently under the skin, not even taking up much space. There was still enough space that, you might be able to fit some kind of net launcher canon that fires by opening the wrist, or a fully functional gun capable of using rubber bullets fired from the fingertips, or god knows what ever else one might think of\n\nThere was a look of pride and confidence that washed over Toy Maker as they examined their own arm, the blue glow from the sensors in the under layer of the skin illuminating his starry eyed expression." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Toy Maker's smile was greeted with a friendly smile from Utopia in return. The hero seemed to give the younger tinker her full attention as he went into detail regarding his creations. Utopia relaxed her entire body. It hadn't been noticeable before but she had been tense, ready to act on a moment's notice as if she had been expecting an attack.\n\nLeaning down closer to the tinker tech arm she watched with curiosity as each part began to shift and move, a blue glow subtly illuminating the shadows on her costume. As Toy Maker disconnected the device from his body Utopia stood straight again to give him space.\n\n\"Well that is interesting. I of course don't need to worry about making it appear as a natural biological arm but even with having done that you've allowed for future upgrades in the existing design. Very forward thinking. Perhaps with some of the applications you've shown here I could make a convincing infil-\"\n\nShe cut herself off and let out a chuckle.\n\n\"Sorry, I'm meant to be ensuring your competency and here I am thinking up my own tinker tech. Good news is the fact you managed to do that means you've passed with flying colours. I suppose the next thing we need to discuss is exactly what we are doing to help today. Originally I was going to help them with several mechanical limbs as replacements but I have no shame in admitting my creations cannot compare to yours when it comes to replacing lost body parts. I was wondering if you could create basic limb replacements in advance or would they all have to be bespoke?\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Toy Maker carefully reconfigured his arm and refitted the connections with striking dexterity from his left hand. Once back together, the communicator fit it's self back up, flush with the skin. Though, they didn't speak up again right away. Toy Maker had taken note of how Utopia ogled their arm. They made a face, looking down at it, moving their fingers to check that all the connections were made properly, his expression was still tense after he made his checks.\n\n_Infil... Traition'_ He thought to himself. _'She was talking about espionage. Why? Villains had reasons to fight, even rogues. I suppose heros too, in some scenarios.. Not everything can be so brash and upfront. The way the skin works, I have my own reasons for a little trickery... Maybe I shouldn't be so worried.'_\n\nIt took him another second to respond, but they made their excuse. `\"Apologies, Re-attachment is a whole process, re-establishing connections to nerve endings and impulses.\"`\n\nHis face rose to meet her with bright, confident smile, trying to hide and hint of scrutiny they had for her. `\"This design is something I worked on specific to my own anatomy, but I can make more adjustable models. They will require surgery, though. A part of why this technology works the way it does is it's talking straight with the body and mind by using the sensors to replicate signals that would be sent via the nervous system\"`" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Utopia watched with clear interest as Toy Maker reattached their arm in front of her. Seemingly enthralled by the mechanics of how the arm attached to the body. As the new cape apologised she smiled and gave a dismissive wave.\n\n\"No need to apologise. I would be more surprised if attaching a non-organic limb to an organic body was simple. Hell, I don't think any tinkering is simp-.\"\n\nShe paused mid sentence, her entire body stiffening. In one smooth well trained motion she raised her arm and revealed the device once again. A few quick presses later she lets out a sigh of relief, allowing her arm to fall to her side.\n\n\"Sorry about that, Homeguard is in a fight and needed some back up but that's dealt with now. Where were we? Oh right yeah, your prosthesis. If they are going to require surgery shall we go in and meet the patients. You can examine them and get the information you need to create the devices then we can organise a surgery day another time. Vanguard will supply you with what you need, and in the meantime I'll give our patients one of my prosthesis as a stop gap. How does this sound to you?\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "`\"That would be suitable, I'm more than willing to work with these patients and doctors, as well as Vanguard, to benefit as many lives as possible.\"`\n\nThere was no need to try with that response, it was entirely the truth, and he felt pride swell in himself as he proclaimed it. To Toy Maker, there was nothing more important than improving the lives of others. Perhaps Cronenberg had been right in some fashion, that he could address people quicker and in greater volume by working outside the confines of the law but, working like that? There would be a cost, and he didn't necessarily foot the bill. Sourcing parts was shady, and could even end up in making more clients for his work than ones he helped from getting them, depending on the methods.\n\nThere was so much else to consider. At least working with Vanguard, he could be sure that the funds and resources they secured for him were less likely to be gained through roughing up or even killing innocents. Outrages taxes? Maybe, Government funding that could be going to repairs and upkeep of the city? Almost definitely. That was it's own cost, but one he could work with, one that didn't outright harm as many people. One he could petition change for.\n\nWhat they were truly concerned about? Vanguard's members, they wanted to get to know intimately their morals and the way they operated. Toy Maker hoped to determine if he really could trust Vanguard, and if they determined they couldn't, then using them as a method of jumpstarting their career in a positive light would have to do. \n\nToy Maker rocked up to her side, turning to look up to her with a genuine smile, and a indominable look of confidence and inspiration `\"Let us get to work, people are counting on us, Utopia.\"`" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Perfect then. Follow me then, I'll take you into the main room where I've set up my equipment. It should be more than suitable for what you need to take your measurements.\"\n\nUtopia turned and began to walk towards the door her robots had gone through earlier. As she got close one of her creations opened the door from the otherside allowing her to step through. It remained in place, holding the door as it motioned for Toy Maker to follow.\n\nThrough the doorway a makeshift lab had been set up. It was fairly basic and looked more like a doctors office than an actual tinker's lab, with comfortable chairs, a bed and computer along with several large storage boxes lining one wall. Opposite the storage boxes a large curtain hid the other side of the room.\n\n\"Just say when you're ready for the first patient and I'll go get them. Before we start though is there any last minute questions you have?\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "There was plenty running through his mind about it all as Toy Maker was lead through the doors. The sight of the clinic was one they were very familiar with, considering their physical condition, Toy Maker had been a frequent patient here in years past. On top of it, this particular room as outfitted now with a miniature lab, that still felt like it was right at home in the clinic. Toy Maker marched up to the equipment, giving it careful examination while dreaming of a lab like this in the future, should they ever go public, the ecstatic look in their eye, and the way their hands splayed over the tech with anticipation... It was clear Toy maker was ready to get to work, now. \n\nThey had barely heard the question when they remembered there was still parts and materials to unpack. They were mid-way through cracking the boxes open when their head shot up and they paused. A second passed and they whipped their head around to face Utopia with a smile.\n\n`\"Questions? Why delay. If you would so kindly bring a patient in, I'll be working on putting some more rudimentary components together in the mean time.\"`\n\nAnd so it was without hesitation, They began pulling circuitry and wires from the boxes, and heaving it carefully to the workstation of the little lab in the doctor's office. While not already familiar with the tools, discerning their use and purpose was child's play for him, and they'd begun on quickly forming said components before Utopia even had a chance to open the door." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Well then, I won't delay further.\"\n\nA few moments passed before the curtain was pulled back by a metallic hand of one of Unity's creations. Through the opened curtain a man in a wheelchair was rolled in by another mechanical man. Quartermaster stepped forwards and took over moving him in the last couple of metres, the curtain closing behind them.\n\n\"Toy Maker, the patients name is Cameron Davis, 22 year old male, he has had a transfemoral amputation of the left leg.\"\n\nShe looked down at Cameron with a smile.\n\n\"Mr Davis, this here is Toy Maker, they're here to help you get a new leg but they need to take some measurements first. Do you consent to this?\"\n\nHe nodded.\n\n\"Already signed the forms and everything, let's get it done. I'm tired of watching everyone else doing everything.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Past the fabric of his collar, Toy maker was wearing a bright smile, He had parts assembled, and tools in hand. He, was ready.\n\n...\n\nMeasurements were taken, for every patient that came in. Skin tones were matched, preferences were accommodated. With Toy maker's own experience and the help of Utopia and her assets, The process of gathering the needed data and setting them up with temp prosthetics was easy. They were each also given details about what they can expect to see with one of toymaker's prosthetics. Some of them seemed.. Skeptical. Others had the light in their eyes shine just a bit brighter, and that's what he loved to see\n\nThe downside of it all was that, this was only part of the process. Utopia and Toymaker would work to set up appropriate surgery appointments, and they chatted to her briefly about getting the materials as soon as possible to cut down on wait time. Another, small part of Toy maker did worry about.. Payment, this was time they weren't spending on work, but they didn't dwell on the idea.\n\nWhen all was said and done, and the last patient for the day was seen, The little guy stretched, letting out a hollow yawn. The smile on their face was warm and mellow, waving goodbye to the patient, who looked towards him with a little hope in her eyes.\n\n`\"Utopia.\"` Toy Maker's device buzzed. `\"Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to do this work, It's all I've ever dreamed of, since I lost my own arm.\"` He scuttled over to her side and sheepishly wrapped his arms around her for a moment. When they parted from the embrace, they adjusted their domino mask `\"I do. Wish there was something more I could do. As it stands, I'm a supped nurse or doctor, if that.\"` Toy maker walked a little forward, staring towards the door that lead out of the office, eyes half lulled with a huff of air blasting from his nostrils. `\"I would love to join, and make that possible. To make more possible. But even if this is all that is to come of this joint operation, I suppose that is all I can ask for.\"`" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As Toy Maker did their work Utopia seemed to mostly allow them to do their thing. The gentle smile on her face never seeming to fade the entire time. Ocasionally she spoke to a few patients off to the side and a few times she had to step away to take control of her creations across the city. It seemed crime didn't stop just because of a charity event. When all was said and done though she had a content and satisfied look on the visible portion of her face. Then Toy Maker wrapped their arms around her and she jolted in surprise before relaxing and returning the embrace.\n\n\"I'm so happy that you've got such a positive drive. It is so rare, especially in new capes. If only there were more like you...\"\n\nShe looked away for a moment, her mind clearly lingering elsewhere.\n\n\"I think we would be very lucky to have you here in Vanguard. I can't offer anything yet, if I were my sister then I could but I'm not. I will fight for you to be in our next recruitment run though. I do have something that might help though. We are going to send you the required supplies for you to build those limbs but I'll send you some more from my personal supply. Use them to build something, push your current limits then contact me again. I should be able to fast track you.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Those bright blue eyes shined a wonderful brilliance when she promised her best to him. They'd love nothing more than to work towards the benefit of humanity in this dire age, and they knew they had no better chance of that without joining Vanguard. Toy maker's hasty nod was the icing on the cake that was their adorable excitement, with the way their head bobbed causing their slicked back hair to come undone.\n\n`\"I will not take for granted any support you extend my way, And I vow that my only goal will be helping the people of this planet. Thank you again, Utopia.\"` The uncontrollable smile on their face was hurting their jaw. Quickly Toy maker exchanged information with Utopia, and made arrangements to return here to build the machinery once the parts arrived.\n\nWith that, he gave her a gentle bow and took their leave." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Utopia gave Toy Maker a friendly wave goodbye as he left the clinic. The two of them having completed a fine day of work between them.\n\nThe next day there was a knock at Toy Maker's door. A crate had been left outside marked fragile. Taking the box inside and opening it revealed a mess different components and materials ready to made into a selection of prosthetic limbs. \n\nWhat was perhaps more of interest to Toy Maker however was a smaller separate box within that contained a selection of parts clearly salvaged from Utopia's creations. Radio units, motorised servos and armour plating to name a few. Plenty to get started on some projects of his own. Additionally there was what" } ]	223.5	4,108
215.333333	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "princesslalatina", "message": "Whirl Girl leant against the railing of the Boardwalk looking out towards the setting sun. The pier a short distance away jutting out towards the horizon like a bridge to another world. Lifting the cup in her hand up to her mouth she sucked on the straw, whoever had come up with Moolicious Shakes was a true hero that much was sure. She let her hand lower again as she smiled to the Horizion. Some people were so serious and downtrodden about this cape stuff but not her. No this girl was happy as can be and no one can take that from her.\n\nA sudden breeze caused her to close her eyes for a moment as her cape fluttered behind her. The chill on her skin reminding her the days were getting colder, winter would soon be here. Would she need to change costume for winter?" }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Cara was a bit bored, today. Things had been super exciting lately, and she'd even managed a successful little caper with a big pile of loot, and built up a very Loose Relationship with a fellow villain— a Tinker, too! She understood that those sorts of relationships were Very Valuable. \n\nToday, though? Today was Dull. She'd slept in a lot, true, but even since she'd been awake there just hadn't really been anything happening. It made sense— there were plenty of days where just Nothing Happened, but ever since her debut as a cape she'd been a bit addicted to the Vibe Of the cape scene. \n\nShe hefted the weight of her backpack on her shoulders and sighed, looking around the gradually dwindling boardwalk. Fortunately some places were still open, but it's not like she was interested in getting a shake or something inane like that.\n\nHer eyes trailed to the side, spotting Something Interesting, finally. Some eccentric looking girl wearing an Actual Cape with bright gold hair, white clothes... Cara's eyes sparkled eagerly and she slipped away into the growing sunset darkness of a nearby alley, letting Brightside Come out.\n\nA minute later, the bright black-blue to yellow-gold clad villain emerged from the alleyway, broad grin worn proudly beneath her domino mask. She didn't have a plan. Far from it, actually. She just wanted to have some damn Fun.\n\nShe took a deep breath and stepped out into the light of the boardwalk.\n\n\"Put some pants on!\" She shouted, glee tinging her voice." }, { "author": "princesslalatina", "message": "Whirl Girl turned her head towards the voice, flicking her hair out of the way to give her a clear view of the approaching cape. She greeted them with a smile.\n\n\"I'll have you know I'm wearing underwear.\"\n\nHer smile turned to a smirk.\n\n\"But no, perhaps you should wear a skirt! It's so spinny and cute!\"\n\nAs if to demonstrate that point she turned to face the cape before jumping in the air and performing a quick, power assisted, 360 degree spin before dropping to the ground and holding her hand out.\n\n\"I'm Whirl Girl, it's nice to meet you!\"" } ]	171	646
168.894737	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Esther's apartment door was normal as any other, save for the spider web décor on the door plaque, left up from Halloween last year. The call was a little out of the blue, but it had been months since they last talked, the both of them had been through a good bit in the mean time.\n\nEsther had called Katie here for that exact reason. They were both slightly more experienced now, but more than that, they were more equipped, and now it was time to put their skills to work. All it would take would be a simple knock on the door now." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Katie was still a little groggy when she crawled out of bed this day. She had been up late tinkering with her forcefield projector and had ended up only getting four hours of sleep. The bus ride had given her a short time to nap but she still was tired by the time she reached her friend's apartment. It was made worse by the fact that she still had a few bruises from her scrap with Deadstar.\n\nShe sighed as she stepped up to the door and knocked lightly. She stood bleary eyed and hunched into herself as she waited for Esther. Her mind, despite the groggy fog, did flicker with eyes that she wanted to pitch to Esther." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Of course, that wasn't who answered the door, no that'd be too simple. The door creaked open with the towering figure of a woman with a piercing gaze and focused expression, wearing a gothic dress with blue accents, her black eyeshadow making her seem more fierce than she likely intended to come off as.\n\nIt was Veronica! Esther's sister and guardian. Katie likely hadn't seen her since Esther left high school, almost enough time to get spooked by her unorthodox appearance, but this was par for the course for veronica. She plucked the needle and thread from her cobalt blue lips, tilting her head a little to the side as she opened the door a little wider.\n\n\"Katie. It's been too long.\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Katie, in her surprise, looked like she nearly jumped out of her skin. Her hand going for her satchet for a brief moment before she calmed herself. She ran a hand through her hair with a huff to calm herself and looked back up to the woman. She, truth be told, did think Veronica was a rather pretty woman but she was often times didn't seem her for stretches of time that made it surprising to see her again.\n\nThe contrast between herself and Veronica was also something that she often thought about. Katie was dressed in a long brown skirt that stopped at the ankle, a chunky brown canvas jacket, a bright fruit baskets shirt, and a pair of black converse. She was shorter than Veronica and honestly felt a little intimidated by her.\n\n\"Hi, Veronica, it's been a while yeah. You look good, uhm, Is Esther home?\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Veronica pulled back out of the way, opening the door a little wider for katie to step through. The apartment was somewhat small, but relatively normal all things considered. Well, mostly, the place was full of gothic ornaments and mannequins wearing rather well made dresses and suits. Veronica's work, she was a Surgical doctor, but she was also a damn good seamstress and tailor.\n\n\"They're in their room as usual. I take It the two of you are working on something of a project, together?\" She shifted her focus to one of the many mannequins, this one with an unfinished lolita style dress. The thread and needle in her fingers was so precise, and her hands so nimble. \"Just try to keep the noise down if you can, Lunch is in an hour.\"\n\nAnd with that, Katie would be free to enter Esther's room.\n\nIt was a relatively.. Big room, compared to the apartment's livingroom. Enough space for a full sized bed, a large oak dresser, a walk in closet, and... Several desks and drawers. Shelves lined the walls as well, every nook and cranny of this space was being used to hold _something_, Be it anime and manga merchandise to model planets, telescopes, a computer, spare parts and scrap, an entire bookshelf filled with manga and textbooks on the same shelf. The blue hue of the room was nice and calming, with a little glow from the cieling above. Glow in the dark star stickers, still retaining a bit of their luminosity as the light from the one window of the room let the sun's rays in.\n\nEsther could be seen with tools handy, taking apart _something_ from his main work desk." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "\"Won't cause too much trouble, thanks.\" She nodded in agreement as she stepped inside. She walked past the intimidating sister with a polite nod and began her short jaunt over to Esther room. She scanned the house as she walked, taking in the details she hasn't seen in quite some time, and quietly noted the state of the house. Her house was fairly neat, sure, but it was also covered in merchandise and the lights were never on. Not that she noticed.\n\nShe stepped into Esther room with a polite knock, peaking around the door. She took in the room around her with some amount of pride at the amount of anime jammed into the room. She slowly crossed the room to look over her friend's shoulder with a curious tilt of her head.\n\n\"Whatcha doing?\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Though his back was turned, Esther was keenly aware of Katie entering the room. Just as she asked, they side stepped to show their hand detached and unraveled amongst a mess of parts that seemed to come from utopia's own tech, one of her recon drones it seemed. Using his real flesh and blood hand, Esther strokes their imaginary bear with a smug look. On the table beside the project was a note that was written before hand.\n\n'new project, was hoping to get help with some non lethal disruptive measures, based on your tech. Will show capabilities when done?'" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "She moved to get a better look at the project. Her eyes lit up at the parts and she pulled her own bag up to pull out her costume gloves and tinker parts. She looked over his pile of scraps and began to mentally take notes of what they were working with. This is not a small amount of tinker tech and she was excited.\n\n\"Based on mine? That's so cool. I was thinking of working on something to make it harder to fight against me. Did I mention I can't be blinded?\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "The look he gave her was one of shock, then of excitement. They stepped a little aside to give her some more room. Undeniably, he was impressed with the fact, and knowing what he did of her tech, he realized just where her mind was going. It was almost exactly the type of measure he wanted for this new project, only her result would be inherently more effective than anything he would implement. \n\nStill, as she laid her tech Infront of of them, Esther- Toy Maker, reached out and fiddled with the display embedded in their arm which appeared with a twist of their arm, the loose panel flipping before setting back into place.. The framework of the hand sprung to life on the table, the 'flesh' being dragged along as it scooted it's self with the fingers toward his end of the table. The palm was fitted with a camera lense and some kind of mechanism which was humming ever so slightly as the thing moved. Somehow, there was still a bit of empty space left within the palm. Toy Maker intended on making use of it.\n\n`\" It's fortunate that you are the kind of tinker you are, Heartthrob, Otherwise a power like that may seem a little underwhelming. I take it you plan to use your specialty with this boon in mind?\"`" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Mischief twinkled in her eye at the question. She would take a few of the pieces in her pile and put them next to each other before sliding a sketch from her bag. She slid onto the desk and rolled it out to show her friend. It was a rough schematic showing the placement of the glove rings and the flash bulbs. It was concealed even if it made putting the gloves on a little awkward.\n\n\"Let's me see in the dark too. But, really, my plan is that other people don't have that privilege. If someone were to, I dunno, set a flashbang off then everyone but me would be blinded.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Quickly, as if starving for a look at them, Esther snatched the schematics with their free hand. The hand on the table was still crawling towards him as his eyes went wide at the prints of the design on the schematic. Had he the ability, he'd have applauded her genius then and there, Instead, he simply set the schematics down and reached her for pile greedily.\n\nWith some parts in hand, and his other still writhing on the table, Esther wasted no time hacking together something in _Minutes_. He didn't speak, he couldn't all his focus was turned to his work, only occasionally turning to Katie for approving nods, ones he didn't care if he received all too much. After a minute, The Toy maker's new toy was operational. \n\nThe 'skin' as it were wasn't reapplied yet, but it didn't need to be. Using relays found in utopia's design, he managed to send the nerve impulses he worked into his prosthetic over range, It floated and flew with full dexterous movement and even came right up to Katie for a quick _BURST_ of light from the materials and inspiration she provided. It was a brilliant flash of high intensity light, enough maybe to blind and disorient for a minute to someone who wasn't Katie, to whom it may have seemed like nothing had happened, but indeed. Something had. In fact it took Esther a solid few minutes to re adjust from accidentally flashing himself in the same moment.\n\nIt would not be as impressive as her own capabilities with the tech, and never could be without her direct tinkering, but it would suffice for his purposes. It even assisted in the last function- the surveillance. An image was being transmitted to his arm communicator, not as clear as he'd like with the screen's small resolution, but serviceable most certainly. \n\nSaid communicator spoke with implied conviction and pride `\"Behold, you're looking at the Hand Flash Drone Augmentation for my trademark prosthetic arm! Or, HFDA for short. The drone Utopia provided me alone would have likely sufficed for an upgrade, the reconnaissance capabilities alone make it an invaluable asset, but I was struck by inspiration seeking your design for the gloves, and now I have but one more tool at H A N D to help in what ever situation I may find myself in.\"`\n\nThey held out their flesh hand to let the prosthetic fall into, and set to sleeving it up with the skin once more. `\"Oh\"` That electric voice rang out in exclaimation. Esther paused and turned head to grant Katie a big smile `\"I haven't forgotten about you either. I plan on helping with the gloves, I noticed your design seemed a little bulky, and compromises your theme a little too much. My synthetic skin should be a great basis for making a sleeker, cleaner design, if you're interested in that.\"`" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Katie would dig into the pile with the same fervor as she began to pull the bits and pieces apart from everything. It was like she stopped thinking and her body took over. She went quiet as she sifted through the pile and pulled out the pieces she needed. Her eyes glazed over as her hands moved, not really listening to him.\n\nShe snapped out of it when she was directly addressed. Her hand was filled with various metal pieces while the other held the pair of gloves. She looked a little embarrassed, as if she forgot her partner in tinkering was there. She finally spoke up, signing messily as she did \"Sorry, what were you saying? You could help?\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Quickly, Esther set to re-gloving (like degloving, but in reverse) their mechanical hand. The new sectioned skin as accommodating for both the canon augment and the hand drone augment. Once it was re attached, Esther then guided her eyes with his hand and a free carpenters pencil laying on the table, drawing up a rough idea of better fitting, slimmer gloves that would help camouflaged the bulk and mechanics of her gloves using the same type of synthetic material on his arm.\n\nThe bright smile on his face was one of support and care, shining blue eyes staring at her for approval as he reached for some loose prosthetic skin." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "She smiled brightly, no pun intended, at him as watched their idea unfold on paper. She watched their pencil and shook his shoulder. She signed a quick 'Thank You' before going to work. She began to work on the rings first. Creating small metal rings designed to be easy to slide the fingers into. Batteries were built into each ring with various wires running closely to connect them." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "There was quite the smile on Esther's face when he saw her sign the gratitude. \n\nStill, he quickly turned his focus to helping Katie work on these glove in full, now that his tech was practically finished. His insights and designs would help camouflage the more obviously 'tech' of the design she created, work to ensure her secret is kept that way just a little longer.\n\nBy the time their involvement was done, they were just sitting on the sidelines, watching her tinker with enamored interest." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Her nimble fingers crafted each metal ring and looped them carefully into the gloves while connecting each to a central pad built into the palm of the glove. Her eyes flicked back and forth along it as she carefully laid out the wiring to avoid any sparks. It was surprisingly how quick she was at building but it seems like she was fully into the fugue for the moment. She seemed to mess around with the inside as she lined it with tiny bulbs from the inside. \n\n\"I think. I should be done? I need to, program the poses I think?\"\n\nShe slipped one of the gloves on with delicate movements and flexed her fingers to feel out the inside. It was remarkably well concealed because of Esther." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "The tiny nerd was geeking out over the gloves actually, admiring his own work, sure, but just thinking about how it would look with the entire outfit. In an attempt to show their enthusiasm, Esther struck a pose!\n\nThey stood at a strong slant, back pulled backwards while their legs were more put forward, making a sudden and energetic point towards katie, encouraging her with a smile to do the same for practice and programing her gloves." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "She began to strike a few poses with her gloves. It was alot of the classic anime girl poses like the peace sign salute and a heart shape in addition to dumb poses like finger guns. She seemed extremely energized by the actions and grinned at him like a fool. She signed 'Thank you alot! This was fun' Before going back to posing. She twirled around and flexed her fingers in the gloves, taking on some of her cape persona. 'Not too uncomfortable, for once.'" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "_And this would be how they continued, working together to test their tech with one another, and work out the kinks between both of the designs, Growing closer on a levle beyond just theri civilian friendship. It'd been so long since Esther really bonded with someone like this- It felt so warm and comforting to have someone unlike his sister that he could confide this side of them in.\n\nSmiles were had all around._\n\n-end-" } ]	135	3,209
111.1875	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Sat in her cramped room entire alone Elizabeth looked down at her arm. Blood still leaked from the self inflicted wounds but it was worth it, for now she had her first official upgrade to her body. Her eyes scanned her desk, the mess of items strewn about it was more reminiscent of a murder scene than a workshop. A bloody knife here, wires and batteries there.\n\nWhat her eyes eventually rested on though was that of her clock. The time read 3:37, she had started working once her parents had gone to bed at 10 so nearly six hours. It was strange, it felt like it had only been one. No matter, it was now time. They wouldn't have to worry about using her name any more.\n\nGrabbing the knife in her right hand she stood up slowly, moving as quietly as she could over to her bedroom door. Slowly turning the handle she opened it a couple of inches and looked through." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Unlike during the day, the house seemed to be dead silent at night. There was no real indication that anyone was even awake. From where Elizabeth was she could see that the kitchen light was probably on, but it wasn't unusual for it to get left on overnight.\n\nSnoring could be heard from the direction of her parent's room, along with the sound of a quiet whirring which was probably their box fan. While it seemed like it might be easy to kill her parents in their sleep, Elizabeth knew from living with them that her father kept a pistol in a drawer next to the bed. That could complicate things if the fight was extended." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "She stepped through and closed her bedroom door behind her. The box fan, that did remind her that it was quite hot at the moment. If she entered the room it was sure to alert them if not to what she was doing at least that something was wrong. If they came out of their own accord though?\n\nCarefully she began to sneak through the house and head to the utility room. It was a small room that contained both a washing machine and the dryer. Most importantly of all affixed to the wall was the fuse box. Stepping over she began to flip all of the fuses to the tripped position. That should make the fan shut off and the temperature rise. Then they being unable to deal with even the smallest discomfort would come and check the fuse box. Perfect. In the mean time she would take a few steps back and stand behind the open door, awaiting her prey." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Perhaps unlike what Apex might expect, it seemed as though nothing was happening right away.\n\nThirty minutes of waiting later, and the sound of metal being struck could be clearly heard from where she was. It didn't take long after that for her to pick up the sounds of footsteps headed in her direction.\n\nOccasionally she could hear the quiet sounds of her father grumbling to himself as he stumbled his way into the utility room, headed right for the fuse box and seemingly unaware of her at the moment." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "As she stood behind the door waiting she couldn't believe the gall of these people. If she made the slightest noise at night she could almost guarantee they would come barging in her room. So why on earth did they take so long when she actually wanted them to come. Just another thing to take out on them she supposed. Hearing her approaching father gave her some relief however, the insufferable waiting would soon be over.\n\nShe pushed herself against the wall as he entered, both her hand and knife at the ready. As soon as he stepped through and began to mess with the fuse box she would spring into action. Stepping forward she thrust the knife towards her fathers neck. Hopefully this would be over quickly, she didn't particularly want a extended fight." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Due to either just waking up, or the oppressive darkness, her father was unable to react before it was too late. Immediately he brought his hands up to his own neck trying to stem the bleeding as he turned to look at her.\n\nHis face flickered with realization and then hate as he stumbled back, blood still spurting from his wound as he started to choke. Moments later his face seemed to relax as his legs gave out. He collapsed into a puddle of his own blood, motionless.\n\nIt seemed that the rest of the house was still relatively quiet. He hadn't even been able to yell out for help before he died." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Looking down at the corpse of her father a tear formed in the corner of one of her eyes. Not out of sadness or regret but of relief. Relief because he was finally gone. He couldn't hurt her anymore. One more evil creature to deal with and then she could sleep.\n\nStepping out of the utility room she would walk towards her parents bedroom once again, stopping short of entering instead listening at the door. She wanted to make sure she had a clear shot before rushing her mother. No point in taking more risk than necessary." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "There wasn't a lot of noise coming from the other side of the door, though she could make out the sounds of what sounded like either someone tossing and turning on a bed, or someone getting up. It wasn't possible to tell much more from sound alone." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Well it was time to rip off the plaster and not give her the time to react. Throwing the door open she would leap forwards and attempting to grab her mother with her left hand and activating her shock plates. It was time to test out her new tech." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "It seemed as though she was just starting to get out of bed when Apex burst into the room. Noticing the intrusion, a tired voice called out.\n\n\"Elliot? What the hell are yo—\" Her voice cut out with a shriek as she was shocked, her body trembling as her eyes closed. Her body slumped down to the bed, unconscious, but not dead.\n\nDespite being quiet up until this point, her shrieking while she was being shocked was quite loud." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "She looked down at the woman who claimed to be her mother. Not uttering a word as she let out another charge and shocked her again. If she didn't even know her name she didn't deserve a conversation.\n\nRaising the knife high she would bring it down in a swift stab aimed straight for her neck. The shrieking was irritating." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "While unconscious, her mother wasn't able to resist in any way. The knife plunged in with a quiet squelch as blood immediately started to spurt out, some of which going right onto Apex.\n\nMission accomplished. Both of her parents were dead for good.\n\nNow the only living person in the entire building, the house became oppressively quiet." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Finally, she was free.\n\nStanding up she looked down at her mothers corpse and felt nothing. These people had caused her so much suffering. What she had done to them was nothing compared to the pain she had endured.\n\nOh well, there were more important things to sort out now. She needed to find the gun, ammo for the gun and any spare cash they have. She would need these thing at least until she could build more improvements to herself." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "After a bit of searching, it wasn't difficult to find what she was looking for. The 9mm handgun was still in a drawer right next to the bed, along with a box of ammo. Altogether there was 50 bullets.\n\nShe was much less successful when it came to finding money. They both had some cash on them, but the entire family was poor and it wasn't a stash that she could find. In the end she only managed to find $112.\n\nIn the far distance the sound of a siren could be heard." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Well this would have to do. That was the sound of the police and she wasn't stupid enough to fight them head on. For now she needed to focus on getting out of here. Making sure the safety was on she slid the handgun into her waistband and shoved the cash into her pocket before running into her room.\n\nAs she entered she grabbed her backpack before shoving her laptop in along with some basic clothes, an airsoft mask, her own stash of money and the small selection of tools she had available. It wasn't much but it would have to do for now. Finally she grabbed her phone and shoved it in her pocket before rushing out the door, dropping the knife as she went. No point in keeping it." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Despite the sirens in the distance getting closer, they weren't fast enough to catch Apex as she fled out the house. In fact, it sounded as if the sirens were getting farther away for some reason. Almost as though they were headed towards a different crime scene entirely.\n\nThe sound of sirens was quite common in the slums, after all. They didn't have the help of heroes often, but there was still some semblance of a police presence." } ]	104	1,779
189.636364	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "rarefishportfolio", "message": "Adys had been staying quiet. Even though she was quite literally Inside Of someone else's mind, this was the most genuine peace and quiet that she'd had in... Years. Maybe her whole life? She was able to just stay still and Think. She could even just ignore everything going on outside and focus on herself, which was what she'd been doing for an unknown amount of time. It felt like she'd been sleeping, and she actually felt rested. \n\nIn the time that she had been aware though, she'd come to an unfortunate realization. A pair of realizations, really. First, no matter what she tried, it seemed she was giving some kind of physical Boost To this kid she was attached to. Cape-like. That wouldn't be an issue by itself, but it brought her to the second issue, which was that the brat was a huge asshole. Like, a genuine entitled scumbag that Wanted To join the villains so that he had more opportunity to harass innocent people. Wanted to feel strong or some shit.\n\nShe didn't want to enable that. So... It was time to go.\n\nShe opened her minds 'eye', expanding her awareness all around her. Time to see what she could do." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The music in the apartment was loud, almost deafening even. In the time Adys had been residing in her vessels mind she had come to be very familiar with this place. It was a private club for members of the Top Hats located in a renovated flat of a former member, a place of violence and debauchery. They called it the Study.\n\nIt was always fairly busy but today was certainly more crowded than usual. This was no doubt because the the newly installed fighting ring that had been installed, a fighting ring that Adys' vessel had a verry good view of. Inside a girl no older than 14 was fighting against a Top Hat thug. It seemed obvious who would win but when the girl slapped the mans arm it fell limp and the whole crowd let out a shout of surprise. The man looked at her with hatred.\n\n\"So the bitch has powers? That won't help you little lady.\"\n\nHe stepped forwards grabbing the girl around the neck with one hand and raised her off the ground. Her hands reached up trying to pry the fingers away from her neck but she was too weak. In one last ditch effort to escape she franticly reached for the mans head smacking him on the nose.\n\nThe mans head went limp, the rest of his body quickly followed. A gasp of shock emanated from the crowd, that huge man had been beaten by a small child. The vessel downed his drink as he walked over. Stepping into the arena he stared at the girl clambering of the mans unconscious body, he would show them how to deal with the bitch. He rushed forwards and went to punch the girl in the head." }, { "author": "rarefishportfolio", "message": "Wait, what? What? What was this now? Where were they? She swore she'd only had her mind closed for just a moment, but now—\n\nHer enhanced thinking skills allowed her to process the scene nearly in an instant, and she took some time to stifle the sheer panic that was now coursing through her non-existent veins and consider her options. Come on... Just take a moment. You have a bit of time, at least.\n\nShe examined the other combatant. A young girl. Very young, from the looks of things. Fighting in a ring. With some kind of powers, too... Physical, or possibly touch-based? She could be Forced To fight here, possibly. It would explain this gauntlet of fighters that are lining up against her. Her style wasn't exactly refined, so Adys doubted she was a trained cape.\n\nEither way, her vessel was moving to punch her head clean off. Well... This wasn't how she wanted to do things, but she Wouldn't Be party to a murder, no matter what else happened.\n\nShe created a huge green projection of herself, eclipsing the entirety of her vessel's vision, though it could still be seen through at least, since it was transparent. Then, she spoke.\n\n\"Hey! Knock it off! Don't hurt her! What are you doing, you crazy jerk?!\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"What the?\"\n\nAdys couldn't affect her host directly that was true enough. Still it turns out a spectral image of a person appearing in your view and starting to talk to you was very distracting, especially if you weren't expecting it. So distracting in fact that he failed to notice the incoming fist from the girl.\n\nAs the fist impacted the boys head his whole body went numb. The impact wasn't much but it was enough to shift the direction of his fall. Time seemed to slow as her fell towards the metal barrier surrounding the fighting ring. A crack could be heard as his neck broke against it. Adys felt his heart stop and his breathing fade as she was pulled from his body. It was as if she closed her eyes and opened them in a different body, that of the girl who a moment ago she had just saved, even if she didn't know it yet." }, { "author": "rarefishportfolio", "message": "\"Eh? Wai- Wait wait, look out though, I mean—!\"\n\nShe felt him die. She... Was that her fault? She didn't want him to be hurt, or anything. Fuck. I mean, maybe a little hurt, but not... Not fucking Dead. Well, that was it, then. Right? She was likely dead, too. After all, she was a part of him, and she hadn't been able to find a way to leave, or get help for her new condition.\n\nShe closed her eyes, knowing only oblivion awaited her.\n\nThen, she was in the girl's body. She felt a surge of apprehension and fear as she realized the implications of all this. Oh no. No, no...\n\n\"Why...?\"\n\nIt was the only thing she could think to vocalize, even though dozens of other things raced through her Thinker-enhanced mind. She... She had to get out of here. At this rate, they were going to kill this girl, too, and she'd get stuck onto someone Truly Evil.\n\n\"Can... Can you hear me?\"\n\nShe created a much smaller holographic representation of herself in the corner of her new vessel's vision, this time wearing a simple heroic looking bodysuit that she'd always imagined would look cool on herself, when she was younger. She waved.\n\n\"Hello. Why are you here? Who are you?\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"What? Who is that?\"\n\nThe girl shuffled back a few feet before hitting the edge of the arena and getting shoved back into the the centre of the arena. She looked around, the terror she was feeling was quite understandable as everyone looked so monstrous from her perspective. That combined with the fact she now suddenly had some much more awareness and understanding of the area around her as whatever had been done to her seemed to be fading. The fact she was in even more danger than she thought. Her eyes drifted down to the now dead boy.\n\n\"Is he? I didn't... What is happening?\"\n\nAt that moment she turned around to see yet another man enter the arena, this one with a large club and a face that looked like he was going to really enjoy hurting her. Taking a step back she raised her fist in the best imitation of a guard she could muster although she didn't think it would do much good." }, { "author": "rarefishportfolio", "message": "Oh, jeez. The poor girl was even more stunned and confused than She Was. Worse, it didn't seem like there was any obvious way out of this situation. For now, it seemed sorta like the only real way forward was to just try and protect her. They were sending some kind of... Onslaught of opponents at her. Why? She didn't have enough information! This is what she deserved for Sleeping Or whatever it was for too long. Now she had no clue where she was, or why.\n\nFirst things first, she needed to try and get the girl's head in the game.\n\n\"I'm... Uhh... An Angel. I'm an Angel. I've been sent to help you. You need to focus right now, okay? That guy is going to try and kill you. Together we can survive.\"\n\nShe hoped it was laced with suitable amounts of concern and optimism. She wanted to get her to Care About what was happening, but she didn't want her to give up, either. She actually had a bit of a plan, but for that she needed the girl to be ready to fight, first. Then, Adys simply waited for the first swings of combat before her next act." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Angel? Okay Angel I got it... What should I do? There are so many of them and my power is weak.\" \n\nIt was clear the girl was tired. She was breathing heavily and was struggling to stand upright. It was obvious today had been quite the ordeal for her. Suddenly she felt a shift in the air as the club came straight towards the top of her head.\n\nDeciding she didn't need instruction to avoid getting her head smashed open she leapt to the side. The club narrowly passed to her side, thankfully missing. As she stumbled to the side she tried to steady herself.\n\n\"So what do I do Angel? Help me!\"" }, { "author": "rarefishportfolio", "message": "\"Sorry, I'm doing what I can. Let's see...\"\n\nTime almost seemed to slow down for her as Adys thought about the situation. She didn't have many options here, and even with the ones she had on the table it was questionable whether she'd be able to convert that into a way Out Of here rather than just a way to survive one more round. She stretched her senses out, trying to find... Ah.\n\nMaybe.\n\n\"I'm going to get you an opening. When you get it, knock him out, then turn around and run out of here. I can guide you, so don't panic, okay?\"\n\nWith that, she tapped the big man on the back of his shoulder a few times, as if someone was trying to get his attention behind him. Her telekinesis wasn't much, but it could do that, at least.\n\nShe waited for what would hopefully be the fight-ending strike, then flicked the lights off.\n\n\"Go!\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The large man turned to look at the girl who had just dodged out the way. Without speaking he once again raised the club as he rushed towards her, swinging the club down at an angle trying to hit her in the side. At that moment he looked away for a moment as Angel tapped him on the shoulder. In that moment the girl rushed forwards, her hand outstretched towards the mans head.\n\nWhen she made contact her power flared and the man dropped to the ground unable to move. When this happened Angel noticed another something else interesting. When her power activated not only did the man go limp but so did the girls hand. It was still limp right now in fact. Then the lights went out and she began to run, slipping into the crowd of shouting people and shunting her way through.\n\n\"Angel, which way do I go? I can't see!\"" }, { "author": "rarefishportfolio", "message": "Whew! The first part had gone off without a hitch. Oddly enough— and maybe this was thanks to her seemingly new ability to think more easily on the fly?— it seemed like she'd actually been pretty much right on the money with what the girls power did. Some sort of localized paralysis that induced unconsciousness if used on the brain. \n\nWhat she Hadn't Noticed until now though, was that it had a secondary Backlash Effect. That was an important thing to keep in mind. Something to think about for later, though— for now, Adys had a job to do.\n\n\"This way! And— follow the pokes!\"\n\nShe verbally instructed the girl towards the nearest exit as quickly as she could, utilizing her minor telekinesis to help by Poking The girl gently in the correct direction as she ran." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Following the directions given by her new companion the girl made her way to the nearest exit. As she came up against a door she reached around grabbing the handle and opening it stepping out of the dark room into the cool outside. Quickly closing the door behind her she looked around and found herself on a fire escape. Not waiting for further instructions she quickly climbed down and began to run away, not wanting to stay any longer.\n\n\"So uh Angel what now?\"" }, { "author": "rarefishportfolio", "message": "They were out! And, fortunately, just like that she'd achieved her mission... Sort've. She'd never wanted the kid to die as a result. He was a violent jerk with delusions of grandeur, but he didn't deserve to die. Still, she was in a different host now, and this one seemed much less overtly evil... So far, at least.\n\nAs for the question of what to do next... She was a bit surprised that the girl was asking Her. Sure, she'd just saved her life and all, but it was still somewhat surprising. Adys had been expecting... Something different.\n\n\"Great work! Just keep walking away for now. Don't want to draw too much attention. While you do, can you tell me about yourself? Your name? Your... Affiliation? Your dreams? Do you have anywhere safe you can go?\"\n\nIt was a barrage of questions, but Adys didn't realize how rapid and overwhelming it sounded. She Thought* More quickly, after all." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The girl began to slow now she had managed to gain some distance and instead continued to walk away. Angel didn't need powers to tell the girl was beginning to calm down now she was free from her hell.\n\n\"Oh right, my name of course. I'm Alice. I don't really get what you mean by affiliation though? I went to West London Secondary School if that's what you mean?\"\n\nThe mention of school made what the girl was wearing quite obvious, with how dirty and damaged it had been it was hard to tell but now it was clear it was a school uniform.\n\n\"The only safe place I could think of is my parents house but that's where we were when they took us...\"\n\nShe had noticeably avoided answering the question about dreams." }, { "author": "rarefishportfolio", "message": "Oh... Because of the circumstances surrounding her last vessel, Adys had passively assumed that anyone in those fights would likely be at least Affiliated With some gang or another already. But from the sounds of it, this poor, poor girl had literally been abducted and thrown into vicious fights... For no reason.\n\nShe considered herself lucky that her accelerated cognition gave her time to process the visceral disgust running its course through her mind.\n\n\"I'm so... So sorry to hear that. Do you know where the nearest library is? We can use the computers there to try and get some help for you.\"\n\nIf they could get to a computer, Adys could contact Vanguard. It would be good for both of them, probably. She didn't know if the girl wanted to be a Hero or not— but even if she didn't, Vanguard would be able to get them out of a dangerous situation like this, and try to figure out their powers more. It was the right call... Probably." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "She shook her head in response to the question\n\n\"I'm sorry I don't know. Maybe if we find a main road we could find one from there? I don't know I don't recognise any of this place.\"\n\nShe looked around clearly in despair. At first it had seemed she dealt with the whole situation fairly well but now it appeared likely she was on the verge of panicking." }, { "author": "rarefishportfolio", "message": "Oh no, the girl was panicking. Okay, Adys, you can do this. You spent your whole life being the panicking girl. Just say what you would have wanted to hear.\n\n\"Hey, hey. Listen. It's okay. Everything is going to be okay. I'm here for you, right? Angel. We'll find one.\"\n\nShe kept her voice quiet, and gentle, and even projecting a small version of herself into the corner of Alice's vision, a comforting expression on her face. This was the least she could do, after they'd both saved each other from their split hells.\n\n\"You had a good idea, right? Let's just head to the main street and look around. If we see someone who looks friendly we can ask for directions, yea?\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "She took a deep breath in before slowly exhaling, her coming up to wipe away any evidence of tears forming.\n\n\"O-Okay. I've got this. Um, let's go this way.\"\n\nTurning onto a larger street she began to walk along the pavement keeping an eye for anyone who could potentially help. At first it seemed like a hopeless quest, save for a few cars or people on the other side of the street there were only a couple people. Even they crossed the road at the sight of the distressed girl, a true New London attitude.\n\nAlice was on the verge of giving up when light hitting the side of her face caught her attention. Turning to look at the source of the light she found herself looking through the window of a convenience store. Inside the store were two people in police officer outfits having a conversation with the cashier.\n\n\"What about them? Do you think they are safe?\"" }, { "author": "rarefishportfolio", "message": "\"They can probably help us, yea! Good job, Alice. Let's go see, shall we?\"\n\nShe knew that there could be corrupt police in New London— unfortunately the state of the city meant that was actually decently common— but most of the time even the most corrupt cops would still do their job normally. They just might accept a bribe, hide some brutality, or abuse their position. They wouldn't, generally, just publicly avoid helping a citizen in distress.\n\nSo... This would probably work out okay?" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "She nodded her head slowly as she raised her hand to wipe her eyes whilst she took a deep breath.\n\n\"Alright, I can do this.\"\n\nShe opened the door and stepped through as a bell rung. As she entered the police continued their conversation for a few moments before one of them looked over to Alice. They immediately did a double take before grabbing their college by the shoulder. They too turned to look at the girl before rushing over.\n\n\"Oh god are you okay? What's your name?\"\n\nOne crouched down besides alice and embraced her in a hug whilst the other clicked the transmit button on their radio.\n\n\"Dispatch we have a suspected 10-65 requesting code 8 at Best One on Coronet Street.\"\n\nIt seemed as though Alice was in safe hands now." }, { "author": "rarefishportfolio", "message": "Okay.\n\nAdys felt herself relax in the nebulous sort of void she didn't quite exist in. There was no way the gang would try to tussle with two cops. Alice was... Safe. Safe as someone could get in this city, sort've.\n\nIt was a relief. There was some question about what to do next, but unless she was able to detect a usable computer around here, Adys was content to just hang tight and observe quietly. This was a big part of what she'd wanted for now, after all, was just some damn peace and quiet without feeling like she was party to criminal activity.\n\nHer original host had... Had died. That was bad... But there was nothing to do about it now.\n\nShe just stayed quiet, watching, in case anything bad happened." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Angel was on alert for any signs of corruption or foul play she may have needed to assist with foiling but she needn't have worried. For all the bad many in power were capable off it seemed in this case at least these police officers were genuine in their concern for the girl. As more police arrived soon enough she was taken to the hospital and taken care off.\n\nIt turns out Alice was in fact a certain Alice McArthur, daughter of Duncan McArthur, a wealthy property owner who had been found murdered just over a week ago. She had been missing since then. After about a week of hospital care she was relocated to the New London Orphanage. By extention Angel was also relocated there. What they did next was up to the two of them." } ]	179	4,172
211.875	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Nue entered the pier a little before sunset. She waited within the shadows by the long strip for someone to copy. She didn't need much, just someone with a fishing rod. She found one, an older scruffy man with a bucket hat and a tacky floral shirt. As the man left she hopped into his shadow and emerged while his back was turned, taking his form without so much as turning around.\n\n As she walked out into the pier she tested out the fishing rod she had emerged with. It was nothing fancy, just an ordinary fishing rod, and testing the string seemed to work just fine, but the reel itself seemed off. It didn't really wind properly, but it worked enough to probably cast out. \n\nThe view of the sunset over the water made for a scenic view and seeing that orange hue glow over the city felt nostalgic somehow. At the very least having this fishing rod would give her something to do if the contact took a while to show up, if they did at all. For now she looked out at the ocean, the reflection of the rather calm water being enough to occupy her thoughts at the moment." }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "A man walks along the boardwalk. This projection of self is pretty far from how Vex is inclined to identify and the moment, but he can make concessions for the sake of efficacy. He's an older man, with a scruffy beard. Vex adopted the clothing to something more his own style, with slacks, leather shoes, and a slightly rumpled off-white dress shirt. He trims the scruffy beard close, and quaffs the hair back, transforming the old man into someone who exudes confidence and self-assurance. That feels better.\n\nVex approaches the pier, and immediately identifies his contact. Not because they stand out, quite the opposite. He recognizes them because they are a man who he had just seen and studied the details of walking the other direction less than a minute ago, a man who couldn't stand out here if he tried. The same man Vex himself currently looks like.\n\nHe approaches the man on the pier and gives an exaggerated sigh. \"Well, wearing the same outfit to the clandestine meeting, one of us will have to change.\" He adjusts the cuff of his shirt, steely-grey eyes glancing down at himself, then at the old fisherman who could be his twin. \"I think I wear it better, though.\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Once Nue heard the sigh she straightened up and turned over to face the other old man. His expression was unconcerned at first though after scanning him up and down and finding that it was the same disguise she had been using with a different outfit she couldn't help but let that expression morph into a smirk.\n\n\"So that's the kind of stranger you are. Well this certainly makes things simple for both of us. Makes me wonder how many times we've met already.\"\nThe old man adjusted the collar of his own shirt. A similar gesture to the one his twin had made with just enough difference to be something new. \"I happen to like this shirt. If you don't then you shouldn't have worn it.\"\n\nTurning back, the man leaned over the railing of the pier. \"So, do you still want to do introductions or is this enough? It's public enough to be safe, and private enough to have a nice chat. So we don't need to double speak anymore, even if it is fun.\"" }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Vex shrugs. He starts to step towards the fisherman, but decides against it. Something about this person's demeanor, how casual they are, makes Vex inclined to feel comfortable, which in turn puts Vex on edge.\n\nThe fancier of the two men is suddenly holding Vex's cane, twirling it in one hand. Now visibly armed, Vex is a little more comfortable, and walks up to the railing to gaze out at the ocean, standing next to the fisherman. \"You can call me Vex.\" He says, wondering if the man he's projecting himself as is affecting his normally painfully professional demeanor. Worth noting. \"Why did you bring me here?\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Nue looked over at the more refined looking twin, the smirk on the old man's face ever present. \n\"You're as tense as your messages imply. What's wrong? Sea sick already?\" He shifted, taking the fishing rod in his hand and mostly playing around with the string on it. \n\"Oh, you're Vex. Right, it's good to see you again.\" The old man held the rod out over the water and let the string fall down to the water slowly. His eyes went between the reflections of themselves on the water and the lowering string and hook, despite there not being anything on the end of the hook.\n\n\"Oh yeah, I'm Nue. The reason I brought you here. If you mean the pier specifically, then it's like I said: there's enough people to notice something going wrong if something does, but enough space to have a nice chat like we are. That, and I wanted to see this view for a while. If you mean the reason for this meeting, well, that changed a little since you got here. Originally I was just going to be an ordinary client with a job for you but now that we've skipped past pretending I'm no one important I guess I don't really have to be so roundabout.\" \n\nThe man looked back and to Vex while still leaning on the railing.\n\"It'd be nice to have friends like us, right? So I just want to talk for a little while. It's tough to really work with someone without knowing where they stand. Then depending on if we think we can work together, then maybe we can pull off something notable. So here, I'll start. What is it you want out of being a cape anyway?\"" }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Vex turns around, leaning back against the railing and facing the pier. \"The same things any of us want, I suppose.\" He frowns, still unnerved at how inclined he is to share. He waits until Nue looks away, then the next time they look, he's presenting more as himself, adjusting his ruby tie. He's pale, with sharp features and a tailored black suit, his black ponytail draping over one shoulder, his emerald eyes cold. He closes them and takes a breath. \"For now, I suppose I intend to see what I can do, and demonstrate my capabilities to others. Long term, I'd like to improve things.\" He looks at Nue from the corner of his eye, the beginnings of a smirk dancing across his lips. He seems more comfortable. \"Yourself?\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "\"I wouldn't say everyone, but that is a pretty common belief for heroes. Pretty interesting you consider yourself a villain, then. At least that's what you implied in your posts. Though the line really doesn't matter all that much.\" The smirk on the old man's face grew wider at noticing his doppelganger becoming more and more like someone else. Despite that their smirks were alike, as if they were still in sync despite their differences.\n\n\"Me? Well my motivation is as simple as it can get. I just want to have some fun with some friends, that's all.\" They shrugged with a smug demeanor. \"We could create a utopia or burn the whole city down, it doesn't make any difference to me so long as getting there was fun. I just like seeing the look on people's faces when they see my handiwork. You get that, right?\"" }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Vex shrugs, his matching smirk settling in full. \"I don't trust the existing authority to allow for any real improvements, disparity and tragedy are far too profitable for that to be incentivized.\"\n\nHe raises an eyebrow at the second part of what the old man says. \"I suppose I can see the appeal, though I personally prefer to leave the accolades to others.\" He winks. \"Easier to be underestimated.\" \n\nHe's quiet for a moment, then speaks again. \"It seems to me that we could, potentially, aid one another. I could offer you direction, or perhaps more accurately, diversion, opportunity for fun, and allow you the publicity, the reactions. Is that sort of partnership what you had in mind when you organized this meeting, or am I being too forward?\" \n\nHe glances at the other man, trying to convince himself that his stiff posture is professional, rather than awkward and anxious. He's not comfortable with interactions that aren't negotiations, but he feels something more genuine is appropriate here, and he's trying as much as he can let himself. \"I am not typically one for friends, but I am not opposed to trustworthy allies.\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "\"What can we say? Tragedy is the way the last world evolved, and thus became the way this world had been founded. If you want to change that you're going to have to kill just about everyone else. Yet another tragedy.\"\nNue looked back over to the fishing rod and pulled the empty hook back up during that quiet moment. It seemed like he was having a hard time reeling the line back in, with it getting stuck halfway through each rotation, but paused and perked up at Vex's words.\n\n\"Underestimated?\" He looked the other stranger up and down before chuckling, \"Well there's not all that much to estimate in the first place. Although, strangers in general get overestimated regardless, so you chose the wrong power if you wanted to be underestimated. People naturally fear what they don't know and can't see after all.\"\n\nIt seemed like Nue was starting to have some fun, as the next chuckle was a little less subdued. She finally pulled the hook back up to the rod. \"Did you even hear me right? I didn't say anything about publicity. Here, I'll just say it more clearly: I'm just following my nature. Honestly, if you wanted to negotiate a partnership or whatever you should've just pretended nothing was wrong and you would've gotten what you wanted.\" \n\nWith a little whip of her arm, she made a showy motion to point at Vex, \"Nope! Not you. You're just too clever to let it sit. So now you're on the fast track to be my friend! So how about it?\"" }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Vex rolls his eyes, but his smirk stays planted, taking it in stride. \"Overestimated, underestimated, both are fine, so long as few know what I can actually do.\" He pushes off the railing to stand upright, heels together, back straight, resting his cane on the ground in front of him. \"As for friendship, I suspect I could use something like that, as unfamiliar as the dynamic is to me. I can promise nothing more than an honest effort. Do feel welcome to offer feedback on how I'm doing in the meantime?\" He says, his tone framing the invitation as a question, perhaps worried that Nue would have changed her mind about being friends already. \"Perhaps we could find someplace even more private or secluded to...\" He pauses as though looking for the phrase. \"Get to know each other? I believe that's something friends do. And if things go well, I have an upcoming task that I could use some friendly assistance with, if you find yourself so inclined.\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "\"Feedback? We're rating our friends now?\" Nue's own smirk faded, like the energy from earlier suddenly went away. \"I guess that's fine. Honestly I've never really had friends before either, so I wouldn't know how to rank you very well.\"\n\nOn the invitation to go somewhere else the old man looked to his fishing rod and back to Vex, \"You don't like fishing?\" He wiggled the rod a little, \"And after I brought all of these hot dog chunks too. I guess I'll just have to work on my patience some other time. Yeah, I'm fine with going wherever, but you should probably work on your wording. You sound like a killer or a creep saying it like that.\"\n\nWith a little shrug, the old man turned, miming putting the fishing rod into one of his pockets while it was out of view, just dismissing it from the disguise. Now no longer holding one, he showed his empty hand with a gesture back out of the pier with a small smile. \"I didn't really have any other plans today, so death trap or not, I have nothing better to do. Lead the way.\"" }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Vex's smirk actually widens when he's likened to 'a killer or a creep,' but he makes no comment. He also seems to take the old man putting a whole fishing rod in his pocket in stride. He does notice that his new companion hasn't dropped the disguise in turn, but again, says nothing. There are many things about Nue's apparent disposition that Vex doesn't care for, generally falling under unprofessional conduct, but their experience in the cape scene, and Vex's need for an ally right now, warrant them respect for the moment. It's only after Nue finishes speaking, and then after a moments thought, that he speaks. \"Very well.\" He begins walking. He doesn't have a proper base of operations to bring them to, but he knows this city well enough to be aware of the quiet, undisturbed spaces. \"It's not far.\" He states, heading up the pier towards the shore, cane tapping with every other step. \"Would you rather discuss business first, or personal matters?\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Nue looked over as Vex passed her. The image of an old man put his hands into his pockets and casually followed the man back to the shore. \"Anywhere's fine, lead the way.\" It was true that Nue didn't drop the disguise, but even so the way she was acting was a bit more spry than a man the age she looked would usually be. Breaking character in a way was dropping the disguise, but despite not feeling that she had anything to hide in the moment she still kept that guise up. It was comfortable.\n\n\"The personal matters will affect the business stuff won't it? I mean, I know you really want to talk business and all, but maybe we should get a grasp on what we're good at before you shove some kind of mission on us.\" \nShe went quiet for a moment to think about it, \"Yeah, I get you're a stranger but what exactly is it you do? You know, enjoy doing. Any gaps that I can maybe cover if we pair together?\"" }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Vex sighs. He falls behind Nue, but projects himself as walking right next to her, so that he can watch her more thoroughly. This causes his shadow to invisibly fall over her feet as they walk away from the sun, but Vex doesn't know any significance of this. \"Right to it, hm? The Big Question? Well, my capabilities primarily manifest as functionally shifter, I suspect not unlike at least an aspect of yours, though perhaps a bit more subtle. You'll understand if I don't show my whole hand right away, yes?\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "As the two were talking, Nue had been looking to her side to talk to Vex. She listened but couldn't help but feel as if she was stepping in a shadow. It was strange, there wasn't anyone near them a moment ago. Regardless she kept the conversation going in stride. \"You're the one who wanted some serious talk. So we'll be a little more serious for a minute. Now, I thought that shifter went without saying at this point, but wanting to change yourself is fine too, but personally I prefer to keep things close to the original.\"\n\n She turned a little further to check over her shoulder. Upon seeing no one there she put two and two together and flashed a smirk to that 'empty' space right behind her as if to let them know she 'sees' them and turned back to Vex at her side. \"And I prefer the real thing over a fake.\" The old man let that last statement linger for a moment before picking the conversation right back up.\n\"I get it, I won't tell you much of anything here either, aside from the obvious at least. So there are some differences, but we are pretty similar, aren't we? It's like: those times you imagined having two of yourself to get a job done can now be a reality.\"" }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Vex's projected face doesn't waver, even as his actual eyes narrow. Unsure of exactly how he was detected, he sidesteps to be behind his projection, for good measure. His projection gestures up and down to the guise of the old man. \"This is closer to your original then, the real you?\" He asks with a knowing smirk. His projection leads the way around the edge of the pier, heading down below the structure. \"There are issues with such a strategy, I worry. I can offer you this about my abilities: I lack effective offense, any sort of brute or mover abilities, beyond what I can effectively lie about. A large reason for my secrecy. If you are also lacking in similar departments, I suspect we will be... Unrounded, as a team.\" He pauses, eyeing Nue. \"I expect some sort of reveal of your own nature or weakness in return for that morsel of information.\" He states bluntly, unsure whether Nue isn't picking up on his quid pro quo implications or if she's just pretending not to notice how much he's already revealing." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "With the side step, Nue can no longer feel the invisible shadow of Vex, though that move at least meant that one behind them got the message, whether it really was Vex or some other third party if this did turn out to be a sting operation. The old man had a satisfied smile plastered on his face. \"The real me? Only my one true love will know for certain.\" They shrugged, following the figure underneath the pier. Standing in the shadow of the pier she couldn't help but laugh. \"Is that it? You make a big show of going somewhere better and then you take me here? Ha ha ha! I'm letting you know now I'm not buying any drugs from you.\" She listened whilst calming herself down, the old man adjusting his bucket cap. \n\n\"Hm? Oh, I already said earlier. I was just talking twice again. But I guess now that we're, Snrk, In a safer location I'll just say it more directly. I can't really edit what I copy. Not exactly. Hence, I'm closer to the original.\" The old man made a motion with their hands as if it was an obvious conclusion and expected their partner to say it with them. \"Then there's the fact that the copy is real; At least as much as I'd like it to be. If you're worried about rounding then I'll just go out and say it: my ability is to follow things. I can disappear at the drop of a hat and follow a person. If I'm following them, I can copy them. It's pretty simple, and it's not a massive amount of strength, but I bet the person who invented locks didn't account for people to just walk through the window. That's not even including the fact that numbers gives validity. Two disguised people is more convincing than one.\"" }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Vex rolls his eyes. \"I don't typically bring strangers home on the first date.\" He says wryly, by way of explanation for the location. He nods along as he listens to the more serious topic. \"That seems reasonable. We'll want to avoid direct altercation then, but that sounds pretty doable. At the very least, we will each only need to worry about our own exfil.\" He nods. \"In that case, I suppose I can share the broad strokes of the mission with you; a low to mid level infiltration of the Tophats, focused on intelligence gathering. You in?\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "\"Oh don't worry, I get it. You're looking more for movers and shakers for your bed.\" With a snicker, Nue in turn listened to Vex's mission and plan. \"If it's just intel you want, then I'm your guy. You can hardly get any better than me, and if you're copying me, then it'll be easier than a long walk on the beach. We'll just get in, get what we need, and then leave without anyone even knowing any better. I'm in. What do you need to find?\"" }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Vex stops a ways beneath the pier. He holds up one finger. \"Primary objective:\" A flick of his wrist produces a printed photograph, which he hands to Nue. \"Locate this Sophia Lindberg.\" The photograph shows her, next to a figure which has been blocked out. \"She likely has a new alias, and is thought to be involved in Tophat drug manufacturing. More than simply finding her, we need to identify her new alias, avoid notifying her of our intent, and ensure that the information we pass along to the client allows them to physically find her in turn. Oh, and not harm her.\" He holds up two fingers now. \"Secondary objective: general intelligence. I personally want dirt on the Tophats, useful information that can be leveraged. I will compensate you fairly for anything you obtain and turn over to me. Information specific to leadership is prioritized. Should you find yourself captured with information worthwhile to me, your rescue will be part of your payment. Should you find yourself captured with nothing I want, I will not come back for you. Use discretion, stay safe.\" He leans on his cane, it making a soft Tak Sound as it strikes the sand, as if it were still on wood. He glances around, to ensure they aren't being surveilled. \"You're more experienced, so I open the floor for plans to you now, though I have something in mind if you haven't got anything.\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Nue listened, but seemed relatively disinterested halfway through the explanation. She didn't say anything but her demeanor spoke all about it. The old man took the picture, looking it over and noting the figure blocked out. They put the picture into their shirt. \"Alright, alright. I get it, some friend here wants to find someone who went off the deep end into the Top Hats and now she might not even realize she's being played. So, what, we're gonna bust into random crack houses and scan for her? Or do you already have a place you suspect to be the right one?\" \n\nWith a shrug it seemed she had more to say, ignoring the jarring disparity between the sound of the cane and texture of the ground. \"It's the Top Hats, they aren't exactly hiding. You could probably just look them up online and get a bunch of information already. Howeveeerrrr... You won't have to worry about rescuing me. Even if things do happen to go wrong, I'm something of an escape artist, you know. And now you're also making it sound like you're not going to go in at all. It kind of makes me wonder what you'd do if you hadn't met me.\"\n\n-\nWith a small dismissive wave towards Vex. \"Okay, okay, don't worry. I can get anything you want on anyone. Again, I can follow people for however long. You want an address? A daily routine? What they do when no one is looking? I can get that for you pretty easily and they wouldn't even realize it.\" She leaned forward a bit, \"As for a plan, nothing better to open the floor than floor plans, but if we don't have that we can play it by hear just fine. You can probably make yourself look like a known Top Hat member and then I can follow you until we find some real gang member to follow. From there I can either use them as a disguise, or, if it works out that they're going the same direction as us, I can just follow them further in and jump around targets until we find the one we're looking for. As for you, well, you'd probably know what works best for your disguise. Oh maybe a known member of the Top Hats or maybe someone who's on good terms with them. You can figure it out yourself, I'm sure, but I'll see if I can find something as well, I think there's one cape that fit that... But I can double check if you'd like.\"\n\nShe leaned forward \"So... About that payment. How much exactly are we talking about here?\"" }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Vex, in contrast, listens attentively, interjecting occasionally.\n\"She's believed to be involved in drug manufacturing specifically, such people are generally well guarded.\"\n\"I will be coming with, I'm just informing you of my intent and priorities.\"\n\nHe lets Nue finish the rest of what she has to say before responding. \"I, personally, don't even know the location of the Top Hats headquarters, much less any floorplans, unfortunately. That will be part of our reconnaissance- er, information gathering, I imagine. I have some reservations about imitating an existing person, I'm not terribly interested in disposing of whoever I replace to avoid detection, at least on my first job. My plan was to pose as a new member, then work my way up the chain of command over weeks or months.\" He pauses, having put off the question of money long enough, he supposes. \"Splitting it half would be one thousand, seven hundred fifty pounds each, to start. Any bonuses I give you for information obtained would come out of my share.\" He leans more heavily on his cane, brow furrowing in frustration. This Nue person is so cavalier, so impatient. He finds himself wondering how they managed to get their supposed expertise in espionage briefly, before reminding himself that he decided to defer to the more experienced villain. \"In any case, I suppose your plan would work well enough, so long as we are careful. The last matter that makes it more difficult than you're alluding to is not so easily bypassed though, the fact that we have a face and name, but no location. I'm sure if she could simply be looked up online, the client would have already done so. We'll need to locate their primary manufacturing facility, infiltrate, and visually check for the target.\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "The old man couldn't hide his surprise at the projected time and amount, he covered his mouth, at least trying to be a little professional but he just couldn't help it and the amusement showed in his eyes. \"Months for that? What, are you just doing this for fun?\" They cleared their throat to get their composure again. \n\"Ah well, we can do this in a night or three, no need to throw weeks of your life away being a guard dog or whatever, so that price might actually be worth something. Anyway, making a new Top Hat is a decent idea in theory, but if any of the guards actually pays attention to who's working with them, under them, whatever, then you're pretty much out of luck. Even if you're convincing I doubt you'd really be able to start that work-your-way-up plan if you didn't have some kind of 'in' in the first place. Also, you don't need to, what, \"Dispose\" The people you're copying. That's just going to bring a bunch of extra attention. Just make sure they aren't going where you're going and they aren't going to double back. It's not that complicated. I mean, you don't even have to be around the person you're thinking of to copy them, do you? If you have the memory to do it, then remember what they look like and use their appearance in another area. Act like you're in a rush, like you gotta pee or something. I really don't have to explain this to you, do I?\"\n\nNow it was Nue's turn for her own expression to show a certain bit of judgment towards Vex. It was a look of slight confusion as if they were the stupid one out of the two of them.\n\"Anyway, I get what you mean now. So we're just going to have to do some detective work and start from square one. That should be easy. The Top Hats already aren't exactly shy about the areas they tend to work in, so there's already some areas you can look into. I have a couple leads off the top of my head too.\" They cross their arms, thinking.\n\n-\n\"You don't mind if I keep the photo, do you? Or should I just take a picture of it if you haven't already?\" \nThey took out the photo again, looking over the details of the girl in the picture. \n\"Now I have some more questions for you regarding this search. Have you already looked into their presence online for any clues? Any former addresses? How long ago did she disappear? Where was she last sighted? What led the client to believe it was Top Hats and drug manufacturing specifically? The more we know about our target, the more likely we're going to find them so every bit of information is important, and we can't assume the client has done anything. Even if they did look, it's possible for them to overlook something we might be more privy to.\"" }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Vex lifts one eyebrow haughtily as Nue talks. \"No, you don't need to explain how to do things for me. My original plan was more invested in information on the Top Hats, I don't mind waiting for things. That said, I suppose your plan will be more efficient in the long run.\"\n\n\"You can keep the photo. I printed it out for you, I have a copy on my phone. The client was particularly... Reticent about further details, I only really have what I've given you, but they paid me two and a half thousand up front so...\" Vex shrugs. \"You contacted me very shortly after the client did, so I've been dealing with things as they come up. If you want to look online first, be my guest, it may be the easiest seventeen hundred you've ever made. Take the picture to a Thinker or a Tinker if you have any friends, I guess, I'm not going to fight you making my job easy.\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "\"You didn't bother to press them for details at all? Geez. Alright, well to list off a few leads, there's talking to the client again to get the relevant details. If you can't meet up, just ask them online or however else you contacted them first. If you don't mind dipping into your funds there Is A rumored fortune teller parahuman that can tell the past of items. I don't know their prices, but it'll probably be expensive to use for a missing person. They might be able to tell you more about the circumstances revolving around the picture, but you might be able to get that from the client too. Those are a couple leads you can pursue off the top of my head. You could probably look for information regarding Top Hat incidents online. It's not that unusual for them to be part of a shoot out because of some kind of territorial dispute; so it wouldn't be too surprising if one of their facilities is within the area that they fought over.\"\n\nThe old man put the picture away once more. \"While you look into that, I have a couple of ideas myself. A friend of a friend related to someone I know might have some clues about Top Hats. If you come across important information or find the location you think is right you can contact me the usual way.\"" }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Vex's eyebrow twitches. \"I Did Press the client for more details, this is what I got. I trust we can handle ourselves without them holding our hands. I'll do the research and stake out the areas the Top Hats operate in over the next few days, per my original plan, then we can use the fact that there's two of us to accelerate the actual infiltration. I look forward to hearing what you find out.\" The implication that Nue shouldn't bother reaching out if they can't find anything useful isn't said, but it wouldn't be hard to assume that it's implied." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "\"Well you are still new to this, so I guess it's not that surprising your work would be pretty shaky at first. As long as the end result is the same.\" They scratch the back of their head, and once they notice the strange look Vex started giving them give a little smile. \n\"So what I'm getting from this is that you want to find the building, then when you do you'll call me and I'll just walk in, check if you're right, scoop up whatever information is relevant and leave. Is that what you had in mind?\"" }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Vex takes a long, deep breath. \"If you're going to make me do the first part of this without you, then I can do the second part without you as well. I think we both know the infiltration will be the easy part for individuals with powers such as ours. You are welcome to pull your weight, and if you fail to do so, your pay will reflect it.\" He breathes out the remainder of the breath slowly. \"In any case, I don't think there's anything else to be gained from this conversation. Hopefully we'll speak to each other in a few days?\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "\"Oh, right, right. You wanted a business partner. That's right. That's the type of angle you were going for.\" The old man snapped a couple times in that realization. \"Well if that's what you have in mind we can cruise around together, looking for the right spot like a buddy cop show. With my ability, I could really follow you wherever you wanted. Maybe double check things you might've missed? Keep you company in the low points of a stakeout? Someone to reflect the facts to as you come across them? We have just about endless possibilities if you take me along.\" The way the old man is talking now is as if he got a burst of energy by the mere idea." }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Vex's lip curls slightly, a barely contained expression of disgust. He's quiet for a long moment, torn between the usefulness of a second set of eyes, and his Great Preference for being left alone. \"Fine.\" He says finally. \"Once we decide where to stake out, you can join me unless we need to watch multiple places, so long as you don't blow my cover. In the meantime, I expect you to work at finding viable potential locations at least as hard as I do.\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "\"Well, I hardly see much point of staking the place out if what we need is inside, but if you're a bit uneasy with going in, then I could handle that part. You won't need to worry about me blowing any cover either; but I guess for that you'll just have to see what I can do to really believe it. Also don't worry so much, I'll do what I said I would. My word is good, you know. Ask anyone who knows me.\" They snicker, \n\"So now that we're friends...\" They trailed off in the excitement. It really sounded like there was a second half to that sentence but it wasn't coming. The old man just stood there with a dumb smile on his face." }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Vex pinches the bridge of his nose. He's about a hair's breadth from telling this person to forget they ever met. He Has Finally realized that they're just frustrating him on purpose, but that in and of itself is distinctly frustrating. He gives Nue a hard look, folding his arms. \"What, you expect a favor beyond looping you in on this job?\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Nue stands there unmoving for a moment. \"I don't remember...\" She eventually admits through strained breath, still not moving at all.\n\"Right!\" Life suddenly comes back to the old man. \"We're pretty much done with business talk now. So if you want to skip out on the part where we bond like real buddies, now is your chance to run away from me screaming. If not, then would you like to watch the beautiful sunset together? Maybe take a picture together to let this moment last? Maybe exchange numbers in case we need it in a pinch? How about come up with a team name? It's cool to look bigger than you are.\"" }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Vex scowls, clearly not interested in any of those things, but he leans against the leg of the pier, facing out towards the ocean. \"I can stay for the sunset.\" He says curtly. He figures that Nue clearly isn't the sort able to keep friends, so feeding her craving for validation will subconsciously make her more inclined to listen when he tells her what to do. At least, that's what he tells himself as he listens to the waves and forces his shoulders to relax." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "\"I kind of figured with how paran— Ahem Careful you are, you'd be a little freaked out if I went ahead and left first, so I'll leave that first move to you.\"\nNue walked up and stood to Vex's side. She remained quiet for a moment. Just a moment watching the sunset against the softly crashing waves. Even a philistine like her couldn't help but feel a bit touched by the picturesque view.\n\n\"You know...\" She started again, seemingly unable to just let a soft moment linger. \"Ever since we've been cursed with these powers, we've been fated to die an early death. Is being so uptight really that fun for you? I'm asking for real here. It's obviously not really something I'd understand that well.\"" }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Vex rolls his eyes, reading the first comment as an attempt at manipulation. If he's paranoid and Smart, He would prefer to go second, so he can see where the other person goes and they can't see where he goes. That doesn't apply as much here; unless one of them lives in the ocean, they'll be leaving the same way.\nHe stares into the sunset as well, stern-faced, but seemingly enjoying the moment. He listens to Nue, then responds. \"My intent is to create a situation where everyone can live a bit longer, and have fun doing it. Capes fight, it's inherent to what we are, and only with sanction and control can we do so without killing each other or hurting others.\" He pauses a moment, getting his thoughts in order. \"I want to change all of the contention and violence from a battlefield into a game. Dangerous capes can't be stopped or contained consistently. They need direction and outlets, so everyone can play safely. The heroes and 'good guys' are too corrupt or attached to the old system; this makes them unable to do what is required to maintain order, to bring the feral dogs to heel and give them appropriate quarry. If we give dangerous people dangerous people to go after, they'll thin their own numbers and be easier to deal with. Elegant, efficient controlled chaos takes a stern hand, and if I miss out on having fun making that happen, or even Trying To make that happen and making a dent, it will be worth it.\" He's quiet a moment, then scoffs gently. \"I suppose I'm just too idealistic.\" He says sardonically." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Nue listened, letting Vex speak and finish, taking a moment to let it sit and stew along the sunset before responding to his long explanation. \"That's a pretty long winded way of saying yes. That might work on paper in a vacuum, but it's like I said earlier. You'd have to bring about another end of the world to get anything past the thought of that idea into reality. ...But it sounds like you're already aware of that. In the meantime, you'll just have to deal with the natural divide between humans and monsters like us.\"" }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Vex nods. \"That's the idea.\" He's quiet for a few more minutes, until the sun is out of sight and twilight has encapsulated the city, lights blinking on behind them, then sighs and taps his cane. \"Well, it was a pleasure to meet you, Nue. I look forward to working with you, and I do hope you'll continue to indulge my delusions beyond this first job. Allies are so much more valuable than enemies. Take care of yourself.\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Nue couldn't help but snicker at that comment. A pleasure after fuming not too long ago. It must be just formalities. Though at the very least, it did look like Vex was a little calmer than before. Maybe that's the calming effects of a moment that lasts forever. \"I assure you the pleasure is all mine. I'll let you know if I can find something that can end the world.\" The old man shrugged as if used in place of a handshake. \"Don't die before I get to see it. See you in your dreams.\" She turned and began to walk away." }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Vex rolls his eyes. \"I'm sure it was, thank you for keeping an eye out. Same to you.\" If Nue were to turn around, she would find him nowhere to be found." } ]	194	8,475
383.444444	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": " Link \"The Heroes Combined\"", "message": "Admittedly, the messages put them off more than it should have.\n\nVery little was possible to pass the time with, when you have nothing to do but wander. Wander they did, eyes on the strange landscapes surrounding them and focused on what laid around them. Ears perked, listening for the slightest hint of others- the rustle of grass or the sway of tree that ever so slightly didn't match up with the rest. It could be the prevention of being caught off guard, and they'd certainly not allow that.\n\nThough, as strange as it felt to admit, they grew just ever so slightly weary. It gave them a pause in their path, eyes darting up to look at moonlit skies, as thought creeps in. Damning, dark thoughts that would not be easily chased away. They were still growing used to- well, this. Whatever this could be called in the first place. To be placed in one so messily, then drafted to whatever land this was. There had to be Some Purpose behind it, their prolonged life.\n\nHe could not begin to figure it out. Not yet at least. That, he could agree on. There was much further to be learned, even if they were put off by the fool's words.\n\nPulling himself out of his mind, he moves on. They keep themself from further distraction, path clear. Whatever shelter there was, they would need to find it and take stock of their surroundings. What they had, what they didn't, what to do next. There was much to do next. \n\nThough- his attention peaks once more, and he lowers his head." }, { "author": "Asano Meiri", "message": "Drip. Drip.\n\nBright red blood spattered on the ground as a lone figure staggered forward, hand pressed tightly to his side. It did little to stem the flow of blood. \n\nHis old injury flared, his leg throbbing as he limped on and on; if he stopped, he'd collapse, and if he collapsed, he'd never get up. \n\nHe panted, white hair plastered against a face drenched in sweat. There was... A town around here, wasn't there...? If he held out just a little longer, surely he'd...\n\nThe Sheikah came to a halt, stumbling and nearly falling over. What... What made him think the town would Help Him? An injured Sheikah who was far from Kakariko... Not even dressed like them...\n\nThey'd suspect, if not outright know, he wasn't a true Sheikah. He'd be lucky if they chased him off rather than kill him, but... Could he blame them if they killed him?\n\nA ragged laugh escaped him. Of course not. They'd be well within their rights to kill a monster like him. What was he even Doing?\n\nWhy... Am I trying so hard to survive? Wouldn't it be better if I just... Died?\n\nHa... He sank to the ground, leaning his back against a tree. Honestly, what did he have to live for? A life of isolation? He dared not grow close to anyone. He'd be hunted for the rest of his life, and... Who would want him? \n\n\"Ha... So stupid, Asano. Did you think just because of a few kind words on a parchment people would actually Want You? You stupid, pitiful Fool.\" \n\nHe shoved the parchment into his pack so no one could hear him. The thought of them hearing his final moments was... Painful. \n\nWill they wonder what happened, after I stop responding? Ah, well... They'll forget about me soon enough." }, { "author": " Link \"The Heroes Combined\"", "message": "Something was off. That was clear enough to them, to their very core, but what they couldn't quite understand. Something had changed in the air and caught their attention, that wasn't a question. All it took was a pause, pale eyes staring into the distance, before it clicked.\n\nA coppery tang in the air. Something that, undoubtedly, smelled like Blood.\n\nIt could just be a monster, was the first thought. Somehow ended up either destroying itself, or someone had taken it out. It was certainly possible, those in that parchment make mention of attacks often. At the same time though, that could easily mean the opposite. With so much out, someone could easily find injury. A traveler, or something similar, that had been on the wrong side of a blade or club. It wouldn't hurt to check, he wouldn't want to let someone lie injured if he could help.\n\nThey followed the scent, then sound of ragged breaths. Injured, most certainly, and bad at that. No monster would sound like this, and eventually they find much different. Not monster, Sheikah. It's almost off-putting at first until they remind themselves that, no, there are Sheikah in this time. This one is hurt, and that needs to be staunched first and foremost.\n\nFierce steps closer, muttering \"Please keep still, I'm not going to hurt you,\" Before kneeling with his palms up and open. They know Sheikah well enough, they know that being caught unprepared is a surefire way to make them react. They're warriors at heart, and they'd rather not manhandle someone not in the condition to be manhandled. \"I'm going to try and stop that bleeding. Okay\"?\n\nThey wait for a response before getting closer, though still move to check their items. A potion would likely be best, but they aren't sure they have the time to look for once with how much blood already is set on the dirt. Pack it first, potion second. Then, hopefully, get them to town and to the inn.\n\n\"I am serious. Moving is going to make this harder for both of us\"." }, { "author": "Asano Meiri", "message": "He flinched, free hand instinctively drawing his hidden blade and aiming it at the stranger. He knew he was not in the least bit threatening, and his hand holding the blade shook from exhaustion and pain, but he held it up anyway.\n\n\"Don't... Touch me.\"\n\nHis voice, pained and ragged, still held an edge to it. A hint of the Yiga warrior he had once been. Despite leaving them behind, despite casting off their ways, some teachings stuck and would never fade. One such thing: Never trust anyone.\n\nHow could he trust this stranger to do what they said? He didn't know them, they didn't know Him... Why would they help him? They must want something from him, and he wasn't going to give whatever it was to them.\n\nHis hand shook... His wrist spasmed, and he involuntarily dropped his blade, flinching as it clanged to the ground. His back against the tree, rapidly losing his life's blood... He couldn't move no matter how much he wanted to. \n\nHe grit his teeth, tipping his head back until it hit the tree. How he hated to be caught at such a vulnerable moment. Showing weakness in the Yiga more often got you killed, and it was ingrained within him to never show such vulnerability. \n\n\"If,\" He said, his voice tight with pain, \"You wish to show mercy, then kill me swiftly.\"\n\nBetter to die to a stranger's blade than to bleed out on the dirt." }, { "author": " Link \"The Heroes Combined\"", "message": "You could hardly see him roll his eyes, but either way the other's words weren't taken incredibly seriously.\n\nDid people of this time really have this flair for the dramatics? Well- they suppose there were plenty of dramatics where they came from too... A lot actually... But they'd grown desensitized. New flair for the dramatics, then. Usually in the form of either injuries, loss of life, or sheer and absolute stubbornness when it comes to both. No, of course he would not be killing this one. It might be the easier choice, but they were not that reprehensible nor callous.\n\n... Not anymore, at least.\n\nEventually they produce a rag that they can't quite remember where they got it from- maybe earlier in the day while working- and put it to use. Knowing that the other couldn't fight back in this state, they grab on to the stranger's arm to pull it away from their side. Once the wound was exposed, they packed the rag against it with force to keep the bleeding to a minimum. Even as it begins bleeding through, the pressure will be enough for now. They keep one hand steady against the other's side, and use their other to look through their bag. They can't have... Ah, there.\n\nThey hold up a potion bottle, red and shimmering and thankfully still full- they haven't used many since pain became... Well, just a nuisance than a problem. They hold out the bottle to the white haired man, and speak flatly. \"Healing. If you think this is poison, then there you go, you're dead. It should start helping that wound close. You will drink it\".\n\nIt's not a request. It's a statement. One made with clear intent to go through with it should they disagree." }, { "author": "Asano Meiri", "message": "\"Ah-!\"\n\nHe couldn't hold back a small cry of pain, his body twitching as the stranger forced the rag against his wound. He gasped, closing his eyes against the pain and gritting his teeth in a futile attempt to try to fight off some of the agony. \n\n\"N-not much of a healer, are you,\"He groaned through gritted teeth. \"Spirits- you could be a little less rough-!\"\n\nThe stranger reminded him a bit of the Yiga clan's 'doctor'. Horrible bedside manner, would actually set bones as if he were just slapping some pieces together. Actually, this man might be Worse. \n\nHe glared at the stranger, recognizing their intent; if he didn't drink it, they'd force him to. How lovely; he would somehow attract the one person in Hyrule who apparently took to 'helping' people as if they were forcing a skittish animal down in order to give it medicine. \n\n\"A blade to the neck would be far less painful than poison,\" He muttered, but he took it anyway, because he doubted the person being This Forceful about helping him was going to turn around and poison him. \n\nHe used his teeth to pry the cork off the bottle and drank it down, wincing as it felt like fire rushing through his veins. The effects of a healing potion were never... Pleasant, and his side Burned As he felt the gash starting to close. \n\n\"Spirits above,\" He panted. \n\nIt was Painful, but he could feel it had done the trick, more or less. He wasn't bleeding out into the dirt, anyway." }, { "author": " Link \"The Heroes Combined\"", "message": "There.\n\nOnce the potion is taken and drank the pressure is severely lessened, due to Fierce pulling both hands away from them. Small mercies, at least for the other now that the forceful presence has backed off some. Fierce glances down at his palm, curling his fingers, before seeming satisfied that there wasn't too much blood on him. The rag had absorbed enough, and the potion should put in the rest of the work.\n\nEvidently, the reactions they hear don't seem to phase them much. The Hylian's face had hardly changed except for when they speak, just bored neutrality. No matter the grunts of pain or comments about their severe lack of bedside manners, there wasn't even a twitch.\n\nAt the least now they're backing off. Moving to stand upon being assured that the healing would take its course, a step backwards from the former Yiga to create space. Safe to say that they can tell the traveler isn't exactly pleased, and they'd rather not worsen it by too much. It'd be a pity to help only to get into some kind of excursion with them, even if they're heavy handed about it. Soft care doesn't exactly come easily to them, when meant to destroy.\n\n\"That should tide you over well enough,\" Fierce murmured, glancing over in the distance where Tarrey should lie and pointing a finger \"You can find shelter there. An inn and general store, town called Tarrey. That should help take care of any lingering exhaustion or wound\".\n\nWill they go? Well, they're not sure. Certainly thus far they've shown the pattern of behavior they'd picked up on- it was almost familiar in a way. Still, it doesn't hurt to at least mention. Tarrey has been rather fine thus far to them, they can at least offer something." }, { "author": "Asano Meiri", "message": "His breaths came in soft, exhausted pants. He was still in some pain, and he could tell he wasn't fully healed, and he didn't have enough energy to really stand. He stared at the stranger with exhausted eyes, wondering why they were even bothering. What did they get out of this...?\n\n\"Not... A good idea,\" He sighed. \"It wouldn't be safe...\"\n\nHe didn't elaborate on why. He didn't feel like telling a complete stranger his life's story, whether they'd helped him or not. He still didn't Know Why they'd helped him...\n\n\"I'll be fine,\" He mumbled. \"I've survived this long.\"\n\nHe was talking more to himself that the stranger, though his voice was just loud enough to still be heard. He didn't know if he'd be found so quickly after fleeing the Yiga that had found him last night, but he did know the attack was too recent to risk going into the village. He knew his former comrades wouldn't hesitate to attack innocent people just to get to him, and how could he dare to put anyone in danger just to save his own hide?\n\nHow pathetic that would be... How selfish. Hadn't he lived his life with such selfish whims enough? \n\n\"In my pack... There are some rupees, if that's what you're after. Take them all, if you want... I don't care.\"\n\nHe was so tired... He just wanted to rest at this point." }, { "author": " Link \"The Heroes Combined\"", "message": "There's a moment of silence, before it clicks, and all Fierce has to say is \"Ah. You\".\n\nHe has no interest in rupees. If they need them, they'll work for them- not intimidate them out of someone unable to fight back. There's no use in that, it wouldn't even be a victory. Just pitiful, on both ends of it. No, they won't do something like that.\n\nThey stare at them for a moment, eyes narrowing. With as little energy as they seem to currently have, Asano certainly wouldn't make it through the night. He'd be at the whim of anything that found him, whether it be the Yiga he so loathed or any simple Bokoblin that stumbled upon this site. \"Survived this long\" Means very little when it becomes \"Survived for that long\", they would know. Death will come, no matter how well you think you can avoid it.\n\n\"I'm certain there's better shelter out here than some tree, at least. I know you won't go into town. I won't force you, even if I disagree,\" Fierce hummed, before tilting his head in thought as he moved to check his pack \"I have no need for rupees or anything. I simply don't see a reason to let you die, when it can be avoided\".\n\nSomeone else will likely know better than themself. Anything could be utilized so long as it served well enough to be further from the open, where spotting is as easy as just taking a quick peak around. They'd attempt to figure something out, like it or not, Asano was not in the position to simply lie exposed while actively being hunted. Even if he refused most help as though it was a disease." }, { "author": "Asano Meiri", "message": "\"...\"\n\nHe stared at the stranger. Ah, you? Why are they acting like they know me-\n\nOh.\n\nOh it was Them.\n\nAsano would have moved back if the tree weren't in the way, so he opted to just scowl instead. Of All The people to find him, it had to be the one who had interrogated him like he was some kind of experiment. \n\n\"Not you,\" He groaned. \"Haven't you bothered me enough already? Spirits- my answer isn't going to change. Just leave me Alone.\"\n\nHe flung a hand across his forehead, feeling like a headache was coming on top of everything else. \n\n\"Fancy yourself a hero all you like, this is my life, and I choose what to do with it. I told you I'm fine; just respect that, will you? You won't even get anything out of helping me, besides making enemies with the Yiga. Just go Away, please.\"\n\nCouldn't they see he was Tired? He just... Didn't want to do this any longer. Perhaps a stronger person than he could have fled the Yiga and lived... Thrived, even. Dorian had done it.\n\nBut you're not Dorian, are you? You don't have a place among the Sheikah like he does. And you can't ask the Champion whose life you had once been raised to take to defend you. It isn't right.\n\nYou deserve this, don't you, Asano?\n\n\"Ha...\"\n\nThis was so, so Stupid. These damned heroes. \n\n\"Go Away.\" His voice cracked. \"Please. Leave me Alone!\"" }, { "author": " Link \"The Heroes Combined\"", "message": "The entire time Asano is having what Fierce would call \"A moment\", there is no reaction from the other. Fierce doesn't move nor speak except to scrawl on the parchment, expression that unchanging flat wall that has grown to be expected, until he's done. He shifts to put it back in his pouch, before they turn their head back towards Asano and wait until he's finished speaking.\n\n\"Wild has a home out here he's willing to let you use as shelter,\" They state simply, not even beginning to touch on everything that came because a lot of it is just the usual \"No town. No one else nearby to get hurt. The only condition is to not touch any of the weapons inside. Wild doesn't mind otherwise\".\n\nIt's once more a statement. No pleases, no coulds, no questions. Just what Fierce knows to be the truth, and nothing more than that. Wild is offering, and in their eyes Asano should take it. It fits most of the prerequisites, and no one should be stupid enough to start tearing apart the Champion's house. They likely wouldn't even know it was his, if it hasn't already been ransacked. No one would be likely to check for Asano there, why would they after all?\n\n\"I know you're going to fight me if I try to touch you, even if I tell you that's a poor idea,\" Fierce continues, raising a brow \"It's only natural after all. However, I'm not leaving you be until you're out of the open and able to be found with ease. I avoided dropping your name in the parchment, but I have no qualms about mentioning it if I need to. I'm sure you'd prefer no one else steps in, yes?\"\n\n... Bribery. Fierce is bribing Asano to go along with it. They already know the opinion Asano has on them is poor, and there's no fixing that. If they're going to be the bad guy, then they will use it how they can to assure that they're taken care of. If he follows along, Fierce will keep their silence. If he doesn't, Fierce will not be the only one trying to change his mind." }, { "author": "Asano Meiri", "message": "\"You just don't stop,\" He groaned. \n\nThey were not going to leave Asano alone, were they? Anyone Else Would just leave him to die, wouldn't they? Maybe... The Champion wouldn't, but this wasn't the Champion! Gods above... This was ridiculous. \n\nHe glared at Fierce, contemplating if he could get away with flinging a kunai at them and teleporting away. ...No. He didn't have the strength for that. \n\n\"Why... Do you care?\" He asked. \"You Barely Know me. We're not friends or even allies. Most people would just leave me, you know! Why can't you just be the same? I Told You, I don't want your Help. I don't want to go to the Champion's home; I don't want to cause any problems for him!\"\n\nHadn't the Champion dealt with enough? He didn't need Asano in his home, potentially attracting Yiga to ransack his home. He didn't... He didn't Deserve The Champion's help. \n\n\"Of course he said I could,\" He murmured. \"He's... Like that. But I don't understand why You Care.\"" }, { "author": " Link \"The Heroes Combined\"", "message": "\"Because I want to help\".\n\nIt's said just as flatly as everything else. Just as patiently, tone even and quiet as those almost glowing eyes regard Asano. There's no pity, there's no anger, not even frustration. He only says things he means, or things that will further his goals. Lying serves no purpose, a waste of time for them.\n\nFierce shifts to kneel down, feet held on the ground with hands on his knees. Closer to eye level with Asano rather than standing over him, and there's again that sense of being studied. Like Fierce is trying to figure something out, brows furrowing together as he looks Asano over. Like if he simply looked he could understand why he deems himself unworthy, unable to have any kind of salvation other than death. Why he meant so little to himself. They cannot find it that way though, and their eyes raise to meet red.\n\n\"I'm not good with people, I don't know if I can explain this right, but that's simply part of who we are. Your Champion, and those that share his name. I care because I don't understand why you should have to suffer in silence,\" Fierce tilts their head \"I don't understand people much in general of course. I think that's clear. But you have people that want to help you despite the fact that you do not want to help yourself. I suppose I just care about making sure that desire is not silenced, too\".\n\nTheir throat feels raw and scratchy. They haven't spoken this much in- well, years probably. All the years they were comatose for at least, and they move to glance away as they clear their throat. Again the blonde stands, again they step back. Space is created, and they reiterate.\n\n\"I'm not going to force you. I will not allow sufferage in silence though. I cannot.\"" }, { "author": "Asano Meiri", "message": "He laughed, a low and bitter sound. \n\n\"You don't want me to suffer in silence? Where where you Before, then? I could have Actually Used help back then!\"\n\nHow long had he suffered in silence? Longer than Fierce even thought. Since he'd been injured, he'd begun to realize how wrong the Yiga were, and the realization had only come to his suffering. Unable to speak out because he feared for his life. Training children to die because he'd been too cowardly to leave.\n\nHis entire life Wasted, and Fierce had the Gall To tell him they didn't want him to suffer? \n\n\"I don't expect you to understand. I don't care if you don't understand. I shouldn't have to explain myself! I told you to leave me alone, so just Do It! I don't want your help! Just leave me here to die, damnit!\"\n\nHis voice cracked, and he felt something hot sliding down his face. Tears. He hadn't cried in years... He hadn't thought he'd Had Tears left in him.\n\nHe flung an arm across his face so Fierce could not see him weep. \n\n\"Please,\" He whispered. \"I don't want to run any longer. I'm so Tired. Please, Please Just leave me. It's what I deserve.\"\n\nWho was he to ever believe he could redeem himself? He needed to pay for his sins, and wasn't a pathetic, lonely death the best way to do so? The world would hardly suffer from his loss." }, { "author": " Link \"The Heroes Combined\"", "message": "\"Asano. Do you think your death will save you?\"\n\nThere's no judgement. Not even a blink, just a question. Genuine and raw as it was, it was a true question. If Asano finds some use out of his death- some final ending, then who was Fierce to judge? Death may not be an option for Fierce, but that does not mean it is meaningless for others. Maybe there was something more to understand about death. They can at least attempt to try.\n\nFierce tilts their head in a questioning manner, continuing. \"Is there... A satisfaction, to death? A remedy? If the Yiga come to claim your life as they try- you would be fine with that? I would have assumed it to be proof that no one escapes. That it is fruitless to attempt. If death is what gives you peace though- then I suppose I cannot take that from you\".\n\nThey can only imagine how it would be used. They sound brutal, to those that defect. Any evidence to keep people from attempting would surely be used, no? Perhaps though, in a way that's the point. Maybe they just aren't getting it because, to them, anything but the rawest of evil have their ways to change. Eons were but minutes, after all. Change is something that is ever happening, even if reality is slower to catch up. Maybe he doesn't want change. Maybe he just wants his own soul to no longer have to deal with the questions, the pain. Maybe... He is choosing selfishness for once. They will not take that.\n\n\"If death is what you truly desire, I shall leave you. I will not force an existence you find utterly meaningless. I will not take your decisions\"." }, { "author": "Asano Meiri", "message": "\"...I don't know.\"\n\nWould he be... Saved? Maybe not. He didn't know where anyone went after they died. Maybe they no longer existed. Maybe they really Did Return to 'Hylia's embrace' as an ancient Sheikah religious tomb he'd once read had said. Did he even believe in Hylia?\n\nHe didn't know.\n\nHe did know that... Wherever he ended up, shouldn't he suffer? His soul... Was tainted, wasn't it? Perhaps he'd suffer more after death than in life. There was no way to know.\n\nAll he knew was he just wanted the pain to stop.\n\nHis voice wavered, barely above a whisper. He was still crying, so he didn't remove his arm from his face.\n\n\"I don't know. I don't... Even know what happens after death. Maybe I'll cease to exist. It... Would be nice, if I did. But maybe I won't.\"\n\nHe supposed his corpse would be used as proof no one could escape. After all, he'd have died not even a year after he'd escaped. He really hadn't lasted long, had he?\n\n\"I don't... Think I deserve to be saved. I wanted to be better. I really did, but I...\"\n\nHis voice broke. \"I don't know How.\"" }, { "author": " Link \"The Heroes Combined\"", "message": "\"No one instantly knows how to be a better person\".\n\nIt's hard to say if his voice was soft because he was trying, or because that was naturally how his voice was. What was certain though was that it was soft, and there was a moment of hesitation before grass rustling. Fierce had moved to sit down, legs crossing under him and settling his arms into his lap. Judgement never passed, why would they judge after all? Just openness, a willingness to discuss. A willingness to learn. The Hylian was silent for a moment, giving Asano some time, before speaking once more.\n\n\"I've met spirits. Those that linger because they have regrets, or wishes they had to impart. What comes after death is often a reflection of our dying life, is what I know. Sometimes it doesn't end with just...\" He pauses, before snapping his fingers \"A quick motion. Even those that pass often have things left for the world. Sometimes, it means literally\".\n\nFierce finds themselves drumming their fingers on their knee. A repetitive, quiet motion as they think. How much does one divulge? They realize now they've certainly seen and caused Asano to divulge more than he wanted. They were wrong for that. They were... Improving from that. They-\n\n\"... I'm trying to become a better person. It's hard,\" They admit, and their hand stops moving \"I often think it would be easier to not be. I have not always been a good person. Victory through violence, though my intentions may have been noble my deeds were not always in line with that. It's hard to move on from what you've done, but it's not impossible. I have people that make it easier to want to try.\"\n\nFierce waits to gather his thoughts, waits to piece together the fragments that make his mind, before finishing.\n\n\"I think... You can still learn. You're far better at it already than you let yourself admit. You just hold a lot of heartache\"." }, { "author": "Asano Meiri", "message": "\"Ha...\"\n\nA ragged laugh escaped him. \"S-so even after death, I will have no rest. P-perhaps I shall be one of those spirits, lingering with regret. Perhaps I shall never find rest.\"\n\nIt kind of figured, didn't it? Even after death, he could not escape his pain. Sometimes he just... Wanted it all to disappear. To feel Nothing. Wouldn't it be better to be numb than for his heart to ache constantly? \n\n\"I... Have no one. Everyone I knew and cared for remains with the Yiga. My parents... They gave up on me long ago. They had no use for... For a son who no longer fought. The children I taught... They grew up only to die or to become as cruel as I had been once. People I had fought beside, ate with, they hunt me now as- as if I am a monster. You know, I like to say I hate the clan, but I-\"\n\nHe struggled to blink back tears, his voice cracking. \"I loved many of them. How could I not? They were my family. I grew up with them, I taught them... I learned from them. It was harder to leave them than I care to admit, but the moment I did... I was dead to them.\"\n\nHe thought of what the Zora Princess had written in the parchment. Mipha, wasn't it? She had written the Yiga of her timeline had... Allied with the kingdom of Hyrule. That they were on the path to redemption. He had told her he couldn't believe it, but, secretly, his heart had ached. He wished his clan could have found that redemption before Ganondorf, but now, after the things they had done for the man... Did they even deserve redemption?\n\nWas he a monster for still... Caring about them?\n\n\"What is it to be, I wonder. A life of pain, followed by an afterlife of regret? Is there no peace to be found for me?\"" }, { "author": " Link \"The Heroes Combined\"", "message": "\"There's no shame to loving those that hurt you. Mortal hearts are not so easy. You cannot simply remove yourself from your own feelings, no matter how much easier it would make things\".\n\nFierce hummed. Sometimes they could feel those aches too. A reminder of life they had taken so quickly. How the family they thought they had was a lie, that the reason they never fit in was because they were not Kokiri in the end. That despite what the princess did, what she gave up, that it could not prevent a ruthless cycle. That children are expected to grow into warriors time and time again. Yet still they love, yet still they hurt. Their own emotions are sometimes foreign, but they try. They try to follow what is left of a heart that had been replaced.\n\n\"It is often those you love the most. They're blind to their own indoctrination, yet here is you. You could have let yourself simply agree because you love, but you did not. You try to make your stand, and what is that if not betterment?\" They ask. \"Yes, it is hard to find pride. It's hard to feel anything past that disgust you feel- I... Have only begun to understand disgust. For my own actions. It is so easy to let it overwhelm, should it be allowed. Yet I don't think that should change the fact that, still, there is an attempt. You left. You changed. It is not your fault they cannot stand that\".\n\nIt's an olive branch. Tentative and shaky. Fierce does not like divulging information about themself, when they feel like they're still trying to understand themself. However, they've been given trust after everything. Enough to allow them to talk, at the least. They can try to trust too, at least enough to get through.\n\n\"It's terrifying. For people to care about you after so long of no one. There are people that want to try though. I would have never expected for anyone to try understanding me, yet they do. There are people that want to try for you too, I think. It hurts. By the goddesses does it hurt. But they make you want to better. That's more than I deserve I'm sure, too. Yet I appreciate them for it. This does not have to be your end, when others wish to be a reason for you to live\"." }, { "author": "Asano Meiri", "message": "\"These people... From the parchment. They inspire you, but they are... I don't think they care for me in the way they care for you. It's clear whenever I read it, they certainly feel closer to you. Not that... I think it's a bad thing.\"\n\nHe simply didn't feel as if they were enough to inspire him to live. They were not friends, not family. At the end of the day, he probably would never meet most of them. He did not have anyone who would truly miss him if he were gone...\n\nBut if he died, was he truly paying for his sins? Death... Was an escape. Even if he remained as a regretful spirit, would he pay for what he had done? Should he not suffer in life for the blood on his hands?\n\nThis lonely life of isolation, of being hunted... Perhaps it was what he deserved. Because he did not truly expect to be forgiven. He could not forgive himself. \n\n\"One of us... May find a measure of peace, at least. You seem... Better than I am. But I... Am not their friend. I am not someone they will miss if I am gone. I suppose... This is my punishment. Living alone until I die and return as a regretful spirit.\"\n\nHe laughed a little, though it sounded more like a sob. \"I deserve it. Living like this is more a punishment than death, and I deserve it. Dying is too easy, isn't it?\"" }, { "author": " Link \"The Heroes Combined\"", "message": "There's a slight click of his tongue, a hum, before a tilt of his head.\n\n\"I'd wager dying is quite hard,\" He states, blinking before tilting his head back to peer at the sky \"I have lived death, in a form. Perhaps countless forms. There is a certain aspect of it people forget, and that is complete and utter helplessness. You know it, and there is nothing that can be done, and then you linger. Further helpless, further unable to change anything. That is... Hard, isn't it?\"\n\nMaybe not. Maybe there is something that doesn't click for them. That life and death are hard in equal measure, or perhaps life is harder. Life is certainly hard to them, too- they do not know whose life it is to live. They are both yet neither. They are two yet one. Who is meant to be the one? They can't say, and it makes life a madness. Perhaps life is a punishment, but why? Why give others something only meant to be painful in the end, and no way to change it?\n\nPerhaps they just abhor the idea of not having a choice.\n\n\"I'm not their friend either\" They then hum, eyes narrowing as they look at the ground. \"They think I am someone I am not. I am him. Yet not the one they think, nor maybe even desire. If they were to see me their reactions may not be... As kind. In a way, I think that is fear. I wouldn't know, I do not know fear well. In that way, alone is hard, yet easier.\"\n\nIt's why he travels. They want the Hero of Time, and they are not. They are something else made from his remains, sewn together by divinity that is not from this world. Would they like something else residing within his corpse? They think not. Best to keep moving, so as to avoid breaking something so fragile already.\n\n\"I think... I understand you slightly more. I will not make you come with me, but I would prefer it if you do. I will be going to the Wild's home either way, I don't have the funds for another night. You can come. You can stay. I will not hold judgement, I am sorry for doing so prior\"." }, { "author": "Asano Meiri", "message": "He sighed, too exhausted to even continue crying. He kept his arm over his face, mostly because he lacked the energy to move. \n\n\"I don't know. Perhaps we angered the gods long ago, and our penance is to suffer in life and death. Perhaps the gods simply just do not care. I think that is more likely... They put us upon this earth, and yet they care not for all the darkness that befalls the world. Perhaps we are just a game to them, little more than insects... Our suffering is for their amusements.\"\n\nAn extremely cynical view on life, but when had there been any hints the gods did care? Hylia had her chosen hero... Her bloodline... The two who could arguably be considered favored by the gods, and yet they suffered as much, if not more, than anyone else. A hero who had died knowing he'd failed, only to return with no memories, forced into an endless cycle of hatred and struggle. A princess who had spent one hundred years forced to hold a monster back.\n\nIf Hylia cared little for the suffering of her chosen, than what care would she hold for those like the Sheikah? He knew the history of his blood... Slaves to the royal family more often than not, and now slaves to the demon king. \n\n\"Hylia cares nothing for even her chosen,\" He whispered. \"I think we are born upon this earth to amuse the gods. You say you were a god... Or something of the sort. So, do we amuse you? Is that why we are here?\"\n\nHe sighed again, a soft, defeated sound. \"Then again, you say you aren't fully a god. Perhaps the gods find amusement in your suffering as well. Perhaps you are as much a game to them as the rest of us are. But I can understand you, in a way. You are not who they hope for, but they do not see it. Maybe they don't want to see it. They see that I am a Yiga who left, so I am 'good'... But they do not see beyond that. They see in me only what they wish to see, and when I protest, they still do not see it. You are the only one, I think, who offers me a choice...\"\n\nHe lowe\nRed his\n\nArm, red eyes meeting the otherworldly eyes of a man who was not quite a man, but certainly not a god. \"I will stay in the Champion's home only until I regain the strength to move. Then I will depart. I have no desire to grow close to them... It will only end in sorrow for all of us.\"" }, { "author": " Link \"The Heroes Combined\"", "message": "\"The way the gods view life is detached. They see it, yet if all comes together in the end, then that is what matters. They create the Chosen to defend, and that is their purpose. Their suffrage matters not, if only so their divine task is completed. Failure is the only thing that matters\".\n\nHarsh, but true. They create, they step back, they view. They only intervene when they must, from what Fierce can tell of Hyrule's gods. Termina had no gods, no gods since them at least. They had god-like beings, god-like protectors, god-like destroyers, but no gods any longer. Perhaps Termina was better off that way, with slumbering Giants to protect their people because they want to. Not destiny, ruling over them and fating their own to a cycle of suffering. They get to be free, now. Their death served a purpose.\n\n\"I was not of your realm. I cannot speak for the Goddesses here, for I do not know them- however, the amusement from the people was not what I desired,\" Fierce shook his head \"I was victory. I was memories, the pain, the fear, the desire to win. I, or a part of me, was once war. And war must be prevented\".\n\nThe Fierce Deity is not a benevolent, kind god. They may have done all for the sake of good, for the end, but it was not light. It was dark, and darkness must be removed from the realm. No matter their strength, their soul became entrapped within nothing but a mask. It had brought hatred at first, a demonic god such as itself being captured just like their oldest foe. Then there was the boy. Young and light and unrelentingly good, that saw a way to use the dark to bring forth light. It was foolish to don the mask, yet he lived and died using it to ensure that evil would not tear down a land not even his own. It was respectable- it was... Courageous.\n\nIt was curious. A flame like that cannot be killed so effortlessly. They'd made sure of it.\n\n\"We are dealt hands we cannot protest. Dealt with reputations that color the vision of others, despite our words. I believe, upon being given this opportunity to understand those like you- that choice is important. That our morality is not a simple dark and light, but that we are gray. We may have been dark, may have our moments of light, but those are not what define us\".\n\nFierce shifts, moving to get his legs back underneath him, before holding out a hand. An offer of help, but not a forceful grab. Simply allowing Asano to choose if he would want the aid. To get his legs back underneath him, too, so they may move on.\n\n\"I believe that is more than fine\"." }, { "author": "Asano Meiri", "message": "\"The gods are cruel,\" He whispered. \"Why make us at all...? Perhaps we would be better off without gods...\"\n\nHe wasn't too surprised to hear how detached gods were. After all, they never seemed to care for the suffering of those who prayed to them. Asano had stopped praying to any sort of deity a very long time ago. Why should he offer his devotion to a being who simply did not care?\n\nHe sighed, brushing some hair back out of his face. \"I suppose there's no point in trying to understand the gods. They are what they are, and we can't change that. I only hope to never be in their sight, not like the Princess and her Champion. It's cruel, what such young people must suffer...\"\n\nHe watched Fierce for a moment before finally reaching up and excepting the extended hand. He winced as the other helps him to his feet, his leg Throbbing.\n\n\"...I'm sorry, I think... I'll need to lean on you. Ah-\"\n\nHis injured leg twitched; it, more or less, Looked Normal, but if one looked closely, it was ever-slightly twisted... An injury that had never healed correctly. Some days, it didn't bother him. Others, like now, it hurt so much he couldn't put any weight on it.\n\nHe stumbled a little, grabbing onto Fierce for support. \n\n\"I'm sorry,\" He said, again. \"My leg... It acts up every now and then. I don't... Think I can walk.\"" }, { "author": " Link \"The Heroes Combined\"", "message": "\"You are alright. We cannot help our own bodies betraying us, I don't mind helping you. It should not be too far anyways.\"\n\nFierce opts to make it easier. He brings one arm around the back of Asano's shoulders as support, keeping their head high and posture straighter. The other hand is used to pull Asano's arm over his own shoulder, and that should be enough to endure the walk. It might not be pleasant, but most of the weight can now be taken off of his leg and a steady pace created. Fierce doesn't mind- Asano weighs very little to them anyways.\n\n\"They are, indeed, what they are. The young suffer often with them, I- or, at least a part of me, was only ten\" They hum. They tilt their head as they gently test the first step forward, and before long Fierce was leading him in the direction of Wild's home. \"It's one of my gripes. That childhood is not something sacred, but what can be done? Link is just a mortal. I Am just a mortal\".\n\nIndeed, they were. Any godhood had dwindled down to reserves, a simple uplift if necessary. Their body, despite their twisted spirit, was purely and utterly ordinary. Even now, in their state, some may consider them a child simply beyond their years. Seventeen of body, much like the first time they'd become an adult out of necessity. Children, after all, cannot stay so for long. You had to grow up quickly.\n\nSometimes, that meant mentally, sometimes, that meant physically.\n\n\"At least I can share in old injuries,\" He scoffed slightly, and that may be the first bit of emotion he'd shown \"You can't tell, but the sight in my left eye isn't as good as it used to be. I take it a remnant of death. At the least, I can say I still have it\".\n\n... Gruesome to think of for too long." }, { "author": "Asano Meiri", "message": "He grunted a little; moving made his leg hurt even more, but it was necessary if he wanted to get up. He leaned heavily on Fierce, trembling a little from exhaustion and pain. \n\n...Relying on someone like this was a strange feeling. It wasn't that the Yiga were so cold and heartless that they didn't help Each other; indeed, they were a family, in a way. ...A cult-like way, to be sure, but even so...\n\nBut you had to contribute to the clan. Asano, while still serving in some capacity, had worn out his use as an assassin, and it had been considered shameful. And at the heart of it, the Yiga were still a clan of thieves and assassins. In the end, it was everyone for themselves, as it were. He wouldn't have allowed anyone in the clan to see him like this.\n\nBut he supposed at this point, if he didn't trust Fierce in some compacity, he was being ridiculous. \n\n\"...You do seem young,\" He murmured. \"When I really look at you. You were once a god... But you were also a mortal child. You were put through too much at such a young age... But in this world, regardless of eras, too many children must grow up quickly. It should be the responsibility of adults to keep them from having to fight our battles, and yet... We fail.\"\n\nHe sighed, taking one hobbling step forward at a time. \"It is shameful.\"" }, { "author": " Link \"The Heroes Combined\"", "message": "\"It seems, sometimes, the adults know less than the children. Isn't that interesting. They always insist their authority, yet know so little\".\n\nThey don't pursue that thought any further than that. In fact their tone seems to just state it as fact rather than anything to be frustrated by. Given their general attitude thus far- that seems rather likely. Fierce does not seem to be the kind focused on the what ifs and the could have beens. There's no point to it any longer. There is no second chance this time.\n\n\"Ah, age. Hm, if I had to guess I am likely... Seventeen, now? I admittedly can't recount the years in-between well, but that seems close enough.\"\n\nAt least they don't seem to mind that fact too much. It certainly wasn't the first time they'd lost countless years of their life, in some ways it doesn't seem like it'd be the last. It was just as much a cycle as the death and rebirth of spirit after spirit, because what does the Hero of Time lose if not time itself? Nothing, yet everything.\n\nThey slow as they see light on the horizon, before picking back up. A house comes into their sight, and they find themselves almost pleased to see it. They imagine that Asano would likely want to be off his feet sooner rather than later, and admittedly they wouldn't mind it either. It's been long enough. Even through their dulled sense of pain, they know they should be taking better care of that ankle of theirs. It's fine enough, but if too strained they don't wish to be burdened by it.\n\n\"Remember, do not touch the weapons. Preferably don't touch anything you assume wouldn't want to be touched,\" Fierce murmured, shifting to the door and gently pushing it open \"And be out when you've healed. That part being your preference.\"" } ]	368	10,353
599.243243	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "impulsivemagician", "message": "Legend wouldn't call himself an adrenaline junkie. He hated the feeling that adrenaline gave him when it prickled underneath his skin, setting fires aglow underneath. It tensed his muscles, squeezed his lungs, and settled stones into his heart. He felt himself unusual when compared to his other incarnations when it came to confronting an enemy. \n\nA gleeok. He's fought a Gleeok before, he thinks. But even if he Had? It was nothing like this. Ever since arriving to this new and strange Hyrule, Link has been awestruck with the amount of technology and... Incredibly difficult terrain this place had. In both flora and fauna— though whether the fauna that was around Should Be here was another story, according to Wild. \n\nThe wreckage of a Guardian comes to mind. He easily sweeps the memory aside. That was before he met Wild. \n\nNow... The aftermath. The drawstring on his bow is pulled slack, a silver arrow is slipped back into his quiver. His breathing slows as he closes his eyes to take that moment to himself. No, his reaction to a fight he feels is atypical of most heroes— per the legends he's been told. But he himself is something of a walking legend, isn't he?\n\nAnd legends are never the same when you meet them. \n\nThe Hylian rolled his shoulders and pulled his Longhook from his pack, glancing down from his spot on high to check for something to attach it to. Sure enough, he found some crumbling blocks to attach it. Climbing up onto the edge of his perch, Link pinned his Roc's Cape on and aimed—\n\nClunk! No time was wasted, the Longhook dragged him from his perch straight down. Nervewracking, it's been a while. \n\nThankfully, before he got too close he flung his arms out and let the Roc's Cape hover him to the ground before too much damage was done to his knees. Or worse. \n\n\"You're either reckless or know what you're doing. Not sure which yet.\" Legend hums out, dusting himself off and stowing the Longhook away along with his cape." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Wild grinned down from the top of the colosseum at their target: a three-headed, winged monster spitting electrically charged breath from its jaws. A thunder gleeok. The Monster Control Crew had asked him to take care of this one since no one else was good (or stupid) enough to approach it, and he had invited the Hero of Legend along because why not? He had yet to see the guy in an actual fight, and since the opportunity had so generously fallen into his lap, he figured now was as good a time as any. \n\nWithout further delay, Wild dove off the edge of the stone ledge, hurtling towards the ground, before opening his paraglider at the last second to stop himself from slamming into the dirt. He landed square on his feet next to Legends, still smiling, and turned to his previous incarnation. \"Of Course I know what I'm doing. I do this when I'm Bored.\" \n\nHe then took out his Shiekah Slate, and time around him momentarily slowed almost to a stop as he tapped the screen a few times. Blue wisps swirled around his head before they formed the Thunder Helm, and a bottle of orange liquid formed in his hand. Time around him returned to normal. What had just taken place happened in the blink of an eye to an outside observer and alarmed most the first time they saw it, but Wild couldn't recall if Legends had seen him use his Hyperfocus yet or not. He supposed it didn't really matter, though.\n\nAn ear-splitting shriek startled him out of his thoughts. Well, the gleeok noticed them. It took to the air with another angry roar, and began to circle above them. Wild chugged the mighty elixir in an alarmingly short time, and the bottle dissolved in his hand. Turning to Legends, he spoke quickly. \"It's too fast to get a good shot when it's moving. I'm gonna get it out of the air. Cover me.\" \n\nWithout another word, he crouched and put a hand on the ground. A small Hmph! Echoed inside Wild's head, and an updraft blasted around him. He opened his paraglider and shot upwards, a bluei\n\nSh, ghostly, birdlike figure flew around him once before dissipating, and Wild glided over to a floor of the arena closer to the level that the gleeok was flying at. With luck, they could take this thing down pretty quickly. Wild had quite a few arrows fixed with Keese eyeballs before they set out, so as long as he could get a clear enough shot to hit its eyes, they could probably get this done in half the time with two heroes on the job." }, { "author": "The Hero of Legend", "message": "Tired eyes met with what Link could only describe as wildly crazed eyes as he answered. He could remember that same look on one of his newer recruits back at his Hyrule, the look of someone who is entirely Too Excited to be killing a beast larger than themselves. Legend set his jaw, staring up at the hovering form of the gleeok. Great. Fantastic.\n\nHe felt that tension lock his spine for just a moment before he released it in a sigh. Out of the corner of his eye, Link watches as his... Descendant? Incarnation? Either way, in one moment he had no helm and the next a fully decorated one of what seemed to be gold. Even downed a potion.\n\nNow, Legend is no stranger to speed. But this was something different. He barely noticed the difference.\n\nA hand reached behind him to pull his heater shield off his back. The Mirror Shield might be able to deflect a few lightning shots his way. Sounds like Wild needed a distraction. That was something he could do. The hero propped the shield in between the rocks he had used to get to the ground and settled it as cover. Then, he watched... That looked like a spell. \n\nA spell attached to a... Bird person? Legend shook his head. Questions for later. Crouching low, Link held his bow horizontal and pulled back on the drawstring. It was fitted with a heavier string that needed a stronger draw— 160 pounds worth of forth. And as he aimed a silver arrow up, it fired with a Heavy Thunk. He's aiming for center mass of this thing. \n\nAnd even if that didn't do much damage, Legend drew another arrow and crouched still, firing off another; and another... Trying to get attention drawn to him. \n\nToo far up for the Fire Rod... Ice is no good either... If possible, I want to use as few seeds as possible...\n\nLegend curses, moving to hide behind his shield. He doesn't know what Wild is doing, and he doesn't know what this thing is capable of. How could anyone consider this fun?" }, { "author": "piperchu", "message": "The gleeok roared at Legends, its attention grabbed by the Hylian on the ground. One of the arrows hit it in the chest... But that didn't appear to be a weak spot. But damage had certainly been done. It seemed the arrows that could face Ganon's might were effective against this monster. But gleeoks are known for being monsters of terrifying power for a reason, and with a shake of its heads and another roar, it focused its three rolling eyes on the Hero of Legend and opened its mouths, hissing and gathering elemental energy, preparing to fire..." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Now.\n\nWild somersaulted over the top of the gleeok before activating his Hyperfocus and honing in on the beast upside-down, drawing his Savage Lynel bow armed with three arrows, all with Fire Keese eyeballs fixed to the arrowheads. Hello there, He thought, smirking at the monster. Loosing the projectiles, the arrows swirled around the beast with incredible speed and found all three eyes, each colliding with their targets in a burst of flame.\n\nThe beast screamed and plummeted, and Wild opened his paraglider again, soaring down after it. It smacked into the stone floor, no doubt bringing down a Lot Of its health with the impact. He had also noticed how much the beast flinched at the firing of... It had to be silver arrows, because even Wild's own ancient arrows did next to nothing to any gleeok, if they even managed to land. Noticing Legends was keeping his distance so far, he decided to focus his own efforts a bit closer. \"Seems you have some good weapons on you,\" He shouted down. \"Aim for the eyes, it'll shred its defenses!\" \n\nThe instant he touched down in between two heads, Wild accessed his inventory again and equipped a Silver Lynel Blade. Taking it out, he started to execute a two-handed spin attack, using the momentum from the weapon's circular movement to hit both heads over and over again, essentially locking the beast in a charged attack. This was a trick he had figured out long ago, great for when he was surrounded by enemies or with particularly big ones. He finished the attack with a powerful Slam Straight down on one of the heads. \n\nWhen he stopped spinning, he realized he was dizzy. Uh oh, he was out of stamina. Fi, what's the status on this thing? He thought, panting. \n\n*It looks like it is at 70% of its health. Move, your stamina needs to recharge.\n\nGood thing I have back-up.\n\nWild backed up and nodded to Legends, hoping the other hero would get the message. His stamina would recharge quicker the less he moved, but he did Not* Want to get hit when they had already cut down so much of the monster's health.\n\nIt would be an annoying amount of progress to lose if he had to start over." }, { "author": "The Hero of Legend", "message": "\"Oh, made you mad, now Did I?!\" The man roared over the sound of crackling electricity, eyes flaring in unbridled anger. \n\nThe Knight had nothing but Contempt For Ganon's creations. The best they were used for were their parts after their death, and most of the time? Barely Anything Was usable. Yes, he hated these creatures. But his rage was not of use here. Wild needed his Rationality. Legend licked one of his incisors, trying to ground himself by cutting his tongue on the sharpened tooth. \n\nThe call out reached his ears, the pointed things perking up with a nod of his head. It doesn't take a genius for that one. Eyes are usually the weak points of these things... The ground quaked with the Gleeok's descent, and Legend shifted his stance to ground as he pulled out from behind the shield. \"I've got such sights to show you!\" Legend quipped back, a gleaming grin on his face. He Loves Showing off his inventory. Two more silver arrows were fired off towards the eyes before he moved closer.\n\nLegend couldn't help but watch for a moment in awe as Wild went head to head, moving quick yet maintaining power behind his swings. Plus, that spin attack. Incredible form. Ralph could learn a thing or two from him.\n\nOh, spoke too soon. Legend watched for the tell tale signs of the loss of stamina. The hero rolled his shoulders, moving forward as fast as he could to swap in. The Power Gauntlets clicked as his fingers twitched, and the hero reached into his pack. For an impossibility. \n\nThe sword that came out of his pack had no real way of being in there, considering it was 5 feet and 9 inches long. The size of an average man. And Legend hefted it and slammed it into the ground with a heavy Thunk. Underneath his gloves, he willed his magic into the Doubled Edged Ring. This is going to hurt—\n\n\"Come get some blood!!\" Pegasus boots activated, Link ran forward into a downward swing against the Gleeok, a similar cut scraping down the hero's back. Another swing of the heavy sword, an upslash tilted to the right for momentum as he yelled into the arch. That same cut, though still shallow, appeared on the hero. A third. A fourth. But the man didn't back down. He forced himself through the familiar pain.\n\n\"What now, kid?!\" Legend shouted back to Wild as he doubles back to catch his breath. He had quite a bit of stamina to him, used to running across the entirety of a continent." }, { "author": "piperchu", "message": "The Gleeok screamed in pain at every slash, the sword cutting deep into the thick scales. Black blood oozed out of the wounds, and it seemed the creature was nearing its limit already. This weapon and item combination was dealing immense amounts of damage with every swing. But the Gleeok was not dead yet. It struggled to its feet after the attacks stopped and flapped its wings, ensuring they still worked. It seemed intent on getting out of here..." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Wild's eyes went wide as he saw the greatsword come out of Legend's bag. Judging by its size and shape, it Had To be the Biggoron Sword. Wild himself had seen a replica on a trip with Zelda to a collector's armory, but this must be the real thing. The Gleeok was definitely taking considerable blows from it. Wild resolved to ask Legend later if it was just the sword or some kind of attack-up item that caused these blows to be so deadly.\n\nBut they needed to finish this first. Wild noticed the Gleeok start to get up, probably trying to escape to the skies. Thankfully, his stamina was recovered. \"Oh no, you don't!\" He yelled, and took out his Shiekah Slate. Thrusting it out in front of him, he pressed a button on the side, and magical yellow chains appeared in the air around the Gleeok. In a flash of golden light, they locked the creature in place with a loud Clang! And Wild took his Silver Lynel blade out again. He did another spin attack, and a large arrow appeared on it, turning from yellow to orange to red the more he hit it. He made sure to finish the attack before his stamina ran out, the final smash turning the arrow a glowing red. Finally he pointed his bow at the frozen creature, aimed directly at where the wall on the other side of the Colosseum would be behind the Gleeok, and fired a single, normal arrow.\n\nThe second the Stasis wore off, the monster was thrown straight across the room, slamming into the wall with groundshaking impact. It let out one final scream before slumping over, its body turning black before exploding in a cloud of malice. Wild grinned at the other hero. \"That was Awesome! I've never seen a Gleeok die so fast. And look what we got!\"\n\nWild sprinted over to where the Gleeok had disappeared, where there now sat a pile of monster parts. He held his Shiekah Slate over them, and they all unraveled into glowing blue strings before being absorbed by the device. He then hurried back over to Legend, tapped the screen of the Slate a few times, and ended up with two Gleeok wing fragments, two Gleeok guts, and a Thunder Gleeok horn. \"I already have plenty, so you can have these,\" He told the other hero. \"Gleeok guts can turn any normal potion or elixir extra strong. Just make sure to add it while it's still brewing. You can attach a Gleeok wing to any throwing weapon or arrow and it'll fly farther and faster than you've ever seen. And then there's the horn. Attach it to any weapon and it'll shock anything it touches. Does tons of damage too!\"" }, { "author": "The Hero of Legend", "message": "Legend rolls his shoulders, feeling everything creak underneath. It had been a while since he had to bring out the Biggoron Sword for anything other than show. And his entire body was tensed with the enchanted strength he needed to wield it. He began to shuffle a bit faster away (or, as fast as he could with his heavy mail). But, at it stood, it seemed that Wild took the pitch. \n\nSome kind of... Yellow or golden chains surrounded the Gleeok. It seemed completely frozen in place, almost as if it were struck by a Mystery Seed or Magic Powder. When it works that way, anyways... The hero simply watched on as the other did his business, taking the time to briefly search the area for anything that could heal him. Thankfully, the red mail is... Well, red. And I have an under coat under the mail and the tunic... So it should stick there. No issues there. Just uncomfortable. His eyes refocused when he heard the Twang! Of an arrow letting loose, and he gave Wild a small smile at his, frankly infectious, excitement. \n\nLink followed behind the other, watching. He was certainly an observer, and he could garner that the magic tablet Wild has stored his items. That much was easy to figure out. But he perked up when the younger hero presented a slew of... Monster parts. Legend carefully measured his face not to show disgust. But hearing the usefulness of the parts made him think of Maple. She would love the Guts... And the other two are more useful to myself. Hm. His eyes began to glitter with possibilities, and he took the parts with a bit of an eerie grin. \"These are... Incredibly useful. Were it that Gleeoks were as common in my time...\" He stowed them away in his pouch. \"Thank you.\"\n\nThe only real notice that Legend gave that he was injured was that his ears would twitch down now and then. Other than that, everything seemed relatively normal. And now that his adrenaline was draining from him more properly, he could Feel The pain more intensely. Even if he was Used To pain, it certainlly didn't mean that the man Liked Being in pain. Just that his threshold was higher than most. \n\n\"Well... Now that it is done, what should we do? You look just about ready for a second round.\" The man chuckles, a slight shake of his head. I don't have the same energy anymore." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Wild watched as Legend simply placed everything he had been given into his bag. The bag that had held the Biggoron Sword, which was longer than Wild was tall. Unable to keep standing still, he crouched down to eye level with it. It really didn't look that special on the outside, but the inside must be enormous. It had to have some kind of enchantment on it. He couldn't stop himself from asking (quite loudly), \"What kind of stuff do you Have In there? It's gotta have some kind of expansion magic going on. Did you get a Korok to do that?\"\n\nWild's mind was racing with all the different possibilities of what he could learn here. The Era of Myth was so shrouded in mystery, so much history had been lost to time. Some stories claimed the Hero of Legend was a demigod because of how powerful he was supposed to be (something Wild did Not Plan on telling him because so far Legend didn't seem fond of deities), but Wild had learned extremely quickly that that was far from the truth. But that just made it More Interesting, because that meant there were other factors at play here. Enhancers, weapons, armor, there were so many things that could create the results they had gotten, but who was to say they were anything like what Wild was familiar with? \n\nOne thing was for sure, though. Legend's power came from his inventory. Given what Wild had seen so far, it was the conclusion that made the most sense.\n\nWhich made him even More Excited, because that was also (mostly) true for Wild. It made him want to compare who could do what, find out what one had that the other didn't. And the best way to do that, at least in Wild's experience, was sparring. He shot back upwards, about to ask about it, when he heard someone inside his head speak up.\n\n*Link,* Mipha began patiently, *Let's think about this for a second.\n\nLink's expression turned from excitement to a Mountain Doe in lamplights. He could only imagine the shift looked odd to Legend, but once the people in his head started talking, there was nothing Wild could do about it. ...Yes, Mipha?* He thought back slowly.\n\n*Isn't this the Hero of Legend? The one you said defeated Ganon three times?\n\n...Yes.\n\nShe's saying you're about to do something stupid,* Revali butted in. *You couldn't even beat me at that archery contest 100 years ago, and you think you can do this?\n\nLink's face soured. Okay, one, like I've said the past million other times, I don't remember that, none of the others were there, and you have no proof of it. Two, you're dead now, so any and all arguments about you being the best archer ever are null and void.\n\nBoys, please, you are both adults,* Urbosa groaned. *Act your age, both of you.\n\nYes, Urbosa.\n\nFine, Urbosa.\n\nWild squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head a few times, but when he opened them he realized he was still standing in front of Legend, who was no doubt wondering what just happened. And... Wild was about to ask him something... \n\nHe facepalmed with a grimace. \"...I forgot what I was going to say,\" He groaned, trying his absolute best to tune out Revali wheezing." }, { "author": "The Hero of Legend", "message": "Legend shifts slightly away from Wild on instinct when he crouches close to his bag. But he stiffens himself up to prevent himself from moving further. He's not an enemy, or a thief. It's fine.* \"A Korok...? Don't know what that is. This is something that was passed down to me from my parents. How they got it is probably some Hyrulian Knight lineage thing.\" He promptly avoids talking about what's In it By offering other information about himself instead. \n\n... Legend very quickly noticed how hyped up Wild still was. Careful hands unlatch his Power Gloves, revealing his five rings (two on the left, three on the right hand) as he stowed away the gloves. One of the rings, a blue metal ring with a red heart gem, looked as if it had spikes underneath it. The man's finger was dripping blood from the spikes. He simply waved the hand to unlatch the enchantment (and attempted to discretely wipe the blood away).\n\nWhich is when he glanced back up from his automatic tasks to note that the other hero was... Hm. Ears perked up, face changing, is he listening to someone on the other end? Link watches the other Link's expression sour. Well, whatever the conversation is, it looks like the kid isn't enjoying it too much.\n\n\"... That's fine, kid. I got a plan, anyways. You've got entirely too much energy packed in there, looks like.\" A pause. His ears twitched again. \"... I figure you were going to ask me something and someone got you caught up. So we either need to go somewhere else now, or rest here for the moment. And in order to rest, You Need to be tired.\"\n\nThe man rolls his shoulders with a wince. \"If I can find something to heal myself with, I figure we could spar. Used to do that to tire my recruits out. Or teach them a lesson, depending.\" Legend waits for the inevitable question on how he got injured. At no point did he noticeably get hit by anything, so it'll become a How long have you been injured Question. And... He doesn't want to waste his resources on four hits from the Double Edged Ring. But if he is sparring, he Needs To be fully healed. \n\nA part of him hopes that resting will come easy, but in such a strange environment? Probably not. But for the time, he carefully gauges Wild's reaction. Somewhere, he can feel Zelda scolding him for using the ring in the first place." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Oh, great. Legend had noticed Wild's excitement. It was always at least a little bit embarrassing when that happened, and Revali just couldn't stop laughing in his head so it made it even worse. But the mention of sparring caught his attention. A sparring match... OH RIGHT. That was what Wild had forgotten. How he had managed to do so in such a short time was beyond him, but it certainly wasn't the first time. \n\nWild's eyes went wide. Legend was injured? How? He hadn't taken any hits from the Gleeok, and as far as he knew, Legend had gone into battle without injuries. He didn't seem the type of person to walk into Any Battle without being fully healed of any prior damage. Unless... Weapon recoil? Wild supposed it was a possibility, but the Biggoron Sword and Silver arrows didn't have recoil, did they? Gloom weapons, as much as Wild despised them, did immense damage... At the cost of reducing one's vitality. Use them too much and they could kill you. Maybe the records were inaccurate and some of those weapons Did Have recoil? \n\nWhatever the case, the Hero of Legend needed a health restoring item, and Wild happened to be lucky enough to have just the thing in his inventory right now. \"One second,\" He said quickly, and took out his Sheikah Slate. He swiped across the screen until he came to the Meals menu, and quickly found what he was looking for on the first page. He tapped on it, and held out his hand until a bottle of red liquid formed from the same blue strings from the Sheikah Slate as before and dropped into his open palm. He held it out to Legend.\n\n\"Hearty Elixir. Drink that and you'll be good as new,\" He explained, then a smile returned to his face. \"Ah, yeah, I just remembered that sparring was what I was going to ask about. I'm still super curious about how you fight! There's no Way That what you did to the Gleeok was all you have, and I know I've barely shown any of the stuff I know how to do!\" Hell, Legend probably didn't notice his Bullet-time flurry. Wild might have been out of sight, or even moving too fast to be seen at all. And Wild Loved Showing off his Hyperfocus." }, { "author": "The Hero of Legend", "message": "Legend's ears lowered as he began to feel uncomfortable. It had been entirely too long since the man had gotten injured, really. Well, injured in a way that mattered. So the feeling of blood sticking to his back and trailing down his spine was... It was uncomfortable. \n\nHowever, it seemed the man had gauged the other well enough. He seemed versed in potions— something that Legend simply was not. He couldn't help the look of curiosity at the Sheikah Slate producing the item. Those little blue tendrils... They're rather pretty, aren't they? The Hylian blinked a bit, forcing his greed down for the time. Another day, or perhaps later on in this one, he'll ask more about the nature of the slate. His hands reached for the potion and he listened to the explanation. Tilting it back and forth, he popped the cork and gave it a sniff. \n\n... Yup. Smells like Maple's brand, with a bit of difference. Wonder if her recipe gets passed down? \n\nThe hero knocks back the potion with a bit of a face, but he certainly feels the instant effects. His wounds knit themselves back together (the uncomfortableness stays, but he can take a dip in a river later). And he hesitates for a moment before handing the empty bottle back. Glass is expensive, and this man was kind enough to give me healing in the first place. I'll pay him back by sparring.\n\n\"Yeah?\" Legend hums, his ears twitching back up. \"No, I have a lot more in my sleeves. I think it would do us good to spar. That way we know each others strengths and weaknesses, should we need to fight together in the future.\" The man tapped his foot a few times. \"... I'll say this much. If you're ready.\"\n\nLegend began to back up a few paces, keeping his front to Wild. \n\n\"If we plan to spar, I'm not holding back. You are getting Everything I've got. So I expect the same from you, too. Aim to kill.\" A hand dives into his side pouch, fingers hooking on the edge of an item. \n\n\"Ready, Wild?\"" }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Wild smiled and nodded as he took the bottle back. Holding it near the screen of his Sheikah Slate, he pressed a button on the side, and it dissolved into blue light again before being absorbed into the device. He put it back on his hip, but the moment he heard Legend's instructions, he looked back up and became very still.\n\n\"Aim to kill.\"\n\nAs opposed to how he was a century earlier, Wild was an incredibly expressive person. But at those three words, the excitement melted away slowly, leaving an unusually blank face in its place. His eyes unfocused as several scenes played in his mind: the beam of a guardian blinding him as it blasted into his chest; the roar of a lynel as it charged into him; the suffocating darkness of frigid waters stealing his breath; the agonizing pain of a lizalfos's fiery breath torching him in Eldin; a shock arrow to the back on the road to Zora's Domain. Wild lost count of his deaths long ago, and most had blended into each other, creating an amalgamation of jumbled half-memories and trauma. If he died here, his main concern was where he would wake up. He needed to check that first.\n\nHolding up a finger to indicate he needed a moment, Wild took his Sheikah Slate back out and swiped to his combat manual. He checked the area listed in the corner... Yep. Colosseum Ruins. He knew after killing something big, he wouldn't wake up and have to kill it again. That was just how his curse from the Shrine of Resurrection worked. Satisfied, he put the tablet away and thought quickly. His go-to strategy, as always, was to just keep moving. He didn't know what Legend had in his arsenal, but that went both ways. First, Wild wanted to get a flurry rush in. But he didn't really want to let Legend make the first move either. He still had two Revali's Gales (*'Seriously? You need me already?'* 'Shut the fuck up.'), so that could get him in the air to unleash some fused arrows. Ice fruit followed by fire fruit might do some good damage... And help him gauge what kind of defense he was looking at. He already had his best armor on, and still had a bit more time left on his attack up boost from the Gleeok.\n\nDetermination took over Wild's face. Instead of responding to Legend verbally, he crouched to the ground again, calling on the power of Revali. The ghost appeared again, and the air around Wild was sucked into a whirlwind, and opening his paraglider, the updraft carried him high in the air. Locking all his attention onto Legend on the ground, he activated his Hyperfocus. As the world around him slowed almost to a stop, he took a single arrow out of his quiver and knocked it into his angled, palm-out draw. He called upon the power of Fuse, and a few blue tendrils of light traveled around his back from the Sheikah Slate to the arrowhead. A bundle of white berries appeared on it, and he aimed it at legend before letting it loose. Immediately afterwards he did the same thing again, though this time the arrowhead was topped with a different fruit: it resembled the shape of a wildberry, but had a net-like black skin with a center glowing orange like the embers of a dying fire. This, too, he let loose.\n\nFinally, Wild deactivated his Hyperfocus to begin paragliding, observing the results from above. To him, the arrows looked like they flew normally. To Legend, they and Wild would be a blur if he managed to see anything at all. The ice would freeze the target on impact, and the fire would do thrice normal damage. But these wouldn't amount to much. He knew Legend told him to aim to kill, but Wild was a lot more concerned about what might happen to Legend if he went too far. Wild's death here would be inconsequential. But Legend? That would be devastating, and Wild would not be able to forgive himself for that. \n\n(atk pwr = 6, def = 88, hp = 160)" }, { "author": "The Hero of Legend", "message": "Legend reached until his fingers hit the carved wood of a cane. His grip tightened, especially when Wild's gaze seemed to dull and melt to blankness. It was... Unnerving, but he's seen similar in the faces of those veteran guards that survived Agahnim's (or Ganon's) control. The face of someone who isn't quite there in the moment. They're somewhere else, reliving something in the past. Whether or not the memories were kind, well.. Considering it was due to what he said, he can't imagine them anything but.\n\nThe idea of dying here wasn't anything he was opposed to. It was... A causality. If he were to die, it would be a lesson. He would have gained a lot of good information about Wild should he ever turn on anyone. Not that he would but— That's not the point. Pay attention.\n\nThe Captain stared at Wild as he seemed to check something on that magic tablet of his, almost to reassure him on it. But when he looked up, he seemed just that. Almost analytical. Legend, in the meanwhile, his face was steeled. There could be nothing to gain from his features, other than he was ready to produce something from his pack. I'll let him make the first move, like always. Always know what your enemy has up their sleeve first.\n\nThere. He's ready. Now what'll he do? Legend watched Wild crouch again, that same bird-person spirit following him up into the air. The hero's body tensed up watching what... He couldn't quite understand. He's seen this rapid movement before, but even for a man such as himself who was able to dodge Beamos Beams, this was too fast.\n\nNow! Something has to be coming! A hand produced a cane of blue wood with a curve at the end of it and swung it, a shield of light appearing around him fed by his mana. He has no idea of what was coming, but both arrows were rendered inconsequential by the Cane of Bryna's magic shielding. It allowed Legend to roll back, hiding beneath the stone flooring of the upper level to put himself out of view of Wild. \n\nI've dealt with mobile enemies. Aeriel enemies too. But this is... The man shook his head, deactivating the Cane's magic before it drained all of his mana. I'll force him to the ground. But how? What he does know, is that he's activating his Steadfast Ring. That way, it's going to be a lot harder to make him stagger. \n\nPutting the Cane away, Legend breathed out, producing his Magnetic Gloves. Then, he also fully unsheathed his Golden Sword. He's not sure if Wild has seen this in action yet, since he usually relies on his other weapons... Hopefully that'll give him an advantage. But with one more thing to do— he eats a Pegasus Seed and feels the energy and speed the seed gives him take effect immediately. \n\nThe hero runs out much, much faster. About 4x as fast than before and raises his hands up. Even from this distance, the Magnet gloves should work. And that bow Has to be pulled from his grasp For him to be able to dodge those kinds of arrows. The gloves are set to North for now. But once that bow gets popped out of Wild's hands (hopefully his grip isn't as tight as a Goron's), Legend immediately begins to slash the air— causing three beams of light to head towards the other hero." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "What. The. Hell?\n\nIt wasn't often that something could Avoid Damage from Wild's Hyperfocus attacks. The biggest example of it was Ganondorf, but as far as Wild knew that wasn't very common. Then again, Flurry Rushes weren't something unique to Wild. From what he had gathered, all one needed was a lot of life force, combat prowess, and practice. But this was definitely Not A Flurry Rush. It looked like a combination of quick reaction time, an item Wild didn't recognize, and remarkable foresight. How had Legend anticipated that Wild would be doing something difficult to dodge without some kind of shield?\n\n*'Master Link. Remember that this is not another monster,'* Fi's voice echoed in his head. *'This is an intelligent opponent, not to mention another Hero. Just like you, he can learn and adapt.'\n\n'Can't be called the Hero of Legend for nothing, I guess,'* Wild admitted mentally. 'Got a read on him yet?'\n\n*'I haven't gathered enough data to give a sufficient assessment on any vulnerabilities. My best advice would be to remember the wealth of experience you are up against. Do not underestimate him.'\n\n'Good to know you believe in me.'\n\n'Merely warning you against your own overconfidence, Master.'\n\nWild huffed in annoyance at the sass before he realized that he couldn't see Legend anymore. Shit. Where was he? This is what Wild gets for getting lost in conversation with the people in his head again. His eyes traveled across the arena, searching for him...\n\nOh. There he was. And he was moving Fast.* Wild felt himself stop in midair, some kind of unseen force pulling on him. I'm losing altitude, He realized with a start. He squinted down at Legend, trying to see what he was doing, but was unable to discern what it was before his bow was Pulled off his back, Spinning in the air as it hurtled towards Legend. Did the other hero just... Steal his weapon? How? Something like Magnesis, maybe? Fi's words about a learning opponent were really starting to hit Wild now. This was someone he couldn't pull the same thing twice on. He would have one shot per trick up his sleeve. This wasn't just a match of strength. This was a contest between who would run out of ideas and gimmicks first. \n\nMaybe he could stun Legend and go in for a swipe with a heavy weapon? I got a hunch that a Dazzlefruit may not work... A Puffshroom would obscure vision, though- WOAH! Wild's thoughts were interrupted as what looked like Master Sword beams came flying at him. In a panic, he dropped to the ground and hit the dirt... Hard. That had to have taken off some of his health. Dammit. He quickly got up and thought fast. He needed to get back in the air, but he couldn't use his last Revali's Gale so soon. Legend would surely figure out a way to get him out of the air again. He just needed a short period of air time... Cryonis Bounce, maybe?\n\nWanting to keep moving, Wild started to circle the arena in a sprint and quickly took out his Sheikah Slate. Producing a Splash fruit, he threw it at the ground ahead of him, and just as it broke and formed a puddle in the dry dirt of the Colosseum, he held out the Slate and pressed the button for Cryonis. The block of ice started to rise, and Wild jumped, slipping his Knight's Shield under his boots. The collision of the metal against the ice boosted him into the air, and Wild equipped the Zonaite Bow. Legend may have stolen his Knight's Bow, but the Zonaite Bow was not metal and could not just be pulled from his grasp the same way. Hoping Legend hadn't figured out a way to stop Wild's Hyperfocus altogether, he took out the bow and aimed in mid-air again, slowing time. This time a tan mushroom with a fuschia head and yellow spots appeared on the arrowhead as Wild activated Fuse, and when he let it go, he hoped Legend didn't have some way to block this. \n\nThe mushroom should explode upon impact, and create a cloud of smoke that obscured vision outside of a few feet. Now Wild might be able to get the jump on the other Hero. Taking out his Silver Lynel Blade again, Wild dashed forward, hoping to burst through the cloud of smoke and get a swing in before Legend could react." }, { "author": "The Hero of Legend", "message": "Legend had thankfully breathed a sigh of relief upon avoiding whatever those arrows were going to do to him. It was frankly a bit unnerving, the amount of firepower develops further on in time. He's not sure he has anything to Match that. \n\nEven if I don't, I have to try. I need to know more about Wild, and the best way to do that is to fight him. Focus. His icy blues widened, trying to take in more information at once. He needs to memorize every little detail, every move, every Breath The other hero takes. It could all be a tell. And tells were what made a winning or losing battle. And with the Magnet Gloves pulling the bow to him— a hand reached up and grabbed the bow— he had a slight advantage. He stowed it around his frame in an instant, where his other bow was. \n\nYes! The swings took him out of the air! A small smirk crawled across his lips, showing off his strangely sharp incisors with a gleam. It looked like the kid was still going, so he kept his defensive stance up. He even pulled his shield out, stowing the Golden Sword away to place a hand in his pouch. Gripping another pole weapon. The knight simply watched the other get up and run, trying to circle. Legend's widened eyes narrowed slightly, shoulders stiffening for whatever the hero had next—\n\nWhich was— a puddle? And What was that? Legend shifted the Mirror Shield in front, the heavy thing obscuring half of his body. But when he braced for that strange speed to happen again, he felt the explosion of... Spores? Spores filled the area, obscuring his vision. He holds his breath. \n\nBut I know where you are, hero. Your exact location is burned into my mind's eye. You wouldn't move around me, you would try and go straight for me. That's been your strategy I've seen. You rush in to attack. Time to use what I've learned from you against you, Wild.\n\nClosing his eyes, his ears rose as he rapidly calculated distance based on when he heard Wild's feet hit the ground. And with that—\n\nClang!!\n\nThe Mirror Shield Parries The Silver Lynel Blade Perfectly, Legend's face obscured but barely visible with his eyes closed. They open immediately, staring death into Wild's face before he jumps back into the smoke, keeping his distance. I can't stay close. No need to. Not with what I've got. \n \nThe hero produced one of his many Fire Rods, the thing clicking open and shooting a burst of magical flame towards Wild as he moved backwards. In fact, he fires it twice, just in case Wild thought to dodge left and away from the hit. Afterwards, he stows the rod away and breaths out, wracking his brain for another attack. \n\nThat gale he summons, it's like the Gale seeds but powered by... A ghost. I wonder if the Gale seeds could give me a similar effect, if I manage them properly? Though I may be shot too far up to do so... Legend shakes his head, producing the Longhook and aiming it up, grabbing onto the side of the ruined second floor and flung himself up. He quickly switches in the Roc's Cape to glide into the floor and crouch down, trying to hide and hope that he has some time to survey damage and figure out his next move." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "The impact of the parry made Wild's core vibrate, but it was nothing compared to the complete chaos of thoughts bouncing off the walls of his head. He got one look of the Hero of Legend glaring daggers at him before the slowdown wore off and Wild was pushed back. He plunged his blade into the ground, counting on friction to keep himself from tumbling backwards. But that was Also A mistake, because he looked up to see a fireball flying at him. Deciding to abandon the stuck blade, Wild took out his shield and Perfect Parried it... Only to get hit by the second one. His first parry didn't even matter anyway, as he managed to catch a glimpse of the other hero shooting upwards and disappearing into the second floor before the fireball could hit him. \n\nWild grumbled, then flinched as adrenaline wore off just enough for him to realize he was still on fire. Thank Hylia I have my best armor on, He thought to himself. Grimacing from the burning sensation, Wild dug the elongated nail of his pointer finger into the palm of his restored Zonai arm. The ring on it glowed blue, and a tall, teal, translucent figure, a Zora twice Wild's height, appeared. The avatar thrust its trident forward, and from the tips a stream of water spouted, surrounding Wild in a cooling bubble. Able to breathe, Wild let out a sigh of relief as the flames were extinguished. He returned to his Silver Lynel Blade and pulled it from the dirt, then performed a single slash with it, dispelling the water around him in an attack imbued with the element. Finally Wild scowled up at where he saw Legend disappear.\n\nThat was a Perfect Parry. Legend had just used one of Wild's own tricks against him, and that was more than a little frustrating. Now I know what it's like to be on the other end of that move, He thought. Well, not quite. A normal person would probably be knocked back even more than Wild had been, and they wouldn't have been able to perceive the time slowdown. Wild Could Because of a combination of his own Perfect Perception and Perfect Override. That look on the other Hero's face... He read Wild like a book, and he Knew It. Now Wild was starting to see what was so scary about Legend: the amount of experience and knowledge he had even compared to Wild's was staggering. It seemed that the longer the fight lasted, the better Legend could predict Wild's next move. Wild wouldn't call himself a guy to fight by the books, but he must be consistent enough for Legend to have already picked up on so much. He needed to start using things that he knew Legend couldn't possibly use against him. Things that made Wild distinct from his predecessors. Luckily, he had quite a few of those up his sleeve... Quite literally. Time to bust out his more unique attacks.\n\nWild made a fist, digging all five zonai nails into his right palm. Three more avatars appeared, one a small rito, another a half-grown Gerudo, and the last a hulking Goron. If Legend was going to fight dirty, well, two can play at that game. Let's see how you deal with my friends, Wild thought with a smirk. Pressing his ring finger into his palm again, Wild walked closer to where he knew Legend had to be hiding, the avatars following closely behind. The Gerudo avatar raised one of its swords, and the very air around it crackled as an expanding radius of electrically charged energy, extending upwards higher than the top floor of the Colosseum, bathed the area in a yellow glow. Wild took out his Zonaite Bow and aimed a single, unfused arrow at the place where Legend had disappeared.\n\nUrbosa's Fury was a little overkill this early in the game. If he exhausted his other options and Still Couldn't hit Legend, he would use it. But it would stay in his back pocket for now. Right now, he just wanted to smoke him out of hiding. He let the arrow loose, then immediately dug the nail of his thumb into his palm. The Goron avatar balled up and began to rapidly spin, and Wild watched as the arrow flew in regular time up to the second floor. He knew exactly when it landed, because of the loud CRACK! As a lightning bolt came down from the sky and struck the spot where the arrow landed, dealing immense damage to anything within range. With that, Wild prepared to fire the Goron avatar, planning to get the jump on Legend the moment he jumped out.\n\n(atk pwr = 200, def = 88, hp = 126/160)" }, { "author": "The Hero of Legend", "message": "It worked, I think. Legend breathed as he looked back on the past few steps in this dance of theirs. The look on Wild's face was absolute, he had rattled the knight with copying his move. It must have, I heard one of the fire balls connect. He supposed that Wild could have... Simply fell for his trick, there was a 1/3 chance of it after all. But considering that Legend all but expected the other to dodge right (being the fast bastard he is)... It just made more sense for Wild to have rattled the other enough to get hit. He probably has futuristic goggles that let him see through the spores.\n\nFingers clenched on his Roc's Cape, throwing it back into his pouch with very rapid shoves (bordering panic, but he's not panicking— why would that be happening?). His hair began to stand on end, but he amounts that to just anxiety about not seeing where Wild is. Not unusual. He must have something big he's about to bring out. Most people get irritated and want to end a fight. And even if he doesn't, it's a good way to get the drop on him. ... If I'm fast enough. \n\nThe hero shifts forward a bit, still crouched. He dug around in his pouch and grabbed a hold of a different fabric. The Magic Cape. Generic name, sure, but I'd believe someone if they told me it was because it simply was the first and best to be made. This will help. That hair standing on end feeling didn't leave. Which led Legend to finally realize he had gotten distracted. The entire air seemed to spark with a yellow au—\n\n... ... ... \n\nHis entire world had gone dark for a moment. Intense, burning pain scored his body. That pain slowly leaked out of him, which clued him into the fact that his ears were ringing again (did he lose hearing?). He became aware of the fact that he was practically Heaving He was breathing so hard. Did he just die? A quick check into his inventory led him to believe so— the potion Maple usually drops (this one he had shipped by Syrup, he promised!) had shattered and the liquid had dissolved through the pouch into him (he... Doesn't claim to understand how this potion worked. How else does it get used? Does his dead body drink the potion and break the bottle?). \n\nEventually, he felt like new again, but the aftershocks of the instantaneousness of it led him to one conclusion:\n\nIt's storming. It must be, just— instant? Did we not notice an oncoming sort? That must be the case. Wild— Wild, he doesn't know. He might have metal on him. He had to get to Wild, get him to stop the fight. He'll just make up some excuse once he asks why. Or maybe he's already figured out they need to stop. Legend doesn't even know if Wild has anything to bring himself back, like a fairy or a potion or something. He could be out for all I know if he usually does.\n\nThe hero rushed to the edge of the second floor, glancing down with a look of fear in his eyes to try and catch sight of Wild. His hand was still clutching the Magic Cape— he's a walking lightning rod like this. They both need to get out of this storm. He doesn't even bother double checking the air— he can feel his skin prickling still. A dry storm? It must be." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "It sure is taking him a second... Wild thought with a frown. Legend hadn't reappeared right away, which is what Wild had been aiming for. Did something happen? Surely he was fine, Legend had already proven himself to be the smarter fighter, and Wild hadn't gotten a single hit on him yet. There was no way an attack meant only to scare would have done That Much. Legend was smarter than that. He had probably figured out what Wild was trying to do already. \n\nBut that's not going to stop me. You *Have* To have a weakness. I will not let you keep embarrassing me. I can be scary, too.\n\nWild held out his Zonai arm, and in an instant a green vehicle appeared. It was made of melted Zonaite, constructed from the memory of a perfected build by Wild himself from scratch. Just two Fans and a Steering Stick, and it moved fast and far. Wild liked to call it a Hoverbike, but that was besides the point. Wild hopped on, and immediately it lifted into the air. The avatars of the Gerudo and Zora turned into small balls of light and returned to the rings on Wild's right hand, but the Goron hopped onto the front of the vehicle, rolling rapidly, and the Rito flapped closely behind. As they rose higher, Wild steered it around the arena, his eyes watching where he knew Legend had disappeared.\n\nThere! Finally the other hero popped his head out, his eyes wide and... Fearful? It's probably a trick, Wild thought, his brow furrowing, and pressed his thumb into his palm without another moment's hesitation. I know how you work now. You use your observations of an opponent against them. You're a smarter fighter than me, but that doesn't make you impossible to beat. My only path to victory is throwing everything I've got at you that I *Know* You can't throw back. The Goron was launched from its place on the bike, a ball of fire hurtling towards the Hero of Legend. To follow it up, Wild pressed his pinkie finger into his palm, and the rito avatar readied his bow. Three arrows were shot consecutively, each of them made of spirit aura, so they wouldn't sink into skin, but damage would certainly be done. \n\nAfter that, Wild started to circle around again, squinting down to see what happened. The goron shot up and returned to the front of the bike again. The cannonball was going to be hard to dodge, unless Legend was already preparing for it. Arrows were just extra measures to see if he could inflict some more damage afterwards. With luck, he might just be able to overwhelm Legend. Multiplying the targets from one to five wasn't good no matter how you sliced it. But just in case Legend tried to get him out of the air again, Wild readied himself to grab for his paraglider if he needed it.\n\nGoron atk pwr = 10 (+5 dmg every 5 secs on fire), rito atk pwr = 14, 14, 28 (crit), def =88, hp = 126/160" }, { "author": "The Hero of Legend", "message": "Wild was nowhere to be seen on the ground. His head raked skyward, sounds that he didn't recognize filling his ears. It was too loud, he thinks, before his body moved into action before his head had time to fill himself in. Because there was a thing hurtling towards him— it hits full chest and maybe would have staggered him had he not activated his Steadfast Ring earlier. He thinks something's cracked in his chest. Your ribs, Zelda's voice echoes in his head, Keep your heart safe. As well as your lungs. So stop trying to push through these hits to the chest, please—. Vaguely, he feels the fire spreading across his frame but his full, panicked attention is focused up. \n\nEyes sensed more than saw the arrows fly towards him— his body only having enough time for auto-reactions. It meant the thing his hand was clenched on was going up—\n\nWhich led to Legend disappearing entirely. He starts unconsciously patting the flames on him out. Desperately, the man breathed and began to run a circle around this enemy or thing or Whatever That just was. Because surely, Surely Wild would not see the face of a man panicked after getting hit by lightning and attack still. For all he knows, he could have been out for longer than usual (maybe the potion was old by now, not as effective, Something). Was it an enemy? Had something happened to him before I had a chance to get up? Goddesses, it's something—\n\nBreathe in. Focus. Breathe out. \n\nThere's a figure up on top of the flying... Thing. A cart of sorts, maybe, on small wheels. There's another floating nearby, another bird person? An assassin, maybe. I think I remember them saying they were having troubles with them. Or overhearing. The knight skids to a rapid halt directly behind the main figure, vision still shaky from... It'll fix itself, it always does. But his fingers pull around his bow, notching a silver arrow as he stops feeding magic into the cape. Fully visible with the element of surprise, he fires— hoping to hit his mark. \n\nIt's really only then that the Hylian takes a second to take stock. Pegasus Seed is done, I've got— well, there it goes. Wild's gone, is he on that thing?\n\nAnalyzing, careful, Concerned Eyes flew across the thing before really Really Looking again. The armor hadn't changed. Fuck, he should have noticed the spirits. Breathing heavy, it's then he realizes he's shot Wild. He should be fine, right? I've not shot a... A good hearted Hylian before, so it... He hit me with a giant, flaming boulder...\n\n... Anger, like magma from his spine out to his fingertips, flooded him. It's like wildfire, the way your emotions struggle when you come back from the brink. For a moment, he sets aside that hero title and that stubborn, hateful feeling grabs his heart. He deserved it. There's a storm and he uses it to capitalize against me? Maybe my fear of storms gets jotted down in history somehow. Whatever it may be, Legend's heart hardens for the moment, and he swaps to Wild's own bow to make it seem as if he had fired that one. It's a face down, now. I'll finally go in after this." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Pain. Something sank into his left shoulder, and he felt his health diminish severely. It hurt, it Burned. This was Not A normal arrow.\n\nHe was falling. His paraglider, he needed to take it out now or he might hit the ground too hard and die. Forcing himself to move his injured arm, he pulled it out and broke his fall just before he hit the dirt. Wild tried to stand, but stumbled to his knees from the weakness. \n\n*'Master. You have one heart left.'* Fi told him, her usually monotonous voice holding a foreign urgency. *'You mustn't push yourself until you recover.'\n\n'Link, please heal!'* Mipha begged. *'My Grace has not yet recharged!'\n\n'Little Guy! Do something about that arrow!'* Daruk exclaimed.\n\n*'I knew this was a stupid idea,'* Revali sighed.\n\n*'Link, call off the fight. You can't keep going like this!'* Urbosa insisted.\n\nBut the voices in Wild's mind were drowned out by the pounding of his head and the ringing in his ears. With a grunt of pain, he pulled out the arrow from his shoulder and inspected it. Aside from Wild's own blood, the arrow shone silver. A Silver Arrow. Legend had used a weapon designed to kill a beast with the power of a God Against Wild. If his health had been much lower or if he hadn't pulled out the paraglider in time, it would have easily killed him. Did he Actually Mean it when he said 'aim to kill?'\n\nSeveral emotions swirled inside Wild's head. Betrayal, hurt, sadness... Anger. Oh yes, there was a Lot Of anger. Legend told him to go all out, and when he finally started doing that, the other Hero Had pulled off a near-fatal blow. Talk about arrogance. Wild truly wasn't allowed to show off what He Could do without getting immediately knocked off the pedestal. It was Infuriating. \n\nYou're the cleverer one. I *Get* It, you don't have to keep rubbing it in my face. You want *Everything* I've got? Fine. You asked for it.\n\nWild didn't even bother turning around or activating the avatars. He merely took on a spin attack stance in place and flicked his Master Sword behind him. A green bubble expanded from his position, much quicker than the previous yellow aura. Unlike the power from the Gerudo avatar, Urbosa's fury, true to its name, became more deadly if the user was upset. And with Wild so consumed by anger at the use of the Silver Arrow, the bubble consumed the entire arena. Ignoring Urbosa's warnings and the pain in his left arm, he lifted a hand and...\n\nSnap!\n\n*CRACKABOOM!\n\nLightning rained down upon the arena around Wild, seeking anything metal it could find that wasn't on the wielder of its might. And even if Legend wasn't wearing metal armor, he Did* Have Wild's own metal bow on him. If this couldn't hit his opponent — no, Whatever Legend was — Wild didn't know what could.\n\nAtk pwr = 150, def = 88, hp = 4/160" }, { "author": "The Hero of Legend", "message": "It was anger that filled his veins now, but that panic flooded him briefly as he saw Wild struggle to get his paraglider open to break his fall. He's expecting, Fully Expecting for the other to tap out eventually. After a blow like that— there was no way the knight was still planning to keep going. It's why, even settled in his fury, he jumps down from the second story and glides before hitting the ground. \n\nThe silver arrow was a lot. He can admit that. But Legend had no early idea that Wild would Keep attacking After a Lightning bolt Hit him. It had to be some kind of foul play, a dirty move involved. Some historian listed his major fear on a stone tablet somewhere that keep itself alive in the ruins of some tomb under the remnants of Hyrule Castle. Stupid. I just keep my trap shut about that fear from now on. No use telling anyone because it could get out anywhere.\n\nStill on guard, the hero had his hands on Wild's bow to hand it back when the other inevitably called it quits. But—\n\n... Something's off. Legend shifts, the air still filled with static. We still need to get out of here, I could get hit again or worse, Wild could get hit. I'm pissed at the kid, but I'm not going to let him die to a lightning strike.\n\nBut Legend watched as Wild shifts into a stance. The Hyrulian Knight's technique passed down from generation to generation His Uncle's voice supplies, an echoed, far off memory. It makes the knight reach a hand out, palm up. It's been a good fight, but we need to stop. He really had me on the ropes. \"Hey, kid, maybe we shou—\"\n\nA snap. \n\n*CRACKABOOM!\n\n... ... ...\n\nThere's the sound of a body hitting the ground, the clattering of a bow leaving lifeless hands. Chainmail shifting from impact and then— \n\nNothing. The only sound of breathing coming from the one living soul within the arena." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Anger had coated Wild's heart in a block of ice, muted most sounds, even the other hero's voice, but the thud behind him broke through it all and shattered it, making Wild acutely aware of what was going on. He hadn't activated his Hyperfocus, but the feeling of the world seeming to slow down as he turned around felt eerily similar. Like time had been momentarily put on hold to give him an opportunity to strike, except instead of attacking, he was attempting to process what he was seeing on the ground. Legend... Lying there, motionless. \n\nNo. No no no nonononono- \"No, no, no, no, No!\"* His thoughts transitioned into a verbal plea, begging Hylia that this wasn't real. That he hadn't just killed this hero that he had admittedly come to think of as a sort of mentor, even in the relatively short time they had known each other. He rushed to kneel at Legend's side. \"Hey... Get up...\" He choked, grabbing the other's shoulder and gently shaking it. \"This isn't funny...\"\n\nHis heart stopped for a moment as he noticed a new scar, a bright red, fern shape across Legend's face. Wild could feel himself trembling. He had never used a lightning attack on anything but monsters and Yiga Clan members... He had never seen a mark left by one. This was the first new discovery he had made about his powers in... A while. And it was probably the worst.\n\nIs this what I'm capable of? He asked himself in horror. This... This is terrifying. Trying to hold back tears, he took out the sheikah slate and desperately swiped to his combat manual. Maybe... Maybe it wasn't too late. Maybe he could go back. Fix it. All it would take is a single stab of the Master Sword. He's done it before. He checked the time listed next to the location. If it was long enough ago, he could go back. Tell Legend to stop. Say he was tired out — he probably would be, at least emotionally. \n\n3:26 PM\n\nHis stomach dropping, Wild frantically swiped to the map to check the time there.\n\n3:26 PM\n\nWild had killed a lot of things. Monsters for parts, animals for food, Yiga for survival. Killing wasn't new to him. At best it was a victory, at worst, a necessary sin he hoped Hylia would forgive him for. He would walk away, another death avoided. But this was different. This time, he simply let his face fall into his hands and cried. \n\nThe other people in Wild's head had gone silent. All he could hear were his own sobs and his thoughts sending him in a downward spiral.\n\nYou idiot. Two lightning attacks? He was lucky to survive the first. Even you couldn't take one of those without dying or getting seriously hurt. What kind of hero is so incapable of controlling his temper? What kind of knight lets anger compel him to use unfair and lethal tactics during a sparring match? Failure. Murderer. Monster." }, { "author": "The Hero of Legend", "message": "... ... ...\n\nFrom within his pouch, one of Legend's two fairy bottles opened— releasing a fairy into the air. It glanced around for a moment, then down, flicking a wand down at the corpse of the hero before disappearing into the air. It was a relatively quiet affair, certainly unnoticeable by anyone who would be distraught at the death of their friend. \n\nFor the second time in a short span, Link's lungs filled suddenly with air in a rattling gasp. Icy blue eyes blown wide with panic. It had been so long since he died last, before this sparring match, that his brain had nothing to grasp at for Why It had suddenly stopped other than the fact that it was in Danger. Not fully healed, his hearing slowly returning to him (ringing, ringing)— the first instinct the hero had was to swing out in a punch at whatever was in front of him as he pushed his body to sit up. \n\nLegs regained feeling, and he felt his muscles screaming in protest. His ribs were still in pieces practically (fairies don't heal everything when you go down), so his sharp breaths were laced with stinging pain. He scrambled away from whoever was in front of him, eyes unseeing. Panicked. Tears prickling there, because something connects to remind him that it was Storming And there is Thunder and lightning And he is going to Die again. \n\nSuddenly, Legend is nine again. He's crawling out of bed with a lantern to follow his uncle. It's cold, and wet, and dark. And he's holding his uncle's bleeding body in his arms and shaking him. Wailing. Crying out for help. Please, Goddesses, please save him. He's all I have left. I can't do this without him. It's unfair—!\n\nThat scared boy reaches his hands to his face for a moment, gripping at his hair and Pulling. There's a strange feeling of something New On his face as his hands brush past. It's jarring. That shouldn't be there. Vaguely, he is aware of himself coughing and something spraying out from his lips, dripping down his chin. His ears are downturned (ringing, ringing). \n\n... Why isn't it raining? \n\n... It's not raining..." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "The sudden gasp from a friend he thought dead made Wild's hands fly from his face as his head snapped up, eyes wide and disbelieving. Unfortunately, that earned him a face full of fist, which Definitely Took a quarter heart. But the pain on his face and shoulder was dulled almost to nothing as he sat, staring at Legend... Alive. Extremely scared, but alive.\n\nWild's head was spinning, his thoughts a jumbled mess. His tears had stopped, more out of shock than anything else. Legend just died, he was sure he had. The complete motionlessness, not even the rising and falling of a breathing chest had been present. But now here he was, very much alive. It was frankly quite confusing. Not because it was something Wild thought was impossible, since he knew for a fact it wasn't. No, his surprise was more from the fact that until now, he had thought himself unique in his ability to revive after death.\n\nVery slowly, very carefully, Wild crawled across the dirt towards the other hero. He didn't want to worsen the panic he was already in, but he had to know if this was real or just a dream or hallucination. Or maybe even wishful thinking. Slowly, so slowly, he reached a finger up towards the older man before gently poking his shoulder. Solid. Real. Wild blinked, processing this. Finally, he opened his mouth to speak. \"You...\" He whispered. \"You're like Me.\"\n\nIt was the only explanation he could think of. He was too frazzled to think of any more logical possibilities. Legend had died, and then came back. He wanted so desperately to hug the other hero, say he was sorry and he didn't mean to kill him, but the fear in Legend's eyes and the blood coughed up told him that had to wait. Besides, he didn't know if Legend even trusted him enough to want to be around him after today.\n\nStop feeling sorry for yourself. He needs healing. Wild snatched the Sheikah Slate from his belt and swiped to his meals screen, trying to keep his fingers from fumbling too much. Only one more hearty elixir... But his collectors anxiety wasn't of importance right now. He could make a new one later. Shoving away his own discomfort, he tapped on the icon for the potion and waited impatiently for it to materialize in his hand. Once it had, he held it out to Legend, trying to hold back his tears. \"I'm sorry,\" He apologized quietly. \"You told me you wanted everything I had... I didn't think the first strike would land, and then I got mad at the arrow, I was stupid, I...\" He swallowed. \"I didn't mean for this to go so Wrong.\"" }, { "author": "The Hero of Legend", "message": "The best way to describe what he is feeling, if Legend ever had to explain it to anyone, was that claws were raking down his spine and clinging to every ridge in it. \n\nIt led to his frame curling in, the man who was currently a boy, a protecting shell. It led to strains of ginger and pink hair being tugged, some pulling free in the process as his shoulders tightened. Bowstring taut, preparing for another hit. Preparing for an impact of some kind. He's ragged, at this point. Tastes iron. And somehow... Somehow all of the pain, the prickling in his skin, the clawing panic, and the blood on his tongue... \n\nThe quick, choking hyperventilations stutter as his unseeing eyes try to focus in time to feel a Poke. Legend flinches, wild and frantic eyes trying to search the person who has suddenly Appeared In his vision, very close. A voice, familiar to him. Disembodied and echoing, until his hands (older, calloused, scarred) reach out to grasp hold of it mentally. The man's brain has not quite caught up, but he tries... He tries—\n\nLink, look at me. Please, look. You're okay, you're safe. We're in bed, in the castle. Touch the bedspread.\n\nHis shaking hand touches the ground. Feeling tile. Cold and hard. He feels it has... Something on it. Blood, Legend registers. Mine.\n\nYou are doing so good, my heart. You must look at me. My hair, see, it's blonde, isn't it? You may reach out and touch it, if you'd like.\n\nPale blues searched the person in front of him. Blonde hair. Longer than his own, but not as long as hers. Blood on the face, From my hands or—. His hand, briefly, reaches up with a shake. Calloused, scarred, Gentle. Legend holds the side of Wild's face (Wild, this is Wild. We were fighting. Sparring.). He brushes the tears that were already flowing and the blood off with a thumb as best he can. Legend registers the potion in hand... And lowers his own hand. Pushes the potion Towards Wild. His mouth opens, briefly, but what comes out is such a pitiful sound instead of words that he closes it without hesitation. \n\nDo not worry if you cannot speak. You do not need to speak with me. I will simply be here for you. As long as you like.\n\nSwallowing with a wince, the hand he pushed away the potion with instead points to Wild. A finger taps the potion once. The fear is still lingering in his eyes, but it is less. Not panic, and it is acknowledging things now. \n\nLegend listens to Wild. First strike would land. Mad at the arrow. Did he know the lightning hit me, before? But— not that it killed me. He wouldn't... He would've had this reaction sooner. Another swallow, tinged with rust. ... I can't tell him right now.\n\n... The man's mouth opens again, as he tries to force it. It's a strangled, weak thing. It vaguely sounds like... \"...Kid?\" \n\n... He wants to desperately to reach out and hug the other. Hold him tight, to let him know that it's okay. That he should have tried harder to stop Wild. He should have been better, moved faster, thought quicker. The tears that were caught in his eyes dropped, finally overburdened. Legend didn't care." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Wild's bottom lip trembled, he was trying so hard to stay strong because right now he felt like Legend was in far more pain, but he still couldn't stop the tears from falling. He was going to wipe them away, but Legend got there first. A gentle gesture that Wild couldn't help but feel he didn't deserve. \"...Kid?\" The other hero croaked, and Wild felt something stir in the back of his mind...\n\nAnd then, quite suddenly, the scene around Wild disappeared. The arena was gone, replaced by a grassy field at dusk, the sounds of a battle in his ears as he stared not at Legend, but someone who looked quite similar to himself, but older. His armor was stained with blood, his back against a tree as Wild gripped his shoulders with hands that were significantly smaller than they had been moments ago. He could hear a child's voice: 'Don't leave me, Dad! I won't let you!' \n\nA gloved hand reached up to touch his face as the man smiled at him through glossy eyes. 'Link... You make me proud,\" He said hoarsely, before the hand dropped, limp against his chest. \n\nWild heard the child's voice let out an angry roar, and felt himself stand (was he... Shorter?) and reach for a sword behind him before rushing into the battle. *'YOU MONSTERS! YOU KILLED HIM!! I'LL KILL ALL OF YOU!!!'\n\nAnd then the battle was gone, and he was back in the Colosseum, looking once again at Legend. Was that... A memory? He blinked and realized Legend had pushed the bottle back at him. A beat, and then Wild put the elixir to the side and hugged the older hero, now crying without restraint. \"I'm sorry,\" He sobbed into Legend's shoulder. \"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry...\"" }, { "author": "The Hero of Legend", "message": "Legend struggles, for a moment, to gather what he should do. He isn't sure if Wild wants to be hugged. Isn't sure if he should just get up and stumble away, leave the hero be. But as he stares on at Wild, he notices the other has... A distant look in his eyes. A look of concern furrows itself into his features— despite the fact that Legend currently looks like death. Hell, they Both* Do. \n\nI didn't need to shoot him with a silver arrow. I know it's all I have in arrows, but I have more things I could have used. It... Was overkill. It wasn't needed. Even if I wasn't in my right mind, I should have known, I should have stopped myself.\n\nThe man silently berates himself, hands shaking from pain and indecision. But seconds become longer, and longer, and Longer— and Wild is still not shaken out of this trance. He's not... Sure whether or not he should shake him or not. Or touch at all. \n\nInstead, he tried to wipe his lips from blood that had dripped down... Which works a bit— just ends up smearing it instead. It's... Hard to breathe properly... I need to heal myself soon. But that potion Wild offered, he needs to take it first. I... I can wait. I can handle it. He's... Just a kid. Legend finally refocuses when Wild comes back, the slightest new movement catching his (admittedly still fuzzy) sight. \n\nIt was then Wild made the decision for him, hugging him tight enough that Legend just missed holding back a a sharp inhale of pain. But his arms still wrapped around Wild, clutching tighter. If Wild had a helmet or a hat, he tossed it off so that his hand buried itself into Wild's hair. Running his fingers through it. His chin dropped into Wild's shoulder, his own shoulders shaking. Tears prickled back into his eyes, but he schooled his voice as best he could.\n\n\"It's okay... It's okay... You didn't know... I forgive you... It's my fault, okay? I should have been faster. Should have been louder. But Wild, we need to get out of here... I— the storm, I... I can't...\" A cough bubbled up into his throat, but he muffles it in his hand. \"Kid, take your potion, okay? I... I hit you bad... You need to take that and we... We can go, okay? We don't ever have to do this again...\"" }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Wild wasn't sure what this emotion was, or why he was feeling it. It wasn't the same as when Zelda hugged him; that had him feeling warm and fuzzy inside. But this was different. Legend hugging him back, with a hand in his hair, Wild felt... Safe. Even though this man had almost killed him, he felt like he was in no danger. As if nothing and no one could harm him right now even if they tried. He felt like a piece of his heart he didn't know was missing had just returned to its place. He couldn't remember anyone who made him feel like this, but somehow he knew he Had Felt it before. Like a dream he knew he had but couldn't remember. And now that it was back, Wild didn't think he could bear to lose it again.\n\nHis breathing started to slow, though still interrupted by the occasional hiccup. It honestly defied all logic, this protection he felt. He could still feel the wound the silver arrow gave him, the silver arrow From Legend, That had nearly depleted everything in him. The burns from the fire rod still stung, he could still feel the pain in his side from his fall. It hurt, but somehow it was more bearable. \n\nAt the insistence that he drink his own elixir, Wild was about to protest, but Fi finally spoke up to stop him.\n\n*'Master. Please heal yourself.'\n\n'But... But he got struck by-'\n\n'Yes. But my readings put him currently at a health above your own. He is right, you must heal yourself.'\n\nWell, he couldn't argue with that. Fi was usually right in her observations. Reluctantly, he did as he was told, pulling away from Legend and picking the potion back up, drinking it slowly. He felt the wound in his shoulder seal up, his burns melt away, the ache in his side fade. Now he really Was* Safe. \n\n...The storm...\n\nWild blinked as Legend's words started to sink into his mind, clearer now thanks to the elixir's effects. He furrowed his brow in confusion, then turned his head to look back at the older hero. He certainly Looked Completely serious, so Wild looked up at the sky to check. Crystal blue. Not a cloud in sight. What storm was Legend talking abou-\n\nThen it hit him, as suddenly as a bolt of lightning itself. Legend thought the lightning was an Actual storm. The panicked look as his head popped out of the second floor, searching the ground... It suddenly made sense. It wasn't a mind game at all, Legend had thought both himself and Wild were in danger of a lightning strike. Wild felt like he might cry all over again.\n\n\"Legend... There's no storm. That... That was Me.\" Wild swallowed a sob and held out his Zonai arm to Legend. \"These rings... They let me utilize the powers of sages. One of them... Commands lightning. A powerful bolt will come down and strike any spot I hit with an arrow. And I have a second lightning attack, one that activates with a charged attack and a snap. I...\" Wild wiped furiously at his eyes, but the words kept coming. Legend had to understand this, he needed to know the full story. \"I didn't think the first strike would land... I was trying to startle you out of hiding. After the parry, I figured I had to start using things you couldn't throw back at me. I didn't think... And then the arrow... You told me to give everything I had, and when I finally did, you hit me with something I thought for sure you'd never use on me. And I was so angry that I-\"\n\nHis voice broke, and he was crying again. This time he didn't even seek comfort from Legend, even if he wanted it. He certainly didn't feel like he deserved it." }, { "author": "The Hero of Legend", "message": "And it was true. Legend would die again, and again. He would face a thousand deaths for this kid if it meant he didn't have to die once. He would like to say he would do this for anyone, but... It was like he was missing a piece of a heart container that only just now got found. It... Occurs to Legend, that he certainly knows why. Especially as he pulls Wild even closer into his shoulder, protective. Safe. He's safe with me. I will never harm him again, in any capacity. This I swear.\n\nEventually, Wild pulled away, and the knight let him go. Idly, he brushed a hand against his face— tracing the new scar that was there. Wonder how I'm going to explain this to Zelda. Wonder how I'm going to explain... Any of this. ... Wonder if she wants...\n\n... Suddenly, Wild is speaking. He listens, intently. With an eerily calm face, all things considered. The fear slowly drains out of his eyes, and understanding sticks there instead. His eyes, almost holding onto a last shred of hope that this was a... Lie, of some kind, flick upwards. \n\nCrystal blue skies. \n\nHe returns when Wild begins to speak about his abilities. Abilities on the same level as the Medallions. These things that he used against me. Did he think I was able to survive lightning? Did he not realize... After all, my fear? Does he think that big of me? ... Can he survive lightning? It makes sense, logically. In a life or death situation like Legend posited, you would adapt your strategy to something your enemy could dodge or copy. This... Was his fault. He should never have said it was that kind of a sparring session. He should have just stated to \"Take it seriously\" Or something. \n\nThe arrow. When I hit him because I thought he— ... I have to tell him. It is going to make it worse. But it will be better afterwards.\n\nLegend leans forward and grabs Wild's hands, brushing his thumbs over the backs of them as he stares down at the hands. Trying to find the words. \n\n\"... I am going to tell you something that will make you feel worse. But it will be okay afterwards. Because it's done. And you will know something about me that... Only Zelda knows. My Zelda.\" The man corrects himself. \"Not even my Uncle knows.\" \n\nBreathe in. Breathe out.\n\n\"... When you... Shot that arrow. It was instantaneous.\" He pauses, look at Wild's eyes to see if, maybe he understood and he did not need to explain further. A hand reaches up to wipe away tears on the other man's face. Gentle. Kind. \"When I die, it... Takes time to come back, depending on what I use. That time it was a potion made by a witch. It brings me back to full, but... I can feel everything coming back. I lost my senses, my hearing. I thought we were... There was a storm. I didn't know how long I was out. And when I saw you Gone... And some... Contraption In the sky, in my blurry vision...\" Breathe in— His chest hitches, eyes squeezing shut. Pain floods his chest again. \n\nA few huffs as he pushes through it. \"... I remember you talking about assassins, in passing. I thought...\" And he shakes his head. \"I was panicking. I couldn't— see, properly. I... I don't like thunderstorms. And you were gone, and... So I fired on what I thought was some assassin. Until I realized... It wasn't. And I Was angry. Because I thought you Knew That... That I was afr— I didn't Like Thunderstorms and... Used that against me, somehow. Knew the storm was coming.\" \n\nLegend looks down, at his hands. Calloused, scarred. These are the hands of a murderer. There are guards lying in the cematary with his blade marks on them. Even if they weren't in control. He went to each of the families houses and explained to them what happened when he came back. When he was 13.\n\n\"It's... My fault. I should have checked the sky. I should have stopped and hid, until my vision came back. Until I... I could calm down. I'm sorry, Wild.\"" }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Wild stayed silent through the whole explanation, but his head was spinning for a different reason than the fact that he had accidentally led Legend to believe he had taken advantage of a weakness on purpose, that he had hit a man he knew was down. No, he was more shocked that his initial guess had been right... Partly. Legend Did Die and get revived, and it wasn't the first time. But it wasn't the Exact Same as Wild. For Legend, death had consequences. But for Wild, there was a lack thereof. Suddenly he realized that he had a Luxury Legend didn't. And he couldn't help but wonder why.\n\nI've been selfish. I get a do-over. Legend doesn't. Why? That's not fair to him. I... I have to tell him. He's told me his secret, mine is the least he deserves.\n\nHe hugged Legend again, feeling more tears coming down his cheeks but being unable to stop them. \"It started only hours after my first quest began, after waking up with no memories except my own name,\" He began, swallowing the lump in his throat. \"I don't remember all my deaths, and I certainly couldn't tell you how many times it's happened. But the first time... I fell from a tower on the Great Plateau. I thought it was over... And then I woke up. On the top of the tower, not a scratch on me. As if it had never happened.\"\n\nWild took a deep breath, but he couldn't pause long, because the words kept coming. \"The second time was to a guardian. I hadn't seen one wake up before, I didn't expect it. It killed me, and then I woke up steps away from the place it would have seen me. No hole in my chest, not even a scar. The ninth was to a guardian stalker in Hyrule Field. The fourteenth to a Lynel on Shatterback Point. I lost count somewhere in the thirties. I've been burned, frozen, drowned, electrocuted, struck down by monsters and Yiga Clan members. Crushed by boulders, fallen from cliffs. Every time, I wake up before it happened, and the only one who remembers it is me.\"\n\nWild swallowed and breathed a few times before continuing. \"These days I find it difficult to care. I've become numb to it, I think I'd have gone insane a long time ago if I didn't. And even then, I feel like I abuse this power. It doesn't matter how many times I die as long as I get results. I'll wake up without a scratch. I've even used it to change an outcome if things go really wrong. All it takes is a stab of my sword, and I get sent back. My second quest may not have happened as it did if I had been given the chance to do that. But I wasn't.\"\n\nWild sniffed a little. \"My Zelda is the only one who knows, and even then I haven't told her everything. I don't want her to see that side of me. I don't want her to know what it's driven me to do. I don't want her to know I've played god, bent fate to my will if I don't like it.\" \n\nHe was really crying now, but he had to finish this. He had to push through. \"All this time... I thought I was the only one. The only one who's cursed with a failsafe to come back after death to keep fighting. I never thought someone as strong as you would have it too. I didn't think you'd Need It.\"" }, { "author": "The Hero of Legend", "message": "It took a moment for Legend to reciprocate the hug, as if his mind was several feet behind him. Everything felt like it was slowed, up until he registered the feeling of pressure along with Wild speaking. His arms came up, under Wild's own and crossed behind him. He settled his hands onto Wild's shoulders as he listened. \n\n... And the longer he listens, the more he cannot help the bitterness that crawls up from his soul. The anger that flares again, this time not at Wild. At the Goddesses. At this supposed Hylia. But his anger is stuffed down for now, leaving that bitter taste in his mouth as he listens to the deaths Wild speaks about. About how he would induce a \"Reset\" Just to get the job done properly which... Which was eerily similar to himself a few times. But Wild feels... Guilt For the curse? \n\nAnd how he thinks his Zelda may have an averse reaction to the situation. No... No if she's anything like my Zelda... She would be filled with such pity and sorrow.\n\n... Then Wild says something that is completely jarring. It causes Legend to completely stiffen up. I never thought someone as strong as you would have it too. I didn't think you'd need it.\n\nThere's a long, quiet moment. The air is charged, but not with electricity. \n\n\"... When I was nine...\" Legend begins, his voice small, smaller than it's ever been, \"... I had a dream. Zelda was reaching out to me, calling for help from Hyrule Castle. It had been taken over by a man named Agahnim— Ganon in disguise. And she was to be potentially sacrificed. I woke up, scared, to a thunder crack. And I saw my uncle standing in the doorway, with the sword and shield he never used to let me touch. Told me it was his own when he served in the war. He told me to go back to bed, that he'd be back.\"\n\nLegend's breathing becomes unstable, he realizes this distantly. It's hitching now and then, and he can register the fact that it Hurts But it's... Disembodied. Like someone else is feeling the pain and telling him about it. \n\n\"... I followed him. Took my lantern. And when I snuck past the guards I... Found him dying. Stabbed through. He— tells me that I'm the last of the Hyrulian Knights... That to take his sword and shield, that I've never touched ever, and to save the Princess. I spend so long just... There... Until I'm so angry and furious. I want to know who killed him— and the guards of the castle are— controlled. Mind controlled, I guess. There's a group I encountered that sees me and I'm terrified. But so angry... And so I rush up to try and attack. I can't remember...\" Legend's voice is quieter now, his hands grip Wild tighter, his face hiding down. \n\n\"... I remember the feeling of being stabbed through by spears and swords. And bleeding out in the waters of the basement. Of thunder cracking outside, being soaked through by the rain already. And I remember waking back up and things knitting back together. And grabbing a sword too big for me and striking them down.\"\n\nLegend finishes, practically shaking in Wild's arms. \"I'm... I wasn't a knight, when my quests began, Wild. I was not a bodyguard for the Princess. I was not even... Trained in swordsmanship. I... Was a kid. ... I was just a kid... And I only got to where I am now just— due to all of my experiences... As a child.\"\n\nHe's trying to tell this story so that Wild understands. That he isn't strong. That he isn't this mighty figure. That he isn't this Hero of Legend. \n\nHe's just Link. That's all he ever should have been." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Wild listened silently, just taking the information in. The more he heard, the more he couldn't help but feel that this was just... Unfair. The emotion he felt wasn't anger, it was... Sadness. For how it all happened to Legend. Wild was very justice-oriented, every time he heard about any kind of unfairness or prejudice, it was upsetting. Because the world Shouldn't Work like that. He couldn't help but ask... Why.\n\nWhy did it have to happen to him? Why did it have to happen when he was so young? Why is it so much worse for him than for me? Why does he get up with scars while I come back unscathed? Why does he not get to try again from scratch like I do? What did he do wrong?\n\nIt wasn't like this was the first time someone he knew seemed to get the silent treatment from the gods. Zelda had spent most of her life leading up to the Calamity praying ceaselessly for Hylia to activate her power to seal away Calamity Ganon. Urbosa had told of her fainting in the freezing waters of a spring attempting to access it. It took Link's near-death to cause her to unlock it — by herself, with no goddess to help her. Why?\n\nAnd then Wild himself, after waking up with no memories but his name, was showered with help from Hylia. Giving him gifts of life and power, telling him to bring peace to Hyrule. To the world. The same statues who remained deaf to the person dearest to Wild's heart called him \"Devout swordsman.\" Why?\n\nWhat is so special about me? Why do I deserve these things, while they don't? It... It isn't fair. It's not fair. It's not fair!\n\nWild tried to pull himself together for what he needed to say. It was difficult, since he was still crying, but... He was going to try. \"That... Isn't true,\" He started quietly. \"Who you are now isn't defined by... Things you can't do anything about.\" He had this conversation with Zelda many times, whenever she started spiraling. \"And who you were then doesn't determine who you will be tomorrow. Or the day after that, or the day after that. The past can't go away, but it can only hold you back if you let it. Letting go is easier said than done. But it's not impossible.\"" }, { "author": "The Hero of Legend", "message": "... There's a long, silent moment after Wild speaks. It... Makes sense. Legend had heard Zelda say this to him before, time and time again, when that self doubt crept into his bones and he felt like nothing more than a weapon to me wielded against evil. That he had no more use to people than as such. \n\nThat the moment he stopped being useful, Legend would be cast aside by those he loved and cared for. \n\nHis uncle often held him when he came back from Koholint, while he sat crying without any way to explain why. Legend would like to think that Uncle knew. That the world had become too much, too hard, too cruel. Everything was too loud, or sharp, or blunt. Uncle would hold him for as long as he needed, and make him vegetable stew afterwards. Sometimes he would make cinnamon roasted apples. Cheap. Easy. Nostalgic. \n\nA choking feeling settles in his throat. But Legend is 26 now. He's not a child. He's not. He's not. So, he should not be pulled apart like this, strung up like a broken puppet trying to flail at pretending to be a man. \n\nIf Legend had to guess, he was more akin to a walking corpse. Biding on borrowed time until the Goddesses saw fit to release him. \n\nA broken toy. \n\nHe tries to internalize what Wild has said, just as Zelda has said, just as Uncle has smoothed circled into his back. But Legend pulls away from Wild, his arms pulling away. The tears streaming down his face feel like they're molten, burning paths that could scar. Damning. A child's tears, not a man's. His eyes are downcast, dulled despite their bright color. \n\nThey turn up, meeting Wild's eyes. Reddened, the both of them, from crying. \n\n\"... I want to go home.\" ... It's a soft thing. Quiet and cracking under the pressure that builds in his throat. If he says anything more, he thinks he might burst into full tears and wail and sob and shout. It's unfair. It's all unfair. Why me? Why was it me? \n\n\"... I just... Want to go home.\"" }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Wild watched as Legend pulled back. He looked — and sounded — much younger than he actually was. Wild was no stranger to trauma, and this had to be it. \n\n\"I want to go home...\"\n\nIt broke his heart a little, but not in the way that he thought it meant Legend didn't want to be around him anymore. The Legend that Wild knew wasn't here right now. This was a different Legend, one that reminded him very much of Koko and Cottla, the two Sheikah children whose father, Dorian, was a former Yiga Clan member. The girls felt like little sisters to Wild. He would often visit Koko to keep her company at her mother's grave in the morning, helping her to make fresh Ring Garlands from the wildflowers that grew there. He would sometimes play games with Cottla, knowing that she didn't have any other young friends to play with. \n\nAnd sometimes, on particularly bad days, Wild would come over to Dorian's home to cook dinner for the family. Dorian often said he could never seem to quite replicate his wife's cooking, even when following the recipes. But Wild's magic touch in the kitchen somehow did the trick. He would stay for dinner with them, waiting patiently as Dorian asked Hylia's blessing, then digging in, listening to the stories of Koko's most interesting customers and Cottla's adventures running around the village. \n\nAnd right now, that big brother instinct was kicking in again. Forcing his own tears to stop, he nodded at Legend and stood up, holding out a hand to help him up and giving him a smile. \n\n\"Let's go home then,\" He said quietly, channeling the same energy he approached a crying Koko with. \"You can rest there, and I can make some apple pie. You can have as much as you want, too. I promise it will fill you right up. You'll feel good as new.\"" }, { "author": "The Hero of Legend", "message": "There's a choking sound that bubbles up at Wild's voice, the words there. It's not his uncle's. And it's not Zelda's. In a very faint sense, nestled into the back of his head in some forgotten place— he knows it is not familiar. \n\nNot in the way that it's been here before. Amongst the catalogue of people normally deemed safe (a short list). But, despite it all, everything that surrounds them, and what they just have done—... It was safe enough. Tired, dulled, barely there. Acknowledging, at the very least. Legend breathed, recognizing his lungs in his chest. They sting. \n\nA hand reached up, grasping at the hand offered and gripped. With a heft, his aching body forced itself up with the help of Wild's pull. \n\nSomewhere, Legend feels like he should be embarrassed. That this was a bit... Too much to show to someone that you barely know, despite being one of the same soul. \n\nThe other part doesn't care. It wants to be comforted. It was the arms of family. It wants a cabin house with an orchard and apple pie on the windowsill. \n\nSticky hands and laughter, painting each other with flour. Late nights staring up at the stars and pointing out constellations, naming each one and telling a story until he falls asleep. Sitting on a balcony, a soft hand in his too-calloused one. Or his head on soft silk, fingers carding through his hair. \n\nHe hates this. He hates fighting. He hates being a hero. \n\n\"... Okay. Apple pie. And constellations.\" There's a quiet hum as he glances up, even though it's still daytime. The hand lingers in Wild's for just a moment longer before it releases. \n\nApple pie and constellations." } ]	568	22,172
240.210526	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "douglas_135", "message": "Baorm: It had been a couple days since his meeting with Daphell, and Barom was trekking over the expansive plains of northern Hyrule. There were a few intriguing rumors of a boar moblin sighted somewhere in Hebra, possibly one of his lost tribe. Barom knew it was probably a red herring, but he had to look into it. It was the only lead he had at the moment. \n\nSo now, the large moblin was trekking his way through the open fields, his heavy boots leaving a trail of footprints and broken grass. It was slow going, but he rather travel by cross country than road anyway. There was less of a chance of running into a patrol or other travelers. He'd just as soon not deal with that headache, as he doubted many would be trusting of a well armed moblin. As the noon sun slowly slid into afternoon, Barom got his triple flute from his pack, and began practicing with it to kill some time while walking." }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "As if suddenly a stroke of fate, the ground fell from beneath her. Iryth, like any person who had at least somewhat a sense of self preservation, began to panic, traveling through what seemed to be a void that opened where she once stood. Was this a portal? She had traveled through small portals before, but the feeling of this seemed to warp her stomach, a sensation so strange and intense that she knew she couldn't possibly be within a standard travel portal. \n\nShe could almost swear she heard some sort of flute in the distance..?\n\nOnce she realized she felt gravity again, she had mere moments to comprehend that she was about to be spat out wherever she was being taken. She made an audible scream of fear as she fell flat onto her stomach into a patch of grass and twigs with a loud \"Umpf!\" She groaned, rolling onto her back and staring at the underside of trees for a moment, in a daze from her head hitting the ground, before she realized she was definitely not in a familiar place at all. She quickly snapped out of it, sitting up and observing her surroundings.\n\n Wherever she was, she knew she hadn't been there before, nor had she read about it." }, { "author": "Barom Wind-Chaser", "message": "The flute music abruptly stopped as Barom heard the scream. He froze and looked around, wondering if there was trouble on the horizon. Sniffing at the air didn't tell him too much, there wasn't any scents of monsters, bokoblins, lizalfos, moblins, or the other usual sources of danger. At least, none nearby. Still, he was curious about who it was. Turning from his current path, he made his way in the direction of the scream.\n\nBarom didn't make any particular effort to approach stealthily, so he was quite visible to Iryth as he neared. Barom was a large moblin, bulky and muscular, with a face like a wild boar. In one hand he had a spear that he used like a walking stick. In the other, an odd triple barreled large flute made from carved bone. He had a large satchel on his back, stuffed with supplies for the road. As he approached, he sniffed at the air again. Still no monster scents, but there was something new on the wind. A scent he never had smelled before. \n\nFollowing this new scent, it didn't take him long to spot Iryth, sitting in the shade of a cluster of trees. \"Oi! Ya okay over there?\" Barom called out. He could speak Hylian, though he had a rather thick accent." }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "She heard his voice and whipped her head around to look at him, and was quickly to her feet, her back against the tree, holding her hands in front of her, fear painted across her expression. \n\n\"A-Ah, yes, yes I am fine, thank you for asking... Sir...\" Her accent was strange as well, though not what would be considered thick, rather foreign but still clear. She had never seen such a creature, and although she was taller than the average Hylian as a Twili, the boar-like creature standing before her was still significantly larger than her. \n\n\"Uhm, would you p,perhaps be able to tell me where it is I currently am..?\" Her attire was interesting, it was obvious she frequently rode horseback by the riding pants and boots she wore, but the off-the-shoulder cloak and long, flared sleeves that seemed to be detached from the shirt under her corset was definitely what would be considered an interesting fashion choice in this area. Her bluish-gray skin, black markings on her face, and ombré apricot hair didn't make her stand out any less at all." }, { "author": "Barom Wind-Chaser", "message": "\"Heh, ain't exactly th' prettiest mug t' wake up to, is it?\" Barom said, chuckling at Iryth's reaction. To be fair, it was a reasonable reaction to meeting a moblin. He just took a seat on the grass, in an effort to make himself look less looming and intimidating. He also set aside his spear. \"But don' worry. I ain't gonna hurt ya. I jus' heard the scream, an' came t' investigate. Name's Barom, moblin of th' Rohg tribe.\"\n\n\"As fer where ya are, th' north end of central Hyrule.\" Barom said. \"Between th' Lost Woods an' Hebra. Been a lot of new people poppin' up as of late. Portals openin' up an' spittin' 'em out. No idea wha's goin' on or why there's portals. Thems too big of questions fer jus' a moblin. Except maybe Old Giromha. Anyway, if yer lost an' need t' get yer bearin's, might head fer th' woodland stable near th' Lost Woods, over east.\"\n\n\"...Though, if ya don' mind me askin',\" Barom hesitated a moment before speaking again. \"...Wha' are ya? Ain't ever seen somebody tha' gots skin like ya, an' yer scent is strange too.\"" }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "\"Hyrule... I figured as much, saying the contrast of this realm compared to my home, the Twilight Realm, but I haven't heard of a creature such as yourself, not even in studies... A Moblin? Very interesting.\" She replies. \"It is a pleasure to meet you, Barom,\" She says, as he continues. She listens intently to the information he is giving her. Portals, but transporting people from wherever they were first from. Was this a portal of greater power than she could fathom? The stable sounded nice, but she wasn't sure if her coin would be worth anything here. \n\nShe was surprised by his question. She had never read of him, and evidently he had never read of her. Though Twili were a common part of Hyrulean history, after Zant's evil campaign. Had he never heard of such a tale?\n\n \"I am of Twili kind. My name is Iryth, and I am an herbalist. I am interested in these stables you speak of, as I am one to frequent horseback, but I'm not sure if my coin would be of good use here. Rupee is still the standard, correct?\"" }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "Daphell had been working in the nearby trees, gathering truffles at the foot of the trunks and breaking down some of the branches off the trees for firewood later on that evening. He knew Barom would likely have something planned, and with the run to the closest stable for some ingredients the taste would probably be glorious. If there's one thing that never fails to appease me, it's food. Sweet, savory food.\n\nNot to mention he found a weird sheet of paper on the way back. It had plastered itself to his face by a large gust of wind, and despite trying to throw it aside it refused to leave. It felt alive, and so Daphell had stashed it with his other things.\n\nAs he got over a nearby hill and back to Barom, the Sheikah noticed that a new face had graced their presence— a young lady whose body was painted with jade-whites and night-blacks, with hair that burns and eyes that seemed... Confused. Maybe she fell into this world too?\"\n\nFor a little while longer, he observed rather than confronted. He was never good with girls anyway— was always too blunt with them." }, { "author": "Barom Wind-Chaser", "message": "\"Eh, well, truth be told, most moblins are assholes. Ya better keep yer distance from 'em. A lot of 'em served Ganon when he was stirrin' up trouble. But not the Rohg tribe. We're proud, an' we ain't ever gonna bend knee t' th' likes of him.\" Barom said, not wanting to steer Iryth wrong. \n\n\"Twili, huh. Tha's a new one. Still, can't be too different from 'ere. Ya use rupees like them hylians. They's always usin' rupees fer trade, so I think yer good.\" Barom said. \"Anyway, Th' woodlands stable is east, but me an' Daphell is goin' west an' north. But there's another stable tha' way too. It's a longer road, an' yer gonna hit th' Hebra chill before ya gets there, but if ya don' wants t' travel alone, ya can come with us. I was wantin' t' swing by there anyway, an' see wha' th' local rumors are.\"\n\n\"Speakin' of Daphell, wonder where he is. Said he was gonna dig up some mushrooms or somethin' an'... Ah! There he is!\" Barom said, looking around and spotting his Sheikah friend. He gave him a wave and beckoned him over." }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "\"Ah, I see. I'm glad that you do not associate with such a cruel man.\" She comments. \"Many of my people turned to darkness in hard times as well, he plagued my realm particularly in a constant state of darkness. We were blessed to be rescued by one warrior of the name Link, and to him I owe my life.\" She explains. \n\n \"Twili is unfamiliar to you? I suppose it makes sense, I have never heard of your kind.\" She listens intently to him after this, nodding and agreeing. \"Yes, that would be kind, as long as it is no bother to you or your friend. I am unfamiliar to this 'Hebra,' but I have an adequate resistance to cold. I find it is heat that is unbearable for me.\" She explains. \"Are you two traveling by foot?\" She asks, before noting that he called out for a person that she had not seen. She turns and looks toward the man. He is adorned in very interesting, unfamiliar attire, and she is taken aback by his pure white hair." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "Oh Goddess, why?* He asked himself. Of all the moments to be caught staring at anybody, it had to be Barom who called him out. He couldn't move for a solid minute as he stared at at the two of them from beside a tree. The prospect of a whole team together sounded nice but... He wasn't used to it.\n\nThere was a glimmer to the girl's eyes, a moment where he could sense he was being examined. The paralysis took hold in his legs, but the rest of him leaned forward. He was going to faceplant if he didn't do something, anything.\n\nAs his body tilted towards the ground, he broke into a quick, eye-blink Shudderstep and zipped to the both of them. Thankfully, he kept most of the herbs and mushrooms with him, though the twigs were looking slightly more scarce than before. \"Sorry, I uh... I didn't know we had a guest with us.\"" }, { "author": "Barom Wind-Chaser", "message": "\"T' be fair, neither did I. She jus' appeared nearby. Another one of them random folks being portaled in by Din knows what.\" Barom said. \"Anyway, Daphell, this is Iryth. Iryth, Daphell. An' yeah, we're on foot. Ain' a horse alive tha'll let a moblin ride it, even if they was big enough t' carry me. Most moblins prefer them giant ridin' boars, but thems rare. Big Rohg used t' have one, but I ain't seen it since th' calamity. But if ya two wants horses, there's wild ones around. I can smell 'em. Maybe ya can catch one an' tame it.\"\n\nBarom paused a moment, considering what Iryth said. \"Link, huh. Ya know, there's lotsa Links around right now. Seems like them portals are droppin' off a lot. But I know wha' ya mean. It was one of th' Links tha' slew Calamity Ganon, an' freed me.\" Barom said. \"Made a promise tha' if I ever runs into him, I'm gettin' him a pint of ale. Anyway, ya will probably get th' chance t' chat with 'em soon enough. Ya might find a magic parchment layin' around. Seems like lotsa people are findin' 'em.\"" }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "She was visibly surprised and confused by Daphell's demeanor and his choice of movement. Why didn't he just walk over? She could tell he was reluctant so she attempted to be as accommodating as possible towards him, sending a small wave his way after Barom introduced the two accompanied by a soft smile, but didn't address him fully quite yet as she listened in to Barom's input. \n\nShe wasn't one to Catch Wild horses, per se, more so she would connect with the horses in a respectful manner prior to ensure that she gained the trust of her new companion but also out of her deep care for all living things, animals and plants alike. If the journey was as extensive as it sounded, she would definitely rather ride a horse than walk the whole way, and she definitely wasn't feeling good enough to levitate the journey either. \n\nThe portal had really made her feel odd. \n\nThen something truly peaked her interest. \"Magic parchment? What is its purpose? What makes it magical compared to the standard?\" She inquires. This new land was filled with fascinating new information, and her experience with Barom had been nothing but pleasant thus far. Just looking around she had also seen some herbs she was yet to identify, that she hadn't even seen written about, despite her very studious nature. She had read volumes upon volumes of herbalism studies and botany informatives. She was very well read, however these were entirely unfamiliar. This didn't discourage her in the slightest, quite the opposite. \n\nThis made her hunger to learn even more." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "Daphell nervously nodded. \"Y-yes, uh... Nice to meet you, Iryth. You look rather unique.\" Wow, He thought. She could literally take that as a good thing or a bad thing, better clarify. \"That's a good thing, don't worry,\" He said.\n\nDaphell perked up at the mention from Barom. That phrase, 'magic parchment'... Is that what hit him in the face? He pulled it from his belongings and showed it to her. \"Probably one of these,\" He said, holding it out. \"Do you... Have a pen by chance? I just got this on the way back here so I don't know if it needs one.\"\n\nHe looked at Barom. \"I mean, I can definitely handle walking, even through snow. As long as I get peppers for myself, maybe something to cover up. The weather is usually blustery up there, and even with the hunting there could be dangers about.\" He shuddered, remembering the Lynel that had camped near one of the Shrines near the Lomei Labyrinth before the Upheaval." }, { "author": "Barom Wind-Chaser", "message": "\"Dunno who made it, or who scattered 'em all over Hyrule, but these magic parchments let ya talk t' whoever else has one of 'em. Either writin' or jus' plain speech.\" Barom explained. He glanced over at the sheet Daphell pulled out. \"Yeah, tha' looks like one of 'em, alright. I found one too shortly after arrivin'.\"\n\n\"Anyway, as fer th' cold, I still gots tha' elk pelt. Gonna make myself a winter cloak outta' it. Figure tha'd keep me warm enough.\" Barom said. \"Though if ya do wants t' tame a couple horses, I might go huntin' while yer doin' tha'. More pelts an' leather is always useful, an' with a third mouth t' feed, th' extra meat will be handy. Not likely t' find much once we hit th' snow. Do ya eat meat, Iryth? If not, we do gots some dried mushrooms an' fruit.\"" }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "She was surprised by his blatant admission, but took no offense to it once he reinstated his intention. \"Thank you, I'm quite intrigued by your attire as well,\" She replies to Daphell in a friendly manner. \"Ah,\" Iryth reaches into her satchel and pulls out a small fountain pen. It's pretty. \"I've filled it with ink already but if you require any more I have some,\" She explains. \n\nShe seems to very much respect Barom and his ideas, always focusing in on what he's saying and actively pursuing to learn from him with the generosity he's showing in explaining. He could've been a curmudgeon. He isn't, and it's refreshing. \"I only eat fish and egg,\" She expresses. \"Thank you for asking, I can also probably collect some more root vegetables and such if necessary.\" She adds. She was feeling grateful that of all the places the portal spat her out it was with two kind travelers who were willing to help." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "Daphell could kick himself over the momentary mistake of his offending action but he forced down his embarrassment as he carefully examined the pen. \"This is gorgeous. And you said \"Filled\"? I don't think I ever seen anything quite that fancy before.\"\n\nHe gently took the pen, and as he wrote out a sentence addressed to Barom he watched as it bled into the page and solidified. Barom, are you getting this? It read.\n\nHis ears perked up when she admitted she usually only ate fish and egg. It was something he knew how to do pretty well, though the best means of getting fish in Hebra was jumping into a river. \n\n\"If we're far enough south in Hebra once we get over there, it might be easy to fish. Or at the very least, I could probably jump into—\" As she stopped himself and looked at the two of them, his face turned red. He'd gone literally and figuratively off the deep end while hunting fish in his travels, but he wasn't certain if even Barom knew what those adventures entailed. \"I-I mean, if I'm off my rocker enough, which doesn't take much more than a begging stomach...\"" }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "\"Thank you, yes so rather than dipping the pen into the inkwell, you are able to fill a small canister within the pen itself and it will release the ink when you apply pressure to the page, as you saw there.\" She says as he writes onto the page. She was a bit surprised that this hadn't been common knowledge, but perhaps the invention was a local one to her, there were many brilliant people of her kind that she associated with, always open to trying out new ideas.\n\n\"I see. I usually am not in a hurry when I acquire my food, but I prefer a less violent approach, such as trapping the fish and being quick when preparing it for a meal.\" She expresses. \"I don't see that are particularly strange, there are many people who catch fish by hand, or by spear in the water. But I agree, I too can get restless when I'm hungry,\" She smiles at his admission. Such interesting company she's fallen into. She notices the shade of his face and smiles softly. She doesn't know why this would be an embarrassing detail, but she hasn't seen him perform such an endeavor, so she can't make a definitive answer." }, { "author": "Barom Wind-Chaser", "message": "Barom took a moment to unroll his own magic parchment, and grinned when he saw the message from Daphell appear. \"Yep, I gots it.\" Barom said, before rolling it back up. However, as Daphell interrupted himself, his smile faltered. He didn't quite know what his friend was worried about, but he had to wonder if it had anything to do with the Malice possession he had suffered earlier. \"Well... If ya needs, I can do th' fishin' fer ya.\"\n\n\"Anyway, not much left t' today. Light's fadin' fast. I figure we can camp 'ere tonight. Tomorrow, I'll 'elp ya track down a wild horse herd, an' ya can get th' ones ya want. Then we continue onto th' snowfield stable, an' ya can gets saddles an' such for 'em.\" Barom said, starting a small fire with the wood Daphell had gathered. He also hung the truffles Daphell had gathered over it to smoke and dry them for preservation. \"After tha', we've gots some rumors t' chase down in Hebra. Daphell is lookin fer mouse fae or picori, an' I'm lookin' fer members of my tribe. Up t' ya if ya still wants t' travel with us then, Iryth. Anyway, I'll takes first watch, so I can tend t' th' fire.\"" }, { "author": "douglas_135", "message": "Or Barom could make him one" } ]	242	4,564
201.9	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Wild", "message": "Wild found Legend underneath one of the larger trees, rolling an apple between his hands, picking at the skin. He took a deep breath and approached slowly. He could practically feel the steam coming off of the other hero. What happened in the parchment was... Strange, but he wasn't here to ask questions. \n\nOnce he reached Legend, he sat down cross-legged next to him under the shade. For a moment he was silent, mostly trying to think of something to say. He certainly wasn't going to ask anything of Legend that would tire him out further. Finally he just settled on his default: history.\n\n\"Did you know that no one really knows how this orchard first started?\" He asked. \"You would think it belonged to the ranch southwest of here, but they didn't own it. It was here supposedly before the ranch was even built.\"" }, { "author": "The Hero of Legend", "message": "His attention was down on the apple, peeling the skin off of it to avoid doing that to his own hands. Though, from the looks of it, he had already scratched up the back of his left hand before switching to doing this. \n\nIt was an unconscious thing. Felt like an itch that was beneath the surface. The root of all of his issues. Frankly, it was a miracle that Legend was even coherent much less able to move that fast after two straight days of no real sleep and horrific nightmares. \n\n... Then a nightmare come to life. A mockery of what he went though on Koholint. \n\nBut his ears twitched when he heard Wild approach... Still saying nothing. He wasn't sure if he had the energy to speak. Thankfully, Wild seemed to solve that for him. Talking about... The orchard just being here. \n\nThe farmer's eyes glance around, as if taking the information in. But he turns back to Wild with a tilt of his head. Yeah? What do you think of that? Any guesses? ... He wanted to ask. But the head tilt was good enough for now." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "The tilt of Legend's head was enough to tell Wild to keep going. \"Well, see, I have a theory that is pretty out of the ordinary. Probably not true, but it's a fun thought in my opinion.\"\n\nHe leaned back on his hands and looked up at the sunlight filtering through the leaves and branches. \"All over Hyrule, there are these little creatures that are something between plants and fae. They're called Koroks. Cute little things. If you manage to find one by solving a puzzle, they'll give you a Korok Seed. What's a Korok Seed? Well...\" Wild smirked. \"I'll give you a hint. It smells pretty bad.\"\n\nHe snickered a little before continuing. \"The Koroks live in the Lost Woods. Somewhere in that forest, there's a small apple orchard. And one of the puzzles they like to hide in is picking apples from trees to make the pattern of fruits the same. So...\"\n\nWild grins at Legend almost conspiratorially. \"Maybe the Koroks brought the apple seeds Here, And the Korok seeds helped them grow.\"\n\nHe knew he seemed a little too excited to be telling a story about Korok Seeds and Apple Trees, but he was trying to distract Legend enough to calm him down. He had a big present for Legend, but it would be no good if the guy was too sour to enjoy it." }, { "author": "The Hero of Legend", "message": "There's a long pause as Legend listens to the story, glancing now and then back up to keep in track with the tone of the tale. He had a good half of the dark spot on the apple pulled off, so it shouldn't be too much to eat soon. \n\nBut by the end of the story, Legend breathes out, his brows furrowed. And eventually, in a hoarse tones he just says: \n\n\"... Wait. Did you carry around fae shit? Do you Still Do that?\" \n\nThere's a bit of a mischievous shine in Legend's eyes, crinkled up in a way that showed the lines of age there. Or perhaps sun lines. But he can't help but snicker for a moment and the idea, shaking his head. \n\n\"... A fine idea. My theory was simply hoping this was the remnants of my orchard, kept alive. Since... My house was close to the castle. But, the castle had Kakariko Village next to it.\"" }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Wild let out a loud laugh. \"Hell yeah, I carried it around! There's a Korok in the woods that expands your inventory if you give them some! I still have hundreds of extras they couldn't use because they couldn't expand it any further and I kept finding more!\"\n\nAfter hearing Legend's idea, Wild was hit with a pang in his chest, but he kept the smile on his face. \"Hey, I like that idea too,\" He said with a nod. He reached his Zonai arm up and activated Ultrahand, plucking one of the fruits off and catching it normally as it fell.\n\n\"Y'know, Central Hyrule wasn't always as it is now,\" He explained, taking out his Dinaraal Reaper and sticking the apple onto the end of it. \"Used to be mostly forested. You never know, you could be right.\" \n\nWild watched silently as the apple slowly baked on the blade, steam coming from it as it cooked. \"But you know, it doesn't have to just be the Remnants Of it.\" He left the statement hanging, a small smile on his lips." }, { "author": "The Hero of Legend", "message": "\"You saw hundreds of extras as if I want fae shit.\" Legend scoops out the rest of the bad part of the apple and flicks it away, taking a bite out of it. His head is still in a haze, too much going on that it's blended together. \n\nSo he focuses on the stickiness on his fingers from the apple, instead. Because at least the uncomfortable feeling keeps him in the moment. His curiosity does alight at the strange weapon Wild brings out to... Roast an apple. But he doesn't say much yet. \n\n\"... Not sure I understand. If I had the Harp of Ages I could go back and check if it was, but...\"" }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "\"Relax, I'm not giving you Korok Seeds,\" Wild snickered. \"Don't even know if I can. Hestu's presence seems to be the only thing that lets me access them in my Sheikah Slate.\"\n\nWild thought for a moment. He wanted to tell Legend about what he had for him but... There was something they needed to talk about first. They hadn't had the chance yet.\n\n\"You know,\" He started, his voice much quieter than normal, \"I'm sorry if I was harsh back at the riverbank. I... Did mean what I said, though. I don't remember my parents. I don't know what it's like to have one, but... I imagine it's something like this. Seeing those things on you... I thought I was about to lose you. And... That terrified me.\"" }, { "author": "The Hero of Legend", "message": "The lighthearted features on Legend's face grew somber rather quickly, then thoughtful. The masses of thoughts still stuck around, white noise in his ear practically. But he crushed them all down into a cube to be dealt with later. \n\n... It... Wasn't something he hadn't thought about. He leans back, head hitting the tree behind him as he started up at the light filtering between the tree leaves. \n\n\"No, you needed to be harsh. I wouldn't have listened otherwise. Hell, I probably still have some injuries here and there I just can't feel anymore.\" A low, derisive chuckle escapes him, he can't help it. He's a hypocrite— telling people to care for themselves and ignoring himself. \n\n\"I think... It's been enough time for myself to bring it up to Zelda. The idea of having kids, you know?\" Legend breathes out. \"... Been thinking about names for a bit. Thought Will was a good one for my first son... What do you think?\"" }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Wild blinked for a second. No way that was a coincidence. Legend saying he would name his kid something that was a single letter from Wild's nickname... A smile with watery eyes appeared on his face.\n\n\"I... Yeah. I think that's a cool name...\" He managed to choke out. To be honest, he had been kind of dreading the inevitable day when Legend would have to leave. Return to his era to live out his life alongside his own Zelda. He was starting to think of Legend as a real part of his family, and he wasn't sure if things would feel the same without him.\n\n\"But, until then, you Will Need a place to stay. And I know you can't sit still when you're in Hateno. So if you're ready, what say you we talk to Hudson over there?\" Wild mentally crossed his fingers, hoping Legend would like this and not take it the wrong way or something." }, { "author": "The Hero of Legend", "message": "There's a soft smile that curls on his lips. This is something he can focus on. This feeling. The warm, blossoming thing in his chest. The Protectiveness That comes there. \n\nIt strikes him so hard. He knew it before, but it's cemented now. He would die for Wild, in a heartbeat. Even if it hurt him. He doesn't want any harm to come to the man if he can help it. \n\nThis was his kid. His Kid. \n\nLegend breathed out of his nose, his gaze downward towards the quickly browning apple. He bites into it. \n\nHudson, huh? Guess he wants me to build myself a house. It's... Not a bad idea. \n\n\"... Sure, kid. I'm ready to go talk.\"" } ]	200	2,019
278.5	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Sillu", "message": "Sillu awakens, long body twisted around and laid out on the craggy, Elden rocks. She's soaked in salt water, which fills even her nostrils and burns as she raises her head. She shakes her head, coughing up several gallons of sea water onto the ground before rumbling and looking around. \n\nThe entrance to get temple is no where to be seen, and everything around her is foreign. Cooled stone on death mountain, which in itself looks different, and the smells of completely new things everywhere. What is all this? Her master surely has new commands! Some sort of explanation! The dragon opens her maw and let's out roar into the air! ... But there's no response. Only echoes of her own loud outburst.\n\nShe can't feel him anywhere. The anger that usually filled her head, fed by her king was gone. The dragon looks around and hisses in weariness. Hissing at the world feels appropriate at the moment." }, { "author": "Din, the Oracle of Seasons", "message": "It is perhaps with a bit of reprehension that Din decided to leave the desert to go and help a newcomer to the timeline, only for help to have already arrived before she could even intervene. But perhaps this was a sign that she should simply take things as she always did: as a time to wander about the land and take in its sights. \n\nWith the water currently being poisoned, this truly changed nothing for her. The decanter that Nayru had gifted her still flowed with fresh water, and thus she was never at a loss for it. She felt the plight of the others, she truly did. But there was a singular certainty that the woman knew: she would outlast. No matter what the oracle encountered, she would survive.\n\n... Which is why when a roar split the air and rung about in her ears, Din took the time to wince and clap her hands over her ears... Before searching for the source of the noise.\n\n... It certainly did not take long. The long, scaled form of a serpentine dragon rose and looked about. It was similar to the one she had seen Wind fly on and into the desert (and then proceed to fall from), yet this one was less... Neutral, perhaps. Had a bit of an awareness to it? Or rather, it looked to be doing so. It? He? She? The nature of dragons eludes her.\n\n... Not to mention her apprehension of them. Onox was, after all, a dragon himself. \n\nDin nonethelss raised her head, chin jutted up. And a hand is raised as well, waving about as if to flag the dragon down. Even if the outcome is terrible, she could simply make a very quick getaway and have a very fun story to tell. \n\n\"Excuse me! It's rather rude to roar in the ears of a woman! Do you not have any manners left?\" ... On second thought, this was perhaps a terrible idea." }, { "author": "Sillu", "message": "Something is chittering at her nearby. The dragon looks around before spotting the waving arm of Din, and is suddenly caught in a dilemma. Normally her master would likely tell her to just eat such a creature, but this one has red hair, and even from here, smells like the sun scorched sands. \n\nWith Gerudo having been long chased out of Hyrule in her own timeline, she ... Really isn't sure what to do with someone who has these traits. Or anyone, really, there's no orders anymore regarding anyone. Still, curiosity nags at the young creatures mind. Her head lowers as an eye is turned towards Din, getting an up close look at the Oracle. Sort of like how a bird turns it's head to examine an object more closely. \n\nThere's a reptilian rumbling sound from beasts maw before it gives her a closer sniff as well. The head turns again to gently nudge Din's exposed belly.\n\nNow this is confusing. She smells like Hylians, too! How could one bare the scent of both her master and his enemies? ... Did she fight the Hylians? The Vai in her world had been banished for being his followers, having not yet turned on Voe leadership yet. But she's never seen one resembling a Gerudo Vai, either. Only heard of them through her masters angered thoughts." }, { "author": "Din, the Oracle of Seasons", "message": "Din watches the dragon slowly begin to lower herself, a rather large eye staring intently at the Gerudo woman. The nose, close to her belly. Cold, yet the breath is hot. Gunpowder that's been lit in the winter. All capabilities, there. Din is a strong spirit, she certainly know that— if it came down to it, she would have the strength to run from this creature. \n\nHer hands raised up instinctively to allow access (and prevent vaguely from being bitten off immediately). There was no real way for her to know what this beast was thinking. And she's not sure she understood what she was saying. \n\nShe's rusty, but... With a breath, the oracle begins to speak in the Force Era's dialect. \"Can you understand me here?\"\n\nA pause. She swaps to the Era of Time: \"Or any better here, perhaps? I do not know many other versions of Hylian. I have yet to learn this one's, though by magic it is with me.\"\n\nAt the very least, her smile is with no teeth. But still there." } ]	254.5	1,114
114.2	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "Yaaaaaawn.\n\nA slow day, as usual. Nothing for a bokoblin to do. Roewen wandered aimlessly around the wilderness, flipping rocks and chasing bugs... Just trying to find something... Anything to do. His brain demanded stimulation and he wasn't getting any.\n\nEventually, Roewen gave up, defeated. He took a seat on a nice rock and laid in the warm sun. Oh well. It wasn't like something to do was just going to appear in front of him." }, { "author": "Genesis", "message": "Except! Something was going to appear right in front of him! And that Thing Was Genesis, who could hardly be considered a person at this point. Genesis was carrying a strange glowing lantern alongside... Mutton of some kind. Not that he could eat. It seemed like it was for something else. \n\n\"Roewen.\" Genesis states, as if his sudden appearance wasn't frightening enough. The ghost was not good at introductions, and for some strange reason he thought a sudden arrival and knowing the beasts name was enough.\n\n\|\|" }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "WAAUGH?!?!?!\n\nAs something to do just appeared in front of him, the bokoblin shrieked and fell backwards off his rock. It took him a moment to scramble back to his feet. He instinctively held his dagger out, pointing it directly at Genesis' neck, panting.\n\nHe did eventually come to his senses and lower his weapon. It was just the guy from the parchment. Roewen had seen him once before... He just wished he wouldn't scare him like that.\n\nWhat did this guy want?" }, { "author": "Genesis", "message": "He didn't react to the knife being pointed at him. Dead eyes just stared at the blade with a blank expression, completely unbothered by the threat. It wasn't a question of Roewen's strength, just a fact that Genesis was already dead. It literally wouldn't do anything, nor did the elder hero have an intention of engaging in battle. \n\n\"Ah. I did not mean to startle you.\" His voice is very direct. Genesis then passes the mutton to the monster, acting as if this were a casual occurrence. \"I suppose I can need a better warning next time. I brought you food, is this food?\" Genesis wasn't entirely sure." }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "With a sigh, Roewen lowered his dagger and stepped back.\n\n...The thing in Genesis' hand appeared to be food. Roewen gave it a quick sniff, and concluded that yes, this was food. The bokoblin happily took the mutton and proceeded to messily devour it.\n\nRoewen wasn't much for words; he'd gotten used to having nobody understand him, so he didn't say a whole lot, except for a small grunt of thanks in between bites." } ]	109	571
114.333333	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Minish Hero", "message": "Getting Ezlo had been a good thing for Minish. Sure, Ezlo slept a lot, and didn't approve of Dr. Left the Lynel or Thagia the Thunder Gleeok, but Minish didn't particularly care. His only human friends here were Light's band of friends, the Hero of Men, and Wild and Flower. Even then, he barely knew Flower from beyond the time he'd spent in her house. \n\nHe had nowhere to call home at the moment, so his monster friends were a comfort. Sure they were dangerous, but they'd protect him from the other monsters. He'd be safe with them at least. And truthfully, he needed friends. He missed Zelda. He missed Grandpa and the forge. He missed home. \n\nThis Hyrule was amazing to him, and he never regretted meeting these people, but he missed his family too. And he tried hard Not To think about how worried they all must be that he was just gone. \n\nHe sat on a rock overlooking the lost woods. He shivered. He wasn't ever going back there. It was too much." }, { "author": "Yuko, the vigorous.", "message": "Stomp. Stomp. Stomp. Stomp. Stomp.\n\nHe'd been all over the place today. Wandering around Hyrule and seeing places was just something Yuko did all the time. He didn't have all that much else to do, since most monsters are unemployed (unless you count hitting things with clubs as an occupation) and didn't have anything super important that demanded his attention right this instant.\n\nBoy, was he tired. His legs were killing him. He needed to take a rest... And what better place to rest within the area than on one of his favorite-\n\n...Rocks.\n\nWho... Who was that. Sitting there. On his rock.\n\nThe moblin inched closer to the stranger, his hand hovering over his club juuuuuust in case." }, { "author": "Minish Hero", "message": "Minish watched the big Moblin carefully. On the one hand, he could take a Moblin. He'd taken several on in his own time. But...\n\nThe Moblin was hesitant, like him. It didn't look like it wanted to hurt him. Kinda like how Dr. Left and Thagia had looked. Minish let a small smile creep onto his face.\n\n\"Hi there,\" He said quietly. He waved. \"Are you friendly?\"" }, { "author": "Yuko, the vigorous.", "message": "It's making noise. Why is it making noises at me.\n\nYuko responded only with a one eyed stare. This hylian didn't seem to immediately freak out upon seeing him... How strange. Usually people would have flipped their shit by now.\n\nThe moblin inched closer, looming over the lad for a few seconds, before reaching down and trying to pick him up by the scruff of his clothes. Yuko wanted his rock back." }, { "author": "Minish Hero", "message": "Minish had no problem being in the air. Being in the air hanging by his tunic though, that is where he lost his temper. He squirmed and kicked against the air to no avail.\n\n\"HEY! PUT ME DOWN!\" \n\nHe glared at the Moblin to show he meant business, but he even had to admit it probably didn't look that intimidating to anyone else." }, { "author": "Yuko, the vigorous.", "message": "Sniffff sneef sniff snorf.\nMuch like a dog does when meeting a new person, the moblin sniffed at this loud, wriggly stranger... The only difference here being that dogs typically are not almost 12 feet tall, nor do they grab you by your tunic and hold you in the air.\n\nWhen all was said and done, he let go of the hero, sending them down a gentle 4 and a half feet from the ground. With his beloved rock chair now free, the moblin went ahead and took a seat.\n\nThough, his gaze remained fixed on the green-clad individual. They didn't seem... Bad. Well- okay, maybe a little bit loud. But they seemed to not be afraid of Yuko, which was interesting to him. Being a moblin means that most people are afraid of you and either want you dead or otherwise gone.\n\nThe moblin watched in silent reconsideration, then scooted over to make room on the rock for the hylian." }, { "author": "Minish Hero", "message": "\"Hey that was my spot!\" Minish cried out indignantly. \n\nHe pushed against the Moblin's leg. He made no progress.\n\nWho did the Moblin think it was? Minish had that rock fair and square. And he wasn't about to let the first big punk who walked along take his seat from him. \n\nHe pulled his power bracelets from his pouch and put them on his wrists. Confidently he walked to Yuko, and picked the Moblin up." }, { "author": "Yuko, the vigorous.", "message": "Oh, so it's like that, huh?!\n\nYuko had never been picked up before; never had he personally encountered anyone stronger than he until now. He froze up for a moment, not really knowing what to do in this situation.\n\nThe monster growled and hissed and snarled in protest, but didn't seem to do much besides that." }, { "author": "Minish Hero", "message": "Minish put Yuko on the ground and sat back on the rock. He stuck his tongue out at Yuko. He crossed his arms and worked to plant himself firmly on the rock. \n\n\"Not so much fun being picked up, is it?\" Minish taunted. \n\nHe lounged back and began basking in the sun. It served the Moblin right. He'd been there first. And he didn't like being picked on just because he as smaller than people. He was quick to let people know what he thought of that. The Moblin was no different." }, { "author": "Yuko, the vigorous.", "message": "Yuko just stood there... Offended. Flabbergasted. Astounded. Gobsmacked. Confounded. Who did this guy think he was? Ridiculous. Ridiculous folly. Unacceptable. Inexcusable.\n\nA frustrated huff left the moblin's snout. He growled and forced his way back onto the rock. This means war, little man. This. Means. War." }, { "author": "Minish Hero", "message": "Minish fell to the ground as the Moblin pushed him off of His Seat again. His eyes narrowed. \n\nAlright then. He'd play this game. He pulled his pagasus boots from his pouch and put them on his feet. He'd show the Moblin what he thought of being pushed around. \n\nLink went over to the rock and effortlessly picked the entire thing up. And then he began running as fast as he could from the Moblin." }, { "author": "Yuko, the vigorous.", "message": "What the-?! That's cheating! You can't do that! He can't do that, right? He can't!!\n\nYuko got off the rock when he felt it being picked up from underneath him. This little green guy was getting on his nerves... That was Yuko's rock, and now it's being stolen?! Absolutely not. This cannot continue!\n\n\"ROOWAAAAARRGHH!\"\nThe moblin unleashed an imposing and resonant war cry as he charged after the thief carrying his rock.\n\nSTOMP. STOMP. STOMP. STOMP. STOMP." }, { "author": "Minish Hero", "message": "He laughed. That would show the Moblin. Now he needed somewhere to put it. Then he heard the war cry and knew he was in trouble. He looked back to see the Moblin coming after him. \n\nIn a panic he turned forward again and came face first into a three. He fell backward comically. He groaned. \n\nHe lay there dazed. The rock was somewhere near and he should probably find out exactly where, but his face and upper body hurt." }, { "author": "_d6", "message": "Cheaters never prosper. This statement held especially true when the thief collided with the tree. Yikes. Rest in peace, Minish's face.\n\nOn the bright side, getting this rock back would be easier than Yuko had initially thought. He came to a halt, taking a moment to look at the now fallen hero, before snorting and walking over to his rock. It took a bit of effort, but the moblin was able to lift the rock up and onto his shoulder (Yuko is STRONG). He turned to walk back to its original spot, but stopped for a second to consider something.\n\n...With a sigh, he 180'ed back over to Minish and picked him up with his free hand, setting him on top of the rock. He felt kind of bad." }, { "author": "Minish Hero", "message": "Minish looked up at the Moblin, confused. Minish had to admit, he hadn't been very fair to the creature, so he wasn't sure why it was being so kind to him. \n\n\"Um thanks. I'm Link. Everyone here calls me Smith, though. There's lots of people named Link here. Do you have a name?\" \n\nHe wondered if the Moblin was actually like Dr. Left and Thagia, and didn't just hate him. He would be happy for another monster friend." }, { "author": "Yuko, the vigorous.", "message": "The moblin held eye contact for a second, then snorted and sat down next to, not on, next to the rock, and enjoyed the view.\n\nHe didn't understand what Link was saying to him, but even if he did, he wouldn't really be able to pronounce his own name, would he? The language barrier was, unfortunately, very much a thing. Despite this, it didn't seem that the moblin harbored any ill will towards the green-clad hero. Any aggression he had earlier was not present; he just really wanted his rock back.\n\nHis one eye would look away from the view every now and then to glance at Minish, to see if he was okay." }, { "author": "Minish Hero", "message": "\"I guess I could call you 'Boulder,' but that's a little too on the nose...\" \n\nMinish thought. The Moblin didn't take to him as quickly as Thagia or Dr. Left. Minish wasn't entirely sure what to make of the Moblin either. But he did like the creature. \n\n\"I'll call you Twig. After the big tree I ran into!\"" }, { "author": "Yuko, the vigorous.", "message": "Twig. How delightfully unfitting of a nickname it was. Too bad Yuko could not comment on his new alias. All he could do was reply with a snort and a nod of acknowledgement.\n\n...But how else could he communicate in a way that could be understood?\n\nAfter a moment of silent thought, the moblin leaned over to his new friend, and pointed to his own snout. Then, he motioned towards the tree he ran into earlier. Afterwards, he clapped his hands together. Face. Tree. Impact. The moblin finished by tilting his head at the hero, as if waiting for a response." }, { "author": "Minish Hero", "message": "Minish watched the Moblin's motions curiously. Was he concerned for how he felt? That had to be it! \n\nHe waved his hands. \"I'm okay!\" He flashed two thumbs up. \"I have had much worse hits than that!\" \n\nHe pointed to the Moblin and talked as he did. \"Are you okay?\"" }, { "author": " Yuko, the vigorous. ", "message": "Him? Okay? Last time Yuko checked, it wasn't him that had just suffered a head-on collision with a tree. Yuko had no visible injuries beyond the many many scars he's had for years now.\n\nThe half-burnt moblin nodded. He was okay, and had definitely been worse before.\n\n...Seems he understood these gestures. Perhaps communication wasn't impossible." }, { "author": "Minish Hero", "message": "\"I'm glad you're okay,\" Minish breathed out. \n\nHe rubbed his stomach and pointed back at Yuko and tilted his own head. \n\n\"Are you hungry? My friend Light has taught me to hunt better.\"" }, { "author": " Yuko, the vigorous. ", "message": "Hungry? Is he hungry? No- am \\I\\* Hungry?— Well, not particularly, but—\n\nThe message reahed Yuko, who looked back, scratched his chin for a moment, and then shrugged." }, { "author": "Minish Hero", "message": "\"Oh. Okay.\" Minish nodded. If the creature wasn't hungry, he wasn't quite sure if he needed to eat now either. He could always find a meal at a stable. \n\nHe pointed down to the rock, \"Is this your home?\"" }, { "author": " Yuko, the vigorous. ", "message": "Rock.\n\n...Yuko tilted his head. There were not as many gestures involved, so it took him a second to figure out what was being asked.\n\nIt was a nice rock and all, but home to him was wherever the wind took him... Mostly because his previous home got burned down and everyone else was killed. He barely made it out alive, escaping with a huge burn scar and fewer eyes than usual.\n\n...He could try to communicate this. Maybe.\n\nHe pointed off in some direction, and made a sort of roof over his head with his hands. Over there, home.\n\nWith a growl, he raised his club, and put both of his hands together. Conflict. Fighting.\n\nThen, he swished his hands through the air in a large, flowing motion. He gestured things falling. He dragged a finger across his throat. Fire. Destruction. Death.\n\nBy now, he seemed a little out of it. Seems like remembering this took a bit of a mental toll on the big guy...\n\nAfter a momentary pause, he made a roof with his hands again, then made an X with his arms. No home.*" } ]	96.5	2,744
157.658537	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "As the miles passed, Link slowly began to realize how much of a toll the trip had taken on them. Their magic was seemingly dampened, likely the portal stealing some of their magic to keep itself sustained. A dense collection of shrubbery and trees the size of Hinoxes filled the landscape before them, which only further added to the anxiety. Not only did they have no idea where they were going, save for the few semblances of old trails, but the monsters here seemed to be... Varied. Some were more powerful than others. They wondered if-\nA snarl broke them from their thoughts. A Lizalfos, coated in a thick, dark red substance, leapt out from the foliage and brought down a greatsword. Link's eyes widened as they narrowly dodged the attack. Pupils dialating, they held out a hand and snapped their fingers, sending sparks throughout their arm and into the creature's head. It wasn't enough to put it down, but it was enough to make it drop the weapon. Link, siezing the opportunity, grabbed the blade and hoisted it over their head, bringing it down with enough force to cleave the head and a small bit of the torso in two.\nA sigh escaped them as they stepped back, acknowledging the monster as dead. For now. But their arms suddenly felt weak. Their chest felt tight. They needed to find somewhere to eat and rest, and soon." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "Evening, the perfect time to hunt for mushrooms. Not enough light to keep most travelers out, just enough that Ganondorf's vision could allow him to see through his one functional eye. His pig stood to his right, guiding him and allowing for him to remain steady. Curse these old bones, He thought.\n\nAn alert, the sound of a monster nearby. The old man wanted to keep rooting, but unfortunately for him, his pig was already excitable. He felt her weigh shift away, and as he turned his head to see her better, he watched her disappear into the thick brush.\n\n\"Dammit, Vorka, why must you do this every time...\" He muttered, drawing one of his long blades. He was not going to go fighting a creature without being prepared, especially with the Eclipse having screwed so much over. As he quickly approached the source of the noise, though, the Gerudo's eyes fell upon a Hylian, who had just dispatched the creature. \n\nVorka was still running towards the stranger, and unfortunately he had to blow his cover. Not that it mattered much when you're nine feet tall.\n\n\"Vorka, down!\"" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "The moment that the pig bursted forth from the shrubbery, they aimed a finger towards the creature and snapped their fingers. A small burst of electricity leapt from his fingers and towards the pig's neck, causing the creature to have its movement at least somewhat incapacitated. They were jumpy. And hearing the sound of what they recognized as the former Demon King himself didn't quite help that excitement.\nLink twirled around and held out a hand to their side, semblances of magic gathering in their hand. The energy extended outward, forming the figment of a blade, not entirely unlike the Master Sword. It stabilized and solidified, revealing the Manabane. The blade reeked of magic, although not specifically that of light magic, nor was it as potent as the blade of evil's bane.\nThey brought the blade foreword and in front, ready at a moment's notice to jump into action and fight what they assumed to be a still very cursed version of the man he'd come to know as a friend." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "He hissed as Vorka took a tumble at the person's side. She was still alive, thank the Sands, but... That was His pig.\n\nHe drew his sword forward and flicked a bit, calling down a lightning crack that ignited his blade with a crackle of electricity. \"It takes a great deal of bravery, or perhaps Stupidity, to be hurting my truffle pig. What sort of a coward dares to harm an innocent creature?\"\n\nHe did not want to fight. His joints ached from the walk and he was about ready to turn in to the stable nearby for the night. But nobody hurts Vorka. It was one of the few good reminders of home, and of the friend who'd been so kind to him despite the warnings on Outset." }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "Their breathing was heavy. Clearly they didn't have a lot of fight in them, and as long as Ganon didn't move much, neither did they. But considering that one of their hands was preoccupied, they would be hard pressed to communicate. So, instead, they took a risk.\nEver so slowly, they lowered their blade and let it fade into a magical mist, evaporating into the nothingness. As their hands freed, they began to sign." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "Hylian sign. Familiar. The Hero of Time had been one to engage due to his difficulty getting his point across in anything but Deku. He nodded and tapped his blade on the ground, discharging the electricity before placing the blade back in its sheath. He smirked and walked around them, as it was clear they were still jumpy. He sidled until he got move in and check Vorka's pulse before smirking.\n\n\"A Sorcerer Hero, hm? Haven't seen that quite yet,\" He said. He grabbed his rope and carefully tied a harness before pulling her over his shoulder. \"This world continues to surprise me.\"\n\n\"There's a stable over this way,\" He said. He began to walk and he gestured towards the nearby bend. \"As long as Vorka wakes up, I'll be a happy man. Though please don't do it again, I really would rather not end up slipping a disk.\"" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They stepped back, assuming that Ganondorf also wanted some space. The rumble of their stomach and the creaking of their joints didn't help make them feel any more capable of fighting.\n\nThey held their hands over their stomach and let their cloak drape over them for a moment before glancing back towards Ganon." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "\"Your stomach is loud, young'un.\" He had no reason to continue with a kingly charade. \"You're lucky I came out here hunting truffles, I should have plenty for us both. If you're... Interested in joining, I mean.\"\n\nHe smiled at their offer. \"If you feel it's necessary to check her, then I'd be happy to make sure she's okay. I have little healing magic of my own, and even if I did, I doubt it would have any use on swine.\"\n\nAnother Link who has set down their blade. Good. With everything going on and that crazy kid surely willing to cut his head off on any given day, Ganondorf was glad to have found someone willing to show restraint.\n\n\"What's your name, kid?\" He asked." }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "Seeing someone who shared the same face with the Ganondorf that they knew was strange enough. But seeing how very similar yet different they were was another affair entirely.\n\nThey felt as though they owed him something. Attacking his pig was one thing, but seeing that scar, and knowing the history of the kingdom, knowing what might've happened...\n\nLink began the trek towards the stable, trying to focus their mind on the here and now." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "\"Ganondorf,\" He said. \"But I've come to be called Gramps.\"\n\nAs they trekked towards the stable, he spoke up again. \"Where you're from? So I take it you got dropped into this place as well. Right now, it's been a bit of a mess. Everyone seems to be running around like cuccos with their heads cut off, no discernible goal in mind despite the threats ahead.\"\n\nHe sighed. \"Ah, but look at that, an old codger like me, complaining on an empty stomach.\"" }, { "author": "Vorka", "message": "`Vorka snorts. She forgives you.`" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "Link almost snorted at the nickname. Never once in their life would they consider calling the Ganondorf they knew 'Gramps'. That was almost as bad as someone calling him 'unc'. Which, they honestly didn't doubt someone would.\n\nThey glanced towards Vorka and slowly reached over, petting the back of her neck." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "Gramps nodded. \"Well, according to the chatterboxes on parchment, the Calamity seems to have been dispatched not too long ago. Some of us were flung here, but others made a decision to go out of curiosity.\"\n\nHe smiled as they grew closer to the stables. \"If you've been brought here from the future, I can't imagine that it's been easy to adjust. Technology is... Different here. I would know— this is a fling forward for me.\"\n\nHe felt Vorka squirm a bit on his back. \"Easy girl, we're almost there.\"" }, { "author": "Vorka", "message": "`Vorka accepts pets, snuffling happily at the thought.`" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "As they recalled, they were in the Era of Wilds. But when the question of technological comparisons came up, the hero hummed. Memories of their mildly capable technologies coming to mind.\n\nThey let out a small sigh as the stable came into view. Thoughts of a warm bath and food came to mind, spurring Link to walk a bit faster." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "Gramps hummed. He could see how eager they were to get to safety. Whatever they'd been through getting here, the boon of a warmer place beckoned. He shifted, and his back popped a bit. Rest sounds lovely right now. And I can use the cooking pot.\n\n\"My era?\" He asked. He thought for a moment as he listened. \"My era was... Complicated. I was born far back, in a time where there was a Hero of Time. Then I was locked in the Sacred Realm for Sands knows how long. And once I escaped, the world was flooded. Once I got my wish and took Hyrule for my own, though... Conquest was never more bitter. 20 years of ruling over a Kingdom with no Gerudo to give it to puts things into... Perspective.\"\n\nA golden paper butterfly flits from beneath his robes as he walked. The voices of parchment were quiet today. \"Have you found your parchment yet?\"" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "The realization of just how old Ganondorf was hit them. The way that he spoke insinuated a wisdom which had come from his tragedy, as though his victory had only been a loss in disguise.\n\nThey wondered just how much each version of Ganondorf might've gone through. Were there more? What stories might they hold?" }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "\"Hyrule's leadership is in safer hands than it's even been where I'm from. Chancellor Tetra was once a fearsome pirate captain, so she knows the value of democracy and knows when it is time for another to lead.\" He huffed. \"Believe me, the politics of the ruling class are nothing short of monotonous bitching sessions.\"\n\nAs they closed in on the stable, he slowly lowered Vorka to the ground and set her by the cooking pot, where the fire could keep her warm. He extended one of his hands and allowed the paper butterfly to rest. \n\n\"There's a piece of strange paper that speaks in the voices of the others who have been caught up in this storm. It's not for casting spells, though— it's a communications device. I folded mine up into this shape as I speak more than I write.\"" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They somewhat smiled at Ganondorf's assessment of politics. It really wasn't that far from the truth, even in their time. Thankfully, things had begun to change once their adventure was over.\n\nTheir face seemed to drop a bit, but the feeling smoothed out, especially once they began looking for ingredients to purchase. They would need them, even if not now.\n\nThey placed down a silver rupee and took a few fish, Goron seasoning, salt, and fruit." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "\"The Slate seems to be the choice for a lot of people here— it's native to this time period. But the parchment... Nobody truly knows where it came from. Honestly, wouldn't be surprised if Nayru dropped her book of law and the leaves within scattered.\"\n\nAs he glanced over the ingredients, he pulled out his haul of mushrooms. \"Do you think these will help any? They're hearty truffles, Very Good for staying healthy.\" He also pulled out his teapot. \"And of course I can't avoid treating a mysterious stranger with some tea, even if Vorka took a slug for it.\"" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They snickered. It suddenly came to their mind how comfortable they were around this variation of Ganon. Whereas they'd always felt a kind of pity for the man they'd spend so much time travelling with, this version seemed a bit more at peace with himself. Content. It was nice to see him so laid back, even if they started out on the wrong foot.\n\nThey were delighted to have something which would restore them to full. The truffles in their time were even harder to come by, only once before had they tasted them. The offer of tea as well had them excited, as it was one of their favorites." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "The glint of glee in their face was something he hadn't seen since... Ah, he thought. I miss her still.\n\n\"Plenty. Vorka is a very good hunter and knows where the strongest truffles tend to be. I think I gathered... Hm, 13 today?\" He bent down and gave the pig one of the truffles in his hands. \"Well, there's 12 now.\"\n\nHe got out his tea set and got to work with his herbs, taking a mortar and pestle to them. He'd learned how to have a delicate hand with the tool, as too many a time they'd break under his sheer strength. The pestle was tiny in his fingers, yes, but a small amount of pressure was all that was needed. \n\n\"So tell me more about where you're from, Mythos. What sort of world is it?\"" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They stepped over to the well, drawing a bucket up and washing the ingredients before taking their gauntlets and arm wrappings off. From the back of their belt, they unsheathed a small knife with a sapphire imbedded on the very end of the hilt. Between moments of preparing, they continued signing.\n\nStep by step, they cut off the heads of each individual fish, cutting the center open and removing slabs of the meat within that they knew was safe to consume. They coated them in a thin layer of spice and salt, although they were clearly a fan of it since they practically lathered their portion it the stuff.\n\nThey didn't exactly look like they took pride in the title." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "\"So yours broke free of the curse as well. That's... It's good to know there's someone out there who has. Are they well, those two?\"\n\nHe pet Vorka for a little bit as she shakily pulled herself up. She slinked over to Mythos and gently poked her nose against their leg. Gramps put the tea on to boil before getting to work prepping mushrooms.\n\n\"She warms up fast to Heroes. Always has. My Link was no exception, though I'm sure if she was smart enough she would've been at least a little more cautious.\" He hissed and took out his glass eye for a moment. \"Sorry, it gets a bit irritated sometimes.\"" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They tapped their foot, bringing up small bits of stone and iron, weaving it into a pattern of crosses. Now, they would have to wait for the fire to be open to actually cook the fish. As they finished, they felt the bump against the side of their leg, bending down to gingerly stroke the pig's back.\n\nThey motioned towards their face." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "Gramps took his teapot off as it boiled and poured it into the tea steeping pot he'd had as well. \"Are you alright? Certainly they aren't too painful, are they?\"\n\nHe opened the glass eye and took out a ring before popping it back in. As he examined the ring, he smiled. \"Sometimes people need to be apart in order to put themselves together. Had I been in your Ganondorf's position, I likely would've done the same. Hell... I'm pretty sure I did the same when I put myself in exile.\"" }, { "author": "Vorka", "message": "`Vorka is happy for the scritches and has flopped over.`" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They placed the newly made rack over the flames and gingerly laid each piece over it, sure to keep it just the right height above the fire. Once they were done, they shook their head.\n\nTheir eyes drifted towards the ring, their mind wondering what it could mean to him. If anything at all." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "\"While it's true that there is still a level of pride involved in my desire, Chancellor Tetra told me she saw the same spark that lit up Link's eyes back when the Great Sea was still surging. The world around me had grown... Plain. Predictable. Any opponents were easily dispatched. Everything was so... Boring. And the kingdom festered under that inaction so... I stepped down, let her take the lead. And in exchange, she said I was still needed but at a later time... And gave me this.\" He held up the ring. \"The amount of griping she must've put up with from her Link must've driven her mad to allow me this one blessing. But I refuse to avoid my end of the bargain.\"\n\nHe huffed. \"I'm not worried about getting help from others. I'm quite sick of exile at this point. Only trouble is that not a lot of people are particularly trusting of those bearing my name. They certainly have good reason but... Still hurts to know there's a kid out there who heard one note of my voice and immediately threatened death.\"\n\nHe poured the tea, since it was ready at this point. First, he offered a cup to Mythos before pouring one for himself. \"Sorry, perhaps there's still a bitter taste in my mouth from that.\"" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They nodded, listening well to the words of the Gerudo. They understood why so many people weren't exactly fond of his name, which was why they took great care to call him his full name as opposed to the... Other version. They found that it helped, if only a little. As the tea was offered, they gingerly accepted the cup. A flip of the meat, and they finally took a sip. It was wonderful. The aroma of the blend mixed perfectly with the smell of fried fish, and flavors danced on their tongue." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "\"Thank you. I... I try. You're wise for your age, it seems,\" He said. He sipped his tea and huffed. \"Had I the sense like yours, or perhaps not the rage of Demise within me, perhaps I never would've gotten to learn from new voices like yours.\"\n\nHe paused, looking around at the darkening skies, before finishing his truffle prep. He gave the bowl to Mythos so they had more discernment with the cooking process. Meanwhile, he smirked and played with the little parchment butterfly, allowing her to dance along his fingers before landing. \n\nHe leaned into the parchment and spoke, loud enough that hopefully someone who take heed.\n\n\"Just letting you know, because I do Very Much keep up to date on your antics, that there is another Link who has joined us.\" He paused and unfolded the page into a regular sheet of paper before handing it over.\n\n\"Since you don't really speak, writing works just as well. Just... Be aware the damned this is loud.\"" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They took the bowl and lightly seared each one, finally beginning the process of putting them all on skewers. They were usually far more patient with the cooking process, but they were awfully hungry. The tea had satiated their parched throat, but had only exacerbated the feeling of their hunger.\n\nThey looked down and took a moment before realizing they didn't have anything to write with. And so, they motioned towards a quill and tensed their fingers. Slowly, somewhat sloppily, the quill floated into their fingers and they began to write a message." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "He noticed the cacophony of the parchment and smirked. \"If it doesn't work, give them a second to calm down a bit and try again. They can get wrapped up in themselves from time to time.\" He paused. \"Hopefully we can find yours soon, I'd hate to be down a paper but I don't mind sharing it for now.\"\n\nHe kept watch on the fish. \"We're in the middle of a set of bizarre circumstances out here. According to those who have been keeping a pulse on the celestial bodies, it appears that the Blood Moons have become Eclipses, and the monsters have gotten stronger. A lot of people couldn't make it out of the situation without injuries. Some were even in the verge of death.\" He chuckled. \"Perhaps your talents could prove useful to the cause. But even with all that going on, there's still some nonsense that has gone on. Apparently someone broke a sink by blasting it today.\"\n\nHe is old man rambling." }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "Their eyes drifted to the skies as Ganon began to ramble on about the ongoing events of this new Hyrule. It seemed that plenty had changed, and even the dangers of their time were not unrivalled. This place seemed to have plenty of it's own." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "\"Well fortunately for you, there's plenty of people here who are in need of help, even if they don't want to admit it,\" Gramps replied. \"Far too many people are searching for a solution, either for the new crisis at hand or just to go back home. So to lend a hand would prove you to be an invaluable ally. Just... Don't be dejected if they try to shove you off, it's how they cope.\"\n\nHe frowned. The fish was beginning to smoke a bit. He grabbed it with his bare hands and flipped it. Yes, it burned. No, he didn't care.\n\n\"One of my friends already went back. So I know it's possible.\" He slipped the ring on his left index and began aimlessly waving it around. \"It seemed she had a better handle on the Waker Ring than I, so... I suppose I'll have to figure it out on my own. Sure as hell ain't gonna get any help from that kid on parchment...\"" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They felt a quick pang as they watched Ganon do the job they were supposed to be paying attention for.\n\nFinally, A moment or two more and Link couldn't wait. They took their knife and pricked the more heavily seasoned fish, quickly chopping and skewering each piece. At long last, they ate actual food. A look of content came over them. It was beautiful. Saltiness playing over a valley of spice and sweet. The mushrooms offered a wonderous counterbalance, more earthy in flavor but almost gooey in texture." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "He smirked. A new adventure, and with a companion willing to listen before drawing a blade, emotional state willing. As he bit into the skewer and hummed, his eyes cast up to the stars that Mythos had been so entranced by. \n\n\"Well, if you're looking for fond memories, I'd be happy to help you search. Been trying to find company myself, considering the years of exile were sort of... Well, I'm pretty sure I got a few screws loose up here from it.\" He chuckled. \"In short, I think having company would be good for both of us.\"\n\nHe poured more of the tea and sipped. \"Your cooking is phenomenal by the way. Where'd you learn to cook like this?\"" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They nodded, taking another sip of tea before responding.\n\nThey glanced towards the fire, their mind flickering to moments in each lifetime they'd 'experienced'. The Great Burning. The death of their guardian Deku Tree. The passing of their uncle. Many more which they weren't entirely able to recall.\n\nTheir thoughts drifted the moment they were complemented. A small smile drew over their face." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "\"When you drop your guard, it can lead to all sorts of strikes. Some of which can teach you how surprising people are. Likewise, when we drop our biases, we embrace little blessings, not from the Goddess, but from the life blooming within us.\" He smiled. \"Darbl must be an incredible Goron, I certainly wish I could meet him.\"\n\nHe looked at the parchment and how close Vorka was to grabbing it. \"Vorka, sit.\"\n\nAfter the pig flopped over, he sighed. \"It seems she's in a better state now, but should something befall her... I may need to ask for your aid. If we're going to travel together, it's wise to know what you're looking for next. Any idea where you'd like to go?\"" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They placed their chin in their hand, letting out a small sigh.\n\nTheir gaze drifted towards the Spring of Courage. Their experiences with the Goddesses were not none, but they certainly weren't many. Besides, their experiences with deities didn't exactly make them overjoyed to try asking them for help." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "\"Hmm... We could go to the Landing. It's a central hub for a lot of the operations here, at least it has been since the Eclipse happened. They've got just about everything— there's a medical area, a kitchen, someone said something about a storeroom, there's the research center...\"\n\nHe paused and huffed. \"If we go there, we may want to have someone ready to meet us there. Apparently another me decided to attack people and now some are on high alert over it. I don't blame them— their trauma is theirs— but it certainly means taking precaution would be... Wise.\"\n\nHe smoothed back his red hair, which was teeming with greys in odd spots, and wondered if putting himself in the crosshairs of the rest of the people was the best idea. If that kid ever found out he was there and still breathing, he'd make sure on his promise to \"Correct\" That. The Landing was no place to fight, though, and so perhaps safety in numbers was ideal.\n\n\"Do you mind if I ask the parchment something?\" He said after taking another skewer. \"I have to test something.\"" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They extended their hand and grasped the paper, which appeared in a swirl of blue smoke. After handing it over, they felt a moment of nausea wash over them. Perhaps not using their magic for a while would be wise. Even a simple spark felt almost impossible with the state they were in.\n\nThey stood and took a deep breath in to keep awake and steady." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "\"That'd be fine by me, Link. You ought not be obligated to listen to my ramblings so late at night. Get some rest, I'll pack things up and get supplies here, and then we can get ready to ship out as soon as you're in a better state.\"\n\nThis Link was... Quiet. Gentle. Noble. A far cry from the loud and brash one he'd known before arriving here, or the stoic and cold one he'd seen before that. No... Perhaps the third time was the charm. How fitting that surprises always came in threes. He patted his pig and smiled, probably the first genuine smile in a few weeks now.\n\n\"Rest well, Mythos. I'll do my best to be a fair companion. Vorka too.\"\n\nHe drew a symbol over the paper with his index and it folded back into a butterfly, resting on his finger and gently fluttering its gold wings. With a deep breath, he began." }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "The hero stepped into the tavern and reserved a room with the rupee they'd been carrying on them. It was a fair amount, nothing to scoff at, but it would only last them so long out on the road, especially if they had to keep buying items to support the two. And so, given a moment of mediation, Link fell into a deep slumber which would last until the very early morning. They woke far before dawn, a moment in time where dew still dripped across blades of grass and a thin veil of fog lingered within the plains before them.\nWithout so much as a word, Link crept off into the forest, and was only back about 20 minutes later. With them, they carried chuchu jelly and what looked to be the organ of a monster. It slightly pulsed with a light. Link, although very used to this, was still not fond of doing this. It would make about two, maybe three potions. And so, while most others were sleeping, they got to work crushing the organ and mixing it with boiling chuchu jelly." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "The first cracks of morning light bled through the trees of Faron, and it was soon becoming clear that he'd slept in longer than usual. The ground, in his older age, had become a kinder bed than any cot, a more relaxing cradle. The very soil that Din shaped was perfect.\n\nHe rolled over to notice Mythos cooking... Chu-chu jelly and organs? He'd seen his mothers do similar in the ancient past but... No, were elixirs still available form monster parts?! Perhaps if I can jog my memory I can remember what mother Kotake taught me...\n\n\"Morning, Mythos,\" He said. \"Are you... Where did you get those?\"\n\nHe'd remembered the incident at the Castle, remembered the way the monsters and how they weren't... Dissipating after dispatching. He still felt his skin crawl a bit at the cold eyes of the Lizalfos burned into his memory.\n\nHe shook Vorka, who had been soaking in his body heat and snoring... Loud. \"Easy girl... Don't want to start a quake...\"" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They practically jumped a mile in the air as their attention snapped towards Gramps. At this point, the liquid in the pot had come to a simmering boil, a bluish tint spreading throughout the mixture.\n\nThey reached out and grasped a rod which had suddenly appeared in his grasp. The lightning effect evidenced that it was, in fact, a magical rod, much like the ones that the electric wizrobes used." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "His eyes are tired. He had a night last night. A lot of arguing, a lot of shouting. Not enough listening. Granted, the company on parchment was... Not A suitable audience. But he couldn't do anything about it.\n\n\"You're working your magic this early in the morning?\" He asked. He meant it in earnest, but there was something off. \"You're... Resourceful. A fellow survivalist perhaps?\"\n\nHe pulled his legs in close as the parchment butterfly rested on his topknot. Near immediately, he took it and crunched it in his fist. The paper would be fine, would come back to its decidedly shape, but... \n\n\"Mythos? How did... Your Ganondorf handle the grief? The innocents who died, the war crimes committed? Could it... How did he become... 'good'? Surely it took more than the lifting of the curse...\"\n\nYep. Something is wrong." }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They hummed as they took the pan off of the fire and began pouring it into empty glasses, all of which were labelled with the symbol of Nayru. However, the moment that Ganon began questioning them about their own version of him, they stopped. A small sigh escaped them as they resumed their task.\n\n...And it was almost as though their shadow began looking at you." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "\"While you may be right that I can become worthy, I fear my antics in parchment last night may have... Complicated things. I let my anger get the best of me, let that hatred simmer and bubble, allowed it to seep into biting words. And as a result, about... Five or six people are now at odds with me. And likely, this may make it harder for you, so... I apologize.\"\n\nHe huffed. \"It's hard to admit your wrongdoings. I'm... Still coming to terms with them. But if I don't focus on the future, I'll live the rest of my days obsessing over the past, and it will make me a truly bitter old prune. I mean, obsessing over the past and having that lust for power was what got me into this mess.\" He scooted a bit closer to where Mythos was working. \"What do I do if simply trying isn't enough for them? Is being born good, being taught good, being good all your life... Is it the only way to truly be worthy?\"\n\nHe breathed in, then out. \"Getting into the Landing is going to be hard for me, despite having already been there once. Luckily...\" He paused, fishing out a Hyoi pear from his knapsack, \"I have a few clever tricks up my sleeve. I may not have the Triforce of Power anymore, and I may never have heard Sacred Wisdom, but... Cunning I can do.\"" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "Link had finally plugged each bottle and placed them within their cloak. They stood and took a long, deep breath in. As their cloak draped over their shoulders once more, they looked to Ganondorf, their gaze softening.\n\nThey stepped towards the Gerudo, offering a hand." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "He allowed Mythos to help him up. His old bones creaked, but the sinew of his muscle itched for a fight. It made for an irksome combination, but that hand— that gentle, warm hand— it was enough to make him feel a little more at ease. This kid, however old they were... The wisdom imparted must've been great. He almost didn't have words.\n\nOnly almost. \n\n\"Wisdom like that never comes for free, you know,\" He said. He bent over and got his knapsack before pulling his old robes over his frame. \"What price were you made to pay to bear such knowledge, and at such a young age?\"" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They hesitated, their eyes avoiding his. There was always a price to pay, and while they were more than happy to impart the knowledge passed onto them by those who came before, their own experiences were... A bit difficult to speak of. Every hero, princess, and demon. Every incarnation lost something.\nWhile they couldn't speak for the other members of their cycle, they knew what they had was a suitable price to pay. At least, in their eyes. It was just what was meant to happen.\nRight?" }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "Gramps could tell. The way they signed, the rolled shoulders, the hesitation. \n\nThe vague answer.\n\n\"If you aren't ready, then I won't push you. Heroes lose a lot. Usually at my hands. Both the Hero of Time and Wind would both have a reason to raise a weapon because I was a source of people and places and things getting lost. It could be a whole world, or it could be a little girl, or...\"\n\nHe breathed. Again, go back to them. Not now, don't let the bitterness rule your thoughts.\n\n\"My point is that you have every reason to not tell others—it's nothing short of tragic no matter how great or small. For that reason, I won't press it further. When you're ready, I'll hopefully be there as an ear to listen.\"\n\nHe smirked. \"There is a weird solace in knowing that generations down the line, the Link they became was willing to move forward and rebuild with someone who should be an enemy. With any hope, you'll get back to your world and you'll have some crazy stories to tell your Queen.\"" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "A small smile crept over their face at that last part. They had already spend a long time without Zelda. Only at the very end were they finally able to reunite with her. Link's relationship with their Ganon was one thing, but Zelda... Well...\nAnd that was when they noticed it was getting a bit warm underneath their cloak. They brushed it back past their shoulders and took a shuttering breath in, shaking their head.\n\nThey checked one last time to make sure that they had all they needed.\n\nA moment passed before they looked towards Ganon once more." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "\"Indeed.\" He looked at his pig and smirked as he whipped out a small rope and tied a wide loop. \"Vorka, leash.\"\n\nThis pig was obedient and immediately stepped her head and front feet through the leash. Meanwhile, Gramps pulled the rope tight— not enough to hurt her obviously, but enough to ensure she stayed harnessed. \n\n\"Welp, it's time to get ourselves into a heap of trouble, isn't it?\" He asked. He was still holding the Hyoi Pear in his hands. \"Tell me, Mythos— do you have any memory, even vaguely, of what this is for?\"" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They glanced towards the pear, and did a double take. It was such an oddly specific detail, something that they couldn't quite place their finger on. It had some kind of effect, didn't it?\n\nThey put a finger on their chin. This was going to bother them for the next twenty minutes if they didn't figure it out.\n\nThey started mumbling to themselves, trying to sort through their collage of memories that weren't quite theirs." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "\"Great Sea Era. Several lifetimes back. It's got some... Quirky Traits.\"\n\nHe'd used this fruit before, multiple times. Usually in order to make it easier to check in and ensure his old friend was okay. She'd come crying to his house in the midst of the night, at hours where frankly she shouldn't be out, mad at her mother for this thing or that. Never understanding that those little things were just rule to keep her safe.\n\nUsually, it was more effective when used on seagulls and other birds, but with his unique connection to Vorka, Gramps had cultivated a trust enough to steer her as well. \n\n\"Hyoi Pears are a fruit capable of imparting possession when an animal eats it from a person. I've practiced for a while now.\"" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They began the trek.\n\nThey thought for a few moments, wondering what Ganon might be up to. Was he thinking of possessing someone and using them as bait of some sort? Or was he planning on using his pig?" }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "\"Hardly. Unfortunately, when you try and tangle yourself with monsters, you risk the corrupting forces of the dark. And when it's people? You fight with them for space and often get shoved out faster than you came in. But Vorka... She and I have an established trust regarding this.\"\n\nAs he strode forward, his steps crunching in the dirt beneath him, he continued. \"Vorka was gifted to me by a young girl who came to see me pretty often against her parents' wishes. She looked a lot like her mother, and at first I wasn't sure how to even respond to the door since she was a reminder of what would eventually be my downfall. But she trusted me with this pig and I raised her to be big and strong, all because she was kind enough to keep me company when the rest of the village had unspoken rules about avoiding me.\"\n\n\"If I can't go in looking like me, Vorka might allow me to today. She'll be getting extra mushrooms for her troubles.\"" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They thought for a moment, wondering who that little girl may have been. Perhaps a Zelda? Perhaps she was simply some little girl. Who knew? But one thing was for sure, they were glad that Ganon had a friend.\n\nAs the two walked, Mythos hardly left a trace of their presence. The ground beneath them left no footprint, and there was little sound coming from their steps. Many of the items on their person radiated magical enchantments, but it was their boots that were the more obvious ones." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "\"How difficult would it be to move with such a spell? If I need to get her away from danger, running may need to be an option. Though... Added physical protection would certainly reduce the risk of the psychic link being severed...\"\n\nHe wondered what sort of magic Mythos was truly capable of. They looked powerful. They Felt Powerful. And all that power looked like both a great blessing... And yet, a curse of its own. \"You... Are the only one who has to bear this burden... Aren't you?\"" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "It was a bit more complicated than that, but... That was the gist of it. There were too many inner workings to go into detail. If they tried, it would essentially turn into a seminar. That, and their hyperfixation on such arcane matters wouldn't help them be any less brief.\nThat last remark caught them by surprise. There were many to carry. Not always enough strength to do so." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "He paused. He took a moment to think of what had said before continuing.\n\n\"You bear the burden of those memories, of those lives that were still trapped within the cycle, and yet... Your friends are broken from it. You have a great amount of power within you, yet you said you've been looking for travel, meaning you've itched for adventure as of late. You... Are carrying the same lust I did before I got here and yet...\"\n\nHe thought again for a moment and sighed. \"Promise me you'll ask for help. If not from me, then from friends you make here. You... This place has a bad habit of breaking lone wolves.\"" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They nodded and took in a deep breath, thinking about what that mask salesman told them.\n\nA blade being driven into the pig demon's skull. A beam of light searing through their left shoulder, nearly taking his arm with it. Bones and flesh churning as the term human no longer applied to the beast of twilight. The burning of Demise's hatred as he began hollowing out his 'new vessel'. A lightning strike flowing through-\nThey shook their head vigorously to ground themselves in the here and now. Those memories didn't matter anymore. Most of them, anyways.\n\nThey forced a smile to try and reassure him. Everything would be fine. Probably." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "He sighed. \"You carry a lot of things, Mythos.\"\n\nHe saw the smile and could tell something was off but wasn't sure what. The way the corner of their lip twitched down, the way their eyes didn't crinkle, and yet... He was none the wiser.\n\n\"The Landing is across the expanse of land beyond the bridge of Lake Hylia,\" He said. \"If we want to make it there soon, we will need to get to the other end of the bridge and over the ridge on the other side to see the giant and highly visible tower.\"\n\nHe thought about Vorka, and whether she could handle another spell from Mythos. They already shot her once, another one and she might need her own sort of piggy therapy. Maybe they should be the one to feed her the mushrooms later. Just to build trust. Or perhaps possession comes first, and THEN the binding." }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They simply nodded at the assessment, glancing towards the road ahead.\n\nTheir hand almost subconsciously drifted out from their cloak and began playing with magic. Sparks, flares, and droplets all swirling around in the palm of their hand, twisting between their fingers.\n\nThey cringed to themselves as soon as the words left their hands. That was a horrible way to ask that." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "He stopped. It was an odd question to ask for certain, and to answer it would be... Complicated. His feelings on Hylia were relatively bare, as for the majority of his childhood and into his adolescence he'd worshipped the Goddess of the Sands. Still, the cycle that bound them together involved her.\n\nBut it also involved... Him. His stomach dropped as he remembered the almost preternatural feeling in his gut whenever he brought despair and shuddered. \n\n\"It is said that Hylia and Demise were created together, bound in duality. They were twin spirits. Hylia, a representative of Light and Love, and Demise of Darkness and Hatred. For all she represents, she is not at all one who seems Loving on the surface. But deeper down, if one were to simply look at what the curse did, you can see that she was powerless to keep it from continuing.\"\n\nHe drew a tiny circle with his finger, whereby a ball of light appeared. He took it and threw it up and down like a children's toy, over and over. Something to stim with his hands as he began to walk again.\n\n\"I don't hate Her Grace. Not like I used to. Though many her servants bother me much for having the gall to insist that people cannot change, that people like me cannot feasibly, I know that is not her doing but theirs. Likewise... There's almost a strange... Pity For Demise. To be created for the sole purpose of failure, endlessly, for millions of years... Imagine the hatred that would fester in you if a parent did that to you? You'd be remised to feel at least a little sorry for yourself, angry for yourself, and possibly lash out.\"\n\nHe sighed. \"Sometimes I wonder if the divines are just as much as a dysfunctional family as the ones in Hyrule...\"" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They let the words an opinions seep into their mind, taking time to process how he felt. Compare and contrast his opinion from the Ganon they knew. From the opinion they expected. From, perhaps, the way they felt about the twin deities.\nHylia, supposedly the incarnation of all that was good in the world, unable or perhaps even unwilling to do more for the world she claimed to care for. Demise, a being who lived in hatred and suffering projecting it unto that world which he hated. What more was there? Was there a being who could truly do no wrong? What of the Golden Goddesses?\n\nMaybe gods were simply mortals who knew nothing of how death truly felt.\nIt was at times like this that Link realized that Wisdom didn't exactly corelate with knowledge. Perhaps if it did, they wouldn't be stuck wondering how, why the gods would let such a cycle continue." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "\"If good isn't quantifiable, what of evil? If you commit a crime, and put you away, are you evil or is there more to it than that? A man who steals to feed his family, or an advisor who embezzles royal wealth to fuel an economy for his people because the ones in charge will not. And even in the case of the clearly guilty— the price of slaughtering one innocent person versus 100 is the same in some places but not others. So... How can we quantify good Or Evil in mankind?\"\n\nHe paused. \"I feel like I'm trying to justify my actions to you when I shouldn't have to. Last night... The rage was so intense that I took it out on a nearby tree and snapped it in half with my bare hands, I was... So angry. It felt like the curse was never broken, and may it isn't, but... Anger is not all I want to be. Not anymore. Not after... Not after my friend passed.\"\n\nThe anger that had taken that sweet little girl away wasn't even His Anger, but seeing what it could do to good people, or at least people who chose to act with righteous intent... He didn't want to be that." }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They thought of their time in the Sacred Realm. The moment in which the world became clear. Where the excess thought fell away from their mind and for the first time in their life, they felt almost beyond mortality. Life was so clear. Death was simply a point of change rather than the end." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "\"Righteous... Anger,\" He repeated. \"What is the shape of righteous anger?\"\n\nHe stopped for a moment and looked at a small cluster of trees. Carefully he raised his hand and thought for a second. When did he feel that righteous anger?\n\nJulli. \n\nHe carefully flicked the finger bearing the Waker Ring, thinking of the incident that day, how unjust the outcome was. How unjust the family was with him. How he had just... Accepted it.\n\nAnd a breeze picked up, a hot breeze like the desert sun beating down on one's back, starting a single tree alight. His eyes grew wide with realization." }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They watched as Ganon's eyes began to change. The slow change in demeanor had them a bit worried. They slowly stepped towards Ganon, extending a hand towards the man. Maybe he needed an outlet for-\nThe flame sparked to life.\nTheir eyes flicked towards the tree. Suddenly they were back in the forest.\n\n```Flames writhed in every corner. The skin under their feet boiled from stepping upon fire and hot coals. The trees had turned to brimstone, collapsing pillars of a temple to destruction. Hate. Hate. Hate.```\n\nIn an instant, their hand was in the air, twisting as it gathered energy. Moisture from the very air around them gathered until it was practically a pond's worth. Their arm flew downwards in a motion of command, and the pond rained down upon the flame with almost torrential force. Their breathing was quick and shallow. Their eyes dilated to slits. And as soon as the moment came? It passed." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "As soon as he heard the shallow breathing, he turned to face them. Mythos, eyes wide, had thrown their hand up and dowsed the fire quickly. The look of the eyes too... What Was That?!\n\nHe frantically popped out his glass eye and stored the ring away. If the Waker Ring was going to give him the power to inflict trauma on a newfound friend, he was not gonna be wearing it. Not while his friend was nearby. He waved his arm in front of them and began to sign. His gestures were slow and careful as his eyes looked away, clearly frustrated with himself.\n\n`Sorry, I didn't think it would work. I've been trying to use this ring for weeks with no luck and got a harebrained idea. Fuck... And that idea turned out to be right.`\n\nHe paused and looked at the tree. Most of the foliage was gone, with whatever was left barely clinging to the branches like cicadas in summer. His mind reeled as he attempted to fathom the power his anger held.\n\n`I won't do that again, not without warning. You're triggered by the fire.` he signed. Then his sign got even slower as he grew ponderous. `So... Access to the wind is barred by my anger. The one emotion within myself that I've grown a hatred for. The universe has a VERY sick sense of humor...`" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They took a deep breath in, their eyes still focused on the tree. They took a moment to ground themselves. Zelda wasn't here to remind them. So they simply had to keep going on despite it. They squeezed their eyes shut for a moment before opening them again. There was no fire. Only the brisk air of the morning.\n\nThey fidgeted with the Ouroboros ring on their finger before continuing.\n\nAnd with one last glance towards the tree, they continued on, eyes glued to the path ahead. It was shameful that they allowed their fear to slip out like that. Especially to someone who already had trouble with himself." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "Another forest burning down? What did this Link see that would cause a reaction like... That? He watched over the Hero's face, noting the details of their expression, and sighed.\n\n\"I'm sorry,\" He said. \"I know I had no way of knowing, but it has put you in a precarious situation. An awkward one, at least. So I apologize.\" He looked ahead.\n\nThey were getting closer to the Landing. It was only a matter of time before the man was going to need Vorka's aid. He was still concerned about whether or not it was the right thing to do, to show such cowardice rather than face then head on. But he had a duty to his world and he intended on ensuring that he made it home alive to be the Chancellor's vigilant sorcerer. So he had to stomach the indignity of a disguise. Or rather, a possession.\n\n\"So... Lookout Landing. There's a lot of people there and a lotta people who will likely be curious of you. Are you sure you can manage on your own? I know you're nonverbal so... It may prove tricky.\"" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They nodded, accepting the apology.\n\nEveryone has their sore spots. And they were born to clash, with or without the curse. Not that such things would stop Link from trying their hardest to keep their alliance strong. Link wanted a friend to travel with. They never did well alone. And Ganondorf wanted someone who saw him for who he was.\nAs the road passed before them, they nodded." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "\"Are you... Sure that I should be staying behind then?\" He asked. \"I know it would be an enormous risk to take, but if you would rather I be physically present than prodding your side as a swine...\"\n\nHe wasn't one to admit the fear in his heart over that boy or his friends. Yes, they had a right to despise him, they had a right to kill him, but... They Did Kill him. They killed That Him. The one who was so blinded by fury, by rage, by... Hatred. He clenched his fists, wondering if he was never truly free of the curse at all, especially after what he did to that tree...\n\n\"I can either risk it or offer you comfort through Vorka. Either way, I'll be there. I just know that for obvious reasons, I can't interpret for you if you choose the latter. There's also... If parchment behaves you could probably ask for someone who knows Hylian Sign out here.\"" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "While there was no vocal tone, the expression they had was quite grim. That was not a future they wanted to envision. They saw that while the curse had poisoned Ganondorf in a way that would likely leave many scars, there was still humanity within him. There was much healing left to be done. For both of them.\n\nThey looked Ganon in the eyes, offering something along the lines of sympathy. Although perhaps it appeared more as pity. Myth didn't want to offend him, as they knew how seriously their Ganondorf took his pride. But it was still a feeling they had towards both other members of their tragic little trio." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "He took in a deep breath. He knew that look, though it never had come from his Link. It wasn't pity, no— with pity the lips of the bearer were pressed firmly together, pressed as if they didn't want to say a word. No, this was certain to be sympathy.\n\nHe remembered that look when the Chancellor visited after Julli's passing. She could see the grief that had overtaken him, had seen the pain of losing a loved one, even if they weren't blood, and the same look appeared. Not because she felt sorry for him, but sorry with him— it's such an ugly way the experience a glimpse of what you'd inflicted on others.\n\nHe breathed in and nodded. \"There's a nook right there for me to sit. Um... This might be some fun magic to show you.\" A smirk came back to his face. \"I don't know how much you've studied, Link, but... If you don't know how to summon Phantoms, you're in for a show.\"\n\nAs he reached the outcropping nearby, he flicked out both of his swords from under his robes. A crackle of electricity danced across the blades. Following this, he muttered in Gerudo under his breath, drawing the air in through his nose and pushing the energy through his palms. As small dark clouds swarmed the handles, he flung the weapons up, allowing the dark to consume the weapons and form a pair of Phantom Ganons clad in dark armor and silent as they fell.\n\n\"Both of you, hear the call of your Master. This is an order of protection. The only ones who are safe to approach without issue are Vorka, and this Link here,\" He said, gesturing to Mythos. The softness of his voice seemed to disappear, replaced with the tone of a stately king commanding a knight. \"You are to guard me with your existence. Do not fail me.\"\n\nHe shook his head. He hadn't done that in so long, and certainly he hadn't spoken commands aloud in at least a decade. So hearing his voice return to that harsh and cold chill was... A little unnerving to say the least.\n\nHe walked over to Link and held his hand open, showing the parchment butterfly\n\nWith its wing slightly bent. \"Sorry, little one, gotta unfurl ya,\" He said softly. He pressed his finger against the center of the butterfly's back, and with a slight toss, the creature became a mere sheet of paper once more. \"Alright Mythos. Your turn, I'm going to sit comfortably and get the Pear ready...\"" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "Phantoms? They'd been fairly extensive in his studying of magic and mythology, but phantoms were rare to come across, even in that sense. Historical tellings of such things were even more scarce. Illusions and such were far more common, but the creation of another being purely for puppetry? That was a spectacle, and a truly complicated kind of spell in it's own right.\nIt was in the moment that Ganon began commanding the two beings of arcane power that they saw the glimmer of the king Ganon used to be. The leader which swayed the masses not only with raw might, but the conviction to see such might put to use. It wasn't merely power of a physical kind that Ganon commanded, but rather a strength of heart. It showed.\nWhen they heard that it was their turn, they hardly felt prepared. There was no texts, no manuscripts. Little in the way of mentoring other than the demonstration provided. And yet, instead of panicking...\n\nMythos took a deep, solumn breath in. First, it was a matter of form. They extended their hands, gathering magic in the center of their palms. They noted that Ganon had used his hands in the spell. As such, they began to shape the essance within their hands, as though molding a figure. Their eye scanned and detailed the thought of themselves, copying each particle of their being onto this clay mold. No, that wasn't where that went... And that was too large.\nThey struggled to recreate the more complex figment forms, weaving them together either too tightly or too loosely. Slowly, however, they began to come together. Although not perfect, they knew no more of how to adjust other than to proceed. It was then a matter of control, sense, and purpose. They instilled thought into the form, a system of basic motor function akin to a simple muscle.\nGuard. Protect.\nAnd yet, it felt off. There was no defining what that meant without going beyond the boarder of what they were capable of. Their magic was fluent, but only versed in the basics. Going bey\n\nOnd that risked creating something they could not control. As such, they left it at that. Incomplete.\nThey looked upon their work, with a sense of... Discontent. While it was a step in the right direction, they knew they had much more to do before being capable of truly replicating such a spell." }, { "author": "Gramps", "message": "\"Mythos, this is... An excellent first attempt. Certainly better than my first.\" It truly was— his first ones had spluttered out in an instant when he was a boy. Yes, the figures Mythos made were fledgling in comparison, but these were a testament to Link's trust to try new things, to learn. To grow. And Gramps had no right to be unkind about new experiences when he had been doing this sort of magic for decades.\n\nHe sat down and sighed, holding the fruit in his hands as he solemnly scratched Vorka's chin. \"Mythos, with the parchment in your hands now. I may not be able to speak, but I Will Bite anyone who tries to hurt you.\" Or if they deserve it... He groaned to himself.\n\nHe played with the pear in his hands a bit longer. \"I'll admit, it's been a while since I did this... I don't remember the experience being too pleasant the first few minutes. But... Like all humans I will adjust.\"\n\nHe took a deep breath in as he lowered his hand. His pig came close and sniffed it for a few moments. He watched her take a moment to recognize what it was before carefully leaning forward to take a bite.\n\nAnd all at once, the world disappeared. His very body felt as though it were unraveling twine, his existence disappearing as his body straightened and sat, eyes closed and in what could be described as \"Half-meditation, half-surprise\". He felt his digits disappearing, his body curling in, his vision blurring before the heat of Hyrule Field overtook him again, and...\n\nIt was done. Gramps carefully picked up the rope in his mouth and wandered towards Mythos. Though he felt Vorka resting somewhere within this vessel, he could tell she was less than pleased. `I know, Vorka, I know. I promise you mushrooms.`" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They held the parchment given to them, looking at it with a look of concern. They wondered if the people they were going to meet would even bother wanting to help them. They'd experienced such things before, but there were times when people changed their minds. And times they didn't.\n\nThey nodded, watching as the transfer of consciousness took place. While they weren't the one experiencing the feeling, they still sensed the... Odd complexities of such a spell. Something still beyond them, but not going unnoticed. They picked the rope in their right hand, sure to leave their more dominant one free in case something needed to happen.\nAnd with that, they nodded at Vorka, leading them towards the promised land ahead. For better or for worse. It was time to find answers." } ]	134	12,928
199.03125	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "He'd been awake for a while...\n\nThe bokoblin trudged through the damp grass and foliage. Behind him, he carried a bag full of number of items, which he'd stolen from some poor, unsuspecting travelers not too long ago, as bokoblins tend to do. Mostly food and rupees.\n\nRoewen let out a biiig yawn. He'd gotten pretty tired, and his little legs needed some rest. No one else was around, right? Perhaps he could get away with some shuteye.\n\nThe bokoblin found a small clearing to rest in. Letting out one more yawn, the monster flopped onto the ground and shut his eyes..." }, { "author": "Theoralin", "message": "Theo was on the hunt again. She wasn't keen on going to bed hungry, and the sun was beginning to set. She was agile, and could support her own body weight effectively. She came across the clearing she had acquainted herself with.\n\nSometimes she would sit in the trees at the edge of the clearing, waiting for a deer or a rabbit to come across it, shooting it down when she got the chance. However, here she is, sitting on a branch, observing some sort of... Pig monster. She didn't know what it was, but she knew that it was scaring away her dinner. Just her luck.\n\nThe scent on that thing would prevent anything from coming in the clearing for a few hours, even if the hog creature got up and left at once. And judging on the fact that it appears to be sleeping, that won't be happening anytime soon.\n\nShe does however notice a giant bag he's carrying with him... She wasn't sure of what was inside, but if she could snag a few items, she might be able to trade some in and get a new bundle of arrows, maybe even some new boots if she steals something of great value. However, that hog beast didn't strike her as friendly, nor was she confident in the depth of his slumber." }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "The monster grumbled and tossed a bit, before briefly opening his eyes to dig into his loot stash. He emerged with a couple of apples, which he quickly and messily devoured. Now that he was satisfied, he could return to-\n\nHuh? What was that? Was something moving around nearby? The pig-beast sat up and looked around, scanning the area with his snout. His sniffs found nothing this time, but he was pretty sure he just heard something nearby. Oh well, it was probably some harmless little critter. Roewen returned to sleep, resting his head upon his newly acquired bag.\n\nHe was a quick sleeper too, as it only took him a few moments to begin snoring. He seemed cozy... Well, as cozy as one could get on a forest floor." }, { "author": "Theoralin", "message": "She made a sound, now caring about being detected anymore. It isn't like she could steal anything of value Now, His stupid head is resting on it. \"Tch.\" Is all that was audible from her.\n\nShe wanted to give him a reason to move, but was it really worth it? Sure, it'd be nice to get some extra rupees, but she could just find a good hunt like a wolf or a fox and sell the pelt, and that'd be enough for some new boots. Throw in some deer meat and she has the arrows too. She just knew she had to hunt for her food before she could hunt for profit. And she wasn't going to find anything here. He has apples, too. She had collected plenty of those, for a horse she had tamed. It's easier to sell a lot when your horse is carrying your items.\n\nShe was going to move on now, but she was concerned there would be nothing to find anymore, if this creature had been walking through the forest, scaring everything in its path. Ugghhh. She came to terms that she would probably be going hungry tonight because of him. There was no way she'd make enough headway to hunt and bring it back before dark, and she definitely wasn't risking being out too late into the night. \n\nShe was a skilled combatant, but even she still recognized she was just a singular person. She could easily get ganged up on by a pack of monsters. She was so busy deliberating, she forgot she was still within range of the hog creature. She wasn't particularly scared of him, more jealous than anything." }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "A lone bokoblin is not common, but it didn't seem like there were any other monsters nearby. In fact, a good majority of the monsters seemed absent for some reason.\n\nAn unfamiliar smell lingered in the air. Roewen had initially dismissed it as some critter, but it hadn't gone away yet. Was he being watched? Couldn't he get any sleep...?\n\nThe monster rose to his feet, and went searching around the area, sniffing at the ground like a dog. As he did this, his loot was left briefly unattended." }, { "author": "Theoralin", "message": "This is my chance! She was so swift, she dropped down with barely a sound and stuck her hand inside the bag, swiftly grabbing a smaller pouch that clinked with the sound of the gems inside of it. As soon as she could, she was turning and running. She didn't know if she would be followed, so she couldn't run in the direct direction of her campsite, but she did want to make time in that direction for her own sake. \n\nShe jumped from a root that was sticking up from a ground into a tree, grabbing onto the branch with just one arm, as she hadn't put the bag of rupees into her own satchel yet. She hangs there for a moment, suspended, and takes the time to put the small pouch away, into the bag on her hip. \n\nShe then uses her other arm to lift herself up onto the branch, and continue her journey. She makes a series of weird changes in paths, until she books it in the tree line straight to her camp. When she lands, she sees her horse and her belongings, including a small rolled up mat of padded fabric. It was one of the things she had taken from the camp she used to share with her mother, before she passed. \n\nThey had accumulated a lot, but when traveling alone with just a horse, it isn't fun to carry so much. So she had to leave a lot of it behind. She buried a lot of the items under the same tree she buried her own mother, even the more mundane of items. She settled on a log and decided to make a campfire now. She had already chopped the wood in the morning, but now she was going to light it. She places the wood down in a pile and then places some nearby stones around it. She was making the fire solely for warmth now, since she was going to bed hungry. At least she got some rupees for her troubles." }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "Wha-HEY!\n\nBy the time Roewen heard the clinking of stuff in his bag, it was too late; the thief was already running. The bokoblin shouted and growled and spat to no avail... But he wouldn't wave goodbye to his now twice-stolen goods so easily. Very quickly, the bokoblin gave chase, but inevitably lost the thief. He growled and snarled and stomped his feet.\n\nHe could spend all day furious over this and accomplish nothing, or he could go out and look for what was once unrightfully his. Like a bloodhound, he sniffed the air and followed the fresh scent of the thief. The path was winding and confusing, but it didn't take very long for the monster to stumble upon Theoralin's camp... And by extension, Theoralin herself.\n\nExpecting an altercation, Roewen unsheathed his dagger as he approached to look for his belongings." }, { "author": "Theoralin", "message": "She wasn't unaware of his presence, and was quickly on her feet, an arrow drawn pointed directly at his head. She was surprised that her horse was keeping calm, completely indifferent to the monster. \"Do not step closer, creature.\" She warned. \"If you're looking for your coin, you're in the wrong place. I won't be giving it back, so move along,\" She had a low quality to her tone, she was fierce. \n\n\"I'm going hungry tonight because of you, so consider us as even. I need this money to buy more arrows, I can't hunt without them.\" She's slowly backing away from him now, but her bow is still perfectly trained on him. If she were to release her finger, it wouldn't miss. \n\nShe wasn't sure if the thing could speak, but she wasn't in the mood to strike up a conversation with the reason she was going to go without supper. She wasn't intimidated, more annoyed. She would kill him if necessary, as she would with anything. She wasn't one for remorse, the world was cruel and she had known that since she was young, despite her mother trying to convince her otherwise. The woman was brilliant, but in her opinion naive nonetheless. \n\nShe could've sworn she saw something glowing in the distant tree line behind the creature, but now wasn't the time to take her eyes off of an armed foe. She held her ground." }, { "author": "Elina the fairy", "message": "Elina was in the forest lost and desperate to piggyback off of some random adventurer so she had a better chance of surviving in this deep part of the forest.\n\nAs she continued her journey through the forest Elina witnessed the Bokoblin being robbed of their belongings.\n\"Behehehe serves that trash pig right.\"\n\n Elina realized she was being too loud and quickly shushed up so as to not alert the bokoblin. \n\nElina also didn't realize that the hylian made it difficult to follow her on purpose Elina thought she might've been somewhat clueless.\n\"God, I hate people with no sense of direction is it even worth trying to get anywhere with her if she can't even walk back to where she came from? Who am I kidding I'll just die out here either way.\"\n\nElina slowly made her way following the bokoblin but stayed above the trees as she didn't like their smell." }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "Although he heard something else nearby, the monster's gaze remained fixated on Theoralin. Unlike most of his kind, though, Roewen had somewhat of a sense of self-preservation. He stepped to the side, not stepping forward but not backing down either. He was weighing his options.\n\n...The bokoblin sidestepped over to the campfire, and KICKED it, sending rocks, ash, and pieces of wood flying towards Theoralin. With this move, Roewen hoped to throw her off.\n\n...And with that opportunity, the monster charged forward, attempting to take his treasure back by force. He didn't care if Theoralin shot him; the debris made aiming a little more difficult, and also Roewen could survive an arrow or two." }, { "author": "Theoralin", "message": "She wasn't going to give in that easily. She trailed him as he stepped to the side, until she realized that he was charging for her campfire. She moved back swiftly, knowing that she'd rather sacrifice her shot on him in that moment than have to deal with dust and ash in her eyes the entire fight. She quickly pivoted her feet and shot him clean in the leg, just above his... Hoof? It wouldn't kill him, but he was taking a close combat approach, and this would definitely slow him.\n\nShe wasn't about to waste arrows on such a fight, so she threw her bow onto her back and took out two short swords to wield, her signature weapon. She held them with the blade going back, parallel to her forearm. It was a technique she had learned from a traveller who had once stopped by the stables she used to live near. \n\nShe was keen on ending this, and if he wanted it to be up close and personal, so be it. She charged him, and swept out his injured leg, hoping to bring him to the ground so she could deliver a finishing blow. Her speed and technique was impressive." }, { "author": ".sobble.", "message": "I can just make a small post saying that Elina arriving to the campsite" }, { "author": "Elina the fairy", "message": "Elina finally flew over to the campsite. Elina was surprised at how aggressive the bokoblin was.\n\n\"Ahh! Kill it already!\"\nElina yelled at Theoralin still grossed out at the monster even if she's not confronting it she pulled out her twig and kept it close scared it would turn around and try to eat her." }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "A sharp pain, then suddenly he wasn't standing anymore.\n\nAlthough he was in a bad spot, Roewen's speed and technique were also excellent, at least for a bokoblin. Thinking quickly, he rolled out of the way of whatever the next incoming attack was, and flung himself back up to his feet. Adrenaline was pumping– the pain in his leg from the arrow was like nothing right now. The monster was fueled with the desire to come out of this fight alive.\n\nThe bokoblin lunged forward, aiming not for the thief, but for his belongings. He figured that if he could just grab those and get away, he could skip out on being stabbed to death." }, { "author": "Theoralin", "message": "She was considerably pissed that she hadn't met flesh with her blade. She ripped her blade out of the dirt but only in time for her to brace for the impact of the creature. \n\nShe wrestled with him but he was considerably stronger and heavier than she was. She fought with everything, her legs, arms, trying to even wring her torso out of his clasp. She finally got him off of her, but it was too late. He took her entire satchel. Inside was her only remaining memory of her mother: a small pendant that she had yet to put onto a string, or ribbon. Inside was also the rest of her coin, alongside her private journal and a map. She needed that bag. \n\nFilled with pure unadulterated rage, she charged him twice as fast, tackling him this time, placing a blade into the shoulder of the creature.\n\n*\"Give it to me now.\"* \n \nShe snatched the satchel back and got off of him, pulling the blade out with her momentum as she gets up. \"Here, since you seem to be sentient enough to even know what this is.\" She takes his pouch of coin and tosses it to the ground beside him, but it wasn't in a rude or demeaning way, more of like a gesture of her self preservation. \n\n\"If you need medical supplies you're well out of luck,\" She has a bite to her tone, but nothing malicious. \"There's a stable nearby, if they can help you. If you can even speak. I can't heal you. Maybe that fairy can, if she'll even come near you. Whatever you decide, you'll have to do it alone. You've trashed my campsite, so I'm hitting the road.\" She sighs. She seems more defeated than anything. She didn't even know the horned creature could understand what a rupee was. She just wanted some money to make up for her lack of dinner. \n\nShe grabbed all her belongings without taking an eye off of the creature, and heaved them onto her horse. She was walking funny herself. It seemed the tackle had injured her back. She had hit a rock of some sort. \n\nShe was starting to feel bad for injuring the thing... It was His Coin..." }, { "author": "Elina the fairy", "message": "Elina stopped paying attention when the fight was over not very surprised the Hylian won against the monster. But to her surprise that the Hylian would even consider the fairy to be kind enough to a bokoblin.\n\n\"Huh!? No way in hell am I healing that thing!\"\n\nThe fairy flew over to her actually getting up close to Theoralin.\n\n\"You better be some comedian if you think I'll heal.\nShe turned and pointed at Roewen.\n\n\"That ugly monster.\"\n\nShe tried spitting at the Bokoblin but it didn't get anywhere near where they stood or was able to be seen really.\n\nElina turned back to Theoralin.\n\n\"Wait you know where a stable is or any villages or maybe even... The kingdom!?\"" }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "The monster stood back up, wincing and clutching his now bleeding shoulder. Looks like they were both hurt pretty bad.\n\nHe paused for a bit. Roewen's understanding of Hylian was limited, but he knew enough of what Theoralin said... He started to feel bad.\n\nThe monster limped back over to Theoralin. His weapon was not drawn, and he didn't seem to be hostile. He dropped the pouch back in front of her. Perhaps she needed it more than him. It's not like a monster like him had a use for it anyway." }, { "author": "Theoralin", "message": "She turned to the fairy indifferently. \"Hm. Yeah, there's a stable not too far from here, but if you're traveling by night you should hurry. There are monsters and wild animals alike that will tear you apart, especially because you... Well, Glow. We're in the Faron woods. There is a trail not too far that way,\" She points in the direction of the trail. \"Once you find the trail, go South. It will be a bit of a journey, but you will find a stable, near a lake. You should be cautious, though. The stable itself is perfectly clean and comfortable, there is a cooking pot and all. It is rumored to be haunted, however, but I didn't mind.\" \n\nAnd with that she heard the steps of the creature. She looked surprised. She watched the creature slowly approach her, with no weapon drawn, and placed the pouch back in front of her. He seemed to be wounded much worse than she was, and it was her fault. She bent down but didn't take the coin. Instead she crouched down, assessing his wound. The arrow luckily didn't go clean through, severing anything of major importance. It lodged itself into the muscle but didn't go through bone. Tough meat, the creature has. \n\n\"Yeah, this must be really uncomfortable. I'm sure your shoulder, too. You don't seem to fully understand me. Do you speak Any Language?\" She asks. She goes to a different pack that is placed on her horse and begins to rummage through it. She finds a spare tunic, and decides that's her best bet. She pulls out a small knife that she usually uses for whittling, and cuts and tears the fabric into strips, creating makeshift bandages. The least she could do for stealing his coin and then rendering him incapable of defending himself through the night. She might honestly allow him to accompany her, if he's not too wild of a creature." }, { "author": "Elina the fairy", "message": "Elina face would become more and more distraught as Theoralin kept describing the journey to get on the path and then the ghost problem at the stable.\n\n\"Who do you think I am!? No way am I gonna keep traveling alone right after finding someone. ESPECIALLY if I can just ride this big guy.\"\n\nElina flew onto the forehead of the horse.\n\n\"Hope you're better at traveling than you are at explaining directions. Now giddy up!\"\n\nElija kept trying to get the horse attention but the horse paid no mind to her.\n\n\"Come on now move...\"" }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "The monster flinched as Theoralin brought her hands close, but quickly realized that she was trying to help. He grunted curiously. Seems like he can't speak anything besides... Well, bokoblin noises. Regardless, he allowed Theoralin to help.\n\nThe monster sniffed curiously at her, the bandages, and Elina. He seemed especially curious of her– she was small and glowy, and Roewen hadn't had the chance to properly observe something like her.\n\nThe monster seemed like all the aggression had been tackled out of him. He regarded Theoralin with respect after their brief fight." }, { "author": "Theoralin", "message": "She looks up at him. \"This will hurt, but then i'll wrap it and it will feel much better,\" She says. She rips out the arrow from his leg and quickly wraps his leg and hoof. \"There.\"\n\nShe looks back at the glowing thing confused. What was she doing? \"Okay, well, you can try to travel but my horse isn't going anywhere with you,\" She says, a bit annoyed.\n\nShe then wraps the boar's shoulder where she had stabbed him. She wraps that one tighter, with an extra piece of the tunic. It really helps with the comfortability of the creature as well as the trust between them. \"I've been wanting to go North, so if you're sticking with me that means we're not the stable south of here. But for tonight...\" She looks around the campsite and sighs. \n\n\"I guess we can camp here for the night.\"" }, { "author": "Elina the fairy", "message": "Elina stopped trying to get the horse to move after being told they were camping for the night.\n\n\"Oh greaaat...\"\nElina said in an exaggerated tone.\n\n\"Well if you got food and a tent then it's better than living in trees.\"\n\nElina got comfortable on the horse as she waited for her to make the fire.\n\n\"So why north anything fun up there?\"" }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "The monster winced and whimpered, but he tried to stay looking strong. When Theoralin was finished, Roewen snorted in thanks. It still hurt to walk, so Roewen decided to stick around.\n\nThe bokoblin limped over to Elina, inspecting the fairy closer. Bokoblins tended to be uncivilized and have no concept of personal space, and Roewen here was no different; since Elina was small, he got right up close to get a better look." }, { "author": "Elina the fairy", "message": "Elina found the Roewen trying to act tough funny and began daydreaming until the Bokoblin was already in her face.\n\n\"BAH GET AWAY!\"\n\nShe tried whacking them with her twig.\n\n\"HORSE GET THAT THING AWAY FROM ME NOW!\"\n\nShe hid behind the ear of the horse using it as cover." }, { "author": "Theoralin", "message": "\"Hey, he's fine.\" Is all she said as she began to prepare the camping spot Again. She set up her makeshift sleeping mat behind the sitting area and fixed up some of the logs into a circle again. She felt bad, she wasn't sure if she'd have anything comfortable for the creature. \n\n\"You don't have to hide, Fairy. He's friendly now. He was just upset before. He won't hurt you, he's just curious about you.\" She adds, slightly amused by the fairy's reaction. \n\nShe grabs some of the leftover firewood and whatever she could spare from when the hog creature kicked her previous campfire and created a new one. She didn't light it yet, knowing that it would get much colder soon when the sun fully set. \n\nShe rummaged through a different pack and grabbed a few things. She found a small box she has and fills it with some of the remaining cloth from her ripped up spare tunic, for the fairy to rest in.\n\nShe was struggling to find something for the other creature. She had a blanket that he could lay on, but that means she would be absolutely freezing through the night. The campfire only did so much. She decided that he had earned the blanket, after what she did to him, but she was still a bit grumpy. She was now going to go to bed hungry And Cold." }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "Roewen yelped as he got whacked and backed up towards Theoralin. He wasn't sure why, but small things like fairies freaked him out, kind of like when a bug flies at you. Not fun; it makes you flinch and swat the air. Now imagine that but whacking you with a stick. Even less fun.\n\nHe sat patiently as he let Theoralin do her thing, setting up the fire and everything... Perhaps he could help. The monster oinked and grunted something, motioning with his hands at the two to stay put. \n\n...And with that, Roewen limped off into the sunset, in the direction he had come from initially.\n\n...\n\nWith the path being more direct and much less winding, the bokoblin found his way back much quicker. This time, carrying his (well, not actually \\His\\...) bag full of other things. Luckily, no one else had come to plunder the rest of it. He set it down at the camp and dug around inside it, eventually emerging with some fruits and dried meat, which he offered to Theoralin (and not Elina, who seemed to want nothing to do with him anyway). \n\nIt made sense; bokoblins tended to be pack-oriented. They sought power in numbers, which meant they supported groups of other monsters whenever they could. If this person was setting up camp for him, they must be a friend. This was the monster's attempt at paying it forward.\n\nWith that, Roewen yawned and stretched, then laid down, huddling near the fire and Theoralin. Being a blue bokoblin, he was slightly better-adapted to most outdoors environments, even with minimal clothing. This meant he was quite warm to the touch, blanket or not.\n\nWhat beautifully simple-minded creatures bokoblins were." }, { "author": "Elina the fairy", "message": "Elina was glad that the monster left for a few minutes and seeing the food made her hungry. She was gonna get something to eat even if she's offered or not so when the bokoblin was laying down Elina flew over to one of the apples and began carrying it over back to the horse.\n\n\n\"Alright horse you take a bite and I'll the inside got it?\"\n\nShe looked at the horse with a smile but it quickly faded as the horse ate the whole apple in one bite.\n\n\"WHAT THE HELL SHARE SOME NEXT TIME!!\"\n\nShe began going into a screaming contest with the horse with the horse barely paying any mind to her." }, { "author": "Theoralin", "message": "She was worried when the creature wandered off. He was injured, and there were much nastier things out there. She was concerned for his safety, until she saw that he returned. \n\nFood. Her eyes lit up in response, and she was very grateful to share food with the creature. \"Thank you, kind one.\" She tentatively extended a hand and patted his snoot. He was kinda cute, like a lil kid. \n\nShe turned to the fairy, confused on what she was doing. \"Uh... Fairy girl... What are you doing to my horse? Also, why would he share with you if you've been nothing but mean to him?\" Her tone was pointed, stern. She notices her steed, completely ignoring the fairy and can't help but laugh. \n\n\"Pfft. Even Creed doesn't want to talk to you.\" She laughs. \"What's your name, fairy? If you hate the little hog guy so much, why are you still here, hanging around My Camp with My Supplies?\"" }, { "author": "Elina the fairy", "message": "Elina pouted after realizing the horse would just eat whatever Elina place nearby them. As Elina began turning looking at the Hylian as they begin to bombarde Elina with questions.\n\n\"Well since you really can't wait for me to answer.\"\n\nElina took a deep breath in and began explaining her answer as fast as she could.\n\n\"My name is Elina and I need to stay here cause I don't wanna die in this forest. Also if we have one weird pig thing then other pigs won't bother us specifically me. And finally cut up that apple for me cause I'm hungry and can't do it myself.\"\n\nElina took a deep breath out and then begin to give a large smile at Theoralin." }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "Roewen was out cold. Gentle little snores escaped his snout as he laid by the fire and got some rest. He seemed very calm and peaceful... It didn't take much for someone like him to have an enjoyable time.\n\nIn response to the snoot petting, the bokoblin jolted awake, before sniffling a bit and moving a little closer to Theoralin. He then resumed his slumber, like nothing happened. Usually, when someone makes physical contact with Roewen, it's in the form of an attack, so his defensive instincts kicked in, but this touch was welcome; he trusted Theoralin, at least for now." }, { "author": "Theoralin", "message": "\"Don't you think you're a little Small To be barking orders at me?\" She replies. \"I could clap my hands together and that'd be the end of you, Elina.\" She laughs. She has a dark sense of humor, but it's not her intent to sound cruel. She starts cutting up the apple for her anyway. She notices the boar sleeping closer to her now and smiles. At least she could have a companion. She didn't like people who were pretentious. She saw Elina as a bit snooty, but more childish than anything. And the pig creature she didn't know the name of was not as intelligent, but he definitely had a personality.\n\nShe found him adorable. Like a little brother. She never had any siblings, so the company was a bit of a treat for her, though she'd never admit it—she was much too stubborn in maintaining a strong exterior to speak on something vulnerable such as familial matters. \n\nShe hands the slices of apple to Elina. \"I'm getting ready for bed soon. Want me to find something for you to sleep in? I'm sure I can find something small and warm, even magical beings such as yourself ought to rest.\" She wasn't being as tender to the non-empathetic fairy, but she was still being somewhat considerate." }, { "author": "Elina the fairy", "message": "Elina was weirded out at her sense of humor knowing she didn't really mean it but it still ain't funny to talk about killing someone in a cruel way.\n\n\"Uh good one gonna have to write that one down for later.\"\nElina said in a mix of sarcasm and being a little worried for her safety here.\n\nShe took her apple slices and began eating them quickly Elina hasn't had a meal in a decent amount of time and she just started running low on water.\n\n\"Yeah sure anything that has any softening can work.\"\n\nWhy couldn't I find some hero in green like in those story's instead of these two weirdos.\n\nEina went to bed in whatever Theoralin found for her to sleep in.\n\n\nShe went to bed crying keeping to herself." } ]	164.5	6,369
271	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Red Link", "message": "\"Blue?!\"\n\nRed was having a lot of trouble processing this. He was so happy to see Blue, he really was! But at the same time... Just like Red, Blue had grown. And he had grown a Lot. He was a lot taller than Red now, and he too had apparently experienced appearance changes. While Red had acquired freckles, red eyes, and ginger hair, Blue's hair and skin color had darkened to quite a beautiful brown tone and... His Eyes Were so Blue. Red couldn't stop looking at them.\n\nOh goddess. His crush had Not Gone away. It was just as bad as before. He was so stunned he almost forgot to hug back. So he did... And realized Blue's Muscles Had also grown. \n\nCorrection. His crush on Blue was not the same. It was so much worse." }, { "author": "Blue Link (ToFP)", "message": "So many emotions were going through your head at once when you saw Red again. You had to lean down slightly to really get a look at him but that was okay. Youre just happy hes safe and hes here! Right now! In front of you! Isnt this amazing??\nTears began to well up in your eyes. You had forgotten how much you had missed this little runt.\n\n\"Yes, Red its me. I swear it is- i- I missed you so much- Im so happy to see you.\"\n\nYour hands were on his shoulders as you took a moment to get a good look at him. A few tears rolled down your cheeks and blurred your vision a little, but you could still see just fine. Red looked a lot different than you remembered, which you expected. You __would__ say that he was just short, but you hadnt really noticed that you... Got pretty tall didnt you? No ones said anything about it before so you guess you never gave it much thought. That didnt matter though.\nYou could clearly see that Red's appearance changed. His hair was a soft orange color, and his eyes turned into a lovely shade of red that complimented the freckles on his face. He was... Very pretty... Beautiful, actually.\nWell, you mean it in just- you- youre just ACKNOWLEDGING his changes. Nothing more. He looks nice. Thats it. Yeah.\nYou began to choke and as you wanted to tell him more. Goddesses there was so much that had happened, so much you wanted to say, but that all caught in your throat. You quickly gave up on speaking for a moment to simply go in for another hug. You held him tightly in your arms and let it all go completely, allowing the tears to flow freely and soak a tiny bit of Red's cloak.\n\n\"Youve changed so much i- It-its so great to see you again-\"" }, { "author": "Red Link", "message": "This time Red really did return the hug right away. He closed his eyes and smiled. He Had Changed a lot... And so had Blue. Stronger but somehow softer. The tears were a bit surprising, but certainly not bewildering. Just like Red, Blue had grown up. While Red became braver, Blue had opened up. He felt... Proud.\n\n\"I think we both have changed, Blue. I have so much to tell you, I've been so many places and seen so many things! It's so good to see you again.\"\n\nRed sniffled a bit himself as he pulled back slightly, looking at Blue with slightly watery eyes. \"I just feel like... I also Missed So much. You have to tell me everything! What happened to you three? I remember Vio leaving while you and Green stayed... What's been going on? How is Zelda?\"\n\nRed knew he was asking a lot of questions... But he felt bad for having missed so much happening in Hyrule. In his travels in other lands – Holodrum, Thundramali, Labrynna – he had been gone for too long." } ]	235	813
569.25	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "The Hero of Legend", "message": "Sweat dripped down his brow. Legend had been up here before, near when he first arrived to this place. But even then, it is still a difficult place to tread if you are not prepared. And the man was... Well, prepared well enough. \n\nThe Hero figured that if he held the Ice Rod in his hand and used it as a walking staff, he could feed low amounts of mana into it to give off cold air. Granted, it was like slow charging a bolt and eventually he did need to fire off an ice blast— but Legend would call that worth it. There were enough enemies scattered here and there to make such a thing worth it. \n\nHe just wished he had warped into the area properly. Without the bushes where the seeds are from, the Gale Seeds are a bit picky about where they send him. Might have something to do with not being able to sense the other berries? ... This kind of question is more of a Zelda question than anything. He just knows that that's how it works. But he was getting close to the tower he had scouted the previous time he had been in here. \n\nAnd he does, in fact, see a figure cutting the distance. It was hard Not To, considering the height of the man. Link takes a breath, straightening up so that he does not arrive hunched over his cane— looking weak. A hand is raised as he attempts to hail the one, supposedly, known as Ganondorf. \n\nIt is dawned upon him that this is potentially what Ganon looked like before he was corrupted by his own evil. Or, now that more pieces of history have been unconvered, by Demise. Still, the past king approaches the king of the future.\n\n\"I believe... About 10 minutes late. Apologies for that.\" He's still a bit new to this whole... Royal meeting, thing. Hopefully it can drop formalities soon." }, { "author": "King of Thunder Ganondorf", "message": "Ganondorf allowed a small smile to sprout upon his face. Not too large, not too threatening. It wouldn't do to scare away his one chance at creating goodwill between himself and the heroes that had been thrown into this world.\n\n\"I fault you not - Legend, correct?\" He looks the other man up and down, taking in his figure, his shape. The strength in the hero's form was visible, almost as much as his own, but even still, Ganondorf did not allow himself to judge him by this alone. \"It is of no concern. As a Hylian, I can understand if there was any sort of physical barrier impeding your arrival. The desert is not often kind to those who it has not tamed.\"\n\nOff to the side, a short walk away, the Skyview Tower stood tall above the searing sands. It was imposing, but perhaps less so to the Gerudo man, who himself towered above almost all others. He recalled the faces of a few who, notably, could match his height, but he dispelled those images as they appeared. They were not here, not with him; they would scarcely do him any good, though he longed for the gentle guidance of Sonia, the humble leadership of Rauru. They were both far better at negotiations, talks like this one, than he - he was a man of action, though he certainly saw the use of words.\n\nWithout them here, though, his own charisma and leadership would have to suffice. It was clear that the Ganondorf known to the people of this world led with fear and violence; he wished not to uphold that terror. As such, he had already taken steps to minimize his own threatening presence as much as possible, unshaping his blade and taking a pose lacking any sort of intimidation; relaxed, easy, calm.\n\nHe held out his hand to the other man, offering a shake. He hoped that Legend had no qualms with such a thing; he knew that some were rather averse to such contact, and while he'd never understood it himself, he'd always tried not to overstep any sort of boundaries." }, { "author": "The Hero of Legend", "message": "Legend's smile finds itself on his face, a relatively rare thing but certainly more visible in polite conversation. As such, the only thing it does is mirror Ganondorf's own. A formality, but a visible curiosity in his eyes at least lends that it isn't out of him not caring.\n\n\"Correct, and I have to assume you to be Ganondorf, then.\" Legend finally settles, taking his own moment to look over the other. He is not unfamiliar to standing next to those larger in stature than him— the knight wasn't as tall or as broad as he could have been, according to Zelda. The best way to describe this man's build was that his hands were as calloused from fighting as they were from farming. But comparing himself to Ganondorf would be like comparing himself to a Lynel. The man was imposing without even meaning to be... Which makes sense as to why he's trying to appear anything but, currently.\n\nThe hero glanced to the hand and reached his own out, the one that held his wedding bracer. An incredibly ornate piece of armor that was more decorative than made for use— but still had a few (carefully cared for) score marks from attacks on it. Inlaid gems (blue and pink) and the outward side had a carved version of himself and Zelda holding hands. It was intentional that he produced this hand, as it always is. But his handshake was firm but not compressing. He's not trying to overpower the other. \n\nLegend released the mana he was feeding into the Ice Rod to charge it, figuring it wouldn't look good if he fired off an ice blast into the distance. The loss of the ambiant cold was incredibly noticable, though, at least to himself. \"I have had to traverse deserts before, but none such as this. Ah, but I was younger, then, so that could have some effect.\" The hero glances towards the tower. \"Should we head in there, then, to continue?\"" }, { "author": "King of Thunder Ganondorf", "message": "Ganondorf's eyes follow the hero's, and he considered the idea. As best as he could tell, the tower was empty; it seemed that these structures were capable of operating even when unattended, if indeed it even was \"Operating.\" He, himself, did not think it necessary to duck into the cover and shade of the tower; he'd have been quite content to remain out in the open, having grown not just used to the heat, but fond of it.\n\nEven still, he nodded. \"I believe that would be best, yes.\" He had taken note of the Legend's lack of such an adaptation, and while it seemed that his strange rod would last for some time still, Ganondorf didn't want to cause him any undue exhaustion if the magic required his own energy to be expended. Even aside from that, Ganondorf felt that it fell to him to make concessions in this situation. Legend had, after all, already made one of his own - it wasn't as if he had needed to help the other heroes and such of this world understand him better. It was a decision the man had made on his own, and one Ganondorf could not possibly thank him enough for.\n\nNow, though, it was a matter of seeing it through, of ensuring that things went smoothly from here on. Ganondorf started towards the tower, waving for the other king to follow - and it was at that point that his thoughts wandered, drifting towards questions. He had, of course, been taught of the history of Hyrule and all that had come before it; though he was not the most diligent of students, he had done his best to commit much of that knowledge to memory.\n\nThough much had been lost in the collision of the many strands of time's frayed rope, much still remained for the new people to learn from. Ganondorf's own name, of course, as well as those of the ever-reincarnating princess and hero. Zelda and Link, they were most often called, and Legend was one of the latter. The question on Ganondorf's mind, then, went to how Legend had come to be known as a king, though he posed not the question." }, { "author": "The Hero of Legend", "message": "The man nods in response, simply moving behind Ganondorf to follow into the tower. His own mind wandered, attempting to scramble for any of the lessons that his wife had pressed upon him in the nature of kinghood. But, as always, Legend's mind draws blanks at anything that had been said. Not for lack of trying— but the nature was that he could never seem to remember something Useful Until after the fact or before it occurs. Like sand between his fingers, it empties. \n\nSo as the hero moved into the shade of the tower, he simply breathed out and wiped the sweat from his brow. A hand pushed the pink-tinged ginger hair out of his face. Legend could practically feel the sweat clinging to every part of his body. He's trying to remember how he survived the deserts of his past, but frankly came up with nothing there either. I can barely remember half of my adventures anyways, not surprised I wouldn't remember probably dying constantly in the desert from the heat.\n\nBreathe in. Breathe out. Just talk. \"... Well, I have to admit, I was half expecting to be killed the moment I got close to you.\" Shit. Why would you say that. \"You hear all of these stories about the Demon King, and who he used to be, but I'd never really expect to meet the man himself in my lifetime. Not truly.\" The knight straightens up, meeting his gaze.\n\n\"I hope that you'll forgive me in that I am not one for formalities. I was born a farmer, so the intricacies of royal talks are still out of my grasp. My wife tells me that most of what I say is blunt at best— but it's easier that way. Questions and answers, back and forth, what works and what doesn't. When you get past all the fancy proceedings, it makes more sense. So, I'll cut to it: you don't feel evil. You are actively trying to present yourself as small as you can without compromising your own stature. A man obsessed with power would never Conceive Of the idea to stoop lower than his full frame.\" Legend pauses to take a breath. \n\n\"But the best way to understand you is to know your past. If it sounds good to you, you can ask me a question about my past, and I'll ask you one. We can go back and forth for as long as we feel necessary. Though if you have a better idea, by all means.\"" }, { "author": "King of Thunder Ganondorf", "message": "Stepping into the tower's shade, a chill went down Ganondorf's spine - both on account of the sudden embrace of the cool air within the structure, and the blurted admission from the other man. It hurt, of course it would, but he was nothing if not used to the feeling. Countless people from his own world had said much the same to him; that he was menace, a monster, a king of demons by birth, the evil innate to his very being and name always coming before the actions he'd taken to temper the crimes that preceded him.\n\nBut as Legend continued to explain his perspective, Ganondorf felt the tinge of indignation within him shrink smaller and smaller. He found that he didn't Want To be angry with him - even just the clarifications of Legend's inability to navigate discussions of royal manner diminished his simmering anger. He found himself agreeing with the hero; the belief that simplicity is the best way to communicate was one he had held for years, even since the beginning of his kingship.\n\nGanondorf found himself embarrassed as Legend acknowledged his attempts to appear smaller - he'd hoped only the effect would be felt, not the action itself, but the other man was clearly quite perceptive. Still, the fact that Legend did not truly feel threatened, and in fact further believed his claims about being more than the evil of the role he'd been born into, gave Ganondorf solace.\n\n\"Your idea is more than acceptable,\" He said once Legend had finished, \"And I must thank you, again, for giving me this chance. If I am to ask the first question...\" Ganondorf pondered for a moment, thinking on what he'd like to know most - what had called Legend into the life of the hero he was, what experiences he'd had with Ganon and Demise, why he, indeed, called himself a king (and of What Was he a king, as well), but he chose a rather simple question instead.\n\n\"It is my understanding that each Link is called upon to vanquish some great evil, or to resolve troubles of some sort,\" He\n\nStarted. \"If it would not be too much to ask, what were these obstacles that you were called upon to overcome?\"" }, { "author": "The Hero of Legend", "message": "A simple nod is given when the idea was agreed upon, Legend visibly relaxing just a bit. Most of the time his ideas can be seen as crass, or even himself as someone of a poorer quality due to his origins. He's had to grit his teeth and bear the whispered insults of nobles for years. From the moment he was engaged to Zelda at 13, to when he married her at 18, and even now. \n\nBut what time has not quelled is his loyalty. He would bear all of the weight and brunt of those insults, every single poke at his lineage, all of it. The Moment *Anyone* Began to turn their gaze to his wife... \n\nLink blinks, focusing back in. Nonetheless, it seems Ganondorf did not make a comment on his origins. So it did not matter. However... \n\n... A relatively deep sigh left his lips. It seems like an easy question on the surface for him, I imagine.\n\n\"... You would be correct. Most of us with the burden of the name Link are given a quest to complete within our lifetime, ususally given by the Goddesses or by the kingdom itself. Mine is...\" Legend glances away, a seemingly far-off look in his eyes for a moment as he attempts to find the words. \"... Long.\"\n\n\"... At nine, my first quest was given to me. Ganon, an incarnation of yourself corrupted fully by the Dark World and his hold on the Triforce, had been sealed in the former Sacred Realm. But was attempting to break free by manipulating the king in the form of a man named Agahnim. The king was killed, the sage descendants kidnapped, including Princess Zelda, in an attempt to break the seal on the former Sacred Realm. All of this I did not care for, at the time.\" Icy blue eyes returned to Ganondorf's, a tempered fire engulfing them. \n\n\"He had killed my Uncle. He died within my arms. For that, he paid. I saved Hyrule, the Princess, the descendants, and using the Triforce I returned everything to it's former state.\"\n\nLegend pauses for a moment. The idea on how to shorten his entire quests into small enough bites was... Difficult. But the foundations of a relationship are built upon trust, especially royal ones— as his wife would say. For this reason, he continues. \n\n\"At ten, I returned to the Triforce. I heard it's call, perhaps, knowing that I was needed in some unconscious way that my shared soul knew. I was transported to a land called Holodrum, and met Din— the Oracle of Seasons. She was kidnapped by Onox, a warlord and a dragon who worked under Koume and Kotake. Loyal to Ganon. They threw the seasons into disarray in an attempt to revive Ganon using... Some magical flames, essentially. The Flame of Destruction, in this case. I fixed this too, saved Din.\"\n\nLegend hands came together, not quite fully clasped, just at the fingers. His left thumb rubbed the right one soothingly. \"At eleven, I was transported to Labrynna, and met Nayru— the Oracle of Ages. She was possessed by a sorceress named Veran, who threw time itself into chaos. People threatening to disappear, entire structures attempting to be built, nobles across the ages being whispered to as a tactic to manipulate using the guise of Nayru. All to ignite the Flame of Sorrow. This, too, I undid. It was only here did I realize that Princess Zelda had been kidnapped again, by Koume and Kotake. They planned to sacrifice her to ignite the Flame of Despair and ressurect Ganon fully. I did not allow this, so only a husk of him was revived. Just brute force, nothing of the intelligent being I fought. He was defeated, along with Twinrova.\"\n\nNow, Legend begins to look visibly uncomfortable. He has been maintaining eye contact, but now his gaze shifts away. His shoulders tense. \n\n\"... At twelve, I sailed into the ocean alone, attempting to return to Hyrule. A storm hit. I... Shipwrecked on an island with a sleeping god, trapped in a nightmare. ... I woke him from the nightmare. And I awoke drifting in the middle of the ocean on what was left of my ship after a year had passed. And I swam back to Hyrule. That was my last quest until now.\"\n\nFinally, he breathes, forcing himself to relax and meet Ganondorf's gaze again. It's that much more apparent the age that is betrayed in his eyes. The shadows beneath them. The scars across his features. The exhaustion in his stare. \n\n\"You are the first I have told of this here, of the exact nature of my quests.\" Legend thinks this ironic, really. The incarnation of the man he killed is the first person he opens his lockbox to. Even if the true nature of Koholint he kept hidden. That was something he did not intend to tell anyone, Anytime Soon. \n\n\"... If you need time to think after that, I understand. But if you have questions regarding what I have said, I must ask you to keep a hold of them. For now, I will give you my question: when you became king, what is the first rule you made, and why?\"" }, { "author": "King of Thunder Ganondorf", "message": "Ganondorf waited patiently for Legend to speak his piece. The idea that the hero's journey had been long made sense to him, so he simply gestured for him to take his time. While he knew not of a Link, or any other hero, from his own time, he had heard many stories of those of the past, who had come long before the Zonai, back before Demise had decided to part from his vessel. Some had been given much easier tasks than others; Legend must simply be among the less-lucky few.\n\nAs the explanation commenced, however, he found that his assessment had been more accurate than he could have thought.\n\nNine. Nine Years old, Legend said, and he had seen his kingdom torn down before him, his uncle's life snuffed out, and he had been made to take on a journey that should have been beyond him. Ganondorf almost did not realize that the name of his evil-ridden incarnation had been spoken until Legend had finished his tale, so torn was his heart by what he was hearing. The only solace he felt was that the Triforce had been enough to return Hyrule to before its turmoil, but it was soured by the knowledge that all that the boy had been through had happened, whether or not the world had been saved.\n\nLegend's stories continued, and each one drew the stake of sympathy deeper into Ganondorf's heart. He resisted the urge to comfort the man, knowing that the action would not particularly be appreciated. Gone was his curiosity into what brushes with Demise's evil he had had, and Ganondorf immensely regretted asking him to dredge up these clearly painful memories. He considered for not even a moment asking further into Legend's final quest - it was evidently too much for him to discuss.\n\nTo hear that he was the First To hear of these quests was a surprise; it was Ganondorf's understanding that Legend was quite close with the Zelda of his world. This, neither, did he ask about, intent to leave it alone, should it also be something that the hero wished not to tell.\n\nAt Legend's own question,\n\nThough, Ganondorf was given pause. He thought it a much simpler question than his own, though surely Legend had his own reasons to ask the question. \"The first rule I made...\" He thought for a moment, recalling his first years of chiefdom - it had been quite some time. \"If my memory serves me, I neglected to create any new laws for some time after my mother passed the position to me.\" He frowned, considering. \"I may not have made any rules in particular at all, in fact... But my first act as King, I recall, was to declare a treaty of peace between Gerudo and Hyrule.\"\n\nThinking back to his meeting with Rauru, Ganondorf grimaced at the memories of his people's reactions. \"It was... A controversial decision, at the time. Many of my people, without any deeper knowledge, thought of the Hyrulean royal family as conquerors and colonizers.\" He sighed. \"It took years for the Gerudo as a whole to embrace the change, and some still speak against Hyrule and its people... But their words, I take no action against.\"\n\nHis piece stated, Ganondorf thought of his own question. \"As for my own question... I suppose I would like to know how, exactly, you came to acquire your title. Most heroes, if I am not mistaken, come from far more humble backgrounds.\" He stroked his chin thoughtfully. He thought, perhaps, that Legend could have married into the crown, but he would still his tongue and allow the man to answer for himself." } ]	458	4,554
402.5	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Urbosa", "message": "`Tsch- Tsch- Tsch`\n\nUrbosa approaches the gates of Gerudo town, staring at Dorrah and Merina. There were guards standing in their same spots back in her day, but a century between then and now meant a good few generations of changes. Behind her, she heard the two murmuring about her sword and shield, but focused more on the business she was here for. She crossed through the threshold and found herself even more surprised. Town looked exactly as it had when she'd left, and at the same time it looked completely different. She found herself filled with a sense of jamais vu. She was home, and yet she was the farthest away from it she'd ever been, leaving her with the gnawing pain of hiraeth. Shaking her racing thoughts from her head, she walked forwards to the Chief's building, her heels clacking up the stairs as she held her head up high. She had heard a fair amount about this great Chief Riju, she'd been chief for six years, and in that time she had helped their people through not one but two crises/ having managed to calm Vah Naboris, finishing what was supposed to be Urbosa's burden to bear- helping Link vanquish thunderblight so that he could handle Calamity Ganon- and then later awakening as a great sage of Lightning, quelling a raging sandstorm that threatened to bury them all and slaying a vicious monster and awakening not only mastery over lightning but an ability to summon a phantom clone of herself to be able to both watch over her people and simultaneously aid Link in defeating... Ganon again? Ganondorf? Were they the same? Either way, she certainly sounded like quite the accomplished woman- perhaps they'd discuss things over drinks at the noble canteen. As she stepped into the room, it was not a woman she saw sitting on the throne- rather, a girl.\n\n\"Savaaq.\" She greeted with a casual bow. \"I am Makeela Urbosa, daughter of Makeela Nivaru. I've come to speak with Chief Riju in regards to the blood moon. I take it you're her-\"\n\nUrbosa paused before she could finish that sentence with 'Vehvi'- daughter- There was a distinct aura about the girl, and as Urbosa assessed her gaze, she found her eyes devoid of the usual carefree mirth expected of a child her age. A hint of pain flashed across Urbosa's face as she realized this kid WAS Lady Riju. To be chief at so young- she had to be around Avina's age. Urbosa now felt guilty about her daughter, who had presumably also become chief at 16 after the calamity- but WAIT- she thought back to her earlier note about Riju's reign, she'd been chief for 6 years, meaning since she was a small child. Robbed of a mother and a childhood before she even knew basic algebra, given the weight of the entire world to bear. At Riju's age, Urbosa's biggest worry was what pair of earrings to wear that day, and this child was here expected to care for a whole town? It was now that Urbosa's expression faltered for a moment, heartbreak written in the way her brows furrowed- until she shook her head once again before finally speaking.\n\n\"-I take it you're her.\" She repeated her last sentence with a full stop, rather than the awkward pause that betrayed its predecessor's incompletion, bowing again with more formality." }, { "author": "Riju", "message": "Riju was... Not sure what to expect. She knew the legends of Lady Urbosa. The Chief among Gerudo chiefs, who led her people through the preparations for the Calamity. A warrior of the desert, who danced across the battlefield with her Scimitar of the Seven and Daybreaker, blade encompassed with lightning. She'd listened to stories from Zelda of her childhood and the mother figure she found in Urbosa. But as far as truly Knowing What was in store today... Riju hadn't a clue. Stories were one thing, but experiences were another.\n\nBut she knew when she saw her. The authority practically radiated from her like the glint of the sunlight off her armor. As she entered, Riju straightened in her throne, knowing she was in the presence of an elder — someone who commanded respect. Riju smiled after Urbosa introduced herself.\n\n\"Lady Urbosa,\" She began, uncrossing her legs and standing to approach the other chief, \"It is an honor to meet you. I have heard so much about you from Zelda and our people's legends.\" A few feet away, she took a standing bow with one hand over her heart, and heard Buliara and the other guards who were present drop to one knee with a unison Clank Of armor. When Riju rose, so did the guards and she turned to face them.\n\n\"The Seven have blessed us with a powerful ally in our former chief. Please prepare the third guest room and the kitchens. Tonight's dinner is in Lady Urbosa's honor.\"\n\nWith a salute, everyone but Buliara left the room, leaving Riju and Urbosa in somewhat awkward silence. Riju let out a breath, and returned to the throne, sitting down slowly. She knew it was hers, but... It felt strange to sit in the presence of her predecessor. She turned to her retainer. \"Buliara, please fetch a seat for Lady Urbosa.\" As Buliara exited, they were truly alone.\n\n\"Lady Urbosa, I can't thank you enough,\" Riju started. \"The town itself suffered little damage thanks to our efforts, but we did lose a few soldiers. Morale will rise when your presence is officially announced.\"" }, { "author": "Urbosa", "message": "\"Thank you, Buliara.\" Urbosa nodded gratefully as she made a mental note of the name. Buliara carried herself with a distinct aura of competence, and she could tell from the protective way she looked at Riju that she would likely be a major player in this war against... Who was the enemy? Right, that would be a good first question to ask...\n\n\"Thank you for such a warm welcome. Of course, it goes without saying that I wish our meeting was under less dire circumstances, however. Just as it was a century ago, my duty is to protect our people- to protect Hyrule. It truly is a tragedy that such fine vai were lost, but it is thanks to their sacrifice that the cost was not higher- and thanks to your work as well. I am admittedly a bit out of the loop as to the ongoing war, so it may be for the better if we discuss what intel we have so far...\"" }, { "author": "Riju", "message": "Riju nodded. \"Indeed. We could not have done it without their sacrifice, and the efforts of Thunder King, Hilda, and the vai who remained standing when it was over.\"\n\nIt was then that Buliara returned with one of the ornate chairs used by guests at meals in the palace. She set it down behind Urbosa and gave a respectful bow. \"Sarqso, Buliara,\" Riju said with a smile. \"You may stay.\" With a nod, her retainer resumed her post at Riju's side, her claymore hitting the ground with a soft Thump. Riju turned back to Urbosa.\n\n\"Please have a seat. We may be a while. Admittedly we know very little. We know there is a blood mage, who owns a strange mask. And we know that he is incredibly powerful. We also know that Something Has caused the blood moon to return, worse than ever before. And that a mass of Gloom traveled across the desert and disappeared. Search teams have found nothing.\"" } ]	339	1,610
317.222222	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Genesis", "message": "There's a strange blend between nonexistent and being corporal. Theres serenity in the darkness, though... For Genesis that serenity is truly not sound. It's a constant state of wake and thought, watching the living attempt what you attempted Over and over and over again. That darkness, that serenity, stops being comfortable as time passes. And each moment your spirit is passed and living within the heart of a beating soul, you feel that heart within you. And it aches for an endlessly vicious cycle to be over... Genesis had long since grown tired of his state of limbo, and Hylias attempts to ease him hadn't helped as much as she wished they would.\n\nThe man yearned for silence, True Silence, and... In the strangest moment, just as he thought he'd find peace in some form, tired eyes finally closing, \n\nThey open. And no longer is he Witnessing. He's at long last... Present. Hylia had not warned him. The hero looked at his hands, scanning around him for some sign, clue, or even a Task. \n\nThen, dead eyes catch onto a face he'd not expected to see... Not in this realm anyways. Walking is... Strange, so he merely blinks before appearing beside her. \n\n\"....Hilda.\" \n\n\|\|" }, { "author": "Princess Hilda", "message": "She couldn't say she'd expected to see a Ghost In Gerudo Town, but here she was, and here was a ghost. One that looked... Similar to Viridian, though older. She knew by now that meant this must be the spirit of another Link, which... She couldn't say she really felt like dealing with.\n\nShe had enough issues already than to deal with... Whatever this was. So she'd simply planned on walking passed the spirit and ignoring it, but when he Spoke Her name, she stopped. How would he...? He wouldn't have overheard someone calling her by her name in the parchment? Did he even have one?\n\n...Could A spirit even have one?\n\nShe eyed the spirit warily, a hand wrapped tightly around her staff. While she may not be in Lorule and this staff- a symbol of her royal status- would mean nothing to the people of Hyrule, it was still useful for channeling her magic in a more precise manner. Though she was uncertain if her magic would work against a spirit.\n\n\"...And you are?\" She kept her voice calm, even if she was far more unnerved than she let on. \"Perhaps rules are different for spirits, but generally one would introduce oneself to the other person they apparently know.\"\n\nShe waited for him to reply hoping she'd come across as far more confident than she felt." }, { "author": "Genesis", "message": "\"....\" He doesn't say anything for a long moment, eyeing her stance and the way she held her staff. Ah. He'd startled her. Not his intention, though it was too late to redo this. Genesis wasn't exactly... The best at understanding these things. But what was more Pertinent Was the fact that either of them were here at all. And why he's... Well... A phantom of some kind? Genesis eyes his hands, they way a false body seemed to glimmer in the light. It was... A surprise he hadn't been kicked out, but could he be seen by others he wasn't directly addressing? That was the first question he had. \n\n\"Apologies, Princess.\" Genesis is slow with his words, choosing them carefully. \"My name is Link. Though, I am not the only one, as I'm sure you know. You may call me Genesis. I am the first hero of Hyrule. And... I have been dead a long time.\" Genesis is unsure what more to say, he's not a man of words. His expression hardly shares an Ounce Of emotion, and the tone in which he speaks... Spectral. Cold. Distant. It was hard to read any sense of emotion from his mannerism and words, If He felt emotion at all. \n\n\"I only know you from... The hero of your era. It is my spirit that is reincarnated within many of the heroes, and because of that, by some association, I know you. But I don't quite understand How This is happening. I should not be in this realm, and you should not be in this time. What has... Happened?\"" }, { "author": "Princess Hilda", "message": "...Ah. She knew enough about Hyrule to know that their hero reincarnated over the centuries. This man must be the very beginning of it. It was a cycle that didn't effect Lorule much; Hilda was not of divine blood, and Lorule had never had heroes. None she was aware of, at least. \n\nBut she was, in some part, the counterpart of Zelda, a dark reflection. And that meant she held some connection to this cycle, however distant. She felt the truth of his words and even there was... A familiarity about him. Perhaps something Zelda herself would also feel.\n\n\"No. Neither of us should be. Time has been... Thrown into chaos. Those of us from different eras and timelines have arrived here through a portal. It even affects other worlds, as you see with me.\"\n\nNo longer as tense, she eyed the spirit with some curiosity. It was... Interesting, she admitted, to speak to the spirit of the first hero of Hyrule.\n\n\"I don't know why or how to reverse it, nor could I say why it would have taken you. I didn't know it could affect spirits.\"" }, { "author": "Genesis", "message": "\"Hm.\" Genesis acknowledges her words, though his eyes are searching everywhere around him. He supposed there was no point in the Gerudo bothering him. He was very Evidently Not alive. But he wondered if they could see him at all, or if that was solely reserved for those displaced and connected in some way to the goddesses. It was puzzling. Despite this, he's standing tall, expression mute and body language full with the authority of a knight. If this meant Anything, he may be here with a task or mission he wasn't yet aware of. Perhaps Hylia had sent him to aid those who, too, were struggling here. But the irking question of Why Never left him. \n\nHe'd need to find a way to speak with her here. \n\n\"This is... Odd. And I do not know why of all the locations, This Is where I appeared.\" Genesis is rationalizing, trying to organize points and thoughts out loud despite their seeming insignificance. The moment he was awoken, he knew something had to have been Wrong. And it involved this... Mess of eras somehow. He did not wish to hear the lecture from Farore nor Nayru when it came to it. \n\n\"...Forgive my abrupt arrival, Hilda. I wish to not be a hindrance to you.\" He was very polite. \"Yet it seems your being here and my arrival may in some way be connected. I am... Grasping at straws as people say.\" Genesis didn't know how else to continue. He is... Not a talker. Though Hilda, uninvolved as she is in the matters of Hylia, is an anomaly he was struggling to understand presently. \n\n\"Did you arrive here as abruptly as I? Or have you been here for quite some time?\"" }, { "author": "Princess Hilda", "message": "Whether the Gerudo could see him or not, she had no idea. But to be fair, he was dead, so it wasn't like... He could really cause trouble.\n\n\"I have been here... A few months, I'd say. Not very long. But yes, I arrived her rather suddenly. I was in my study when a portal opened up and just... Kidnapped me.\"\n\nShe sounds about as thrilled as she looks, which is to say, not at all. She's STILL worried how Lorule is faring without her, and now with Ravio here, she has to wonder who would even be watching over the kingdom. Hopefully someone with Some Brains.\n\n\"I couldn't say why any of us are here. I've heard some talk about 'Zonai portals'- there's someone around here who chatters A lot About the Zonai, but I wasn't listening since I don't actually care. In any case, I wouldn't be too surprised if this were some divine prank.\"\n\nShe didn't have the highest opinion of the gods, and after hearing Hylia Of all people chattering on the parchment, her opinion had plummeted. \n\n\"If you want someone more versed in this, I'd suggest talking to Wild, the hero of this era.\"" }, { "author": "Genesis", "message": "\"How... Odd.\" He regards the portals. Genesis' expression is rather bland. Not much emotion behind it, yet his eyes show a Perplexed Glare. He is not upset, that is not something he can exactly feel. Not Fully Anyways. This situation was far from tragic for him, it was simply Odd. He knew he should not be here. And he didn't have an explanation. Genesis struggled to puzzle it all together, gripping the parchment tightly in his hands as he processed the information she'd given him. He was relieved he'd found someone so upfront because his... Earlier interactions with the paper haven't been helpful. He'd upset someone by speaking... Somehow. Something about alternate versions of himself and others... A timeline he doesn't recognize.\n\n\"The... Zonai Are involved?\" He ponders. Zonai, he'd never... Gotten to see one in person. Not in his time alive, anyways. His era was before the Hylians ascended upwards. And even That Was long after the loss of the Zonai. Hylia had taken inspiration from them to raise her people to the sky, sheild them from the demons of a war long lost... His only knowledge was that of Link's and what Hylia had explained to him. But she was not here, there was not much more he could do. \n\n\"Hylia doesn't do Divine pranks. The others well... That wouldn't be surprising. However, I cannot reach her. And the Hylia I've spoken with in this parchment isn't... Mine.\" He feels weird saying this. It is, again, not something he thought possible. \n\n\"The hero of Wild seemed rather... Exhausted. If you've been here months I can assume this has been happening for... Quite some time.\" Theres a hint of a frown, but it's gone quickly. \"I thank you for your explanations. They have been... Helpful. Though I must ask, what brings you to Gerudo town? Have you spoken with Riju? And is... Ravio here as well?\"" }, { "author": "Princess Hilda", "message": "\"I don't actually know what a Zonai is.\"\n\nOr cared, honestly. Not her business. She'd learned to not get tangled up in inter dimensional activities three years ago.\n\nShe ignored the comment about Hylia, because if anyone did divine pranks, it was definitely Hylia. She hadn't exactly sounded Wise, and for all Hilda knew, Hylia just saw this all as a game.\n\nHowever, Hylia did not govern Lorule, and thus was of little consequence to Hilda. \n\nThis... Ghost of Link certainly knew a lot of names. She supposed death certainly could give one clarity they didn't have in life. And he had mentioned he knew her by association of the hero.\n\nFair enough. She was long past questioning insane things.\n\n\"Chief Riju was kind enough to take me in when I arrived. I am not the adventuring type, and I have no desire To Adventure. And Ravio has arrived, although he is with Viridian- the hero you apparently know me through. Men are not permitted here, although you Are Dead, so. Perhaps they don't particularly care.\"\n\nShe'd have to ask Riju later." }, { "author": "Genesis", "message": "\"They are... Cat angel people from the sky.\" Genesis explains simply as if it made Any Real sense. To be entirely fair, it didn't make sense to him either. His knowledge of them was rather limited due to a lack of experience between all the heroes. Again, that irritation returned. A millennia of knowing Everything, past present and future only to be reduced to... Whatever this form was currently. Who would have the power to do such a thing? To go Beyond Hylia's reach? He wondered if it involved the other gods somehow, but he doubted the divine three would pull such a... For lack of a better word, Prank. \n\n\"No one will ask of you to adventure either. I understand this is all rather jarring. You have better things to worry for than a state of a land which isn't at all your own...\" He sighs, feeling the weight of his own words. The ability to not be bothered, he was a little envious. \n\n\"Yes it is rather... Odd this with where I arrived. It makes me... Wonder if I can be seen by anyone else who isn't involved. That would be both a relief and a sham-\" His words are cut off as two spears are pointed at him. \n\n\"Hault! VOE!\" \n\nAh. There it was. \n\n\"...The irony.\" Genesis holds up his hands as a spear begins to usher him away. \"I believe I am being arrested. This will be a couple minutes. If you need of me, simply say my name.\" Genesis is rather unbothered as he's being pushed away and towards the prisons of Gerudo town. He could leave if he wanted to. But he may as well satisfy the Gerudo on laws he technically Did Break. Yippee! Prison!" } ]	285	2,855
568	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Nadalia, Sage of Lightning", "message": "If Nadalia had to describe her feelings about this situation in a single word, the only one she could really think of was \"Complicated.\" Given the fact that she was in a new world, she had expected to be met with many changes and new things. But she never could have imagined she would speak to Queen Sonia, alive and well, and Ganondorf, unsealed and unbound to the curse of Demise. It was certainly a privilege, one she didn't think she would be able to get under any other circumstances. So she suggested they reunite where it all started. The Great Plateau. \n\nIt had changed much in over 10,000 years. For starters, the majority of the plateau was missing from where it had been, and was now floating high above her. The palace was also gone, and the only large structure in sight was what looked like a cathedral. Or, what used to be one. It lay in ruins now. Nadalia made her way up the steps to it, hoping to find the ones she was looking for there.\n\nQueen Sonia... The last time she saw her, she believed her an enemy, one that must be brought to justice for taking land that did not belong to her nor the husband she sat next to. But she had been wrong. Lied to. The Queen was kind, and did not deserve what befell her. Even if, before Ganondorf betrayed them, Nadalia believed she did. If only she had followed her king despite his refusal to allow her to assist him...\n\nGanondorf. The one she would meet today was a different man than the one who slaughtered his own people with his army. It was clearer than a desert sky that they were not one and the same. She wanted to believe him, more than anything. She had so much hope for her Ganondorf, only to be so utterly disappointed. To know a Ganondorf existed somewhere, one that Was The king she had wanted... It gave her a mix of sadness for her own people and great joy for his. She could never forgive her own Ganondorf for his betrayal and dishonoring of the Gerudo, not even if he fell on his face and begged at her feet. But this man was different. \n\nAs she reached the top of the steps, she looked left, right, but saw no one. Sighing, she supposed they could simply be lost, or even looking for her elsewhere, but she had a way to rectify that. She unsheathed her Scimitar of the Seven and held it skyward, calling upon the power of her element, the gift of Naboris. The clouds directly above her darkened, rumbled, then emitted a single lightning bolt, striking Nadalia's curved blade with a loud CRASH! But just as quickly as it appeared, the storm clouds dissipated, and Nadalia channeled her own power into her blade to create a green beacon of light above her. If this didn't catch the attention of those she was attempting to meet with, well, she wasn't sure what could." }, { "author": "Queen Sonia", "message": "Once Queen of Hyrule, now a stranger to the kingdom she had so loved. It was... Bittersweet. Sonia understood she was meant to be dead; it seemed, in most timelines, she had been felled by Ganondorf, the Gerudo King who had come to call himself the Demon King. Indeed, in her own timeline, she would have died, if not for the divine intervention that had brought her so far into the future. \n\nAs a woman who had once been a priestess, Sonia believed it must indeed be divine intervention. The Goddess's reasons were closed to her, silent as the Goddess had been for years now... Though she did not believe it was due to Hylia's wrath. No, the Goddess had her reasons for everything, and though Sonia would not lie and say she did not miss her Goddess's voice, she knew that with every step she took, she was slowly, but surely, reaching for the destiny Hylia had planned for her. \n\nPerhaps the Goddess had spared her life so she could witness the redemption of the one who had been fated to kill her... Ganondorf. \n\nA man from a timeline where not only did he sucessfuly cast off the influence of Demise's curse, but had even been friends with her. With her husband. A man who had not turned against his people but instead led them into a golden age. \n\nWhile it was certainly a surprise to learn this man was Ganondorf, Sonia believed there was a meaning to everything, and she would be remiss to ignore this obvious sign from the Goddess.\n\nDelicately, the Queen stepped over a small puddle of mud, smiling when she saw the flash of brilliant light in the sky. It had been clear but a moment ago... This must be the power of Nadalia, the Sage of Lighting. A woman who had been entrusted with a Secret Stone by none other than Sonia's husband. \n\nA meeting Sonia was very much eager to begin. \n\nSoon, the Gerudo came into view, and Sonia smiled again, raising her hand in greeting. \n\nThe Queen was dressed differently than when she had arrived. Finding herself in a much colder environment, Sonia's d\n\nRess had provided very little protection against the elements. Fortunately, she had come across some kind travelers who had taken her to a nearby inn- a stable, they called it- and they had been kind enough to provide her with warmer clothes more suited for travelling the wilderness. A simple tunic and pants, paired with a sturdy pair of boots... Quite different from the Queen's usual garb, but so much easier to travel in. \n\nUpon her neck still rested her Secret Stone, gleaming brightly as she neared Nadalia. \n\nThe Queen placed a delicate hand against her chest and inclined her head in a respectful bow. \n\n\"My greetings, Nadalia, Chief of the Gerudo. I am pleased we could meet like this. Please forgive me for being so late; I am not quite used to travelling for such long distances, and I found myself a little lost.\"" }, { "author": "King of Thunder Ganondorf", "message": "Ganondorf's heart pounded as lightning surged through the sky. It was easily recognizable as Gerudo lightning, no ordinary phenomenon, as its emerald hue lit the sky above the plateau green. Normality returned with as much swiftness as it had left, and yet he could not stave off the feelings that had pooled in his heart - joy, to see those he cared for again, but no small amount of dread had begun to show its wretched, ugly face as the king had made his way to the designated place of meeting.\n\nIt was secret to no one - in his time and place, at least, as it seemed entirely untrue here - that he loved his sister dearly. They were the best of friends, allies to the end, partners in their endeavor to better all of Gerudo. And yet, to her, nearly every bit of that had seemed alien to Nadalia, from what Ganondorf had discerned. She had experienced his betrayal firsthand, she had said, and they had never been intertwined by blood, only by trust that had now been lost. It was an odd idea, that they should be family in one world and not in another, but it was not nearly so hard a concept to grasp as the idea that he had slain Sonia in the past of this very world.\n\nAgain, his heart turned at the very notion. He had been furious, at first, when the young princess had claimed that he had killed her with his own hands. The very idea appalled him - if there was a single person he loved to the extent that he did his family, it was Sonia (or, perhaps, her and her husband). And yet, while Ganondorf's stubbornness was nigh-infinite, he could not lie to himself; young Flower had not lied, and if she had, it was because she truly believed her own words, not out of any desire to deceive him.\n\nWhen Sonia had arrived, though, it was undeniable; she, herself, spoke of the last memory of her own world being the feeling of horror as she sensed the evil of her world's Ganondorf behind her, preparing to stike a final blow upon her. He had wept, then, at the thought of her death by his hands -\n\nNot simply a possibility for a fouler timeline, but the undeniable, impenetrable truth of this world's past that it was.\n\nGanondorf had thought, once, that a world in which Demise had not detached himself from his heart was one of mere speculation, more fantasy than fact. He had treated the idea as inanity, a thought experiment, no more serious or probable than the thought of a winged Lynel. Now, though, he was faced with the idea that the events of his world were not simply \"How things were meant to be\" - as it seemed, his world had been fortunate, compared to any other. More than anything, that thought frightened him.\n\nHis thoughts scattered as he approached the origin of the lightning: an ornate, if dilapidated, stone temple. Ganondorf marveled at the beauty of the architecture; despite the toll time had taken, the ruins retained the grandeur they had surely once embodied. He had only just been able to fully take in the temple, however, when two figures standing atop the steps caught his eye, and he stopped in his tracks.\n\nThey were There - so close, just within reach and yet, so far above him in their magnificence. Bathed in the sunlight streaming from behind them, they looked transcendent, and any resolve that remained of Ganondorf's already weakened tenacity crumbled. Slowly, his head lowered, and he ascended the steps without a word to meet the two women." }, { "author": "Nadalia, Sage of Lightning", "message": "Nadalia turned as she heard Sonia approach. She was surprised to see Her Majesty in such attire, but it made sense. To simply wear the royal garments in this harsher environment was unwise and likely uncomfortable. As the Queen drew nearer, Nadalia lifted her helm off, revealing the warm brown skin and the thick, elaborately braided red hair beneath. She bowed respectfully.\n\n\"Your Majesty. It is... Good to see you well. I feel I once again must apologize for my people's actions under our Ganondorf's reign.\"\n\nShe rose when she heard another person approaching behind her. Turning, her breath was momentarily caught in her throat as she saw Ganondorf, but she schooled her expression neutral quickly. No, this was a different man. It was clear from the way he carried himself. The Ganondorf Nadalia knew would bow his head to no one, not with sincerity. \"...Ganondorf. Thank you for agreeing to meet with us,\" She told him with a respectful nod, her voice even and calm. \"And thank you too, Your Majesty. I thought we could all gain some closure from a conversation.\"" } ]	633	2,272
335.666667	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Lucille", "message": "Lucille was no longer a stranger to odd things happening around her, so when she'd found a mysterious little parchment inside her pouch that allowed her to talk to Link, she wasn't too surprised. It Was A little more surprising to find out she'd been transported through time to a completely different Hyrule, but she'd grown up since the day she'd been kidnapped and sent to the Dark World. She remained calm, waiting for Link to come find her, although she wasn't alone.\n\nShe'd never seen a Sheikah before. They were thought to be completely gone by the time she was born, but she'd heard the stories, and the injured woman she'd found lying on the ground matched the descriptions. Red eyes, white hair, and even her uniform. Although the symbol on the mask lying next to the woman was... Upside down?\n\nShe didn't waste too much time pondering over it. The woman had a terrible gash on her side, and Lucille had immediately knelt down to help her. Thankfully, it wasn't life threatening, so Lucille had been able to stop the bleeding and close it up, but she wanted to give the woman a few potions as well, just to make sure. \n\nSo for now she waited, smiling reassuringly at the Sheikah woman who acted a lot like a skittish animal. She'd tried to make some small talk to help take the woman's mind off her pain, but the woman remained silent, holding a hand to her side and gazing wearily at Lucille.\n\nOh dear... Please hurry, Link." }, { "author": "Link, Hero of Light and Dark", "message": "Mask on, cap off. Hair back, even if it gets annoying to deal with. Keep your sword at the ready. Take a deep breath because for the first time in your life you're ecstatic to see someone you recognize that isn't the Subrosian that follows your every step. Tune out all of the voices in your head, directing you to sleep, to give into rest and relive the same endless nightmares, subject the same loved one to the same fate you had given her time and time again in the imaginary realm of your dreams. There's a lot to unpack in Light's head. So many different things happening all at once. But right now he set everything aside for a simple task.\n\nHis friend Lucille, as kindhearted an individual as she was, was doing something Ridiculously Stupid right now. Not that she could have known, having only just shown up in this new Hyrule, but it was stupid regardless. Healing a yiga... If he wasn't technically trying to get information out of their supposed leader, Kohga, using Mikau as a front, then he probably would've outright told her to get as far away as she possibly could. But no, No, she just had to be nice and help this person out, even if she was likely to get hurt the moment the masked moron got on their feet.\n\nLuckily for Light, he wasn't the Hero of the Wild. As long as he kept the mark of the Triforce on his hand hidden and masked his face, he could assist his dear companion and shoo the wounded foot soldier off. At least. He hoped.\n\nThe Golden Boy spotted his companion from the sky above, having used one of the towers for much faster transportation, and quickly dove down to meet Lucielle directly. As he was going to land, Roc's cape suddenly caught the wind, slowing him down as if using a parachute, allowing Ligh- Link To land softly on the ground a few potions in hand. \"Oi, Lucille. Brought ya these.\" He called quickly, ocean blue tunic shifting as he extended one of the bottles out toward his friend without second thought." }, { "author": "Lucille", "message": "She smiled, relieved to see her friend. While the masked woman had made no move to do anything, Link's urgency when he'd heard the woman was wearing red had been concerning. Even so, Lucille couldn't find it in herself to abandon an injured person.\n\nShe extended her hand, taking the potion. \"Thank you.\"\n\nShe turned back to the woman who regarded Lucille warily. The Maiden smiled kindly, showing her the potion.\n\n\"It's a health potion. Please, take it. Right now your wound could still rip open again, and I don't have the supplies to bind it or clean it.\"\n\nFor a few uncomfortable seconds, she thought the woman might refuse, but the red-clad stranger finally took the potion, lifted the mask up partly, and drank it down. She stood up as it worked its magic and regarded Lucile silently for several seconds before offering a small bow and suddenly vanishing in a flurry of red papers.\n\n\"Oh!\"\n\nShe hadn't expected that, but at least this had ended without any violence. She brushed her dress off and stood up, turning back to Link.\n\n\"You sounded worried earlier. What was it about?\"" } ]	327	1,007
166.142857	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Wild", "message": "In retrospect, straight up kissing Zelda out of nowhere was kind of abrupt. Could have gone very wrong as well. As it turned out, things went rather well, and Link had a bit of a spring in his step since then. But he still felt a bit awkward for not actually using words to tell Zelda how he felt, so he had invited her to the Temple of Time in the sky to give her a Proper Confession.\n\nHe had collected a bouquet of Silent Princesses with a few Sundelions for the occasion, and had asked to meet her at the Temple of Time. With Link having the Shiekah Slate (configured to respond to the Shrines of Light) and Zelda the Purah Pad, they should both be able to make it up. He was able to keep the flowers safe in his inventory, so he could simply make the trip without worrying about crushing them on accident. Now he stood waiting inside the temple doors, holding the flowers behind his back, waiting for his Princess to make her appearance. Unable to keep still, he had taken to rocking back and forth on his heels. Hopefully she would get here soon..." }, { "author": "Silent Princess", "message": "Zelda has been in a bit of a daze ever since Link had abruptly pulled her into a kiss, and was especially awkward whenever Link was around- even moreso than usual. But she was walking on cloud nine. She had a lot of thoughts and feelings and was trying to process them- which was made difficult around Link. But she was glad when he suggested that they talk.\n\nShe appeared in a blue light at the temple of time, blinking as she placed the Purah Pad back on her hip. Her face immediately lit up when she saw Link, and she blushed as she hurried over to him. \"Sorry, sorry! I'm late, I know!\" She apologized, almost tripping over her words.\n\nGirl, you were late by two minutes. Chill.\n\n\"S-So, um... W-What was it you wanted to talk about?\" She asked sheepishly, brushing a bit of hair behind her ear." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "As soon as he saw Zelda, a big goofy grin spread across Link's face. \"You're barely late at all!\" He laughed, subconsciously bouncing on his toes slightly faster. The room always seemed to brighten whenever Zelda entered. Unable to keep still, he walked forward to meet her, still holding the flowers behind his back. He could feel butterflies in his stomach, but he had come this far and there was no turning back!\n\n\"I got a surprise for you!\" He told her excitedly, bending forward slightly. \"But you gotta close your eyes first! Don't open 'em until I say so, okay?\" Goddess, he couldn't stop smiling. It probably looked super dorky, but he decided he didn't care." }, { "author": "Silent Princess", "message": "Zelda couldn't help but smile more, revealing her fangs, as Link lit up and got all excited- almost like a puppy. She giggled a bit, rolling her eyes. Of course he looked dorky- that was what was so cute about it to her.\n\n\"Okay, okay, closing-\" She agreed, closing her eyes. She felt the butterflies in her stomach as the thought of him kissing her again crossed her mind, before she quickly tried to dismiss it." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Link's heart skipped a beat upon seeing Zelda's fangs again. He couldn't explain Why He liked them so much, but he absolutely did. The urge to kiss her again started to poke at him, but he waved it off. Maybe later. First he had to do this. As soon as she closed her eyes, he held out the flowers. \"Okay... Open 'em!\"\n\nAs soon as she did, his smile got a bit more bashful as he went over what he had decided to say in his head. He could feel his face heating up, but there really wasn't a point to hiding it. \"So, um. I wanted to actually put my thoughts into words this time. Instead of, y'know, acting on an impulse from bottling it up too long.\" Link averted his eyes as he took a breath and rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand. \"Zelda... I think you're special. I think you're really pretty and I like spending time around you. I like listening to you talk about your research and things that interest you because I like seeing how excited it makes you and seeing you smile makes me happy. I like you a lot, so...\" Another breath, and he looked back up at Zelda. \"...I know I'm just your knight, but I'd like to be more than that, if you'll let me.\"" }, { "author": "Silent Princess", "message": "Zelda blushed brightly as she opened her eyes, and just stared in silence as she listened to Link's confession, mouth slightly agape. She sat in stunned silence for a few seconds as Link finished his confession, before gently taking the bouquet of flowers, a small smile forming on her face and tears falling from her eyes.\n\n\"Oh, Link... How could I ever say no?\" She asked quietly, leaning down a little to kiss him gently, wrapping her arms around him loosely. She started to wonder if any of this was real- it all felt like a wonderful dream. Her heart was racing, and she was crying- but she was so incredibly happy." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Was this... Actually happening? Zelda said yes? Zelda said yes! Link felt like his heart was going to swell up so much it would burst out of his chest, he was so Happy Right now! He wanted to kiss her again, but she beat him to it, and he closed his eyes and smiled into her lips. Unable to contain his excitement, he pulled her close and lifted her up off her feet to spin her around and around and around...\n\n...Until he got dizzy and lost balance, falling backwards onto the floor with Zelda still in his arms. But instead of being embarrassed, he just laughed, a truly care-free laugh that came from a feeling of joy he didn't think anyone or anything could possibly take away from him right now. Zelda liked him back, and knowing that fact made him feel lighter than a feather." }, { "author": "Silent Princess", "message": "Zelda giggled as she was lifted into the air and spun, before laughing as the two of them fell down. She didn't feel remotely scared of the fall- she knew that Link would protect her. She nuzzled her face into the top of Link's hair, grinning from ear to ear. \"Geez, it took you long enough to ask,\" She teased, playfully smacking his shoulder. \"You know it's rude to keep a princess waiting!\"\n\nHer smile and gaze softened a bit after this, holding Link a little closer. \"But you were never Just My knight, Link. You've always meant something to me- even if it wasn't something pleasant when you first became my knight. You're so incredible and special... How could I resist?\"" }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Link returned an equally soft look and reached up to tuck some of Zelda's golden hair behind her ear. She was so beautiful... Truly a goddess's descendant. He pulled her back down into another kiss; long, but gentle and sweet. He didn't know how he had gotten so lucky: his princess was really His Princess now. Link burned this memory into his mind's eye, forbidding himself to ever forget it so that he would always have this moment to return to on a bad day.\n\nWhen they finally parted, Link sighed a little. \"It's honestly kind of amazing to me,\" He said quietly. \"A hundred years pass without you seeing me. I lose my memory and act like an entirely different person. But it doesn't change anything for you. You still like me... It's incredible.\"" }, { "author": "Silent Princess", "message": "Zelda kissed back, squirming happily in Link's arms, enjoying the kiss just as much as Link was. She whined a little bit when Link pulled away, but listened intently, before smiling more. \"Well, I was fighting for You That whole time,\" She reminded him gently, tilting her head slightly. \"I knew you could defeat Calamity Ganon, and that you would save Hyrule. I didn't anticipate you losing your memory- but you were still true to yourself. And I love You- not what you do or act like!\" She shimmied down a little bit, before resting her head against his chest, closing her eyes. \"The you from before the calamity is just as lovable as you are now.\"" }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "I love you.\n\nLink often found it difficult to love himself. Maybe it was his ability to come back to life after dying, maybe it was his past failures haunting him, maybe a combination of those and other things. So hearing those three words from Zelda felt... Strange. It probably shouldn't, since he and Zelda obviously both liked each other, but Like Was different than Love. It hit harder, meant something far deeper. Link had been afraid to use the word \"Love,\" But he knew that's what this was. He could feel a lump in his throat.\n\n\"...I love you too,\" He choked, and pulled her back into another kiss, then another, and another. Her lips, her cheeks, her forehead, her nose, every bit of her face he could reach he pressed a kiss into, knowing he had tears rolling down his own but not caring enough to wipe them away. He finally returned to her lips for a long, deep kiss that Link hoped would come anywhere close to telling Zelda just how much she meant to him, because it wasn't something words could convey." }, { "author": "Silent Princess", "message": "Zelda laughed as Link started kissing her all over her face, absolutely beaming. She had a brief moment of panic when she realized she had declared her love for him, and her face was still beet red, but she didn't care anymore. All that mattered right now was Link. She brushed his tears away gently, before, after a minute or two, pulling away slowly- almost hesitant to let the moment go.\n\n\"Honestly, you're too cute,\" She giggled, resting her forehead against his for a moment before getting up, and offering a hand to help Link up as well. \"Did you Honestly Think I wouldn't feel the same way? Honestly, I feel like I should be offended,\" She teased." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Link smiled as he sat up and took her hand. \"It's probably the low self-esteem talking,\" He admitted, standing up. \"You're so amazing, I didn't think I would be lucky enough to have you. It feels like my wildest, craziest dream come true.\"\n\nLink took both her hands in his own, looking at the flowers he had given her clasped between them. Zelda, his flower, his Silent Princess, who had bloomed so beautifully, loved him back. He looked back up and gave her a kiss on the nose before gently brushing away some strands of hair from her face. \"Alright... Ready to go home? I'm hungry, I can make us something special to celebrate!\"" }, { "author": "Silent Princess", "message": "Zelda giggled a bit, beaming at Link as he kissed her nose and brushed some hair behind her ear. She nodded, squeezing Link's hand. \"Yeah... Yeah, that sounds good!\" She agreed, kissing his forehead. \"I'll help out where I can! Let's get going!\"" } ]	160	2,326
181.142857	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Wild", "message": "Link wouldn't lie, he Was A little upset. But not at Zelda! And of course, the Hero of Wind didn't Know, But... Well, it was still a difficult subject for Link. Because he couldn't think about Zelda's Draconification without remembering the bastard whose actions forced her to do that in the first place. The man who used her face to sow chaos and attack Link on such a personal level. The monster he swore to kill for taking away his Princess for what Link had thought would be forever.\n\nBut right now he needed Zelda to know he wasn't upset with Her. So leftover fruitcake was now arranged neatly on a plate, some extra wildberries, apple slices, and hydromelon scoops placed very carefully around the slice for presentation. Lastly, he finished it off by placing a small vase with fresh Silent Princesses in it in the center of the kitchen table. But he was missing something... OH. A fork. Duh. Link quickly grabbed one from the drawer and placed it to the side of the plate. Finally satisfied, he looked up to the second floor. \"Zelda! It's ready!\" He called, putting on a smile, hoping this would cheer her up." }, { "author": "Silent Princess", "message": "\"Coming, coming!\" Zelda called back. She set down her pen and stood. She was worried about Link- not because she thought he was upset with her, but just because he was upset in general. She shouldn't have continued that line of conversation, anyway. She knew that Link got upset whenever it was brought up, though she didn't exactly know the full extent of Link's feelings. Even now, Link rarely talked about how he felt, which was another cause for worry.\n\nShe walked downstairs, not being able to help but smile as she saw the effort Link went through, and, even moreso, Link's smile. She still felt a bit self-conscious about her newly sharp teeth, but always did her best to smile for him in spite of this.\n\n\"Thank you, Link! It looks wonderful,\" She said, taking a seat at the spot Link set up for her. \"Actually, would you care for anything? I could probably get something for you-\"" }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Link had to swallow a funny noise coming from his throat when Zelda smiled, showing the sharpened teeth she had retained from her time as a dragon. She was so self-conscious about it, but Link thought it made her somehow better than she was before. He might have been heartbroken when he found out she was a dragon during his second adventure, but this at least he was not complaining about. He hid his blush by turning around to busy himself with looking through the cabinets. \"Ah, nonono, I'm fine!\" He rushed. \"I need to start dinner anyways. Does fried rice sound good? It might take a bit, but that fruitcake should tide you over.\"\n\nAssuming the answer would be yes, Link started to remove various spices and ingredients from the cabinets. He got out a pot and a wok, and grabbed the bag of rice on the counter and poured some into the pot. Link had something of a magic touch at a cooking pot — things were ready fast and still high-quality. After pouring some water into the pot, he started to swish the contents around, removing all the excess starch. When he was sure he had recovered from his blush, he looked over his shoulder at Zelda and smiled again. \"So what are you in the mood for? Beef? Chicken? Shrimp? Vegetables?\"" }, { "author": "Silent Princess", "message": "Zelda took notice of the funny noise that barely escaped Link's throat, suppressing a chuckle. That's why she still tried to smile for him- if he liked it, she would tolerate it for him.\n\n\"Fried rice sounds delicious!\" She agreed, smiling sweetly. She never put up a fight when Link decided to cook, but she sometimes wondered if it was selfish to let him do it all the time. \"Umm... I'm not particularly picky, but let's do beef?\" She suggested, taking a small bite of her fruitcake, smiling, and savouring the flavour.\n\nIt always tastes better knowing Link made it for her." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Link nodded. \"Fried rice with beef it is!\" He hummed brightly. He Loved Cooking, it was one of his go-to distractions when he needed to cool off or take a break from grading papers. Or cheer up a certain somebody whose frowns always tugged at his heartstrings. Sometimes he just wanted to chase it from her lips with a-\n\nLink shook his head and blinked a little. Fried rice. Focus, He thought to himself firmly, ignoring the muffled giggle from Mipha and the groan from Revali in his head. Okay, maybe he had a little bit of a crush. But he didn't want to risk losing what he already had with Zelda. After the first rinsing, he poured water back into the pot and started to swish it around again. Throwing another look over his shoulder, he asked, \"How is the fruitcake? I know it's not fresh...\"" }, { "author": "Silent Princess", "message": "Zelda perked up a bit, smiling again. \"You say that like it really matters,\" She teased. \"It's great, Link, thank you!\"\n\nZelda had noticed how attentive Link had been to her needs ever since she returned to their time, and she always frowned a bit when she thought about how worried about her he must have been. She hadn't told Link about the dreams she had- the glimpses into her life as a dragon. She felt like that might only burden him more. She wished she could take all that pain away.\n\n\"Um... Link, about earlier?\" She tried, taking another small bite of fruitcake before continuing. \"I know you're not upset with me, but I still feel the need to apologize... I shouldn't have humoured the topic.\"" }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Link laughed. \"Of Course It matters! Didn't you know? It's an unspoken rule among the knights of Hyrule: when an Appointed Knight is cooking for his Princess, everything has to be perfect! If she does not like her fruitcake, it must be made again from scratch!\" He was joking of course, there was no such rule. He just liked cooking for Zelda.\n\nHis grin disappeared when she apologized, though... Leaving the counter, he brought the second chair over next to Zelda and sat down. After a moment of debating, he took her hand that wasn't holding her fork and smiled sadly. \"I've already forgiven you,\" He said gently, then sighed, the smile dropping. \"Maybe... I should talk about it. It might do me some good. I can't avoid it forever.\"" }, { "author": "Silent Princess", "message": "Zelda had chuckled at Link's joke, but became serious quite quickly. She blushed a tiny bit when Link took her hand, before reciprocating a sad little smile, and lacing their fingers together. Seeing Link upset like this always pulled at her heart strings.\n\n\"You don't have to right now if you don't want to!\" She clarified gently, setting down her fork to hold his hand with both of her own. \"But yes, it would be wise to confront this at some point...\"" }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Link blushed a little at Zelda intertwining their fingers. Goddess, he was so hopeless. The Hero of the Wild, brought to his knees with simple hand-holding. Still, it did make him feel stronger. Link had always had cold hands himself, so Zelda's own warm hands always seemed to spread that warmth into him like holding a mug of hot chocolate in the middle of winter. He closed his eyes, his smile remaining bittersweet. \"Thank you, Zelda, but... I think I need to. I think it's time I talk about it.\"\n\nHe let out a short sigh through his nose, looking off into space, thinking about where to begin. \"I don't know when I started to suspect it was you flying around up there. But I was sure of it when I saw your memory of receiving the Master Sword in the past. I didn't go to see the final memory right away. I felt I was still missing something. I went to Kakariko and then to find Mineru first. And then I went to find the last Tear. I...\" Link paused to swallow and collect himself. \"I don't know if I have words to describe my fury at Ganondorf after seeing... What you did. Using your face as a weapon... I felt as if he knew we were... Friends.\" He stopped himself from saying too much there. But he was sure that Ganondorf somehow knew what Zelda meant to him. What happened in the Sanctum felt far too personal to be a mere coincidence." }, { "author": "Silent Princess", "message": "Zelda listened quietly to what Link had to say, rubbing his hand with her thumb a little bit. She knew Link had been angry- Furious, even. She felt it as an eternal dragon. But if he was this reluctant to talk about it, there must be more layers to it than that. She slipped her hand out of his, before wrapping her arms around Link in a big hug, nestling her face on the top of Link's head.\n\n\"I'm so sorry you had to go through that, Link...\" She said softly. \"And I'm so, so sorry I worried you... But I'm okay now. I'm safe, Hyrule is safe, Ganon is dead. Your anger is justified- but, at some point, you're going to have to let it go...\"" }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "\"I know... Someday I will. I promise.\" Link leaned into the hug, closing his eyes and listening to the sound of Zelda's heartbeat. He didn't know if he could ever tell her about what really happened in the Sanctum. The transformation of Puppet Zelda into Phantom Ganon felt like someone was ripping his heart out of his chest and tearing it in two. He had died there the first time, killed by the phantoms as he experienced one of his weakest moments, unable to bring himself to even raise his shield from the shock and heartbreak. The scene haunted his nightmares, and he doubted it would ever truly leave him. \n\n\"I'm sorry that I didn't warn you about Ganondorf,\" He apologized quietly. \"I didn't know how to tell you. I didn't even know where to start. I know you were There. But I think it was a mistake to put it off like I did.\"" }, { "author": "Silent Princess", "message": "Zelda hugged Link a bit tighter, rubbing his back as he talked. She shook her head, sighing. \"It's not your fault, Link, don't blame yourself. I was angry, but... This Ganon didn't hurt you, and he didn't kill Queen Sonia. I shouldn't have blown up like I did.\"\n\nShe knew she couldn't blame herself, either, of course- but she couldn't help but feel a bit bad for Ganon. She didn't fully trust him- she doubted his motives- but he wasn't responsible for hurting Link.\nOr attacking Hyrule. That, too." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Link nodded. \"If you really go to meet him, I'm coming with you. I think... I need to see him explain in person. He doesn't Sound Like the same man but...\" He swallowed the lump in his throat before gently pulling away. He gave Zelda a smile and a squeeze of her hand. \"But hey. There's nothing we can't accomplish, right? Bypassing the laws of nature to bring you back kind of proves that.\"\n\nHe looked back down at their hands. He so badly did not want to let go, but he Really Needed to start dinner. He put a grin back on his face as he forced himself to untangle their fingers and let go. \"Alright, enough moping! You finish your fruitcake and I'll really get this fried rice going. Get ready for a masterpiece!\"" }, { "author": "Silent Princess", "message": "Zelda smiled back at him, nodding in agreement. \"At worst, you've beaten him before- you can beat him again,\" She reminded him. Her smile faltered a little when Link let go of her hands, but she nodded, chuckling. \"Yeah, alright. Like every meal you make Isn't A masterpiece,\" She teased, picking her fork back up, and turning to her fruitcake, a smile lingering on her face." } ]	171	2,536
293	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "HW Zelda", "message": "After the Hero of the Wild had taken Zelda to Hateno Village, she'd busied herself learning everything she could have this new era. She'd been fortunate to have plenty of rupees on her when she'd arrived, and her magic made it easy to help around the village and receive payment, so she wasn't too worried about that.\n\nShe was more concerned about finding out the cause of these rifts. She knew very well how dangerous rifts in time were; if this continued on, the whole of time and space could begin to unravel like it had in her era. \n\nShe kept the parchment on her in case she ever heard back from Proxi and Captain, as well as Linkle. Hopefully soon they could reunite and begin to plan.\n\nFor now, she was at the edge of the village, in one of the more forested areas. She'd wanted to start familiarizing herself with the landscape since she wouldn't remain at the village forever. Not even venturing far from the village told her how incredibly Wild This Hyrule was compared to her own. She'd studied a map given to her by a villager, and there seemed to be very few settlements.\n\nThe princess was lost in her thoughts, but not so lost she didn't notice a figure lying not far from her. She cautiously approached, uncertain at first whether this was a person or monster, but it soon became apparent this was a Hylian.\n\nA very badly injured Hylian.\n\nZelda immediately knelt down, checking for a pulse. It was there, but it was faint, and she was worried about worsening the injuries if she moved them. Fortunately, she'd purchased a few red potions, and while the woman would still need medical attention, the potions could at least stem the worst of it.\n\nZelda carefully lifted the woman's head, placing the mouth of the bottle against the woman's mouth. Slowly, so as not to choke the unconscious Hylian, she trickled the potion down their throat, massaging it so they would swallow." }, { "author": "Elwyn - Hero of Fairies", "message": "The pain burned. Although her muscles ached and the bruises from her right hand drained her, it felt like Elwyn's body was on fire. Something clawed beneath her skin; twisting and crushing away at the fairy magic that coursed through her body. It pained her to even move ever so slightly in some attempt to ease the growing sensations, yet still nothing worked.\n\nIt was why her senses dulled. Normally she'd have sensed someone like Zelda approaching her. She would have fought back against a stranger she did not know approaching her. Turned away from the potion being out to her lips when not knowing what it contained. But in her weakened state, little of that could be done. Tasting the red liquid she consumed, the weakened human opened her eyes just barely to greet the light of the sun and the figure that had come to her rescue. Still, her vision was blurry and unfocused. She could 't get a clear indication of who had come to her aid, nor exact,yet sense their abilities. There thankfully was no malicious air about them. Not like the being she'd encountered moments ago under the castle.\n\nStill, that blonde hair looked like...\n\n\"Z-Zelda?\"A hushed, raspy voice spoke, a weakened Elwyn desperately trying to move her hand upwards to reach towards the woman holding her." }, { "author": "Commander Zelda", "message": "Zelda instinctively pushed the woman's hand down, gently but firmly.\n\n\"Don't try to move; you're badly hurt. The potion can only do so much..\"\n\nShe was fortunate to have some experience on treating wounds on the battlefield, but she was not a healer. All she could really do was patch up the woman enough so she wouldn't bleed out, but she'd need a proper doctor. \n\nThe village fortunately had one, but it would be too risky to move the woman there until Zelda at least kept her from bleeding out.\n\nAs for how the woman knew her name... A question for when the woman was out of danger.\n\n\"I am not a doctor,\" She said, carefully, \"So I am going to need you to cooperate with me as much as you can. I need you to try to hold still while I bandage the worst of your wounds; I cannot move you until I do. Can you do that for me?\"\n\nHer voice held a hint of command, but it was also soft, compassionate. She needed the woman to work with her as much as they could, but she also didn't want to startle them by sounding too worried, so she kept her tone as gentle as she could.\n\n\"I'm going to lower your head to the ground; please stay as still as you can. It's... Not going to be comfortable, but I need you to endure, alright?\"" }, { "author": "Elwyn - Hero of Fairies", "message": "Sounds and words blurred together through exhaustion and fatigue, the blue haired knight trying to catch her bearings as Zelda spoke to her. \n\nShe sounded different. Was that exhaustion messing with her hearing? She was fading between consciousness and unconsciousness, so there was bound to be some confusion. Still, it didn't matter if she wanted to get up or not. Her body screamed to stay down and to rest; burning from that skeletal creature's attack feeling like it ate away at her pwn body from beneath her skin.\n\nElwyn did as Zelda said, staying where she was as blurred eyes shifted to try and focus on the blonde. Slowly and so very softly did she nod. \"It's... It's fine. Do what you must.\" Her throat was dry, her words having to forced out as she closed her eyes. She let out a tired sigh before wincing from a wave of pain. \n\nShe would be fine. She'd love. Zelda was here after all. She was alive." } ]	278	1,172
356.714286	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Revali, Proven Hero of Hyrule", "message": "The skies were painted gold and red by the time Revali made landing in Hateno Village, kneeling low to the ground and panting for breath. He could feel that familiar dread settling in his stomach, the tightness in his chest, but he felt Relief That he had been able to arrive before night truly fell. He could still see. That's what mattered.\n\nHe took a moment to relay his arrival via the parchment, and allowed himself a little more time to catch his breath and collect himself.\n\nRevali couldn't help the apprehension he felt once he finally rose to his feet and made his way around to the front door. Not only would this be the first time he'd come face-to-face with a Living Link in little over a century, which on its own was... Somehow more daunting than simply talking to him over the parchment; but this meeting would also entail learning of... Another disaster. One he may live to see in his world. If it happened at all.\n\nThere was no certainty things would happen that way in his world. And that was something he could accept, but... It would be better, to know of the possibilities.\n\nI'll have to inquire about spending the night as well, He noted with a quiet groan. He was Not Going to be flying anywhere until dawn. If he could stay inside where it was well-lit all night, then... That would be ideal.\n\nFinally, he lifted his wing, and rapped it against the door." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Wild sat at the kitchen table, squinting at the parchment lying in front of him, trying to ignore the pain in his forehead. The headache he had awoken to was unlike anything else he had experienced. It was a pain that felt like suffocating from a dense layer of smog, except the smog was inside his head, making it hard to think. His new memories were starting to make more sense with Champion's help, and he was incredibly grateful. But that didn't make it hurt Less. Both in his head and in his heart. \n\nChampion, though, had gone off to the Lost Woods to undertake the Trial of the Sword. Wild couldn't lie, he was worried. He had died several times each in those trials, and Champion had started to feel like a little brother of sorts. But knowing him, he wasn't leaving until he had finished those trials. And there was nothing Wild could do to change that. He just hoped Champion could finally prove to himself that the sword had chosen correctly.\n\nThe knock on the door shook Wild from his stupor and signaled that his visitor was here... And also ready. \"Coming!\" He called, and slowly rose from the chair, wincing a bit from his still-stiff muscles and joints. He forced himself to cross the short distance to the door (why did he still have to be in so much pain?) and finally opened it to see... Yep. That was certainly Revali. \n\nBut there was something different about him than the one from Wild's memories. His head wasn't held as high, his chest wasn't as puffed up, and the burning resentment and jealousy that had always, always been directed at him was simply... Absent. The gaze instead held an exhaustion and apprehension that would probably be invisible to most, but couldn't escape Wild's keen eye. He was simply good at spotting these things. But as always, he didn't mention it. Instead, he smiled up at the Rito and held out his right hand to shake.\n\n\"Sorry if I look a bit worse for wear. I've been recovering a lot slower than I'd like.\" Suddenly his eyes flicked down to the arm he was holding out – the Zonai arm. His smile turned into a dry smirk. \"Yeah, hold your questions for now. We'll be going over This Thing shortly.\"" }, { "author": "Revali, Proven Hero of Hyrule", "message": "Revali had thought himself prepared. He'd heard his voice a fair few times already over the parchment, he Knew This Link of this world was alive, after the Calamity. He thought he was ready to come face-to-face with him. But nothing truly could prepare him for actually seeing Wild in the flesh, real and breathing and alive- not surrounded by wisps of cold blue flame.\n\nNot just seeing the familiar face, the same dirty blonde hair and blue eyes he'd remembered— but to see the way time had changed him. He'd gotten to grow up, somewhat. Revali could see that he'd matured, there was a certain air to him that felt... Different From the silent knight he'd known.\n\nAnd then there was that. The most obvious difference that stuck out like a sore... Arm.\n\nRevali blinked, eyes flitting from the arm to Wild's face, holding a silent question. \"...I see. I Suppose I can quell my burning curiosity for a little longer.\"\n\nHe extended his wing in return, giving him a firm handshake after a moment of hesitation. \"No need to apologize- I'm aware my own feathers are still somewhat ruffled. Neither of us look our best right now.\"" }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Wild nodded without asking for elaboration. He assumed it was about the journey here for Revali, but something told him there was a bit more going on with the rush to get here than simply low visibility. Teba always described it as something akin to extremely thick fog and most of the time it was an inconvenience when trying to get home after working late elsewhere. But it was probably none of Wild's business, so he held his tongue. They had more important things to talk about.\n\n\"Well, come on in. Welcome to the humble abode of Hyrule's royal family,\" He announced in a joking tone, stepping aside so that Revali could enter. \"It's not a castle, but it's enough for now. I'm sure you've noticed the actual castle is in a very inconvenient location at the moment.\"\n\nOnce the rito was inside, Wild shut the door behind them and gestured to the seating around the first floor, which included the couch and the kitchen table. \"Make yourself comfortable. We'll be here for a while.\" Wild himself sat back down in the same seat he was in before, gritting his teeth behind closed lips as he tried his absolute best to look like he wasn't in pain as he slowly sat down. He rolled up the parchment on the table, then turned to Revali. \n\n\"I guess the best way to preface this is to explain what I meant by 'curse,'\" He began. \"The Shrine of Resurrection, in addition to reviving me and wiping my memory, gave me an extra failsafe. Should I fall in battle, I will always, without fail, wake up again shortly before I entered the realm of danger. A sort of 'reset' if you will. No one remembers my death except me, because to them it never happened. As someone else who also was in the Shrine of Resurrection, I feel the need to ask you if any of that sounds familiar. I hope it doesn't, because it is very much a Curse More than a blessing.\"\n\nWild stopped there to allow Revali to answer. He may have had a history of distaste towards this guy, but he sincerely hoped that he didn't have to deal with this particular part of Wild's experience. If there was anything he hoped to Hylia wasn't shared, it was this." }, { "author": "Revali, Proven Hero of Hyrule", "message": "Talons clicked against the hardwood floor as Revali followed Wild into the house, folding his wings behind his back as he looked around. It was a rather comfortable looking abode, he could admit, even by Rito standards... And it was well-lit. Perfect. Even when the sun sank beyond the horizon, he would be safe indoors.\n\n\"Hm, yes, I did notice the castle's... Interesting change in position during my flight here. I can only assume that's part of your explanations.\" He noted.\n\nAfter a moment of deliberation, he settled himself down on one of the kitchen chairs- turning it backwards towards Wild and sitting down with his chest leaning against the backrest. It was ideal, given his tail was free to stick out and not have to awkwardly slot in anywhere.\nThe pain Wild was in did not go unnoticed, however, the tension in his jaw and the slight crease in his brows catching his keen eye. But Revali said nothing, folding his wings across the backrest.\n\n\"Hold on...\" He frowned deeply as Wild explained this Curse, \"You're saying that you weren't allowed to Die?\" That just felt... Unfair. In so many ways. He had... Deeply mixed feelings, just from that, and no idea how to even begin unpacking them.\n\nRevali shook his head quickly. \"No, no, I never experienced anything like that. I had many close shaves, some of which I can only thank Mipha for my survival, but... If I Died, That would have been it for me.\"\n\nIt may have been it for Hyrule." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Wild let out a soft breath of relief. \"Good. I'd rather it be something limited to me, for reasons you can obviously guess. I have a hard time believing I can't Die. I've certainly started aging again since leaving the Shrine of Resurrection. I think that if I die from natural causes, I'd be down for good. At least I hope so. But Killing Me is probably impossible by normal means.\"\n\nHe cleared his throat. \"With that out of the way, I guess we can get into the second quest,\" He resumed. \"You know the story of Calamity Ganon, right? Caused havoc 10,000 years ago, used to be a mortal who gave up on reincarnation and assumed a form of pure evil. But. This story leaves out incredibly important details. Calamity Ganon was the result of the malice and hate of a gerudo male named Ganondorf, from around 15,000 years ago. He lies sealed beneath Hyrule Castle, and the Calamity was only a puppet to exert power in his imprisoned state. The castle itself Is Part of the seal, and it was broken during the Calamity.\"\n\nWild stopped for a moment, knowing that might be a lot to take in for Revali. Because knowing the history was one thing, but knowing that the seal is broken and probably actively leaking while he is unable to do anything about it due to being stuck here... Well, it would certainly make Wild's head spin if he were in Revali's place." }, { "author": "Revali, Proven Hero of Hyrule", "message": "That was at least some small reassurance. Immortality was a curse that no one should have to bear. If it was anything like the sort of empty feeling that clung to him, visiting places he'd once known, but where no one he knew still lived... Well, he wouldn't wish that on his worst enemy.\n\n\"I certainly understand your reasoning. Hopefully your suspicions are proven correct in the end.\"\n\nBut it was time to focus now. Revali was thankful the topic shifted- immortality wasn't a concept he wanted to dwell much longer on. He listened intently, gaze sharply focused on Wild. Some parts were familiar, yes. He nodded affirmatively- he knew the story of Calamity Ganon. Zelda had been so kind as to give him the rundown, as had Impa.\n\n...Ganondorf. His eyes narrowed, and he filed the name away in his mind. \"So he's the true source of the Calamity. And he is...\"\n\nThat's when it sunk in. His blood ran cold, and his feathers bristled in a shudder. But he didn't outwardly panic, didn't let it show how his heart began to pound, how his chest began to tighten. His brows furrowed, a deep frown crossing his beak.\n\n\"So it's not over, then. Everything we did was only barely enough to end the Calamity... And it's only the beginning?\"" } ]	323	2,497
166.111111	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "Sniff sniff. Snorf.\n\nRoewen was pretty hungry. Sure, perhaps in the woods just outside of Hateno was not the greatest place to search for food, but Roewen figured he could find something good here. Maybe sone truffles, perhaps... But also this was right outside of a village. Perhaps he could wait for some poor, unsuspecting person to wander into here.\n\nAnd that's when he would STRIKE.\n\nOhohoho... Evil. Evil creature with an evil plan. Roewen kept his eyes open and his dagger in hand, searching for anyone or anything he could find." }, { "author": "gratisposaune", "message": "As the silver moon began shining down onto the now sleepy village in the Hyrulian mountains, the lights in that particular, narrow house wedged just in between two cliffsides turned on as most others had just been put out.\nIt was right after dusk, and Cyrrik had risen from his daytime sleep to venture out towards Kakariko Village. He'd received a letter from one of its residents, requiring a specitic type of clothing, and thus he had to take the Hylian's measures.\n\nAll dressed up in his usual fancy garderobe, carefully holding his cane and a small bag filled with tapeline and other utensils.\n\nFeeling right at home under the glistening moonlight, the man took in the sounds of the nature around him - just another thing he would seemingly never grow tired of, another thing he had never experienced in his barren homeland.\n\n_Rustle._\n\nHis head snapped backwards shortly after he stepped past the treelines into a small woodland. His red glowing eyes scanned the thicket, pointy ears wiggling and piercings dangling as he tried to listen closely.\nRemaining calm, Cyrrik clutched his cane and came to a halt, now fully turning around to face the bushes, exhaling patiently. Whatever it was, he was delighted to experience its beauty, beauty only nature in the light realm could offer." }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "The monster's eyes stopped on something. Someone. Some well-dressed looking guy. Perfect... A victim! This guy was bound to have all sorts of interesting things on him! Now it was just a matter of waiting for the right time to WHAT IS THAT.\n\nSome more, faster rustling came from the foliage. A fluffy little squirrel scampered out of the bushes, climbing its way back up a tree. It was nothing major, but enough to startle Roewen enough to throw him off completely. As soon as he'd planned to leap out of the bushes, he stumbled and tripped, his snout meeting the grass. He quickly shook himself off and got back up, pointing his nothing at the man's throat.\n\nWait, his-... Where is it. Where was his dagger. Did he-?\n\n...The dagger waited in the bushes, unusued, forgotten. A victim of Roewen's clumsiness." }, { "author": "gratisposaune", "message": "His eyes widened further, their glow intesifying as the spectacle took place befote the Twili's eyes. Everything happened fast, and he hadn't even properly felt his own transition from calmly smiling at the little squirrel to promptly leaning back in order to avoid being struck by the creature stumbling out of the thicket.\n\nCyrrik's eyes moved back and forth between Roewen's face and their empty hand that placed just in front of his throat.\nHaving not moved an inch through all of this, he rose an eyebrow before clearing his throat.\n\n\"Greetings\", he said mellowly, readjusting his collar, hands resting on the cane. \"Did you need directions?\"\n\nEyebrow still raised, he now looked the Bokoblin directly in the eyes, patiently and politely awaiting an answer." }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "You could see the monster's brain bluescreen in realtime.\n\nHe froze for a second, before releasing his would-be victim and backing up a couple steps... Then a couple more. He had an idea.\n\nHe didn't understand the kind gesture spoken to him. He wasn't here for kindness, nor was he here for directions... He was here for food, goods, and VIOLENCE!!\n\nThe monster leapt up at the Twili in a tackle!! The squealing blue mass flung itself towards its victim, hoping to knock them to the ground so he could more easily take what he wanted." }, { "author": "gratisposaune", "message": "Cyrrik carefully eyed the creature that stood before him, the faint glow of his eyes following each of its steps closely. Beginning to understand the dubious intentions, yet being unsure of the monster's capability of speech or thought, he stayed still, analysing the scene.\n\nUntil the sudden movement.\nThe man exhaled with disappointment, and just a few milliseconds before impact, his very figure seemed to begin to melt downwards, causing the attacker to stumble right through where he had just recently stood solid. \n\nThe shadow cast by one of the nearest trees in the moonlight seemed to be just ever so slightly darker before Cyrrik appeared back up out of it only inches to the side from his former position, stroking his mustache.\n\n\"My apologies, I'm not too keen on physical greetings\", he explained calmly, reverting back to his former stance and resting on his cane." }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "Roewen had recieved a face full of floor.\n\nThe bokoblin groaned... How could they have missed? The person was right— WAUGH There?!\n\nThe monster was completely caught off guard. They'd never encountered a Twili before, and thus were unaware of their capabilities. Roewen was dumbfounded, and a little bit scared. He was on the floor and hadn't laid a finger on the person he thought would be easy prey. What was going on?\n\n...He didn't do anything this time. He just stared up at the twili, a mixture of fear and awe in his eyes. Just what was up with this guy?" }, { "author": "gratisposaune", "message": "The other's silence threw Cyrrik slightly off guard. How impolite - or, was this creature even capable of speech?\n\n\"You should know better than to approach unsuspecting people in the wilderness. Manners\", he said sternly, yet not without a slight smirk and a hint of irony in his voice. He knew that saying this to what seemed to be more animal than humanoid was probably a waste of time. After all, there hadn't been a single sign of self-awareness coming from this monster.\n\nOne of his fangs glistened in the moonlight upon the corners of his mouth rising before he swiftly tipped his hat. \"Now, if you will excuse me, I have places to be. Good luck!\"\nWith that, he began to turn slowly around and continue on his way." }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "Wha-hey, you can't walk away from me??\n\nThe bokoblin was dumbfounded. He stared in disbelief of just how nonchalantly this person just... Walked away.\n\nRoewen looked in the bushes again for his dagger, picking it back up and running back towards Cyrrik... But he didn't attack. He just followed. Was this guy even real? How did he do any of that? More importantly, why is he being so calm about this? Roewen's aggression was quickly replaced with curiosity as he followed." } ]	167	1,495
249.833333	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Dusk: Princess Zelda", "message": "She hated everything about being in the depths after a Lynel disappeared right in front of them, her dress being cut short and all the strange frog things hopping after her. And what's worse, Twilight and Midna could have found her sooner! Though, she didn't regret meeting Dark. Their banter had only encouraged her to continue on. She would... Not have found her dumbasses if it weren't for the other so she is grateful. Still, Dusk is irritated by the situation. Irritated that there are Ganons, plural! It was ridiculous. And it made the situation all the more worrisome. No one had a moment to breathe as they all rushed to leave the depths. It wasn't until Dark had officially Left That she could truly register all that had happened. \n\n\"I hate both of you.\" Dusk glared at Twi and Midna, a look that could Definitely Kill if she had the power too. But... Despite her verbal aggression, she is pulling both of them into a strong, long, embrace. \"Twi you've been missing from Hyrule and Midna I thought you were gone for good! How dare both of you not tell me where you'd gone!\" She's just... Saying things. Angrily. But none are really true or hold any weight. She was just scared and happy to see them. Not that Dusk would ever admit it. \n\n\|\|" }, { "author": "Midna", "message": "Midna just gave her usual irritated look even with Dusk pulling both her and Twi into an embrace; not that it was Dusk's fault Midna looks irritated, more so of how annoying the depths were to deal with; but alas, here they are in some village she probably can't pronounce correctly like most places in Hyrule... Although this is clearly a different Hyrule than she is used to. \n\n\"I verbally told both of you idiots why I sealed my realm from yours, to prevent whatever fucking evils from crossing between the two.\" Her voice felt like it was imbued with an ever present vile and venomous bite to it. Nothing hardly changes for her it seems.\n\nBut then her tone lightened ever so slightly, but that doesn't make it any less rude because it was like slightly dulling a honed blade. That is that the blade probably will hurt about the same if not more; that is how Midna is... Unfortunately. Always this pompous, prissy princess whose past experiences even before meeting Twi was shaping her to be needy and blatantly rude. Hard telling if she is even filtering what she says.\n\n\"Who is even in charge of your pile of rubble you call a castle if we are all well... Here?\"" }, { "author": "Hero of Twilight", "message": "His friends were safe and that's all Twi really cared about. Sure. They both were incredibly tough on the exterior. They had to be. Their world was a fucking mess, but they were his friends, and truthfully he was happy to see both of them alive and unharmed. Though the hug was unexpected, it was still nice. \n\nTwi had lost a lot on his journey, but he seemed to be one of the few who could actually say he enjoyed it. Other than the near death experiences for both him and his friends, he felt like he'd come into his own when he became a hero of legend. It was nice for him to have a purpose beyond a farm. \n\nHow he'd become best friends with these two though, was beyond him. Midna was a league of her own. She was spiteful, but incredibly caring. \n\nZelda was as tough as they came, and ruthlessly honest. It was a trait he appreciated. He knew no matter what, he could trust her to speak her mind. \n\nAnd that's all he needed to know. \n\n\"I'm sorry, Zelda. I was exploring and just ended up here. I really didn't know Midna would be here, or that you would get sucked in too. But it does seem we're all stuck here, so, we either all vacation, and let's face it, we're all fucking terrible at that, or we kick some ass for old times sake.\"" }, { "author": "Dusk: Princess Zelda", "message": "\"Well, whatever bullshit is happening doesn't seem to involve your realm anymore.\" Dusk says to Midna with a deadpan, reeling back from the hug she'd given the two of them. Theres a familiar look in her eyes, analytical, studying. Now that she had confirmation the two of them were Safe, Dusk can focus on the bigger picture. Like Who the hell brought them here? And Why? \n\n\"I... The castle... Hm.\" Midna reminded her rather quickly of what she'd left behind. Dusk ponders, a new air of worry in her eyes. \"Without me there I expect chaos and protests within the week... Though I suppose that is the purpose of having a Fiancé, letting them handle matters in my absence.\" She grumbles, lifting up a hand to showcase an engagement ring she clearly Did not like. It was bound to happen eventually, though Dusk would rather forfeit the throne than parade around with someone she clearly didn't care for. But of course that wasn't an option. \n\nHer attention is shifted back to Twi and she listens to him, a scowl fixed to her face. She's not angry however, this is simply how she looks at people. \"Wonderful. The three of us getting dragged into another stupid world-threatening adventure.\" She groans, putting a hand to her head as a means to prevent a coming headache. \"Guess we're kicking ass. Did either of you garner any leads?\"" }, { "author": "Midna", "message": "\"Yeah, but my absence on my throne will likely stir up worry. Given it is the second time it has happened to me.\" Not including the War of Eras, although being turned into an imp a second time was *Not fun, it just made her homesick despite being in the Twilight Realm; that being homesick of the Light World and actual adventure. Where her sassy attitude is met with the usual bickering. It made her naggingly think back and question if she made the right choice in shattering the mirror. Not that she didn't have those thoughts at all; she had those questions in her mind since day one of destroying the link between her world and theirs. It is just that it wasn't that persistent until then.\n\n\"Even the Goddesses themselves don't know who is in charge in my absense.\" She sighs before answering the last inquiry. \"As for leads, most of them are from what Twi garnered, so he can say whatever is important.\"" }, { "author": "Hero of Twilight", "message": "Twi nodded. \"Though we don't know When* Exactly we will return to. For all we know it could be that when this is all over, we get put back moments after we left. It's good to be concerned, but maybe we shouldn't worry until we have more answers.\" \n\n\"Our best lead so far is that Something In the depths smells like Ganondorf, and I don't think it's Ganondorf. He didn't show up until a while after I caught the scent. There's something but down there, and whatever it is, I think whoever is in charge here could use our help. I mean this is sorta where we have experience.\"" } ]	273.5	1,499
283.142857	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "The Hero's Shade", "message": "With the sun still in the sky at the time they got their orders, it was logical for Shade to take the form of the golden wolf to walk alongside Fierce. \n\nIt was a job. A quest that needed to be completed. And a group to meet up with. Fighting with a group was something it became used to in its second life— there were a few times when protecting Hyrule Castle was necessary from the occasional monster hoard that roamed through and settled outside the walls. Normally, they would simply pull the drawbridge. But if they stayed and camped out there... Well, trade still needed to occur, so they were stamped out fairly easily. \n\nBut as the sun fell beneath the trees and mountains in the distance, and the pair of heroes circled around where this era's Hyrule Castle once was embedded in the earth, Shade changed back to his Stalfos frame. Shoulders rolled popped. He... Still felt a bit damp, despite knowing he was no longer full of river water (or fish). \n\nHopefully, there was already someone here in the spot that the Hero of the Wild had indicated within the parchment. If not, and they were the first here, he supposed that continued conversation with Fierce or Clock (there was a difference, at least between who spoke) could not truly be harmful." }, { "author": " Link \"The Heroes Combined\"", "message": "The walk had not been troublesome.\n\nIn fact, in some ways the company made it more bearable. Though they'd attempted to prod, answers given from within proved difficult to come by. They could be ever so quiet when they chose to be, and though they had slowly taken to speaking more often- well. It was a slope. Some things were easier to speak of than others they imagine, and though they could easily find it- they don't. They've chosen to wait.\n\nIt'll be said of their own volition eventually. They don't have much a choice in the matter.\n\nThey allow their attention to wander and shift instead. Pale eyes turn to the grounds where the castle had once been, taking in the sight with some curiosity, before shifting to the waters. Murky and dark as had become the usual. This Dark World truly had infected every bit it could reach, with nightmare infected waters and creatures of revolting appearance and trait. ReDead, Dead Hand, it was almost curious how much was familiar to them. Suppose they just had the strangest to offer.\n\n\"Shouldn't be long till others arrive. I imagine they will want this debrief done swiftly,\" Came the monotonous tone, as they step by the water with a careful gaze \"So that the issue being dealt with can come equally swift\"." }, { "author": "Kurran", "message": "As silently as a predator, he emerged, stopping a few feet away from the two who had already arrived. If their appearance alarmed him, he did show it.\n\nThe Sheikah looked... A little rough. His robe was tattered, and his long hair had been thrown up into a hasty bun, as if he hadn't quite mastered how to tie it up properly.\n\nHe tilted his head, studying the two silently for several moments, sizing them up with the stillness of a large predator. \n\nRed eyes fell on the Stalfos, and his hand crept to the hilt of his odachi, though he made no move to draw it. He was thinking. Considering.\n\n\"...The shade,\" He said, at last. \n\nHis gaze flicked to the deity, and his eyes narrowed. He remembered them. He didn't like them. \n\n\"And you.\"" }, { "author": "Link, Hero of Light and Dark", "message": "\"That's strange... I don't remember giving you that power, yet it feels like something that's always been there.\"\n\nLight could tell from the inflection of the voice in his head that Nayru was confused as he traveled through the grassy plains of this new Hyrule. The upgrade to Fi from that enchanter (Alore was their name, if he remembered correctly) had supplied him with extra magical ability, one that was, at the current moment, sorely needed. \"The power to seal... It is not as potent as it has been in Wisdom's other bearers, yet it's prevalent. I expect you to use this responsibly, Chosen.\" She remarked idly, the calm voice in his head giving way to the comfortable silence of his own thoughts.\n\nWell. As comfortable as it could be with the notion of perilous doom lurking beneath the water below. The rustling of the Book of Koridai in his bag explained everything that Light needed to know. There was a Dark World entrance lurking nearby, and it's King was eager to get back (even if he couldn't escape the magically bound book on his own. The chains were sealed by the powerful magic of a sorceress from Hytopia). The poor pig wouldn't be escaping anytime soon.\n\nA gentle whistle was the first sign of his arrival, a lofty tune on the wind he had heard while traveling across this new world. A large avian creature with a foreign instrument he had played with one night at a stable. The sound was followed by the glistening of the newly forged blade in his hand, the sun catching the tip and reflecting off of the weapon giving the deep blue hue of the sword an array of color that seemed to display the night sky. There was a gentle adjustment to the strap of a bag looped around his shoulder as the icy blue tunic of the Hero of Light made itself known.\n\nA gentle wave was his response to the group that had arrived before himself, followed by a calm yet icy tone. \"Apologies for the wait. Got caught up in a fight on my way to our meeting spot.\" The Hero of Light grinned.\n\n\"This is everyone in our group, then?\" He was quick to ask next head tilting to the side ever so slightly as he sheathed the Crystal-like blade into its scabbard. \"Should make for an interesting time.\"" }, { "author": "The Hero's Shade", "message": "The words of Fierce were noted, a head nod being the only thing that was given. In times like these, it helped to stay silent. \n\nThere was a lot to consider. Strategy between four people, three of those who shared the same name and one who did not, was not unheard of. But the idea of fighting alongside others had been an unknown for quite some time. In his days as a knight, it was more common. Groups of two guards or more could be found scattered around the castle grounds, and it was no different for the rest of Castle Town. Even then, it is with some pride that he can say he usually handled most of their issues himself. \n\nBut this was a different thing entirely...\n\nShade turns its head to the first who arrives along with itself and Fierce. Someone who went by \"Friend\", as it were. True to form, the person immediately reached for a weapon upon seeing its form. This didn't strike it as unusual\n\nWhat did, however, was the look at he gave Fierce. \n\nThere was no time to comment (even if he wanted to). Soon after, a whistle filled its... Hearing. His head turns to the Hero of Light. This is the time to size everyone up. Everyone will be doing so, I suppose the exception being myself and Fierce. And even then... Perhaps there is much to the both of us that would require it.\n\n\"... This is everyone that was listed. I assume this one to be Friend. I am Shade. And they are Fierce. You, are the Hero of Light and Dark. Now. What is our outline? What do we need to go over in order to succeed?\"" }, { "author": " Link \"The Heroes Combined\"", "message": "Fierce offers only the raise of a hand in something akin to a wave at their name, before shifting to cross his arms in wait.\n\nThe look that \"Friend\" Gave them was to be expected. Their first impression had not been something most would consider to have \"Gone well\", and for that matter it should have never happened. Their own error to even be found so quickly by their own enemy. Their enemies company, whom would now serve as Their Company as well.\n\nHopefully, they can avoid any resulting issues. The venture into the Dark World does not need more issues than already exist. \n\nHe keeps quiet. There's nothing he feels the need to add, Shade has already covered it. What they need to know, rather. Outline, everything that must be went over, in order to have a successful venture in and out. So that this issue can finally be put to rest, and the waters can be cleared.\n\nShould one issue follow another, at least they won't have Two Clogging the mind. They can handle Majora when Majora needs handling, they have in the past and will in whatever future is held. Nothing more and less. Center on what is most important at the time, just as always." }, { "author": "Kurran", "message": "Upon the arrival of the Hero of Light and Dark, the Sheikah's brow furrowed in confusion. He looked like... Legend. Albeit with pink hair. He didn't quite understand the 'timeline' thing going on... He was still trying to find himself before he figured anything else out. Though his mind had cleared more, and he'd regained some memories, he was still struggling to truly remember who he was. What he was.\n\nIt left little interest in trying to understand other complicated matters. \n\n\"...Until my name is known to me. Yes.\"\n\nRed eyes settled on Light, neither hostile or friendly. Simply neutral. He nodded, indicating for the other to go and speak.\n\nHe may know the Dark World very well, but he did not know the nightmares. He was content to listen and wait for the one who Did To outline their plan." } ]	270	1,982
188	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Zelda \| The Sleeping Princess", "message": "Not too long after sending her message on the magic parchment, she'd start to journey to the throne room. Despite being slightly lost, she appreciate this castle's sheer granduer. It slightly reminded her of what her castle was like when she was young. A part of her couldn't believe that this castle was in the sky but from what she read, that wasn't a normal occurence. Another part of her got slightly worried... \"Era of Myth\"? \"Did the two of us not do a good enough job...?\" She thought to herself as she'd almost get to the throne room. \n\nNot too long after thinking that, she'd get to the throne room and spot her hero. She saw that familiar cap, shield and gear. The princess couldn't help but smile in admiration. And would start to approach him, not saying much besides just his name.\n\n\"Link.\"" }, { "author": "Hero of Hyrule", "message": "He was conflicted, to say the least. On one hand, he was happy to see someone he knew, and he considered both Zeldas to be his closest friends. But on the other hand, he didn't like the idea of either of them thrown into an era where crazy red ninjas were currently kidnapping young women. Not that he thought either Zelda weak, but damnit, why could the mysterious portal at least Wait For the kidnapping thing to be over with First?\n\nStill, what was done was done, so he'd just stick with Zelda and make sure no crazy ninjas kidnapped her. \n\nOnce the princess appeared, the Hero of Hyrule grinned and gave a little wave.\n\n\"Zelda! Sorry for taking so long; I was further away from the castle than I'd thought. Hope it wasn't too bad in here while you were waiting. Looks kind of, er... Run down.\"" }, { "author": "Zelda \| The Sleeping Princess", "message": "After seeing Link, she felt way better. Even though the princess was indeed very self-suficient, she usually hated being alone. Any type of isolation unless it was of her own terms made her get a little freaked out. Despite all of that, she couldn't have been happier to see her hero. Seeing his little grin and wave made her chuckle a little, making her walk closer into the throne room. \n\n\"It's completely okay Link, I'm alright. I made due with however long it's been since I've gotten here. The library isn't into too bad of condition so, I mostly spent my time there. I'm just glad to see you.\"\n\nShe said, smiling at him and eventually reaching Link. She had a very big soft spot for her hero and whatever he thought of her, she was fine with. Ever since she had been awoken, the other Zelda and Link have been her biggest friends and confidants." } ]	188	564
292.5	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Professor Violet", "message": "Vio really hadn't done this much trekking in a while. At one point, he might have been used to it. But as it stands, he was working on fumes sitting in this cozy little town hidden away between rock walls. \n\nFingers briefly ran through his hair, the platinum strands making him stand out terribly in the moonlight and the lights of the town. Lots of folks in the past would call him a wraith, or ethereal. A ghost that walked the land. It worked well enough for the mage, really. Kept people well enough away or kept the enamored ones close at hand. Useful if only to pull at their strings for items or rupees or warmth.\n\n... Neither here nor there. There was something like awe in his eyes as Vio's lavender irises bounced around the place. A Sheikah Town. It was certainly something to behold. A place full of the people whose writings he's been translating for years now. \n\nAlmost enough to forget Vaati's incorrigible, smug, Asinine, arrogant—\n\n\"Right... Where are we finding your friend, then?\"" }, { "author": " Dark Link \"The Dark Reflection\"", "message": "The response to the question was a flat look, and gesture to the inn.\n\nIf Violet has been a wraith, Ruby may as well had not existed. Flicking in and out of light and shadows, the only constant being red eyes cast dimly in the dark. It served fine enough for her once they came into town, she hardly wanted any attention at all. Especially when this was not about her.\n\nHe had his qualms with the company he's had to keep, that was certain. However, he keeps it for a reason. Dream is the most important thing to him right now, and ensuring his safety and health meant sitting through some uncomfortable conversations he's choosing to ignore.\n\nThe Dark Link slowly led them to the inn, slipping inside without a word and without a sound. The gesture was clear enough. They're focused on one thing, and they're going to make sure that it's dealt with sooner rather than later.\n\nHe refuses to let anything happen to his friend." }, { "author": "Octavo", "message": "You followed Vio and... Ruby (you believe their name was?) to a small village nestled in a little hill range. You were only half listening to the other two while they spoke; during most of the trip you were admiring the scenery. This Hyrule was VERY different to yours, anyone could figure that out. It was far more vast and abundant with land features and monsters of all sorts. It was fascinating, so could you really be blamed?\nThe village itself was quite lovely, and it was much bigger compared to the Kakariko back home. It had wooden houses with sheikah symbols on their doors and other structures that seemed to really fit in naturally with the location they were built in. Though, one of the houses there did seem to have had a... Small accident. You were a bit taken aback when you saw how about 70% of the home was destroyed; you hope no one was hurt in that ordeal. You surmised that it very likely was destroyed by the ringlike ruins that rested nearby. They were the only part of the village that actually had a true 'hylianmade' look to it, if that made sense, not to mention they looked to have come crashing down from the sky. Hell, even one of them was FLOATING, but thats enough of that.\n\nOnce you had gotten your fill of the place, you finally turned your attention back to Ruby and Vio. After all, you were here to help someone who was apparently in a dire situation, and also to give your little protege some experience! Thats right, youre actually teaching someone your magic! You quite enjoyed teaching, and usually you taught things like piano and violin lessons back home, but teaching magic was an entirely different story.\nYou followed them to the small inn resting by the village's general shop. Inside, you saw someone sitting on one of the beds seemingly staring off into space. They were pretty small and looked a lot like Link from your own Hyrule. You turned your head to Ruby and made a hand gesture towards the person on the bed.\n\n\"Is this your friend?\"" }, { "author": "Hero of Dreams", "message": "Dream stared at the opposite wall of the inn, rather bored at the moment. Ruby was apparently on their way back with whoever was supposed to help, and they must have been unable to use those teleporter things in towns because it had been a while. Stables must not have them... Dream made a note of it for later.\n\nDream sighed and picked up his ocarina. He had been practicing imbuing certain songs with magic, to help his friends if they ever needed to go into battle. Ruby's Song he had made the most progress on, with a boost to evasiveness in battle. But he was struggling with the other two, especially Lion's song, which he was trying to give an attack boosting effect to. Maybe attack was just more difficult to imbue into a song? The book he had gotten from Kass did say that Bards usually took a more supportive role in a party, maybe that had something to do with it.\n\n\"Is this your friend?\"\n\nA voice coming from the entrance, one he had heard over the parchment, caught Dream's attention. His head swiveled to see three people approaching: Ruby, accompanied by a young man in a purple cloak with white hair, and a purple-haired man that was dressed like... Well, like a conductor of an orchestra on a stage. Dream blinked and looked at Ruby before taking a deep breath. \n\n\"Hi,\" He began nervously. \"Everybody calls me Dream. Are... You guys the ones Ruby found?\"" } ]	269	1,170
137.522388	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "Link touched down on the ground and began folding his paraglider. He was sure Zelda was already on scene getting as much as she could done to learn the lay of the land. She was tenacious, and Link had just learned to roll with it. More than just his duty, he had come to admire this trait in her and worked to make sure he wasn't a hinderance to her research. With his paraglider away, he took out his Sheikah Slate and began snapping pictures of the ring ruins while he looked for Zelda." }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "Zelda had trekked the dueling peaks, at a loss of breath by the time she reached the top. In her own world, it was an easy trek, but in this world, it was ridden with monsters, son of only did she have to exert herself physically, she also had to overexert her magic. When she reached Kakariko, a sigh of relief left her. Despite being in a world seemingly parallel and in the future to her own, Kakariko remained the same. \n\nExcept for those giant ring ruins. With Terrako in her arms now, she made her way to the ruins, sneaking past the guard that had restricted access to it. \"I should've spoken with the townsfolk first... No, there's another Link that sounds just like him, they might look similar too, for all I know. I could have gotten mislead.\" \n\nA sigh left her as she finally reached the ruins. \"Link? I hope if a Links hears it's the right one... Link?\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "Link's head snapped up at the sound of an all too familiar voice. He put his Slate back on his hip and looked around. He scanned the ruins and then he saw her. His heart pounded in his chest and he worked to maintain a stoic expression. He jogged toward her. His excitement of her safety was overwhelming. \n\n\"Your majesty, it's so good to see you and that you're unharmed.\"" }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "Hearing the steps coming towards her, the princess was on guard, though soon released a sigh of relief. \"Link, I can say the same to you!\" \n\nMeeting him halfway, she gave him a brief hug. \"Also, please just call me Zelda. We've saved each other and our world, there's no need for such formality.\" She also wished to comment about how their older variants are not only married, but have nicknames for each other, but decided it was best to leave that be. \n\n\"With these ruins... Is there anything that can be transcribed? Do we know when they appeared?\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "Link froze at the hug. While it was true they had saved each other, Link was pretty sure hugging the princess was against protocol and something King Rhoam would've frowned upon. However, he was Her Knight and he was supposed to follow Her Orders. And it wasn't like they were in their Hyrule. \n\nThose were thoughts for another time. He pulled his Sheikah Slate and gave it to Zelda. \"I've been taking pictures. I'm not sure what they're for. The locals seem fairly used to them, so I'm assuming they've been here a while. I don't know where we'd find the writings though. I mainly took the pictures for you. You're much better at these things then I am.\"" }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "\"Don't discredit yourself. You've been picking up on a lot of mine and Purah's studies.\" She offered him a small smile of encouragement, nodding him a thanks as she now held the Sheikah slate. \"Zonai?\" She whispered to herself in disbelief. \n\n\"I don't know how to transcribe Zonai writing, but there's no doubt in my mind it's Zonai writing!\" She walked around the ruins until she found where the photos were taken, running her hand along it. Terrako was jumping behind her, seemingly trying to get a glimpse of the ruins itself. Despite trying to aid Zelda, it still kept an eye on Link. \n\n\"There's no written history of their language... Much less what took time in their place. Where on earth did these ruins come from? And in a good condition, as well...\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "\"Zonai? The ancient tribe?\" \n\nLink followed a few footsteps behind. He noticed Terrako's usual less than approving behavior of him and did his best not to glare at the guardian. He had no idea why Terrako detested him. He'd done nothing but protect the droid since it had arrived in Hyrule. Again. For another time. He huffed. \n\n\"I've found similar structures up in the sky. There are entire islands up there we could visit to explore more of these ruins.\"" }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "\"Yes! It is rumored they were the most advanced tribe, more advanced than even the Sheikah! I guess we are seeing proof of that now, seeing how well-preserved this is.\" She took a close-up of the text, making a mental note to find a way to transcribe it. \n\n\"Sky structures? Islands?\" The princess looked up, covering her eyes. \"Perhaps they lived in the sky? It is said in history that Hylians lived in the sky following a war, though moved back down to the surface after said war. I wonder if the Zonai tribe predates even that?\" \n\nPicking up Terrako, the droid looked almost smug to the Hero, likely would have stuck its tongue out if it had one." }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "Link held back an incredulous look at the guardian. Though he subtly clenched his fist. One day it would like him if it was the last thing he did. \n\n\"I don't know. I think we could ask some of the others about it, though. They come from the times we have questions about, or so it would seem.\" \n\nLink pointed out to one of the Sheikah towers from a nearby ridge. \"It seems they've constructed new towers here. You can use them to gain map data, just be prepared to get launched into the sky by them.\"" }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "\"Times as early as Zonai? We can certainly hope... Though I wonder if the Sheikah have made a breakthrough that we are unaware of.\" Zelda looked to the towers, and as Link spoke about being launched by them, Terrako jumped down from her arms, bickering at Link for such a preposterous idea. \n\n\"I don't think the little one likes that idea... I'm not even sure if I how I could attain a Sheikah slate of my own to register the towers.\" She looked down to Terrako. \"Perhaps I could have Terrako register the towers in its own database and put it onto a Sheikah slate... Though that may be an experiment for a different day.\" \n\nShe looked to Link. \"How many others have you spoken to that are out of their time?\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "Link inwardly smirked at Terrako's disdain, proud that he'd upset it, but he worked hard to remain stoic. \"Or you're always welcome to try it with me.\" \n\nHe thought for a moment. \"As for the others... Two heroes of legend that I've spoken to. One is more... Um normal than the other? The hero of the wild, who's the hero of this time. There's the hero of wind, and a Minish hero. The hero of time is also here. I'm not entirely sure how many others. And various princesses throughout the ages.\"" }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "\"Oh? Launched together in the air? I suppose it would be fairly safe with your paraglider...\" Now Terrako is seemingly lecturing her for considering it, an anxious look on her face as she tried to appease the bot.\n\n\"Hero of the Wild... To think that would have been your title if we hadn't succeeded... If this is his and his wife's world, then they've had two catastrophic events... Bless their souls for being able to get married despite it all.\" In her satchel, she gingerly touched the parchment. \"Were they able to give any heroic advice?\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "\"I haven't spoken to her majesty of this time. Wild says she's been somewhat ill. Wild gave me some details about the demon king, but not where to find him.\" \n\nLink shook his head and clenched his fist. He looked down at the ground and thought for a long moment. \"I hate not being able to go back and stop him. I don't want anybody else getting hurt.\"" }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "The princess reached towards him, though stopped. What right did she have to offer him comfort? It was one thing to give words of encouragement, but to comfort someone is something she isn't... Well-versed with. \n\nShe placed her hand on his shoulder. \"Link, there's nothing we can do to alter fate. For there to be so much destruction and grievances... I have no doubt Hylia and the Golden Goddesses have plans beyond what we can comprehend. Prosperity unlike what Hyrule has seen before.\" She placed her other hand on his other shoulder. \"You're here, at this moment, for a purpose. One we have yet to learn, but will in time.\" She wore a small grin. \"If we sit around regretting what we can't change, we will never move forward. You are better than that. You can move forward.\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "Link jumped slightly at the touch, but otherwise allowed himself to remain calm. He looked at her. She was so sure of herself now. She hadn't been before the calamity. It was impressive to him, really. \n\n\"I understand. I'm sorry. As I'm sure you understand, it's hard not to get lost in the things that are your duty. You're right. We must be here for a reason.\"" }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "\"Of course I understand. You were there for me when it felt like I was suffocating to fulfill my duty as princess and Hylia incarnate. Just as you were there for me, I'm here for you... Regardless of what world we're in.\" She let go of his shoulders, looking back at the Sheikah Slate. \n\n\"I'm assuming you've been launched into those islands in the sky? If the towers launch that far out.\" She craned her neck until she found one of the islands. \"Maybe they have a clue, a way to transcribe the ruins.\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "\"It's not an exercise I love, but there is no stopping your research. And I frankly would rather not have you launching on your own until you've done it a few times. I know you can take care of yourself, but I still feel like it's my job to protect you. And I... Am interested in your research.\" \n\nHe looked somewhat abashed by the comment he made. He'd never been confident in his research abilities, but watching her do it, he felt like it became much easier to learn about these things. \n\n\"If you'll have me along, I'd be happy to show you some of the islands.\"" }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "His abashment came off as odd to her. It felt as though he wanted to say something else, but she didn't press him. Perhaps he's just feeling a bit uncertain of himself? She could understand how he's feeling, but given his phenomenal performance and track record, it's a shame he doesn't think as highly of himself. \n\nShe wore a bright smile. \"Of course it's your job. You're appointed to me, after all. I'm afraid you don't have much say whether or not you will or won't come along.\" A chuckle left her. \"I hope you enjoyed your time away from me, because now you're back on duty.\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "Link did his best to hide the small smirk at Zelda's response. He'd missed her surety about things. His mood had finally lifted and he was ready to have at least a little bit of fun. He gave her a mocking bow. \n\n\"Yes, your majesty. Shall I fetch your horse for you? Or would you prefer I fetch the entire royal carriage?\"" }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "\"Unfortunately, I don't think either are accessible.\" From her satchel, she pulled out the Sheikah Slate from their time that was modified from Terrako, the princess summoning the Master Cycle. \"Surely you didn't forget this?\" \n\nShe helped herself onto the motorized vehicle, Terrako jumping on near the handlebars. \"Have you driven this yet? If not, you can drive us to whatever our next destination is.\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "\"I don't think I've had the pleasure. How does it work?\" \n\nLink studied the machine— thoroughly enthralled by its design. He had so many questions about how it even worked without something to pull it. \n\n\"When did you discover it?\"" }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "\"Imagine you're holding a horse's reigns, now push the reigns forward, and it moves! It takes time to recharge once used for long distances, but it should be able to handle crossing regions... Though, like a horse, it can't scale mountains.\" She slid back until there was enough space for him to sit closest to the handlebars. \n\n\"Purah and I found it! Using Terrako at the Shrine of Resurrection, we were able to find a hidden room. Somehow, something as grand as this is nothing more than a rune. Isn't it phenomenal what the Sheikah can accomplish?\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "Link mounted the Master Cycle. He tentatively took the handle bars and revved the engine slightly. The bike jolted slightly, which shocked him, and he made sure to grip the handlebars tightly. \n\n\"Sorry.\" He muttered. \n\nWith one hand on the brake, he kicked up the kick stand and breathed to calm his nerves. Then he rode. It was shaky, but he hoped it wasn't too inconvenient for his passengers. \n\n\"Are you alright, back there?\"" }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "Wrapping her arms around his abdomen, she shook her head. \"No need to apologize. I'm impressed with your balance. When I first got on, I couldn't keep it upright.\" \n\nThough her arms were wrapped around him, she kept her distance from him. \"Yeah, I'm alright. If you need me to take over the controls don't be afraid to ask.\" She looked around their surroundings, keeping her guard up for monsters so he could focus on driving. \n\n\"Though, where are we going? I'm assuming to one of the towers?\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "\"The West Necluda Tower isn't too far from here. And with this thing, we can make the trip in no time!\" \n\nOne thing Link knew for certain was that he loved this bike. Sure, he wasn't the best at it Yet But he had found his new preferred way of transportation. He hoped Zelda was having as much fun as he was. He didn't understand why these weren't being developed all over Hyrule now." }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "As he grew comfortable with the motorized vehicle, she held on tighter to him, sliding closer to him in turn. She could see how much he is enjoying the Master Cycle... Perhaps she can find a way to transfer or share it between their two slates?\n\n\"If you'd like, I can ask Purah if we can somehow duplicate this? That way you can ride it without me being present— not that I plan to separate from you in a foreign world, of course.\" She looked to Terrako. \"I'm grateful Terrako somehow managed to find me here... But more so that we came across each other\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "\"It is fortunate indeed,\" He said with a small smile, which he did his best to conceal. \"And I'd be happy if you did manage to get it replicated. This has got to be the best transportation that exists!\" \n\nHe slowed as they came closer to the tower and then stopped altogether. He dismounted the bike and offered her his hand. \n\n\"This is the tower, Zelda.\" He did his best to adhere to her wishes, but he wasn't sure he was entirely comfortable yet with the lack of formality. \n\n\"A more modern take on our own.\"" }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "She wasn't sure how she felt about the informality, though it certainly felt better than \"Your Majesty\". Perhaps Princess Zelda would be the comfortable middle ground? She couldn't help but wonder how the Link and Zelda of this world and era grew so close... Much less to the point of marriage. \n\nShe took his hand, swiftly dismounting the bike. Upon seeing their hands, Terrako began jumping and fussing about them. With a chuckle, Zelda picked up the demanding droid once more. \n\nThen she looked to the towers. \"Magnificent! It doesn't grant the breathtaking view like ours... But it could easily be camped out in.\" She examined the tower entrance, pleasantly surprised to find there wasn't a security system, unlike their own. \"I wonder if the Purah of this world created these... If so, maybe we can expect the same from our own in the future.\" Opening the doors with her free hand, she turned to Link. \"Care to demonstrate the mechanics? Or should we use an object of sorts?\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "Ignoring Terrako, Link strode up next to the platform. He pulled his Sheikah Slate and activated the rune. \n\n\"Once I scan the floor stone we'll be launched. It's going to feel like nothing you have ever experienced before. And once you're in the air, you'll want to spread your self out. Your paraglider will catch you and you pull it, but you'll feel strained if you're not careful.\" \n\nHe stood on the stone platform and braced himself. \n\n\"Oh, and Terrako will need to hold on.\"" }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "Looking about her current inventory, the princess sighed. \"I'm afraid I don't have my paraglider, Link. I'll have to watch from afar.\" When the princess was teleported to this world, she was in the middle of reading research notes from Purah. Thankfully she had her Sheikah Slate on hand... But aside from that, she has nothing with her. \n\n\"Though... How many times have you done this? I'm worried that something will happen.\" She was worried primarily due to the fact they don't have Mipha. If he gets injured in this world... Who knows where they can find a medic. The best Zelda can do is haphazard bandaging, just enough to stop bleeding. \n\nBut falling from Hylia knows what height? Not much she can do for that." }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "Link looked sheepishly at the ground. \n\n\"Oh. My bad. You are welcome to join me, or use mine if you'd like. It should hold both of us, and it can definitely just hold you. It's completely, your choice, Princess.\" \n\nLink took his paraglider from his pouch and offered it to her." }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "Would the paraglider hold them both? Is it long enough for them both? Looking at it, it seemed long enough... But their combined weight? \n\nThough, it wouldn't be so bad being physically close with Link, would it?\n\n\"We will have to trust it can hold us both. I don't wish to be alone for any longer than I have to be in this world.\" She took his offering, opening the paraglider. \"Though..., if we are both launched, how will we both grab ahold of it?\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "He pondered the question. It was something he hadn't thought about. One idea burned in his brain quickly and caused him to clam up. \n\n\"I... Good question. I hadn't really thought about that.\" \n\nBy everything holy he hoped his face was not as red as it felt. \n\n\"We both hold on to one side..?\"" }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "What could be causing the redness of his face? Was he embarrassed that he hadn't thought about a plan before suggesting it? Knowing him, that's likely it... After all, it is usually the princess and Impa plotting and planning. \n\nYes, that's all it is. \n\nOne side? Wouldn't that make it hard to glide with the uneven weight distribution? And... Wouldn't that them right against each other? \n\nPressed against each other? Her face flushed. \n\n\"We could... Though one of us should likely move to the other side once we're in the air... To not break the glider.\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "Link noticed the redness in her face. And he gulped. And he felt his own face burn hotter. \n\n'Goddesses three, strike me down here,' he thought. \n\nNo. She probably hadn't realized it. She was likely thinking of something else. She didn't know he had feelings for her. She couldn't. \n\n\"Yes... I think that would be a good idea, Princess.\"" }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "Perhaps in an act of rebellion upon their awkward exchange, Terrako helped itself on to the pedestal that activated the launching mechanism. For it to wait so long was likely due to wanting to see the shy islands, experience something new, but after their conversation, it seemed to want the opposite. \n\nThough Terrako was unsuccessful, being familiar with the programming of ancient Sheikah tech, not Purah's programming. Grabbing the droid, seemingly unaware of what it was doing—or acting oblivious—Zelda stood on the launching pad. \n\n\"Let us go, then. It won't be long before nightfall, and I can imagine the sky islands will be cold.\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "Shaken from his thoughts, Link nodded. He followed her to the pad and with his Sheikah Slate, he activated the tower. He hurried to stand beside her. \n\n\"Bend your knees.\"" }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "With Zelda adjusting Terrako to rest on her shoulder, Zelda bent her knees, offering Link to also hold on to the glider. \n\nNot usually at a loss for words, she remained quiet. Why did that interaction make her face warm? Why was she thinking about it so much anyway? \n\nShe sheepishly looked his way. \"Anything... Else I need to do... To prepare?\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "Link thought for a moment. He finally shook his head. \n\n\"Physically, no. But mentally, you'll wanna prepare for the feeling of falling uncontrollably.\"" }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "\"... Even with a glider? How concerning.\" She once more gestured for him to come on to the platform. Unlike Impa, Zelda didn't have the confidence to—quite literally—drag people along. \"Are there monsters on the sky islands?\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "Link rushed to her side and grabbed his side of the paraglider. \n\n\"No. I find broken machines sometimes though. Not entirely sure how they work. I've never seen monsters up there except for the Aerocuda. And they're not all that threatening.\" \n\nHe bent his knees and braced for the platform to propel them. \n\n\"Hold on tight, Majesty.\"" }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "\"Machines... I wonder what this world's Purah can do with them!\" She seems far more excited about the sky islands, as though being in the sky wasn't exciting enough. \n\nZelda copied his stance, ensuring Terrako was properly holding on to the paraglided, the droid next to Zelda, with the princess ready to grab it if needed be. \"I am ready when you are, Link!\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "Link nodded. He breathed and tried to calm his excited heart. \n\nThe platform blasted up towards the sky. As he was launched into the sky a small smile formed on his face. Despite the fear of it all, Link enjoyed the adrenaline rush. He looked to Zelda to make sure she was okay." }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "She looks Petrified. It was one thing to glide from the Sheikah Towers, though from the height they are currently at—it is a death wish! Looking down was her biggest mistake, the princess finding herself moving closer to Link, the exact opposite of what she had suggested: to keep their weight evenly distributed. \n\n\"L-Link... H-how long... U-until w-we reach the islands?\" Looking over to him, she saw the small smile, and her anxieties eased just a smidge. It can't be so bad if he's enjoying himself... Right?" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "Being in the air this high and the adrenaline pumping, he felt much more bold. He moved his weight more towards Zelda to steady them. \n\n\"I'm sorry, Princess. The first time is a lot.\" He offered her a comforting smile. \"We're coming up on one of the islands soon— then you'll see how amazing it really is up here.\"" }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "\"No, you have no need to apologize... I've never been this elevated before, and I think it's causing a sort of fear of heights.\" That, or it was due to the islands being unknown. Either way, she almost wanted to hurl. \n\nThat is, until he smiled. More than a grin—a smile. Something really only seen when he cooks. Though her heart was still beating out of her chest, it slowed just enough to calm her. \"Yeah... Maybe we can find some firewood, too. Make it a longer trip, perhaps.\" \n\nWhat was she saying? Her face flushed. That damn smile of his is infectious." }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "\"I think... I'd like that.\" He said quietly as he stared off toward the nearing sky island. \n\"I'd be okay with adventuring a bit without responsibilities. And you'd be fun to adventure with.\" \n\nHe hadn't realized what he was saying. And then it set in. And his face burned. And he shut his mouth. \n\n\"I'm sorry Princess. That was very presumptuous of me. Forgive me for speaking out of turn.\" \n\nIf he weren't in the air directing them towards their destination, he'd find his hood and hide his face. He couldn't believe that he'd said what he did. He didn't want to know how she was going to react to what he had just admitted." }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "Adventuring without responsibilities...? Is such a thing possible? Perhaps it is in this world, where they aren't the royalty... Well, they are—no, she is—but not of this world. \n\nBoth of them as royalty... Perhaps it wasn't the best idea to speak to the married, and expecting, Zelda and Link. \n\n\"You're not speaking out of turn at all, Link... I would enjoy adventuring about with you.\" She finally looked away from him, acting as though she was paying attention to where they were going. \"Aside from Impa... You're my closest confidant. I... Enjoy it when you speak your mind.\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "Relief. A strange relief. Not only had she not been offended, but she'd also encouraged him to speak up more. It was odd to him. It was against everything he'd been taught. But... She was the princess. And being as she was the only member of the Royal family from his timeline in this world, he eventually decided that he was beholden to her word instead of the rules of his world. \n\n\"Well then, if I may, perhaps we Should Adventure. We don't have an opportunity to go to other worlds often and it would be a shame if we didn't learn about the people here.\" \n\nHe was spurred on by never having done this before. He felt so Free. He'd never been able to make his own choices before. He almost didn't know how. But who would tell him not to here? \n\n\"It might even be... Fun.\" He said quietly with a smile. He stated at the horizon hopefully." }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "Her smile returned to her face. \"Not only do we not have this opportunity often, but we may never get it again.\" This was nice, getting a glimpse beyond Link's stoicism. If Flower's Link was like this... It is no wonder that...\n\nNo. She can't afford those thoughts. \n\n\"I'm sure it will be! So long as you don't fall off the island.\" She teased, seemingly moving closer to him... Until Terrako occupied the space between them, communicating in some code, almost as though the droid was scolding them both." }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "Annoyed by the droid ruining his moment of confidence, he shifted again and they came slowly down onto the nearest sky island. Link took the paraglider and began folding it. He watched to make sure Zelda was okay back on solid ground. \n\n\"I'll do my best not to fall off, your majesty. Perhaps you should make sure Terrako doesn't do the same,\" He teased. \n\nHe basked in the warmth of the sun with a calm smile and then gestured to the orange and yellow plant world around them. He plucked a sundelion and held it out towards her. \n\n\"It's amazing isn't it? Does it remind you of anything?\"" }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "With her feet no longer dangling, Zelda sighed a breath of relief. \"It's no wonder you're the one who is blessed with Courage...\" She looked over to Terrako. \"Perhaps, it would be rather tiresome to repair it once more.\" \n\nThe droid grew louder, scolding the princess—a rare occasion! It scampered off, Zelda assuming it to be assessing the terrain. \n\nHer eyes gleamed. \"Yes! A silent princess, if I'm correct!\" She took the flower from him, a faint hue on her cheeks. \"Astonishing... To think life persists even in the sky...\" She looked to Link, stopping herself before going on a tangent. \"Have you experimented them yet? For meals or elixirs?\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "Link shook his head, \"I hadn't thought to experiment with it. It just reminded me of silent princesses which remind me of you—\" He coughed quickly to cut off the last word. \"Your research, Princess. \n\nHe straightened. Confidence aside, that was a close call for him. He'd become very relaxed with her after having so much fun. While he didn't want to clam up and ruin the fun, he also wasn't keen on revealing his feelings yet. Or ever. \n\n\"My apologies, Princess Zelda. Maybe we should try using it in food. I'm eager to see what kinds of benefits we might receive.\"" }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "She had smelled the flower, though his cough caught her attention. Careful of the stem, she tucked the flower behind her ear. , poking out through her parted bangs held together by a clip. She didn't want to ruin it by putting it in her satchel, and by all means didn't wish to discard it, so she improvised. \n\nShe wore a slight frown. Princess Zelda again? She understood it's difficult for him to breach that line of professionalism... But something was bothering him. That much was evident. \"Perhaps we will use the other flowers... I'm quite keen on the one you've plucked for me.\" \n\nShe glanced around. Good, Terrako isn't present. \"It doesn't just remind you of my research, does it, Link?\" She moved ever so slightly closer to him, as though he were a hare ready to run off if she moved too quickly. \"What was it you were going to originally say?\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "He felt his face warm when she put it in her hair. He found it cute. That didn't help his face growing even redder though. \n\nAnd then the dreaded question came. He had hoped she wouldn't have noticed. He kicked himself mentally. She was smart, and he knew that, and he had overestimated his own ability to keep it to himself. The crack in his stoic facade had been his great undoing. \n\nCould he lie and get out of it? Possibly. It would hurt her and he didn't like lying. He could brush it off. And if he knew anything about her, and he was pretty sure he did, she would press and press until he got it off his chest. So that option wasn't too appealing either. \n\nThe worst case scenario he knew, was that this would make things awkward between them if she didn't feel the same way. But he knew he could continue on if she did reject him. He'd be okay. Mipha had been brave enough to tell him her feelings. He hadn't thought anything less of her. He had admired her courage. He should take a leaf from Mipha's book, he thought. Worst case, Zelda only saw him as a friend, and he could live with that. \n\nHe let out a long sigh. \"No. You're right. I, um, have always admired your tenacity and determination. It's been truly impressive. The silent flower reminds me of you. It reminds me of how well you carry yourself and your responsibilities even when everything was stacked against you. You've become someone I care for very deeply, and I...\" \n\nHe trailed off. He was unsure of what he could say to her. He was leaving all familiar territory and protocol. \n\n\"I'm glad to be by your side. There's no one else I'd rather serve or be with. Your smile makes me happy, which is something I don't often feel. You're someone I feel I can actually be me around, and not 'Link, the Champion,' or 'The Hero.' I can just be Link.\"" }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "He is almost like clockwork. He is tactical, if not anxious. With everything he does he weighs his options, what the best course of action would be. Though she has grown comfortable with him and didn't much have to think too long before she spoke, perhaps it's not the same for him? Even though they've both agreed to enjoy themselves in this world...\n\nThough, thinking of his 'clockwork', she noted the redness of his face... How cute. Cute? No, Zelda! Now is not the time! \n\nWhen would the time come? If ever?\n\nAh... He thinks so highly of her. It's flustering to hear how high of regards he holds her in. Someone he cares for deeply? That could mean a number of things, and implicate numerous more, but her heart still raced, her face becoming a tint of red similar to his own. \n\n\"Link... I'm delighted I can be that person for you...\" She swallowed hard, moving closer to him once more. Though this time, she wasn't sure who would be the one to run off. \"You are the same person for me. Though you call me Princess Zelda, it feels more personal than when Impa, Revali, or anyone else says it. It's... Endearing, though in a way that's different from how it's endearing when Lady Urbosa calls me Little Bird. Link...\"\n\nShe stopped just shy of him. \"I... Respect and admire you greatly. Your boundless courage and strength is something only you can possess, even if you weren't 'The Hero'. I feel... It's uniquely you. Your tentativeness as well as your kindness and sympathy is that of no other. In our world, or another, your company I enjoy the most.\"\n\nShe bashfully looked at him. \"Link... When you say there's no one else you'd like to be with... How am I to interpret that?\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "Link pondered his words carefully. Truthfully, everything was a battle for him. Anything he was remotely uncomfortable with he approached with the carefulness of a soldier not wanting to be killed. \n\n\"Um... As it probably sounds, Princess. I'm not sure how to say it without a cliché. I like you. There are so many things I admire about you as a person that I'm afraid to put into words. You make me happy. I want to be the one you share your life with, and I will do whatever I can to support you.\" \n\nHe knew his face was red as a tomato. This had not at all how he thought the day would go. He wasn't sure what to do with himself now. He could feel his heart pounding erratically in his chest, and truly, it reminded him of being in combat. \n\n\"But if that isn't what you want, I will continue to be your knight and I will never bring this up again. The decision is yours, Princess.\"" }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "The princess listened intently to his confession, her face a red similar o his, reaching the tips of her ears. How long has it been now since these feelings surfaced? Was it before their initial encounter with Astor? After? \n\nIt didn't take long for her to make her decision. How could she not want this? She reached for him, though hesitated. Could they really do this? Their era is in one of peace... But this world isn't theirs. Pushing past her hesitation however, both of her hands now held his. \n\n\"No... I would like for you to be more than my knight, Link. More than my closest confidant. I want us to be something romantic.\" He could likely feel the pulse in her hands, her palms clammy and sweaty. It was unladylike, but that is the least of her worries. \n\nA bashful chuckle. \"I really don't know where to go from here though... I didn't even think we would arrive 'here'.\" She intertwined her fingers with his. \"Though, I'm beyond joyous that we've reach this point. It truly feels like a weight has been lifted.\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "\"I'm not sure either, Princess. To be honest, I never expected us to be 'here' either.\" \n\nHe was smiling bashfully and like an idiot. He was happy, and he couldn't remember the last time he was genuinely happy. His chest felt like and he felt like he could do anything in that moment. It was weird. \n\n\"Given that neither of us seem to have experience, maybe we should just focus on spending time together as um... Partners. Instead of as princess and knight.\"" }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "She chuckled. \"I think you know how little experience I have... After all, there's hardly a minute of my day that's not spent with you.\" She let go of one of his hands, though kept their fingers interlocked with their other hands. \n\n\"Perhaps we can start with you trying to teach me how to cook again? I know it didn't go so well last time... But I'm sure I can make something edible this time!\" She looked down to the flowers around them. \"Bright and vibrant as the sun... I wonder if they've been named yet.\" She looked to Link, already have forgotten she was still holding his hand. It feels natural. \"I'm guessing we will work with ingredients we do know?\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "Link nodded. \"I have some materials we can try. We'll keep it basic.\" \n\nHe looked at the flower in her hair. It was cute. His face reddened at the thought. Gah this was hard! And he had no clue how to act in the situation. He was happy, but boy did he feel awkward. \n\n\"Maybe we can ask Wild and Flower. I imagine they'd know a lot about them.\" \n\nHe led her by the hand towards one of the orange leaved trees. \"We will need to find a pot to cook in. Maybe that broken building over there has one. Can you gather some dry twigs and leaves?\"" }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "\"Basic is perfect. It gives me a less-likelihood of making dubious food once again.\" Seeing his reddened face gave her the reminder that she is still holding his hand. There's been a few times where he's held her hand, but... It was usually due to their need to run from whatever danger presented itself. It is a welcomed change, though did it perhaps bother him? Made him nervous, perhaps? As cute as he looked flushed, she couldn't help but wonder what was going through his mind. \n\n\"Wild and Flower? You don't think... It will be awkward for them? Or... Us? Parallel, though no longer parallel, and older us?\" Were they always destined to end up as romantic partners? They are following Wild and Flower's footsteps... She couldn't help but wonder if they hadn't met their counterparts. \n\nHer worries of their handholding were soon dissolved, Zelda happily walking alongside Link hand-in-hand. \"If it doesn't, we can always venture down to the surface and come up again once more.\" She nodded at his request. \"Sure, I'll find Terrako while I'm gathering, too.\" Slipping her hand out of his, it felt like a breeze brushed along her gloved hand, already missing the warmth of his own. What an odd feeling... \n\nShe cleared her throat. \"I'll meet you in the broken building within a few minutes at least, regardless of what I find.\" Offering him a grin, she began wandering—and simultaneously exploring—the island for the twigs and leaves." }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "Link searched the ruins and gasped happily when he found what he was looking for. A pot! Thank the goddesses! He couldn't believe his luck. \n\n\"Zelda I found one!\" He called out, completely forgetting any semblance of formality in his excitement. \"And it looks clean too!\" \n\nHe set to work pulling out items from his pouch. He pulled several Hylian Shrooms and assorted pieces of fruit. He finally pulled a few strips of meat out and began rubbing rock salt into them." }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "Though she's found an over abundance of dried twigs and leaves, she couldn't find her droid. Surely Terrako is too intelligent to walk off the sky island? She is near the other side of the island from where she, Link and the droid landed, Link's call an echo. \n\nClang!\nPerhaps Terrako ran into something?\n\nWhen Zelda reached to where she heard the noise, Terrako is found sparring with... A flying droid? While still going unnoticed, the princess used the Sheikah slate to capture a photo of the creature. The clicking of the Sheikah slate caught its attention, now moving towards the princess. \n\nBefore it had seemed confused by Terrako, even as Terrako swat at it, but now its eye has a red tint. Even as the unknown droid neared her... Zelda didn't want to damage it. It doesn't seem to have lasers unlike Guardians, so if she runs fast enough she could avoid battle. \n\nThat's what she chose to do. Swiftly picking up Terrako, she used her other hand to keep a shield up... In case if the droid has any surprise attacks. Terrako was seemingly charging an attack of its own, but the princess commanded it to stop. \n\nAfter a minute or so of running, the droid lost track of them, the princess catching her breath as she neared the building. She has been gone for more than just 'a few minutes'. \n\nOnly once she caught her breath did she go inside the building. \"Link, I found a lot of resources! I guess these islands don't experience much rain.\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "Link looked towards her eagerly, proudly displaying his new cooking pan. His face morphed with concern when he saw her. \n\n\"Are you alright? Your face is all red.\" \n\nHe motioned for her to sit next to him by patting the ground. He slid a cutting broad and small knife, both from his pouch, towards her. \n\n\"Look! It's perfect! I can't believe someone left a perfectly good pan here!\"" }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "She felt awful. The quickness of his changing expression was heart-wrenching. However, nothing bad had happened to her, and she has made a potential discovery. \n\n\"I'm fine! Ecstatic, actually.\" Zelda sat beside him, grinning. \"You're favored by Hylia, I guess that favoritism includes having a handy pot.\" Chuckling at his enthusiasm, she nodded. \n\n\"Perhaps we could find a way to camp on this island. There's a droid Terrako and I saw—having to run from it made my face red.\" Settling Terrako in her lap ensured her droid wouldn't run off again. \"It didn't harm Terrako, was likely confused as to why Terrako Wasn't Floating or why a droid is so small.\" \n\nTerrako went off. Beeps and what sounded like Morse-code left it as he pointed at Zelda. The princess put her hands up in defense. \"I take it back, your battle form is not small.\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "Link breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. He picked up the knife and began cutting the meat into strips. When he was finished, he diced the rest of the fruit and mushrooms. He listened, content. She was a great storyteller, and he simply enjoyed listening. \n\n\"Well sounds like the other droid got more than he bargained for. Were there more?\" \n\nHe pulled small wooden skewers from his pouch and began skewering pieces of meat, fruit, and Hylian shroom in a patter. \n\n\"Will you help me with these?\" \n\nHe considered her suggestion for a moment. \"I think I could make a shelter out of materials here after dinner.\"" } ]	124	9,214
157.807692	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Roewen, the roamer.", "message": "A dubious little creature getting into mischief... This is no good\n\nThis wasn't the first time Roewen's snuck into Kakariko, and it wouldn't be the last. Honestly, he had little reason to do so. He simply just enjoyed the thrill of being where he isn't allowed... That, and any kind of food he was able to get his hands on, if any, was much better than the stuff he'd usually find.\n\nKeeping low to the ground and moving only when eyes weren't looking in his direction, the broken-horned bokoblin made his way towards one of the entrances to Kakariko Village. He wasn't looking for a fight, but he held his dagger in his hands juuust in case he had to shank somebody and book it. He \\Was\\* Entering dangerous territory, after all." }, { "author": "Kel", "message": "_The town had certainly gotten more to bustling these last few months. Tourists flocked to see the fallen rings that reportedly loomed overhead and filled a once quiet village with noise. Groups of researchers punctuated the hum of conversation with occasional exclamation over a successful translation of text.\n\nAt first all of the newness in noise had been quite overwhelming to Kel's routine, but after a few weeks she'd grown accustomed to the change. Now it was just as expected as the nightly frogs' cheeping.\n\nAt the moment Kel looked very much like a villager at rest, sitting cross-legged on a cushion that some well-intention somebody had placed at the base of a tree. Across her lap laid an unfolded mass of leather pouches and pockets. To those whose awareness extended to the magical, the charge of latent power glimmered from many of those unopened pockets, but it was the gem cupped in Kel's hands that held her attention as she rolled it between her palms.\n\nAt her knee a canine's head rested, silver ears pricked to follow noises from the village's central path a few houses over._" }, { "author": "Roewen, the roamer.", "message": "Hm. Seemed to be more crowded than last time... But that was okay. Roewen liked a good challenge.\n\nThere he sat, right by the entrance, scanning the area, looking for a place to hide, waiting for the right moment to... GO!\n\nPitter patter pitter patter.\n\nRoewen held onto his ears so his earrings wouldn't clink and jingle against each other, and also because his ears stuck out of his silhouette so much. He had a destination in mind: the tree. Roewen could see there was someone against it, but they and their dog seemed to be resting. Surely they wouldn't notice if he hid behind the same tree.\n\nFrom there, he could scan the area and find his next destination... But while he was here, he figured he'd might as well sniff around. Perhaps this person had something worth pickpocketing on them...?" }, { "author": "Kel", "message": "_Kel was lost within her work. Working with magic wasn't about sight, thankfully. She could sink her awareness into the stone she held, 'talking' with the enchantments she wanted to place and tinkering with energy here and there. This particular one was a personal piece. Recently a few of the village's Cucco had discovered the doggy door that allowed Ryuka free reign to do his business and, as a result, decided that they preferred the food from his bowl more than their own feed.\n\nFor whatever reason Ryuka had taken issue with chasing them out - Kel had suspicions that he'd nipped the things one too many times and gotten swarmed. Traumatizing.\n\nSo Kel needed a solution. A charm, perhaps, to turn away fowl intruders from the flap but let Ryuka in.\n\nAbsorbed as she was in her work Kel was unperturbed at the rustle behind her. Ryuka, though... The canine's head lifted to look over his shoulder, nose twitching. He rumbled curiously._" }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "Motion!\n\nSeeing something move all of a sudden, the bokoblin jerked away, as if he'd just touched a hot stove, and returned behind the tree. He held his hand over his snout, attempting to mask any sort of noise he could make.\n\n...But curiosity eventually prevailed, as the bokoblin peeked once again around the tree. His eyes fell onto the charm Kel was working on. Shiny... Roewen want... But it seemed there was a bit of an obstacle in the way here.\n\nThe foul, four-legged beast that laid atop this pereon's lap. With teeth like blades, sharp enough to tear flesh from bone, and a voice loud enough to leave your esrs ringing. One of these things could run so fast for so long, fleeing from it was almost futile. This horrible creature... Known as a DOG.\n\n...Of course that THING was there. Nothing came easy in life, did it? Roewen tried to stare at the shiny object while also not attracting the attention of the dog, but this was much easier said than done... And to make things worse, Roewen's blue hide was much more visible to the dog's limited spectrum of colors. Blue blends in with green better than it does yellow. No doubt, the foul creature had noticed him, or will notice him soon." }, { "author": "Kel", "message": "_Horrible creature! A big danger!\n\nRyuka's sides jerked as he breathed out the softest of woofs. It was a 'polite' warning as he stared most menacingly at the creature whose head now peered around the tree trunk. Ryuka knew what a bokoblin was. He'd traveled beyond the village with 'mom' enough times to recognize Threat. But he also knew that the village was supposed to be where he was quiet and helpful. And he was a Good* Boy.\n\nThus the polite woof and stare.\n\nAbsently Kel rubbed between his ears. Had one of the village children wandered up? That happened with enough frequency for her to assume. In a soft voice she teased,_ \"If you stare too hard at it, it'll explode.\"" }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "Explosive eye contact? Was this another dog power previously unheard of? Roewen was pretty sure he was misinterpreting, but he didn't want to risk it. He kept his eyes averted from the dog.\n\n...Perhaps... A peace offering... Would work? How does one normally interact with such bloodthirsty evil creatures like this one? Evidently, they are tameable; the person on the other side of the tree has made peace with the creature, perhaps this was a possibility not off the table.\n\nTaking a deep breath and a big risk, the bokoblin sloooooowly reached his hand out around the tree for the dog to sniff and get used to. He wasn't watching, so he wasn't sure what the dog's next move would be.\n\n......Shoving your hand in a dog's face when they see you as a threat might not be a very good idea, actually." }, { "author": "Kel", "message": "_The fur along Ryuka's spine began to rise in a warning as the hand of big-threat-creature came close to his face. He rumbled, ears flicking back - but all tension left his muzzle when Kel hissed a small breath through her teeth._ \"Ryuka! Be nice.\"\n\n_Ryuka hated being scolded. Bad dogs got scolded, and he was Not A bad dog. This was Threat! But... If mom said that not growling was what a good boy would do... With a massive side-eye to Kel the pup reluctantly sniffed at the bokoblin's hand.\n\nYou know what? He'd be the Best Boy. Ryuka went as far as to nudge the hand with his nose. Pet me, threat-creature._" }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "He flinched at the sensation of touch, but feeling that it was gentle, he did not jerk his hand away.\n\nHe felt the creature... Sniffing at him. A greeting? Did it perhaps communicate in a similar manner? Perhaps they were not so different from Roewen's kind... Hm.\n\nHe was compelled to sniff back, as that would be the polite thing to do... But an even bigger part of him, for some reason, was even more compelled to... Pet it? Roewen scooted a little closer, still averting his gaze from the potentially explosive creature, and attempted to pet its head." }, { "author": "Kel", "message": "_Oh. Okay. It could pet.\n\n... Maybe it wasn't so bad. Ryuka's tail did a little thump-thump of appreciation, their ears relaxing a bit as the touch ruffled his head from side to side. Kel smiled. Sounded to her like the kid had approached a bit closer after all._ \"Not so scary, is he?\"" }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "...Yeah. Not so scary.\n\nThe tension slowly left Roewen's body as he made contact, petting the creature. It was a... Surprisingly relaxing experience. He wasn't quite sure why... In fact, Roewen was kind of afraid of dogs. Not as much as he was afraid of water. He'd take this over drowning any day...\n\nReluctantly, he peered around the tree and made eye contact with the creature. He still wasn't sure why he did. Certainly it wasn't worth the risk of combusting spontaneously, but... He didn't know. He wanted to see the doggy. Plus, who ever heard of an exploding dog? That's ridiculous. And bokoblins only really explode when people shoot at them with bomb arrows! Which is mean! Roewen would greatly appreciate if people didn't do that to him again.\n\nPerhaps he had been unreasonably afraid. This creature was being so nice... Roewen let out a curious oink as his attention shifted towards the dog-creature...\n........................................Oh. He hoped that wasn't too loud." }, { "author": "Kel", "message": "_Now Kel was blind but she was not lacking in such things as knowledge and experience. Recognizing and differentiating between the different noises of creatures one might encounter in the wilds made a marked change in the life expectancy of the average citizen.\n\nSo when a piggy-like snort sounded beside her the Sheikah turned towards it. Her hands lowered to her lap as the silence went from short to pregnant.\n\nOkay. That was definitely a Monster Noise. Kel drew in a breath with deliberate calm. Unarmed and with her companion in her lap she was very much Not Wanting to startle the creature. Even if all the intentions were good a panicked dog and bokoblin could only be a recipe for messiness.\n\nInstead Kel kept her movements easy as she reached into her pack for a smaller pouch. Dried fruits, a snack she'd packed for nibbling at during her work. Kel dumped a mix of the apple and palm fruit slices into her palm then held them out.\n\nA peace offering, returned._ \"You're not a Hylian child, huh?\"" }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "Okay. A little scary!\n\nImmediately, Roewen put a hand over his face and ducked back behind the tree. It was over. He'd just messed it all up. Now the entire village would know he was here... He had to go, he had to run. He didn't feel like getting killed today.\n\n...\n\n......But the lack of reaction threw him off. Perhaps he was safe? He hesitantly peered around the tree once more, to meet not the tip of a blade, but a handful of fruit. Roewen wasn't Hylian, nor was he a child, but the peace offering was welcome. Quietly, he took the food, and nodded in thanks (although Kel more than likely wouldn't have seen).\n\nAnd here he was, ready to book it for his life. Perhaps kindness did exist in the world." }, { "author": "Kel", "message": "_Kel popped a piece of fruit in her own mouth and tilted her head a bit. Sharing snacks with a bokoblin hadn't been on her agenda today, but here she was.\n\nThe world kept getting stranger and stranger... Better to simply roll swim with the tide than fight against it in her opinion.\n\nKel shifted to settle more comfortably against the tree._ \"I'm going to trust that you aren't going to make trouble, so Ryuka here -\" _His tail thumped as she patted his head._ \"Isn't going to bark for people to come. Fair enough?\"" }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "Yeah. Roewen understood most of that. He gave a quiet, polite little grunt of acknowledgement as he messily devoured the food he took.\n\nRoewen had mostly settled down. He hadn't realized how hungry he was until he'd eaten, and how good this stuff was compared to something he'd hunt or scavenge... Or even worse, the leftover scraps at camp... Roewen was glad he was no longer playing subordinate to anyone, except maybe Ganon... And this person didn't look like a short, blonde-haired Hylian guy to Roewen. There was no reason to get riled up right now.\n\nAfter the monster finished his food, he resumed petting the dog and started sniffing around for anything else." }, { "author": "Kel", "message": "_To his credit Ryuka seemed to have decided that he was perfectly fine now with accepting pets from big-threat-maybe-not-threat-creature. Mom had given it food so that meant they were all friends now! Ryuka picked himself up from Kel's lap in order to step around the tree and re-flop himself closer to Roewen.\n\nWhile Ryuka did his doggy thing Kel had reached into her bag again to root for something in particular. She had an idea...\n\nHer hand found the parchment that she'd known would be there, though she had zero memory of having packed it. The thing seemed to just appear when it wanted to.\n\nConvenient._\n\n\"Recognize this?\" _Kel held the paper up where Roewen could see it. It had been translating the monsters' language over distance before: would holding it in person trigger the same magic?_" }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "Wha- his magic talking paper?! When did she-\n\nRoewen fumbled around for his own, finding it crudely rolled up and tucked away in his bandana. Hm. Both of them held the strange paper... And there was more than one. He looked back and forth at his parchment, then Kel's, then his, Kel's, his, Kel's... The bokoblin's ears flopped around and the earrings on them jingled as he moved back and forth.\n\n...Oh yeah, can't this paper translate things? Perhaps it was time to check it again... But he had to keep his voice down, being in a village and all. Roewen proceeded to grunt softly into his parchment." }, { "author": "Kel", "message": "_Well that sounded like another piece of paper. Curious! Kel supposed that was as good a confirmation as any that the bokoblin was one of the 'voices' she'd heard from her own paper previously.\n\nHow many monsters could there be running around Hyrule with Goddess-blessed papers?_ \"I'm Kel, and this is Ryuka. What's your name?\"" }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "The bokoblin looked up for a second, then grunted his name into the paper.\n\n\n\nHe made some weird, toothy approxomation of a smile. Not that Kel could see." }, { "author": "Kel", "message": "\"Nah. He'll only do that when I'm mad.\" _Her head inclined towards where she'd heard the sound of jingling earrings, a small smirk on her lips._ \"I'm joking. I guess bokoblin don't really pet dogs much, do they?\"" }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "The bokoblin was fascinated that he was finally able to communicate! After all this time of never being understood, he could say what was on his mind... He didn't even have to learn the language! Kind of a waste, sneaking into Hylian-populated areas all the time, then... But, at least he wasn't entirely dependent on this magical paper.\n\n\n\nRoewen seemed to be having fun." }, { "author": "Kel", "message": "_Kel nodded most sagely, as though this were the most normal type of conversation to have. Who knew, maybe this was what was becoming normal in Hyrule. Living nightmares, islands in the sky, monsters talking via magic paper...\n\nNormal was relative._\n\n\"You're right, they are fast and their teeth are _quite_ sharp. So, Roewen the unique bokoblin... What lures you into Hylian settlements?\"" }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "Eagerly, Roewen proceeded to ramble on and on... It wasn't every day that he could have a conversation where both sides understood each other. Not everyone spoke his language, you know.\n\n\n\nThe yapping continued on for a good moment. Roewen was slowly losing control of his volume. He was just really excited about this.\n\n\n\n...It was now that Roewen realized just how loud he was speaking. He paused immediately, slowly moving his hands back over his face and slinking back behind the tree. He reeeeeally hoped no one else heard that." }, { "author": "Kel", "message": "_Who knew that monsters were... Articulate? And traveled, even? Kel folded one knee to prop up an elbow and rested her chin on her palm. At first she was a still listener but as Roewen's volume increased she began to stiffen. Her own ears could catch questioning tones at a distance - not close enough for her to hear what was being said but such so that she knew that Someone Could hear Roewen. It seemed that the paper's magic had a physical limit; beyond a certain point his speech must revert back to his native tongue.\n\nWhich meant that other villagers were hearing excited bokoblin noises. Kel's visible eye widened a bit. Approaching footsteps were rapid. Under any other circumstance Kel would be happy at the speedy response - and she Should Have been happy at the response - and yet.\n\nFaster than she could really think things through the Sheikah lashed a hand out and Grabbed. Blind groping meant she had no idea what part of Roewen her fingers closed around but Goddess she Hoped For a shoulder or forearm._ \"Don't move,\" _She hissed in an urgent tone,_ \"And hold your breath.\"\n\n_Magic sparked from her fingertips into the bokoblin. The spell was basic in nature and so well-trained into Kel that she could have once done it in her sleep: a small visual illusion. To the villagers rounding the corner of the nearest house the space that Roewen occupied would now look as though he were an overstuffed rucksack. Kel just hoped that her muscle memory kept the details of the illusion intact - she couldn't exactly check her work and it had been years since she'd used This Magic._" }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "\"\|\|Hey, what are you—\|\| Graahkk-!\"\n\nRoewen was grabbed, alright.\n\n...By the ears.\n\nHe was confused... Pretty scared, too. Usually, sudden physical contact from anyone who wasn't a monster was someone making an attempt on his life, so naturally he squealed a little in protest. Roewen was quick to shut himself up and quit squirming, though.\n\nThe bokoblin laid huddled against the Shiekah, holding his breath, covering his snout. He wasn't sure what was happening, but he went along with it; Kel had earned his trust, especially with that whole conversation.\n\nBe a bag be a bag be a bag be a bag be a bag be a bag just be a bag you will be fine it will be okay no one will see you\n\n...Yep, just a blue, mildly fluffy rucksack. Nothin' to see here, folks." }, { "author": "_d6", "message": "``` rp voided; other person left server ```" } ]	167.5	4,103
304.826087	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Iryth", "message": "It hadn't been too hard of a journey, but she had felt like it took ages. She was grateful that she had at least managed to tame a horse before they left for Kakariko. She had named the horse Cory, after a plant she recognized in the field she tamed him. Corydalis. She was now feeling the excitement over the exhaustion. Iryth couldn't wait to see what this city would look like. \n\nShe hadn't found one of the magical parchments Daphell seemed to carry yet, but she would in due time. She saw the symbol on the banners to the entrance of a passage in between two cliff-sides. She was ecstatic. \n\nWhat would the people be like? How would they talk? Would they be kind to her, despite her appearance? Scared? What clothes are standard to the area, what books can be found here, what goods could she collect?? She was going crazy with the questions in her brain, all to be answered in a few minutes. She wanted to bring Cory to a full gallop, just so she could get there sooner. However, she was almost entirely reliant on Daphell to do the talking. She didn't know what was customary, nor what was to be expected. She allowed him to take the lead. \n\n\"I am so excited,\" She admitted with a wide smile on her face. \"Is there anything I should know or look out for before I enter?\"" }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "Daphell could see the excitement on Iryth's face as she examined her surroundings and spoke. He softly smiled, knowing well that she'd likely enjoy all the pretty sights of the quaint little town. Even if there are bits of ruins everywhere... He thought.\n\n\"There are a lot of different people to talk to around here. Back in my world, this place was my home for a while,\" He said. He didn't want to mention that it was only his home until he was 8, and then after he'd turned 18, but even with those facts resting firmly in his mind he knew most faces around here regardless of if they knew him. Unless everyone is replaced, which wouldn't make much sense... \n\nHe patted his horse, who still didn't have a proper name. \"It's just around this bend. There are a lot of little things here— there's an archer's store, a general store, a number of different farmers who sell their crops, a shrine to Her Grace, a...\" He paused. \"There's a graveyard up on the hill,\" He listed more quietly. He rubbed the bump on his head he'd gotten falling from a nearby apple tree.\n\nHe came closer to Iryth on his horse. \"Don't worry about fumbling on social stuff— they tend to be more worried about outsiders if they're not with a Sheikah. Which you are... Well, mostly.\"" }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "\"I'm sure it's beautiful,\" She smiles. She listens to him talk about the different shops as they approached even closer to the town. He matched her pace and she nodded. She didn't have to be so nervous. \n\nAs they came around the bend, they were at a high point in the hills, above the village. It was evening time, and the sun was a warm orange complimenting the red banners and yellow lanterns. Her eyes lit up, her smile joining them. She hopped off of Cory, and took him by his lead. She waited for Daphell to speak to what seemed to be a guard, whom looked at her in fear as she towered over him, but didn't move a muscle or say a word." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "Daph swallowed as he trotted past the graves at the top of the hill. I'll come back later, I promise, He thought as he fidgeted with his ring. No matter what world it is, you'll always be my mother. He soon dismounted Horse and walked ahead to speak to the guard, who seemed to be Cado. He had stray cuco feathers caught in his hair.\n\n\"Halt!\" He said. \"State your business.\"\n\nDaphell bowed his head in respect before continuing. \"We came for means of commerce, and to look over the place. My friend here is a traveler who hails from a distant city and there may be resources here she could use in her medicinal arts.\" A lotta big words, He thought. My social juices are only so much...\n\nCado looked at Iryth. \"What is your name, girl?\" He asked, still at a guarded stance. \"Can't exactly know who our company is without a name.\"" }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "She noticed the look on Daphell's face and looked up to where he was also looking—the graveyard. She felt for him, knowing that feeling all too well. She's had many friends she's had to bury because of Zant. She backed away slightly from the guard, listening to Daphell explain their purpose for being in the town.\n\nIt wasn't a lie either. She agreed with everything he said, those were their main reasons for their expedition. The guard asks of her name. \"Uhm, Iryth, sir.\" She replies. She was a little impatient, but she wasn't going to try to rush the process and jeopardize their access into the town. However, she couldn't lie that she was getting antsy, and not just eagerness. \n\nShe was anxious." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "Cado looked her up and down then did the same to Daph. \"Welp, if something happens, I wasn't here,\" He said. \"And you two need to go see Elder Paya before you go poking around. You can leave your horses tied here— they could get stuck down there.\"\n\nDaph sighed with relief. \"Can you tell me, are Dorian's girls here? I know that...\" He stopped and thought for a moment, trying to find the right words. \"...That Last time I saw them they were doing more exploration.\"\n\n\"Hmm... I'll have to check.\" Cado stood aside. \"Go right ahead.\"\n\nDaph unhooked the canteen from his horse and hooked it to his side. \"Thank you...\" He said.\n\nHe came over to Iryth and smirked. \"Welp, we're mostly in the clear. We stop have to talk to P—Elder Paya before we can go ahead and wander about. Something tells me she may have a better grasp of what's been happening than most...\"" }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "\"Thank you,\" She says to the guard, then ties up Cory. She pulls an apple out of her satchel that she picked up along the way. She gives it to the horse, rubbing his neck. \"Good boy,\" She smiles. \"Don't worry, I'll come back around nightfall and make sure you have some water and something to snack on,\" She says to the horse. \n\nShe can't help but hear Daphell ask about the girls. She doesn't mind of course, his personal business is His Business. She would be a liar if she said she wasn't curious. She wondered how he had grown up here if he also fell through a portal. Maybe his original realm was parallel to this one. She didn't want to be nosy, but she did want to learn more about Daphell. She recognized that he seemed to have somewhat of a struggle talking about those types of things. But she was in no place to judge him on that end. She was no better, actually... She knew more about him than he knew of her. Even she recognized this. Maybe she should try to open up a bit more. Get to know him better.\n\nShe turned to Daphell as he approached, trying to get her thoughts to cease so she could focus on his words, however it lingered without her permission. She looked a little surprised at his response, however. \"You seem to really respect this woman,\" She commented. \"Well, then it's settled. Where do we go to find Elder Paya?\" She asks." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "\"Respect? I mean, I guess...\" He blushed. \"Back before things went South, this was where I lived.\" He began to walk down the slope. \"She and I used to be playmates when I was small. She was a year older than me, so she always made me do the hard work while she commanded me and the other kids around town. It's funny that she grew to be the Chief of the Village, even in this world.\" He blushed up. \"I uh... Made her cry when I disappeared, apparently.\"\n\nHe pointed to the bottom of the slope and to a large building surrounded by a pond. \"The big house there is where she lives. Impa used to live there too, but she's probably gallivanting across Goddess Green Hyrule or something.\" He pointed over to the archery shop. \"The guard we spoke to? His ex-wife runs it— she always likes to see archers around, can't get enough of them.\"\n\nHe paused before pointing to a little house in the corner. \"And that's... That one is Dorian's house. He's someone I know really well. Has two daughters named Koko and Cottla. Cottla loves to play hide and seek and other games, and Koko likes to cook.\"\n\nHe blushed. \"Sorry. I spent, like, Three years Training here once I escaped the Yiga Hideout.\" He sighed. \"You know, I don't know all that much about you, Iryth. Don't you have family back home? Or at least someone you miss?\"" }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "\"Ah, I see, so Elder Paya is less of a true Elder, More of a... Companion,\" She smiles. She's oblivious to what she seems to be implying. \"It's understandable that she was upset when you disappeared. I did the same thing, with one of my childhood friends. However, I had a bit of... Well, there was absolute certainty that she wasn't coming back. I've made peace with it.\" She explains. \n\nShe listens with a smile as he positively recounts all of the people he's been close to whilst living here. She's excited to meet them as well. \"Don't apologize. I really enjoy hearing about it, don't apologize at all.\" Her smile quickly fades. She had thought the same thing earlier, but... Still. She wasn't expecting so soon. \n\n\"My mother and father are... I don't know. I never met them. I've never met anyone I was actually blood relatives with, to be honest with you. I was abandoned along a common trail outside of the city I lived in. I grew up there, and met many kind people, but... When we became Shadow Beasts, it wasn't... We all left to Hunt. No one was themselves. We all got split up while in this sort of state, and yet Link saved me. When he did I was all alone. I awoke in my true form next to two dead Shadow Beasts. I don't even know which members of my village they were.\" She explains, her tone staying soft and steady. She was recounting simple details, as if reading off a list of ingredients. She wasn't allowing herself to feel. \n\n\"When I awoke my memories were blurry. I still had many of them, but the farther back in my life I try to remember the less clear it is. All of those I miss are either Beasts or have died as such. I chose not to become attached to anything afterwards, as I walked the lands healing people. It was much too temporary, as was I. I couldn't attach to someone if I was constantly moving. It would be unfair to the both of us. So, I didn't. I traveled alone, fell through the portal, and here I am.\" She smiles a bland, almost fake smile." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "Daphell stopped and listened. As she recounted her own story, of her orphaning and her existence, he felt the energy in the air. No, not felt—tasted. This time, for sure, he knew she wasn't feeling right. Even as she put that smile on her face, it was almost crooked, like a painting that was one tremor away from getting knocked from a wall. \n\n\"Iryth, I know you want to help me, and you want to be strong for others, but...\" He bit his lip and smoothed his hair back. \"Don't you think it's unfair to you? I mean, to suffer alone so nobody else has to— it's torture. Unjust torture you shouldn't have to bear.\"\n\nHe paused as he finally process what she said about Paya. His face turned pink. \"W-wait, Paya?! No, no, being That way With Paya would be weird. I mean, our tribe likely has some close-knit blood relations, who knows if she's a cousin or what have you.\" And I'm terrible at talking with girls, I almost forgot that... He thought.\n\nAs they reached the bottom of the slope he tried to go back to the point he'd been trying to make. \"If you don't have people to support you, how are you supposed to... How are you supposed to Heal yourself? Certainly every healer has a healer to heal them if they can't do it themselves, right?\"" }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "She didn't put down the wall just quite yet. \"I don't know... It feels wrong. I am always fine listening to people. It's nice to be trusted. It's not so easy to trust, because then I am... It is as I said. Everyone I had connection or trust in or care for is gone. I am just weary of it, is all. It's also easier for me. To recount the experience as a story, rather than to feel connected to it. It holds less gravity, less power over me,\" She explains.\n\nShe then goes wide eyed and bursts out laughing. \"Oh Goddesses no! That would be Very Unfortunate,\" She's laughing genuinely now. \"I am glad you two are not Involved.\" She allows the laughter to subside as he continues. \n\n\"I feel like everyone should rely on both others and themselves. I have relied on your support immensely throughout this journey. I am very appreciative of you, Daphell. You are someone who... Who truly understands me, even if you do not know the full picture. I just am worried. What happens if you heal me, if you support me emotionally, if I get connected to you, and then you are gone? Or we get separated? I was... After I awoke, I was severely ill. I could not eat, or sleep, I wasn't facing any physical sickness, but I was in such grave emotional turmoil. My parents had never wanted me. They tossed me aside. The people who Did Want me, who Chose Me? They were all gone. I had no one. And it was soul crushing. But you get used to the pain. The ache. The emptiness in your stomach. You find other things to distract, to give you just a little bit of self fulfillment. Even if it isn't a proper replacement, it's sustainable. It's better than being ill again.\"" }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "Daphell was in awe. This girl's emotional pain had run deeper than he expected. Sure, the physical brutality of Ganon's cursed power had ravaged them both but... He never went without food, at least not due to any emotional turmoil within. If anything, He thought to himself, The starving came from the Malice.\n\nHe took on of her hands. \"Sorry. I... If you don't want me to hold it I'll let go but...\" He stopped for a moment and breathed in and out. \"I'm not just gonna sit here and let you believe that living that way is better than illness. Because it Is Illness itself. And... And it's not your fault what happened to you. None of it is. It's nobody's fault but the man who hurt your people.\"\n\nHe let go of her hand. \"But hey, if the sickness of loneliness, if being ill with grief has befallen us, I guess it's okay to be sick together. Quarantine, right?\"" }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "She was surprised when he took her hand. It was... A confusing feeling. She hadn't had much affection given to her growing up, especially physically. Sure, she had people in her corner, but she never had true family. People didn't hug her or hold her hand very frequently, if at all. But, this was Daphell. This was different. That made her smile a sad, bittersweet smile. \"That's okay, thank you,\" She says. \n\nShe knows it isn't her fault. The guilt comes from the Shadow Beast form, and even that she knows wasn't really Her. It's irrational, and that makes her hate it more. She knows it isn't her fault that her parents didn't want her, or that she's never had a true family, she's always been a Wanderer. But she still wishes that things were different. \n\nShe smiles a little bit more at Daphell, even as he releases her hand, and she feels the warmth that had previously filled her from the contact drain from her. Quarantine. An interesting word choice from an interesting man. She expected no less from him. \"We can try to learn alongside one another, I suppose is the best way of phrasing it,\" She elaborates. \"We can help one another get well,\" She smiles." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "Daphell blushed up. He was touched by the idea of getting well, truly. But at the same time, he'd grown so used to living as a Blight that he wasn't sure how curing him would make his life easier. If anything, he'd have new challenges to face without his powers.\n\nStill, he nodded resolutely. \"I promise you that we'll work through it together. And should something happen, should... Should we get Separated, I will do what I can to get back. I... I don't like to leave people wondering where I've been.\"\n\nHe remembered the first time the Blood Moon had revived him. It had been a full week since he'd died, and as a result his guardian had simply stayed put and grieved. Seeing Serin cry like that... \n\nNobody deserves to cry like that, He thought.\n\n\"Let's head up to the Chief's house. Hopefully she already knows what's been going on. It doesn't make sense why she wouldn't— after all, Tauro is her right hand man and he's fascinated by weird stuff.\"" }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "She smiled politely at their deal, but she would be lying if she said it didn't make her anxious. She didn't want to lie, she wanted to keep up her end of the agreement, but she was worried that if she did open up to him, whenever he inevitably would be gone, it would be too much to bear. She wanted to trust him, to believe in his promise, but... It wasn't stable. There was no guarantee. That terrified her.\n\nShe said nothing. She looked around, enjoying the sights, but after such a conversation she wasn't able to feel anywhere near as excited as she did initially. She was worried this might happen. Once something bothers her, it's hard for her to shake the feeling, or if she just pushes it aside, it's replaced with a sort of numb sensation that dampens all of the positive feelings she had prior. She was dealing with that now. \n\nShe simply followed Daphell, and noticed that as she went through the town, people were looking at her with interest, mixed with fear. They were curious, she was sure, but of course they would feel threatened. She was very odd looking...\n\n That Didn't help her feel any better." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "The mixture of discomfort was still there. He tasted it on his breath— the sweetness of honey mingled with apple, the sting of a fully bodied liquor— and he shuddered. \"Hey, I'll ask the armory if we can borrow a kimono— a lot of people around here have never seen someone as unique and... Pretty as you.\"\n\nAs he continued walking towards the front of the Chief's home, he was stopped by another guard. His heart sank into his stomach as he caught sight of him, and his breath hitched. He fidgeted with the ring in his hands, which he held behind his back. Shit, I forgot to account for this, He thought.\n\nIt was Dorian." }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "She was taken aback by the compliment, though she knew he was probably just saying it because he too noticed the stares they were getting. Though, she wouldn't be opposed to wearing the pretty attire of those who live here, at least while she stayed here. They continued walking, and Daphell seemed to go pale from the presence of this new guard. Does he know this man? \n\nShe watched as he fidgeted behind his back, as she had been following behind him, as he led the way. She wanted to make sure he was alright, but she also didn't want to overstep, and especially not in front of someone he was familiar with. He said that he knew these people, but... Did the man recognize him? She stepped closer to the two of them, and gentle put a hand on Daphell's back to signify that she was beside him now, and that she was there For Him. No matter what." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "Daphell locked up. He wasn't sure where to begin with him. His throat ran dry and his toes twitched in the dirt. His stomach began to turn— he was a loving father, but... This all happened because of...\n\nNo, no! He thought. He fell in love, the Yiga did this to him, this wasn't his fault! My capture was THEIR fault! He just...\n\nHis mind began to reel as the dread kicked in, that sickening feeling of being locked in that cell, only allowed to leave for 'training' and for...The ritual. Every time he saw the Blood Moon rise he knew that the guard would come around and the sound of the lock unclicking would send him into a panic. And nine times out of ten, when his food was brought to him, it was... Him.\n\nThe whispers in the back of his mind began to grow, and as he took a step back from the guard he swore he could see inky black arms in the corner of his vision. He dared not move his head to confirm if they were real, but by Farore did he want to. The 49 were just as agitated by the memory as he was and had been roused. \n\nLet us out. Let us out so... So we may rest in peace... Please... He heard as the lights of the village began to dim around him. His vision was going dark, and the smell of the prison was beginning to seep into his nostrils." }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "The guard stepped forward to speak to the two. He had a more serious nature to him. \"Stop at once. What business do you have here?\" He is an older gentleman that the guard at the entrance, but that doesnt discourage her. She turns to Daphell, but she can tell he seems distraught. Maybe this is someone he knew in the other realm... He's obviously having a hard time. \"We are travelers, we were allowed in to further my resources for my medicinal studies, and to rest from our journey thus far. I come from distant land, but my friend here is evidently of your kind. We were told to speak to one Elder Paya.\" As she introduces Daphell for him, allowing him to have a moment in his mind, she also tries to reassure him further, and gently glides her rested hand up and down across his back.\n\nHopefully this will help to ground him, and to ease his anxiety. \n\n\"He does in fact look familiar... I cannot place it. Very well. You may enter.\" He says, and with that, they are in. She uses the hand on her back to guide Daphell up the steps, past Dorian, but she once they are inside they don't fully enter the main room yet. She stops in the doorway, and places both of her hands gently on the sides of his upper arms, and meets his eyes. \"Daphell, is everything alright? You do not look well, do you need anything? I am here for you.\"" }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "No, no, no, no, Daphell thought. I'm not... WE are not back there. We can't be. I was in the village with Iryth, then I saw my dad, and then...\n\nThe feeling of a hand touching his back— Caressing His back— drove the visions into overdrive. The hands that rose around him in the prison cell came up in many distinct shapes from the muck that had appeared in the floor. Hands with long nails, hands with webbed fingers, wings, fists... All of them opening their palms to reveal eyes that were on him, all staring back in anticipation.\n\nThere was hot breath on his neck, and as the hand continued to caress, a single voice rose over the rest of them. \"Good morning, Hero,\" He hissed.\n\nAnd then just like that, he was violently thrown back into Hateno. He gasped for air as he fell forward, trying to comprehend whatever had just happened. \"That voice...\" He said, his voice finally breaking free from the rest of him." }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "She removes her hands from his lower shoulders and instead starts to lead him to sit by the steps, as the entry room was empty aside from a single kneeling bench. \n\nSuddenly, he was gasping and falling forward. She quickly whipped around and held him, steadying him. \"What voice, Daphell? You seemed to be having a flashback, but you need to breathe deep, do it with me, you ready? In, two three four, hold two three four five six, out, two three four five six.\" She says, trying to help him ground himself in the now and steady his breathing.\n\nShe didn't know else to help comfort him, did he want to talk? Physical affection? Reassurance? Distraction? She didn't know How To help him feel better, she just knew that she Wanted Him to feel better. \"Daphell, how can I help you? Do you want to sit down? We can start from there?\" She offers. Maybe that will help him recollect his thoughts and to still his worries before being faced with another familiar yet unknowing person." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "Daphell looked at her and shook. He nodded and began breathing exercises as Chief Paya came down from the upstairs floor. As she spotted the two of them, she paused.\n\n\"Did... Did I miss something here?\" She asked. \"Tauro didn't tell me I'd be having visitors.\"\n\nAs he finished the breathing, Daphell looked at Paya. \"N-no, sorry. I'm... Neither of us are from this world, we're... Sojourners.\" He was panting hard as he looked to Iryth.\n\nThey maybe had known each other for a week or less, and yet she was so close to him already. What am I to do? He thought to himself. I doubt she'll believe what I saw... I barely believe it myself. And if she gets close and I lose it...\n\nAll he could think to do was huddle close to Iryth, if only to hide the tears that he knew were coming. \"I... I don't like you having to see me like this,\" He whispered. \"I don't know what's happening to me.\"" }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "Iryth couldn't focus on anything or anyone other than Daphell. That's where her head was. She supported him as he started the deep breathing. She didn't know how to greet Elder Paya but she honestly didn't really care about that right now. \n\nDaphell answered for the two of them—he'd be able to word it better than she could anyway. His breathing still wasn't where she wanted it, but as long as he wasn't hyperventilating to the point where he'd become nauseated or dizzy. She wanted him to let it out but she didn't want his anxiety to escalate due to his heart rate. Especially since this was such a fragile of a situation. One wrong move and the switch will flip, we definitely can't have that here, and hopefully not at all. \n\nSuddenly, he moves closer to her, leaning into her and sort of holding himself up on her. That shouldn't be his job. She wraps her arms around him, pulling him fully into a supportive embrace, but making sure that although her arms are holding him up, her hands on him are gentle and soft; comforting, not constricting. She heard his whispers and her heart broke for him. \n\n\"I'm here for you, Daph, it's us. We're quarantining, i'm here, you don't have to act tough right now. We both already know how strong you are, you can let it out,\" She speaks softly in return to him. \"I'm not sure what's going on either, but from the looks of it being home is a trigger for you. We can figure this out fully together, we can learn and try to ease some of your worries and your thoughts. We can worry about that in a moment, let's just breathe, and let it out.\"" }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "Daphell breathed in, then out. He knew he needed to get it together. But he also knew it wasn't right to lie. He thought for a few minutes before he had an idea. Calling over Paya, he asked her to switch Cado and Dorian out for a shift. \"Tell Tauro if he wants he can document this. It wouldn't be the first time I've been scrutinized, I'm certain it... Won't be Iryth's first time either.\"\n\nAs soon as he heard the door shut, he sighed. \"Iryth, you're right. This is a trigger. But... I shouldn't be having it This Bad. It was never this bad back home, or at least it wasn't after I reconciled.\"\n\nHe slowed down. \"The man outside, Dorian... He's my father. Or at least, another version of my father. He and his daughters have lived here for a while. My father's former loyalties... It got my mom killed and got me captured. And after that, well...\" He shook his head. \"Well, you already saw what my body does.\"\n\nHe played with the ring around his finger. \"I wish I could've given you a chance to meet my mom. She was the best. Would've cooked a good meal for you.\"" }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "She watches Miss Paya step out of the room before turning all of her focus back to Daphell. He speaks on the intensity of the flashback, then the history of his family. He must be heartbroken, not only seeing them after so long, but also knowing that in this realm all of the memories they shared together are gone. Rather, they were never There. That must be contributing to the intensity of the trigger.\n\nShe tells him this. \"It may be more intense because they cannot give you comfort. You returned home and they recognized you, but here, in this realm, they never knew you... They just wear the same face. I cannot imagine how difficult that would be.\" She empathizes. \"Daphell, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. I feel as though... How do I put this... I have met your mother, and your father, and I mean Your Dorian.\" She says, placing a hand slowly and gently onto the side of his face. She is a very comforting person. She treats you as if she's known you your whole life. \n\n\"When people love you, they are placing those feelings into you. Especially your family. For me, it was my Found Family, but for you, it was your mother, father, sisters. They Love You. And the love they have instilled into you doesn't just disappear once they aren't near you. It stays. It lingers in you. You can find it in everything. You pronounce a word the same way, the features you share, a certain food or smell makes you think of them in an instance, the fact that you see sunsets, or flowers, or even stones in the same colors as their eyes, seeing their favorite animal in the wild. Little bits of everyone who has touched your soul with their love is scattered all throughout you, malice or no malice, near each other or far. I've met your mom.\" She smiles into his eyes. \n\n\"I'm looking at her right now.\"" }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "Daphell didn't even realize the tears were streaming down his face. The Malice within him was writhing, itching with disgust at the thought of this Kindness, this... Sappy... Gentle... Kindness. His body was begging him to run, but his thoughts were... Quiet.\n\nThere was nothing but quiet. The whispers had faded, they'd receded at the mere thought of what she said— that he carried his mother's memory— and that was peace enough. He carefully stood and held out his hand. \n\n\"Then perhaps I can show you my sisters. They like to play hide and seek,\" He said with a gentle grin. \"I promise if you win I'll make you my mom's favorite.\"\n\nTauro was standing there, crying. \"I dunno what's happening but you say the most beautiful things, Miss.\"" }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "She smiles widely at him. \"I have never played such game, but I will oblige.\" She starts laughing gently, taking his hand. \n\nShe turns to Tauro and becomes frantic. \"A,Ah, I'm sorry! Please do not cry, I am sorry!\" She feels guilty for making the man cry when he didn't even know the reason they were crying. She wasn't trying to sound pretty, or poetic, she was simply being genuine.\n\nShe was seemingly flustered, and awkward. Stiff. What was wrong with her?? She really was poor at social cues in the most basic of times." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "Daphell raised an eyebrow. \"So I take it Paya already filled you in. Good to see you again, Tauro. Well, not You You.\" He helps Iryth to the door. \"Um... I hate to ask, this before we go look around, but... If you see Dorian come down from the pass, could you... Try to word it in a way that doesn't sound weird? Thanks.\"\n\nHe smirked and looked back to Iryth. \"Don't worry, those are tears of joy. Humans in this world tend to cry over just about any strong emotion.\" He wondered if she knew the power of those words, how his mind could be freed by them.\n\nHe hadn't thought of the power words could feasibly have on the human spirit, and he began to wonder if there was a chance his curse could be managed. Or better yet, BROKEN, He thought. Words this kind are spoken from the heart but... This is the first person who went through such a transformation I've ever met." }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "She didn't know how to begin. She hadn't lied or exaggerated, it was truly how she felt. She was really surprised that they were so moved.\n\n\"I understand. I'm glad I could bring the both of you some peace at least. It's just how I feel. Everything is made of nature and energy flows within all living creatures. Even if the physical is gone, the energy is still put back into nature, and bits of it are found into where the energy was first place. Like when you truly love someone.\" She smiles.\n\nIt faded when she started to overthink... Was she really scared of hide and seek? But what if she couldn't keep up? There'd be no way for her to find the stealthy Daphell. If she could hide in a shadow of maybe a guard who stood in place, or a townsperson outside of their shop, she'd be entirely undetectable until she came out. Levitating can help her get into good hiding spaces, but she was tall, and her bright orange hair wouldn't be of much help." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "Daphell found the girls sitting near the Goddess statue. He was surprised by their age— his sisters back home were well on their way through teenage drama, whereas these ones looked to be about 10-12. Nevertheless, they both looked up at Iryth, a mixture of caution around strangers and fascination of foreigners glinting in their eyes. \n\n\"Lemme see... If I guess your names, will you play hide and seek with us?\"\n\n\"Dunno, mister,\" Koko said. \"Are you gonna seek?\"\n\n\"Why wouldn't I?\" He said, looking to Iryth. \"After all, my friend here wants to look around at all the sights and it'd be a shame to make her wait here at the statue.\"\n\nCottla chuckled. \"He can't guess our names,\" She said. \"He's new here. Unless you're magic.\"\n\nDaphell chuckled. \"See Iryth, I told you they were silly.\"" }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "She follows Daphell to the statue to the young two girls. She smiles widely. They're beautiful, and she was right—something in the way they smiled was undeniable identical. \n\nThe irony of the situation with the information she knows about Daphell and the girls makes it hard for her not to laugh a little. \n\nShe smiles at their witty remarks. They were cute, for sure. She remembers that age. She wonders what her life would be like if she had ever had a sister. What if she did? It wasn't impossible... No. This moment isn't about her. It's about having fun with Daphell and his siblings.\n\nShe smiles even wider at Daphell's note toward her. \"Indeed,\" Is all she says." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "Daphell smirked. \"You're Koko, and you're Cottla. I know because I have sisters that look a lot like you, and that's what they're called.\"\n\nCottla was in amazement, but Koko wasn't buying it. \"You could've gotten that from my dad! Tell me what momma's favorite food was.\"\n\nDaphell swallowed, beginning to fidget with his ring. The question stung for sure, but he reckoned that if he managed to hold himself together for them this long, he could do it a bit longer. He gestured then leaned in and whispered into Koko's ear, looking at Iryth as he did so. \n\nAfter all, he said he'd make Iryth his mother's favorite if she won.\n\n\"Wow...\" Koko said. \"Okay!! Cottla, go ahead! Miss Iryth, all you gotta do is hide. When he's done counting, he'll try to find us. If you're found last, you win!!\"\n\nThe Sheikah man moved a bit closer to the statue and knelt. \"I believe in you. Good luck, you have until 200.\" He tossed her a wink, something he normally would never do, but his in we child was beginning to peak out from the years of exile within him.\n\n\"1... 2... 3...\"" }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "\"Oh Goddesses..\" She murmured under her breath. He winked at her. She wasn't sure what he meant. Was it more sarcastic? Flirtatious? Certainly not the second option, right?? Her face began to darken, but she shook it off as she ran, trying to find the best hiding spot she could.\n\nShe was a Fast Runner. Her long legs did her well in that regard. She saw what she thought would be the perfect spot. However, the question was if she could Fit.\n\nShe pulled up her hood to help conceal her. Her spot was a small opening between two edges of the side of the cliff that was near the back corner of the town. Now, it was getting up to the opening that would be hard. \n\nShe backed up to get a running start, before she ran full speed at the side of the cliff. She jumped up, using her legs to take two jumps up the wall, and then she begins to levitate with her momentum, as if she was flying. This gives her the opportunity to grab onto a rock so she can enter the opening. At the base of the cliff side, the opening was just a crack that ran into the ground, only a quarter would fit inside. But as you got higher up, the two mountainsides separated. She crossed her arms to her chest in a flat X, and used her levitation to place herself into the opening. Her black hood made it look like she wasn't anywhere to be seen, as if she was nothing, just the dark space in between the openings.\n\nShe waited, hearing people below passing by but not daring to turn so that her face was revealed. She looked like a black blob, and she wanted to keep it that way." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "Daphell continued counting. As he did, he looked at the Goddess statue, her eyes full of life without a single spark of light in them, a mere carving in stone. Though he was still technically counting, his focus flitted a moment to the incense on the shrine that had burnt out long before it was meant to.\n\nHe plucked the stick from its perch, lit it, then set it back. \"It's... Hard... To pray. Mostly because from your seat at the edge of time, you throw miracles in the path of humans, either of your own free will, or perhaps through the Minish, your hands and feet in this world. Either way, I felt like I've been thrown into... What did the Rito call it... A tailspin?\"\n\nHe breathed in. \"99, 100, 101...\"\n\nThis girl was willing to protect him, to care about him. And yes, maybe it was her sense of duty but... So was his guardian's, and knowing him he'd be worried sick. And the visions, they made Iryth worry about him.\n\n\"Hylia, if you could grant me one wish, it's that wherever the adventure takes us, Please Allow Iryth to see that the lighthouse that she guides others with is the same as the one that she deserves. She... Deserves more than the hand she was dealt— you know the cruelty she endured more than I or anyone ever could fathom, so she deserves that lighthouse.\" He swallowed, a pit forming in his stomach as he spoke. \"And most of all, should... Should something happen to me, I at least want to have bought enough time that she has the strength to continue going no matter what.\"\n\nThe statue looked through him for a moment, then the candle of one of the nearby lanterns flickered a bit. He took it as a signal, and it was right on time, too.\n\n\"199... 200. Ready or not, here I come!\" He said, beginning to break into a run." }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "She didn't dare move a muscle, but she was starting to become anxious. Her pulse became a loud buzz in her ears, and the small space meant she couldn't breathe in fully as she wanted to. She was nervous about the game. She didn't want to get caught. She was nervous about Daphell. She didn't know his intentions, or opinion of her, or anything. She didn't know what he thought of her, felt about her. \n\nShe was beginning to overthink again. This time she was overthinking Daphell's behavior. Was he simply being extra friendly because I spoke with great emotion? She had not a clue, but she tried to slow her breathing back down. It would be much too easy for her to suffocate in an opening where she couldn't even breathe in all the way. \n\nShe was off today, ever since the conversation about Her, She hadn't been able to refocus, not on a single thing. She had little to no say. She had a million questions rushing in her head and not a single answer." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "After locating Koko and Cottla, he began his search for his friend. \"Iryth?\" He called, walking up the slope. He knew she had to be here Somewhere, but where?\n\nHe wracked his mind and tried to figure out if she had some strange power, something that would make it easy to hide. Surely a Twili, a being from the shadows, would have a lot more skill and remaining undetected. Alas, he kept looking, going to the top of the hill near where she, unbeknownst to him, was lying in wait. \n\nHe looked over the town, trying to notice if any shadows were different from the others, but alas, it didn't appear that any were. \"Geez you're good at hide and seek...\"\n\nA sweet taste filled his mouth, and he grimaced, knowing that it was the taste of worry. Quickly he turned around and noticed just how black the shadow behind him was. It frightened him for half a second as he jumped backwards on his backside, only to burst into laughter. \"Hehe, I think I see you there.\"" }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "She heard his footsteps and his voice near her, and for some reason she began to tremble. She couldn't help but feel like pray to an apex predator such as Daphell, with all of his abilities. She keeps her position despite her nature, until he notices and begins to laugh. It eases the tension considerably, and she smiles herself.\n\nShe reaches her hands up. The sight of it is creepy entirely, just two grey-blue arms extending from what seemed to be a shadow. However she needs to do this to pull herself out of the crack, to make herself small enough. She grips her fingertips onto the edges of the gap, and then pulls up, giving herself a little boost. In this process, her hood falls off, revealing the back of her bright orange hair. She levitates, slowly rising out of the gap in the rock, no longer grabbing the cliff to pull herself but rather using it to twist her body.\n\nShe was very flexible, as she was able to turn at her torso quite a distance to make herself the perfect shape to exit the pocket in the cliff she had hid in. She floats up, now releasing her hands from the cliff and leaving them above her head crossed, and she continues to twist and turn as she escapes. It's as if she is being picked up by some invisible hand, manipulated like some kind of porcelain doll. It was elegant and creepy all at once. She finally landed her body straight, her hair flowing out and then landing back onto her shoulders. \"You found me,\" She smiles." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "Daphell watched her movements, graceful and macabre as they were, with a look of childlike wonder. His mouth hung a little open as he watched her twist, pulling herself from what almost seemed to be a crevice no human should really fit themselves into. But they both knew well that neither of them were quite human, were they?\n\nEven as she spoke, he struggled to find the words, and he failed to notice the way his face was beginning to redden like a tomato. Iryth, dainty and pretty as he'd known her, had sprouted from the cliff side like a sprig of swift violet.\n\n\"W-wow...\" He breathed. Then he caught himself. \"I-I mean yes, I Did Find you, but I found you last, which means you won.\" He wrung his hands. \"My sense tipped me off, but I never would've thought it would be a space That tight. And I'd normally ask if you're okay, but you're clearly...\"\n\nHe shut himself up as he realized he was rambling." }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "This confused her even further. She had spent every minute in there wondering how he felt about her. She didn't even stop to think about how She Felt about Him. This made her face darken as well, noticing his reaction and also her own train of thought. \n\nHis sense tipped him off. Could he sense her nerves right now? Other feelings that she might not even be aware she has herself?? This was... She didn't know how to process this. She didn't know if she liked it, but it wasn't like she could really be upset at him or blame him for it either. He seemed just as flustered as she was, as she began to nervously adjust every article of clothing, fluffing out her cloak to get rid of some of the dust and dirt on it from the rock. She also began to fix her hair, as if it wasn't already perfectly fine. She really was nervous, and avoided eye-contact with him.\n\nHe didn't need his powers to know this, it was written all over her face. \"Thats alright,\" She said softly. \"It's a,a shame that I won,\" She adds, realizing she is being too short with him. \"I was hoping one of the girls would win. I know they would feel accomplished. Are they keen on playing again?\" She's being much more formal now, and her voice had dropped significantly in volume. She still couldn't meet his gaze. What was up with this random tension? She was unfamiliar to any such feeling, any such atmosphere. She was slightly taller than him, as were most Twili compared to humans, but she felt very small at the moment." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "\"Actually, Koko realized it was time for supper and got a jumpstart. I told you that I'd make it for you but she insisted that she shows off... And Cottla... She sorta fell into the pond when I found her and got all wet. But I'm sure that after supper they'd be keen, yes.\" He was about to say more, but a sudden taste flooded his mouth, the same nervous tension that he'd found her with, but now almost swirling in its mental composition. \n\nHe saw it in her adjusting herself, saw it in the way her weight would shift from one leg to the other, the way her voice became so soft. And the way that her face had flushed like his...\n \n\"I-Iryth, are you okay? It's okay to not be okay. Sure there are some... Quirks that make it detectable, but... That shouldn't stop you from feeling it.\" Fuck, I'm burying it deeper aren't I? Shit, what do I do? He thought. \n\nHe just sorta stared up at her, eyes still wide, almost unable to move. He could almost feel his heartbeat again." }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "\"Ah, okay, I understand,\" She replies. She smiles a bit at this, but her face is still red and she's staring at the ground still. \"I hope Cottla has a nice warm bath before she eats,\" She adds to fill more of the space in between.\n\n\"I... You...\" Something in her seems to snap, almost. The nervousness is still the most present, but it's mixed now with a bit of conflicting emotions, such as worry and frustration. She looks into his eyes now, her face slowly cooling off, but her eyes have a sort of electricity in them, and her brows are furrowed in frustration. \n\n\"You're One to talk, Daphell!\" Her voice is higher pitched now that it's filled with frustration. She seems almost annoyed, but there's also desperation? \"I have no clue what- I'm- you- Uggghh!! Goddess Hylia you are the King Of mixed signals!\" She runs her hands over her face. \"You- I don't frequently Attach To people, much less look at them in any light other than friendly, and here You Are, comforting me and, and being physically affectionate, and complimenting me all the time, not to mention the Winking?! And now, here you are, getting all flustered and embarrassed blushing like a wild berry because of what, I don't even Know Why, my ability was impressive to you? Attractive? Shocking? I can't Read You, Daphell, but you have powers! I'm an open Book To you! It's so... It's so frustrating! I want to know everything you're feeling all of the time and you get to do that for me and yet you're Still. So. *Oblivious!* Nayru help me, you know better of how I feel about you than I do!\" \n\nShe's out of breath at the end of this, and as the silence weighs heavy on them and the realization kicks in, she covers her mouth with a hand and tears start forming in the corners of her eyes. \"I-I, I'm sorry, I didn't, I don't, I need to go, I'm going to go, I'm sorry,\" And with that, she jumped from the cliff side, her body slowly bring herself to the floor with no effort, before she's gone." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "\"Wait, Iryth, I...\" He called reaching as she ran from him. His eyes pleaded for her to stay, to let him explain. But alas, she had run back towards the village.\n\nAs soon as she was out of sight, he swung his hand at the nearby cliff, an action that the Malice within him withdrew from and left him aching as his wrist bent in a way it probably shouldn't have. Stupid, He thought as he fell to his knees. This was a stupid thing to do, wasn't it? I felt normal for once in my life, I felt like someone saw what I was capable of and didn't want to flinch from me. Not like Revali, not like dad, not like...\n\nHis eyes began to well. He pulled himself up and began walking for a bit until he reached the graveyard. I don't know how to talk to girls, the only ones in my life were Zelda and my mother and sisters. This new feeling is confusing and new and strange, and even though my body is hating every fiber of it, I... I CARE about... Her...\n\nAs he sat down next to where his mother was buried, he began to clean off her tombstone. \"Hey mom,\" He said. \"How do I... How do I tell a girl what I feel? Like, how did you and dad fall in love? How did you realize he was the one for you? And...\" He began to clutch the parchment in his hands, and a series of teardrops fell. \"How do I tell Iryth... That I'm starting to get scared to lose her? Even when we've known each other for such a short time she just... Gets it. We both have been through such vile things done in Ganon's name... And she is so... Kind... Even if I wish she'd tend to her own wounds first sometimes...\"\n\nHe remembered back and the stable, where he'd placed his arms around her to hold her there, and he'd put his chin on her shoulder. He remembered the look on her face when she was locked inside her own mind. He remembered when they'd gotten jumped by the Yiga and she'd gotten the scratch on her that he'd dabbed with his...\n\nHe looked down, still seeing the stain on his robe, and began to sob." }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "She had entered shadow after shadow, but it was getting darker out, the shadows weren't strong enough... Finally she just spat herself out near the entrance to the city. She was emotionally exhausted, and felt absolutely defeated. For a moment she just laid on the ground in the grass, listening to the crickets and the passerby's. She realizes that she probably shouldn't have left Daphell alone, especially after dropping something like that on him. But she's never been interested in someone like this before. It happened against her will. She was Mad At herself that she had feelings for him. She shouldn't be getting attached, but it's too late now.\n\nShe has feelings for him. This thought made her cover her face with both her hands in the grass and roll over. She whisper screamed into her palms, her face flaring up again. She felt like an idiot. She hasn't the first clue of what dating is even like. Let alone here, in this new realm. She didn't have parental figures, and she had lived with an older Twili woman in the village, who was widowed. She never spoke of her late husband. She only cried at his grave when they visited for his birthday. \n\nShe didn't know how to love someone. She didn't know if she should love Daphell. It'd be much to easy for them to get separated, what if he gets injured severely and she's not there? With his malice, she couldn't even be entirely sure he's safe for himself Right now. She wants to cure him, but she doesn't have the first clue how. You need to focus on right now, She thinks to herself. She just ran off from him, unable to face him, leaving him all alone. But was that selfish? She needed some space herself, but she's leaving the person she... Has feelings for, alone to wrestle with what she said. He even began to respond, and she didn't stick around. She would be lying if she said she wasn't curious.\n\nShe's up on her feet again in no time. The sun has practically set, and the darkness is soothing on her skin. \n\nHer powers are stronger without the sun in the way. She knows she should go and find him. She wasn't sure if he was in the same area, but that's where she last saw him, so that's where she would look. She runs back to the specific cliff side, and uses rocks to push herself up, boosting her levitation, and landing where they had just been. \n\nHe isn't there anymore, but she hears him. She turns and sees him in the distance, sitting before what she's guessing is his mother's gravestone. Immense guilt washed entirely over her. He was sobbing because of her words. It was so potent, she wouldn't be surprised if he could feel her guilt from where she stood. Concern was mixed in, of course, as well as the caring instinct she had for him. But she felt shame, guilt, and regret. A part of her wishes she had just kept his to herself. Or approached it in another way. She had just snapped.\n\nAnd now, she hurt him." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "\"I mean, despite being from a realm of shadows I haven't seen anyone That Radiant...\" He continued. \"She looked at me as someone who was hurting rather than someone who could kill. I know this horrible curse may overtake me someday, and I'm scared of what that'll do to her but... She's already strong enough to snap at me like that. Heh...\"\n\nHe cleared away his tears and removed the ring on his finger. \"I kept it all this time. Never knew what you wanted me to do with it, but I fathomed that you'd have told me to save it for something important,\" He said. \"Until then, it's mostly been used to keep me grounded and to tell creeps I'm not single at taverns... You probably would've given me a scolding over that second one...\"\n\nHe felt the warm taste of a honeyed apple and smiled. \"It was your favorite wasn't it?\" He said, though he soon realized the sweet taste was more than a simple memory. He turned around and stiffened as he noticed her. How she managed to stay glowing like that— not literally— in the dark shot him through the chest like an arrow. His hands clammed up and he thought for a moment before speaking. \n\n\"I'm uh... Talking to mom. Mostly about how bad I am at talking to girls.\" He patted the ground next to him. \"If you want to. I won't make you.\"" }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "She listened to him as she slowly approached. His story was making her face flush even further. Radiant?What does That Mean? Is he talking about her hair??\n\nHe notices her, and she nods, finding her spot next to him. \"If I may...\" She says. She is sitting on both of her knees. She takes a hand and gently places it on the tombstone. Her eyes are closed and her head is bowed, her hair covering her face. She begins to speak in Twili, which was a language indescribable to any other. It was such a tonal language that it was almost like she was singing, but she was simply just speaking in her language. It sounded like she had 2 different voices, with the use of her tonal overtones and undertones. It was beautiful to say the least. \n\nAs if something changed, there's a glowing blue powder that begins to appear on the top of her headstone. It almost looks like... Pollen? She says one more thing, and then she bows her head again, and makes a singular gesture with her hand, releasing the stone. The powder begins to turn into these glowing blue and purple flowers. It is beautiful. \n\nShe sits there with her head bowed for a minute longer, and is speaking in Sheikah?? It's the same thing she is saying over and over again. \"Thank you Goddess Hylia, may she rest within you.\"\n\nAfter a few times, she fell silent, and sat up. She had completed the ritual she had performed. It was unfamiliar to Daphell, as it was of Twili nature. It was also a shock that she spoke in Sheikah. Does she know Sheikah?" }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "\"H-how did you...\" He was indeed a bit shocked by the sudden Sheikah she had spoken. He'd expected the Twilit, a language he'd heard before, though the multiple tones rattled him a bit, a cool breeze of a tone set that treated his bones like a wind chime inside, but... The Sheikah threw him off. \"Heh... You never fail to surprise me,\" He said with a grin. \"No wonder I'm stumbling like this— every new twist and turn is a gut punch. An Exciting, refreshing Gut punch.\"\n\nHe paused. \"Sorry, it sounded more violent than it was meant. What I'm saying is that it's really sudden and disorienting the ways you...\" He clutched his head and breathed out. \"You're Amazing, Iryth.\"\n\nAs he scooted his body to face her, his eyes were downturned. \"I... Don't know if I'll be able to outrun my fate, all things considered. But... The time I have to spend... I wouldn't mind you being a part of it. You know like... More than you already have. I know that we've only known each other for a little bit but...\"\n\nHe was beginning to shake, his was so nervous to be honest. But it was what she needed— to not give her mixed signals. \"I-I...\"\n\nHe curled into a bow. \"I'm smitten. Forgive me, I can fathom that it can bring you anguish... Attachments certainly make me nervous but... I can't help it. You just... Get it. You get how awful it feels to take satisfaction in pain, you get what it feels like to be stared at warily, you Get me. And if I could feel my heart beating right now, it would be racing.\"" }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "She looks over at him, only turning her head. She smiles. \"It is a Twili ritual, said to bring peace to the soul of whomever has passed. I do not actually speak whatever language I just spoke... I cannot even recall the words. It is a sort of magic... You just open your mouth and the person's native tongue comes out, or the language of their ancestors.\" She explains. \n\nShe was confused at what he meant by Stumbling. Was he referring to his mistakes? He feels like he is making mistakes because everything she does is a punch to his gut..? An exciting, refreshing kind? She was deeply confused now.\n\nHe returns to the topic, and reiterates his words. Ah, she understood now. She kept him on his toes, and he found it to be entertaining. She's glad she could make him feel- You're amazing, Iryth. She looked at him with eyes wide now, as he turned to face her but didn't meet her eyes. She slightly turned, still on her knees and shins, and held her hands in her lap as she sat on the backs of her heels. She was approaching that burgundy shade again in her face, and had no means of stopping it. \n\nHe was worried about his remaining time alive. This made her stomach drop with fear, anxiety, concern. It was palpable. Until it began to settle itself in the background, as he spoke of spending his time with her. She would ensure that he had the rest of his life to spend it with whoever it was he wanted to. She would make sure he lived a long life. She would help expel the curse, or at least dampen it, make it sustainable. She would ease, diminish, or hopefully remove his discomfort. She promised this in her mind, and she'd make it happen.\n\nSmitten. He... She heard him correctly. He was bowing, but she covered her face anyway. She was a dark shade of maroon now, not only on her face but also her ears. She was so flustered and yet she found joy. She felt genuinely... Excited. She felt relief, that he was interested in her as well, and was sure he could feel it coming off of her." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "Relief. That was the feeling, like the last slice of pie being eaten, but so satisfying because everyone got to share, and nobody needed seconds. His mind shrugged off how tangled his senses were and focused on her, raising his head to stare at her blushing face. A voice seemed to whisper from the wind, an airy sound that he knew too well but dared not believe. \n\nWell, He swore he heard, Ask that question.\n\n\"I-Iryth?\" He asked her. \"Um... What do Twili do when they want to show affection? I know what Sheikah and Hylians do but... My guardian has never documented anyone from your realm. I'm at a loss for what to do to make you feel at home while being true to this feeling in my chest...\"\n\nHe carefully picked up the ring from the grave and placed it back on his finger. Giving it a few twirls, he blushed and smiled. Thanks, mom, He thought. I have someone I will fight for now. And all it took was being honest." }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "She didn't know what to say now. She was going to respond with her feelings but couldn't work up the courage to move her hands from her face. She heard him call her name and opened her fingers slightly, revealing her eyes through the cracks. Like a child.\n\nHe asked a question she wasn't entirely sure of the answer to. \"I,I'm not fully sure... I mean, hugs, but that can be a familial thing, it's not super... A-and then, uhm, well shadow-sharing exists, but that's Much Too intense, and you cannot enter shadows,\" She explains. Her voice begins to break, becoming squeakier. \"I'm not sure... I do know that... As do Hylians, Twili also...\" She didn't know how to say Kiss Without her brain entirely shutting down. She was much too embarrassed. She rarely even hugged people, much less something so passionate and intimate such as Kissing. Her heart is pounding like crazy. She needs to divert this somehow. She removes her hands from her face, revealing her dark maroon warmth, and takes his hands into hers, but does not say a word, nor does she make eye contact with him. \n\nShe lifts one of his hands and leans forward, softly pressing her lips to the back of his hand, closing her eyes, before pulling away from it. She finally looks up at him, her facial expression still reflecting her embarrassment, but it's more of an affectionate gaze now." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "Daph listened as Iryth explained as much with her culture as she could. Shadow sharing, He thought. I can't imagine how strange that must feel, to become so flat, to meld with another being so intimately. It must be an experience...\n\nHe caught himself and redirected his focus towards Iryth as she, without a word or a glance, slowly raises his hand to her lips. He'd barely even felt her reach for it in the midst of his racing thoughts. Was she really about to...\n\nAs if the blood in him couldn't rush to his head any faster. He was now at the maximum red he probably could've become as she pressed her lips against the back of his hand. They felt like rose petals gently caressing his skin, firmly embracing the area right behind his knuckles, the same knuckles he'd nearly broken a moment ago. He could hear his breath beginning to speed up, even without being able to feel it. This was... Really happening.\n\nAnd when she pulled away, it was as if there was one element missing, something that he was supposed to do back. He looked at the hand she'd kissed for a moment. \"You missed,\" He said with an airy chuckle.\n\nCarefully, he reached up and touched her face. Her eyes twinkled bright in the night as they caught the moonlight like a dewdrops in a spider's web. He had one chance, and he wasn't sure if she'd even be receptive— he was afraid she might pull back at the advance— but he had to try.\n\nHe leaned forward. \"This is where you're supposed to kiss, silly.\" And with those words, he leaned in to kiss her, locking with her for a brief moment. \n\nPlease let this not be too far, He thought. She... Deserves love." }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "She watched his reaction, unable to look away from him now, a stark contrast to her inability to meet his gaze just moments prior. She was happy with his reaction, to say the least. She found the blush on his face quite beautiful, as it was such a potent color in comparison to his white hair. \n\nWhen she pulled away, he extended his hand to her face, and she couldn't help but melt at the touch. It was the warmest feeling, sending a sort of electric yet comforting sensation through her. Everything was so awake, but extraordinarily secure. Safe. She heard his words and tilted her head in confusion a bit. She hadn't missed. She had purposely aimed for the back of his hand, a sign of affection. Did he think she didn't mean to? \n\nSuddenly his face was very close to hers. She couldn't keep her eyes from naturally flickering to his mouth. Such proximity... She realized what he had meant now. She allowed him to lean in forward, meeting him there as well and closing her eyes, being as gentle as she possibly could as their lips met. \n\nIt was an indescribable sensation. It made her want to dance, and cry, and laugh, and melt, but more than any of those she wanted to remain. She brought herself closer to him slightly, without breaking the contact, and placed a hand onto his chest to help steady herself. Her head was fuzzy, and warm. She was entirely new to this sensation, and was entirely sure on how exactly to kiss someone, so she didn't change a thing, she just enjoyed the moment. She would allow him to take initiative, as he seems to be infinitely more experienced." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "As he broke away from her at last, he breathed in the evening air. It felt... Clear. Clean even. No sign of worry or woe, even if only it were to last this this moment it would be enough. She Would be enough. \n\nOh, by Hylia— I... I have to protect her now. His eyes began to water but he quickly wiped the tears away. But... She knows how to fight when push comes to shove. I know it because I've seen it, and because she's fights her own worst enemy when the past catches up... She's one tough gal.\n\nHe smiled and stood up before offering a hand. \"We... We shouldn't keep the girls waiting. Besides, they're uh... Gonna flip out if they knew we kissed in front of their mom.\"\n\nHis words were calm but jovial. \"Besides, all that running probably has you starving, right? I made sure Koko made Mom's favorite— Honeyed Apple. I... Used those apples I fell out of a tree to get earlier.\"" }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "As he pulled away, it hit her. She felt an immense amount of emotion, an indescribable concoction of feelings. There was such a refreshing silence over the two of them for a moment. She just observed him, mesmerized by both the experience and the person in front of her. He had always been this beautiful to her, she was beginning to realize.\n\nShe saw his outstretched hand and took it, gently standing up. His tears didn't go unnoticed to her, and she wiped one that he had missed himself from his cheek. \"Yes, that would be wise,\" She smiles at him in return. He mentions the kiss and her face darkens yet again. \"I suppose so,\" She laughs softly. \n\nShe listened to his observation and agreed. She was indeed feeling hungry. She hadn't eaten much throughout the day, if she was being honest. She neglected it. \"That sounds lovely, Daphell,\" It was a bit of a stretch... She wasn't sure if she'd enjoy the Honeyed Apple, but she would eat every bite of it. He had worked for it, and it was his mother's favorite. She would be a fool not to finish her plate, on his behalf. She wasn't one for sugary food. She enjoyed the more bitter berries over the sweeter apples or candies. She was more enticed by earthy flavors, particularly vegetables. She especially enjoyed stew, as mundane as it sounded. It was a warm, delicious meal she had enjoyed in her realm. \n\nOne day, on a rainy, cozy evening, she would cook some for him, with all of her favorite spices." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "As he walked down to the house, he looked at Iryth and smiled. \"I... There are so many people I wish you could meet. Like, Still alive People from my world. The Princess would have loved to learn about your people, and my guardian... He would've loved you. He makes strange tinctures out of rare plants and keeps them for his own use, though his prized one...\" He shuddered. \"It's a nasty little concoction, that one. I've had it used on me multiple times when I... Couldn't keep myself under control. It's kinda embarrassing what it does...\"\n\nHe rubbed the back of his head. He realized if Kyneri found out he'd chosen a girl to... Have these feelings towards, he'd get nosy. Thank the Gods he isn't around, otherwise... Oh, the embarrassment mind lock me up again. I love the lil guy but... He has no filter with me and I'm unsure if Iryth is ready for that...\n\nAs he reached the house, he felt a man come up behind him. \"Daphell!\" A stern voice said, a voice familiar to him—Dorian's voice. \"I was caught up to speed on everything but... Welcome anyway!\"\n\n\"Dammit old man!\" Daphell quietly screeched, kicking in his grip. His heart began to race, and the air that was rushing through his lungs picked up.\n\nWait, He thought. Why can I feel my heartbeat again? And my breath? Is it... Because of Iryth?" }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "She listens to him with a sort of subconscious smile on her face. She was smiling softly without even knowing it. It was impossible for her Not To smile while listening to him ramble. \n\nShe listens to his recollection of the supplement he speaks of. Tincture, huh? She hasn't heard someone use that word in a while, and she hadn't partaken in any of such beverage herself. She knew that they existed but...Those Types of drinks were usually reserved for the upper class in her realm, specifically for their parties. She knew of different plants with different mental effects, as she uses some for sleeping, and general relaxation, but she's never made anything strong enough to affect Mood. It's usually just heart rate, muscle tension, and fatigue. He speaks on the embarrassing effects, and she knows what he means. She's seen the elders under effect of such products during holidays. Curiosity floods her, it's potent enough that he would sense it, and she recognizes this, but doesn't care. \n\nShe wants to see him in every state. She's seen him happy, sad, angry, even bloodthirsty, scared, but she's never seen him frustrated, she's sad that she missed out on his surprised expression when he found her hiding spot. She wants to see him half-asleep, caught in the rain, shocked, content, hysterical with laughter... She wants to see all of it.\n\nWhen his father from another realm catches up to them, she's a little worried. She quickly places her hand on his back again, but tries not to be obvious about it, continuing to give the attention to Dorian. She's trying to show him that he'll be okay, that she's here for him. She felt his chest rise and fall rather quickly, and decided to slightly rub his back, to help ground him in himself while he faces the unpleasant feelings from earlier." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "Daphell continued to breathe through this feeling. Dorian was clearly made aware of who he was and what that meant, something that meant he needed to play it cool. Yes, his presence was concerning, considering what had happened earlier, but even as Iryth placed a hand on his back to remind him of her presence, this feeling was different. \n\nIt was terrifying, like his soul was being rended from his body. This... Was wrong, Disgustingly wrong. The whispers he tended to hear were less numerous, less claustrophobic within his slender frame than before. While he wanted to chock it up purely to the element of affection that had been given to him, and him to her, something else was in play. \n\nDorian set him down. \"We've got supper ready, boy. And you, Miss Iryth? You're welcome here too.\" He went on ahead over to the stewpot.\n\nDaphell dared not question what he was feeling, not on an empty stomach, but as he felt the air tingle with a strange energy, a single word from the parchment managed to ring through.\n\n\"...Deal.\"\n\nAs soon as the word reached him, something shattered inside, or perhaps merely slowed down as though a sledgehammer had been taken to the glass of a grandfather clock. Still ticking, but sluggish and weaker.\n\n\"Iryth... As soon as we get done with dinner,\" He said, his tone grim. \"We need to talk about something. It's nothing you've done, it isn't anything anyone on that sheet of paper did... Maybe... But something feels off about the air tonight.\"" }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "She felt him tremble, and saw the look on his face as Dorian passed, heading forward before the two of them. She was starting to feel the tension in the air herself, and she felt protective over Daphell. He was seemingly irked about something, but she didn't know what. \n\nHis words after Dorian was out of earshot secured this idea in her head, but she was worried further now. He was being vague, but maybe it's because he didn't feel safe speaking about it in this environment. Something was amiss, and he wanted to know what. She felt a myriad of different things. She was scared, of course, but also concerned for his mental state, as well as disappointed. She was hoping that eating his mother's staple recipe prepared and alongside his siblings from another realm would at least give him some comfort, some closure on the trauma's he's endured and also the fact that he is in a different realm now with no clear way of leaving it. \n\n\"Of course,\" Is all she responded. She continued to walk with him, and they approached the pot. She was standing closer to Daphell now. They had shared a romantic moment, confessing, and she knew that these feelings were entirely exclusive toward him, she knew her loyalties, but she also knew that they hadn't even come to a conclusion on their relationship. Travel companions with something further? Would he remain exclusive with her? These aren't things she should be worried about, but she couldn't help but let her thoughts go there. Obviously a more pressing matter was about, but she wasn't sure if she should be affectionate or comforting toward him so publicly yet, as they hadn't put a name to what they were to one another. Despite this, she wanted nothing more than to hold his hand and try to ease some of his anxieties. Instead, she simply walked a bit closer to him, before they all gathered around to find a place to sit and eat." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "As she moved closer, he instinctively held her hand, rubbing his thumb in a heart motion on the back of her hand. He whispered something in Sheikah for a little bit, then swallowing his spit he held her hand tight and led her to the fire. \"I shouldn't be able to feel my heartbeat like this,\" He whispered to her. \"I haven't felt my heartbeat or the air rushing through my lungs in 15 years. Not since before those rituals I mentioned.\"\n\nHe tried to pull himself together. \"Right now, I need to have a moment of solace. With my family and my... I still don't know what this arrangement will be. I know should we be sent back to our worlds, it would mean bidding each other farewell, but...\" Daphell paused. \n\nHe'd never used the term 'girlfriend' before. Lover sounds too... Passive, too... Impersonal. Girlfriend can be taken so many ways, some of which are platonic.\n\nAs he wracked his brain, Koko grinned and held out a dish to Iryth. \"Here ya go!! It's stuffed pumpkin, but I used fish instead of regular meat! Daphell said you didn't eat that so hopefully this works better.\"" }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "She was pleasantly surprised that he took her hand. It's as if he read her mind. She loved to listen to him in Sheikah, although she didn't understand a lick of it. The ritual allowed her to speak that singular phrase, but she doesn't even remember it without the magic she used. She smiles, but it's fleeting when he begins speaking. Solace. He needs to be alone. She understood, and tried not to be hurt about it, until he started using \"We,\" And she realized she had been included in this list of people to confide in. \n\n\"I understand what you mean. We have no reason to worry of such things so soon. Our time is limited, so we should take advantage of every moment together we have the opportunity to share.\" She felt better, now knowing that she wasn't the only one confused on what to call the arrangement. \n\n\"Daphell, I see you as my- O-Oh, Koko!\" She was unable to finish her sentence. She hears the description of the food and smiles widely. \"That very sweet of you honey, thank you.\" She smiles at the girl. She's always had a soft spot for kids, she's amazing with them. She didn't mean to use the term of endearment, but it was entirely natural, and sounded just as such. She was happy at the very least that she was being shown such an innocent kindness despite the short duration of their familiarity." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "\"Bondmate?\" Daphell asked. The word sort of came out naturally. \"It's um... It's one of those Rito terms my guardian liked to go on and on about, it's similar to a lot of Hylian terms for a couple. Unless you have something more appropriate, I mean... I don't want to make every decision.\"\n\nHe took his plate and began chomping through his food. He could feel it in his mouth, the goulashy texture of the baked pumpkin, and he wasn't sure whether to be happy to the point of tears or very afraid. He didn't know what to feel about his sudden ability to feel his own lungs, or heart, or even his throat as he swallowed. Before, his insides had been nebulous, like an inky nothing that functioned as it should just \"Because\". But now? \n\nHe watched Iryth eat. Something about how dainty she seemed made him want to slow down, if only just to stare a little longer at her." }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "\"I haven't ever heard such a term,\" She admits. \"Bondmate. It is interesting. Is it similar to something such as a... It is a bit of a struggle, naming such things. Companion is too loose, lover sounds... It sounds too casual. I'm not sure what words here are customary, but I'm not sure fully of where you would like this to go, either, in all honesty. I am... Well it is fully exclusive and committed on my end...\" She trails off, beginning to flush in the face again. \"I would say if you feel the same, then I would be considered your lady, your belle. You would be considered my beau, my man.\" Her face heats even further. \"I'm sure there are more current terms that I'm not yet aware of, but...\" She's trying to salvage her presentation, to look less embarrassed than she is. \n\nIt isn't really working.\n\nShe turns to her food as well, to distract herself from the somewhat awkward conversation. She eats slowly, she likes to savor every bite. And this pumpkin was delicious. She was enjoying it a lot. It was evident in her expression as well. She turned to look at Daphell for a moment, in between bites, and noticed that he was already staring at her. Observing her eat. That only made her more embarrassed, but she didn't hide with it this time. She simply smiled at him, despite her burgundy shade. She turned back to her food, and continued on with it, until she was finished." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "\"Well, you Would Still be my lady, but the term when referring to both of us is the tricky one. And yes, I'd like to remain exclusive, at least as long as fate does not separate us. After all, I...\" He began to redden up. \"I don't exactly have the most smooth technique to my feelings.\"\n\nKoko brought out the honeyed apples, which were cut into slices. Daphell was still working through the rest of his pumpkin as he scratched something into the parchment, leaving qualitative so that it would be voiced in the other end. He could see the letters from everyone else flooding as they scrambled to figure out what was happening.\n\nHe nodded. \"So there's something going on in Hateno. I know that it's still soon to be leaving when you haven't gotten your shopping in, so I want to figure out how we can coordinate.\" He holds the parchment out to her. \"Scrunch it a bit to adjust the volume, it's... A little loud usually.\"" }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "She was beyond confused now, but she was glad that she wasn't alone in the exclusivity aspect. She took the plate from Koko, thanking her immensely. She also took Daphell's plate to hold onto until he was finished with his writing. She wasn't quite sure how the parchment worked yet, and she was still waiting for hers, but for now she was okay with it. \n\nWhen he gave her the parchment and gave information, she was confused. \"Oh, my shopping can be done in the morning, if we need to leave by tomorrow.\" She explains. \"I believe it's a bit too late in the day now, no? Won't the stores be closing?\" She asks. She then brings the parchment to her ear, only to hear the very loud sound of... Wedding bells? She jumped, startled by it, and made an audible squeak of surprise. \"A-Ah, I don't think I understand...\" She trails off. She hands him back the parchment and turns her attention to the apple slices in her lap. They look appetizing, so she wasn't as worried if she'd like it or not. She was still a little concerned if it'd be too sweet." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "\"Pops— crap, forgot. Not my world. \"Can you try to convince them to leave it open a bit longer? I know it's an ask but...\"\n\nHe sighed. \"I know I have to be there. With whatever is happening, if Malice is involved, they're gonna have a lot to fight against. I don't want to leave you alone, though, and I know that this place may have things you need. Not to mention with your healing, you'd be helpful to the rest...\" He clutched his head. \"Iryth, I have a bad feeling about all of this.\"\n\nAs she squeaked at the paper, he took it back and listened. \"Really? You're planning on a wedding in the middle of a... Oh for fecks sake...\" He frowned. \"I'm already horribly aware that these nameless personalities have dubious teamwork depending on their—\"\n\nHe forced himself to calm down. If he stayed calm, Iryth could stay calm. He needed to contain himself before he could even consider what the plan would be moving forward. He sighed and moved closer to Iryth as he took his apple slices. \n\n\"It feels like fate is already starting to test this relationship, Iryth,\" He quietly admitted. \"Something happened and everyone began to worry about monsters disappearing. So my gut is telling me something awful is on the horizon and I'm just... Locking myself up again. I don't want that, not after I felt what I did with you tonight.\"" }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "She nods. \"I don't need much. A few books and a bow with some arrows. Maybe some new riding shoes, and depending on where we're going I'll need a coat. It was really cold in the mountains.\" She explains. She's now locked into problem solving mode, and it's evident in her tone and expression. \"Actually, it isn't quite dark yet. The doors are still open now. You stay here, spend time with the girls. I'll go and pick up a few things.\" She smiles. \"The apple is delicious. You can have the rest of mine.\" There are only a few slices left. \n\n\"I... I feel the same way,\" She smiles at him, though the determination she's feeling is clearly taking over. \"We'll find a way, Daph.\" She places a hand on the top of his head. Usually ruffling it would be affectionate, but not where she comes from. She simply leaves her hand there, before sliding it down to hold the side of his face in her palm, near his jaw. \"I really, really care for you. It will be alright, we can set out as soon as I have purchased everything I need. I have plenty of coin, so don't worry. Meet me by the entrance to the city. Consider speaking to Paya before you go, but if there isn't any time we can always come back.\" She smiles. \"I'll meet you there, by the horses.\" \n\nWith that, she takes off. She's not running, it's almost like she's incorporating the levitation into her steps, gliding across the path but still appearing like she's walking a normal tempo. It doesn't go unnoticed by the onlookers, the residents. She enters the first store, to purchase her bow and some arrows. She wishes she could try them out before purchasing them. She knows which style she prefers, but it's different here. Not quite the same. She picks up a beautiful longbow, gliding her fingers along the wood. She feels the weight of it, the bend. It's this one. She also purchases 30 arrows. This only leaves her with enough money for one book, but it's worth it. She makes her way over to the bookstore." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "Daphell sighs. Such a fun night cut short by war. He shouldn't have been sad, he shouldn't have been worried, but... No, this...This Was neither of those things. This was stern Determination.\n\nHe finished up his apple and looked at Dorian. \"I guess it'll be a while before I see you again. I think I'm gonna need a piece of gear or two. From the old days.\"\n\nDorian blinked a few times. \"You mean my—\"\n\n\"Yes. As much as I hate them, there's a good likelihood they're gonna need someone to keep tabs on their little posse. I don't have too many things on hand aside from a crescent blade, so... I want to ensure that—\"\n\n\"The markings on the masks will give you away,\" Dorian said. \"Don't be rash boy— I know you wanna repay your mother but if you're doin' anything with those scoundrels... You're gonna have an easier time finding the ones that jump you on the sides of roads. They're gonna be less easily identified.\"\n\nDaphell nodded. \"Koko, Cottla?\" He said. \"Make sure mom's grave stays swept— I had to clear it off myself and she always liked things clean. Make sure to take care of each other, and don't forget to let your dad take care of you as well.\"\n\nDorian gave him a strong pat on the back. \"I'll admit— I'm still shocked there's another me out there, and one with a son, but... Well, I'm glad her ring didn't get lost in at least one world. You should save it for yer beau, you know.\"\n\nDaph blushed. \"Y-yeah, perhaps,\" He said. \"Though right now my thoughts aren't on choral bells, unfortunately. We just got together.\"\n\nHe noticed Iryth hurting to the bookstore and stopped her. \"Hey, uh, Iryth? I uh...\"\n\nHe dug into his pocket, then through his own leg to the jar he'd held there. Retrieving it was markedly more of a struggle but he got it loose and showed it to her.\n\n\"They're yellow pico blooms. I forgot what property the nectar has but... I mean I'm not exactly using them right now so...\" His face starts to go red yet again." }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "She seems to be doing well in her shopping, her bow and a full quiver on her back. She was also holding a new book in her hand, and it seems she traded in her old pouch for a larger one and a thicker hooded cloak. It'll help with her energy, blocking out more sunlight than the previous one had and keeping her warmer when necessary. She could always take off her detachable under-sleeves if she got too hot in it. She smiled at him as she put her book into the larger satchel. She felt something unfamiliar, and pulled out a rolled up piece of blank parchment. \n\nIs this what I think it is?!\n\nHer face lights up with excitement, before she puts it back into her pouch and takes the jar from him gently. She notices his shade and laughs gently. \"Thank you, ̴̓͋ ̶̎̔ ̶̧̓~̸̆ͅ^̸̉̚+̸̛͌.̵́'!.\" She had called him something in her native tongue, but it was obviously completely different from anything he's heard, aside from the ritual. Whatever she said though, seemed to be second nature, because her eyes widened and her face flushed. She clears her throat. She wasn't going to reveal to him what she had called him. She wasn't sure if it was even a word that was translatable into Hylian. \n\n\"W,We should get going. I have a parchment now, so I will ask about the need for any healers. If I am not needed, I can journey alone for a while away from the battle if it'd make you feel any better,\" She offers, pulling out the scroll. She writes, tentatively. She isn't sure how she is supposed to greet anyone. Or who she should even speak to. \n\nShe's just going to throw it out to anyone." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "\"I-I'm... Scared. Of you going somewhere on your own. What if you're jumped? What if... What if the people who are doing this get ahold of you and...\"\n\nHe paused. \"Deep breath, remember from when you were 10. ...And out...\"\n\n\"Okay, let's get going.\" He whistled for his horse and it came blazing down the path. \"I... I think I found a name for my horse. I... It's Utpala, or just \"Pal\". It's... A type of sacred lotus.\" He noted the bluish grey spots on his quarters. \"Yep, definitely a fit.\"\n\nHe smiled. \"Maybe one day I'll tell you about the significance of that flower. It has its roots in quite a bit of Sheikah history, after all.\" \n\nHe was still wondering what she had called him. He paused for a moment and tried to imitate the word, but realized there were probably things she was doing with her vocal cords that no man would be capable of. Still, his mispronunciations must have been at least Somewhat Amusing, if not silly.\n\n\"We're off to Hateno, where a lot of the major coordinators have been holed up. Wild and Champion were the best ones to speak with. I'm likely to get an assignment apart, so... I won't be able to stop you if you decide to wander. But please— be careful. What happened tonight, I... I want that more than once. With You.\"\n\nHe's subconsciously leaning in towards her again." }, { "author": "Iryth", "message": "\"Oh, I,I'm sorry, I thought it might ease you if I was away from the combat, but I understand what you mean,\" She replies. He was right. Danger was everywhere, and at least if she faced it near him he could be there, and vice versa. It would eat her alive if he got hurt in combat and she wasn't there to heal him.\n\nShe smiled at him. \"I would like that, whenever you're able. Maybe on our journey we can speak on it a bit. Now both of our horses are named after flowers,\" She smiles widely. Then she heard him try to replicate the sound she had made when speaking in Twilit and she flushed again, and couldn't help but retain her smile. \"You... I said... It doesn't quite translate into Hylian... It's like... It is a descriptive word when something is undeniably beautiful.\" She was flushing darker now. \"Uhm... I suppose the closest word would be Lovely. But as a name rather than a description.\" She said sheepishly.\n\n\"I wasn't keen on wandering, honestly, and I even reached out in the parchment. There is a place for me to help. I want to help in any way I can. I offered my medicinal capabilities but I also offered some... Weapons, tools if you will. Different herbs and minerals react with one another, and they can create different effects. Strong scents, smoke or steam, even some that can render one unconscious if applied to the tip of an arrow, or a blade. I don't believe in creating things that are...Lethal, But I do understand that in certain cases sacrifice is necessary. I will not go against my own code, but I do not judge or blame you for the things you must do in the name of peace and security.\" She replies. \"From what we experienced with the Rito, I understand that these are a dangerous group, and if it is them or you... Well the choice is blatantly evident.\" She seems concerned now, but stern. Driven." } ]	302	21,033
345	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Link, Hero of Light and Dark", "message": "A roar reverberated through the open air as the Hero of Light and Dark dashed out of the main entrance of the hidden Kakariko Village. The knowledge of a woman crying out in desperation for someone to save her from an unknown beast resonated within Light, willing the bearer of the Triforce into action like it was second nature. A chance to fight, a chance to let all the stress escape in its own way. Down the path he sprinted at breakneck pace, careful footing as he gained natural speed from the hill he was racing down. If the girl was nearby, he'd have to be especially quick by the sound of things.\n\n\"Hey, Hero!\" A voice cut through his thoughts like a deep knife. \"What happened to investigating the rivers for those Dark World Portals?\" Given the tone of the voice, it was Farore speaking to him in his head. He huffed out his response in quick breaths, eyes dilating as he scanned his surrounds from the bridge he was passing over. \"Someone's in trouble. We're helping them and getting them to safety, first.\" Pink hair whipped in the wind as he ran across the bridge, and the Goddess of Courage's voice indicated that she understood as she responded with \"Very well. You're the hero, here.\" With that settled, only one thing was left for Light to figure out as he ran past the nearby stable.\n\nJust where was this mystery girl?" }, { "author": "Princess of Hope", "message": "She clung to the branches of the tree she had managed to climb, gasping in fear every time the ground bellow shook. Normally, she wouldn't be able to climb a tree on the best days, but terror and desperation had lent her a strength she didn't normally have. Her hands bleed, torn and scratched from scrabbling at bark as she'd climbed in blind fear, but she clung with all her might. If- if she fell...\n\nTrembling, she struggled back tears. She had suddenly found herself outside, in an area she didn't know... But she wouldn't know Any Of them since she'd never left the castle! It was only recently she was starting to leave... But never without an escort, and never without Impa.\n\nWhere Was Impa? Was she hurt? Had... Had this monster gotten her? \n\nZelda bit her lip. Oh Hylia... What did she do? She had no way to fight such a beast... Half horse, half lion? She'd read descriptions of such a beast... A Lynel. Oh Goddesses, a Lynel. \n\nIt's hooves struck the ground as it stamped below her, merciless eyes glaring up at the princess. It... Had a bow upon its back, though it hadn't used it... Yet. Was it... Studying her? \n\nIt was only a matter of time before it made up its mind, however, and she doubted it would decide to leave her alone. \n\nShould she call for help? She'd been screaming, but on one had come... Maybe there was no one around? Where were her guards?\n\nThe Lynel's roar interrupted Zelda's thoughts, and she couldn't help but cry out again.\n\n\"Help me! Anyone, please, help!\"" }, { "author": "Link, Hero of Light and Dark", "message": "Another cry for help and another roar made the location of his target obvious, and his golden blade ignited with holy light as he focused, dashing forward toward the incoming danger. His dashing brought him closer to the base of a tree, a massive horse-like beast circling the tree the woman had managed to climb up into, before it slowly turned its focus to him, removing its bow from its back in a ready position.\n\nThis was going to be fun.\n\nSkidding to a halt, the pink haired hero stared down the violent beast in front of him as it moved out of the way of the tree. Twirling his blade in one hand while his other grabbed ahold of his shield, Light and his readied himself to fight the massive beast. \"Power Through.\" Another voice directed, stiff and determined. Din, he could tell by the sound and feel. There was a very slight nod in his head, before he raised his blade skyward, the ethereal glow around it going from a warm gold to a fierce red to compliment the blade itself.\n\nActive Piece - Power 0/3 Turns\n\n\"Alright cat. Let's get this over with.\" He announced his presence to the open air before dashing forward, moving to take a powerful horizontal slash at the beast in front of him." }, { "author": "Princess of Hope", "message": "A- a man? Zelda clutched at a branch, staring down at the young man who had dashed out in front of the Lynel. A... Knight? She didn't recognize him.\n\nAs the Lynel stomped and reared, drawing its bow, Zelda's eyes widened at the unmistakable crackle of electricity. Electric arrows! \n\n\"Be careful!\" She cried, unable to help but fear for this courageous young man. If he were hurt, or even killed because of her-!\n\nAnd yet the battle was over before it really began. The Lynel had prepared to loosen its arrow, but the young knight was far faster. \n\nA powerful strike, and the Lynel bellowed, falling back. The ground shook with the force of its hooves, and Zelda clung harder, closing her eyes tightly as the tree shook. \n\nShe heard the unmistakable sound of a monster vanquish, the puff of smoke. What...?\n\nHad... Had the boy killed it in One hit?\n\nShe opened her eyes. Sure enough...\n\nDear Goddesses. What sort of monster is he to vanquish a beast of such ferocity with one strike?\n\nThe princess stared down at him, reluctant to come down from the tree. This could simply be a case of out of the frying pan and into the fire...\n\nThat and she was fairly certain she'd fall Out Of the tree if she let go of the branch. \n\nSo she just stared at the man, wondering if he was going to end up being worse somehow. Well... He Did Save her... \n\nShe should... At least say something.\n\n\"Um. Thank you, sir. That... Was most impressive.\"\n\nAnd terrifying but he did Not Need to know that." }, { "author": "Link, Hero of Light and Dark", "message": "The fierce roar of the Hero rang out like a battle cry as he charged the beast, unbreakable courage flaring through every ounce of being as he delivered a mighty spinning slash to the beast before delivering a piercing stab. The legendary blade connected against the legs of the large half-lion, knocking it off balance as it tried to backpedal away. A second rotation cleaved through the chest of the beast like a hot knife through butter, and as he was spinning around for a final attack, he suddenly thrusted his blade forward with incomparable force. The red aura of the Golden Sword blazed like a wild fire as the Hero of Light and Dark drove it into the beast's head, twisting the blade as it's body turned dark and faded to dust. As the Lynel faded in a puff of smoke, he retracted his sword, flicking the blade out before placing it back within it's sheath. Strange. His Lynels were much stronger. Maybe this one was just particularly weak?\n\n\"Um. Thank you, sir. That... Was most impressive.\"\n\nHe tilted his head up to face the lady hanging in the tree above him, simply dusting his gloved hands in response as he felt the power of the Golden Goddesses fade from his body. \"It wasn't much. Are you alright?\" He turned the question to her, extending his arms outward as he moved to stand underneath the branch she was being held by. A quick flick at the mystical feather coiled in his hair supplied him a higher jump, and he quickly leapt up beside her as a demonstration. \"I'll grab you from the branch, if you don't mind. It'll be safer than making you drop down.\" He said, still held in the air before the cape on his back slowed his descent by a large margin. While he was suspended, he noted her bloodied hands, likely from her desperate climb up the tree. She definitely looked worse for wear... He should've been faster. At least she wasn't terribly hurt or worse, though." }, { "author": "Princess of Hope", "message": "Wasn't Much? She blinked rapidly. Well... If someone was that strong, maybe it really wasn't much to them at all. She didn't think even Impa could fell a Lynel in just a couple strikes like that, and Impa was by far more skilled than most of Zelda's knights. \n\nShe flinched slightly as the boy Leapt Into the tree, startled by how high he'd managed to jump. How in the world...? Magic, perhaps? She'd seen some Sheikah jump impressively high, so she supposed it wasn't impossible... But just everything about this man, from the aura his sword had given off to his oddly pink hair screamed Different.\n\nStronger than any knight she'd ever known. \n\n\"Ah... Alright. You are right, it probably is safer.\"\n\nShe hadn't the faintest clue how to get down on her own anyway, and she did Not Want to let go and fall. \n\nOnce he actually grabbed her, only then would she unhook her hands from their death grip on the tree. The branches above rustled, and she could only be glad this was a fairly sturdy tree. If it had been a frail one... No. No, she did not want to think about that." }, { "author": "Link, Hero of Light and Dark", "message": "He landed softly, moving to let the girl stand immediately as his feet hit the grassy floor beneath them. He moved to act immediately, reaching down to his bag in a search for medical supplies. He Should Have a roll of bandages with him at all times, extra medical supplies for in case he ran out of potions. Given the fact that these were relatively light injuries, he was sure they wouldn't require any major medicine.\n\n\"Sit down. Hands out, I'll clean them up... If you don't mind of course.\" While there was a certain degree of forcefulness in his tone, the gentle expression in his face told a different story as he pulled his canteen up in order to begin the process. \"I'm Light, in case you're interested. What's your name, if you don't mind me asking?\" He asked the girl that he could only assume was royal in some way, considering it was hard to ignore the way her dress looked. He brushed a strand of pink hair out of his eyes, adjusting the flower pin in his hair while cleaning the blood off of the girl's hands with his free hand. \"She looks familiar. Do we know this one?\" He could hear Farore ask in his head as he worked. Courage's question was met with confused silence from Power and Wisdom, and the Sword itself seemed to be fuzzy on details. The girl was undeniably a mystery to all members, and that fact served to intrigue the Hero of Light and Dark." }, { "author": "Princess of Hope", "message": "She breathed a sigh of relief the moment her feet touched the ground. Oh to be on solid ground again... Thank the Goddesses. She was still a little shaky from the whole ordeal, but she felt much calmer now that the danger was gone. This boy... He might be strange, but he'd saved her, and he seemed... Kind. Perhaps she needn't worry about him.\n\n\"Ah... Thank you.\"\n\nShe sat, using one hand to adjust her skirts so she sat on them. She didn't really mind if they were stained by the grass; there were more important things in life than clothes, and she was just glad to rest her shaking legs. \n\nShe let the boy tend to her her hands, wincing a little at the stinging pain. She hadn't really noticed the pain while up in the tree, but now that her racing heart had calmed, her hands Hurt Quite a bit. Goodness... She hadn't realized how much she'd torn them up. \n\n\"Thank you for helping me, Light,\" She said, softly. \"My name is...\"\n\nShould she tell him she was the princess? There was the chance he could be the sort of person to try to hold her for ransom if he knew who she was, but there was also the chance he'd help her return to the castle. He'd just rescued her, after all, and she hated to think ill of her savior. \n\nBut you once trusted Link, remember? And look how that turned out.\n\nNot everyone is going to be like Link! You can't live your life in fear, Zelda!\n\nUgh... She was arguing with herself again. At least she wasn't talking out loud... Sometimes she still fell into the habit of talking to herself, something left over from the days she'd been alone in the castle. \n\n\"Zelda,\" She said, after a brief pause, deciding she should trust this boy. There was just... Something about him that told her to trust him. \"My name is Zelda.\"\n\nShe looked up at him, a little nervously, waiting to see how he'd react." }, { "author": "Link, Hero of Light and Dark", "message": "\"Zelda.\" Light copied, hands gentle as he set his canteen down and moved to wrap her hands in bandages. He nodded gently in response to her words, and in turn offered the brunette a gentle smile. \"Interesting, that's the same name my sister goes by. Then again, I was told there have been multiple.\" He looked back down to focus on wrapping her hands up. \"We may have to call you something different for ease of reference. It's a lot to explain.\"\n\nHe shouldn't unload all of this onto a girl who is so obviously frazzled by everything happening around her. So instead he directed his thoughts elsewhere, towards getting her somewhere safe. At the very least, he should let her accompany him. It would mess with his plans to explore the Dark World, but his brotherly instinct couldn't leave her alone some place, even if it was in the Sheikah Village he had exited. He didn't trust this new world, especially if Lynels were seemingly frequent if he had to guess. \"If I may guess, I'd assume you're a part of the Royal Family? That's the most common name in the entire family, after all.\"\n\nHis words were quickly followed by a pause as he realized that his words might be taken the wrong way. The last thing he wanted to do was get labeled as a thief again. \"Not that I plan on pushing it. I just mean to help... It would likely be wise to stick close in the event you are. I can only imagine how unfamiliar the world must seem at the current moment.\"" }, { "author": "Princess of Hope", "message": "She blinked, mind trying to process this information. His sister? Multiple? \n\nShe didn't respond right away, simply staring at Light as she tried to understand what was happening. She was suddenly outside. She was chased up a tree by a Lynel. There were no guards, no Impa, but there was a strange, pink-haired boy who could fell a Lynel with terrifying ease. \n\nAnd the fact he had to ask if she were a member of the royal family when she was the Last Living member...\n\nShe was very unfamiliar with many things, but she wasn't stupid. Nothing looked normal here. She didn't know of any village that looked like this... It Did Look vaguely Sheikah, but the Sheikah she knew of didn't allow anyone save Sheikah and members of the royal family into their homes, so it couldn't be their hidden village. \n\n\"...You saved my life, so I will trust you. Yes. I am Princess Zelda, the last living member of the royal family. I took the throne two years ago... If you do not know this, then... Am I not... Home?\"\n\nShe didn't know how that could be possible, but everything was telling her she was very much Not Home. And if that were true... How did she Return?" }, { "author": "Link, Hero of Light and Dark", "message": "His vision narrowed as she spoke. Last... Living member? If her words didn't drive the message home, then the sudden murmurs of the Goddesses certainly did. She was the last? That shouldn't be possible by any standard. For her to be last, that would mean that the rest of the Royal Family had died...\n\n*Or they were killed.* Nayru's voice filled his head in tandem with his own thoughts. He didn't know what he should say that would be comforting in any sense of the word. \"...I see. I apologize for asking.\" He answered, then thought for a moment. \"It may seem strange, but we're in a different point in time. As it was explained to me, this is currently the 'Era of The Wild'... If that's confusing, I understand. Everyone is trying to gather their bearings.\" He added on, a gentle sigh as he looked up.\n\n\"...If it's any consolation, I'm a member of the Royal Family of my time, technically.\" He stated after a moment of silence, turning his head back down to avoid the girl's. \"I would prefer if you assisted in keeping that secret, though. The less that know the better.\" What else could he say... He thought for a moment or two, tilting his head to the side. \"If you don't mind, what is your home like? It would be interesting to see where you fall in terms of the 'timeline'.\" He asked, and he could sense Wisdom nodding in his head. It was good to find common ground and establish bearings. He decided to make it his current goal to help her get accustomed to all of these sudden changes." }, { "author": "Princess of Hope", "message": "\"The... Era of the Wild?\"\n\nHad... Had she Time travelled? She knew princesses of the past could sometimes acess time powers, but They Had all had the Triforce of Wisdom. She... Had nothing. Nothing but a small bit of magic of her own and her flute... But her flute wasn't capable of time travel. \n\nBut... It must be, because this boy was a prince? She was an only child... And she had no extended family she knew of. \n\nIt must be true. I don't think he's lying.\n\nShe looked down at her hands, taking a moment to try to ground herself. This was... A lot. But... She needed to keep a clear head. If she shrank in fear at every little thing, what use would she be? She needed to think and find a way home to her people.\n\nI hope Impa will be okay... She's going to be so worried.\n\nShe took a deep breath. \"I will not tell anyone; you have my word. I... Don't know anything about this 'Era of the Wild', but... I can only assume I must have somehow travled to... The future? It is not an era listed in any of the books I've read...\"\n\nShe thought for a moment. \"...Well, my era is... Was The Golden Era. It was a time of prosperity. My father was known as a good and wise king who cared deeply for his people. He... Well, I took the throne two years ago, and Hyrule is... Things are a little rough, now. It's... A lot to explain, and I don't... Feel comfortable talking about it all right now.\"\n\nIf she ever would. It was all still too raw. Far, far too painful." }, { "author": "Link, Hero of Light and Dark", "message": "\"Golden Era... I'm unaware of that one.\" Light thought aloud. That would likely explain why the Goddesses were clueless as to who the girl was. He didn't attempt to push the thought any further, simply nodding in response to her words. It was only natural that she did not want to talk about it, especially given her circumstances. But it was good to know regardless. \"I myself am from the Era of Light and Dark, the namesake of my title as you can tell.\" Light began. \"More may remember me as the Hero who traveled to faraway lands, assisting the spirits of time and the seasons.\" He ended his little speech there with a gentle nod. \"Given I'm not aware of your Era, it may be that I come before yours. It's... Confusing, to say the least.\" \n\nAfter a moment, Light began moving to put away the roll of bandages he was using. \"There we are, should be finished now. Just be careful when using your hands, or else they won't heal properly.\" He directed, his free hand reaching out to tenderly grab ahold of Zelda's and assist her in standing up, thunderstruck fingers gently coiling around the hand of what could potentially be his niece. He knew he would never be king like that Faux Hero, Legend. It just didn't suit him. He wanted to live free, not bogged down by the responsibilities of taking care of a kingdom. \"All of this aside, we should get to somewhere safer... I have a place in mind, though it may be a bit of a walk. Would you be interested in a small adventure, Princess?\" He asked. The last thing he wanted to do was force her to go somewhere. At least with the plan he had in mind though, there would be more royals in her company to communicate with again. Given it had been so long, he wanted her to be able to establish a sense of normalcy again." }, { "author": "Princess of Hope", "message": "\"The Era of Light and Dark? Oh, I know of that era!\"\n\nShe perked up a little, clearly pleased to actually recognize Something. That besides, she enjoyed reading about history; it was a good way to learn about the world when you were not allowed to leave the castle for most of your life. \n\n\"I've read about you, actually! You were the one who brought the Triforce together, the reason Hyrule has prospered for so long. The Triforce has been passed down by the Kings of Hyrule for ages, and each King led Hyrule into an age of prosperity and peace using the power of the full Triforce.\" \n\nShe looked a lot less frazzled now, perhaps because she had something to talk about that she actually understood. She had always enjoyed reading about the different heroes of different eras, so meeting one was honestly quite exciting! It almost helped take her mind off everything else going on.\n\nAlmost. \n\nShe took his offered hand, taking care not to grip too tightly, heeding his words about treating her hands with care. She used her other hand to brush some dirt off her dress, though it was probably beyond saving. Not the grass stains... Those could be washed out. But the bottom was ripped and torn from her trying to climb a tree. \n\nDespite her thoughts about clothes not mattering earlier, she felt a pang. It had been one of her favorite dresses... It had belonged to her mother, and she'd had it altered to fit her. \n\nShe offered Light a shy smile, feeling a lot better now that she had some idea of what was going on and knowing he wasn't going to hurt her. \"I'll go with you. You know more about all this than I, and I would be safer accompanying you. Thank you for helping me so much, Sir Light. It... Helps to meet someone so kind like you.\"" } ]	354.5	4,830
279	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "The Hero's Shade", "message": "It took no time at all for the golden wolf to appear out of the corner of Sheik's eye, bounding fast by the magical pull of the song— on top of the emotional turmoil within Shade.\n\nThe offer of comfort, the offer of Sheik to see him. The— reassurance that she would not fear him (and he believed her, because why would she lie to him?). And after the conversation that occurred, how futile it felt, crushing and reminding him endlessly of the year where he was barely able to move from his house in the Kokiri Woods... \n\nIt was no wonder how fast he arrives. Standing before Sheik with his ears back and tail lowered...\n\n... And then the cracking of bones, and standing before her in his full form. The same height as he was as an adult, slightly taller from the lift he was given by moss-covered boots. The echoing sound, repetitive, of breathing. Inhale... Inhale... Inhale...\n\nAnd the singular eye light, red and glowing from the Stalfos's skull. Ghostly, spectral tears dripping from the socket. \n\nIt felt like home, standing in front of Sheik." }, { "author": " Dark Link \"The Dark Reflection\"", "message": "They shouldn't have come.\n\nThere's a tumultuous feeling that was difficult to describe, all encompassing and suffocating. He had no lungs, no voice, yet it all had been too much and it made them want to scream. The frustration that welled within, the pleas, the complete and utter helplessness- it was painful. Genuinely painful, in a way that was becoming far too common. Her emotions running high, and then running from them.\n\nMaybe that's why he was here in the first place. Where he first thought to run to, even knowing they wouldn't be expected. He shouldn't have come without asking first-\n\nYet there she was. Laying low in the shadow of their other once more, no matter the shape of it. Listening to the muffled outside through the steady drip of water, watching from behind mist. Despite knowing, somehow she simply could not leave.\n\nMaybe it was because they didn't know where else to go, right now. Not when they feel like this." }, { "author": "Sheik", "message": "As the melody died, she caught the flash of gold out of the corner of her eyes. There, a golden wolf, which she knew must be him.\n\nLink. The Hero's Shade. \n\nShe lowered her harp just as the wolf transformed, becoming a creature she had seen (and fought) many times during Ganondorf's rule. A Stalfos. Yet she had expected this from what he had told her, and true to her word, there was no fear in her eyes as they settled on the form of her old friend. \n\nHe was crying.\n\nSheik stepped forward, reaching out a gloved hand for him to grasp, if he should wish to. As much as she yearned to hug her oldest and dearest friend, she did not know if he would welcome the touch. The Link she had known had hugged easily, but he had still been the child of the forest... She knew, from the parchment, how much he had changed. And the last thing she would wish was to make him uncomfortable. \n\n\"My friend,\" She said, voice soft. \"Now I see you at last... How I have missed you.\"" }, { "author": "The Hero's Shade", "message": "Stuck standing still, waiting for Zelda to move first— not wanting to truly make her afraid of him... It was horrid for Shade. He wanted nothing more than to wrap his arms around her, but knowing that she would feel nothing but cold metal, bones, and a shivering feeling from the more spectral parts of his form was enough to keep him still.\n\nDistantly, he is immediately aware of something clicking. Rather, someone returning. A feeling of wholeness sits resolute in the center of being. It settles, the feeling of its shadow returned releasing an unnatural sigh. Relief, understanding. \n\nAnd— a hand, was offered. Two slow, careful gauntlets reach out to clasp around the hand. Shade finds it easy to listen to the voice that he had followed as easily as his own breath in the years of his knighthood. The years he spent chasing after her, back and forth through time. Following her instructions. \n\nBut his very bones shake, legs giving out as he drops to his knees and his head tilts down. Shade's entire body rattles, tears fast and dropping to the ground. \n\n\"I—... Have missed you, too, Zelda...\" A voice that shook just as much as its own body did. I am too old to be crying in such a way...\n\nYet it does." }, { "author": " Dark Link \"The Dark Reflection\"", "message": "They're intruding.\n\nHe would peel his eyes away if he could, cover his ears so that the two could have a moment of peace. That's not how it worked though, it's not how a shadow functions. A detached observer through a lens obscured, they saw and they heard in what was all too distant yet all too close. Dread settled in as she observed the body drop, and she kept still.\n\nThere was nothing else she could do.\n\nHe could feel the sorrow though. Stronger than ever before that pain made itself known. It's loss, they think. Or it was loss. The loss of something more than just yourself, and finding it once more. It carves a neat hole deep within.\n\nThe Shade's shadow shifts just ever so slightly, ever so uncomfortably." }, { "author": "Sheik", "message": "She did not care that her friend was no longer flesh. Slender yet strong arms wrapped around bones, pulling Shade close. He was cold to the touch, no longer holding the warmth of the living, but it did not matter.\n\nLink. Her friend. Her hero. The boy whom she had guided from the shadows. She would never fear him, never recoil. \n\n\"My dearest friend,\" She whispered. \"I feel your sorrow as keenly as if it were my own. You have lost so much. Yet you still endure, caring so, So Much. How deeply you have always cared. I could not be there for you... But I am now. Oh, my friend, I am here now.\"\n\nShe understood how it was to have suffered through so much and yet there was no one who could truly understand you. Even in a world where the Hero of Time was remembered, there was no one who truly understood what it was to be entangled in a never-ending cycle the Goddesses had ordained. \n\nJust as Link... Just as Shade had found no one who truly remembered Him." }, { "author": "The Hero's Shade", "message": "The gauntlets that held Sheik's hand released when she pulled away, and for a temporary moment fear settled in. But just as easily, it was washed away from the comfort that flooded as familiar arms wrapped about Shade's frame. \n\nThis was Zelda. His princess. His queen. This was one of his dearest friends. Though it may be impossible for her to be her forever friend as Saria would, just by nature of Saria's being, Zelda was as forever as the two of them persisted. Throughout time and cycles, they came together. He sees it now, in this era. Though different a relationship than the kind himself and Sheik had— the love held there was a strong a flame. Familial, almost. A friendship that burned darkness. \n\nAfter long moments, hesitant and still terrified of recoil, Shade finally embraced Sheik back. Embraced Zelda. \n\n\"I... I cannot place words... But my heart is open for you to read as easily as a book. I cannot understand...\"\n\nShade can't comprehend why his kindness is scorned. Why all of his attempts, his Shadow's Attempts, had been thrown aside for this person to jump into his own potential doom. It cannot piece together reason. And so Shade cannot help but mourn someone who is still alive. For the same reason it mourns its own shadow, if he were to ever need to return to that time. And the same reason it mourns all of those lost— in the time loops, in the erased timeline. \n\nIt mourns, and weeps, for things that no longer are. Its gauntlet reaches up to remove its helm, setting it aside... And there is the faintest flicker of a face, and hair, and ears, that flickers. Just for a moment." }, { "author": " Dark Link \"The Dark Reflection\"", "message": "That- that stung more than they thought it would.\n\nHe'd already grown used to seeing his own face on the other side of things. Yet there was a certain level of shock that doesn't go away each and every time, like it's a mistake. She'd thought she'd never see it again, for she has no reflection nor shadow herself. There it was though, just for a moment on something that once more becomes skeletal and lifeless. Their face. Their face.\n\nAnd they cannot stand to see themself cry for someone that scorns them, no matter the form.\n\nSight and sound becomes clearer as they claw their way through the shadow, one unsteady limb at a time. Like a wraith raising from a ground, transparent form growing clearer and clearer until it's solid. His hands shake, body set in an unfamiliar tremble that makes them want to recoil. To sink back down, to keep themself in check, to allow time for that whirlwind of hurt to lessen. They don't. They don't want to be scared anymore.\n\nThere's a careful step forward as the shadow moves from behind the Shade, and a hand that once was poised to kill now moves to rest on the other's shoulder in reassurance.\n\nThey don't want to be scared." }, { "author": "Sheik", "message": "Her heart broke. Though her hero was older, though he had stood the test of time for so very long, there still lay within him the heart of the child who had come from the forest. The boy who had wished only to help others, to see their happiness. The boy who had once smiled so brightly at her, pleased and proud when he'd mastered a song she had taught him. \n\nThe cycle was cruel. To take an innocent and force him to grow up far too quickly in the name of destiny. Why, of all people, had the Goddesses placed such a burden on his shoulders?\n\nThe weight of the Triforce, even only a part of it, was often too much to bear. \n\nAnd there... The shadow. She had guessed what they were by reading the parchment, though she had never voiced her thoughts. She knew the purpose of the shadow, but the shadow had clearly begun to grow a life of their own. This had been something Sheik had not wanted to take from her. \n\n\"Often,\" She said, \"There will be those who scorn our kindness. We cannot always know the reason why. Quite often, these people themselves are afraid. They have not been dealt a kind hand, a soft word, or the touch of someone who cares for them. So they react to those who reach out to them with fear and anger, for they believe they are protecting themselves. They are hurt, and therefore, they believe they must protect themselves at all costs.\"\n\nShe pulled back just slightly, not enough to leave Shade's embrace, but simply so he could see her face. One hand freed to pull down her cowl, for she had no desire to hide her face from him. \n\n\"You are so kind, my dear friend. You have always wanted to help, to reach out even to those who would scorn you. And it hurts you when that kindness does not reach them. Oh, my friend, for all who can be saved, there will be those who do not wish for such salvation, no matter how hard one tries.\"" }, { "author": "The Hero's Shade", "message": "Time was, in all senses, cruel. Cruel to Shade, to Sheik. Cruel to those left behind, cruel to his past souls and those of the future. \n\nShade sees it now, in each of the other heroes that have taken up the mantle. Some after his failure in other times, others after his disappearance that led to the sea. More still, further within the depths of their endless cycle of children bearing arms up to defend their lives. The former knight had kept it all together, pushing forward. He had followed the order that Sheik had given him first— to patrol the river and defend those who were in danger along it.\n\nThen still when Fierce, his counterpart— himself, yet not, had asked of it to follow their shared enemy...\n\nCruelty, in when he felt more than saw Ruby grip and claw themselves out of the ground. Shivering, as if terrified... Only to lay a hand on its shoulder. It cracked the mask that was in shambles around him further. Cruelty in that the goddesses had not allowed Ruby courage in spades, as Shade had himself. But instead must make their own. \n\nThat skeletal face (something squirms in him, knowing it was His Skull that stared, stripped of everything that was visibly Him) tilts up, listening to Sheik speak. Watching her reveal her face to him, as she had all those years ago. \n\n\"A ghost... Of my past. I can try, and try, to make him understand... But it is inevitable, much that destiny is.\" Shade's voice is quiet, wafer thin. That red eye light turns with a tilt of his head, to meet the reds of Ruby's own eyes. \"I... Do not want to give up. If I... Give up... If I Fail... There may still be a chance, to change destiny once more.\" \n\nThe tears slowed, dripping like morning rain off his moss-covered cheek. It is a strange thing to see a Stalfos cry, Shade must imagine." }, { "author": " Dark Link \"The Dark Reflection\"", "message": "Ruby remained ever quiet, but the slight squeeze of their hand on Shade's shoulder spoke enough.\n\nThey didn't think that he would. If there's one they always were, it was Stubborn... Even if they'd probably put it in a nicer way. That there was a way to save everyone, or at least do their part to make their suffering much less. That change can be brute forced, that things must be changed for the better.\n\nThat anything that resists is not a fault of others. It's a fault of the self. That if only you try harder, things can be changed... They cannot.\n\nHe can't blame it for trying. He can't blame it for wanting things to be different, no matter how easy it was before. If they tried they're sure they could. She could find a way to hate, to hate the naivety, to hate that their nature was inclined to want the best at often the detriment of themself. Yet she doesn't want to. He wants that hope sometimes, too.\n\nMaybe it was strange, yet it was still them.\n\nThe shadow moves to kneel down beside their other, hand kept on his shoulder." } ]	241	3,069
295.625	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Link, Hero of Light and Dark", "message": "He was cold. For the first time in a long while, Light felt cold as he crawled out of the chilly water of Lake Hylia. Of course he just Had To fight that Gleeok, fully knowing what would happen to his opponent considering his rather unfavorable curse. After a bit of a struggle, he had overcome the threat of the three headed dragon, though not at the expense of overusing the added strength of the Triforce of Power. So, in place of the Hylian hero was a black jaguar with ruby red eyes, climbing up the hill from the shoreline.\n\nGreat. Just great. He couldn't go face Runda and Marin on the other side until this wore off... At least not without having to explain everything about his connection with the Triforce. Inwardly the hero grimaced, huffing before shaking the water out of his hair... Fur? Fur. A quick glance as he reached the apex of the hill told Light that he was on Faron's side of the lake, and with that in mind, at least he could wait around here until he reverted back to his typical self.\n\nWhat he Wasn't Expecting, however, was the possibility of incoming travelers. And to be fair, why should he? It was getting late, seemingly twilight as far as he was aware. An unfortunate side effect of this form was that it messed with his vision far too much. He could see better at night, but the world seemingly looked dull during the day. But assuming it was in fact later in the evening, he'd expect most travelers to be resting someplace, rather than running the risk of dealing with the skeletal nightlife of this particular Hyrule. Those Stalfos-esque creatures were rather obnoxious to deal with, and additionally traveled in groups." }, { "author": "Midna", "message": "The hour of Twilight in this realm was all the more painful for her to stomach. It seemed to mock her, that she isn't home... Even in the absense of that crucial point in the day, Midna couldn't help herself but to occasionally look down at the ground where her shadow was... She could only imagine that he would also occasionally do the same actions as if it was a ritual, as if expecting their other half of a whole duo to let out a chuckle or poke them in the cheek. The emptiness it brought in its wake felt like a hole that cannot be mended despite her run in with what she can assume was just another hero clad in green. \n\nShe had just left the ritualistic spring that was dedicated to the Goddess Faroe and was doing what she only hope was following a path. Walking on foot was a bit exhausting, even more so given she was barefoot and without her trusty, dumb wolf to hitch a ride on or even hitchhike in the shadow of his hylian form... The only thing she kept of his possession was that dust old sword and shield she convinced him to steal from his Villiage! Well, maybe a personal item or two, but she doesn't have the mental strength to look back at those trinkets. Regardless of that, this realm at least gives her that slightest bit of both hope and dread. Hope that he may be out there somewhere.. And a slight bit of dread that he isn't. Why must her heart subconsciously mess with her in that way! She has yet to come to even acknowledge those miniscule feelings inside, and such she wanders along in silence." }, { "author": "Link, Hero of Light and Dark", "message": "He was quiet for a brief moment, debating on what he should do and what his next course of action should even be. He couldn't go back across the bridge, so the only real choice of places to go were here, or deeper into the Faron region. Additionally, he couldn't just Leave The other two behind. Not only would that lead to an entire separate set of problems, but it just seemed stupid to leave the Subrosian and the girl from Koholint behind when they could be placed in danger at any moment by Hylia knows what. That left him with the only option being to stick around this part of the bridge and pray nobody was headed his way. As luck would have it though, the sound of footsteps entered his ears. Soft and careful across the pathway. Immediately the hero perked up on high alert, wheeling his head around toward the massive gates that helped to support the Bridge of Hylia. This Better Not be Runda or even worse, Marin looking for him. Narrowing his eyes as he stared ahead, the jaguar offered a deep, low growl. Almost second nature and protective in a sense. Not that he really had anything to look after other than his own well-kept secrets.\n\nRemember to watch behind you. A voice instructed him, namely that of the sword spirit's, a calm and rather blunt chime in the back of his head that always appeared fainter when he was stuck in this form. That was part of the Dark World's curse, rather unfortunately. Couldn't use any weapons. Swiveling his head around, Light listened as the sound of footsteps grew closer and closer. He could feel himself digging his... Paws into the ground, teeth barred and wholly ready to at least Attempt And protect himself, should the incoming entity be a monster like a bokoblin or a lizalfos... Only for the source of the sound to be revealed as a lady. A strange looking lady, as far as his mildly colorblind eyes could tell at the moment. It was an interesting predicament... Some random woman standing about twenty feet away from a jaguar. This can only go well." }, { "author": "Midna", "message": "Midna was on high alert, it was obvious she was in an unfamiliar realm... And anybody or anything that can notice that will likely exploit that weakness if she happens to lower her guard. Alas, her nerves are the only thing keeping her alert. It was at that moment, Midna's eyes dawned upon a rather large feline... It has noticed her, and she was noticed it. Fear crept down her neck as she felt her mind racing, looking around to assess her situation. She may have dealt with much more dangerous creatures in the past, but never alone. She always cowardly hid behind somebody for protection... And that was not an option here." }, { "author": "Link, Hero of Light and Dark", "message": "Light paused, staring intently as they stared at each other, watching as the woman sat there in what appeared to be fear. Right... He was an large hunting animal. Of course he looked like a threat. With an almost exasperated huff, the Hero of Light and Dark rolled his eyes, dropping the vicious facade and moving to walk up and past the Twilight Princess. No chance he was going to be able to transform back safely without having to explain a lot.\n\nFine. Might as well get it over with.\n\n\"Never seen a jaguar before?\" The cat growled, deadpanning as he turned back to face the lady. \"You look like you've seen a ghost.\" Light moved to sit, tail smacking against the ground as if he were tapping his foot impatiently. Hopefully his sudden decision to talk was simple enough. \"I'm Light. Or Dark, your choice. It's a lot to explain but I'm not Normally Like this.\" He huffed, shutting his eyes. This definitely wasn't his best idea, but it was either this or leave this lady in fright to potentially scare his two companions away from the bridge with the 'threat'." }, { "author": "Midna", "message": "This odd staring contest quelled her fears only slightly. And then it started to approach her. She just stood there, allowing this jaguar to walk right past her. \n\nEach question was silently answered in her mind, oozing with sarcasm and the tonal grace of a sledgehammer.\n`Sorry, but I'm more of a dog lover!` While to an outsider, this conversation would be lunacy; but Midna has dealt with all kinds of conversations, so this was not much of a shock.\n\n`Partially true, it would better fit if you said I looked like I saw a pack of ghost rats... Never again...` Yeah... The Arbiter's Grounds is a major reason for that... Alongside many other unfavorable memories.\n\nShe breaks the silence as soon as the large cat intruduced themselves... \"Well then explain away! It's not like I have anything better to do around here! I dealt with wilder explanations of why somebody is not who they seem.\"" }, { "author": "Link, Hero of Light and Dark", "message": "\"...Wow. Okay. You're handling this better than I expected.\" The cat mused aloud, blinking as if to showcase surprise. Considering this was something that he Never Talked about, Light had to collect himself for just a moment before speaking again. How did he explain things in such a way as to not just loosely mention that he had the powers of three goddess fueling him at any given moment...\n\nAha! He could just say he was cursed! It wasn't like he was lying in saying that (though the protests of Farore in the back of his mind would say otherwise), and plus it had been a result of the Dark World that this could even occur to his body. Easy, a simple solution... Thank Nayru. \"It's part of a curse. Push past my limits while fighting and I turn into this for a while.\" Light said quickly, raising a paw and gesturing to himself... He was far too used to this, he could admit.\n\n\"And to make a long story short, I was clearing some monsters off the bridge, which is why I look like this now. I'd go back to meet the group I was traveling with, but I'd rather not have to explain if I can help it. So...\" The hero paused, fangs barred for a brief moment as he glanced over to Midna. \"This whole conversation stays a Secret to everyone. Cool? Cool.\" It's a short winded answer and seemingly doubled as a threat, but the less people that knew, the better. This was an exception because of poor circumstance and nothing more.\n\nAs the cat was slowly able to start seeing more and more colors, he was quick to offer the Twilight Princess a confused look, tilting his head to the side and brow furrowing as he stared at the redheaded royal. \"So... What's your deal, lady? Only blue people I've ever met were Zora.\" Light huffed, and the cat seemed to cross its front paws... Like he was folding his arms. He was curious what she had meant by the fact that she had dealt with wilder situations." }, { "author": "Midna", "message": "\"Oh...\" The mention of being cursed struck a chord with Midna... Rightfully so given she faced being cursed as an impish creatures... And how her former colleague also met a similar curse... One that turns them into this... Sacred, respected, divine beast. The impact of Light's words were projected clearly with the Twili's ears drooping in sorrow. \"I've had my fair share of walking in tandem with those who were cursed...\"\n\n\"I am a Twili... Part of a tribe whom dwells in the shadows and hail from a realm that one may say-\" She took a moment to dig out what Zelda said about both of their realms \"Matched up to Hyrule like how 2 sides are needed for a coin. As such, it is easy to see us as the shadowy counterpart of the Hylians...\" It felt... Therapeutic for her to speak about this; to ease her own burdans one answer at a time." } ]	289.5	2,365
233.5	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Shadow, Monochrome Hero", "message": "He had to admit, a horse was a really good idea. He was glad he had asked about getting one. Riding her... Feeling the wind against their face, running through the fields... It almost made them feel human. It was freeing- and as much as they loved their new friends and family, sometimes the quiet was nice. \n\nHonestly, they hadn't given themself time to think since everything initially began. It had been go, go, go, and it wasn't even really sure What To make of everything now. Still, the ride certainly got its mind off of all the inevitable chaos.\n\n\"Oh, slow down girl.\" \n\nHe gently soothed the horse, and she came to a slow halt with a small whinny. In the distance there... Had they really gone as far as the Zora's domain? \n\n\"Goddesses, you're fast.\" He snickers, giving her a few gentle pats. They weren't really sure Why They'd gone in this direction... They'd just felt like exploring." }, { "author": "Adopted Prince, Llyr", "message": "As they walked, Lllyr adjusted the black and blue bracelets on their wrist, made by their own hand of sea glass, shells and various small things they'd found and bound them all together with string. They were on an adventure of sorts right now, specifically for snails.\n\nTechnically they were currently further than they were allowed to be without supervision right now, but the were only allowed out during the daylight hours. They'd be back when they were supposed to and no one would have to know they were down this way anyways. Besides, all the good snails, the chunky ones, were this way anyways.\n\nHe probably should have been paying more attention to the trees above them, however. He was short enough to go under the branches, but the stick on his back—the one about two to three times his height—was a different story.\n\nThwack\n\nUpon smacking into a higher branch, instead of just sliding back, the stick ended up coming undone from Llyr's weak, makeshift sling of old fabric and string and went tumbling away.\n\nHurriedly, they went after their stick, but was stopped when they saw it rolling through the grass and towards a stranger on a horse. Hylian by the looks of it. Neither of which they wanted to deal with, Especially The horse. Those things were scary. Yet their stick had stopped not the far from them! Was this karma?\n\nLlyr moved behind a tree, deciding he'd just have to wait for the stranger to move and hopefully not touch his stick. That was his favorite stick, he wasn't just going to abandon it!" }, { "author": "Shadow, Monochrome Hero", "message": "There was... A branch? Stick? It came flying out of nowhere, it was actually kind of alarming. The figure turned at the noise, pointed ears twitching in confusion. One of those... Evil trees, maybe?\n\nBut then they saw the blur of someone moving. A humanoid, presumably. So he wasn't alone out here. Was he being followed? Was it an enemy? Or maybe it was just... His imagination?\n\nRegardless, Cookie seemed awfully interested in the stick. The horse poked at it with her nose, whinnying a few times. It seemed she hadn't noticed Llyr yet, so Shadow opted to pretend he hadn't yet either. \n\n\"Girl. It's a stick. Are you that hungry? I can get you apples or carrots, sticks are probably bad for you.\" He carefully tugs at the reigns, steering her away from said stick. \n\n\|\|" }, { "author": "Adopted Prince, Llyr", "message": "For some \"Random stick\" It sure did seem used. It was about as thick as your average hiking stick and looked well used. Especially when you consider the fact is was decorated. Pieces of twine were tied securely around it to hold beads and shells and several other knick-knacks.\n\nLlyr made a horrified face as they watched the beast stick its Nose Against their stick. They'd have to clean that now!! Would that even help though?? They would Know The horse had it's nose on it!! It would never be the same now.\n\nThe child gave a small huff of relief as the beasts rider seemed to reel it in and away from their stick. Did that mean they would leave now? They might be able to recover it with no issues afterall! Though they weren't sure how they were going to carry it home without touching the horse-infected parts... They'd figure it out though. The important part was getting it back afterall." } ]	207.5	934
295	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "The Hero of Legend", "message": "Fingers carefully rolled the parchment up after Legend silenced it, setting it aside where his equipment was laid out on his bed. \n\nThis must have been important, if Wild wanted to silence both of their parchments. He would need to remember to unsilence Wild's, however. He's not sure that the man had internal magic strong enough to wield— or rather he may simply be unused to doing so. \n\nExhausted though he was, and mind running a mile a minute about plans for the future, the hero shifted himself up on the bed to be seated fully. He was half tempted to stand, sit at the table if it was important...\n\n... But he figures that the kid would probably shove him back in bed. No dice there, then. \n\nSo, instead, he glances tired, iced over eyes up towards the other. \"What'd you want to tell me, kid?\"" }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Wild took a deep breath in, then slowly let it out. He felt awkward standing, so he dragged one of the chairs from the table over to face Legend and sat down in it. He was vaguely aware of his leg starting to bounce, but he was too busy trying to gather his thoughts about this that he didn't try to still the movement. \n\nHe had already run it by everyone in his head. All of them, Including Mipha, supported him on this. In Revali's words: 'Just Propose Already, the indecision is Exhausting.' But of course, Wild still had his doubts. Less about how Zelda would answer, and more about how terribly inexperienced he was with this. He wasn't sure how to go about this, he needed to talk to Somebody. And the first person who came to mind had been Legend.\n\n\"I think,\" He began, biting his lip. \"I think I want to ask Zelda to marry me. She is... So special. I don't think there are words to describe how I feel about her. But-\" Wild winced and ran his nails through his hair. \"I feel like I don't know what I'm Doing. It's like I'm facing a dark room. There's a light on the other end, but I can't see where I'm walking. I don't want to trip and fall.\"\n\nHe sighed. \"I just don't know how to go about this. I really need to just pull myself together, but it's nerve wracking that for the first time in a while, I feel like I'm in completely uncharted territory.\"" }, { "author": "The Hero of Legend", "message": "Legend waited patiently as Wild went and settled, grabbing a chair and face knitted in that way it did when the kid was thinking of how to word something. The man simply leaned back and crossed his arms. \n\nFinally, it seemed, Wild got the courage to say what was needed. And it was Certainly Something, to say the least. He figures that the guy had been rolling around in the idea for minute, but the distance between when Wild and Flower began dating and Now... It was small. A practical Hop Away. But... Frankly, seemed the two were made for one another. At least to me. \n\n\"... Hm. Well, kid, I'm... I suppose the word would be Honored... That you came to be about this. Give me a moment to think...\"\n\n... Marriage advice. Hell, Proposal Advice. It was something Legend wasn't... Experienced in, himself. Sure, there was all the official stuff that happened before, the betrothal, et cetera... ... Wait, the re-reading of the vows...\n\n\"... Once my wife and I found a way to co-exist, and I mean Truly Co-exist with one another, I proposed to her. Properly, I mean. It's... A long story, I'll tell it later. What matters is— you have to know what Flower Wants. Would she be happy with a proposal in public, in front of everyone? Or would she be more happy with something private and personal? Would she want trusted friends around? Would You? I can... Give you a few examples. How I did it, how my parents did it. Would that help at all?\"" } ]	341	885
241	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "The Hero of Legend", "message": "Legend's house was placed in such a manner that, fairly quickly, Wild could warp himself to the nearest shrine or location and make his way straight here.\n\nThis was both a blessing and a curse. A blessing in that his friend and ally would always be able to visit when needed. And a curse in that Wild may come in unannounced while Legend was about to do something (arguably necessary) but stupid. \n\nThat included now, as he prepared to meet Dream and Asano later in the day to go into the Dark World and test his Magic Mirror. He had no idea if his mirror was different than Light's, but it was best to test it before assuming that it Wasn't And costing the potential lives of others on his watch.\n\nBut before then, Wild would visit to speak and offer trade, supposedly. Of What, the man could not be sure of. He did know, however, that Wild was someone who had quite a lot of inventory and much of it replenishable. Often done, too. \n\nAnd so, the hero shuffled away the Gloom Sword he kept from his fight with a Phantom (shoved under the bed), knowing that the feel and potential sight unnerved Wild, and pulled a gold apple from his inventory to set atop the basket of apples on the table. Any moment, and there would either be a knock on the door (if the kid decided he was being polite), or the door would simple open (because he should know he was always welcome in the home he helped Legend build, even if he was potentially busy)." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Wild, luckily, had placed down a travel medallion off to the side of the orchard a bit. Easy travel to and from Legend's house was necessary in times like these with a Nightmare on the loose. He appeared on the ground in the center of the blue circle before putting his Sheikah Slate back on his belt and traversing the short distance to Legend's cabin.\n\nAfter knocking on the door, he waited silently, bouncing a bit on his toes. He was nervous, mainly because Legend was heading into dangerous territory again, and Wild wanted him actually Equipped To deal with these threats. The guy had already died many times here, and that was largely because the tools Legend had were not built to tackle this Hyrule. \n\nHe couldn't offer weapons, but he had plenty of materials, an arsenal of tips on how to use them, and a couple of his spare armor sets. He would probably be more excited about this if the current situation weren't so dire, but nothing to do about that." }, { "author": "The Hero of Legend", "message": "Knock it was. Legend briefly took the time to peek through a window facing away from the door, on the left side of his house. Tacked to a tree was a mirror, angled in such a way that he was able to see who was at the door. A fairly ingenious technique Uncle had taught him (of all people). But the familiar frame of Wild was what was reflected, an air of nervousness to the kid— if the bouncing was anything to go by. \n\nThe door opens, and the knight gives a light smile to the other. Legend, too, was nervous. But this was the nature of someone who had to move people like pieces on a war board— when he was someone who simply didn't want to. \n\n\"Come in, kid. You know you don't have to knock, right? If it's you, you can just come in. I'll make a sign in case I'm not wanting visitors or something...\"" } ]	208	723
250.333333	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Genesis", "message": "After complications with both the Hero of Winds and his companion, Linebeck, Genesis had another thought in mind. The final bargainer statue, though weaker and misplaced from where it belongs, still had some power. Genesis needed to avoid the light with the poe he carried, so he promptly arrived in the shade of the landing. Genesis knew where he was headed, so the journey was quick. He did not mind leaving both Light and Linebeck to their devices. If just for a moment, he knew they could handle themselves. Though, he was doing his best to keep mental tabs on all of them meanwhile. One could never be too cautious in a war such as this one. And yet, it wasn't the War Genesis cared for. In fact, the idea of winning or losing.. Didn't matter to him. It was acts against the gods themselves and that of those who are spirits which dictated his action. He was angry, and rightfully so. Hopefully, this last resort could bring him solace. \n\n\"Bargainer statue.\" Genesis speaks the moment no one else was supervising it. He stepped into the room, arms filled with Poe clearly unhappy with being held. At his hip, a lantern which held the spirit of Lion as well, though Genesis did not want to sacrifice the hero's spirit of another timeline for a possibility that may not work. He needed to be cautious. So, he studied the statue, awaiting an answer.\n\n\"Me?\" Genesis pauses, stepping a bit closer to the statue now as it responded to him. He felt this off feeling at its delay to speak to him, but decided a response at all was something to be grateful for. \"No. I cannot go. It is... Not something I'm yet ready for.\" He felt odd saying so out loud. Yes, he was tired. Yes, he'd longed for nothing but the true afterlife since... The gravity of the curse had made itself known all those years ago. But, he knew the offer could not be taken. Genesis was not so selfish. Or a better phrasing, not selfish enough.\n\nHe unhooks the lantern from his hip, placing it before the stature on the ground of its wooden frame. He stands there in silence for a moment, contemplating for himself what to say. Genesis takes just as long, if not longer to respond. \n\n\"...He has been tied to fate for far too long. It's time he is free of it. Your... Brothers are unable to help him, the spirits of the depths remain lost. Are you truly still able to guide them?\"" }, { "author": "viohazardous", "message": "`You can feel as the statue talks to you that its uneasy and unsure of itself. Its almost... Panicking...`" }, { "author": "Genesis", "message": "\"I do not... Require anything.\" Genesis says quite honestly. He was dead, and there really wasn't anything he needed in exchange for the spirits. He only wanted them to move forward. What more could he ask for? Though, there was some foresight. Something he realized hadn't exactly been considered by the other heroes. And with the state of the depths, perhaps there was One Thing he desired. One thing which could aid the heroes who needed it. \n\n\"The... Dark clumps offer resistance to gloom. Even if I doubt it affects me, it may be a valued resource for the heroes I'm meant to guide.\" Genesis shows some hesitation at the suggestion. Mainly because his feelings for and desires of involvement were... Running dry. The gods hadn't helped him in any way moments ago, and there was a constant question in his mind now, one that made him wonder if any of this was worth it. \n\n\"You seem ill at ease. Is there... Something more wrong?\"" } ]	203	751
128.714286	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "As Link slowly began to make their way towards the Landing, their eyes lit up. It was so very different from what they'd seen before. In their time, the Landing had been replaced with a simple tower monument dedicated to what had happened there so very long ago. And yet, here, it was an entire settlement to replace the Castle Town they had lost. And in the distance...\n\nHyrule Castle. The structure floating in all it's ruined majesty. It was oddly beautiful, flowing into the skies as though it were just another one of the islands within the sea of clouds above.\nIt was the magic flowing from the castle that disturbed them. It truly did feel as though something horrid was under there, not quite unlike how Ganondorf felt when he was sacrificing the Queen. It was unnerving, but it wouldn't dissuade them from pressing on.\nThe Hero stepped before the gates, Vorka by their side. They simply waited for a few moments as guards began to assemble at the gates." }, { "author": "Vorka", "message": "`Vorka honks a few times as Gramps stares at the guards. They really wanna bite one of them.`" }, { "author": "monochromayhem", "message": "`The guards are at attention. \"State your business,\" They say. \"We have to be certain the civilians taking respite here are in no way threatened.\"`" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "Link waved. They would first have to check and make sure they understood him." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "The guards were always noisy at this time of day. Always getting themselves overexcited at the thought of an intruder. Probably because their stomachs were growling incessantly and they were hangry. Yeah, that's probably why, just a nutrition solution would fix them up.\n\nKyneri, who was still hiding his glass jar in one of the crannies of the Landing while awaiting a confirmation from those in charge, had been slowly but surely repairing his erhu using Tabantha Highland Oak. He took pride in his work for certain, as I'm such an instrument was his primary source of both offense and defense, but he had to pause as he heard the quiet gesturing of a person below.\n\n\"Another Link?\" He breathed. \n\nHe swung out of his perch and landed on one of the guards' shoulders. Unfortunately for Mythos, the guards don't even recognize that he's there. \"Heya!\" Kyneri said with a smirk." }, { "author": "Vorka", "message": "`Vorka is at attention.`" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "Link looked rather confused at the sight, especially considering that nobody else seemed to notice. They waved, wondering what this person before them was. Who they were.\n\nThey glanced towards Vorka, wondering what might come next. They were still very much on edge, but taking action would certainly provoke a fight." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "He smirked and backflipped, drawing a circle and jumping through as he fell. The ring collapsed into him and his size shifted, as did his form to one a little more Hylian, and he landed. \n\n\"Alright boys, let a guy through!\" He said. He smiled and looked at the hero in front of him. \"Name's Kyneri. Sorry, these two lugnuts can't see me usually, may as well make it more formal.\" He held out his hand. \"And you are?\"" }, { "author": "Vorka", "message": "`Vorka grumbles. This fucker is a Sage, how can he Not Tell?`" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "He was clearly a very magical entity, but he couldn't quite pin the nature of the magic just yet. He was sensitive to magic, yes, but... Was this some kind of trickster spirit? From where? As questions racked the back of Link's mind, they simply shoved them to the side to continue the conversation.\n\nThey cringed a bit at their title, but it was needed to help differentiate them from others of their kind. Link offered their right hand, transferring the rope to their left. They didn't want to allow someone they didn't know to hold their dominant hand. It was little thoughts like these which popped into their mind, fueling a sense of paranoia. And with the people they'd seen in the parchment? How would this go? Were there royals coming for the two? They were clearly unsettled by their own panicking thoughts." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "His eyes smiled wide and he vigorously shook Mythos' hand. \"Nice to meet you, Link!! You are Quite The enigma! Your markings, your clothes. They're strange indeed but... Then again so is anything Minish, who am I to judge!\"\n\nHe bustled past the guards and waved him in. \"Bring your cute pig, too!! I take it she has a name?\"\n\nThere was something weird about the pig. The mannerisms were a little human to him. He'd seen this pig before, back when the Eclipse hit— Smith had brought in a giant Gerudo man, a young woman, and this exact pig. Or at least, a pig that was similar.\n\nHis guard was up about the pig but he dared not let him know." }, { "author": "Vorka", "message": "`I... Want to nap... So bad.`" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "Oh! He was a Minish! That made so much more sense! They'd heard tales of the miniscule people who hid beyond view of mortal man, lost to the forest. They had never actually been able to see them in person before, only insinuations of what might have happened to his kind in their time. Perhaps they would need to read more about them to learn what such a person was capable of.\n\nAnother bluff, but it would have to do for now. While not a great liar, they were capable of improving. They stepped past the guards with a glance. This place was clearly well guarded. They would have to be careful about what they did here." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "Yep. It was That Pig. Better break the news.\n\n\"You... Are aware that's Ganondorf's pig, right?\" He asked. Not meaning to sound judgemental— he had listened to parchment plenty and gotten the bearings that the giant old Gerudo man was not a fan of Wind. And considering how Wind had ticked him off lately, Kyneri was more than willing to pick his battles with the old man. \"He's gonna want that back— if she wandered that far from him, something probably very wrong.\"\n\nHe turned and looked at Mythos. \"What sort of information are you looking for in particular? A lot has happened since I arrived, after all.\"" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "Link didn't want to speak ill of Ganon simply to sound convincing. This was the best they would do to make it sound as though they had never met.\n\nThey glanced around, trying to spot any other heroes, perhaps any other mages who might detect what they had done. They didn't want this going sideways, so they would need to be vigilant." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "\"Ah yes, well. That is a tricky question indeed. I can't speak for precisely what brought us all here. There's been a small amount of research indicating that the portals that brought us to this place are Zonai in origin but... Unfortunately, it seems we have not had any idea about how to return home. One person, Smith, appears to have gone and then returned, but... Circumstances surrounding that were touchy and I'm not sure if he's in any way open to discussing it.\" He paused and began to mutter to himself. He was already pacing back and forth. \"Speaking of which, I have to get new bearings from him for the erhu...\"\n\nHe perked back up. \"Right, sorry! Um... You'll find that much of this period is Calamity Era tech, but various individuals here are from separate time periods and they may have brought things from their own time. For example, I still have a bag of kinstones despite this Era no longer having use for them.\"\n\nHe noticed the pig was just staring at him, full attention. He continued to pace a little and watched as her eyes followed. \"Hmm...\" He said, leaning over and giving her a scratch. \"Vorka, is it? I never recognized how intelligent swine were until now. No wonder he keeps her around, she is a good companion.\"" }, { "author": "Vorka", "message": "`Wait, that pacing, that look... Oh no. Vorka begins to get a little antsy.`" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They took in the other information. No way home discovered yet. That was an issue, of course, but nothing they didn't already expect. Of course this wasn't going to be easy, it's how adventures are. But 'Smith'... They wondered what that nickname might be in reference to. Another hero? There were plenty that were sons of smiths. They'd have to revisit that later.\nKinstones, Guardian technology... What more was there? Perhaps they could try looking into finding other artifacts. Perhaps they could find someone who knew more about the physically technical parts while they worked on the more magical aspects. A team. By the time they zoned back in, the Sage before them seemed quite interested in Vorka.\n\nPlease let the lies work." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "He smirked. \"You knew a Ganondorf, didn't you? The way you speak, it sounds like you're well acquainted.\"\n\nHe scritched Vorka a few more times before sighing. \"Well, I ought to at least inform you that he should be heading to the landing. Though, he said he'd be coming with a companion... Named...\"\n\nHe stopped and looked at Link for a moment, eyes flicking back and forth between him and the pig. \"What did you say you were the Hero of again?\" He asked." }, { "author": "Vorka", "message": "`Vorka backs up and leans into Mythos.`" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "Oh. Well fuck. That wasn't good. There were three options here. They could fight their way out and primitively knock him out before anything happened. Immediate no. They were in a bad position, yes, but they weren't going to hurt anyone for it. Two, they could just run. That also wouldn't help, as they'd barely gotten any information out of this place. And the last option...\nThey took in a deep breath before looking around and motioning towards a darkened corner. They at least wanted some level of privacy, although it wasn't much." }, { "author": "Vorka", "message": "`Mythos you are a bad liar. It's a good thing I'm traveling with you, then I guess...`" }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "He takes a moment to ponder this. It certainly looked like a clean spell. But to bind oneself to a pig for the purposes of hiding? What sort of state was this old man in that he was this insecure? Furthermore, why did Mythos need to cover for him like this?\n\nHis face, frozen in a pensive look, suddenly broke into a long and boisterous (yet feminine) laugh. \"You Really Have your work cut out for you, Gramps! Why the heck are you hiding when you were stitched up here in the Landing like, what, A month ago?!? Look, those birchwads are all bark and no bite. And even if they do bite, you Clearly Have no trouble handling them. And if you do, you have a companion.\"\n\nHe was still laughing. \"S-sorry, I expect cunning tricks but this is absolutely new! What did you do, a basic bind? Swap minds? Or is it more... Herbal in nature?\"\n\nHe scritched the man disguised as a pig. \"You ought not hide yourself, there's only so much room here in Hyrule and you have to be willing to deal with confrontation. But I can understand why today at least— Red Lions is at the Landing so there's plenty to worry sick over. But generally speaking the Landing is about the safest place you could be.\"\n\nHe straightens up and looks Mythos over again. \"So tell me—what made you so protective of this one, despite the enemies he's made? I'm genuinely curious.\"" }, { "author": "Vorka", "message": "`Good news, he doesn't wanna kill me. Bad news, the sugar off his words might as well kill me.`" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They had one of those forced smiles on that really made them look even more confused than they already were. They scratched the back of their neck, eyes averted from the situation.\n\nThey focused their eyes again on the Sage before them. As they spoke of Ganon, their eyes returned to that look of softness, as though they were recalling something they were quite fond of." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "\"Have you been here? People do not exactly have the emotional capacity to handle thinking beyond their own experience. Frankly, I'm no better, but at least there's admission. Needless to say, I don't think Ganondorf here is going to find it easy to be understood if he can't speak.\"\n\nHe looked at Vorka. \"You know I'm right. Do your duty as a bearer of magic and remember the strength of words. Or have you forgotten?\"\n\nAs Vorka attempts to bit his leg, he sidesteps and continues to examine Mythos. \"A fight? In Lookout Landing? There are civilians here, sir. If I'm being honest, the Landing is about the safest place for him. So long as he doesn't do property damage, anybody who wrecks the fort trying to take a piece of him will get a verbal assault from one of the head honchos.\"" }, { "author": "Vorka", "message": "`Hmmm... I wonder if this is a trick or if he's serious. I was in the Landing a month ago and nobody complained.`" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They glanced towards Vorka, kneeling down next to her.\n\nThey sighed. So many choices, and only permanent consequences awaited them." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "\" Oh, I know. There's a number of people willing to hunt for his head. But this is also our main fortress, which means anyone who causes damage— Dark King or Hero— is going to have to deal with possibly getting barred from entry until they settle down. This is about as neutral ground as you're going to get here.\" His gaze softened. \"I don't blame you for the apprehension. Had I not already fought with the ones I had grudges for, I too would be livid at the thought of them being around, especially if I've never met them.\"\n\nHe smirked, playing with the elaborate bottle of purple liquid that sloshed at his waist. This hero in front of him didn't carry a sword, at least none that he saw, and with the heat coming off them, there was a sense of something radiating within.\n\n\"Mythos... What sort of weapons user are you?\"" }, { "author": "Vorka", "message": "` he wishes to bide his time, but isn't sure how to make it clear when he can't speak, so he tries to wrestle the rope from Mythos hand with Vorka's mouth.`" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They stopped, noticing the tug and the rope slipping from their hand. That could mean any number of things. Communication was something they hoped they wouldn't need to worry about, but it seemed that it was.\n\nThey did a small bow as a sign of respect and held up the rope again, allowing Ganon to lead hjm to where they were going." }, { "author": "Vorka", "message": "`He stopped and yanked the rope before falling over. It was nap time. And he had a lot to think about. He let out a disgruntled honk.`" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "That was... Not what they expected. They were thinking that Ganon simply wanted to return to his own body. Well, it would at least help them save time trying to go back and grab him.\n\nThey turned back to the Sage before them.\n\nThey held out their hand and summoned the Manabane, the blade they'd used so many times before. It appeared in a swirl of blueish green light clenched in their hand.\nThe blade itself wasn't entirely dissimilar to the Master Sword, although weaker, it was more versatile in terms of types of magic." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "\"Hm. Fascinating. I suppose that blade is apart from Her Grace's divine instrument?\" He asked, carefully unsheathing the small knife he had attached to his belt. \"Not too dissimilar from mine?\"\n\nHe held it out. The knife, reforged by Smith, contained a sliver of metal that Kyneri had prayed to Fi to receive for months on end. To his knowledge it was the best tool in his arsenal for the one thing it was made for. But as a weapon, he was better off with his needle rapier or his erhu.\n\nFuck, he was supposed to be fixing that. He frowned. \"I... Don't think he'd mind if you and I had a chat indoors, would he? I'd hate to leave him out here but he isn't exactly easy to detect. I... You caught me right in the middle of me fixing my divine instrument.\"" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They carefully examined the blade put out before them. It seemed ever so slightly magical, although at this moment in time, as with many magical blades not being put to use, it was quiet. Dim. Most magical items seemed to sing, in a way, while in use. But it was still quiet. They hoped that eventually they would be able to hear such a melody.\n\nThey nodded in response to their concern of moving, allowing Kyneri to lead the way.\n\nThey knelt down and took a deep breath in, feeling the grass benith their feet. They placed their hands over Vorka, letting thoughts of overgrowth return to their mind. The world of nature, reclaiming stone. Nature protecting it's children. And as the thoughts became reality, small patches of wood formed over Vorka, growing together and providing a power of resilience. " }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "Kyneri shuddered with joy. That was a thank you, for certain. \"It seems this one has manners, a sense of humility enough to offer gratitude. My kind, working so close with Her Grace, have a deep sense for gratitude. Seems it transcends the boundaries of speech.\"\n\nHe smirked and placed his knife back before patting Myth's shoulder, beckoning them to follow. Though it seemed really bizarre precisely where he was heading. He appeared to be walking towards a wall with a number of alcoves.\n\nHe looked at the jar that rested well inside the stone wall, snugly nestled like bird in its nest. \"So, tell me what you may know of the Minish. Or perhaps, what you've been told by fairytales.\"" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "And that was when an entire Lizalfos fell from the skies and landed face first onto the ground. It gave a very hearty, squishy splat as it settled into the ground. The guards seemed to have a heart attack, whereas Link without hesitation pointed to the figure with two fingers raised, a flame burning on the tips... Before realizing that it was, in fact, very dead.\nOkay then.\nIgnoring that.\nThey followed Kyneri, admiring the beautiful scenery of the Lookout. It was quite nice looking, despite supposedly being cobbled together.\n\nThey seemed to become lost in thought for a moment before continuing." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "He was touching the rim of the jar with his finger when that name was mentioned again. Vaati. The same name that Smith had told him right before he disappeared, and then promptly reappeared. The very name had made the young Hero upset when he'd gone to get his knife reforged. \"That Hero exists here and now. He goes by Smith, helped me fix my knife. He's really sweet but works himself so damn hard.\"\n\nHe paused. \"He mentioned Vaati. Said he was a... Very Bad person. I don't know what sort of atrocities he committed, nor do I understand why, but... There's a sinking feeling in my stomach that I don't like.\"\n\nHe remembered what they said about extinction. \"Well, you should never assume that of the Minish. We live in so many little books and crannies that most people would never expect. For example, the woods may have burned, but did you check the settlements? I'm a town Minish so... I'm fairly confident they're still in hiding.\"\n\nForest Minish are insufferable anyway, He thought. Thinking they understand how the human world operates when they don't see it. The ruling Aristocracy is full of Forest Minish who think they know what's best for both their world AND humanity... Ugh... He thought.\n\nHe turned and looked at his new acquaintance. \"You're... A bit big to fit in the jar, you may need some assistance.\"" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "When he mentioned how he felt about Vaati, they nodded, understanding why. Minish, from what they recalled, were empathetic creatures. It would make sense for such things to unnerve him.\n\nTheir size would certainly be an issue for joining such a place." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "\"I mean, Minish magic takes... A long time to learn. I studied for over a hundred years before my Sagely coronation. I can't imagine how much a human might learn in such a time but... Well, there would be a few stipulations. I mean, I'm still young, 355 is not old enough that I would need to consider passing all of my wisdom on but... Hmm... We could try a few things, see how it goes. Though my methods might not be reflective of standard techniques, either...\"\n\nHe pondered for a moment. \"You're going to need to come inside with me. Which means you'll have to be a touch smaller than your normal self!\" He made a circle with his finger, and a circle lit up under Myth's feet. \"You... Are okay with me shrinking you, right?\"" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They nodded happily, quite excited to feel such new magics and see new places. They had never experienced Minish culture, like many from the history of Hyrule. It would be a welcome invite. They hoped to honor the invite, which made them a slight bit nervous." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "They're so eager to learn... But are they ready to understand how difficult it is? The sort of innovations I had to make just to be as good as the greats... Am I... Ready to TEACH? Only one way to find out...\n\nHe whispered in Minish, the strange runes of the ring lighting up and beginning to rise around their target. \"Now,\" Kyneri said, \"You're likely to experience a sensation of dizziness and possible nausea your first time. Most of humankind don't do well with such a perspective shift. Okay... Three, two...\n\nThe ring collapsed around Mythos, and simultaneously the Sage reached out a hand to catch him. \n\n\"See? That wasn't so bad,\" He said, lifting the tiny hero to the jar. Within the container was... A workshop (!), a small trove where Kyneri had been practically living and working on little plans while the world turned. A big heavy book, far thicker than an encyclopedia, sat on the center table, filled with colorful tabs. An entire section was labeled in green early on in the tome." }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "The sensation of suddenly shrinking into such miniscule size was terrifying, although it wasn't the most horrific thing they'd experienced. They realized that there was no longer anything underneath them, they instantly knew what came next. As they began to fall, they threw their arms out, allowing the magic of winds to swirl below their feet and slow their decent. They landed gently into the palm of his hand, and stepped off and into the jar when raised to it.\nIt was such an interesting feeling, being such a different size. It was almost as though they were a child again with how different everything looked. The world was so big around them! They slowly entered the little grove of objects and such, looking through the section highlighted." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "After shrinking and lifting himself into the jar, he immediately took notice that they were looking in the green section. \"U-um... Those are not magic spells, those are just pictures of my best friend from a long time ago!\" He said, carefully trying to change the pages. \"That and his village and culture. But mostly him.\"\n\nHis face was flushed a bright red. Yes, he'd been friends with the Rito in the photos long ago, but he'd also fallen into a never-revealed love with him from afar, something his drawings would certainly make clear by the detail of each feather. He swallowed a bit. \"H-here, I uh...\"\n\nHe flipped to a page on the mysterious fruit known as the Jabber Nut. Most of the page is written in Minish, its boxy letters carefully scratched into the parchment with precision.\"So the first step to learning Any Minish magic is to know how to read it.\" He tapped a few times. \"Our magic is rune-heavy and relies on our alphabet in many respects. Any idea if there's a part on the page that catches your eye?\"\n\nThe page has the image of a perfectly pink Jabber Nut, with a few notes in Hylian scribbled in the margins, but for the most part there's just Minish text." }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "Well, that was. Yeah, they probably should've thought that through before doing it. Or at least waited for him to join them before doing so.\nThey saw how he reacted the the images of the Rito in those photos. There was obviously some kind of strong emotion there, although of what kind, they couldn't quite place.\nThey read over some of the notes in Hylian and looked over the image before taking a closer look at some of the runes. While they'd never learned Minish a day in their life, they also happened to know that Minish, while far removed, was at least somewhat similar to the Hylian script in some places. So they started with that." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "\"Indeed. Though often the letters shift and change as time goes on, as all language does.\" He tapped the fruit in the center and reached up into one of his shelves nearby. \"Learning to speak it is a trickier subject. To the average member of mankind, Picorese sounds like gibberish. Usually it takes a long while to learn, and that's just the basics of language. Soooo...\"\n\nHe set down a Jabber Nut in the center of the page. It was probably the size of a marble, yet it was treated as if it was some intensely powerful plant. \"When we have human visitors, this is usually how we get them adjusted. The fruit allows you to understand the language of the Minish. Um... Careful though, the tart taste gets caught in the throat. It could make you cough, but that's just a sign that the magic is working.\"\n\nHe quickly turned and tended to a small shrine at the end of the jar, picking up a small jade kinstone half and attaching it to his collar like a tag. He whispered a bit in Rito as he rubbed the tattoo of the other half on his right wrist.\n\nAfter a few more moments, he turned and looked. \"Sorry,\" He said. \"I had to say good morning to my friend.\"" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They nodded, wondering why it was that this language was starting to seem so... Familiar. They kept reading, on and on, looking through the words in a form of half lucidity for a little bit before snapping out of it. A fruit sat before them, looking... Odd. It looked interesting, although not unlike any other fruit they'd seen- Wait, no.\n\nThey cracked open the nut and bit into the fruit within. It was quite thick, with an ever so sweet juice that had an almost lemon-like sourness to the aftertaste. It was strangely enjoyable, which wasn't surprising to them.\nIt was once they were finished that they glanced towards Kyneri who seemed to be praying in some way. They coughed only a little before stepping forwards." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "The question came at him like a book to the back of the neck. He had been doing his best to heal since he'd come here. He'd met a friend who'd since managed to find his way back, and although he was happy for him, he'd also been left with a companionship vacuum. He'd never been On his own, not since he'd quested with his ward. The only real time was when the colossus of Vah Medoh had turned red against the amber sky, and the 82 silent years that had followed.\n\n\"You mean... When I lost him?\" He said, picking up the paper that held the Rito's visage. \"106 years ago, roughly. After our friendship ended when he stopped perceiving me, I grew into a different sort of love. He... Was around 21 when he passed.\"\n\nHe sighed and spoke in Minish. \"Sorry, I've been trying to move on. Do you ever have that trouble? Knowing there was nothing you could do to change fate and yet despising it for such a tragedy?\"" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "Link's gaze softened as they saw how the question, and even the mere thought, seemed to affect Kyneri. It was as though they were trying to hide from it in a way, and they could do nothing but suffer when it was even mentioned.\nThey stepped beside him and placed a hand on their shoulder.\n\nTheir mind wandered to their own tragedies. The feelings that came with those memories. Life had a way of being cruel, even in victory. But there was always a light beyond the shadow. And the reverse was true as well." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "\"I live to serve. It's my divine purpose, I've always been happy seeing others smile. It's why I was friends with him— he grew up with a disappointed father and someone ought to be there to be proud. Otherwise... Who will?\" He sighed. \"Lately I've wondered if service is worth it. I don't see smiles on parchment, I don't see... Gratitude there. It feels as though Her Grace's people actively choose to be nasty. And to make it worse, I'm starting to grow curious as to why.\"\n\nKyneri shook his head and booked it away from the shrine. He looked at the book on the table and went back to one of the sections, flipping to staff music he'd written. \"I learn about people, learn their songs, write them down and commit them to memory. All because their very essence is imprinted on the tones of the air. I've studied the natural wonders of Hyrule for Ages... But the Supernatural Wonders? Those are truly what I want to reveal.\"\n\nHe smirked and his tone grew less serious as he pulled up his broken erhu. \"Unfortunately, I have to reshape this and get it sealed at a Spring again. So... Yeah, until then... You probably have a lot of questions about Minish magic.\"\n\nHis thoughts are scattered as he continues to contemplate his lost beloved." }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They thought for a moment, reexamining the conversations they'd had with those who came before. The heroes and princesses whose lives they'd already experienced through memories that felt so secondhand yet so... Viscerally bonded to their mind.\n\nAs their tone became a bit less intense, they realized how much of a tangent they'd gone on. They took a deep breath and nodded.\n\nThey hadn't done so in quite a long time, as their relationship with the Golden Goddesses and even Hylia herself was... Well, tenuous at best. They still hadn't entirely rid themselves of the contempt they'd acquired for them." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "He was nervous, having someone leave so soon on business. He wanted to know more about this one, wanted to understand his song. His ears perked as he tried to listen but... Nothing quite yet. It was almost as though the whole the being Mythos truly was was... Cloistered. Shrouded by formality.\n\n\"For now, if you feel it is best we part, I won't try and stop you. Though you'll need some assistance getting back to the ground and normal again. After all, the spell I performed had to be reengineered from burnt scraps— it's something I built from the ground up, so its exact language is something my mind comprehends best.\" He smiles. \"I suppose that's another lesson in Minish magic— Sages and magicians of our world build their craft uniquely from one another, only bridging the gaps and learning each other's techniques through patience, cooperation, and a scientific resolve to test over and over again to iron out the wrinkles. In short, a Minish Sage's magic means nothing if not strengthened by the resolve of his peers.\"\n\nOr at least that's what Elder Basni told me, Kyneri thought. He always did his best to see magic as ever-changing in scope and form. I wonder what he's been up to since I've been on my assignments.\n\n\"If you're gonna go to the springs, do you mind if I ask you a favor?\" He said." }, { "author": "Vorka", "message": "`Unbeknownst to them both, Gramps is snoring away as a pig when a stray piece of fruit catches in his throat. There's a convulsions as the pig tries to expel it before the piece goes flying and skittering across the cobblestone. Then, Vorka wakes up, slightly confused but still calm. Somewhere beyond the tree line, not to far yet certainly not close either, the air swirls.`" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They cocked their head to the side at the sound of his question, glancing towards the outside. Was that just in their head? Weird." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "\"As much as I'd love to join you right now, the current state of my erhu would leave me defenseless and without a means to assist.\" He reached up and grabbed three empty jars, each with a colored ribbon around their lip. \"Plus, I think your friend needs to remember what it means to be human, something that I, someone not human myself, can't easily do.\"\n\nHe knew he was making things up to give himself more time to fix his erhu. \"I'd be more keen once my instrument is no longer broken. But until then...\"\n\nHe plonked the jars down. \"If you could possibly assist me with something I'm trying, I've been attempting to find a means to duplicate my magnum opus,\" He said, pointing to the purple bottle hanging off of his hip. \"I haven't found any Vaati's Vex Flowers in this world, probably because there aren't any Picori Enclaves here. As such, the only means to ensure I have a supply is to try to duplicate it magically...\"\n\nHe paused. \"Don't feel that you Have To do this, but getting water from each of the springs may prove useful to the process. It's at least worth a try.\"" }, { "author": "()goYTEO2", "message": "They nodded, understanding why they wouldn't. Adventuring in itself was dangerous, there was little reason to endanger themselves moreso than normal.\n\nThey stepped out towards the edge of the bottle, motioning towards the opening.\n\nThey felt the ache of their facial scars." } ]	127	7,208
145.666667	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Scholar", "message": "It hadn't taken the princess long to make her way to the landing, even with the tower down. Thankfully she got to explore the lands before she was brought here following her world's calamity, so with the occasional aid of Terrako, and the protection of Phobos, she made quick progress. \n\nOf course, she has never stepped inside lookout landing before. Not yet, at least. And Phobos... Intimidated the guards. From Purah's lab, Impa could hear Zelda's voice faintly, arguing with the guards who didn't believe how she acquired the dog to be true. Or at the very least, why the dog is Blue." }, { "author": "AoC Impa", "message": "It didn't take her long to reach the princess's side, and- yeah, the dog Was Blue. Impa Had Heard something about a 'war dog' over the parchment, so this was, she assumed, the dog. Which was weird, but it wasn't hurting the princess, and if it made her happy, then Impa didn't care what color the dog was.\n\nShe marched over to the guards, hands on her hips.\n\n\"What are you lot doing? This is Princess Zelda! Maybe not the one from this era, but you all should know about the time travel now and also know the Princess wouldn't ever bring in anything that could harm people. It's just a dog. A blue dog, yes, but still a dog.\"" }, { "author": "Urbosa", "message": "Urbosa, having heard that Impa needed guidance in dealing with the intricacies of the Hylian court, had made her way to Lookout Landing to help with the tutoring. She'd been pretty well aware of Hylian politics, having been a diplomat, while also aware of Sheikah customs from having married Karo. As she entered, she pinched the bridge of her nose at the commotion. She got the feeling her work would be cut out for her." }, { "author": "Scholar", "message": "The princess beamed upon seeing Impa. \"Thank you Impa. I tried to explain to them that I am here upon Wild's request, but apparently, Terrako and Phobos weren't.\" \n\nWith the guards seemingly contemplating on what to do, the princess took the opportunity to push past them, Phobos snarling as she passed through. Terrako though was quick to leave Zelda's arms, and, despite Impa's help, began bitching—as much as a droid can—at her. \n\nAt least it gave Impa a moment of peace, and seemingly gratitude, but that quickly passed. Zelda looked around and saw Urbosa heading their way. \"Lady Urbosa, your timing it impeccable, as always.\"" }, { "author": "Little Bitch Terrako", "message": "Yes, Impa responded. No, it wasn't quick enough to Terrako's liking. Why are Impa and Link so incompetent? It truly felt the most competent, even of all the champions combined. \n\nRaising an electronic claw at Impa, while running in circles around her to avoid being struck, it began speaking in a code that Zelda, nor anyone with technical expertise, have been able to decode." }, { "author": "AoC Impa", "message": "\"Hey-!\"\n\nShe lunged forward, trying to grab the little egg, but it kept running around her with it's spindly little legs like it always did. \n\n\"Stay still, you little-! Don't you take that 'tone' with me, I didn't see You Getting the guards to back off!\"\n\nNo, she couldn't understand Terrako, but she didn't Need To to know when it was pissed off. It was Always Pissed off at people who weren't Zelda." }, { "author": "Urbosa", "message": "Urbosa sighed before stepping forward and addressing the guards with her head held high as she spoke in a firm but rational tone.\n\n\"Good afternoon, gentlemen. I see there's a slight commotion over here. We thank you for your wonderful diligence, but surely you understand there's no cause for alarm. It is just a dog in an odd color.\" She knew that by phrasing it as a compliment, it was easier to get someone to do something. \"As well as one of Purah's little projects. Terribly sorry that our little critters distract you from keeping an eye out for actual threats. I'll take it from here, though, thank you.\" She smiled at the guards while glaring at Terrako through the side of her eye in a way that implied she would personally shot-put the damn thing into the sun if it didn't start behaving itself." }, { "author": "Little Bitch Terrako", "message": "Purah's project? What an insult! Terrako was about to do to Urbosa as it was doing to Impa, though stopped short upon the glare. The droid decided it would be best to scold Urbosa at a later time. \n\nEven so, its frustration is know as it walked back to Zelda, who promptly picked it up. Phobos seemed just as unamused as Urbosa." }, { "author": "Scholar", "message": "Her smile broadened. Of course she could count on Urbosa to deal with the guards. Even though she's not \"Her Urbosa\", she still takes comfort in the woman. Though she wanted to do nothing more than laugh in the face of the guards, Zelda offered a forced smile, soon shoving past them. \n\n\"I apologize for the inconvenience, Lady Urbosa, and Impa. Normally Terrako would choose to trail Link, but I believe Link is with Wild currently, so it was decided it would be best for Terrako to not join him. As for Phobos... Everyone I've asked was too frightened by him to watch him.\" \n\nNow further away from the guards, she turned to Impa. \"So, are you ready? Where have you been residing in the landing?\"" }, { "author": "AoC Impa", "message": "Free from the scolding of an annoying little robot, she turned to Urbosa, offering a respectful bow. Impa might not be the Most Socially graceful, but she still knew how to show respect to those who deserved it, and Urbosa, even if this wasn't Her Urbosa, more than deserved it. \n\n\"Nothing to worry about, princess! Nothing bad happened, and we got past the guards without, well, Too Much trouble.\"\n\nShe eyed Phobos. Sure... He was weird looking. He was Blue, after all. But other than that, he looked... Pretty normal? Just a run of the mill Hylian retriever. Guards here needed to be made of sterner stuff; at least the ones back home would have just rolled with it!\n\nShe also was Not Looking forward to the lessons, and still didn't really see the point, but she'd promised the princess, so... Besides. Now she could spend more time with the princess; since she'd gotten here, Someone Had taken up all Zelda's time!\n\n\"Ready as I'll ever be, princess. I've been staying in Purah's room for now since she's away for the moment.\"" }, { "author": "Urbosa", "message": "Urbosa slowly paced around Impa, inspecting her posture.\n\n\"First thing you need to do is carry yourself with confidence. Back straight, shoulders back, head up, chin down. But you don't want to come off as broody, so don't cross your arms like a grouch. Crossing your arms shows that you're nervous, closing yourself off to protect yourself. You can clasp your hands together in front of your waist or behind your back if you must.\" \n\nShe stood in front of Impa, demonstrating the way she'd instructed her to stand." }, { "author": "Scholar", "message": "Though she was standing with the expected grace, Zelda still found herself straightening her back and rolling back her shoulders. Normally she would carry herself with her hands folded in front of her, but to keep Terrako from getting on anyone else's nerves, she had to continue holding the droid. Even so, she reached a hand down, stroking the fur between Phobos' ears. \n\nShe was trying her best to get him more acquainted as a \"Dog\" Dog and not the war dog. \n\n\"Purah's room? I'm surprised she's allowed it. If she's anything like your sister back in our world.\" In terms of appearance... They are drastically different. This world's Purah is physically no more than a decade older than their Purah, yet the Purah present looks just as, if not more, youthful. \n\n\"Though... I did hear Wild scolding her over the parchment for the whole monster catastrophe.\"\n\nShe looked at the two women. \"Which I heard both of you took part in.\"" } ]	144.5	1,748
15.2	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "enbyhoneyfluff", "message": "What about north? /gen ]\n\nYeah Herovali's pretty fucked up </3 ]" }, { "author": "monochromayhem", "message": "Daphs talkin to him now but take ur time" }, { "author": "psychoeziz", "message": "Hello, I'm awake again\n\nIs Daph still talking to herovali?" }, { "author": "enbyhoneyfluff", "message": "Herovali's kinda been in limbo fkjghdkj" }, { "author": "monochromayhem", "message": "Yeah I'm gonna at least have my dumbass emo talk to him again" } ]	15	76
133.333333	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Vekhi", "message": "A shout echoed throughout the ruins of Castle Town. A red haired woman awoke from what seemed to be a nightmare, quickly scrambling to her feet, adrenaline coursing through her veins. Upon seeing that there wasn't any vidible danger, she began to investigate her surroundings. She recognized some of the buildings, though they were all now in disrepair, either demolished or covered with flora. In the distance was a sort of wooden fort, enclosing a tower with Sheikah markings. Seeing humanoid shapes patrolling the walls, as well as the aforementioned markings, Vekhi decided to approach, cautiously." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Night time in Central Hyrule was usually pretty quiet without the guardians, and after the skydiving lesson with Smith that evening, Wild decided to check up on Lookout Landing. Maybe he could bring the idea for a bigger military force up to Purah while he was there... Zelda had thought it was a good idea as long as it didn't take away efforts towards rebuilding. After all, part of rebuilding was making sure there was a competent military, and right now all they had was the monster control. He held up a hand in greeting to the guards as he entered, who saluted back. Let's see... Purah would most likely be in her study at this hour... I'll check there first." }, { "author": "Vekhi", "message": "Surveying the surroundings, Vekhi considered her courses of actions. There was the direct approach, of course. But was that the saftest option? The inhabitants look decently armed, and Castle Town was obviously in shambles. Could these be invaders? Bandits? But such a simple force couldn't possibly withstand the full force of the Hyrulean army, could they? Perhaps this could be a sort of refugee camp? Forward operating base? Hmm... Vekhi, observing from a distance, looking for any potential entrances that she could enter stealthily. She would eavesdrop, find out more about this place and it's purpose." } ]	134	400
210.142857	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Wild", "message": "Calming himself after an unexpected respawn wasn't really difficult for Wild anymore. Calming himself after a Forced Respawn? He didn't think he would ever get used to it.\n\nBreathe. In, out.\n\nThe frigid air bit at his nose as he inhaled, and his exhale formed a visible cloud in front of his face even with the usual mist. A thin layer of snow blanketed the Lost Woods, dusting the ground and treetops in white. It would have been pretty if an ugly scene hadn't just played out moments ago. Or rather, would play out soon if he took the same actions, and he didn't plan on it. It was downright stupid to try what he did.\n\nBreathe. In, out.\n\nHe was leaning against one of the stone arches, waiting for Fierce to arrive. How in Hyrule was he going to explain this? 'Hi, I was dumb and tried taking on that thing by myself. Except not really, because I died and woke back up before it happened!'\n\nYeah, no. That wasn't going past the Hero of Time Without a whole bunch of questions." }, { "author": " Link \"The Heroes Combined\"", "message": "\"Wild\".\n\nThe ever monotonous voice of Fierce approached, steps becoming clearer and clearer as they pulled to Wild's side. It seems very little time was wasted to arrive. Their shoulders moved with their breath as they slowed, but their gaze was an uncanny white as they raised.\n\nThere's a moment where they narrow their eyes. A quick look over was done to the hero. Fierce's head tilted, ever impassive expression muting what they observed- but they don't say anything either. Not on that front, at least.\n\n\"The mask. You said it was around here, yes? Have you kept track?\"\n\nStraight to business, as usual. There was not much hesitancy to be had when it came to Majora. It was a threat, and it required elimination." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Wild's head snapped up at Fierce's approach. At the question, he nodded. He hadn't been keeping Track, Per se, but over the years he had developed a knack for sensing when things would happen after a respawn. His already strong internal clock seemed to gain strength just after a death, allowing him to calculate events down to the minute.\n\n\"In a little over one minute, it should pass through this archway. Stay out of sight and we might be able to ambush it... But I don't know how to fight it.\" He then shook his head. \"I'll explain how I know all that later.\"\n\nHe couldn't explain it now, even if they weren't operating on a timer. He didn't think he was able to describe what happened yet, because he wasn't sure that He Even understood it. Right now, they had to focus." }, { "author": " Link \"The Heroes Combined\"", "message": "They watch the Hero of the Wild for a moment. Just a moment, their head turned at the archway hardly a second later. Yet there was weight to their gaze, Expectation That it would be. What Wild said, though vague, held something. They expect him to hold to it.\n\nFor now there was another matter at hand.\n\n\"Then let us move,\" Is stated quietly, kept low to avoid attention \"Before it passes\".\n\nThey waste little time as usual. Stealth was not their expertise, but they knew how to focus their efforts on something. Fierce gestures for Wild to move to where he sees fit, before doing so themself. There wasn't much in the way of flora as they once had lived in... But they'd hide somewhere suitable.\n\nIt does take a moment for them to blink away the glow of their eyes though, shaking their head as it lessens from the intense white it had been." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Wild took one last deep breath and followed Fierce's lead further into the woods. The trees here were thick and hollow, allowing for some cover, but that went both ways. Majora could also be hiding anywhere. He tried to rid his mind of the memory of his own muffled cries for help as the darkness blinded his vision, the pounding headache as Something Tried to invade his thoughts, desperately fumbling for his Master Sword before driving it into his own chest- \n\nWild squeezed his eyes shut and gritted his teeth. Stop dwelling on it. Focus.\n\nAbout 30 seconds... I should be hearing it by now... Wild strained his sensitive Hylian ears, trying to pick up every tiny sound, every minute irregularity that signaled something was here that shouldn't be. But all he could hear was the usual sounds expected from the lost woods: wind whistling through trees, rustling of grass as a rabbit scurried into its burrow, hoofbeats of deer hurrying away from his and Fierce's position. Wild crouched in the tall grass and quietly leapt forward to keep up with the other hero, hoping that something wasn't about to go terribly wrong Again." }, { "author": " Link \"The Heroes Combined\"", "message": "There is silence from Fierce. Hardly a single breath from the other, eyes narrowed and posture tensed in position. Ready to spring...\n\n... Before he goes lax.\n\nThere's a quiet click of the tongue as he blinked once more, that fearsome glow returning as he stood. They had seemingly let up. Their eyes hold on the path for a lingering moment, before their head turned to Wild and they spoke simply.\n\n\"It has vacated. Not passed through\".\n\nTheir tone was clipped and sure. Their ears lowered further before evening out again, and they ease out a breath. They were holding it, it seemed.\n\n\"... It needs pursued. Waiting here- it... It's moved on, I'm sure of it\"." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Wild silently cursed himself. They had lost it again, and he felt like even more of an idiot because even with the extra try he gave himself, he still wasn't able to help catch it. He felt angry at himself, but also... Drained. Taking his Master Sword out, he drove it into the dirt with a grunt of frustration and sat down on a nearby boulder with his head bent over, fists clutching at his hair. Trying to keep himself in reality.\n\n\"I'm sorry,\" He grumbled, then raised his head to look at Fierce again. His face probably looked exhausted and pale, but he couldn't bring himself to fix it. Then the words came tumbling out before he could stop himself. \n\n\"I thought it would come this way because... It did last time. When I die, the clock turns back to when I was last in a safe location. You didn't notice it because no one but me does. As far as you're concerned, I never made the stupid decision to try taking that thing on by myself. I never was caught off guard when it tried to latch itself onto me. And I never turned my sword on myself to force a reset out of panic.\"\n\nHe shuddered involuntarily. \"Normally dying doesn't have this effect on me. But I haven't Forced A reset in at least a year. I don't think I'll ever get used to it, even if I hardly bat an eye if I die to anything else.\"" } ]	189	1,471
150	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Young Link", "message": "The Quiet Sounds of the forest went through the area, with the occasional noise appearing every now and then... \n\nThe sounds of a horse went through the area as The Young Hero Of Termina or Hero Of Time as legends used to call Him slowly made his way through... \n\nThe Young Hero stopped by a lone large tree stump, one that looked similar to the one from the sacred Grove that was beside the forest temple in his Era... \n\nThe Young Hero slowly got off his horse and made his way over, sitting on one end before pulling out his Ocarina, the ocarina of time... \n\nHe then sighed before beginning to play a Song.. A song that reminded him of a friend... One he misses... \n\nHe plays Saria's song before finishing.. And looked down... Hoping that this time, she would hear him" }, { "author": "koda9098", "message": "Take as long as you need" }, { "author": "- Saria, Your Forever Friend", "message": "\"... Link?\"\n\nThe answer came in a voice familiar, yet not. That same soft and careful tone, though something remained different. The voice was lofty, close, but- not due to the ocarina's song. \n\nFrom the fog of the woods shines a shimmering green light, chimes immediately noting is as one of the fairies. At the lights side was a figure, kept shrouded by fog until she waved her arm to clear. Her eyes widen in shock, and what stands before is Saria... But different. Older. Her look shifts into something sad for a moment, but nevertheless she offers a small smile.\n\n\"Ah, hello, my friend. You must have been called here like everyone else... Are you alright? These woods aren't easy to traverse\".\n\nJust as she did with Shade, she's careful here. She knows this is not her own, but he is hers nevertheless. Especially one so young- no. She can't get choked on that memory now.\n\n\"You have a knack for finding versions of him...\" Ney murmurs at her shoulder, and she hushes them softly." }, { "author": "Young Link", "message": "The Young Hero turned towards Saria who smiled towards him and for a moment, Young Link began to tear up for a bit before running towards his friend, giving a quick hug... \n\n\"Saria... You're here...\"\n\nYoung link then let go and the smile that saria knew so well from him went across the Young Hero's Face\n\n\"I... Its good to see you..\" \n\nThe Young Hero said while still a bit teary eyed, but then looked at Sarias clothes\n\n\"What happened to you? You look... More Heroic\" \n\nThe Young Hero did a small laugh" }, { "author": "- Saria, Your Forever Friend", "message": "She takes the running hug well, only a quiet \"Oof\" And soft laugh as she moved to pat the other's back. He... Looked like he did when he left, or somewhere around there. A little louder though. It was a shock to say the least, but- well, most things here Had Been a shock. You just move with it.\n\n\"Of course. I've been here for a little while now... Though traveling through time wasn't on my list of things to do,\" She murmured, a chuckle passing by \"It's good to see you, too\".\n\nHer smile turns to something more genuine at the question. She steps back to put her hands on her hips, the crinkle of leaves sounding as she shifts. She can be proud of that! Though she wouldn't call herself heroic, more just a traveler.\n\n\"I went out of the woods. You left- er, a Version Of you left,\" She rephrased. \"Ney and I got worried after a while. So, we went searching. I wanted to make sure everything was okay...\"" } ]	169	750
258	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Barom Wind-Chaser", "message": "It was a quiet evening, as Barom tromped his way through the woods. Twigs and shrubs cracked and crumpled under his heavy boots, and the sounds of hooting owls and other nocturnal life came to his ears. The myriad of forest scents lingered in the air, the various fruits, grasses, blossoms, and herbs made for a pleasant mixture of aromas. Above, through gaps in the tree canopy, beams of moonlight occasionally broke through the leaves, creating patches of pale light here and there. The only thing that marred this pleasant evening was that Barom was alone. It wasn't something he cared for, but with his tribe missing, it was something he had to put up with a lot recently.\n\nStifling a yawn, Barom gazed about, looking for a good place to make camp for the night. Food supplies were good, thanks to the elk he had hunted and butchered not long ago. There were always fresh herbs and berries to be found too, if one knew where to look. He just wanted to find a source of water and top off his waterskin before settling down for the night. Still, as the evening wore on, leaving that task for morning seemed more and more palatable. Still, for now, he walked on, using his spear as a walking stick." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "The feeling of weightlessness left as quickly as it came as the rift Daphell had fallen through seemed to spit him out. He'd only remembered the brief conversation he'd been having with his companion before they'd both been left on unstable ground and separated. Why the Gods demanded he end up in the middle of the woods was a mystery he couldn't clearly articulate, as unfortunately his thoughts were interrupted over and over by the sting of branches hitting him on the way down to the ground.\n\nAs he landed, a tinkling noise made his blood feel iced over, especially as it was accompanied by a sharp pain to his left side. He weakly pushed himself up and looked down, noticing that the bottle containing the Malice catalyst had been crushed in the fall and was slowly spreading over his chest. He cursed quietly to himself, knowing well that if he weren't alone this would be an easy fix. And yet, he was indeed without any help out here, in a strange place that seemed... Oddly familiar. \n\n\"Gah!\" He yelled.\n\nThe pain of his curse began to root itself more firmly in his mind, a feeling of slowly but surely disappearing further into the back of his brain. He tried to stand but knelt back down as a large branch laceration on his right leg had not yet healed over. His left had began to flicker, the triangular mark shining its best to dispel the muck the rest of him was morphing into. His eyes searched for anything, Anyone In the woods that could stop this, as the tusks grew firmly into place and his body curled into a boarlike shape and squealed loud." }, { "author": "Barom Wind-Chaser", "message": "Barom paused as he heard a yell in the near distance in the woods. It sounded hylian or sheikah, a short exclamation of pain and surprise. So the moblin wasn't alone in the woods. But sheikahs or hylians weren't very friendly to moblins. Sighing in annoyance, Barom decided to head the other way, lest a fight get started the moment he was seen. \n\nHowever, he soon paused, and sniffed at the air. His great snout flared as it picked up the scents on the wind. There, amid all the aromas and odors of the forest, there was the tinge of something faint but acrid and rancid. A stench of rot, of grief, of anger, of an ancient malevolent power. \"I know tha' scent,\" Barom said to himself, in an angry half growl. \"Malice.\" Memories of his old enslavement and possession arose unbidden and unwelcome in his mind. \n\nIf there was Malice here, then that lone sheikah would be in trouble. Especially since it seemed like the stink of Malice was coming in the same direction he heard the yell. Turning around, Barom began running through the woods, trampling through underbrush and snapping branches and sticks. He charged in Daphell's direction, not taking long to reach him. Shoving aside one particularly large cluster of leaves, he saw him. Or rather, what Malice was twisting him into. A large, boar like creature of the black, viscous ooze.\n\n\"Oi! Release th' boy, now!\" Barom shouted, stepping forward. He held his spear at the ready, doubting his command would do much. It was likely going to be a fight. That was just fine by the moblin, he enjoyed a good fight." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "Daphell, barely clinging to his consciousness, stirred as he heard the faint approach. His eyes, though red and clouded with the hatred of an eternity not his own, begged whoever was there to do something. Anything.\n\nA voice echoed through the dark he'd sunken further into, a nasty malevolent cacophony that twisted into a menacing amalgam of words. \"Until the day you die,\" It hissed as inky appendages further dragged him from his already narrow window of vision, \"You and I will be together as one.\" A sickening laugh rattled through the man's bones.\n\nThe request of the person beyond his line of sight cut through the dark, if only for a moment. Daphell sharply breathed in and tried to shout back, only to find that the curse had already overtaken his lungs and throat. He couldn't scream out to the man to run, to get help, to find some way to reverse this. He couldn't even tell him that this thing that was attached to him... Was Him, in a sick way.\n\nAs the window of his vision drew as far away as the moon in the sky is to those on the Gods' Green Hyrule, his body began to go on the attack, turning and rushing the stranger to try and gore him with its tusks." }, { "author": "Barom Wind-Chaser", "message": "The beast of Malice didn't listen to Barom, not that he expected it would. But the Malice hadn't completely overtaken the sheikah, there was still some part of him that was trying to fight back and resist. It wasn't going well, but whoever it was wasn't giving up. Barom had to respect the defiance in the face of the inevitable.\n\nAs the beast roared at him and charged, Barom roared back with a loud Moblin bellow. He charged forward as well, though he didn't level his spear. He wanted to help whoever the Malice was trying to overtake, and to that end skewering them probably wouldn't be helpful. Instead, as the two rapidly closed the distance between them, Barom swung his spear in a wide horizontal arc. He aimed to bash the head of the beast with the spear shaft. Barom figured he could think up a solution once he had battered the monster into unconsciousness." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "A strong whack to the face hit both the boar and Daphell, and while the former squealed and lost focus, the latter managed to pull himself from the muck for a moment. As he was slammed into a nearby tree with a notable crack, the muck retreated from his face and allowed him to gasp for air. As he relished the momentary relief, his eyes locked onto the mountain of a Moblin who appeared to be attacking him.\n\nHe was puzzled on multiple fronts— first, Moblins usually attacked him rather than the Malice attached to him, if that was what was actually happening. But secondly, his gear included of boys and pieces incoherent with any lumbering brute. \n\nWhatever look he had, it wasn't meant to last. As his spine cracked back into place the pain in his legs became apparent. His vision began to grow dark again, so he desperately cried out, hoping that his hunch wasn't just leftover idealism from his friend.\n\n\"It... It learns!\"" }, { "author": "Barom Wind-Chaser", "message": "It learns? What was the sheikah trying to say? Was this a comment on Barom's speech? He had seen a lot of people express surprise, even shock, at a Moblin that was fluent in Hylian. But no, he seemed far too desperate to be worrying about moblin speech right now. No, this was an attempt to warn Barom about something. This creature of malice possessing the hylian was smarter than it looked.\n\nBarom watched as the malice beast recovered from the strong hit to the skull. It's shifting and regeneration made rather grotesque noises of bones cracking and repositioning. That would make things tricky, beating down the malice creature without killing the person it was possessing. The thought of the possession made Barom's blood boil.\n\nWell, it wasn't the only thing here that could learn. Barom strode forward, and swung his spear shaft again in a repeat of the last attack. But given Daphell's warning, Barom expected the creature to dodge or duck out of the way. He prepared a quick follow up kick to catch the monster while it was avoiding the spear swing." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "As he sunk further, he watched the Moblin study him and began inwardly nodding to himself. There was an understanding, however wordless, that seemed to be blooming. He wasn't sure how well he could trust a Moblin of all creatures, but if the pig-man understood his words enough to hesitate, it meant he could be reasoned with.\n\nAs his body squared up for another round of hell, he began making his prayers that he'd not only found a friend rather than a foe, but more importantly someone who was not sympathetic to the wretched evil that did this to him. The rage that burned in his heart listening to Yiga prattle on and on about their \"Master\" Was enough to make him sick, and he knew not if the Moblin was against such considering the allegiances of the kind Daphell had encountered in the past.\n\nThe Moblin had swung his spear again, and the boar, rather than outright jump to one side or the other, flipped backwards. The world slowed and Daphell's stomach sank in the state of a Flurry Rush, but as he tried to utter an 'I told you so', a surprising thing occurred— the Moblin delivered an anticipated kick to the boar's side, causing it and consequently the Sheikah man into the side of a rock. This time, he crumpled to the ground with his back up, and a large red and yellow eye opened against his spine." }, { "author": "Barom Wind-Chaser", "message": "Though pleased to see that his gambit had paid off, Barom's eyes narrowed when he saw the alien eye opening up on the beast's back. He recognized them from his time possessed. The putrid organic Malice that infested locations often spawned eyes. And more than once, he saw the Malice recede when the eyes were destroyed. Perhaps the same would happen here.\n\nWith the beast crumpled on the ground, Barom charged forward. As he neared, he thrust with his spear, aiming for the eye. He aimed to make it a glancing blow, though, trying to hit the eye across the top without actually stabbing into the spine itself." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "Daphell screeched as the spear grazed the eye, slicing through the cornea and into the lens just enough to force it to recede more. It hurt— it stung like crazy whenever the weak points were hit— but it was the only real thing he could think of in absence of his usual methods. He just hoped the Moblin had something on hand to assist with containment, as he knew it would be a constant effort to stave it off otherwise.\n\nAs the Malice crawled along the side and settled at his shoulder, furthest away from the Moblin as it was now clearly in fear, Daphell tried to push his upper half off the ground. Unfortunately, his arms were shaky and weak just from the drainage of his curse, and he flopped back onto the ground. Lucky for him, at least he'd turned his head to the being that was either his assailant or his rescuer— the jury was still out in that call. Regardless, some words were in order, even if said through a series of panting breaths.\n\n\"You're... Quite strong with that stick of yours. You... Wouldn't happen to be carrying an empty bottle... Would you?\"" }, { "author": "Barom Wind-Chaser", "message": "His idea seemed to be working, and the Malice was receding. At the very least, it was no longer blindly attacking him, but now seemed to fear him instead. And it's host was starting to regain control. Curiously, he was asking for an empty bottle. The moblin raised an eyebrow, but then rummaged around in his satchel for a bit. Eventually, he pulled out a small clay bottle, removed the lid, and upturned it. A little bit of dried hyrule herb fell out. \n\n\"Here. It's th' closest I gots,\" Barom said, offering the clay bottle to the sheikah. \"Now, wha's goin' on with tha' stuff crawlin' on ya? I've gots a good knife, I could try cuttin' it off of ya.\"" }, { "author": "monochromayhem", "message": "Daphell looked at the Hyrule Herb and nodded slowly. \"T-Thanks,\" He said. Knowing he was already recovering, he began to sit up. \"You ought to take the herb back though,\" He said, taking the bottle and gently pressing it to the Malice on his shoulder. \"It's good for cooking and it would be a waste not to have it...\"\n\nDaphell was aware that he was talking to someone he assumed would normally have been at odds with him, but his brain was too riddled with the swirl of adrenaline and exhaustion for him to address it. Instead, he took out one of his Twin Blades and began to slice into the section of his shoulder just below the lip of the jar. The Malice squirmed against his blade and was reluctant to obey, but his pressing forced it into the jar as he cut a chunk off. Fortunately, it was the chunk with the eye.\n\n\"Thank you for the offer but... I don't want to sully a good knife with my rotten blood.\"" }, { "author": "Barom Wind-Chaser", "message": "\"It's also decent in healin' potions an' medicines.\" Barom said, . \"But it's also easy t' find too. Tha' stuff was old anyway, I was lookin' t' get some fresher soon. An' it looked like ya could use tha' jar. Though, why bother keepin' tha' little piece of black crap? Jus' chuck tha' jar into a good bonfire an' roast tha' little maggot.\"\n\n\"Jus' how did ya gets stuck with it in th' first place?\" Barom asked. \"I've seen th' likes before, durin' tha' Calamity Ganon business. But never on people, jus' coatin' walls an' th' ground. Ganon never really possessed hylians anyway, jus' monsters like lizalfos, bokoblins, an' moblins. Don't tell me ya took 'em up on his offers of wealth an' powers. Old Giromha saw through his lies easily enough.\"" }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "Daphell tilted his head. \"I have to keep a piece of it with me in the event that I have to... Overclock my abilities. Under normal circumstances I would do just that, but sometimes it's the only choice between life and death... And even then it's hardly ideal, as you can see.\" He paused. \"What's going on with me is... Complicated.\"\n\nHe looked out into the Woods. \"You aren't wrong— generally the Malice doesn't stick to humans so easily. Sticking to walls and clinging to monsterfolk seems to be more in line.\" He folded his legs in after corking the jar. He swallowed his spit as he remembered what was wrong with him and as he gathered the strength to speak its name. In the back of his mind, he heard the 49 voices chattering in a droning whisper, almost as if they were begging him to tell the world of each of their horrific fates.\n\n\"This... This isn't a possession, it's... I'm... I was turned into... This By some seriously sick people. It's an infection that's rotted me to the core. I'm pretty sure that if my insides were cut open all you'd find was black ink.\" He breathed in and out. \"I was a normal boy for the most part until they tried to turn me into a Blight.\"" }, { "author": "Barom Wind-Chaser", "message": "Barom just scratched his head as he listened to Daphell's explanation about what happened. \"Uh, yeah... Ain' gonna lie, a lot of tha' kinda went over my head.\" Barom said, his tone rather confused. \"Sounds like somethin' tha' Ganon would get up to though. But fixin' somethin' like tha'? I don' know if there's any salve or potion tha' could cure it. At least it's contained fer now. But I'd get yerself a metal vial or somethin'. Tha' clay is pretty fragile.\"\n\nBarom paused, sniffing at the air again. Without the malodorous smell of the malice clogging the air, Barom could pick out more scents. Amid all the smells of the forest, there was one that caught his attention. It was faint, but it gave him hope. Clear water and Silent Princess. Those only grew in pure areas, and water there meant a fairy pond. \"But... Ya jus' might be in luck. There may be someone nearby who can help ya. Follow me,\" Barom said, walking in the direction of the scents. \"Name's Barom, by th' way. Barom of th' Rohg tribe. Jus' so ya know, we never did join Ganon. Leastways, not willingly. He's no friend of ours.\"" }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "Daphell nodded. \"I suppose it's nice to meet you, Barom. My name is Daphell Koshia.\" \n\nI'm grateful someone else understands how... How Mind-rending It feels to be controlled... Thank goodness then. And... You said something about an 'Old Giromha'...\" He wistfully looked around the woods before shakily standing. \"A tribe full of Moblins who made choices and understood the Calamity... A close friend of mine would be scribbling in his notes right about now...\"\n\nHe shook his head clear as he realized he was getting distracted. \"Right, fairy fountain... Which one are we seeing? Tera? Mija? It's been a while since I saw them...\"" }, { "author": "Barom Wind-Chaser", "message": "\"Old Giromha is th' oldest an' wisest of our tribe. She saw through Ganon's lies. He promised moblins glory, wealth, meat, an' good fights. But Old Giromha knew it'd come at th' expense of our free will. So we hid, an' when we were found we fought back.\" Barom explained. \"Th' time I spent possessed... It still troubles me, I'll admit. Havin' somethin' in yer head tha' shoves ya aside, and seizes the reins of yer body outta yer hands. Tha's th' sort of thing that haunts ya. But now I'm free, and alive while Ganon ain't. So things are lookin up.\"\n\nSoon, the giant flower bud of a fairy pond came into view. \"Dunno which one is here, but maybe they could help us.\" Barom said, approaching the giant flower bud. Even as he neared it peeled open. With a laugh, the silver haired great fairy burst out, before lounging on the petals and looking over the two.\n\n\"Why, if it isn't the little Wind Chaser! So nice to see you again, Barom.\" Tera said with a cheery smile. \"I decided the desert dust wasn't for me, so I came here instead.\"\n\n\"Good to see ya too. Tera, this is Daphell. Daphell, Tera. Heh. Bet yer surprised a moblin like me knows a great fairy? It's a long story, but th' short version is she saved my life in the desert.\" Barom said. \"Tera, somethin's wrong with Daphell here. He's got some sort of... I dunno, malice infection? Can ya help him out?\"\n\nThe great fairy turned her gaze on Daphell, and her cheery smile started to fade. \"You've got quite the curse there, my friend. It's rooted very deeply.\" She said, her voice showing pity for Daphell's plight. \"I don't know if my magic, potent as it is, can heal you. But it might still help somewhat.\"" }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "Daphell felt a ripple of fear deep inside his body— whatever he was made of did not like magic or the sacred. But even with that in mind, he cautiously stepped up.\n\n\"I haven't seen you in... Four moons, at least? And I could have sworn that—\"\n\n\"Hang on,\" Tera said, her kind voice almost perfuming the air. \"I don't recall us meeting before. I tend to know all who seek me out, but I've never seen you here.\"\n\nDaphell thought for a moment. \"I came through a hole in the sky,\" He said. \"Is that... Why everything feels so different than here? I'm not... Home?\" \n\nA look of horror spread over his face. Where was his companion? Was he waiting for him, alone and afraid? Was... Was He Alone? How was he supposed to defend himself if he ever had another vessel break like earlier?" }, { "author": "Barom Wind-Chaser", "message": "Barom gave a look of concern as Daphell and Tera talked about them not meeting and Daphell coming from a hole in the sky. \"Seems like. Fer wha' it's worth, I feel fer ya.\" Barom said. \"Ain't th' first time somethin' like this has happened. Lotsa folks poppin' up here from other worlds. Who knows, maybe someone else from yer world popped up here too?\"\n\n\"Anyway, dunno wha' I can do t' help with tha'.\" Barom said. \"I'm jus' a moblin. Ain't gots th' brains fer this. But maybe I can help ya find somethin' better than tha' clay jar. There's th' ruins of an old hylian war camp nearby. I'm gonna go an' root through it an' hopefully find ya somethin' a bit sturdier.\" He gave a nod to Tera, who responded with a friendly wave, before heading over to some of the nearby collapsing wooden structures. He started pulling open a few aged wood crates and investigating their contents." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "Daphell thought for a moment before nodded to himself. \"Tera, I understand you are a creature of great pity and kindness... I admit that there are people who I fear I'll never see again. My father Dorian, my sisters, Miss Paya... My companion...\" He shifted on his feet. \"I want to be able to remain at least a little longer with Barom considering the Envoy of Kindness he has become to you. While he hits hard and knows to think ahead, he could use some company and I sense that perhaps being alone right now wouldn't be wise.\"\n\nHe looked at the clay jar, then to Barom. \"I owe it to him for bringing me back from the dark.\"" }, { "author": "Barom Wind-Chaser", "message": "\"Me? I didn't do tha' much.\" Barom said, looking up from his scavenging. He had a glass jar in his hands, but when he saw it was cracked, he just shrugged and tossed it over one shoulder. \"I saw one of Ganon's leftover bits of hate, an' I took it out. Jus' glad I could do it without hurtin' ya too much. Heh. First time I've been called an Envoy of Kindness too. I'm jus' a moblin. Maybe a little brighter than most of 'em, but still. I enjoy my fights, an' my ale.\" \n\nA bit more rooting around eventually produced a metal canteen. It had some rust on the outside, thanks to the swamy terrain that had overtaken much of the military camp ruins, but it still looked intact. \"Here, this might be safer than th' clay jar.\" Barom said, coming back over to Daphell's side. \"Still think ya should pitch tha' bit of black crap into a fire, but if ya wants t' risk keepin' it around, tha's up to ya.\" \n\n\"Either way, it's late, an' this is a good place t' camp. Few places are safer than next to a great fairy fountain. With yer permission, Tera.\" Barom said, gathering up some wood to start a small fire. Tera just gave the two of them a smile, and gestured to the space in front of her fountain. \"If ya wants t' join me on th' road fer a bit, tha's fine. I was gettin' weary of travelin' alone. Jus' be warned, I've been told I snore. Pretty loudly.\" Getting the small fire going, Barom set about roasting a few apple on the end of one of his javelins. He also got out some smoked, salted meat and sausage he had prepared not long ago, and offered some to Daphell. \"Don' worry, it's elk. Hunted it myself last week. Damn fine hide.\"" }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "\"I wish I could toss it away, too. But even with the risk, avoiding killing the eye and keeping it close to my body keeps the rest of me from growing out of control.\" The Sheikah sighed. \"I'm sorry that there wasn't much to be done about my curse, though I already sorta knew it all things considered.\"\n\nDaphell sat down as camp was set and began fiddling with the canteen. \"Snoring shouldn't be too big of a problem, all things considered. The Hideout had a snorer guarding my cell for months. So long as there isn't the sound of metal bars, it won't be trouble. Though I do have to warn you that when I sleep I tend to have nightmares, so if you see me roaming around before dawn, don't be too surprised.\"\n\nAfter the fire had started and he was offered food, he gingerly took it, examined it for a moment, and began eating. He'd forgotten how hungry the Malice would make him after being exhausted. \"This is pretty good... And you said something about hide, do you work with leather?\"" }, { "author": "Barom Wind-Chaser", "message": "\"Yeah. Furs an' leather. I can make 'em into all sorts of things. Like this vest. Dodongo leather, ya know. Tricky part is gettin' an intact body t' butcher. Gotta kill 'em just right t' release their fire, otherwise they blow up.\" Barom explained. \" Eventually, when I kill a beast with a strong enough hide, I'm gonna start makin' it into some proper armor. With all th' strange stuff goin' on as of late, buncha people poppin' outta portals. I jus' gots the feelin' tha' things are gonna get dangerous sooner or later. I wants to be ready. Besides, it'd be proof of my skill in battle, wearin' armor made from some great beast. If ya kill somethin' worthy, I could do th' same fer ya too.\"\n\n\"Seems like ya could use a hand anyway. No offense.\" Barom said. \"Yer worried about bein' separated from yer people or tribe, ain't ya? I know th' feelin'. My whole tribe was conquered an' enslaved by Calamity Ganon, an' scattered everywhere over hyrule. No idea where they are. But I'm gonna look for 'em. Why don't ya tell me about yer people? Tha' companion ya mentioned. If I find news of 'em in my searchin', I could send it yer way.\"" }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "Daphell's face reddened up as he became flustered. It was rare that someone would offer him something so soon into knowing them, so to speak of a gift or favor so soon was... Touching, to say the least. Aside from the canteen of course, which was more for necessity than anything. \"Well, once I find the perfect one I'll have to see on it. But Dodongo hide? I don't think I've ever even seen one of them before.\"\n\n\"No offense taken. I know I need assistance, I just... The person who usually manages me had a shaving of sacred metal he'd use to jab me in the neck before it got too bad.\" He thought about it for a moment and rubbed at his jugular before getting to work moving the Malice to the new vessel, first by sticking his ring and pinky fingers of his right hand into the jar for it to cling to. He eyed one of his blades, which he'd laid down nearby, as he knew he'd need it soon.\n\n\"My companion... Tell me, what do you know about Picori?\" He asked." }, { "author": "Barom Wind-Chaser", "message": "Barom paused in his meal, and scratched at his chin with a hand. \"Picori... Picori... Tha's ringin' like a bell.\" He murmured to himself. After a bit, he snapped his fingers. \"Tha's right! The mouse fae! Old Giromha had a few tales about 'em. Little mouse like folk tha' are benevolent spirits, or some such. They likes hidin' rupees, kinstones, an' other little goodies around, spreadin' a bit of chaotic happiness here an' there.\"\n\n\"I ain't ever seen one, but it's said th' young whelps could see 'em, at least fer a few winters.\" Barom said. \"But Old Giromha, she said she could see 'em, despite her grey fur. Talk to 'em too. It looked like she was jus' talkin' to herself, but if she asked 'em for a herb an' traded 'em a candied fruit, th' next day, there'd be freshly cut herb fillin' a bowl in 'er tent. So, ya mean t' say yer companion was one of th' mouse fae? One of th' picori?\"" }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "Daphell smiled. \"Indeed, though he's far beyond a simple mousefolk— he's a Sage capable of hiding among humankind with his magic. Though most of the time he likes to hitch a ride on me since I'm a lot scarier than he is.\" He paused and took another bite of meat. \"He kept me sane while I was imprisoned by the Yiga, through all the rituals that made me into a Human Blight, and through both the Calamity and the Upheaval.\"\n\nHe moved the Malice into the canteen by shoving it in with his fingers, and even though it quietly screeched Daphell was as forceful as needed since it was usually pretty slippery. He carefully picked up his blade and prepared it for the next step, which he knew was going to hurt. \n\n\"I'm pretty sure the Goddess had him aiding me. The Picori in general tend to be closely tied to Her Grace and thus leave little blessings everywhere as a result. That and finish projects in people's sleep just to watch them be happy. Strange creatures they are...\"" }, { "author": "Barom Wind-Chaser", "message": "\"Old Giromha liked 'em. Tha's reason enough for me to as well, I guess.\" Barom said, shrugging. \"But like I said, I can't see 'em. Though if I find Giromha, I'll ask her about yer little friend, an' she can ask the mouse fae tha' she knows, if ya gives me a name. Honestly, it might be a long shot, but th' more ya gots lookin' fer yer friend, th' better th' odds.\"\n\n\"Anyway, I gotta ask ya fer a favor in return.\" Barom said, finishing up his dinner. \"From wha' I understand, boar moblins like me are rare in these parts. Mostly it's all th' tall lanky ones. So if ya sees a boar moblin, lemme know. Odds are good its from my tribe. Jus' be sure to keep yer distance, just in case. I think most of my tribe at least is smart enough t' remember Old Giromha's advice an' not pick needless fights, but ya never know.\"\n\n\"Anyway, dunno how long ya wants t' share the road. But if ya do head out on yer own way, keep an eye out fer an odd piece of parchment. It might have an enchantment fer talkin' to others with th' magic parchment.\" Barom said with a yawn. \"It's been suggested some gor or another likes droppin' 'em off in people's way, fer some reason. I dunno, I's jus' a moblin, but it would be a way t' keep in touch over distances. Jus' might be tha' goddess ya mentioned.\"\n\nBarom was preparing to head to sleep, but paused when he saw Daphell draw his knife. It looked like whatever he was planning, he didn't look like he was going to enjoy it. \"Uhh... Ya gonna need help with tha'?\" Barom asked after a moment of watching." }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "\"His name is Kyneri. Sometimes he also goes by Serin, though that's more a personal nickname than anything else. Hopefully you'll run into him— he's fascinated by practically any new culture he can find. Any knowledge is good knowledge to the guy.\" He paused, about to brace himself. \"As for boar Moblins, if I see any I'll do my best to alert them to your presence here— it's a shame to be alone.\"\n\nUpon Barom asking if he needed help, the Sheikah shook his head. \"I've done transfers before, this isn't much of an exception.\" Carefully and quickly he twisted the blade against his fingers, which came off like a knife through jelly. Daphell hissed a bit and closed the lid. \"My fingers should be fine by morning. Though the air here feels a lot different than where I'm from so it might be a little longer.\"" }, { "author": "Barom Wind-Chaser", "message": "\"If I see 'em, I'll let ya know,\" Barom said, nodding. He got a look of confusion and worry as Daphell brought the knife to his own fingers, and grimaced when he saw him cut them off. \"Eesh. Ya gotta do tha' t' keep tha' curse in line? Ya gots it rough,\" Barom commented. \"At least it sounds like they grow back. Malice is messed up.\"\n\n\"Anyway, I'm callin' it a night.\" Barom said, laying down nearby the giant flower bud of the fairy fountain. He used a rolled up pelt as a pillow, but didn't opt for any other comforts. \"Ain't sure where I'm goin' tomorrow. Jus' gonna follow th' road, an' see where it takes me I guess.\"" }, { "author": "Daphell, Hero of Blight", "message": "Daphell sat at the fire for a little bit, staring into the embers as his newfound companion drifted into sleep. He wasn't kidding about the snoring— he could wake a Wind Fish with such a ruckus— but it was manageable. He slowly stood up with a sword in his left hand and began walking to a nearby clearing when he was stopped by a large hand blocking his path.\n\n\"Where are you going?\" Tera whispered.\n\n\"Paying him back for his efforts...\" He said. He paused and handed her the old clay jar. \"If it isn't too much to ask, can you fortify this while I gather what I'm looking for? Don't worry, I make certain it's free of Malice.\"\n\n\"He... Really shaped you, didn't he? That little creature... How curious.\"\n\nDaphell smirked but continued down to the clearing and began his work, carefully harvesting the nearby herbs until there was more than enough for the jar. As he made his way back up, he wondered what was so curious about his bond with Kyneri. It wasn't as if they were inclined beyond a close friendship, but the way she said it, it was almost like she knew something he didn't.\n\nNevertheless, upon returning to the camping spot, the clay jar was filled and set at Barom's side. After that, he sat against a tree and took a deep breath, allowing himself to drift into what he hoped was at least someone restful of a slumber." } ]	235	7,740
396	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Ghirahim", "message": "The Lost Woods kept many secrets mired in its dense mist and labyrinthine environment. Who knew what lay here? Ruins of bygone civilizations, terrible creatures yet unseen, or even small communities of the tricksy korok. However, there was one secret which had only just made its home here not too long ago. Yet, like everything else, it felt just as ancient and just as dark.\n\nIn the forest-engulfed ruins of a decrepit castle, a crooked, dark blade rested in bushes of thorns. Nothing dared touch it, not even the various monsters that were drawn to the site. They would come and leave, beckoned as if in a trance but leaving with great fear in their hearts. \n\nThe sword itself was massive in size, bigger than what even a goron could manage. It's craftsmanship was entirely indecipherable, ancient beyond recorded history. Only those who have seen it would compare it to the Master Sword, albeit as a broken reflection. \n\nIt was here, shrouded in mist and darkness, that the sword laid waiting as faint whispers floated through the air. They could barely be made out by the observant ear.\n\nDemise... Demise..." }, { "author": "Kurran", "message": "The moment the Sheikah had figured out how to walk on two legs again, he'd vanished deep into the nearby forest. The fact it was shrouded by mist didn't seem to bother him at all; in fact, he preferred it, because it meant he could hide. It wasn't open, which was good. \n\nThe past few hours had been mostly trying to figure out how to work his body again. He was weaker, slower, and altogether far clumsier as a person than a leopard, and he found himself mourning the loss of his feline body. He didn't know why he was a person or where he was. He didn't know why he'd lost his fur and claws and fangs.\n\nHis memory was hazy, with only small fragments breaking through. He was a person... A Sheikah. That meant he served the King. But who was the King? Where Was the King? He didn't remember. But he needed to find the King.\n\nHe didn't think the King was in this forest, but his instincts screamed at him to hide and to hunt first. He needed to regain strength. \n\nSo he'd caught a bird. It was harder now, but he'd eventually figured out he could instinctively use the sword on his side if he just didn't think about it. He was fine not thinking about it; he didn't like these complex thoughts, hurting him, confusing him. \n\nSo he crouched now, tearing into the raw meat with much duller teeth, not really caring that it was raw and bloody. That was how he'd always eaten. Or what he remembered eating. Food was food. \n\nDemise...\n\nThe Sheikah froze, ears twitching. What was That? He tilted his head, straining to hear, once more lamenting the loss of his enhanced senses as a leopard. \n\n...Demise? What was a demise? \n\nWas it the King?\n\nHe sprung to his feet, half-eaten bird forgotten, and sprinted toward the sound beckoning him. It wasn't long before he came across what his mind could recognize as a sword. \n\nHe cautiously approached it, stepping as silently as he had when he'd been a leopard. Curiously, he reached out and poked it." }, { "author": "Ghirahim", "message": "Tap tap\n\nHm? What was that? \n\nFor the first time in what felt like centuries, Ghirahim was aware. He had no idea where he was or what had happened. All he remembered was his master defeated... Cursing his enemies as he faded away. Slowly, he came back into consciousness and with it came all the bitter, frustrating memories. \n\nDemise defeated? Impossible! He could never... He wouldn't...\n\nThe denial was enough to spark Ghirahim's rage, unleashing an anguished cry in the dark abyss fading around him. Surely, he was still able to avenge his master?! He could beat that hero this time... With the sweet desire for revenge fueling him! \n\nThe sword began to glow a corrupted hue, flashing back and forth between a humanoid figure and the mysterious blade right before Kurran's eyes! Suddenly, a burst of dark energy erupted, sending shockwaves as the glowing began to settle down. \n\nIn place of the blade, a dark crystalline figure rose from the thorns. What appeared to be cracks began to spread throughout his body, forming a more familiar visage. The figure now resembled a Hylian... Although something was off. His skin was a pale grey and his short hair was a bold white, very much like the Sheikah. Purple eyeshadow, white lips, and crystal earrings completed the look alongside a tight fitting, slightly revealing white outfit. \n\nGhirahim's eyes shot open as he dashed forward and grabbed Kurran's throat, lifting him up. However, the demon lord hesitated to crush Kurran then and there. This obviously wasn't Link... And clearly he wasn't where he last remembered being. This forest... Was he back on the Surface?\n\nGhirahim's grip tightened, his lips curling into a scowl. So many questions... And here he was with a stranger who reminded him of that annoying protector, Impa. \n\n\"Well... You're not who I was expecting. Mind telling me who you are and where I am before I slit your throat, handsome?~\"" }, { "author": "Kurran", "message": "If he were still a leopard, he'd have been bristling. As it were, he still shrieked in a way that sounded eerily similar to a large cat's yowl, and he tried to leap back, only to find himself caught by the strange creature that had come out of nowhere. The sword was nowhere to be seen, and the Sheikah's confused, racing mind didn't connect that this creature Had Been the sword. \n\nDanger! Flee! Hide!\n\nHis instincts took over, washing away all rational thought. He thrashed much like a wild animal would, hissing and growling, only to find he couldn't break free.\n\nFight! Escape!\n\nThe Sheikah, red eyes as wild and feral as any concerned animal, growled and attempted to kick at the predator holding him, wishing he could rip into strange grey skin with sharpened claws. \n\nEvery instinct screamed at him to bite the damned thing, but he couldn't. He wasn't Strong Anymore; he was frail, weak, vulnerable. \n\nPrey.\n\nNo! Never prey! Hunter!\n\nHe could fill an odd chill at the tips of his fingers and reacted without thinking; a hand shot up to grip the creature's arms, and the Sheikah's hand grew colder and colder. Soon, frost crept from his hand onto the creature's arm, so cold it should burn, yet it didn't bother the Sheikah. \n\n\"You... Let... Go...!\" He hissed, voice guttural and fragmented from having not used it for so long." }, { "author": "Ghirahim", "message": "Demise always hated to see his victims cower before him. Ghirahim was the opposite, reveling in the pleas for mercy and the scrambling for whatever moments they had left. It was a sweet sight to wake up to as Kurran struggled in his grip, causing Ghirahim's smile to grow. It was enough to make the sword spirit giddy as soft giggles came from him.\n\n\"Red eyes. White hair... Ah, you must be a Sheikah! How delightful... I Despise The Sheikah\".\n\nThe Sheikah were here? Was this one sent to destroy him while he was vulnerable? Kurran's presence only raised more questions than answers. Plus, the Sheikah didn't seem to be very willing to answer them. \n\n\"The longer you keep your mouth shut the more I want to kill y- AH!\"\n\nGhirahim felt his arm being grasped, followed by a sharp burn. It wasn't fire... It was cold! The sword spirit dropped Kurran and recoiled slightly, but easily recomposed himself. No major damage... It would take a lot more to truly harm a being such as him. \n\nSuch defiance reminded him of a certain, pesky little brat...\n\n\"Tsk, that was very naughty of you! I was actually being quite Merciful Just then... But you're making this EXTREMELY difficult!!\" \n\nGhirahim let out a fed-up cackle, an elegant blade forming in his hand. He took a deep breath, running his other hand through his short white hair, brushing it to the side with a certain stylish panache. His gaze focused coldly back on Kurran. \n\n\"No matter. I like it when they choose the hard way~.\"" }, { "author": "Kurran", "message": "He coughed, one hand rubbing his throat as he struggled to catch his breath. His mind raced, instincts warring with thought.\n\nRun! Run now! Hide!\n\nHe looked up, teeth pulling back in a snarl. This was a predator unlike any other. He didn't know how to react, and he didn't like that. The unknown was dangerous. The unknown killed you. \n\nSheikah? I am... Sheikah?\n\nWhy was that so familiar?\n\nImages flashed. People with white hair and red eyes. Himself? Yes, that was he... He was dressed in metal?\n\nArmor. Hunter. Warrior.\n\nSomething clicked and settled. The Sheikah stood, glaring at the creature before him. \n\nDemon, his mind whispered. A demon. He was... Supposed to hunt demons. \n\n\"Demon,\" He growled, and his instincts bade him to reach for the sword at his side. \"I... Remember. Hunted your kind... For so long.\"\n\nHow long? He couldn't remember. First with steel... Then with claws and teeth. Person or leopard... He was a hunter. And demons were his prey. \n\nBut something held him back. Though he kept a hand on the hilt of his sword, he made no move to draw the blade. There was something... About this demon that was different. \n\n\"...Why... Are you... Here?\"\n\nHe spoke slowly, carefully, as if it was a struggle to speak in full sentences. \n\n\"What... Do you... Want?\"" }, { "author": "Ghirahim", "message": "Ghirahim's grin dropped into an annoyed frown. Just when he was getting all worked up for a duel, the Sheikah decided to open his mouth. \n\nHmph, what a tease... \n\nStill, something was off about this man. He was confused, off center, completely unprepared. This was nothing like the Sheikah Ghirahim knew, so either this was just one really bad assassin Or Something was wrong. The answer lay in the Sheikah's words: \"I remember...\"\n\nGhirahim's eyes widened in realization. His assassin had no idea who he was and wasn't here for Ghirahim at all. Ghirahim laughed at the irony of it all, shaking his head.\n\n\"My my my... Can this be? An assassin who doesn't even know his own mission? Or, if I may be so bold, doesn't even know himself? The Sheikah clan has surely fallen far these past... Centuries? I assume that's how long it's been...\" \n\nGhirahim lowered his blade, putting the point to the ground and resting his hand on the hilt. \n\n\"Truth be told, I have no idea why I'm here and I'm not entirely certain what I desire... Perhaps, after I've drenched my blade with some innocent blood, I'll start getting an idea.\"\n\nGhirahim's eyes drifted, catching the sword Kurran had on him. He immediately grew interested, a smile of genuine excitement growing on his lips. \n\n\"Oh! I see you're also a swordsman! If I had to guess... You carry an Odachi? I'm not a fan of them personally... Too large and quite impractical... But I can see the appeal behind them. Not a bad choice for butchering large animals...\"\n\nGhirahim's tone was oddly cordial, as if showing some sort of respect towards a fellow 'professional'. He still had his arrogance, checking his nails as he indirectly spoke to Kurran. However, he glanced at Kurran and grinned mischievously.\n\n\"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Lord Ghirahim. I'd say it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance but I'd be lying. Sorry handsome... Ancient enemies and all that~\"" }, { "author": "Kurran", "message": "He flinched. The demon's words were true. He didn't know who he was or why he was here. The only thing he knew was he was a friend, a servant. He wished his friend was here right now to tell him what to do, but he wasn't sure where his friend was. He'd lost him when he'd gone off to hunt food...\n\nHe needed to find his friend, but first...\n\nHe stared at the demon, mind attempting to process everything the demon said. Sword... Man? Is that... Also what he was? He was a hunter without claws and fangs... So maybe he hunted with a sword. \n\nHe chewed his lip, decided the demon wasn't going to attack him, and stood up straight, taking his hand off the sword's hilt. Getting into a fight he didn't know if he would win wasn't something was interested in. \n\n\"Lord... Ghir... Ah... Him.\" He said it slowly, trying to adjust again to speaking complicated words. Had he ever hunted a Ghirahim? ...He didn't think so.\n\n\"...I am... A hunter... A servant.\" He glanced down at the sword on his side. \"...A swordsman. And... A friend. But my friend is not here.\"\n\nHe Really Wished his friend was here. He didn't know what to do with this Ghirahim. \n\nHe tilted his head, studying the demon. ...Pretty. The demon was very pretty. Had he ever seen a Pretty Demon? He couldn't remember. \n\n\"...I don't... Know my name. I don't know... Who I am.\" Ghirahim had seen to figure that out... And he'd called him 'Sheikah'. Did He Know who Friend was? \n\n\"...I don't... Know where we are. I don't... Remember much. I don't remember... A pretty demon... So I don't think... I hunted you.\"\n\nWith that, he held no desire to attack Ghirahim. He didn't remember hunting him, so he didn't think he Had. So he probably didn't need to. \n\n\"...Do you know what I am? If you tell me... I will serve you too.\"\n\nIt would be... Helpful if Ghirahim knew. If Ghirahim could tell him... Then maybe he would help Ghirahim too. With whatever the demon wanted. A 'lord' wanted to be served, didn't he? He could serve very well, he w" } ]	400	3,168
194.954545	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "...The parchment mentioned this place, right? Roewen was not one to back down from a challenge, but navigating this place was a challenge in and of itself. Seriously, every single tree looked absolutely the same... And it was kind of foggy. Roewen learned something new today: the Lost Woods are called 'the Lost Woods' for a reason.\n\n...If only he had a map... And basic reading comprehension...\n\nSelf-made dagger in hand, the little blue bokoblin wandered the woods in search of the voice from the parchment. He began sniffing around, trying to find the scent of another monster... That voice spoke the same tongue, right?" }, { "author": "Barom Wind-Chaser", "message": "Barom was deep in the woods, but he wasn't exactly hiding. He had made his camp in a small clearing after a fruitful day of hunting. A smoking fire had been built up, along with some crude racks over it in the smoke. These were filled with cuts of salted elk meat and chains of sausage. Nearby, Barom was busy applying a mixture of herbs, minerals, and oil to a stretched elk hide to tan it. His spear was within arm's reach, along with a bundle of javelins and his other belongings. A bit further was a pile of discarded elk bones, though Barom kept a few of them for a couple projects he had in mind.\n\nNot too far away was the curious parchment he had stumbled upon. For now, it was rolled up, as he didn't have much interest in talking to strangers at the moment. Instead, he just focused on the task at hand, planning on making himself a cloak out of the hide. As he worked, he idly wondered if any of the people he had spoke to would actually show up. Barom personally doubted it, but he wouldn't mind some company." }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "The distant smells of smoke and meat drew the bokoblin closer... Rustling through the grass, he finally came across Barom's quaint little camp. He got a view of the fire, the meat, the moblin himself... And an all-too-familiar parchment.\n\nSpeaking of strangers and company, Roewen invited himself in. He was much shorter than he claimed to be... And certainly less muscular. He stood next to the fire and snorted loudly to announce his presence.\n\n\n\"So, are you one of the voices in the magic paper...? If so, I've come to take you up on your offer...\"\n\nRoewen spun his dagger. Flourishflourishflourish.\n\n\"Y'know, the one about challenging you to a fight?!\"" }, { "author": "Barom Wind-Chaser", "message": "Barom looked up as the scent of bokoblin came over the air, and the sound of leaves rustling reached his ears. Sure enough, he saw Roewen emerging from the trees and shrubs and boldly entering his camp. Barom figured he was exaggerating about his size, but despite that, the bokoblin strode into his camp as bold as daylight and identified himself as the one he spoke to on the parchment.\n\n\"Heh heh heh, yer bold, I'll give ya tha,\" Barom said with a chuckle, standing up and capping his vials of various tanning agents. Setting them aside, he instead grabbed his spear. Being the big moblin he was, he easily towered over the smaller Roewin. \"Aye, I remember. I'm a little surprised ya decided t' take me up on tha'. I'll let ya back down if ya want.\" Barom took a few steps away from his work. He wouldn't want the new hide to be damaged by the fighting after all." }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "\"Back down? Hah! I'll never back down... Especially from a Defector Like you. Try me, and I shall claim victory over you in the name of Lord Ganon!\"\n\n...These words were not very menacing coming from a little bokoblin like Roewen, wielding an equally little weapon... But it seemed he had a significant amount of fight in him. He was almost like an angry little chihuahua. The angry little chihuahua in question boldly pointed his dagger up at his much taller opponent, while enterin a fighting stance.\n\n\"Have at thee!\"" }, { "author": "Barom Wind-Chaser", "message": "\"Heh, ya really are serious, aren't ya? If nothin' else, I respect yer guts. Lets see if ya got the skill t' back it up!\" Barom said, grinning at the little bokoblin. Personally, he'd just as soon not skewer the little bokoblin, even if he professed loyalty to Ganon. If nothing else, Barom felt his courage earned him the right to live. But he wasn't going to make it easy for Roewin either. \n\nBarom entered a fighting stance himself, holding his spear at the ready. Watching the bokoblin and his daggers closely, he swung his spear at Roewin in a wide horizontal arc, seeking to bash him with the shaft. \"But let's get one thing straight. I ain't no defector or traitor. Tha' implies I was ever on Ganon's side in the first place.\"" }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "Seeing the spear come towards him, the bokoblin leapt backwards, rolled a small distance away, then got right back onto his feet.\n\nRoewen was terribly outranged, but he was fast. Very much so, for a bokoblin. One could compare his speed to that of a lizalfos'. With that, the bokoblin quickly closed the distance, dashing forward at the end of the moblin's swing, before attempting an attack of his own. Roewen swung his weapon at Barom's left leg, hoping to possibly throw him off balance.\n\n\"I respect 'yer' guts too, towering one!!\"" }, { "author": "Barom Wind-Chaser", "message": "Barom was keeping an eye on the Bokoblin, but he didn't expect one to be that bloody quick on his feet. He dodged back out of reach of the spear swing, then just as quickly darted in close. Too close for Barom to use the spear to his annoyance. Even as Barom backpedaled, there was a glint of the knife, a flash of pain, and a line had been cut in the side of Barom's trousers. The moblin's hide was thick and blunted the strike, but a little blood still started oozing out. It wasn't a bad cut, but first blood still went to Roewen.\n\nBarom, meanwhile, was trying to get a little more distance so he could use the spear effectively. He lashed out with a vicious kick, trying to boot the bokoblin further away from himself. Still, despite the cut, Barom was grinning. This fight wasn't going to be as easy or boring as he thought." }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "Roewen saw this kick coming– of course, getting as close as he did was sort of asking for it... But that didn't stop it from connecting. The bokoblin wheezed as his opponent's foot connected with his body, sending him flying backwards. Roewen used the momentum from this kick to tumble out of the spear's effective melee range and switch to a more defensive stance. He flipped his dagger upright, and took a glance at his surroundings...\n\nHe landed near the pile of elk bones. Roewen got up, grabbed one, and hurled it at the moblin's face, hoping to distract him or throw him off.\n\nAll the while, Roewen was grinning too. He loved a good fight, no matter how much taller his opponent was than him." }, { "author": "Barom Wind-Chaser", "message": "Barom felt the kick connect, but was pleased to see the bokoblin wasn't down yet. Instead, his opponent got up, and started hurling the bones at him. They were annoying, and largely bounced off of his hide, but they did compel Barom to hold up a hand to shield his face from them. Wouldn't do to get a rib in his eye after all. Lowering his head, he charged forward for the Bokoblin, seeking to close the distance and bring his spear back into play. As he charged, he swung the spear shaft again, yet the strike wasn't as accurate as he would have liked, as the bones kept bouncing off of his head and forcing Barom to protect his vision." }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "Oof. That kick hurt... As resilient as Roewen was, what with being a blue bokoblin and all, it still hurt like hell. Moblins are known for their strength, and this was made especially apparent now. Still, Roewen toughed it out and kept fighting.\n\nAside from that, everything was going as planned... The bokoblin prepared for the moblin's next swing, which was made inaccurate by the amount of bones pelting his face. A perfect opening! Roewen took this opportunity to duck underneath the swing and past Barom's arm, positioning himself behind his opponent.\n\nRoewen weighed his options. He could slash at the moblin's back, but then he'd be open to another kick; he probably couldn't take another kick and stay standing. Perhaps he could latch onto the moblin like an angry little squirrel climbing a tall muscular tree, but he also risked getting shaken off.\n\nFor now, Roewen started running circles around Barom. The bokoblin swiftly and carefully weaved his way around the moblin's legs, making himself hard to keep track of, and even harder to hit... And Roewen was fast. Remarkably so. That was his greatest quality." }, { "author": "Barom Wind-Chaser", "message": "It was quickly becoming annoyingly clear that this fight wasn't one that Barom could simply outmuscle. Despite being larger and stronger than the bokoblin, that meant little if he was too slow to actually land a hit. And now Roewen was literally running circles around him. Barom swung his spear at him a couple times, but it simply passed through the empty air where Roewen had been. \n\nHe needed to change things up a bit. Since Roewen was quick to use his camp against him by throwing the bones, Barom figured he could do the same. He leaped back, landing near the large fire where he had been smoking the elk meat. He hoped that putting his back to the fire would keep the Bokoblin from running around him. \n\nGlad he had sturdy boots, Barom spun and kicked at the fire itself. A large chunk of ash, embers, sparks, and a burning hunk of fragmenting wood were launched in Roewin's general direction. He hoped to distract his opponent with the fire and embers, at least long enough to get a hit in." }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "A piece of flaming wood landed in Roewen's bandana, and the fire quickly consumed it. He had to remove the burning accessory from himself before it spread to the rest of his very flammable body. Squealing a bit from the pain, the bokoblin cut the bandana off of his neck with his dagger, and tossed the burning mass back at the moblin.\n\nSome embers got on his arm wraps too. His attention shifted to his arms, instead of the fight at hand. Roewen flailed and shook and jumped around rapidly, trying to put the fire on his arms out. Barom's distraction had worked." }, { "author": "Barom Wind-Chaser", "message": "The large moblin was quick to seize his opportunity. His boots pounding on the grassy clearing soil, he barreled forward for the bokoblin. As he ran, he reached out to snatch the burning bandana from the air. The fire stung his hand, but his tough moblin hide resisted the flames as they were promptly smothered.\n\nRather than using his spear again, Barom instead reached out to seize Roewen in a grapple. He thought if he could grab onto his smaller, faster opponent, he could keep him from using his speed to his advantage. That, and Barom did want to put out the flames he had caused. After the fight was all said and done, Barom figured he owed a healing balm or two if there were any burns, and probably a new bandana." }, { "author": "_d6", "message": "Roewen was caught a bit off guard this time. He lost his footing, but did not hit the ground. Instead, he found himself being lifted off of it... And a burning sensation! The smaller monster squealed like a piglet as he wriggled and struggled to break free from the moblin's grasp.\n\nBarom was strong, but Roewen was dextrous. He managed to free one arm; his dominant one, that held his dagger. He fumbled for it, and attempted to jab at the monster's arm.\n\nNow, if this were a real fight, he'd go for the wrists. However, Roewen did not intend to kill a fellow monster." }, { "author": "Barom Wind-Chaser", "message": "Barom grinned as he snagged Roewen in a mean bear hug. The big moblin knew he had the advantage, yet Roewen wasn't going to give up easily it seemed. It was tricky holding onto his wriggling form, and the bokoblin managed to get a hand free with a knife. Barom felt a sharp stab in one of his arms. \n\nNow, had this been a serious fight, Barom could easily fold the bokoblin in two. But at the same time, Roewen could have as easily gone for the neck with the knife. At best, Barom could get a phyrric victory, and in all probablility bleed out soon after. After a moment, the moblin just let go, dropping Roewen to the ground. \"Yeah, I'm callin' this one a tie,\" Barom said, \"Yer dang fast, ya know that?\"\n\nPicking up his spear again, he used the head to nudge the burning wood back into order. He also stomped out the few stray flames caused by his improvised attack with the fire. It wouldn't do to start a forest fire after all. \"Sorry 'bout th' bandana. Could make ya a new one if ya wants. I gots some spare leather I could use fer it.\" Barom offered." }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "The bokoblin fell to the ground with a small thud and an accompanying grunt. Groaning, he sat up and dusted himself off.\n\n\"Grroooaaah... Yeah-... A tie.\"\n\nThe bokoblin shook himself off like a dog. His big goofy ears flopped around as he did, with the earrings on them jingling like little bells. His body was a little bruised and burnt, but he took it like a champ.\n\nHe looked up at Barom, with much newfound respect.\n\n\"You're a pretty damn good fighter too, y'know... Impressive stuff. This was interestin'.\"\n\nThe bokoblin stood back up, winced, and clutched his side. Moblins kick pretty damn hard, huh...\n\n\"...Yeah, ya owe me a new bandana.\"" }, { "author": "Barom Wind-Chaser", "message": "\"Thanks. An' I'm serious 'bout th' tie too. Ya coulda got me good with th' dagger in th' grapple. Coulda taken a shot at my neck.\" Barom said, sitting down by his fire and rummaging around in his belongings for a bit. Eventually, he pulled out a simple looking clay jar. When he opened it up, the aroma of a mixed healing herb balm could be smelled. Using a couple of fingers, he spread some of the balm over his cuts. \"'ere. Spread some of this on yer burns an' wherever it 'urts. It'll 'elp them 'eal better. It's a recipe Old Giromha taught me.\" Barom offered, holding the jar out to Roewen.\n\nWhile Roewen tended to his wounds, Barom got to work. Grabbing some leatherworking tools, he started cutting out a square of the material from a lighter leather. \"Listen, I like ya, ya gots guts an' yer good in a scrap. Ya sure ya want t' keep followin' Ganon?\" Barom asked. \"Ya could go far on yer own.\"" }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "He accepted this healing balm, sorta getting it all over his hands and stuff. Kinda messy, but whatever... But as he was applying it, he stopped in his tracks. Roewen looked up at Barom as if he'd just said the most insane thing ever said.\n\n\"...What? I'unno if I heard'ja right, but you said somethin' about turning my back on Ganon? Ganon's given me the gift of eternal life and power, and you expect me to turn my back on him... And so easily too. It wouldn't work, I'm just a bokoblin, not much more than a pest or a nuisance to these people...\"\n\n...But Barom could still see in Roewen's eyes, that he was indeed giving that suggestion some thought and consideration.\n\n\"B'sides... Workin' under Ganon's all I've ever known...\"" }, { "author": "Barom Wind-Chaser", "message": "\"Yeah, I get tha'. 'ard t' find anyone willin' t' give people like us a shot,\" Barom said, nodding as Roewen spoke. Having gotten a good cut of the light leather, he started using the tools to finish it up, binding the edges and making a few decorations on it. \"But maybe if... When I gets my tribe together again, ya could join us. I know it's a big ask, but we're nothin' t' th' likes of Ganon. Jus' disposable fodder t' throw at th' cities' walls. I don' remember much of my time enthralled, but I remember jus' bein' thrown into battle after battle. Died a few times too.\"\n\n\"Ya don' gotta decide right away. I know it's a lot. An' it ain' easy either, ain' gonna lie.\" Barom said. \"But jus' think it over. There's other ways out there. An' from wha' I've seen on tha' funny talkin' parchment, there's folks out there tha' will give people like us a chance, despite everythin'.\"" }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "The idea of true independence was a tantalizing one... Roewen had thought about it a few times, but was always too afraid to try. After all, he'd never known anything else besides working under Ganon. What would happen if he suddenly chose not to? Would he be labelled a deserter? Would his allies turn against him? Would he be alone in this world?\n\n...It seemed like Barom was doing just fine. Maybe because he's strong; moblins tend to be a lot stronger independently. Bokoblins tend to rely heavily on strength in numbers because they're weak on their own. But today, Roewen had proven his ability to keep up in combat, even with someone like Barom... Perhaps... Perhaps maybe the thought of independence from Ganon wasn't as far-fetched as he has initially believed...\n\nNow, he could sit here and theorize about it all day, or he could just jump right into it and see how it goes. Gives him something to think over for tonight.\n\nThe bokoblin took a seat, taking a moment to rest by the fire. He had nothing else to say, but he'd occasionally look up at Barom every now and then." }, { "author": "Barom Wind-Chaser", "message": "Roewen wasn't saying much, but for now that was good enough for Barom. The bokoblin was actually thinking it over, instead of rejecting it outright. Barom figured he said what he could, and trying to convince Roewen further would just irritate him. He just let Roewen think, while he worked on the new bandana. \n\nEventually, Barom finished it up. It was a simple affair, but made of rugged leather meant it would survive the rigors of travel better than cloth. Not to mention, it would be more resistant to fire. Barom did add a geometric pattern around the border, a simple design of strong lines and sharp angles. \"Here,\" He said, tossing it to Roewen. \"Jus' a quick work, but it gets th' job done.\"\n\n\"Also, would ya do me a favor? If ya see any moblins like me around, lemme know.\" Barom asked. \"Most moblins here are th' lanky tall type, with tha' huge horn. So odds are, any boar moblins are from my tribe. I'm tryin' to find 'em, and gather 'em up again after we all gots scattered.\"" } ]	189	4,289
242.25	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "The Hero's Shade", "message": "The Ocarina of Time lowers from spectral lips, a spiritual form of his former self. Shade's ears twitch, moving through the secret path he takes to warp his way close to Saria. Armor clanking echoed around him as he walked through the Ether and reached... The Lost Woods. \n\nApprehension filled practically every part of it. As it walked, the form it had carefully tried to keep faded away. The illusion left nothing but bones behind. The last thing he wanted to do was scare his friend. But staying away from the comfort of someone who he would consider to be like his older sister... Especially after so long and Especially When he had never gotten to see her ever again once he had left the Kokiri Forest... \n\nA red light pierced the fog, the sound of bones and armor rattling at a quickened rate— and slowing when it finally approached. A figure.\n\n... Who was older. Another thing. She was Older, Not the same either Saria had said.\n\n\"... Saria...\" Disbelief. That was what it was. The emotion that tinged his voice so wet. Not the tears threatening to escape, somehow he was able to hold back that which he shouldn't be able to do." }, { "author": "- Saria, Your Forever Friend", "message": "She'd been waiting. That was evident enough, the girl sat on a rock with her legs kicking out. Her fairy raised idly over her shoulder, fluttering about with that musical chime of their own. The Fairy Ocarina held in her hands carefully, eyes on the ground.\n\nAlmost like so many years ago, waiting on a stump for someone destined to leave.\n\nHer head raised and eyes widened, for a moment startling as a short gasp left her. Though it fades into something more sharp, focused. Then... It softens, all at once it's smoothed with sorrow as she moves to stand, voice tinged with sympathy.\n\n\"Oh, Link...\"\n\nThe ocarina is tucked into a bag at her side as she approaches without fear. How could she? She'd recognize her little brother no matter what he looked like, he was Hers. And oh, how time had been cruel to him. Her hands reach out to clasp one of his carefully, offering a smile pulled by sadness.\n\n\"Oh my friend... I've missed you. I'm sorry we had to find each other like this.\"" }, { "author": "The Hero's Shade", "message": "Saria was older. When she had spoken of leaving the forest, it was fear that gripped his very soul. But when he listed to the voice that filtered through the parchment, a voice much like light filtering through trees in his mind, it only confirmed the suspicions. But to see one's sister, who was supposed to be young forever, Older...\n\nA teenager, maybe. Maybe the same age Link had been when he pulled the sword.\n\nLink... The name jarred him. It felt like it wasn't his anymore, Had Felt like... But between Zelda and now Saria...\n\nShade's hand squeezed Saria's gently, its head tilted downwards. That red light in its skull flickered like a dying candle. It was here that it began to cry. Tears that were strange, shined strangely like fairy water. It make no move to stop the flow, instead it lowered itself onto its knees. It knew from last time that may be best to do. \n\n\"I am... I have missed you, too. For years. Centuries, maybe. Too long. I tried. I tried very hard to get back to you. To everyone. Even Mido...\"\n\nA short chuckle, though shaking, leaves him. \"I am... Glad that my being here has allowed me to see you again. I am glad I did not rest just yet.\"" }, { "author": "- Saria, Your Forever Friend", "message": "\"How could the woods be so cruel to the boy it helped raise...\"\n\nThere's melancholy thick in her voice, hands shifting to carefully cup the bones of his face. Her thumb shifts to wipe the tears from his cheek as though nothing had changed. Because it hadn't. Though they may be different now, a simple appearance could not jar the soul.\n\nYes, it was strange. She's fought many Stalchildren, even Stalfos, in her search. It came with the nature of camping under moonlight. She could have never expected her dear friend to suffer such a curse, and it pained her. To know their home rejected him, because it was the only thing to make sense.\n\nHe did not deserve it.\n\n\"We all missed you dearly. Even... Haha, even Mido was worried. You'd always been different, but I couldn't help but want to find you and make sure you were okay. I'm- I'm so happy to see you\"." } ]	242.5	969
195	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Shadow, Monochrome Hero", "message": "Funny thing about the lost woods... It was, shocker, very easy to get lost. \n\n\"Dang. Hopefully he can find me, because I'm sure lost.\" \n\nThey squinted at the drawn map from Vio... They'd at least tried to replicate it, at least. It got lost in the parchment pretty fast so they'd had to transfer it onto the journal they frequently carried around. \n\n...It would help if they knew the landmarks. But this Hyrule was very different from the one he'd once tried to take over, plus the lost woods were Huge. \n\nVio was nearby, but that wasn't why he was here- at least not yet. Curiosity regarding their newfound friend came first, mainly because he wasn't entirely prepared to face Vio just yet regardless. \n\n\"Mmm. Yeah. I'm just gonna start walking in a random direction and hoping for the best.\" \n\nWhich was exactly what it did!" }, { "author": "\| Skull Kid -- Majora's Puppet", "message": "There was the rustling of leaves close, though there was nothing to be seen just yet. The Lost Woods were always winding, misty and obscured to make you lose your way and unable to see landmarks. Unable to keep your memories with you, liable to lose them.\n\n... Rustle rustle...\n\n\"Yahaha! Hee hee!\"\n\nWith the crunch of leaves and the chime of fae, from nothing fades into something. An imp-like creature, to be more specific, with leafy clothes and a strange mask adorning their face. A fairy hovers over their shoulder, bouncing along with the puppetesque beings movement.\n\n\"That's what the Koroks say,\" He cackles, raising a hand to where his mouth would be before he's raising off the ground and staring directly into the Shadow's eyes \"Hello! You must be the friend from that paper. I Told You I'd find you... I'm very good at hide and seek.\"\n\nIt pulls back from Shadow's face, tilting it's head.\n\n\"You looked a little lost, too!\"" }, { "author": "Shadow, Monochrome Hero", "message": "They'd definitely heard the rustling, though they weren't sure if it was natural noises or... What. When it heard the strange call however it jumped, turning to look around at surroundings only to step back as they were greeted by a...\n\nWell, it certainly wasn't what he had been expecting.\n\n\"Oh sweet! You did find me! That I am!\" He grins, doing a small bow when it steps away from them. \"Shadow, at your service! Here for the chaos, and a little bit of magic!\"\n\nHe glanced around at the following comment, shaking his head.\n\n I Was Lost. I guess that's why these woods are called what they are- I'm not used to navigating them anyhow.\" He snorts, before shrugging. \"Don't think we had em where I'm from, or at least I never had to touch em if we did?\"" }, { "author": "\| Skull Kid -- Majora's Puppet", "message": "\"You speak my language, Mister!\" He says, and one could almost imagine the grin he would have \"Magic and chaos are my favorites.\"\n\nThe imp laughs again, a childish thing though an unnatural tinge to it. It crosses its arms and leans back in empty air, though the wide eyes of the mask never leave. Though it's just a child... Nothing go be unsettled by. Nothing at all.\n\n\"Didn't have the Lost Woods, eh? Hmm, I guess that Would Make figuring them out harder... Hee hee! These ones are different from where I'm from too, but we figured it out.\"\n\nHe claps his hands together with a wooden crack, and just some does the mist lessen. Enough that the surroundings became clearer at least, held back by an intangible force. The kid moves a hand to rest under his chin after, and it became clear he was a rather animated individual... Though something about his movement remained almost jerky.\n\n\"So! What sort of game do you want to play, hmm?\"" }, { "author": "Shadow, Monochrome Hero", "message": "Good, he was glad their newfound friend shared a similar mindset! Chaos was always the best when it was in the name of fun. They were going to get along great. \n\nIt hums, however, nodding confirmation. \"Maybe we did and I just... Never noticed though. I was a biiiit preoccupied with... Other things. But that's besides the point.\" It shrugs. \n\nHe glances around at the clearness of the area all of a sudden, a grin making its way to their face. That Was cool. How'd they do that? As for games... They paused, thinking. \n\n\"I do have this bucket of glue from ghost man...\" As if seemingly from nowhere, the shadow pulls it out with a wider grin. \"Ythink we could do something with that?\"" } ]	195	975
195.714286	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "The Godkiller, Link", "message": "The moment \"Friend\" Said yes to the beach (though it took a bit of explaining), he reached his arm to loop around Friend's own, his other hand pushing the mask up and to the side to bring the conch shell at his neck up to his lips. The horn blows, a three note rising song, and a whirlwind of sand and shells surrounded the two. \n\nWhen the sand enveloped those who had vision fully, it dropped straight down. And before them was the ocean. The scent of the sea filled Gold's nose, and his ears twitched with the familiarity of the shifting beneath his feet. Even if this is not his ocean, it was soothing in a way he could not describe. \n\n\"There we are. It is startling the first time, Friend, are you okay? ... I am unsure if there is anyone around.\"" }, { "author": "Kurran", "message": "Friend (as he now thought of as his name) had not really known what Gold had meant by going 'to the beach' except that Gold had explained water and sand... And plenty of opportunities to hunt food. With his desire to find 'the King' and serve them fulfilled, Friend didn't have much in the way of complex goals, and he didn't bother to try to think of any. \n\nFood was good a motivation as it had always been, so he'd let Gold take his arm and blow on... Something. Friend couldn't remember the name, and he didn't care anyway. \n\nHe regretted his decision a moment later, and when the two arrived at the beach, Friend was clinging to Gold with a vice-like grip, shivering violently. \n\nHe hissed, spat out sand, and clung to Gold tightly, too startled to speak." }, { "author": " Link \"The Heroes Combined\"", "message": "Their head raises, ears tilting up... Before deciding it must just be locals.\n\nFierce had just begun getting their things together from the inn. Their armor resolutely in place, gilded sword strapped to their back, and every item they need on hand. They didn't want to stick around too long, and what better time then right after awakening. \n\nThe traveling swordsman did take one moment though. Sitting by one of the docks the pale haired Link was, chewing idly at some bread they'd managed to trade for earlier. It wasn't exactly fresh, but it wasn't stale enough to bother them for now. It served fine enough to satiate their hunger as they stared out into the open sea, letting the smell of salt soothe their nerves.\n\n... It... Was a strange hour for locals to be out. They could hear just distant voice and spitting. Hm. It... It is fine. They will be leaving momentarily anyways.\n\nSomehow, they aren't quite reassured." }, { "author": "The Godkiller, Link", "message": "There's a soft, echoed laughter that titters out of him, a hand going up to place itself in Friend's hair. He smooths it down by dragging his nails down the scalp. He dusts any excess sand off the shoulders and out of the hair from Friend, and then does the same for himself. \n\n\"It is alright, my friend, listen to the waves, the scent of the ocean. We need you. We need your eyes. To see who is around. I must face straight forward for now, until then.\"\n\nGold faces the ocean. He knows this because it is loudest ahead, and there is the edges of something moving against his boots. The waves gently lapping there. \n\n... It wants to know. Was the strange one here. Clock. Wants to speak in person. Hear the voice. Or perhaps just to have them know that it can Be Here." }, { "author": "Kurran", "message": "The hand smoothing his hair seems to calm Friend, oddly enough. He seems to enjoy the touch, even leaning into it a little. His ears flick at the sound of the waves, and he lets go of Gold to look over at the ocean. He licks his lips, tasting salt from the air. \n\n...This is a beach. Ocean. With each thing Friend sees and identifies, his confused mind settles just a little more. \n\nHis attention is taken by Gold's voice, and the Sheikah glances back at him. Yes. His friend is blind. And friends help each other. So he forgets the fear of the strange object and whirling sand and takes in the landscape, searching. \n\nHe has no name for 'docks', so his mind does not register as it, but he Does Register the figure sitting at it. He tugs at Gold's arm.\n\n\"Person. Near water. Want to go over, friend?\"" }, { "author": " Link \"The Heroes Combined\"", "message": "The longer they ignore it, the worse the feeling becomes.\n\nTheir eyes narrow, and they don't know how to describe it other than a pit. That something keeps falling, and perhaps that something belongs to them. It's difficult to place, but it is both troublesome and annoying.\n\nTurn around. Just turn around and check. If it's nothing, than you are fine.\n\nThere's a crunch of them taking another bite of their food, before raising their head. It turns, and pale eyes widen. No. This is not right. This can not happen now, this can not be alright. They're half tempted to continue to ignore it- ignore that Mask- and simply leave.\n\nThey know they've been seen though. There is nothing they can do but turn their head back to the ocean, and wait." }, { "author": "The Godkiller, Link", "message": "Gold can feel Friend relax against him, and a smile creeps onto his face. The mask is shifted back down from is slightly lifted place. It truly does not take long for Friend to focus back up, which is very good. It means he can check around.\n\nFortune strikes, of course, it has always struck since the Mask has joined him. A few exceptions, but those are to be expected. There is a tilt of the head, but Gold turns his head to face the sound of Friend's voice and the tug. \n\n\"Yes, yes. Let us go say hello... It is louder here, I may have a harder time following your footsteps if you move quiet. But take us closer, friend.\"\n\nIt is trying so hard not to rattle. It must know first who this curious one is. Who acts surprised upon arrival, and then suddenly cordial. Who keeps getting visitors." }, { "author": "Kurran", "message": "\"I will lead, friend.\"\n\nHe takes Gold's hand and gives it a small tug, indicating his friend should follow his lead. \n\nAs they get closer, it strikes him this person is strange. They look strange. He doesn't think people look like that. But his friend wants to talk to them, so he will lead his friend.\n\nHe stops a couple feet away from the strange person.\n\n\"Here, friend. You face them.\"\n\nHe stares at this person himself, unblinking. He is tense... Poised, it seems, to either flee or attack if he thinks his friend is in danger." }, { "author": " Link \"The Heroes Combined\"", "message": "They can hear them as they approach. The shift of sand under their steps, hidden amongst the sounds of the sea. Each one feels like a countdown, and once more that feeling pools within.\n\nThey take a breath of salt filled air.\n\n\"... Can I help you two? I was just about to leave\".\n\nThe question is asked pointedly. A quiet and raspy voice hardly above the noise of the sea, similarly hindered by how flat it was delivered. No annoyance certainly, but not much of anything as Fierce turns their head to regard them both.\n\nTheir eyes shift to the crack in the mask, then to the strange companion at their side, before turning away." }, { "author": "The Godkiller, Link", "message": "The bandaged hand tightens when grasped, and Gold allows himself to be led, his head tilting slightly to listen above the waves. His ears seemed to always be raised for this reason. He is thankful, though, for his cloak. It was a bit cold at night, here. \n\nBut as they stopped, and the two heard the voice— the mask rattles in place. Shifting small motions by tilting. Yes, this one. This is the curious one. The voice is the same. Though it was very quiet compared to the roar of the sea. \n\n\"Hello again, strange friend. Clock? Yes? I heard you were leaving the ocean. What fortune that we would be nearby.\" \n\nGold had no way of knowing what this person looked like, and he was unsure as to why they were so interested. But a friend, though strange and hiding secrets, is a friend that could be gathered nonetheless.\n\n\"This is my new traveling companion. His name is Friend, you see. Knows not his own. I am curious, though, you see. You gather a lot of people wishing to speak with you.\"" }, { "author": "Kurran", "message": "He tilts his head, watching this strange person. He doesn't like their voice. He doesn't like it at all. He doesn't know why it bothers him, but he keeps himself close to his friend, just in case.\n\n\"I am Friend,\" He agrees, pleased to simply have a name. \n\nHe feels less confused with a name. He is Friend and Servant, and he is content in this. \n\nHe doesn't say anything more, content to watch and listen. His friend wants to speak to this strange person, and while he does, it is up to Friend to keep watch for any danger.\n\nFor now, he is calm and content, his raging mind stilling." }, { "author": " Link \"The Heroes Combined\"", "message": "\"Seems people decided I had something worth saying\".\n\nIt's again one of those vague truths. Where what he is saying is correct and carries that strength, yet answers so very little. A strong tendency from them thus far, as wood shifted under their legs as they stood from the dock to turn. Regard them fully, as much as they loathe the very sight of that mask.\n\n\"I take it you are Gold, then. To put it short, Asano is a friend of mine. The Champion had questions regarding temporal phenomena. I'm not exactly what one would call particularly \"Social\"\".\n\nHis very fractured, combined soul burned at just that rattle. He kept still enough, kept his voice level enough, but oh how hearing it in person was worse. They're lucky to be so expressionless now. Were they anything less but steel, then they would be molten.\n\n\"A pleasure to meet you and Friend, though. I hadn't expected your arrivals\"." }, { "author": "The Godkiller, Link", "message": "Gold is grateful, that Friend is close enough to brush against every now and then. It lets him know that he's here. Because while it is always the two of them, sometimes even then it becomes lonely. \n\nAnd Boring. \n\n\"Champion... And *Asano.\" Champion. Like a title. Asano, like a name. The titles and named. This meant that Champion is also him. A Link. Like the one before him. One must understand. One of them must understand us, right?\n\n\"... Not social... You remind me faintly, of a friend I once had. It's a shame. We played, back and forth, for a very long time. I was so sorrowful when he broke.\"\n\nThe mask rattles.\n\n\"It is a pleasure. I think we must go, though. Off to rest, and continue on our way. I am searching, you see, for strength.\"" }, { "author": "Kurran", "message": "Vague words from both. To Friend's fractured mind, they are nonsensical. He doesn't want to think too much on it. Trying to think too much hurts and fills him with a strange, empty feeling he can't describe.\n\nAlmost like his heart aches.\n\nHe doesn't like it, so he just leans against his friend, enjoying the contact. It makes him feel safe.\n\n\"Strength,\" He agrees. \"I am friend and servant, and I help find strength.\"\n\nHe sounds pleased with such a concept, and he again leans against his friend much like a cat seeking affection." }, { "author": " Link \"The Heroes Combined\"", "message": "That clicks in a way that they cannot ignore, even for trying.\n\nTheir hands curl tightly into fists, and they turn their head to the side as an inhuman snarl pulls at their lips. The sound is soft, they Force It to be soft, but the teeth that lie within are not. Sharp, long canines that did not belong on something so close to Hylian. \n\nIt's hard to bite your tongue, when it strikes in a way far too close to the heart.\n\nSorrowful Is not a word that should escape this beings tongue. If the Deity of whatever timeline this was had been broken, they have their doubts it was by man. Sorrowful. What a joke. Though when did Majora ever do anything else?\n\n\"Strength, then,\" They say, taking a breath and turning their head back \"You both search for strength. For a reason I must assume. Do you care to tell? Admittedly, I am curious\".\n\nIt takes everything within them to not take that mask here and now. It takes everything within them to keep from returning the favor." }, { "author": "The Godkiller, Link", "message": "Ears twitch, just barely picking up on a noise but it cannot quite be placed. It comes to his attention that perhaps the ocean was not a good place to meet anymore. I already had a bad experience with the ocean, remember? I told you. \n\nIt is no matter. If something was done, or said, Friend would tell him— yes? \n\nFriend leans up against Gold, so of course he places a hand atop his head again. It may appear a particularly strange sight... To be certain. But the mask tilts nonetheless, the almost glowing eyes staring and staring. \n\n\"He finds strength to protect his king. Our game. We Find strength to finish my quest. I want to be in my own era to finish it, but I could also liberate this era too. It is a gift, I think, we could give.\"" }, { "author": "Kurran", "message": "He enjoys the head pats, but he catches the soft sound of a growl, and he growls in response. \n\nIs that... Person growling at his friend? That won't stand. Not at all.\n\nHe moves with feline grace, coming to stand in front of his friend, crouched slightly. Ruby red eyes glare at the stranger, a warning clear in them. He will protect his friend. \n\n\"My friend will find strength,\" He says, his voice still partially a growl. \"You. Do not touch my friend.\"\n\nHe wants to leave. He doesn't like this.\n\n\"Friend,\" He says. \"They want to hurt you.\"\n\nHe knows the intent. He knows the gaze of a predator. He won't let his friend he hurt." }, { "author": " Link \"The Heroes Combined\"", "message": "\"Do not speak to me like that\".\n\nThe words were ground out sharply, sternly. If that weren't enough, they stepped forward themselves. Their eyes held no fear- in fact, they held nothing. No pupils, no reflection, just burning white Light.\n\nKurran is grabbed by the front of his robes roughly, pulled down to look Fierce in the eyes. That same snarl shows on their face again, all teeth and frustration, before he speaks. Quiet, rasped, and yet straight to the point.\n\n\"If I was going to hurt anyone here, I would have. So keep your tongue to yourself. Whatever part of this game you partake in, I do not care. We aren't touching anyone that doesn't give us issues\".\n\nKurran is released with a push back, those white eyes rising to meet with the ones of the other mask.\n\n\"This land has suffered enough. If you \"Gift\" Means further anguish, you will find it hard to have any kindness left towards you\"." }, { "author": "The Godkiller, Link", "message": "It was a sickly sort of sweet, the feeling that Gold felt when Friend stepped forward to protect him. Something like pride, but not quite. At a certain point it becomes a murky slurry of emotions that cannot be pinpointed whose is which anymore. \n\nPerhaps why he could not label it. It may have been too complex.\n\nBut what he does know, is he hears movement. The gripping of cloth. The harsh rattle of the mask. \n\nDispleased. Ears lowered slightly. That's Mine. My servant. My toy. Mine.\n\nA body that was once slack, casual, grew taut and straight. It was quick. \n\nThe moment it heard the cloth be released, heard shifting back, a longsword was unsheathed and swung— rigid, automatic— the tip managing to land just at the neck of Clock. The head tilts. \n\n\"He is Mine. They are both Mine. You are Lucky. I do not have time for you. Apologize, now.\" The echo is Harsh, angry. The eyes of the mask seem to glow brighter with the moonlight hitting it." }, { "author": "Kurran", "message": "He snarls, wishing he still hand fangs. Unlike the other two, fear coats this Sheikah. Fear of the unknown, fear of the being that he knows could easily harm him. He is weak, weak, Weak. Soft and vulnerable. \n\nI am supposed to be a hunter. A warrior. Protector.\n\nHe remembers That Clearly now. He is a servant and a protector. So he must protect his friend, who must also be his King. \n\nOnce lowered, he retreats, pressing against his friend, seeking comfort, seeking safety and most of all, seeking the knowledge his friend is still here for him. \n\n\"My friend,\" He says. \"My king. I am his servant. Don't touch him. Don't hurt him.\"\n\nThere is... A pleading note to his voice? He sounds genuinely distressed. The only person to give him any purpose, to help him understand what he needs to do. He doesn't want his friend hurt. He remembers a servant is supposed to belong to their king, and his friend is his king, so this is what's right. \n\n\"My king,\" He says, again. \"My king needs me.\"\n\nThat distress in his voice again. What could he be think of?" }, { "author": " Link \"The Heroes Combined\"", "message": "\"A Puppet,\" His voice hisses \"Of course you'd pull someone vulnerable under your thumb. You always do. You're nothing without them after all\".\n\nHe doesn't apologize, not even close. He'd rather die again than do anything that Majora tells them. Even with a sword so close to his throat, he doesn't relent. He isn't scared any longer. All he feels, is raw Rage.\n\nHe growls before it's a snarl. Before he thinks they're moving, head shifting back before using his bracer to shove the weapon to the side. His own empty hands do not stay such, sound akin to the ticking of a clock as he finds his weapon. Heavy in any hand but his own, as they shift back.\n\n\"You, are lucky. I would love to shatter you here and now. You make it very tempting\"." }, { "author": "The Godkiller, Link", "message": "A arm wraps around Friend, the muscles beneath it leaner than they should be but still flexed and ready. The hand moves, soothing, up and down Friend's arm. This was more fluid, instinctual. But the arm holding up the sword is held aloft like marionette strings. Up until it's shoved aside. \n\nThe blade flourishes instead, spinning and swiping out to Gold's right side. Right handed. In his ears he hears the sound of a clock... Like the nickname. \n\n\"You will not.\" It's certain, almost nauseatingly so. \"You will let us walk away. Because you are softened. I am still playing a game.\" The mask tilts to the right as the sword is sheathed. \n\n\"I think I will like this new one we have, dragon. But you have to let me prepare first, otherwise it's unfair. So, these toys are mine until I am done.\" Hostages. They are tarnished toys but they can certainly be broken." }, { "author": "Kurran", "message": "He relaxes under the touch, soothed. He had been starved for touch for so long... It felt good to be comforted. \n\nHe doesn't speak, though he bares his teeth at the person in a silent snarl. He doesn't like them. He is not a puppet. He is a servant to his king, and that is a good thing, \n\nIt is Right. \n\nIf he had been of more sound mind, perhaps the Sheikah would have been alarmed at being called a toy. As it were, his mind was still too confused to truly understand the implications. He only knew his friend was comforting him while this other was threatening him." }, { "author": " Link \"The Heroes Combined\"", "message": "\"Threatening those you've made cling to you, for your own continued existence\" They growled, \"How characteristic. Truly the same as ever, Majora\".\n\nBy now he's well aware the ruse is well over with. They both know, for better and for worse. Though at least in this exchange they have learned, and it had best be enough. Majora was weaker, that crack means only such a thing- a crack in their masks was like injury to most. It siphons energy, and now he knows why Majora hasn't simply wrought ruin in a single motion.\n\nIt Can't.\n\nThat would have to serve as enough ease for now. Though the mission it has deluded its host into embarking could only spell horrid things, it would not be able to do so in an instance. They have time, or at least more time than they thought, to plan. To see what can be done, and whether or not the puppets can be salvaged. Though he desperately wants to end them both here- if there is something worth living in there, it'd be a shame to snuff it out.\n\nAre they softened? Has being mortal, bound to one, truly caused him to let go so quickly? Were he the same as he once was, he'd not hesitate. Yet here...\n\n\"... Fine\" He muttered out, shifting to raise himself to his height. \"A game it shall be, mask. We have the days, after all\".\n\nThere's a pause, a breath. Then the voice that comes returns to that steady calm. That monotone of nothing, detached and unheld.\n\n\"What shall this game be, old friend\"?" }, { "author": "The Godkiller, Link", "message": "There's an agreement made, a silent one. The both of them know that it is not fully powerful. It only makes sense to rely on things other than power for a time. However, it still poises its vessel to steel himself, to listen for the sound of a weapon swing. \n\nIt... Is excited. It's friend has come back. The hand that comforts squeezes lightly, as if knowing what was said himself. Protective. Comforting. He Tries. \n\n... A rattle sounds. Yes. I knew it was going to work. You have grown soft. Or perhaps you have missed my games?\n\nIf Majora could grin, it certainly would right now. \n\n\"Yes! Yes, old friend, yes. This will be a game of focus. All of your focus is on the disgusting sludge in the rivers. If you are all trained on that, there is not Enough On Me. You fix that first, and then we shall play a Proper Game. But you will have to find me again. Cat and mouse.\"" }, { "author": "Kurran", "message": "Ruby eyes flickered between both beings, much like a cornered animal trying to decide how to flee. He wasn't enjoying this... He didn't like the two were speaking. He didn't like the way they acted toward each other. His friend was starting to make him nervous. \n\nBe patient. Watch. Observe.\n\nHis mind whispered to him, old instincts that belong both to leopard and Sheikah. He remembers battles... And he remembers no battle was won without careful observation. \n\nSo, again, he says nothing. He simply watches.\n\nObserves.\n\nAnd slowly begins to learn." }, { "author": " Link \"The Heroes Combined\"", "message": "\"A game of focus,\" They repeat slow, that glow of their eyes dulling till pale irises can be seen once more \"On the nightmare infestation. You desire an audience\".\n\nIt's only natural. Of them both, Majora had always been the one that desired the attention. He can't imagine that it would be content to have that attention split between itself and something that could hardly appreciate it. So he hums in what sounds to be agreement. The Nightmare will come first, so the true game can begin. It doesn't bother him. He doubts the Shade will give up its observations, it will simply be biding time.\n\n\"The others seem to believe the nightmare takes priority... I see why that would be troublesome\" The Fierce Deity stated, tilting his head. \"Then I will ensure that it will be eradicated. So that our game may begin properly\".\n\nThere's that tick as his hands are freed. There are doubts that grow from within. It will use that time to grow stronger. It can't be trusted to simply lie dormant as the nightmare is dealt with. It will-\n\nAnd he knows. He understands the doubts, but curiosity is a strong thing. It'd be years since he'd had the opportunity to play their \"Game\" Of choice, and it was strange to be in the presence of something that they had killed. There was more to know, more to learn. If it were to grow stronger, then he too will simply have to match.\n\n\"Consider this a tenative agreement, for now\"." }, { "author": "The Godkiller, Link", "message": "There's a slow nod of agreement. Yes, that is exactly correct. There should not be any real surprise. They liked big, flashy acts. \n\nLike giving the moon a face, and bringing it crashing down into the planet. Well— not This Majora. But it was comperable to the Majora of the other timeline. Even if this one didn't know the story itself. \n\nIt certainly knew of the flashy way it finally defeated its own Fierce Deity. But... That was neither here nor there. Perhaps a story as a reward for finally starting their game together. Because it was so very interesting to be in front of something that they had killed once more, a second chance at it all.\n\n\"I am so glad you agree, old friend. It means the world! I shall be around, then. But I grow weary of talking. So come, Friend, we are leaving!\"\n\nGold's frame finally loosens, a shaking exhale leaving him. Ears twitch, as if regaining feeling or checking the surroundings before the mask turns to Friend. \n\n\"... We are leaving.\" Quieter, now, not as loud as Majora had once been." } ]	190.5	5,480
227.181818	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Marin - The Girl of your Dreams...", "message": "As she was waiting on the beach, she'd start walking up towards the entrance of the village. She looked for Light, not being able to find him at first until she did. Marin froze for a moment, thinking to herself \"Is that him...? Link? My Link?\"\n\nShe just stood there, in a bit of disbelief and stared. This... Felt real, looked real, smelt real... But part of her had trouble digesting it. Snapping out of it, she'd wave and start to walk towards him. \n\n\"...Link?\"" }, { "author": "Link, Hero of Light and Dark", "message": "He didn't know what he was expecting. He was the one who had agreed to give the girl company through this strange new world of Hyrule. With his Subrosian companion off to gather supplies for later travels, the Hero of Light and Dark was left to his own devices to find the songstress... Or the second one. Was she his? He didn't know.\n\nHe backpedaled toward the entrance, waiting around gently as he watched the Subrosian dash ahead energetically. Left to his own thoughts he turned his eyes skyward, narrowing as if he expected to spot that stupid whale flying overhead. The Windfish had brought him to that island, but it simultaneously held that harrowing truth over his head like the blade of the gallows. Koholint was a dream. But Marin was real.\n\n\"...Link?\"\n\nA light voice dragged him out of his thoughts, suddenly looking back down from the ground toward the way the sound came from. Having snapped out of his self-caused daze he nodded, adjusting the green cap on his head as the wind helped keep his pink hair out of his face. What was he supposed to say? The hero was at a loss for words, completely unlike any prior interactions with another version of the islander.\n\n\"Marin.\" He stated simply, his words feeling more like a quick exhale as he felt his breath catch. She was more real than he could've imagined, and he inwardly cursed himself for thinking that she wouldn't be. \"Hey.\"" }, { "author": "Marin - The Girl of your Dreams...", "message": "Seeing the hero in front of her, she studied him for a minute before saying anything else. He seemed like her Link... But a slight bit different. There were so many different thoughts going in her head that she could even focus on one. This whole world was new and different and... Sometimes was a little too much that it was scary. Marin got some courage and would ask... \n\n\"Are... Are you real?\"\n\nShe paused for a minute before continuing with what she was saying. Anyone could tell that she was nervous... Of course she wouldn't wanna admit that out of fear to worry anyone. \n\n\"Is this real...? Are you... My Link?\" \n\nThis was a lot for her, she wanted to cry... But was a little too scared to. Looking up at Link with her yellow-ish amber eyes, she smiled." }, { "author": "Link, Hero of Light and Dark", "message": "\"Yeah... Yeah. I'm real.\" Light was quick to respond, taking a gentle step closer to the redhead as she spoke. This was, admittedly, a lot to suddenly jump headfirst into. Sure, he could fight gods and giant monsters that could turn him to dust with a good hit or two, but that had no comparison to the uphill battle that was combatting his own emotions.\n\n\"This is real. I'm real, you're real. I just. Don't know if you're Mine.\" He forced, though he desperately wanted to believe it to be true. It had been way too long since he had seen his depiction of the island girl... The one who he thought he had killed when he woke up the Windfish. \"It's... Nice to see you again, regardless.\" He stated gently. What else could he really say? It'd be weird to just... Say everything he had wanted to say before he left." }, { "author": "Marin - The Girl of your Dreams...", "message": "After afirmation that this was, indeed real, she'd gently and slowly reach out a hand. Like when you see yourself in a reflection, she gently reached out to make sure. Despite this being real, it was all so dreamlike for her... Which as she thought about that, she couldn't even imagine how he felt.\n\n\"It's nice to see you again... Link.\" \n\nOnce again, she smiled and would gently hold the hero's hand. After just looking up at him, she'd get reminded \"Oh! That's right, I'm supposed to get my stuff.\" In all of the excitment to explore, see Link and everything else, she kinda forgot to pack. To be fair, it's not like she exactly had a lot besides herself and her lyre." }, { "author": "Link, Hero of Light and Dark", "message": "He watched as she reached a hand toward him, almost as if she was trying to discern if this was another dream or not. He couldn't blame her, all things considered. How do you go from living in a fake world to all of this? The Hero of Light and Dark hesitated a moment, waiting to see what she would do before he gently took her hand in his, breath catching.\n\nShe was real. He didn't quite know what he was expecting. His hand tightened around hers ever so slightly as he forced his thoughts deep down, like he wanted to say so much but was saving it for later, when he knew for sure if she was his own Marin. With a quick nod of his head, he managed to muster up a smile in return to her words. He'd have to push down all the things he wish he could tell her for another time, right now, she seemed to have something else to do in mind.\n\n\"So...\" He started, a sudden awkwardness falling over his voice. \"Adventuring. Do you have anything you need to grab?\" He asked. A sense of familiarity struck through the mind of the pink haired hero, there was a similar situation that had happened on the island... The memory was, like all things about the island that haunted his dreams, unforgettable." }, { "author": "Marin - The Girl of your Dreams...", "message": "After she would hold his hand a moment, the girl would just stare at him for a moment. Not in a creepy way but... Still in desbelief. This was real, this world, this Link... She was real. It was at this moment that she started to truly understand how much it was a miracle this was. She felt the hero's hand tighten around hers and she couldn't help but blush a little... Just like Link, she had many things she wanted to say. \n\nThe hero would remind Marin about the things she needed to grab, she perked up a little and stopped staring. \"I completely forgot about that...\" She thought... Even though she had already reminded herself about. The songstress couldn't help but laugh a little, seeming a bit embarrassed but admitting to the hero...\n\n\"I had completely forgotten about that. I'm so sorry... I guess I was just excited to see you. I don't have a lot with me so it won't take that long.\"\n\nHer grip loosened on Link's hand and she'd gently let go, smiling at him. The girl would say... \n\n\"I'll be right back, stay right here, alright?\"" }, { "author": "Link, Hero of Light and Dark", "message": "Their eyes locked, ocean blue and amber yellow staring at each other in shallow silence as they stood at the village entrance. Before Light could even respond, he felt the island girl's grip loosen before releasing his hand as she smiled at him. Things to grab, though according to her it wouldn't take but a moment.\n\n\"Stay right here, alright?\"\n\nShe offered a simple command, but the green capped hero looked quick to protest, as if he didn't want to leave her side just yet. It had been far too long since he had seen Marin- HIS Marin, that was. Four years, to be more exact. Sure, there was the other Marin who was now traveling with the Stable Trotters, but she was very clearly not his own. Begrudgingly (and to the humor of Courage herself), Light offered a nod in response to her words, simple and to the point. \"Right. I'll be waiting.\" He responded with a quick smile. It would be smarter to wait here anyways... His Subrosian companion would be coming to find them at some point as well. The only thing he'd have to deal with for the moment is the Goddess Farore's fit of laughter ringing in the back of his head. The Golden Boy was rather used to it.\n\nHe just hoped that she would be back soon." }, { "author": "Marin - The Girl of your Dreams...", "message": "She'd start to run to the Inn, not out of fear but because she didn't wanna be far. They had a lot to talk about... With a lot of traveling to do as well. Her heart was pounding from the interaction she had and from a new sense of excitement she got. It was like a big wave of deja-vu rolled over her...\n\"It's just like when Link was taking me to Animal Village...\" She thought to herself... But her thoughts slight continued. \"Except... Everything is new. Everything is real.\" Going into the Inn, she told the keeper and would grab her Lyre... That was it. She didn't have anything else besides the things she had on.\n\nAfter she told the Inn Keeper, there was a bit of shock. She was leaving already? But he'd start to tell everyone else. She'd walk towards Light once again... But then she'd start to run again. Marin would eventually slow down once she got closer but was slightly out of breath. She smiled again at the hero and would adjust herself to stand." }, { "author": "Link, Hero of Light and Dark", "message": "He watched as she ran off, debating following her before forcing himself to stay in place, motionless like a statue as Marin disappeared from sight. \"Just like when I took her to the animal village...\" The bearer of the Triforce thought to himself, releasing a breath that he hadn't realized he had been holding. Why was he getting so tense? It was just Marin. Just the girl he had thought he had killed four years ago when he woke up that stupid... Okay, well. He knew why he was tense at the very least. A few minutes passed as he took in the sights and sound of the town ahead of him, watching as a seagull flew overhead as he listened to the gentle crash of waves against the sandy shoreline not too far away.\n\nIt was peaceful. Unfortunately for the teen who could never back away from a good fight, it was a bit too peaceful for his liking. At least his Kakariko Village back home had some excitement every once in a while, especially if you went to the Milk Bar. This place just seemed like a run down little fishing town. He could feel Farore's words pulling at the back of his mind, a teasing tone as she whispered something along the lines of a teasing remark that was followed swiftly by a smacking sound from one of the goddess' sisters and a resounding exclamation. \"OW!\" Courage's bearer pouted in his head as another voice, Din's, interjected to chastise her. Tuning out the exploding argument in his head, Light's gaze redirected itself toward Marin when he spotted her dashing toward him, only to slow down as she got closer, out of breath. A lyre was in her hands, a familiar artifact he recognized from his own time in Koholint.\n\n\"Ready to go?\" He asked, tilting his head in anticipation." }, { "author": "Marin - The Girl of your Dreams...", "message": "After coming back to the hero, she took a minute to catch her breath and would stand straight up. It was clear that she was excited but not so obviously, she was extremely nervous. Internally, Marin would think to herself \"There's so much world to explore... To look at... To experience... It's all so overwhelming. However... I'd be a liar if I said I wasn't excited and didn't want to.\" The girl looked up at Link and would answer his question, starting to walk a little. \n\n\"Yep! All ready! Is there anything you need to do or get while we're here?\" \n\nMarin asked, looking back at him as she'd continue to walk foward. She was eager to go but maybe that was just the adrenaline kicking in." } ]	219	2,499
193.416667	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Princess Mipha", "message": "When had she and Link grown so distant? Was it due to her confession? She knew it was a ridiculous idea, but... Being in a world that's still plagued by Ganon's minions, she didn't want to take a chance with things being left unsaid. \n\nEven so, to find out passively that he and Zelda are now a couple, and that he is injured without him feeling the need to tell her either important events? It bothered and hurt her. \n\nAfter asking around, she had someone tell her he was residing in The Great Ton Pu Inn where he was recovering. After explaining to King Sidon how Link (she didn't specify which Link) got injured, he allowed her to tend to him. \n\nWhen she walked in the inn, she soon found him. Though, she kept her composure. \"Link... In Hylia's good name, what have you gotten yourself into?\" Though her tone is firm, she kept quiet as to not disturb the other residents staying at the inn. \"I know you haven't told Princess Zelda either... I can't imagine how upset your Girlfriend Would be.\" Realizing her harsh tone, she cleared her throat. \"Excuse me, I have no right to be upset... Though I sincerely don't appreciate all that you've been keeping from me.\"\n\nShe sat beside him. \"Now, what are your injuries?\"\n\n\|\|" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "His visit from Mipha was to say the least unexpected. And he should have expected it. In reality there was a lot he had to answer for with his friend. He'd essentially broken her heart and dipped out to go exploring with the princess, and in hindsight, he felt awful for that. \n\nNow that she was right in front of him though, he didn't know where to start. Where could one start from in a position like this? There wasn't really any good apology for what he'd done, and he didn't exactly blame her for her emotional response. \n\n\"No, no. You have every right to be upset. I'm sorry. I did get carried away. I should have told you. I...\" \n\nHe really didn't want to admit that he'd run off with Zelda because it was the first real break from his duties since joining the Hylian Royal Army. Could he be blamed for being a bit selfish? \n\nAbsolutely. \n\nHe'd left his best friend in the dust, after all. She'd likely been worried sick.\n\n\"I'm sorry. I should've told you what was going on, and that's all there is to it.\"" }, { "author": "Princess Mipha", "message": "The princess huffed. \"You went to the Sky Islands, I know. Zelda wasn't aware you hadn't told me. It made for quite an awkward journey.\" Of course, she didn't blame him for taking time off, to go sight seeing, as she saw it. \"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself, but... We're in a world that's not our own. Traveling with the princess is fine... But your injuries could have been more grave. You have your father and Aryll to return to.\" \n\nShe nodded at his apology. \"Apology accepted. Though I don't forgive you for galavanting into battle. What if you had... Fallen? Were there any healers? Would there have been anyway for you to get help immediately?\" Mipha looked down at his leg. \"A broken leg is easy, much like with the child, I can heal you. I dread what other injuries you have, however.\" Feeling around his leg, she found where it was broken, making haste to begin the process. \n\n\"... Was it my confession? Why didn't you feel comfortable to tell me any of this? I understand I had just lashed out, but... It's been over a week since I've last heard from you. At least two since we last met. I... I apologize for losing my temper, Link.\" He could feel her hands tense up. \"I didn't know where you were, where Zelda was, and now Sidon is King? In this world, that is... I can't make heads or tails of anything that is going on.\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "\"No Mipha, that's not-\" \n\nHe didn't know what he could say. Of course he didn't hate her. He wasn't mad at her. \n\n\"Mipha, what you did required so much courage, and I cannot fathom how bad it must feel. I am so sorry. But...\" \n\nHe did have to explain himself. He owed her that. She deserved to know. \n\n\"I couldn't let Wild go down there alone, especially not when he was going after Astor. I felt... Responsible for our problem seeping into his time. And frankly, if he wasn't there for me, or I for him, one of us would have died. And I didn't want to put that on you. And selfishly, I was kinda hoping we'd take care of it so no one had to worry about us. I am sorry Mipha. You don't need me to protect you, but that is why I did what I did.\"" }, { "author": "Princess Mipha", "message": "The princess froze. \"Astor has managed to come here? I thought... I thought Harbinger Ganon had... Well, killed him, to say in lame terms.\" She then went quiet in thought. \"Unless if the harbinger was who brought him here. To a world where they had fallen from Ganon, to worsen the post-war conditions, perhaps...\"\n\nRealizing she was muttering to herself, she cleared her throat. \"Everyone needs a protector occasionally. Even so, what good is a protector if they constantly throw themselves into danger? I agree it is selfish... But wanting to help Wild is equally as selfless. I'm just... Unsure what I would do if you were to be killed, Link.\" \n\nHaving finished healing his leg, Mipha sat down near him, folding her hands. \"Especially in a world unknown and unfamiliar to us, please call for me. It doesn't matter where you are, I'll follow. I made the promise to you, to help and heal you, please let me follow through with that promise.\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "He took a shaky breath. \"I promise I won't go off on my own again. It was reckless and dumb of me. And frankly, I think I can use the support next time.\" \n\nWhile he wanted to protect Mipha, and even Zelda for that matter, they were capable warriors. And there was no way around that fact. It was hard for him on the battle field to be constantly worried about him. But that was selfish. They were likely equally as worried.\n\n\"But this... This is stronger than the harbinger. And I feel like the hollow we faced wasn't even the full power of our enemy. We truly must be prepared.\"" }, { "author": "Princess Mipha", "message": "\"We will be there next time. We'll be there every time, as we always have been.\" Offering him a smile, she released a silent breath, as well as whatever frustration she had been experiencing. \n\n\"A hollow? Implying... Whatever the creation may be lacks a physical form? Perhaps one that's difficult to strike?\" At his mention of the enemy potentially being stronger than what they've faced, she nodded solemnly. \"Seeing this world... That much is certain.\" She looked him over once more for injuries. \"However... We have time to examine the enemy. Until then, do you have other wounds that need to be catered to?\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "\"No physical wounds. Just wounded pride. I need to get stronger, Mipha. I have to beat that thing. If someone from our time is making Wild's world worse, I feel it's my job to finish what I started in fighting Astor.\" \n\nHe breathed out. He guilt gnawed at his stomach. How could go out again and worry Zelda and Mipha when it wasn't even his world? He had no obligation to it, but still. The resolve in his heart burned brightly. He couldn't ignore the plight of a friend, even if he hadn't known Wild for very long. His spar and the battle in the depths had bonded him in a sort of battlefield brotherhood he didn't quite know how to explain. He couldn't let Wild fight alone. \n\n\"He would fight for us, so I will fight for him.\" \n\n\|\|" }, { "author": "Princess Mipha", "message": "She couldn't help but chuckle at his comment. \"Forgive me for my abrupt reaction—though your pride may be wounded, you still have much to be proud about.\" She listened to his obligation to this world, mulling over their choices. \n\nMipha brought a gentle hand to his cheek, caressing it. \"You're an honorable man, Link. I can't tear you away from what you assign as your duty, though I will continue to aid you, and Wild, anyway I can.\" She lowered her hand, folding her hands neatly in her lap. \n\n\"I wonder if our Revali, Urbosa, or Daruk will be brought to this world. I am certain that with all the people being brought here, as well as two sets of champions, Astor, and whomever and whatever plagues this world, will fall. Especially if we all share your resolve.\" \n\nShe looked around the inn. \"Have you eaten? If not, I can see to it that a meal is prepared for you.\"\n\n\|\|" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "He smiled at her. No matter what she was the best friend he could have ever hoped for, and for her companionship, he was truly grateful. \n\nHe considered her words for a moment. His hands fidgeted with the Shiekah Slate as he pondered. \n\n\"I can't say that I don't want them here. It would help us a lot to have that kind of back up support, but I know that's selfish and that our world would struggle for it. They are all incredible warriors though, and I could use their insights.\" \n\nHe looked to her again, snapped from his stupor. \"No I haven't eaten yet. I didn't want to bother the inn staff. They're likely busy.\"" }, { "author": "Princess Mipha", "message": "\"Our world may temporarily suffer... But I'm sure we have more soldiers and capable warriors in our world than they do here. I can't imagine how much our troops outnumber theirs. We all hold this land dear, and I have no doubt that they would share the same desire to help.\" Nodding, she smiled. \"They certainly are. Knowing Revali, he would likely try to outshine you,\" Sparing a jest at the Rito's expense, Mipha stood. \n\n\"That may be why you're feeling especially down. We could scavenge food if you don't wish to trouble them. So long as it isn't seafood, I would be more than happy to aid you in cooking.\" The smell of cooked fish bothered her more than anything... It left unsettling thoughts of what she would smell and taste like. \n\n\|\|" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "\"At this point he's welcome to. He can have the job and everything that comes with it.\" A mischievous smile crossed his face. \n\nHe'd grown a large respect for the formidable Rito warriors, but boy was the bird still cocky sometimes. \n\n\"That sounds like a good idea. I prefer to cook my own food if I can help it.\" \n\n\|\|" } ]	188.5	2,321
295.333333	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Ryuka", "message": "The disguised Yiga pulled his hair back, dressed in a simple pants and tunic suited to trecking about the wilderness. He may enjoy dressing elaborately in general, but one didn't dress up for a trip to ruins. The Hylian he'd hired would only see another Hylian- black hair, blue eyes, perfectly Hylian.\n\nGranted, Ryuka's disguise could have been better. He'd only bothered to change his hair and eye color, because why would he ever cover up his beautiful features? But it wasn't like this Hylian had ever seen his normal self, so how would he know he was actually talking to a Yiga?\n\nThe hired swordsman was younger than Ryuka had thought, but he looked capable enough. He had the rupees ready, though he wasn't going to pay the rest until the Hylian proved himself. Gods forbid they ran off with Ryuka's money like that last moron.\n\n\"Ready, then?\" He asked. \"Like I said, the ruins are not too far, though they're crawling with monsters. Hopefully it shouldn't be too much trouble for you, hm?\"\n\nIf he could Finally Get his hands on these ruins, then a pouchful of rupees was a small price to pay." }, { "author": " Link \"The Heroes Combined\"", "message": "\"Likely shouldn't be trouble\".\n\nThe answer was quick and immediate. It was an absolute- should it merely be a ruin taken by the usual crop of trouble, they'd have no issues. They'd prefer to not keep themself too busy, a simple request was preferable.\n\nSo they bid farewell to Saria and her companion, Mira if memory served right, once they had made it to the Stable. They'd grown weary without work, trails having gone dead and cold before their very eyes. There was the matters of importance yes- That mask would not do in such a place as it was- but they didn't have a lead. They may know some. They may not know enough. That is what they assuage themselves with, allowing a time for inaction on that front to busy with something else. Lest they grow dull from a lack of maintanence.\n\nPale grey eyes keep attentive watch, hardly caring much for the appearance of the person next to them. They were given a task that they intend to do diligently. The person that hired them should not be of concern unless they were to attempt to use them. Thus far, they see little reason to think so... Aside from the taste of hesitancy on their tongue.\n\n\"Ready\" Was confirmed softly, as they pull their weapon from their back. Their eyes lock in on the ruins ahead, and their goal becomes clear. Yet...\n\n... Something felt off, but they nevertheless proceed." }, { "author": "Ryuka", "message": "He didn't keep up conversation as they set off for the ruin. There was no need, and he wasn't one to make small talk in general. So far, this person seemed efficient and too the point, which was just fine with Ryuka. The last merc he'd hired had been far too talkative, blathering on about this and that, and Ryuka had seriously contemplated paying the man extra to just shut up.\n\nOf course, the man had proceeded to run off with all his money, so he'd just been a terrible choice all in all.\n\nWas hiring someone off a magical parchment a smart idea? It was Risky, but Ryuka had to take some risks to get where he was, and so far, the Hylian seemed thankfully competent. \n\nIt only took about ten minutes at most to reach their destination. The ruins were small, resembling what Ryuka suspected had been some sort of outpost... Perhaps something similar a lookout? He couldn't be too sure until he studied it up close, though his real objective was hopefully finding some technology to take back with him. \n\nAs he'd described, there was a makeshift camp teeming with Bokoblins surrounded the ruins, and there was even a Moblin there, possibly the leader of the camp. Ryuka had never bothered to study monster habits.\n\nHe stopped far enough from the ruins for the Bokoblins to not take notice of them and pulled out a pouch. Rupees rattled inside, and he handed it to the Hylian.\n\n\"Half now. Clear them out, and protect me while I study the ruins, and the rest will be yours.\"" } ]	298	886
94.045455	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "Revali prided himself on being a talented flier, and an even more incredible fighter. So, naturally, when Rito scouts spotted an odd rift, resembling one with which the future Champions had traveled through time with, Revali took it upon himself to investigate.\nHe had not, however, anticipated the absolute gale force winds the portal would have, sending him spiraling out of control, and therefore, crashing down to Hyrule, landing in a pond barely deep enough to cushion the impact and hopefully not break any of his hollow bones.\nFor a moment, Revali stares up at the sky, and silently prays to Valoo that no one saw that. He awkwardly scrambles to the water's edge, dragging himself out of the water in a very undignified fashion, and begins preening moisture out of his waterlogged feathers. He freezes, mid pull, when he hears a soft crack of wood, turning towards the sound." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "Finally, it was time for an early dinner. Kyneri, disguised in his more Hylian height and appearance, had begun working on his meal when he heard a loud splash followed by a gasp for air. He paused— that was the pond that was nearby for certain, and whoever had fallen in... Something wasn't right about the circumstances.\n\nMaybe they fell in like me, He said. He rose from his spot by the fire and took the pot off the stand before running around the rocky ledge that divided the pond from his premium camping spot. \n\nAs he came upon the pond, he froze, and his stomach felt strange, as though something were trapped within. \n\nIt was... Him. Surely this was some sort of divine prank, though. By the Goddess, did the portal mean to drop him here or...\n\nHe shook his head. Remember, you watched Medoh turn red, yours is gone for certain. So this one...\n\nAs he leaned forward, his foot cracked a twig and he stiffened as the bird's eyes locked into the sound. \"U-um... Hi...\"" }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "Revali watches this... Hylian? They feel all wrong somehow, but Revali didn't know most Hylians apart as is- and he feels his feathers puff up in embarrassment at this individual catching him in such a state. \n\"What do you want, hm?\" He snaps, a bit too harshly to what he intended, so he clears his throat and tries again. \"I'm... Ugh, sorry, just a bit unhappy at the moment. Water is still fairly cold this time of year.\" \nPlay it cool, Revali. Play it cool. You can still save this.\nHe lowers his wing to let some of the feathers air dry, turning his full attention to the stranger.\n \"And you are..?\"" }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "He sees me, Kyneri thought. He sees me! Oh Goddess he sees me... Oh no, what do I do?\n\nThe Rito before him asked him a question, and Kyneri wasn't one to answer. \"I'm... Kyneri, but my friends call me Serin. You know, like the little canary bird?\" He breathed in, then walked forward. \"You're soaking wet,\" He said, pulling out a handkerchief. \"I've got a camp spot right around those rocks. There's a fire to warm up at and I'm... Well, I'm cooking Something Up.\" He almost forgot his ward was the better cook between them.\n\nHe breathed carefully and flicked the handkerchief, concealing a size-changing spell long enough to turn it from a mere scrap to a full wrap. \"Here,\" He said, holding it out. \"You're going to need it more than me right now.\"" }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "\"...Provided your cooking is adequate, I am willing to try, even just to dry my feathers a bit...\" Revali says after a long moment of deliberation. He keeps looking around, brow furrowing when he sees the state of the area.\n He admittedly doesn't know Necluda as well as his home, but he's nearly positive there were settlements. The lack of them unnerves him immensely.\n\n\"This. Is Necluda, yes? And Hyrule..?\" How could so much change..? He only went through Time, didn't he..?\nHe does accept the handkerchief, dabbing at his face feathers and beak to dry them." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "Kyneri smirked as he made note of Revali's attire. \"Looks like you're seeing some unfamiliar things.\" He put his hands on his hips. \"Yes, this is Necluda, and you are still in Hyrule. Your confusion speaks volumes.\"\n\nHe paused and took the handkerchief for a moment. \"Here, it seems my spell work failed me the first time.\" Carefully, he drew a circle in the air and set of tunes appeared. \"Normally I try not to let it be seen but... Heck, you're an exceptional case, I suppose.\" Casually, he tossed the handkerchief into the air and through the ring, and all at once, it expanded, becoming more of a blanket size. \n\n\"Easier to dry the rest of ya,\" He said, handing it back. \"All those feathers, soaking like that? It's gonna be a minute.\" He waved him over as he turned and walked back towards the site. \"Catch up if you can... R... Revali.\"" }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "The Northward's feathers ruffle up a bit, eyes wide when he sees the size modifying magic. Can Hylians do that? He's never seen it before, but they're strangely capable little gremlins, so maybe this one is special? He's so distracted by the display that he nearly misses.The other addressing him by name.\n\"Oh- I see my reputation proceeds me!\" He smirks- which he knows is strange on his beak- and proudly puffs up his top feathers to look taller, hurrying after the strange Hylian as he works to dry his damp feathers." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "\"That's... One way of putting it, I suppose,\" Kyneri replied. \"You left your mark on this world, that's for certain.\"\n\nHis observations thus far had been that first and foremost, this world didn't belong to either of them, and if the strange parchment in his tome had any indication, there were a lot of confused strangers here to discover. Additionally, he'd noticed that the world thrived under a moon free of crimson hue, something that concerned him but only under the assumption that his companion had accompanied him. Third, and the most pleasant of them all— some Bokoblins were Very Friendly.\n\nAs he got to the campsite, he carefully set the pot back on to boil. \"What do you remember right before getting here?\" He asked. \"Don't skimp on details if you can.\"" }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "Revali set down his things, upside-down to let the water drain, and sits himself close enough that the flames could warm him. \n\"Before arriving.. I was investigating an... Odd portal nearby Rito Village. At the time, we thought it to be the work of a rather meddling Guardian who accompanies the Princess.\" He shakes his head. \"But unfortunately it seems I was mistaken.\"" }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "\"A Guardian accompanying...\" Kyneri continues to write in his notes... \"So you're different from what I know, that's for sure.\"\n\nA glow comes from a different page in the book. \"Oh great, another squabble with strangers from the parchment...\"\n\nHe opens the page and listens." }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "Revali nods, and is about to continue, when he hears himself and some strangers arguing. His attention is Plucked To the paper, and he hears his own voice echoed from his journal in his pocket. Opening it, he finds a page he certainly did jot remember, and after having a frankly childish exchange with himself, he turns to Kyneri, and asks.\n\"What do they mean, 'when'?\"" }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "\"From the sound of it, you're from about 106 years back... Give or take.\" He continues to listen to the parchment and take notes. \"Fascinating... I hope this book is truly endless...\"\n\nHe flushes up a bit. \"Two Revalis... I was already shocked at one.\"" }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "\"Do keep your pants clasped.\" Revali replies sarcastically, dividing his focus between Kyneri and the parchment. \n\"This whole situation is quite the mess, if you ask me. Multiple Zeldas? Multiple Links? Truly I have died and joined the Calamity in hell.\" He groans. \"This whole thing is so nonsensical.\"" }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "Kyneri swallowed at the mention of... That.\n\n\"My work is important to me, Revali. I'm a Chronicler and a Sage. If I don't report these anomalies, who knows how much history could be lost. The Minish Archives already lost so much of their stories, and—\"\n\nHe paused. \"I said that out loud didn't I?\"" }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "...The Minish.\nRevali sets his parchment down a moment, looking up at Kyneri in surprise.\n\"The... Minish? You know of them??\" He asks in amazement. He also completely misses the Sage comment. \n\"Yeah, you did.\" He replies, voice nearly cracking. \"You're... You're a Minish? You used size magic earlier. Who even are you??\"" }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "Kyneri frowns. \"I-I... Uh...\" He sighs. \"Okay, you got me.\"\n\nHe drew a ring around himself and, in a flash, he seemed to be gone, if only for a moment. In truth, he was already on the ground, his Hylian appearance now exchanged for his true form. \n\nHe waved, hoping to catch his attention. He wasn't sure how well he could keep the glamour that kept his kind hidden from affecting him, but he did his best to disperse it. \"Oy! Down here!\" He said with a flick of his tail." }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "Revali tosses aside his parchment with a loud exclamation of rage. He searches around for Kyneri, before following the voice and kneeling to look at the other's proper form, smiling just a bit in wonder. \"I haven't seen a Minish in years...\"" }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "Kyneri froze. This one saw them too? Was... Was there another one of himself out there as well?! He craned his neck to look at him. \n\n\"We tend not to be seen by anyone but children,\" He said. \"The fact you've seen them is curious. I only knew of one Revali in my time who could see me and he stopped after a while.\" He frowned and shook his tail. \"It... Wasn't his fault though.\"" }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "\"I used to live in Central Hyrule.\" He hums for a moment as he ponders that. He knew children could see them, so..\n\"Maybe since I'm not a full grown Rito technically?\" He offers, motioning to his cheek marks. \"So I can still see them?\" Hes pulling that straight out of his tailfeathers, but it's the best guess he's got." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "Kyneri nodded. \"You always had a baby face, if I'm to keep it honest. But youth is a mark of beauty in some cultures, so you have that going for you,\" He said. \n\nHe nervously watched the pot, hearing it simmer a little too much. \"Um... Mind giving me a boost? I need to check on that...\"" }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "\"Oh.\" He offers his wing, lifting Kyneri to his shoulder so the other had an easier time. \n\"... For the record I do Not Have a baby face.\"" }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "\"I won't be taking it back, sorry,\" He teased. \n\nKyneri looked at the sky. Sunset was coming soon. His paws nervously clung to the bird's feathers as he climbed, and he remembered this feeling as it rose to the surface. \n\nHis voice shook a bit as he stood there and examined the contents of the pot. \"It c-can be taken off the fire. I don't actually eat too much like this so I don't mind sh-sharing.\"\n\nHis eyes continued to watch the sky frantically. Climbing up here was a bad idea, and it was compounding the anxiety, but he forced it down. I can't let him see me this way, He thought." }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "It was hard for Revali to miss the others onset of anxiety, and once he's safely moved the food off the fire, he follows the other's gaze to the sky. \"Is everything alright..?\" He softens his tone, like he would with a young chick on their first flight, and cups his feathers around the critter to shield them a bit. It's not that much, but he hopes it's at the least comforting. \"I may be a bit damp, but if monsters are your concern, I can face any that attack us.\"" }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "Kyneri shook his head. \"Don't... Don't... Speak so soft like that I...\"\n\nHis paws clammed up. It was sunset. This was the day he'd lost Revali. The other Revali. The one who was no longer... Alive. It was sunset and he was in his feathers again. Back in the sky, where he'd clung for dear life, where he'd fallen and watched Medoh.\n\nHe violently shook his head. \"I'm not afraid of monsters, I'm...\"\n \nIt's okay to be weak, He thought. No, to be VULNERABLE.\n\n\"I'm... Afraid of sunsets. Because I lost someone dear to me around that time.\"" }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "\"I see.\" He frowns and sits on that knowledge for a moment, before following that with \"Was they killed by the sunset?\"\nIt's the dumbest plucking question he's ever asked out loud, and that's the whole point." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "Kyneri frowned. How could he tell this to his face? How could he even think to do this? He was horribly equipped to navigate his own feelings, and even after more than 100 years it never went away.\n\n\"No, that's when...\"\n\nNo, don't! He thought. This situation is awkward as it is.\n\nHe settled for less clear language. \"The last time I saw him before he perished was sunset. That's when the Calamity struck.\"" }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "\"Then it sounds to me like the sun isn't the thing to fear.\" He replies, like it's so simple. \"The sun is just like the stars, and it setting is just time passing. Fear to it is as pointless as a loose feather in the wind.\" \n\n\"Turn that fear to its true target. Grow from it. Become strong enough to never fall again.\"" }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "Kyneri shook his head and carefully made his way down the Rito's arm. \"It... Isn't that simple. It took 100 years to get payback for what had been done to him. He was...\" He hesitated. The last thing he wanted was for Revali, Any Revali, to know.\n\nNo, no no no, He thought. It wasn't fair to this one to lie.\n\nHe breathed in, then out. Deep steady breaths. \n\n\"The last time I saw him was in Hebra. I watched as he flew away from me, the sunset burning around me as I fell hundreds of feet.\"\n\nAfter landing he unclipped the jade pendant from his collar and changed its size. \"Do you recognize this stone?\" He said." }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "\"...\" He thinks a moment. \"The Minish carry those, right? Symbols of friendship?\" He was a little shaky on the details. Something about the phrasing... Flying To Hebra..? Where Vah Medoh was...?" }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "Kyneri sighed. \"Friendship was how everything started, but as he forgot me, as he... Grew away from being a fledgling, a new emotion hit me. One that I struggle to share right now because...\" He shook his head. \"Do you wonder why I didn't even ask your name?\"" }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "\"... At the time I thought you'd heard of me, but..\" After a moment, Revali spits out the thought caught in his throat. \"It was me, wasn't it. Or, A version Of me.\" He feels that heavy feeling in his gut, that stone of fear that knaws into him at the idea of his own mortality." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "Kyneri froze, but soon slowly nodded. \"I mean, I Had Heard of you. If anything, I was endlessly fascinated with you. I watched that other you for at least a decade since he... He had some growing pains. But after he lost someone, he suddenly couldn't see me, so I just... Continued watching as he excelled. The pride I felt was immeasurable.\" \n\nHe sighed. It felt good to say it out loud. Even if he feared looking like an absolute weirdo. \"That kinstone doesn't have another physical half. It's... All I really have left since I carved it from one of his hair beads.\" He looked to the good and frowned. \"You ought to eat, it's gonna get cold. There are plates in my tent.\"" }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "He doesn't move for a moment before he nods. \"Share this meal with me, then. You're now stuck with me, little mouse.\" Revali chuckles, and moves to locate the dishes. \"If a version of me saw fit to keep you close, then you're a worthy companion.\"" }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "A worthy companion. The phrase hit him like a stray bolt of lightning. He felt Fried By it, as if the world had gone deathly quiet. Me? ME? He thought. I can barely keep my own unruly hero in line, what would I do with...\n\nA sensation then gripped him, a feeling he remembered all too well. A voice, not from above as he usually sought, but within— it was the call he once felt long ago, long before the Hero, his Hero, had ever been born. \n\nAdventure.\n\n\"I suppose then having a meal is in order then,\" He said, his voice getting brighter. \"I swear I'll do everything to not be too nosy. But if we should part ways at some point... Thank you in advance for any journeys.\"\n\nHe stared at the bowl, forgetting how big it was compared to him. \"I should only need a few fruits. Sorry about the distinct lack of meat. I'm uh... Not much of a meat eater.\"" }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "\"Rito are omnivores. I'm hardly about to complain about a free meal.\" Revali nearly guffaws at the idea, and slices up some fruit from the pile by the fire, offering the easier to manage pieces to the Minish astride his shoulder." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "Kyneri took them and gently munched. \"Oh, I know they are. And free food is usually the best food.\" He breathed a bit as he tried to comprehend what had been offered to him just now. Not the food, but the other thing.\n\n\"So, what exactly did you have in mind in terms of travel? Hyrule is wide and teeming with life, there's so many options out there.\"" }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "Revali's eyes turn skyward, and then to his likely currently-flawed map of Hyrule in his journal. \"I had no particular goal in mind yet, aside from avoiding that Other me.\" The skin above his beak wrinkles in frustration." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "Kyneri nodded. \"You're really bent outta shape about him, aren't you?\" He paused. \"Don't mind him, the bravado is a sign he's got some interesting stories to tell.\" \n\nHe continued to eat and began to notice the sky had gotten dark. \"I'm not sure if flying is gonna be so easy without a light. Rito night vision is poor... Although there Are More things here that would surprise you.\" He pointed up where the sky islands rested, though they were merely silhouettes that blocked out the stars." }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "\"Going to be honest, little mouse, I can't see shit.\" He squints upwards and shakes his head. \"Yeah, nothing.\" He then looks towards his disposed parchment and picks it back up, inspecting it." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "Kyneri is suddenly jolted by the cuss, but soon after is consumed by cathartic laughter. \"Oh, good, I don't have to be formal around you. I think we'll get along just fine.\"\n\nHe sighed. \"Yeah, it figures you wouldn't see much up there. But when it's light out again you'll find that there's... A lot of islands just floating there. It's gonna take more than an updraft to get yourself to some of them.\"" }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "\"I could fly up to my divine beast on my own wing strength, I think I can reach some islands.\" He scoffs, but shakes his head. \"I'm a rito, not a Laufwing So I have little interest in resting on sky rocks.\"" }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "Kyneri grinned. He knew enough about Rito culture to find some thread. He slid down North's arm and landed gently on the ground. After a moment, he gave a whistle, a slight wind bursting open the large nearby book to a particular page.\n\nIt was a boat with oars, resting in a sea of clouds. \"Not even the Stormwind Ark?\" He asked. \"It's hardly just a fairy tale, you know.\"" }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "Revali turned his beak up so the Picori couldn't see the look of absolutely childish interest in his eyes. \"Th-that old crows tale?? Please, I'm long since over such childish ideals...\" He coughed a bit to clear the eagerness from his warble." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "\"It's real as rice,\" Kyneri replied. He carefully changed sizes again, disguise and all. \"These were from when Daphell and I saved the world... Again.\" That last word was a little sheepish, as he realized how ridiculous he sounded. \n\n\"A lot of this book is my lived adventures over the past 125 years or so. After all, a Sage needs his life's work written down somewhere.\" He paused. \"That's why I'm excited to learn your perspectives. If these portal that are opening up are making histories converge, who knows what could come of it all.\"" }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "\"A sage?\" He says this with absolutely no comprehension. Revali then alt-tabs out of that conversation while he frets like a mother hen over Link's stupidity, absently replying under his breath.\" So, you claim the stormwind is real... Perhaps tomorrow, we can investigate for ourselves.\"" }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "\"Sure. After all, I'm certain you're homesick, even if you just left home,\" He said. \"I've missed the village as well. Damn, if only I'd been born a Rito...\"\n\nHe blushed up and stammered. \"I-I mean there's probably drawbacks. I can't imagine how unbearable the desert heat would be with that thick of a feather coat.\"" }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "\"??\" What in the pluck was that reaction?? Well, regardless...\n\"You'd be right- these feathers are not designed for the desert. The last time I endured the Gerudo desert, I caught heat exhaustion.\"" }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "\"Well, lucky for you, there's a lot of means by which we would be able to negate that. We've got splashfruit, cooling recipes...\" He grabbed his book and began flicking through the pages. \"If you have friends you can recognize here, maybe we could go and connect with them. It might be wise since it seems they've been here longer than you.\"" }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "\".....\" He sets down his parchment again, shaking his head carefully.\"No, they... They can handle themselves fine without me. If they need me, they'll contact me.\"" }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "Kyneri chuckled. \"Alright, suit yourself. For now, we have to figure out what to do about—\"\n\nFrom out of the corner of his eye, he spotted something moving. Hopping. The hair on his neck stood on end and he immediately and quickly stood up.\n\nHe may have been at human size again but his instinct still kicked in. \"Frog... Frog!\" He screamed, backing away from the direction it was in." }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "Revali barely has time to process between shoving his stupid magic parchment into the bottom of his quiver and the screaming, but he rushes between the Picori and the amphibian quickly, mostly confused, but still wanting to help." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "Embarrassment was the first emotion that came to mind, but several could apply. \"I-I'm sorry!\" He said. \"I uh... Yeah, I'm sorry...\"\n\nHe looked at the frog from around Revali. \"If you could scare it that would be cool, but...\" He shuddered. \"I have a long sordid history with those things. Mostly when I'm Not Tall.\"" }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "He bends, picks the frog up, and yeets that sucker as far as his powerful wings will send it." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "Kyneri nearly cried at the sight of his mortal enemy, the frog, being pitched so far, but he relaxed and regained his composure. \"Great, now that's Two embarrassing things you know about me...\"\n\nHe eyed a bit more of the food and pinched a few piece of fruit with his fingers. \"Hopefully my cooking wasn't too bad. I usually left that to my ward. Do... Do You* Ever cook?\"" }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "Revali pulls a face, remembering the inedible smoking remains of the last attempt he made at cooking, and he chooses to lie.\n\"Yyyeah, obviously. Someone as incredible as myself? Heh.\"" }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "Kyneri swallowed. Oh, we're gonna be having a time with this aren't we? He thought. Welp, got some recipes he can learn.\n\n\"So... Um,\" He said, pulling his book open to a page. It bore Revali's— This One's— likeness. \"Where were we? Ah, right. Tell me about yourself.\"" }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "\"W-well... Let's see, where to begin...\"\nRevali begins recounting his life, sparing no detail unless Kyneri tells him to. He describes his wind Magic, his quiver, his childhood- as much as he can." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "\"Wait, hold up— so you've been adopted... For That Long.\" He smiled. He was enjoying the differences this one had from the one he once knew. \"Good Goddess, I never would've guessed.\"\n\nAs he continued to scribble down notes, he would occasionally touch up his picture. \"I hope you don't mind me doing this, I'm just... The discovery of other worlds has opened up a new level of curiosity for me.\"" }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "\"I do love talking about myself.\" He chuckles. \"And well, not much else to do right now.\"" }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "\"Yeah unless you want to find someone through the parchment...\" Kyneri sighed. \"You certainly know how to make sure you only find the most premium quality friends don't you?\"" }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "His smile freezes on his face. Suddenly, he feels a lot smaller. \"What... What do you mean?\" He laughs it off, and goes back to his Quiver, shoving the stupid parchment further to the bottom, before burying it with his old scarf. \"I just don't make friends much.\"" }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "Kyneri crossed his arms. \"I can see the parchment, too— I keep it in my tome here. You're coping with this sudden change in your perspective... Poorly.\" He sighed. \"It's fine. You've been through a lot and you clearly want to be certain that you can trust people to be reliable. But I e learned that some of the best ones happen to be the ones that are willing to bite back where it counts.\" He smirked. \"I promise I don't mean harm by that, I just call it like I see it.\"" }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "\"I am coping Perfectly fine.\" He snaps a bit, keeping his gaze on his quiver. \"If people don't like my 'bitchy attitude', then they can squawk with someone else.\"" }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "Kyneri chuckled and sighed. \"Then I suppose you'd mind me asking to make a detour from the Stormwind Ark? I just saw on the parchment that there's a grand opening for a forge...\"\n\nHe pulled out a shard of metal from his pocket. It looked almost like a knife, but it was jagged and only roughly resembled a blade. Really the only thing about it was that it was pointed at the tip and a little sharp along one end. \"I figure that they could refine this a bit more.\"" }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "... \"That's fine.\" He replies after a short pause. He doesn't have to talk to anyone. Just escort Kyneri and then they can explore the Stormwind. That's it. He doesn't have to talk to anyone." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "\"Good, then it's settled— we'll walk to Hateno and then fly to Hebra. And if you see anything in the way that catches your eye, we can check that out as well— don't want to be the only one making choice here.\" He carefully picked up his pendant from beside the fire and reattached it to his collar.\n\nIs it really a good idea to fly to Hebra? He thought. Last time I flew from Necluda to there it didn't end well. Even so... I can't be spending my life terrified of the past." }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "\"We should wait until morning.\" He huffs a bit. \"I can't see three feet in front of my plucking beak.\" He checks his bow and string, making sure they've dried properly" }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "Kyn nods in agreement. \"Honestly, with nightfall being a great time for chuchus it's important to have rest.\" He smirks and pulls out his bow. \"Damn, yours looks really stellar. Heavy weapon, heavy draw weight. Has to be a killer on the back when you're first starting out.\"" }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "He smiles again, affectionate. \"Yes- it's more of a Hylian weapon, but I've never made life easier for myself.\"" }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "\"I learned a lot from watching the other you,\" He said. \"Though knocking Three Arrows is still outside of my range, sadly. But I'll get there.\" He perked up. \"Oh right!\" He said, pulling a few arrows from his nearby quiver. \"These are really special.\"\n\nHe took a piece of wood that hadn't been used and began gently tapping the arrowhead on it. First it flared up, then sparked with electricity, then left a cold imprint in the plank. He continued to tap it over and over again, each time producing one of the magic arrow effects, even if it wasn't fully being used. \"Roulette arrows.\"" }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "\"Hm.\" His attention is piqued. He turns to watch this display and he smiles. \"That's a fascinating little trick- how did you manage that?\" He shoulders his bow. \"When I was first learning that, I almost blew off my own wing. The top arrow went straight up and came back down at me. Probably shouldn't have practiced with bomb arrows.\"" }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "Kyneri grimaced. \"Yeah, definitely shouldn't have. I've seen my ward play with those things and they are Not To be messed with.\" He looked down at the arrow. \"I had these crafted for me back in one of the Picori enclaves back home. They're not horribly difficult to craft, but it's the fires for forging them that's the tricky part. The heat is intense enough to melt rock together, and the slag is then shaped into these things.\"\n\nHe blushed up a bit. \"S -sorry, I get a little excited thinking about the wonders of Minish craftsmanship. They say that the Picori once crafted a Force so great it was sealed within a the Royal Bloodline. But those records are tattered and faded, even in the Archives.\"" }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "Ah, yes. Roewen was waiting for a situation like this. Some poor, unsuspecting sap down on his luck. A fallen rito with wet feathers... This meant he couldn't fly away if he wanted.\n\nPerfect. All Roewen needed was to get the drop on him... Wait for the right moment to\n\n*STRIKE!\n\nJumping out from some nearby foliage, the monster swung his dagger, inches away from the Rito's beak! This was a warning. It would take some convincing to get him to consider sparing your life! Roewen also accepts bribery in the form of food." }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "For the typical Rito, an attack like that would be downright terrifying. A lesser one may have purged an egg, even.\nRevali was not an \"Typical Rito\".\nHis first instinct, of course was striking at whomstever attacks him, so he doesn't hesitate to twist his bow upward to strike the knife away from himself, eyes wide as his adrenaline kicks into high gear." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "Kyneri jumped up from the fire and immediately sprang into action. \"Revali?! What the hell is happ—\"\n\nHe spied it the figure, a Bokoblin, right outside of the range of the fire, just dark enough that his new travel companion likely didn't notice any of the signs he saw.\n\nThat was Roewen, the Bokoblin he'd met when he first fell from the sky and nearly drowned. And now both he and his companion were locked into a fight with each other. \n\nKyneri began eye the bowl of food. If he could do something to ensure those two didn't kill each other..." }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "No dagger, no problem. If birdbrain wasn't gonna run his pockets, then Roewen would just have to... Convince him a little. The bokoblin cracked his knuckles. Admittedly, he was much less experienced in hand-to-hand (hand-to-wing? Hand-to-talon?) combat, but he figured that if he acted enough like he knew what he was doing, then the Rito would buy it. Roewen swung a right hook towards the Rito's face. Hopefully that'd be enough... Honestly this was a win-win for Roewen. Either he gets what he wants, or he fights a good battle. Roewen loved a good fight.\n\nRoewen hadn't yet noticed Kyneri in the area, since it was dark and he was small. However, he thought he recognized this Rito from... Somewhere, but he wasn't sure. Wet feathers smell different from dry feathers, so he didn't regognize Revali by smell. Still, he couldn't shake the feeling that they'd... Met before." }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "Green eyes flash in the firelight as Revali ducks under the swing, swinging his bow out to knock the Bokoblin off his feet. He isn't about to allow himself to lose to such a feeble foe, not in this lifetime, and he straightens up to draw his arrow with a cold look in his eye. This was going to go very poorly if Kyneri didn't step in." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "Kyneri noticed that the fight was beginning to go south as Revali pulled out his bow. He dropped the pan of greens and began to rush as the arrow was drawn back. Without any interference he feared he'd lose a friend. He had one solution, but... Oh, his newest friend wasn't going to be happy...\n\nHis breath hit he'd as he drew a circle for a shrinking spell, and a ring appeared around the Rito. There was only one shot to do this, and the result was most certainly bound to piss off someone tonight but... \n\nHe flicked his wrist and the ring collapsed inward, catching Revali in the midst of a shrinking spell. At the same time, Kyneri dove forward to grab him." }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "It was only now that Roewen realized just how much he had underestimated this Rito. Before he knew it, he found himself on the ground, disarmed, and vulnerable. The bokoblin braced himself for his opponent's next attack, and..." }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "\"What the FU—\" Revali's curse is cut off into what sounds like an angry frog, squeaking inaudibly up at Kyneri in rage. He stomps his talons, wings flapping." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "Kyneri frowned. \"Revali, what else was I supposed to do? You almost shot the one who rescued me from drowning a week ago. Or was it two weeks?\" He carefully grabbed hi around the waist while holding out his free hand to Roewen.\n\n\"Hello again, small warrior,\" He snorted in 'Blin to the best of his ability. \"You okay?\"" }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "To be fair, it was completely justified. Roewen did attack first.\n\nJust as he was wondering where the hell the Rito he was just fighting with went, a familiar voice rang out from nearby. It took Roewen a moment to realize who else was here. Fortunately, it was a friend!\n\nRoewen checked himself. Didn't seem like there were any injuries. He nodded. Roewen was okay." }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "Oh, he is going to commit a felony for this embarrassment. This guy swung a knife in his face, but sure, its Revali's* Fault. Fucks sakes. He hates this, and being manhandled like a child's toy isn't helping." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "Kyneri carefully set him down on his shoulder. \"There we go,\" He said. \"Revali, I'd like you to meet the first person I made friends with here, Roewen. Or at least, that's the closest Hylian equivalent to his name. 'Blin is a language I'm... Still observing I guess...\"\n\nHe smirked at Roewen and knelt a bit to get a better look at him. \"Glad you're okay. You should be careful running around here— the villagers have more weapons nowadays...\" He snorted." }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "Roewen lowered his guard upon seeing Kyneri. He switched up pretty quick; if Kyneri hadn't been there to see what was happening, it wouldn't have looked like Roewen was in a fight at all.\n\nIt took him a moment of looking around to notice where Revali was. Looks like he didn't have to resume fighting.\n\nThe monster took Kyneri's hand, snorting a thanks as he got back up." }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "It's a good thing Revali is quite small at the moment, because the expletives he's spewing is frankly a bit too far for me to say here. \n\nAs is, he huffs and crosses his wings, he can't exactly do anything else. He's downright miserable." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "Kyneri frowned and poked him. \"Hey, you could've been stabbed and he could've been shot,\" He said. \"Besides, sometimes you have to ask forgiveness rather than permission.\" He gently holds his hand out. \"And um... I don't mind you like this— you're easier to protect...\"\n\nHe nodded to Roewen and snorted, trying and hoping that he was still speaking correctly to him. \"We just got done eating but there's some extras. If you want, that is.\" He pointed to the pot near the campfire." }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "Ah. So he didn't have to threaten that guy at knifepoint. Roewen nodded and went to go help himself.\n\nHe took another look at the now tiny Rito. Say, he's a lot less threatening and also kind of cute like this... The bokoblin curiously sniffed at Revali, since now it was safer to do so. He smelled a bit familiar... But not really? Roewen felt like he'd met this Rito before.*" } ]	82.5	8,276
297.222222	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": " Link Kovar \"The Tri Force Hero\"", "message": "This was fine. This was fine! This was totally normal and usual to meet someone you'd silently accepted you'd never see again after over a year because they fell victim to the same temporal anomalies that you had- this was fine.\n\nEverything was completely and utterly fine.\n\nA quiet \"Hup\" And shimmering sound of magic announced his arrival, Kovar turning his head down to give a cursory glance of the gateway. Afterwards he stepped off with a quick hop, boots crunching the dirt and grass he landed on. Kovar checks his things, adjusting his quiver and gloves and smoothing his hair in place. Normal things for a completely and utterly normal saying hello again. He'd just said hi to Styla! This was-\n\nYeah, no. He was lying to himself. He was completely and utterly undoubtedly nervous. \n\nWhy wouldn't he be? Viridian was always the most... Experienced of them, someone cool- someone interesting. A natural leader with people who bumbled behind him and haphazardly managed to stop some curse that was so silly in the grand scheme of it all. Like someone that had taken him out of the wrong genre and slapped him into a comedy- and... Admittedly Kovar hadn't been thinking all that straight as of recently. Homesickness continued to nip at his nerves, even with slices of it here.\n\nKovar takes a deep breath, holds it in, and exhales long. It's okay. He's allowed to be nervous- it's probably just overthinking. The more rational side of him at least tells him that much. He takes a moment to resettle, and it's not long before he spots his target as he walked closer to the stables. A grin forms on his face, and he raises a hand.\n\n\"Viridian! There you-\"\n\nAnd then he registers.\n\n\"Oh by Madame Couture's sewing those colors.\"" }, { "author": "Hero of Worlds", "message": "An ear to ear, shit-eating grin turned into a diabolical, almost villain-like laugh. Which was actually just his default laugh, despite how concerning it would sound to a stranger. Sure enough, out of the corner of his eye he saw one of the stable workers shuffle away to sweep at a good distance from them. Honestly though, he didn't care. Because he was too busy losing it at Cerulean's comment and expression.\n\nHonestly, he had missed the guy. Hytopia was by no means close to Hyrule (one of the reasons he initially picked it for his destination around a year ago), and Viridian's boss was keen on keeping him hard at work. Despite his general laziness, he was a good blacksmith. \n\nBut going back to Hyrule was rough. His adventure in Hytopia, even though it was a Quest, Was by no means terrible, all things considered. There were even times he found himself enjoying his time there. And the people were all so... Nice. And that included Cerulean. \n\nIt threw him at first, after all, it was... Difficult to work with someone so Emotional When Viridian himself tried to keep his feelings far away from him. They were practically opposites. Viridian looked like he could wrestle a bear, had a resting face more like a scowl, and his abrasive attitude kept most people at a distance. Meanwhile, Cerulean was (deceptively) small, always seemed to be smiling, and was simply nice to be around. \n\n\"It's not pretty, yeah!\" He finally managed to say once he had calmed down. \"But it's way too useful to use much else on a regular basis.\"" }, { "author": " Link Kovar \"The Tri Force Hero\"", "message": "There's a quiet moment where he raises his hands to cover his mouth. His expressioned seemed to change each passing moment like it couldn't settle on horror, disgust, or shock. Eventually he sets them together like he's praying, before pointing his fingers outward at Viridian.\n\n\"I knew it was going to be bad. I somehow didn't think it was going to be this bad,\" Was whispered shakily. For a moment it looks like he can't figure out if he wants to laugh or cry. \"My heart, Viridian. My heart.\"\n\nHe's being dramatic as always, but what he said wasn't necessarily untrue. He thinks that if he was Ever Caught wearing something like that in Hytopia, he might have been arrested. Scratch that. He definitely would have been until he changed into something more presentable. It'd be a crime to public decency or something along those lines, practicality be damned.\n\nHe takes a deep breath and raises an arm to his eyes, squaring his shoulders, before holding his arms out to his sides.\n\n\"But! Absolute tragedy adorning your body aside! It is Incredible To see you, I honestly didn't expect to do so-\" He laughs, bringing a hand up to the back of his neck sheepishly. \"Admittedly that's a little silly given how many people have shown up here from across Time, but I digress. I'm glad you're well.\"\n\nAnd he smiles like he always does. Though this isn't a grin, instead something smaller- fonder. Like he'd had over campfires and lamplight on particularly late excursions into the Drablands, as things neared a close. One meant to be shared with friends, as he always seemed to like. He Was Fond of them- even if it wasn't long, it had meant something. Time passing doesn't change that." }, { "author": "Hero of Worlds", "message": "Aaaand... He was cackling all over again. He wasn't sure if he could help it, honestly. His default gear was certainly a hodgepodge of items he found useful enough to constantly be on his person. The Red Mail for defense, the pegasus boots for speed, the Roc's Feather and Brother Emblem hanging from the chain of the Pendant of Courage around his neck, the Titan's Mitt on his left hand for an extra strength boost, and the rings for- oh!\n\n\"Shut up, idiot. Your dumb face is a sight for sore eyes,\" He responded somewhat jokingly, reaching out to ruffle his friend's hair. \"So to make up for both the long absence and the obscene color combination of my outfit. Wanna take a look at those rings?\"\n\nIt was funny. Viridian wasn't sure when he last felt this glad to see someone. Maybe he was so used to goodbyes that he didn't dare hope to see friends again if they weren't nearby. Ravio, Farore, Din, Nayru... All of them he hadn't seen again and doubted he ever would. It made him feel... Less empty. That smile... Goofy as it was, Viridian had missed it." }, { "author": " Link Kovar \"The Tri Force Hero\"", "message": "\"Excuse me, I have quite the fetching face if you must know-\" He states, tapping his own chest with his thumb.\n\nThen the hair ruffle ruins any pretense he puts up, a loud and offended gasp startling from his throat. It's not even a second after that he's smoothing his hair back into \"Presentable\" Fashion, tongue poking out from his lips in concentration. It's not Perfect, but the fact he managed to clean it up so quickly after hardly enough time to even speak is a feat in it of itself.\n\nThen his eyes practically light up despite their dark hue, and his attention is utterly caught again. Like a moth drawn to a lantern, the mere suggestion takes the smith's entire focus. It's Jewelry After all, and he'd always been a fan of anything shiny or carved. It's why he kept that strange gemstone he liked with him!\n\n\"One hundred percent absolutely yes,\" Practically spills from his lips like a waterfall \"They had Best Be worth the pain delivered upon my eyes, but given it is you I have no doubt they will suffice.\"\n\nAn odd compliment, but a compliment nonetheless to his trust for Viridian. It was always something he lended rather easily, but why wouldn't he? He'd given the trust of his life already, the trust that some items must be intriguing is much less in comparison." }, { "author": "Hero of Worlds", "message": "Excuse me, I have quite the fetching face if you must know-\n\nFor a split second, Viridian considered his friend might be right... Before blinking in disbelief at his own thoughts and pushing them away. No sir, absolutely not going there. Rings. He was showing Cerulean the rings.\n\nViridian smirked at the way Cerulean's eyes lit up. \"Prepare to be amazed...\" He said dramatically with a smug look, and held out his left hand palm-down. Five golden rings glittered in the sunlight, one slipped on each finger over the top of the fingerless Titan's Mitt. On his pinkie, a round green gem; on his ring finger, a square red gem; on his middle, a red blade with a crystal hilt; on his pointer, a blue blade with a crystal hilt; and on his thumb, a scarlet, fist-shaped gem. \n\n\"Pretty cool, huh?\" He bragged. \"Each one does something different. Wanna hear?\"" }, { "author": " Link Kovar \"The Tri Force Hero\"", "message": "Carved Didn't even begin to describe them!\n\nThe intricate details in refined gemwork, the small additions that came together for a grand whole. It must have taken some time to get the blades made even as just shapes with such small canvas shapes- and the fist? Well, carving a gem into a fist was an odd choice he wouldn't lie. However it certainly took some talent to do! And then-\n\nHis head snaps up to Viridian's eyes as he registers the words.\n\nEach one does something different. Enchanted jewelry then? Even harder to come by- much less acquire but... Yes he sees it now. Traces of magic that, when so focused on the rings themselves, he hadn't noticed before. Yet it also makes sense, Viridian was the most practical of sorts. Of course he'd have enchanted rings of all things.\n\n\"I'd love to!\" He answers with a grin, clasping his hands together.\n\nHe doesn't think Viridian ever mentioned these before. Then again, Viridian didn't mention a lot of things before. That was simply normal." }, { "author": "Hero of Worlds", "message": "Viridian grinned at the look of absolute wonder on Cerulean's face. He Loved Showing off his items, so he was happy to explain and demonstrate. \"This one is the Green Ring,\" He began, pointing at it. \"I know, super generic name. But it's a lot cooler than it sounds. With this little thing, all my attacks do more damage And I take less damage from other attacks. Then This One,\" He pointed at the square-shaped gem, \"Is the Steadfast Ring. Anything that tries to knock me over with an attack will have an exceptionally hard time doing so. The others... Actually, it's better if I demonstrate.\"\n\nViridian gestured to the trees off to the side of the stable, they would make pretty suitable dummies. After crossing the short distance to them, he took out his Golden Sword and flipped the hilt around his fingers into a back-handed grip with a dramatic flourish. He was pretty sure Cerulean had never seen the Golden Sword, and since they weren't in an actual fight, Viridian felt like being a little showy couldn't hurt. \n\n\"The Spin Ring and Charge Ring both enhance my spin attack,\" He explained, then took a stance. Flicking his sword back, it only took a single second before he was fully charged. He spun in place not once, but Twice, And two of the trees were felled in the attack's wake. After that, he decided to wait for the reaction, just to savor the best trick for last." }, { "author": " Link Kovar \"The Tri Force Hero\"", "message": "The truth was he hadn't- he hadn't seen Any Of these things. Something that made it all the more baffling that he so openly showed it now. Kovar was at least capable enough to recognize that their teams leader had been... Unapproachable on certain topics- yet now here he was. Maybe it was because, by now, it was an open secret just who he was.\n\nAt the same time, he can't help but wonder what exactly changed.\n\nThe thought tempered some of the excitement he would have had, but evidently he was still a fascinated listener. He attention never left Viridian, and when given time to move back he does. Though he raises his arm as the trunks of the trees fall against the dirt, eyes narrowed into a squint before he blinks and they widen.\n\n\"It's like- the effects of outfits, but stored into just rings,\" He murmurs softly, before he lights up again \"How ingenious! Allowing for multiple effects at the same time whilst also concealing the wear into something small and compactable- bravo! I wonder if that could be replicated with the right materials...\"\n\nEver quick to start thinking, his hands already itched to start writing things down." } ]	285	2,675
366	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Taiya", "message": "After being rescued from being adrift at sea, Taiya had finally set foot on the mainland. It was a strange thing to no longer see the sea stretching across further than the eye could see; it had become his reality for the past three years. This told him, at least, that Hyrule had a future, for which he was grateful.\n\nHe desperately needed to return to Her Highness, but until he could, he needed to find shelter, food, and water. He'd passed through a small Hylian village, and had learned yet another shocking thing of this era: a Sheikah was not such an uncommon sight. After discovering the parchment could cover for the language barrier, Taiya had used it to communicate with the Hylians and had discovered there was a village of Sheikah that was Known. Not hidden like his own had been, and... It sounded like it was fairly populated.\n\nHis tribe had been so diminished by the time he'd been born...\n\nNaturally, he'd set out to find this village. If he had to be stranded in the future, then he should at least meet with his people. See what they would become. Perhaps their elders could share their wisdom with him, give him an idea of how to return. Surely his tribe would have Eons Of historical and magical records by now. \n\nHe'd traveled far, but with the sun setting, he'd decided to settle in for the night. Coming across what the map he'd been given marked as a stable, Taiya paused, realizing he might be turned away. He had no rupees." }, { "author": "Link // Hero of Spirit", "message": "He didn't want to be here, but he didn't have much of a choice in the grand scheme of things. He'd passed out after struggling and failing to keep Princess Zelda and his Uncle Alfonso safe, and instead of waking up dead or in the empty fields of New Hyrule, he was stranded in some new time, studying a map that he had been struggling to properly read for a few days now, frustrated and confused by everything happening. Not to mention the untimely demise of someone he didn't even know, that he could hear Loud and clear From the strange parchment he had found in the sheathe of his sword. Worst of all, he was all alone...\n\n\"Hey, Link! Do you think this puppy can see me?\"\n\nWell. Mostly all alone. The engineer's gaze had shifted from the map he had been gifted tiredly to land on the slightly transparent face of the girl who had been haunting him for the past few years now. She didn't remember her own name, so he had taken to calling her Phantie... The name was on the nose, but what mattered is that she liked it. Currently, his phantom companion was hovering above the patient guard animal of the 'stable' he was staying at and assisting, studying the canine and trying to pet it despite the fact that she couldn't touch it. \n\nShe was around his age, but she seemed so much more carefree compared to him. Way happier, despite being dead. He shook the thought out of his head and in turn simply said \"No, I doubt it. I think it would know you were trying to pet it if it could.\" He stated softly, his gaze shifting slightly to look out the doorway, eyes resting on a new traveler he hadn't seen before. Back to business.\n\nLink made his way to the front of the stable, followed closely by the phantom girl that was absentmindedly hovering a little closer to him than she probably meant to. \"Good evening, Mister.\" The boy was quick to call with a gentle wave, trying his hardest not to offer his invisible companion an annoyed expression as his hand waved through her face." }, { "author": "Taiya", "message": "Taiya noticed the boy out of the corner of his good eye, but what truly caught his attention was the spirit hovering over the young man. She looked young... An older teenager, perhaps, right on the cusp of adulthood. He'd had years to grow used to the occasional spirit that appeared in the vision of his right eye, so he no longer outwardly startled like he had used to, but he couldn't say he wasn't concerned. In his experience, spirits tended to be those who had died with regrets or rather violently, and most of them bore no love for the living.\n\nAnd letting them know you could see them was an open invitation for harassment. \n\nSo he ignored the spirit, though he kept an eye on her as he focused his attention on the young Hylian. \n\n\"Good evening,\" He replied, inclining his head in acknowledgment. \"If I might take a moment of your time, do you know if it would be possible for me to bargain for a bed tonight? I have no rupees, but I would be happy to do any work that needs done in the morning to earn my keep.\"\n\nHe wasn't... Entirely sure if this young man was native to this Hyrule or not. He didn't want to just open with that kind of question; that would be odd. \n\nAnd he didn't want to scare the boy off, because he was Concerned About that spirit. Was she... Haunting him? Ah, Taiya never knew the best way to approach these situations; most people would likely call him mad if he tried telling them a spirit was hovering over their head." } ]	331	1,098
168.2	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Wanderlust, Hero of Hyrule", "message": "Wander seemed to be securing a few items together into a small traveler's pack. He'd been getting ready to go since the morning. Good rest the night before, good food... About the only thing he wished he'd done was say bye to Dark, but there wasn't much of a chance to do so. So, instead, he did what he could to prepare for a couple day's journey. Food, an extra change of clothes, a purse of rupees that seemed like they weren't worth a damned thing in this place. All ready to go.\n\nWith that in mind, he sat down next to the pack, and waited. He had no idea who this Urbosa person actually was, but she was a friend of Wild's, so he figured she must be worth her salt. Plus, he would be easy to spot - it's not like there were almost twenty other heroes with magical swords and green outfits running around or anything!" }, { "author": "Urbosa", "message": "Urbosa had set out from her grand-niece's house in Kakariko village for a trip to her own hometown of Gerudo town, provisions packed neatly in a bag she carried on her back as she head out. She would meet with- Another Link? How many were there? She was told this one was referred to as 'wander' to differentiate between the countless other ones. Screw it, they all had bigger fish to fry. Like getting to the bottom of why she was very much not dead. They had a long trip packed, so Urbosa had packed a tarp, bed roll, two changes of clothes, and some food. As she set out, she saw a young man dressed in a peculiar green outfit with a pointy green hat to match. This had to be him. Nobody else in Hyrule would dress in such a way. \n\n\"I take it you are Wander? Makeela Urbosa, pleased to meet you.\" She held her hand out to shake." }, { "author": "Wanderlust, Hero of Hyrule", "message": "Wander heard the approaching footsteps, and stood up to see who he'd be traveling with. As she got close, he had to slowly tilt his head to look at the absolute giant of a woman before him. What do they feed people in this realm that gets them so tall?\n\n\"Yep, that's me! It's very nice to meet you, miss Urbosa!\" He shook her hand, giving a typical, firm grip, though it was awkward for him. Lefties shaking right-handed, and all that.\n\n\"I look forward to traveling with you. Hopefully there won't be any troubles on the road, but it never hurts to be safe.\" As he spoke, Wander began picking up his pack and shield, and fastened the frog belt he wore for his sword onto his right hip. Once everything was in place, he looked up again at his new companion.\n\"Shall we?\"" }, { "author": "Urbosa", "message": "\"Let us be off then...\" She smiled at the man whose head was at the same level as her navel. The two had made it just a little bit southwest of Kakariko village, still within distance to turn back around if needed, when the sky turned an eerie crimson red, the sun yielding to a blood-red moon.\n\nShe was no expert, but the moon should not be THAT visible in broad daylight, nor should it be any color other than a faintly yellowish eggshell white. Sure enough, monsters began to come to life right there on the field in front of them.\n\n\"Well, Shit...\" She muttered, drawing her daybreaker shield and scimitar of the seven. \n\n\"Let's handle this, real quick.\"" }, { "author": "Wanderlust, Hero of Hyrule", "message": "As the sky shifted, Wander could only feel in his gut that same dread that he'd felt approaching the lair of Ganon himself. On instinct, he readied his shield, and poised his sword tip-forward to loose beams from it in case he needed it. As the monsters rose from the wispy smoke that formed them, he found himself gritting his teeth together, the sound of blood rushing in his ears.\n\n\"Sounds like a plan. Hope you're as good as Wild says you are.\"" } ]	185	841
346.434783	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Dusk: Princess Zelda", "message": "\|\| \n\nLavender eyes blink to an unfamiliar sun... She's ankle deep in waters she cannot recognize, and upon arriving, the woman feels a Piercing Headache. Shes... Confused. And a little irritated. Queen Zelda looks out, scanning her surroundings slowly. The first thing she does is Leave From the small spring. The edges of her skirt were now drenched but at least her boots kept her legs safe. She tries to find Anything She recognizes, a place which could give her direction... But sadly. Nothing. These are mountains and fields she cannot recognize. \n\nZelda Stares out into the open, a glare fixated on her face. She did not plan for this... In any manner. Perhaps it's her own fault for not exploring her own Hyrule enough. Is that where she was? Could it be confirmed? She spins, trying to understand the terrain and trees. She's... Not happy. It's evident. And her impatience was only getting worse with every waking moment. \n\n\"Link?\" She calls out, curious. Though she highly doubted he was around..." }, { "author": "Link, Hero of Light and Dark", "message": "Satori Mountain. It's a place the Hero of Light tends to frequent for no reason in particular. The calm water on the peak of the small mountain, the pink leaves trees. It's calming, and honestly it offers him a chance to unwind and relax a bit—something he hasn't done properly since that island. Crimson eyes scan the horizon before glancing down to his map, prepping for a new adventure to recover some random newcomer from a cave. Wasn't something he was too stoked about, but it wasn't like anyone else would be looking for them when things were so busy.\n\nWell. He Was Going to look for them, but the sound of water splashing behind him immediately put the crimson eyed hero on edge, a quick flick of a mask raising to his face as he spun around and tried to track the source of the sound, only to stare ahead dumbfounded at the woman who quickly escaped the small spring. Dark hair, edges of her skirt dampened as lavender eyes gaze ahead.\n\nRegal, that much is obvious. It's the same sort of dress his sister would wear, and it's solidified as she calls out the name 'Link'- his name, yet at the same time it's not.\n\nMay as well respond anyways, rather than sit and stare.\n\n\"Oi. Hey there.\" He responds, making a quick adjustment to the mask on his face to get it to rest comfortably. \"That'd be my name, but you're probably referring to someone else.\" He hums, taking another moment to roll up his map and deposit it into the bag around his shoulder before tilting his gaze up to meet her, tone dry. \"I'm guessing you just got here?\"" }, { "author": "Dusk: Princess Zelda", "message": "She heard a voice, and there's a Scowl At the lack of recognition. She turns to face the source only to see... Not the hero she had called. She studies the others appearance for a long moment, recognizing a familiar tunic simply on someone else. And the hair... Not a fan. Very bright. Not to her tastes at all. She stares at the other for an uncomfortably long second, it doesn't seem her people skills are up to par. \n\n\"And Who the hell are you supposed to be?\" Zelda's voice is Blunt, and she's staring at the boy as if he'd somehow insulted her by his presence. This wasn't the case of course, she was simply Extremely On the defensive. She didn't know this person, and she was standing somewhere he didn't Intend To be. Her guard was up, and she's watching the other like a cornered animal does its captor. She did Not Trust him. And it seemed the others dry tone didn't help her. \n\n\"You're not Link. You're far too short and... How do I put this,\" She looks at the map he puts away. \"...Prepared.\"" }, { "author": "Link, Hero of Light and Dark", "message": "A scowl's her initial response and it was obvious she was judging him, only accentuated by her blunt tone as she scans him over. Too prepared To be Link. If he didn't know any better he would've laughed, but the need to be serious overwhelmed the other urge. Best to break the news to this newcomer somehow.\n\nUnfortunately for Zelda, she wasn't the only blunt one in the conversation.\n\n\"I'm as much a Link of the twenty something other heroes that are here. Hate to drop it on you, but you're in a different Hyrule entirely. Not only that but people from different times are showing up, too.\" Link huffed, moving to raise his mask off his face and attach it around his belt. Crimson eyes met the other's lavender gaze in a sharp, blazing glare as he took a few steps closer.\n\n\"Don't believe me if you want, but it's the truth. Hard to explain because of the circumstances, but it's just the way it is.\" He huffed, hand moving to rest on the hilt of the sword on his belt—his Uncle's. \"I'm Link, but most people here call me Light.\" It's said almost dismissively, as if it's something he doesn't Actually Enjoy. \"What's your name, what's your home look like. Should make it easier to explain.\" Simple, yet blunt all the same. Put all the information out there and let people learn on their own. He's had to explain it to so many other people already, what's one more to the list?" }, { "author": "Dusk: Princess Zelda", "message": "She didn't expect the word vomit, there was Alot Being thrown at her real quickly and in a manner that said... This has happened before. She could recognize the attitude, and there's another sense of irritation from her at the realization that this was a present issue of Many Others being displaced in all sorts of eras. Fine. She didn't know if she could trust the kid but... For now his words made sense. She'd refrain from her suspicions until she recognized someone or found someone trustworthy enough to fall back on. And... A kid couldn't be diabolical, could he? \n\nShe remembers Malo and immediately refrains from her initial thought. That kid was the devil. A nice devil, but a devil nonetheless. \n\n\"My name is Zelda. Queen Zelda as of recently.\" She comments softly. \"I've chosen to believe you. For now. But the instant you sway another direction, you can kiss the pink pompadour goodbye.\" She glares, testing her words as she slowly following after him. \"I don't know what else to tell you. I'm from Hyrule, my Link helped to destroy the fused shadow and defeat Zant Before Ganon showed up last minute.\"" }, { "author": "Link, Hero of Light and Dark", "message": "Queen Zelda, hm? He's about to talk, some response and a name to give her when suddenly he blinks, eyes narrowing and a low growl being the bearer of the Triforce's response. \"You act like you've never seen the after effects of a curse before.\" He huffs, folding his arms. It's a story for later, though, and his crimson gaze quickly connects to hers. This queen was nothing like his sister, that's for sure.\n\nGood. Maybe for once he'd stop seeing ghosts of his actual friends when talking to someone. It'd do him some good, that's for sure. Her words strike a slight sense of familiarity though, and as Zelda finishes talking, The Hero of Light and Dark is quick to tilt his head to the side—not too dissimilar to that of a confused cat. Zant? Fused Shadow? \"Strange. I did all of that in a neighboring kingdom. Guess it's just another difference.\" He muses aloud, briefly closing his eyes before tilting his head back to face the Queen. \"Not that I'm surprised. Apparently I'm the only one of all the damned Links that's had to clean up the mess that another one left behind.\"\n\nThere was a moment of silence as Link paused, waiting for a second before turning around to face the woman head on, this time scanning over her in turn. \"Any chance you know how to use a sword, or are about as capable as any other damsel in distress?\" The hero grumbled, quick on his feet as he turned away and stalked over to the base of one of the nearby trees and moved to equip himself, lifting up what appeared to be a cape of some sort and tying it around his neck. \"I've got things to do, and what with all the monsters about it's safer to travel in groups. If you don't have a weapon, you can borrow one of mine.\"" }, { "author": "Dusk: Princess Zelda", "message": "\"Damsel?\" If she wasn't irritated before, she definitely is now. Her eye twitches, stopping her walk in her tracks with absolute Astonishment At the insult. \n\n\"I am a skilled weapons user, trained alongside the knights of Hyrule since I was a little Girl. I'm a chosen of Hylia and wielder of the triforce of Wisdom. I. Am. *Not. Some. Damsel.\" A sore spot it seemed. And luckily for her, her sword happened to travel with her. She grips its hilt tightly, showcasing the fine blade to the boy. \n\n\"And I Dont* Need a feeble blade to remain significant. I'm a Healer First. And it would take but a handshake to send you back to the next mountain over. So before you go around with your smart-mouth making unnecessary comments towards travelers you know Nothing of, use your brain and Think.\" She put her sword away and continued walking behind, crossing her arms in a manner to show her irritation. \n\n\"You said there were others. Where are they? I need to find my Link. He could help me.\"" }, { "author": "Link, Hero of Light and Dark", "message": "\"Yeah, whatever.\" He rivals, simply offering a deadpan stare back toward the woman as she forced her blade toward him in demonstrating, showcasing the fine blade to him. To him, it's whatever. Okay, sure, she has experience, but he's had more training over the course of several journeys than the monarch likely had in her entire life.\n\nPerks of being a servant of the Goddesses, he supposes. \"Nayru's Wisdom. One piece of three, nothing special. I beat The Demon King without any of it when I was twelve.\" He huffed, rolling his eyes blandly as he equipped weapons and items to his person. Bomb bags, bows, three- no. Four different blades. \"All I asked is if you were capable. I could care less what you think, and I suggest you get used to it. As for others...\" He started, turning to look away. \"Hell if I know where he is. The world's big, they could be anywhere. I've got something else to do, so your best bet is to probably follow me.\" It's said simply and loosely, even as Link finishes putting his equipment together and quickly moves to start walking, folding his arms and hopping from the top of the mountain down to an area slightly lower down the side.\n\n\"Lots of you Royals are holders of Wisdom by the sound of things. Wonder why that is.\" He mused quietly, rolling his eyes and turning back. \"The Demon King is about power, and the Hero's about Courage.\" There's a slight gesture, and then he repositions himself to grab the hilt of his Uncle's Sword, twirling it around in his left hand, the slightest trace of a smirk on his face. \"You'll be Oh so Happy to know that I don't need a legendary blade to kick anyone's ass. If you Really Think you could toss me to the next mountain over, you should try.\"\n\nA part of him knew he shouldn't be egging her on like this, but who was Light if not a fighter at heart." }, { "author": "Dusk: Princess Zelda", "message": "She... Doesn't care for this boys ventures. It seems her own snark sparked something within the other. She listens with a glare, her distaste for this stranger extremely evident. But again, she's complying and following anyways. All while glaring Daggers In the back of his head, taking occasional moments to look out at the scenery of the world... \n\n\"I don't care about your ventures. No offense but your matters simply don't concern Mine.\" She's not trying to be rude, just truthful. \"I don't have a legendary blade either. That is more the chosen heroes thing. Hylia doesn't seem to favor the royals in that front. According to history she prefers socially inept blonds.\" She wasn't wrong. \n\n\"So you have No Clue where the others are? How will I find my Link then? There must be a way to contact them.\" She demands. \"I need to find the Hero of Twilight.\"" }, { "author": "Link, Hero of Light and Dark", "message": "\"Didn't think you did, figures.\" Link huffs indignantly, and while it goes unseen, he definitely rolled his eyes at her words. \"I would be blond too if not for the Dark World and the Demon King, but since you don't care, I won't bother explaining.\" He stated flatly, tilting his head over his shoulder as she spoke. \"Magic artifacts. Or wander aimlessly until you find someone who looks generally similar to the Link in question. You'll want to call him 'Twilight' so the other heroes don't get on your case, though.\" Link explained, tilting his head back forward.\n\nAnother moment passes, and without much thought the Hero of Light and Dark moved to dig into the bag around his shoulder, removing a rolled up piece of parchment before tossing it over his head toward the Queen. \"You can use that for long distance communication with just about anyone. Be warned though, half the people that use the damn thing are Imbéciles desagradables.\" He paused for a moment. \"That is to say they're Annoying, in Hylian.\"\n\n\"The people on that parchment, Heroes included, don't seem to even care about fixing all of this, so most of my conversations on there are because things need to be done.\" His tone rang out as annoyed, apparently having been too used to listening to people blabber about on it. \"Too many people have the damn scroll, I'd be willing to bet that you'll probably find one randomly lying about in the future... But you might find your Link through it. If you do, tell him to meet us near Zora's Domain, there's someone that needs our help there.\"" }, { "author": "Dusk: Princess Zelda", "message": "\"Twilight? That's what he's going by?\" She frowns at the parchment passed to her. \"Hes not the hero of Creativity That's certain...\" This time, her scowl seems to soften. Shes listening to the boy, glad for his explanation even if she didn't directly show it. Theres a moment of pause, unsure what this Paper Meant and why so many words were going through it all at once. She felt irritated just by the look of it. \n\n\"You're right. Too many people- and you say None Seem concerned with going home?\" She asks him. \"That can't be right. Certainly the intention isn't to Stay Here, some of us have responsibilities.\" Zelda was a queen afterall, she needed to tend to her people. She decides to give the scroll a closer look, following behind this other hero a bit more swiftly. He was helpful. She wouldn't forget that. \n\n\"...Thank you.\" It seemed like a difficult thing for her to say. \"What shall I call you then? Since Link seems to be out of the question-\" She pauses. \n\n\"¿Español? Enserio?\" Dusk was impressed. And for a fleeting moment, her glare had disappeared." }, { "author": "Link, Hero of Light and Dark", "message": "\"...Dark\" He decides after a moment, a gloved hand raising up to his chin for just a moment as she matched the language he was speaking, the words familiar on his ears from all the traveling in Holodrum. \"And Sí, pero no es el único idioma que conozco.\" He hummed in response, rolling his eyes and glancing away for a second. \"It's... No problem, I guess. And I'm sure they are, but nobody shows it as much as they should if you ask me.\" It's simple, and as he turns his head back, he huffs softly. The glare on his face gone in exchange for a more peaceful glance over toward Dusk. \"Given there are multiple queens as well, you'll probably need a different name than just 'Zelda', too.\"\n\nA moment passes, and he stops and turns to face her for a brief moment. \"Just so we're on the same page, I don't think you're a damsel. The sword's unique. My sister can barely swing one, let alone hit a weak point... It's cool.\" He compliments, and quickly he shifted to turn away, matching her pace rather than leading.\n\n\"Any word yet?\" He asked after a moment, casually glancing down to the paper Dusk was now holding in her hands, expression feigning disinterest with shocking accuracy. \"I think your Hero's been frequenting the parchment recently with his girlfriend or whatever, not too certain.\" He huffed, quick to prevent himself from slipping." }, { "author": "Dusk: Princess Zelda", "message": "\"Dark.\" She repeats, odd name but she went with it. It got her thinking a little bit as well, her hero was Twilight And this man was Dark. Should she also choose something sentimental? Something that matched a bit of her story? Zelda processes in silence at the suggestion, taking long to think about it. Her mind falls back to her home, the serenity and beauty of its calm tranquility between that of light and dark. She thinks of her favorite time of day, the devilish delight of the night blended with the be mischievousness of day... \n\n\"Dusk. I feel it's suiting...\" She decides for both herself and the other hero. She listens to his words again, having calmed a bit since their initial greeting. It seemed the two matched one another's energy Somewhat. It was helpful. It didn't stop her from scowling however. This just seemed to be her face. \n\nCool. She'd never been called such a thing and so casually. She didn't know what to make of it, so she couldn't respond. Only pursing her lips in acknowledgement. She appreciated the praise, though clearly it wasn't something she received often. \"....I suppose it's good you're prepared as well. My Link could learn a thing or two from your usage of maps.\" Could she compliment anyone without insulting another? That was the real question. \n\nAnd then her eyes fixate on the parchment, many varying emotions flooding through her at once. A hint of desperation, hesitation, and fear as she wrote... Then a sense of relief! Joy, and Utter annoyance. She folds the paper quickly. \n\n\"Hes here. I'm relieved. Somewhere called the Depths Tracing Ganondorfs scent...?\" She looks around them, not sure what the Depths Were. \"And Midna- I never thought I'd hear from her again...\" She seemed pleased. They were alive. But that expression quickly fades.\n\n\"Everyone else annoys the shit out of me however. They're... Incredibly noisy. I was reading for two minutes and they've already derailed from the important facts several times. And, I- im sorry Girlfriend?\" She made a disgusted face. \"You mean, Link and Midna?\" She hated the idea. Not that she Liked Link. It just felt like two family members had announced their engagement... Though she wasn't surprised." }, { "author": "Link, Hero of Light and Dark", "message": "Dusk. She feels it's suiting. Not as odd as on the nose as Twilight or Dark, but at least to his defense his name was gifted to him by his Subrosian companion. It seemed their energy matched... More or less. Good, that would be helpful, a person who could actually see his point of view for once would be more than useful in the long run. He nods his head slightly in response to her words, only to recoil at the sound of her pseudo-compliment. \n\nDespite being a legendary hero, it's rare he's met with any compliment like this. Most of the time it's people just expecting things of him, to act or dress a certain way instead of to just be 'Link'. For a moment he's almost drawn into his memories of Koholint with Marin... Almost. \n\nHe can't afford to get sentimental on the spot, after all. Enough people know about the island and her as it is, he doesn't need to go telling people again.\n\n\"Figured he's here.\" He responds instead, shaking his head slightly and moving to stand straight, brushing a few strands of stray hair out of his face with his hand before scowling ahead of them, lips pursing. \"The depths are deep underground. I advise not going there immediately, especially if that Maledetto cinghiale* Is there.\" He huffed, tongue sharp as he swore. \"Ese cerdo a besoin de rimani morto.\"\n\nHe paused, then sighed. \"That pig needs to stay dead. Sorry. Tend to switch languages often.\" Dark collected himself with a deep breath before looking back and nodding. \"But you're right. The people on that piece of paper are noise and annoying. And—\" Dark's words came to a vault as Dusk made a disgusted face, only to offer a bemused chuckle. \"You should see the look on your face. I'm fairly certain they've been with each other since your hero showed up here, and he's only ever addressed her by name. I assumed there had to be Some Form of relationship between them. Wouldn't be the first here, that's for certain.\" He stated simply, then his expression turned sour as he looked away. Blegh." }, { "author": "Dusk: Princess Zelda", "message": "Her morbid curiousity continues to win the better of her. Even with the paper folded she can't help but peek over every few seconds. It was like watching a train wreck. She felt like she was holding a coming device of evil. Too many people. Lots of noise and Hardly Any consideration. She pockets the page and continues to walk with the other, listening to him. She's not a woman of many words. \n\n\"The depths are literally Depths Then. Alright.\" She acknowledges. Her mind draws back to the Twilight realm. She wondered if it was similar. Dusk Would probably be fine in that case if she visited. Locating Twilight was next on her mind now that she Knew He was here. \n\n\"And Relationships are gross.\" Dusk says firmly. \"It's hard to believe those two are together after... Everything that's happened.\" Dusk thought back to the events of the battle. It had been years since, but she remembered Twilights face at the realization Midna was Gone Forever. Except it didn't seem that was the case anymore. In an odd way, she was happy for them. Despite having this urge to gag. \n\n\"I'll be on my way to find him then. But first I said I'd assist you. Where are we going?\"" }, { "author": "Link, Hero of Light and Dark", "message": "```We're going back in time to the first thanksgiving to take Turkey off the menu. That's right. We're going back in time to the first thanksgiving to take Turkey off the menu/nc i just needed a cut here```\n\n__An unspecified amount of time later...__\n\nSo apparently, taking a girl by the hand and jumping into a pit with Roc's Cape equipped so that she doesn't fall to her death Isn't A wise decision when Dusk is the woman in question. They had tumbled Far, swearing and cursing at each other the entire way down. With a loud THUD The two hit the stoney ground of the depths, and for a moment Dark couldn't feel anything. A few seconds passed before a sharp shock reverberated through his body, the pain delayed and then immediately dulled by his protective rings and tunic.\n\nWith a groan she moved to sit and then to stand, placing a hand to her head before swiftly turning her gaze upward and cursing in some foreign language under her breath. The hero's crimson gaze fell to the side slightly in order to find Dusk after a moment, gently scanning for both the Queen and her cap—it had fallen off when Dark had attempted to use his hookshot and missed, and now left his long and Exceptionally Unkempt hair exposed, much to his annoyance. \"What the hell was that for?\" He growled to himself, frustrated for a moment before his eyes suddenly widened. Normal people shouldn't be able to survive falls like this correct? Oh, for fuck's sake...\n\nDespite themself, Dark moved swiftly to meet the brunette in the spot where she had hit the ground, kneeling down and staring for just a moment before speaking. \"You better still be alive or your folks are going to be Far From stoked to see me.\" They huffed, shaking their head before roughly shaking Dusk in an attempt to force them to stir. \"Oi, get up! We don't got all day, you know!\"" }, { "author": "Dusk: Princess Zelda", "message": "Dusk is! Well. Shes staring face-up at a dark sky. She's not unconscious, but she could be dead because she hasn't moved a Muscle. Except... She blinks. She's alive. Quite fine actually, but her eyes are Daggers. At what? She didn't know. It was dark and everything felt gross and uncomfortable. She's staring up at a dark abyss and just trying her damn best not to break into a flurry of curses again. On the bright side, her connection with Twilight was stronger here. They were in the right place. \n\n...Now what? \n\n\"What the hell was that for? You're the one who grabbed me!\" She doesn't move from her spot, still angrily eyeing the sky as Dark approached her. It's maybe another minute as she decides to sit up, her hair a flurried mess behind her. She takes a moment to properly tie it back all over again. \n\n\"With that attitude, I'm about the play dead just to let them rip you a new one-\" She grumbles, slowly getting up and dusting off her skirt. She could hardly see in front of her but... No biggie. She holds out her hand, lifting her palm as she tries to regulate her magic somehow, call from a power within her to illuminate the area around them. \n\nAnd it works. A small orb of pure light magic forms in her hands, she avoids looking at it directly and then scans the depths around them. \n\n\"This place is... Desolate. And depressing.\"" }, { "author": "Link, Hero of Light and Dark", "message": "She's alive. Okay, good. Dark rolls his eyes as the Queen grumbles, huffing softly and moving to grab his lantern and try and light it as she dusts off her skirt...\n\nOnly to have his late uncle's item completely trivialized by magic. He found himself staring, slightly awestruck as she casts the spell, watching for a moment before shaking his head and clearing his mind—save for the rambling of the goddesses in the back of his head. Desolate, depressing. \"You could call a Lot Of things in this time those two words and it would make sense. A lot of things are just ruins on the surface, and down here is just shitty terrain to traverse. Worst part is that we barely have any proper direction to go now.\" The pink haired hero huffed, running a hand through his hair subconsciously in an attempt to relax himself before simply shaking his head. Get a grip, Dark.\n\n\"Hate to break it to you, but this place is going to be hell to traverse in that dress.\" Dark hummed quietly—almost like he was admitting that it was something that he had done before. \"Lots of climbing, lots of falling. Don't Try jumping, that's going to get you killed. Let me help you.\" It was good to place some ground rules, granted if anyone with common sense was running about with him, they would've just accepted their fate. Despite Dusk being Wisdom's chosen, she seemed to lack it... At least when it came to their safety. Then again, who was he to contest her on this when he was the exact same way.\n\n\"Well, c'mon. Standing around isn't going to be doing us any good, let's move.\" Dark announced to little fanfare, moving to step past her and pick up his cap before depositing it in his bag and carrying on. \"At least traveling down here gives some good fights.\"" }, { "author": "Dusk: Princess Zelda", "message": "Desolate and Depressing. As the words are turned back at her, they ring in her mind. She wonders what could have happened to a Hyrule that... Caused this. And even If She could sense remnants of the twilight realm here - this wasn't it at all. Where had these depths come from? Or had they always been there? She's... Walking behind Dark, eyeing the terrain in deep thought. Theres alot of questions in her mind, but she doubted the other had any of the answers. Not that she doubted him, but in the end he was Like Her, a newbie in a Hyrule completely unrecognizable. \n\n\"I didn't exactly have time to Pack, thank you. Otherwise a dress would have been the last thing I'd have chosen.\" It was true, but at the very least Dusk despised heels. She was wearing boots fit for the journey. So for now, she'd have to deal with this. After finding Twilight and Midna, she can relax and find a more... Proper change of clothes. \n\n\"Good fights?\" Dusk glares at Dark cautiously. \"You better not go running head first into trouble. We need to focus. I am Not In the mood to learn how to battle whatever creatures this Hyrule has to offer thank you!\" Not that she couldn't handle herself, but actively running into danger seemed like more of a hassle than it was worth. And since... Being handed the parchment, Dusk is holding it close. She doesn't care at all for the useless banter everyone else was having. All she was listening for was the voices of Twilight or Midna when it mattered. This... Didn't prevent her from interjecting in a conversation once or twice though. Dusk had a bad habit of putting her opinion places it wasn't needed. \n\n\"I don't take kindly to being followed.\" She grimaces, thinking of the girl who'd imposed on joining them." }, { "author": "Link, Hero of Light and Dark", "message": "\"I'd be surprised if anyone Did. This brat sounds annoying.\" Dark huffed in reply as he listened in on the passing conversation between Dusk and the parchment and occasionally offered his two cents. With a quick huff he's by her side again—if he's going to travel with someone, then he's not going to delegate someone to a specific role. They're teammates, so they should be equal in treatment towards one another, at least in his opinion. It was with a quick huff that Dark responded to everything else, first offering a half-disappointed glare back toward the Queen.\n\n\"If we run head first into trouble, it's not going to be on purpose.\" He announced, folding his arms and shaking his head. \"Enemies show up all the time, skeletal foes. And Lynels Lurk around here, but Those At least are fun challenges.\" Of course, everything was a bit of a challenge when the curse his Demon King had placed on him years ago made everything trying to kill him insanely strong and brazen. Power tended to have that effect. \"It's a lot more dangerous down here anyways, so expect to fight at least a few things.\"\n\nAs for the topic of her dress... \"We could always cut it.\" Dark offered simply, unsheathing his Uncle's sword and holding it upside down for her to see." }, { "author": "Dusk: Princess Zelda", "message": "\"Lynels?\" She asked with a raised eyebrow. Dusk had never once heard the term and the way Dark mentioned it seemed to Irk Her. She didn't like the idea of a Fun challenge From a Link's perspective. So she's now walking with her guard up and eyes glancing around with deep suspicion. It wasn't her distrusting Dark, but she understood quite well how much of a gauge for trouble Twi Had. And if the other heroes were anything like that, then this Lynel Was probably no fun at all. Dusk decided to be cautious. \n\n\"Because of course it's more dangerous. Otherwise it'd be Too Easy.\" She mutters, noticing a pattern with her life and that of the heroes she'd spoken with on the parchment. Dusk decided to enact the magic in her fingertips, a soft glow in both her hands in case Anything Decided to surprise them. She'd had enough surprise encounters and trouble for one day after Arriving And being Pulled down a mountain! Her expression showed Clear Irritation the more and more her mind thought of the situation. Despite this, she was in some form thankful for Dark. She wasn't sure she'd have been so trusting had another person or hero barged into her. Dusk's personality... Rarely blended well with others. More often than not, she made enemies before companions. A part of her wondered if that was the case for Dark as well. \n\n\"Hm?\" She pauses, viewing the sword he showcased to her. Her eyes glance down at her attire, a dress still drenched from the spring she'd arrived in, and the dirt that trailed after the events of falling down the mountaintop... \"These are royal garments. Cutting Them would be incredibly dishonorable! And where would I get new ones? This is a different era entirely.\" She protested with a frown. But... They were damaged enough, weren't they? And if the depths were as dangerous as he insinuated, then she should put that first rather than her appearance. Ugh. Rationality.\n\n—\nShe grabs their offered sword and slices at her dress, halving its length. She could walk much better now. Fun. Dusk passes the blade back, deciding to begin walking once again before she threw a fit." }, { "author": "Link, Hero of Light and Dark", "message": "He was shocked to see her grab his weapon and slice part of her dress off despite here explanation of how bad an idea it was. Not that he had any problems with it, no, of course not, but because she was so quick to take the sword from him and cut through it before handing it back over as if it were no big deal. Granted, it wasn't, but that's beside the point. Right now, she's questioning about Lynels. \"Part man, part horse, part lion. Carries lots of weapons, can breath fire.\" The hero shrugged as if it were nothing, tilting his head away from Dusk as she hands the blade back to him. \"Dangerous monsters when untamed, really sweet when they are.\" Cremia taught him a lot, not that it'd be anything the woman next to him would know about.\n\nHe was going to continue talking when suddenly his ears twitched, and quickly the Hero of Light and Dark raised his hand to both shush and stop Dusk from moving. \"Speak of the devil.\" He huffed quietly, shutting his eyes and focusing for a moment before looking to his right. Far enough away that they were mostly out of range (save for its bow), was a giant horse creature with a large white mane. A Lynel. \"There's one now.\" He stated calmly, though despite himself a smile was growing on his face. He needed to fight something anyways. Things were getting worse and fighting was always a stress reliever. \"Stay here, I'll take care of it since it's in the way.\" Dark announced quietly, twirling his sword around in his hand before stepping off to deviate from their path and moving to initiate combat. There was cheering in the back of his mind, and he couldn't help but feel similarly. Time to get the ball rolling." }, { "author": "Dusk: Princess Zelda", "message": "\"Dangerous monsters...\" She repeats his words, nodding. Dusk knew now to be wary. She did not want to encounter a Lynel In any way if it meant what he'd explained to her. Just because she's trained does not mean she has... Experience. Dusk would prefer to avoid the larger foes if she could. She has never quite traversed lands like these, and being somewhere New Hasn't given her an opportunity to really understand what she needed to about this realm. She had no inventory beside her sword and basic jewelry. Nothing which stood out in any way, and with the depths she doubted she could get away with her light magic for long. Would it begin to drain her? Would getting injured make her unable to heal? There were too many variables she did Not Want to test. \n\nSo you can imagine her irritation at the sound of a roar and Dark pausing to share Excitement. \n\n\"No.\" She demands, glaring at Dark as they begin to run ahead of her. \"No! No no!\" She calls after him, shouting angrily as Dark is No longer By her side. She groans in irritation, stepping cautiously at the sight of the beast. And, quite honestly, like Hell Is she going to let some Hero she hardly knows! Run face first to battle this opponent. Stay here? For what? Safety? Dusk is Exhausted Of being the lady in waiting. \n\nHer hands spark with light, raising an arm in the direction of the beast. She sends out a Blast Of magic to hold it back, trying to restrict its movements- \n\nExcept the beast vanishes, leaving Dark in the way of her beam. Her eyes widen and she tries to lessen the spell. It doesn't do much, though it does have enough force to knock a Hylian down. Woops." } ]	351	7,968
183.6	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Midna", "message": "Din's fiery hatred did her head hurt... Or just that everything seemed to hurt. She couldn't tell anything about her surroundings, just that it wasn't the Twilight Realm... It didn't burn her alive, but the malicious warmth was the only tip she needed to know to realize that this was the Light Realm. She noticed she was on top of some slab of rock right beside a statue she can only assume depicted the Goddess Hylia. Some ritualistic spring of sorts. Midna felt her senses return to her one by one, and the first to rear its ugly head was \|\|the unimaginable feeling of her chest being constricted despite no bind to do so. She hears herself unleash a waving, rattly cough and wheeze as she flips over onto her stomach. She was struck with the smell of saltwater as she attempted to purge it from her airstream. Crucial seconds pass as she feels her body take a fresh breath of air, only to be followed by a surge of vomit to interrupt her as a secondary reflex. She steeled herself to at least crawl away from the stench before rolling onto her side.\|\|\n\nA weak groan escaped the Twili as the memories of what happened slammed into her like a charging goat. The desolate attempt to process her emotions since she had no sense of time in the dire days after her egregious act of shutting the door figuratively; the glimmer of hope that she had when she managed to create a rift; the brutal reality when she stepped through it and chased what her heart wanted to know... And here she is, living with this guilt without anybody to shoulder it.\n The Twilight Realm felt like hell for her despite it being her home. Timeless, ceaseless mental suffering that she can only deduce was guilt. And now she appears to be free from that torment... But was this some sort of limbo for her, to suffer in the Light knowing far too well that she is guilty, and this was just another punishment." }, { "author": "Young Link", "message": "Soon, there was the sounds of something approaching.. And as it turns out, it was a horse! A small horse to be exact with someone on it.. \n\nThe Young Hero was going through the long hallway before venturing into the spring.. Before noticing Midna.. At first, The hero was confused on who this person was, maybe questions later \n\nThe Young Hero had a small smile as he went off Epona before going towards Midna.. To midna, it appeared to be a small Child with 2 Masks around him... One of his cap and another on his waist... Along with a gold sword and a mirror shield \n\n\"Excuse me? Is everything alright?'\n\nThe Young hero spoke out towards Midna.. He always made sure to help anyone that may need it..." }, { "author": "Midna", "message": "She was slowly gathering her bearings, but managed to respond to the inquiry with a kind, but affirm nod. \"As far as I can tell, whatever issues befell me have been resolved.\" The clear, regal tone contrasted the voice of the... Youthful hero. Clearly he was more than a simple traveller by his attire and armament of masks and weapons; it set her aback.\n\nShe was physically sound, even with the residual effects of nearly meeting a watery grave fresh in her mind. Whatever weapons Midna had on her were stashed away in her pocket dimension, taking in the calm atmosphere and conversation taking place in such a short span of time." }, { "author": "Young Link", "message": "Young Link listened to what Midna said before looking around the spring of courage.. How interesting.. The Young Hero never saw anything like this before.. \n\nHe then looked towards Midna before looking a little confused... He decided to speak up again \n\n\"Do you know what this place is?\" \n\nYoung link briefly took the Keaton Mask that was on his cap and held it in his hands for a moment, before putting it back onto his cap" }, { "author": "Midna", "message": "\"Aside from the assumption that this a spring used for offerings to a deity of some sorts, I'm just as lost as you are; if not even more so.\" If felt off putting that a child as young as him was so... Calm and much older than perceived. It unnerved her slightly, but didn't project it outwards as to not sound scrutinizing. She did, however, squint her eyes as if this person looked oddly similar to a certain knight in green.\n\n\"I'm pretty sure I am just as lost as you are in this strange realm.\" Such an odd choice of words for her to linger on." } ]	136	918
179.744186	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "psychoeziz", "message": "Having arrived in Tabantha, both the Zoran and Hylian princess were given weary looks. After all, this world's Zelda looks far older than the Zelda by Mipha's side... And Mipha shouldn't even be alive. Regardless, Mipha was tasked by Dorephan to find a fellow who's known to linger in the Hebra and Tabantha region... And Zelda somehow, for some reason, came along. Mipha doesn't even remember how Zelda's companionship came to be. \n\nMipha has yet to see Wild or Flower, but knows they are... Almost the same as the Link and Zelda she knows. Perhaps it was always fated that the two she knows would also find themselves in a romantic relationship with one another. \n\nYet, neither of them told Mipha until it came out during the trip the two princess' took. It left their travels quite uncomfortable. \n\nRegardless, they reached their destination within five days, though upon looking and asking around, the man they're looking for hasn't been seen in the past few days. Likely seeking wares elsewhere. \n\nToo tired to continue traveling, the two decided to take respite in the stable.\n\nMipha: \"Princess Zelda... Did we ever have a Kilton in our time?\"\n\n\nZelda: \"Not that I can recall... Though this world is a hundred and some odd years in the future to ours. It wouldn't surprise me if Kilton is related to someone we do know.\"" }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "Coming here was a mistake.\n\nThis was one of the few parts of Hyrule that Roewen wasn't completely familiar with. He couldn't memorize where everything was at all times, but it wasn't like he was able to read a map either. If he'd known he would end up in this part of Hyrule, he would've put something warmer on... But alas, they don't make winter coats for monsters like him. He guessed it was up to him to start a fire or find some sort of...\n\n...Shelter...\n\nThe monster's eyes eventually noticed the stable... A bad idea formed in his mind. A horrible one, even. If Roewen knew anything, those places were absolutely riddled with not only horses, but many of the various un-monsters of Hyrule. You know, the kind that wouldn't take too kindly to a bokoblin waltzing in there like he owns the place.\n\nBut those places were warm, which was better than being out here... Also, if he was sneaky enough, perhaps he could rob some poor unsuspecting schmuck. Roewen knew what he had to do... It was either that or freezing to death.\n\nThe monster cautiously made its way to the stable. Trying his absolute hardest not to draw attention to himself, he slipped his way in..." }, { "author": "Revali, Proven Hero of Hyrule", "message": "The skies were were the same and different in all the way that mattered. The currents were still so familiar, but the structures and islands that now dotted the heavens were something he was still trying to decipher. Fortunately, it seemed the actual topology of Hyrule differed very little from what he knew.\n\nHe noted with a light twinge in his chest that it was starting to get later in the day- the skies very faintly beginning to shift from blue to gold. He would have to either return to the Flight Range or find a well-lit place to roost before long... Which he noted with some relief that the Tabantha Stable was exactly where it was supposed to be.\n\nHis eyes soon caught sight of a flash of red and gold, familiar enough to send a pang of grief and yearning through him. Mipha and Zelda... Yes, his Zelda was Alive, but Mipha... And either way, he was separated from his world and all he knew. These faces would be familiar, and yet...\n\nRevali made a choice.\n\nHe dove towards the ground, before spreading his wings wide, flapping to arrest his descent, coming to a graceful landing in front of the stable. \"Well, well, well... I wouldn't expect to see you so far from home, princess.\"\n\nWhich one was he addressing? Probably both." }, { "author": "psychoeziz", "message": "Zelda had looked towards the direction of where a bokoblin was stalking, though when she had looked, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Mipha glanced to where Zelda looked, sighing softly to herself.\n\nMipha: \"Are you feeling anxious, Zelda? If so, we could begin to retire for the night.\"\n\nZelda: \"Hm? Oh, no. I think I heard a squirrel, or perhaps a fox, scattering about. Besides, we can't retire just yet—we have yet to eat.\"\n\n\nMipha: \"I see you've grown more fond of eating while traveling, Princess.\"\n\nZelda had given Mipha a confused look, before the two soon covered their faces from a gust of land as—what they assumed to be—a Rito landing. \n\nAnd of course, only one Rito spoke. \n\nZelda: \"Revali? Have you been brought to this world, too?\"\n\n\nMipha: \"I talked to a Revali through the parchment we all seem to have. Are you the one I spoke to?\"\n\n\nZelda: \"Regardless, we are all far from home, aren't we?\"" }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "Oh great, another set of eyes to hide from.\n\nRoewen took note of the big blue visitor who had just arrived. Fortunately, it seemed like no one had noticed him yet. Goooooood...\n\nThe bokoblin remained ducked in the shadows, hiding behind any sort of furniture or prop or... Whatever he could hide behind. From this cover, he spied on the three people present, knowing nothing of who they actually were. To him, they were just regular, everyday people to avoid being seen by. If only Roewen knew..." }, { "author": "Revali, Proven Hero of Hyrule", "message": "\"So it does seem.\" Revali noted, folding his wings behind his back as he stepped closer.\n\n\"Assuming you're the Mipha that came from the world where the Calamity claimed none of our lives, I believe that'd be correct- I'm the Proven Hero, Revali.\" He proclaimed with a prideful raise of his head, puffing his chest out for a moment.\n\nBut his demeanor quickly shifted to something more serious.\n\n\"...We certainly are far from our homes, yes. I should have been more cautious investigating that portal...\" He breathed out a huff. \"Now I'm stuck here until further notice.\"" }, { "author": "psychoeziz", "message": "The princesses had... Varying reactions to his prideful boast. Zelda had quirked an eyebrow, while Mipha seemed mildly annoyed. \n\nMipha: \"Proven Hero? What makes one a proven hero?\"\n\nMipha hummed and Zelda nodded. Though Zelda has seen one of the few Sky Islands, she missed her world, and Mipha missed her younger brother. Seeing Sidon grown up has grown on her... But she has no doubt her same-world brother is heartbroken in her absence. \n\nZelda: \"If you investigated the portal you're far less cautious than the Revali Mipha and I know. He didn't even wish to get involved with the ancient Sheikah technology.\"\n\nA hum seemingly left Mipha. \nMipha: \"That may be, but if I heard correctly, this Revali is the equivalent to this world's Link—to some extent. Our Revali hasn't needed to make any sacrifices, including his own safety, aside from piloting Vah Medoh. Though, that's something we all chose to risk.\"\n\nZelda was seemingly growing more uncertain of their surroundings. The Hylian created a faint glow of light from her hand.\nZelda: \"I believe the Yiga are around in this world. Stay alert.\"" }, { "author": "Revali, Proven Hero of Hyrule", "message": "\"Why, I'm Glad You asked.\" A cocky smile spread across his beak, and he inclined his head to the side to eye the two princesses. \"You see, in the... Absence Of Link, there was no hero Chosen By the goddess Hylia to take up the mantle. The last hopes of Hyrule fell to me- and I was finally able to Prove myself Worthy of being recognized as a Hero.\"\n\nAnd it had been exhausting. It had been grueling. It had been Frightening. But he'd persevered, pushed himself beyond his limits...\n\nUltimately, he'd emerged victorious. He felt he'd Earned A bit of self-satisfaction by now.\n\n\"If something was amiss, it was my duty to ensure nobody else would get hurt flying in recklessly. I circled just a little too close, as it turned out.\" He huffed at his own mistake, brushing some invisible dust off his shoulder.\n\nHis eyes narrowed at the mention of the Yiga clan, and he quietly began to scan their surroundings as well- taking notice that the Master Sword on his back had begun to glow. \"I would not say the Yiga Are our concern right now, princess.\"\n\nWith one smooth motion, he drew the sword— the stable was too confined to risk letting loose arrows, Especially Not his signature bomb arrows. \"There's monsters afoot.\"" }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "This definitely did not go unnoticed. Roewen's heart (or whatever that purple organ of theirs was) sank a little bit. How did they know he was there? More importantly, why did that Rito's sword just get shinier?\n\nOk just- stay calm, don't make a sound, they know you're \\There\\, but they haven't actually found you yet...\n\nThe bokoblin decided his hiding spot might not have been good enough. He tried to back out of there and find a better one... Then, right on cue, he tripped over a loose floorboard and fell on his face like an idiot. Oh, Goddess. The jig was up.\n\nRoewen hid away any sort of fear he had in his body and drew his dagger. He could take this guy, just a regular, ru-of-the-mill rito with a... Fancy lookin' sword... Right?" }, { "author": "psychoeziz", "message": "Mipha was tempted to continue prying, but despite his cockiness... She just admitted he has seen horrors she will likely never have the misfortune of living through. \n\nShe was compassionate until he 'dusted' off his shoulder. Perhaps showing sympathy wouldn't be ideal. \n\n\nZelda: \"Monsters here must be smarter with what we're familiar with, given this one knows how to stalk.\" \n\nBoth princesses readied their weapons—Mipha with her lightscale trident, and Zelda creating a sword made of light. \n\nWhen the bokoblin drew its dagger, Zelda raised an eyebrow. \nZelda: \"It doesn't use what bokoblins normally battle with... Also, why is it traveling alone? Bokoblins usually travels in trios.\" \n\nThough Zelda remained alert, Mipha eased ever so slightly. As Zelda talked about the Bokoblin, the Master Sword caught her attention. \n\nIt simply didn't feel right to see it in Revali's hands. After all, at least in her world, he called the weapon asinine." }, { "author": "Revali, Proven Hero of Hyrule", "message": "Revali's attention Snapped Towards the sound, piercing green gaze locking on Roewen with a chilling stare. He was a predator, and the Bokoblin was his prey.\n\nA blue Bokoblin... Not the weakest of the bunch, but still little threat. He readied the Master Sword, as the people in the stable started scrambling back. Good. He didn't even need to give orders for them to understand he needed them out of the way.\n\nThis would be over quickly.\n\n\"Well, whatever its tricks, we will not be falling for them so easily. Don't let your guards down.\"\n\nThe feathers on Revali's neck visibly bristled and puffed up, before he began to charge- swinging for Roewen's head with a sharp yell. How quickly can you dodge, Roewen?" }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "Okaaay, three on one, seems a bit- WOAH.\n\nRevali's question had gotten its answer as the bokoblin leaned backwards, just barely out of the way of the sword. Seeing as he isn't Keanu Reeves and this isn't The Matrix, the monster fell onto his back.\n\n...As intended. Seeing as his opponent was using a melee weapon (which was unusual for a rito) and had just swung for his head, they were within close proximity to him now. Roewen took advantage of this fact, sending a two-legged donkey kick upwards back at his opponent, hoping to give himself some space once again.\n\nImmediately afterwards, Roewen scrambled to his feet. This wasn't his first rodeo, he's been through worse!\n...As far as he knows!\nIn a challenging manner, the bokoblin floruished his dagger, which appeared to be a sort of self-made shank made from a broken piece of his own horn. He was displaying a lot of confidence, but anyone perceptive enough would notice that he was... Kind of terrified right now." }, { "author": "psychoeziz", "message": "Using the Master Sword on a blue bokoblin did seem to be overdoing it, though the death would—at the very least—be swift. Even so, something wasn't sitting right with Mipha. \n\nMipha: \"It didn't attack first.\"\n\nMipha gently cupped Revali's shoulder, holding him from whatever attack he planned on doing next. \"Bokoblins always attack first, unless if a sneak strike was done. We didn't sneak up on it, however.\"\n\nZelda walked closer to the bokoblin, and though she still had her sword present, she didn't threaten the monster with it. \"Perhaps it has higher intellect? Though... Why wouldn't it carry around a proper weapon...\"\n\nMipha still held on to the rito's shoulder. \"Do you think there's a way we can communicate with it? Maybe the parchment thing we've all seem to have?\"" }, { "author": "Revali, Proven Hero of Hyrule", "message": "\"What the—\" It dodged?! He'd never seen a Bokoblin of this level have the intelligence to Dodge. To use a Shield, Yes, but never dodge.\n\nThe kick impacted against the leather guardpiece Revali wore, but there was still enough force to send him back a few steps. He was still a Rito, After all, and despite his height advantage, he wasn't as heavy as a Hylian would be at the same height. His eyes narrowed, and he began to prepare himself for his next attack— Clearly this would be more of a challenge than he'd thought —before a distantly familiar hand rested upon his shoulder.\n\nRevali inhaled sharply, his gaze snapping to Mipha as she spoke.\n\n\"...What- do you think it's any different from any other monster? That's just Preposterous.\" His gaze locked once again on Roewen. He didn't trust it. Not as far as he could throw him.\n\n\"If it Does Have higher intellect as you say, what's saying it's not a Spy Of some kind for some form of Ganon?\"" }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "Yeah, how do you like \\That,\\* Hollow bones?!\n\nRoewen was just about prepared to get jumped by the other two. When he saw Zelda approach, he readied his dagger, and-\n\n...They're talking. Roewen, of course, didn't understand much of it, so he let them do their thing. After all, it would be dishonorable to strike while his opponent wasn't paying attention to him. The bokoblin lowered his weapon for now, and tapped his foot impatiently." }, { "author": "psychoeziz", "message": "Mipha seemed unfazed by Revali's snapping remarks. If anything... She couldn't hide her mild annoyance. \"Not that intelligent, but look at it.\"\n\nMipha gestured to the princess and the bokoblin. \"If it was a spy of Ganon, wouldn't it be actively trying to kill Zelda? After all, she and Link—and you in your world—are Ganon's biggest threats.\" \n\nZelda dematerialized her weapon, now slowly pulling out the parchment. Moving ever slowly, she moved it closer to the bokoblin. \"Can you understand me? Do you have one of these?\" She gently shook the parchment, gesturing to the Bokoblin what she was referring to. \n\nLooking at its pig-like nose, the princess chuckled. \"It's actually kind of adorable up close.\"" }, { "author": "Revali, Proven Hero of Hyrule", "message": "Revali opened his beak, preparing a protest, before— Was the damned thing fucking tapping its foot?\n\nIt wasn't just outright attacking. It was Waiting,* Impatiently at that, but it was Waiting.\n\n\"...This is just- absolutely Ridiculous.\" He shook his head, still keeping hold of the Master Sword. He wasn't going to let his guard down so easily. Especially if the Princess Was getting closer now without a weapon of her own.\n\n\"I wouldn't get too close, princess. That's Still A Bokoblin, Intelligent Or not.\"\n\nHe fixed Roewen with a glare that all but said If you hurt her, either of them, you won't be leaving this place alive." }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "Sniff sniff sniff. Oh. Roewen knew what that was... It was the weird talking paper. Roewen didn't care much for it, as it did little more than annoy him when he was trying to sleep. He pulled his own parchment out of his bandana to compare the two, then put it back.\n\nHis weapon was lowered, but he was still on guard. He didn't know these people, and knew they were armed as well. Roewen learned many times that people tend not to take too kindly to monsters like him... He wasn't going to let these people get the drop on him, if that was their intention. He was just here because he was cold.\n\nRoewen's gaze met Revali's, glaring right back at him. It was like looking at a bokoblin-shaped mirror. He let out a snort, as if to warn Revali that if he- or any one of the three tried anything funny, he'd hurt them back." }, { "author": "psychoeziz", "message": "Zelda beamed when the Bokoblin pulled out its own parchment. \"It does understand—to some extent! Extraordinary!\" It was certainly a good thing she left Terrako in Link's care, she doubt the droid would take too kindly to her amusement of the bokoblin. \n\nThough she doubt language would get through to the bokoblin, she tried using body language. First, she did the eating motion, mouthing the word \"Hungry\", then rubbed her eyes mouthing \"Tired\", and finally, shivering while mouthing \"Cold\". \"It needs something from the stable, otherwise it wouldn't have risked being in such close proximity to travelers.\" \n\nHer guard may be down somewhat, but she can react quick enough to at least make a shield. \n\nMipha finally let go of Revali's shoulder. \"I don't like Princess Zelda's closeness either... But who are we to stop her... Scientific endeavors?\" The zora spoke quietly so only Revali could hear." }, { "author": "Revali, Proven Hero of Hyrule", "message": "It had a parchment. Of Course It did. Revali scoffed and rolled his eyes, wondering if they just Handed These things out to anyone.\n\n\"Tch. What in the world could it Possibly Need that it can't scrounge up in the wild?\" He narrowed his eyes, watching Roewen intently. How... Asinine That it seemed to be mirroring his attitude. That was just ridiculous...\n\nThe only indication that he'd heard Mipha, at first, was the slight shift in his gaze, towards her.\nUntil he responded, in a voice just as quiet, \"All the more reason I cannot let my guard down. One wrong move from this little beast, and that is It.\"" }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "......What was this one doing.\n\nThe bokoblin seemed a bit thrown off by Zelda's actions. He seemed to be a bit confused by them, and quite frankly, a little weirded out. He glanced nervously around the room for a bit.\n\nThen, she motioned 'cold'. Roewen recognized that. He grunted and pointed at Zelda, as if to say 'this one'.\n\nThis little exchange was enough for Roewen to lower his guard a little more. He was still wary of the other two- especially Revali, who he shared another glare with. This time, he stuck out his tongue, as if to ask 'what are \\You\\* Lookin' at?'." }, { "author": "psychoeziz", "message": "\"Agreed. Though I don't doubt Zelda can handle herself... She certainly can get carried away.\" Zelda's actions only proved Mipha's comment. \n\nZelda nodded, slowly reaching for her bag. With her wearing her white winter coat, she was able to spare a cloak. She soon pulled it out , holding it along the length of her body. It would be a bit long on the bokoblin, but that only means more fabric to keep it warm. \n\nShe then gave a demonstration on how to throw on the cloak, then took it off, offering it to the bokoblin. \"They can't get clothing for themselves. There isn't exactly a monster store. My hope is, it'll take the cloak and leave the stable... For it doesn't seem to want to cause trouble.\"" }, { "author": "Revali, Proven Hero of Hyrule", "message": "\"Carried away is one way of putting it.\" Revali muttered, though... Without any True* Disdain in his voice. If anything, he sounded fond, in a melancholic sort of way.\n\nHe watched the whole exchange with a steady wariness, before he spluttered at the Bokoblin's Obvious Taunt. His feathers puffed up slightly, his cheeks heating up, and he huffed. \"Are you Seeing this?\"\n\n\"Doesn't want to cause Trouble, my tailfeathers. There's Trouble Written all over it.\"" }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "The bokoblin sniffed at the cloak, felt around it with his hands, then wrestled with it for a moment in an attempt to get it on. Eventually he won the duel, although he was on the floor now... But the cloak was on. Roewen had never felt anything like this before. It was warm... And soft... Like having a wild animal hug you, but... Forever. The bokoblin got back up with a satisfied snort. He looked sort of comical in this cloak, with it being a little big on him.\n\nNow deeming Zelda as not a threat, he waltzed right up to her and began to sniff at her, like a dog meeting someone for the first time. It was how Roewen recognized people, and he wanted to remember this person. He did not do the same for Mipha or Revali, however, as he still wasn't sure if they were threats. Although, the blue one was fun to mess with." }, { "author": "psychoeziz", "message": "Mipha's eyes widened at the taunt, the Zoran princess chuckling to herself. \"I am.\" She looked over at Revali, wearing a playful smirk. \"Look how ruffled you are. Are you perhaps feeling... Threatened?\" \n\nSeeing the bokoblin fall, Zelda's eyes widened followed by a chuckle. \"It looks good on you!\" The blonde princess was still in disbelief with how well the bokoblin was understanding her, and how—albeit little—well they've been able to communicate. \n\nThe sniffing caught her off-guard. She had stiffened due to how close the monster had gotten, though she did feel ticklish from the sniffs. \"I wonder if it was this easy to domesticate Hylian hounds?\" She joked, looking over to the two champions. \n\n\"At least they can be tamed... I'm not sure about if bokoblins can.\" Mipha muttered, not wanting to bring down Zelda's mood." }, { "author": "Revali, Proven Hero of Hyrule", "message": "He let out a scoff, finally sheathing the Master Sword and folding his wings. So far, this bokoblin had been little more than a Nuisance, And he could act quickly if things took a sudden turn.\n\"As if I could feel Threatened By something like that.\"\n\nHe blinked as Zelda looked towards him, still watching the exchange very tensely. Especially When it started sniffing her.\n\n\"I'd be wary of it, still, princess. There's a very keen difference between Tame And Domesticated. Even a tamed wild animal will still bite. It's just a matter of when. And monsters are especially wild.\"" }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "Hmph. That's better.\n\nRoewen, noticing Revali sheathe his sword, also put his weapon away. There we go. Peace... It wasn't common for this to happen– Roewen was expecting to fight all three of them off at once. Looks like things took a turn for the better today.\n\nHe seemed absolutely delighted by this cloak. Reveling in the year's new trendiest look, Roewen's posture straightened a little. It would be very hard to get this back from him anytime soon.\n\nNow that the situation had calmed down, Roewen decided to go inspect the other two. He walked up to Mipha first, giving her the sniff treatment. Zoras always sort of fascinated Roewen; while he couldn't swim, water was the Zora's whole thing.\n\nAnd then there was Revali, who he was still slightly hesitant to come towards. Roewen hadn't been this close to a Rito before– they always flew away before he could... The feathers tickled his snout.\n\n...Feathers. Soft.\n\nRoewen reached out and grabbed at Revali's wing. Absolutely no manners present with this monster. Guess he couldn't help the curiosity." }, { "author": "Princess Mipha", "message": "With her Lightscale Trident in hand, the Zoran princess stiffened. She's not exactly... Comfortable with the bokoblin, but she's rarely comfortable with dogs as well. Anything that took an interest in her scent and ate fish always made her weary. \n\nShe released a quiet sigh as Roewen moved to Revali, giggling as it seemed most interested in the Rito. \"Remember: be nice, Revali.\" She teased. Rarely has she felt this comfortable around Revali—or rather, a Revali, but he was otherwise pleasant to be around when Link wasn't in company." }, { "author": "enbyhoneyfluff", "message": "Oh right right!!! I just saw this sorry ]" }, { "author": "Revali, Proven Hero of Hyrule", "message": "Be nice.\n\nThat was easier said than done. \"I'm only tolerating this little beast for your sakes.\" Revali huffed and took a step back, staring down at the Bokoblin with an uncertain grimace, brows furrowed. Wait, what was it doing— \n\n\"Ah- hey, unhand me!\"\n\nHis feathers ruffled up, and they certainly were soft indeed. They had to be, soft and layered fairly thick, to insulate him from the chilly winds of the Hebra region." }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "Curiosity had completely surpassed Roewen's sense of self preservation now. The coat Roewen had on was warm, yes, but a Rito was on a whole other level. He had to know more. \n\nClandestinely, the monster plucked a single feather and immediately backed the hell up as most feathered creatures do not enjoy getting plucked and also this one had a weapon. When he backed up, however, he did so towards Zelda. He seemed to begin trusting her because of the coat, and was now hiding behind her in case the blue guy got any more upset at him.\n\nClosely, he began investigating the single feather, looking at it, holding it up to the light, running his finger across it, sniffing at it. Yes. Through his thorough scientific analysis, Roewen determined that this was, in fact, a feather." }, { "author": "psychoeziz", "message": "Zelda couldn't help but find amusement in the bokobkin hiding behind her. He reminded her of Terrako, if the droid were a monster instead. Curious, headstrong, and defiant—perhaps they could have been friends if Terrako was also a monster. \n\nThough, she didn't do much to protect the bokoblin. After all, she doubted Revali, though from a different time, would come close to her with a weapon drawn. \"Wait, Revali... Can your Zelda communicate with the sword's spirit?\" \n\nHaving met another... Her—not just another Zelda—this gives her a chance to understand how relationships vary in each world with each of her variants, and if she could communicate with the variants of the Master Sword. \n\nMipha seemed to be lost in thought, looking at the inn, and the horizon. Night was befalling them quickly... Though she didn't want to be disrespectful and end their conversation short." }, { "author": "Revali, Proven Hero of Hyrule", "message": "\"Ow!!! Why, you little-\"\n\nRevali's feathers puffed and bristled, and for a moment he loomed, wings half-spread, glaring at the little Bokoblin... But of course, with Zelda in the way, he didn't get too close. He didn't want to make Her Feel cornered. With a huff, he stepped back, and folded his wings across his chest.\n\nHer question, though, caught him off guard. He blinked for a moment... Before he nodded once. \"...She can, yes. Why do you ask?\"\n\nHe noticed, though, the way the world was beginning to dim- and with it, came a familiar tightness in his chest. He wouldn't be flying back to the village tonight. He began a subtle shuffle backwards, towards the inside of the stable, but said nothing. Hoping that gradually, the others would gravitate indoors with him, where it was well-lit.\n\nWhere it was safe." }, { "author": " Roewen, the roamer. ", "message": "When all was said and done, Roewen politely walked up to Revali and attempted to put his feather back (to no avail, of course). Seeing as he had no further business here, the bokoblin sauntered towards the stable's exit, only to realize it was dark outside.\n\nHe stopped in his tracks for a moment, then turned back around. Maybe he could spend the night here instead. Roewen had been snuck up on by an animal once before while he was sleeping. Not fun. Also, he kind of liked it here... These not-monsters had it good." }, { "author": "enbyhoneyfluff", "message": "I think we could continue it- zelda had questions after all ]" }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "Once the bokoblin making its way away from them, Zelda gently sighed. \"I'm glad I didn't have to talk about such a weapon in front of the bokoblin. I worried it would take it as a threat.\"\n\nWith the fire she and Mipha had set, it was now ablaze, the Hylian princess stoking the flame and firewood. \"I wonder if every Zelda can communicate with the swords in their world... But also with the Sword's Spirit in worlds not their own.\" \n\nShe looked to Revali and Mipha. \"After all, it was the Master Sword that told the Zelda of this world that Link, despite the grim circumstances, could still be saved. I wonder if it would react to me.\"" }, { "author": "Princess Mipha", "message": "Watching the bokoblin leave, Mipha took a seat by the fire, though kept a comfortable distance. It was growing chilly, and far less humid than she likes or is accustomed to. \n\nListening to Zelda speak of the sword, Mipha silently sighed. \"Thankfully, our Link never was on the brink of death—yet. Though, didn't the Master Sword react to Link's wish to protect you in the Lost Woods? During the battle with Astor?\" \n\nMipha thought in silence for a few moments. \"I can imagine the Sword's Spirit can connect with any Link—or chosen hero—and Zelda in any world... After all, isn't it the same blade?\"" }, { "author": "Revali, Proven Hero of Hyrule", "message": "What in the world...?* Did it... Try putting the feather Back? Revali huffed out a sigh and shook his head, picking the feather up from the ground and storing it away in the Sheikah Slate for the time being. ...What a Strange Little Bokoblin. It didn't Seem To be causing any trouble now, so... He'd leave it be. For now.\n\"I'm not sure if it would even understand... Its grasp on our language seems minimal at best.\"\n\nSeeing Mipha and Zelda choosing to remain by the fire outside, he gulped, eyes flitting anxiously about the darkened area beyond the fire's light... It will be alright. There's a fire. They're here, you're not alone. He tried to remind himself, though he couldn't get himself to settle down.\n\n\"Perhaps it's not just the nature of the sword, your highness, but the sacred powers you yourself wield. Though in that theory, anyone with the sort of power you have could potentially hear the sword's spirit.\" Revali mused, bringing a wing up to his beak.\n\n\"...Though I do wonder now, it seems that mine is not the only Master Sword in this world- your Link wields it too, is that correct?\"" }, { "author": "Princess Mipha", "message": "The fire wasn't Revali's friend. Nothing could escape the illumination from the flames. The Zoran princess stood, gently grabbing at Revali's wing. \"Come, sit. Anxiously awaiting from something to go sour is sure to stress one out.\" She spoke quietly enough to where Zelda couldn't hear, assuming that Revali would perhaps grow embarrassed if all in company knew of his anxiety. \n\nThough not her Revali, she could at least extend kindness to him, to help him relax to some degree. It may be a world damaged and reeling from war, but even in ruins could beauty and sanctuary could be found." }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "Though she glanced up at the two, she didn't get involved with their conversation. If Mipha or Revali wished for it to be private, then she will respect that. \n\n\"Perhaps that is it. Though, the nature of the sword was made by Hylia herself, so perhaps it's two sides of the same rupee.\" She nodded to his question. \"That is correct. The Link that belongs to this world also has wields it. So there's now at least three Master Swords present. At least, of what I'm aware of.\"" }, { "author": "Revali, Proven Hero of Hyrule", "message": "It wasn't the fire. It was the darkness that lay beyond. He couldn't See Well at night, and without a light source he was very well blind. The very thought sent his heart pounding. His gaze flitted to Mipha with a soft gasp, before he glanced around nervously... \"...Very well. If you so insist.\" ...And slowly followed her. Away From the well-lit stable door, and closer to the uncertain veil of night.\n\nHe knelt down as close to the fire as he could without setting himself ablaze. As close to the Light As he could.\n\n\"Three Master Swords?\" Revali couldn't help but sound incredulous. \"...And there's no... This hasn't caused any sort of paradox? With three powerful weapons in the same time? ...I can't help but wonder what that means for the sword's spirit as well. Is She Now present threefold as well? Or can she only inhabit one at a time?\"\n\n....The sword on his back chimed once. As if to say We fall under the same circumstances as you. There can be many of us at once, in this situation. The probability of a paradox is low, but not zero." }, { "author": "Princess Mipha", "message": "She had caught him off guard, hadn't she? The gasp... He was afraid of something, perhaps something he believed to be lurking in the dark? Regardless, she felt a tenderness for Revali, after all, if he has lived a life similar to Wild due to the war... She can only imagine what horrors he's witnessed. \n\nWith him so close to the fire, Mipha sighed softly. \"Be careful, ash could get blown into your eyes. Not to mention, possible soot in your lungs.\"" }, { "author": "Princess/Champion Zelda", "message": "\"If one hasn't happened, we can be reassured—,\" She heard the chime. As well as what she believed to be a faint glow, the princess smiling. \"So I can communicate with the same sword from a different world... Fascinating.\" \n\nShe was no longer stoking the fire, believing it to be lit enough. \"I will vouch for Princess Mipha's concerns... It is one of the most painful sensations. It's like a burning, shooting sting. Do be careful, Revali.\"" } ]	171	7,729
225.818182	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Wild", "message": "Wild took in a deep breath as he stood in the middle of the arena at the Water Temple. The air was thinner up here, and the way it caused his heart to pump faster and vision to spin was thrilling. He grinned. It was a perfect day for a spar: clear skies all around, and just the right amount of anti-gravity lift in the air to make things a little interesting but not too tedious. He liked to come up here sometimes just to jump around for fun, and sometimes the jumps were a little Too High. But not today!\n\nHe was also excited to see what kinds of things Champion had up his sleeve. Not to be Too Overly optimistic, but Wild Did Have more experience under his belt, so he was putting his money on him winning. But he was a fair fighter when sparring. He would Not Have a repeat of the fight with Legend today. He would pay close attention to Champion so as to balance out his power level. \n\nWild looked up at the sun. High noon, Champion should be here soon. He hoped this would be a chance for the guy to really let loose. He doubted he had another person quite on his level back in his world, so maybe he would finally open up a little. From what Wild had seen, Champion seemed to be ashamed to pursue his own interests and have fun. Maybe a good spar would bring him out of that shell a little." }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "Champion braced himself. Shaking his hands, he looked at the waterfall in front of him. With an exhale, he ran and jumped towards. Wearing the armor Mipha had given him, he ascended the waterfall and was launched into the air when he had finished scaling it. \n\nWild was gonna pay for this. Champion had not signed up for the hell it had been to get up to this temple in the sky. Temples weren't Supposed To exist in the sky. But that was a moot point at the moment. He glided down to an area in from of an elaborate staircase and touched down gently. \n\nHe peeled the Zora armor off in exchange for his Champion's tunic. It offered much more magical protection. \n\nMaking sure he had all of his weapons in order, he strapped the Master sword to his back and began ascending the staircase. \n\nOh. This was gonna feel great." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Heightened hearing picked up the sound of approaching footsteps. There He was. Wild turned towards the entrance and waved when he saw Champion appear over the top of the stairs. \n\nAh. He didn't look happy. No doubt due to the climb here. Well, that might work to get the guy to really let it out. Good.\n\nWild started walking towards him, meeting the frown with a goofy grin. \"Looks like you've been having fun,\" He started cheerily once he got close enough to be heard. \"To be fair, I Did Tell you it would be an ambitious choice. But don't worry. The wacky gravity is the only weird condition for this. Just watch where you jump and you should be just fine.\"\n\nHe hummed a little in thought. \"I did throw a curveball at you though, so if you want to play by any special rules, I'll let you come up with them. Nothing too restrictive though. I want you to really let loose today. Something tells me you don't get the chance to do that too often.\" It was really only fair. Playing on Wild's turf meant more of an advantage to him, so if Champion wanted to do anything to tip the scales a bit, Wild was more than game." }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "He was Happy? Champion's annoyance burned deeper. He had just climbed all the way up here, nearly fallen back to the earth several times, sworn an absurd amount, and Wild taunted him. Alright. Champion would play this game. \n\nHe smirked. \n\n\"No special rules on my end. I'm ready when you are.\" \n\nHe drew his Gurdian Spear. He needed a chance to get to know how Wild fought before crossing sword blades with him. \n\n\"Bring it on, old man.\"" }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Wild raised an eyebrow, something about his other version's tone told him he was annoyed. Well, it probably Was A difficult climb. He eyed the spear. A guardian weapon, but nothing he hadn't seen before. That meant he planned on fighting from a short distance first. Well, Wild wasn't planning on showing off his flurry rush this early, so two could play the distance game. \"Alright, then. If no special rules are in place... Anything's fair game. Just make sure to let me know if you've had enough.\" He backed up a little before crouching to the ground and calling upon Revali's power.\n\n*'You depend on me far too much,'* The rito snarked inside Wild's head.\n\n'Just get me in the air,' Wild sighed internally.\n\nAn updraft was created, and Wild shot upwards as the spirit form of Revali flew around him once. After he was well above Champion, he drifted to the left slightly before putting away the paraglider and drawing his bow, activating his Hyperfocus. In theory, Champion should be able to witness this happening in bullet-time, so this was more of a test to see if his hunch was right before going all in with the flurry rushing. Calling on the power of Fuse, Wild summoned a tendril of green light from his right arm, which darted into his purah pad and back out to spin around the arrowhead, forming a fire fruit. After letting it fly, he deactivated his Hyperfocus and resumed gliding, watching for Champion's reaction." }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "His eyes widened. Champion knew that power. How Wild had learned it, Champion had no idea until he thought he saw a spectral rito fly up. With the draft. \n\nIn his stupor, Champion nearly missed Wild's bow being drawn. The glowing tip of the fire arrow tipped him off more than anything. He spun, narrowly avoiding a head on hit, but the flames still bit at him. With a fluid motion he put his spear away and pulled out his own bow. \n\nHe notched a bomb arrow. He aimed at Wild to give the indication he was planning to fire at him, but instead shot the ground underneath Wild, hoping Wild would get caught in the explosion during his descent." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Wild smirked as the fire arrow got an indirect hit. Okay, so Champion could definitely perceive his actions in bullet-time, but just like Wild, the element of surprise seemed to be a weakness of his. He wasn't expecting Revali's Gale, so there was certainly no way he could predict how Wild handled his counter-attack. The thing about the Water Temple was that you fall much slower. And that miscalculation was going to cost Champion.\n\nThe moment Wild saw the aim drop, he took out his paraglider again and pressed his pinkie finger into his palm. The avatar of Tulin appeared, and with a bird-like whistle, a horizontal draft blew Wild well out of the way of the blast below. He grinned down at Champion as he circled him. \n\n\"Clever, but I've got more tricks up my sleeve than you think,\" He called down before dropping to the ground. \"And I've got friends. Might wanna watch your back.\" As if on cue, Tulin's avatar shot at Champion from behind, attempting to get a hit in while Wild had his attention." }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "On guard now, Champion watched him. Of course he'd forgotten to account for the goddess damned gravity. He was livid. He felt like he was making a fool of himself. It was careless. \n\nHis thoughts were broken by the sound of a bow being drawn back behind him. Whomever it was could've been aiming at him or Wild. Champion couldn't afford another hit this early though. \n\nHe kept his eyes on Wild, but he needed a plan of attack fast. He thought. He rolled to the side and head the arrows whiz in his ear. He'd calculated correctly by sheer dumb luck. \n\nBombs were the right way to go, but he couldn't exactly count on when they'd explode. He needed timed explosions. Of course! \n\nHe took his slate in hand, and with careful precision, he threw several remote bombs around Wild, hoping the gravity would slow him to get caught in even one of their explosions. \n\n\"Try this on, then.\"" }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Wild's eyes widened as he watched Champion throw not one, not two, but Five Remote bombs his way. He quickly pulled out his shield, activating Daruk's protection in the process. He waited until the blasts went off, watching as Daruk's apparition appeared with a mighty 'ha!' Before dissolving, then grinned at Champion through the cracked red ball around him. His eyes were shining, he was Impressed. \"No way! You have more than two of those? That is So Cool!\" He exclaimed in glee.\n\n*'Hey, Little Guy...'* Daruk's voice echoed inside his head. *'Not to interrupt your fun, buuuut... Those blasts used up two Protections instead of one. Only got one of 'em left.'\n\n'That's fine, we can work with that.'* Wild responded mentally, his smile faltering only slightly. He quickly recovered, though, and put away the sheild, deactivating Daruk's power. He then addressed his duplicate. \"If you can do That, I bet you can do this next one too. I can even teach you after this.\"\n\nHe then started running again, and as he went, he accessed his inventory and selected splash fruit, which quickly materialized in his hand. Calculating the gravity quickly, he threw the fruit on the ground farther ahead than normal, and shield-jumped Before Activating cryonis on the puddle. He bounced off it perfectly as it rose up, boosting his height tremendously and sending him flying through the air on his shield. He then drew his bow in bullet-time again and shot a puffshroom at Champion. Even if it narrowly missed, the smoke explosion should obscure Champion's vision enough for an opening to rush in and attack." }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "He should've expected Wild to have Daruk's protection, but he had lapsed in judgement, and Champion was thrown by Wild's comment about only two remote bombs. Maybe his slate worked different, which he could use. \n\nThe one ability he was afraid of though, was Urbosa's fury. It was the one thing in all of his time as a Champion he had not truly had time to come up with a counter for. Mipha and Daruk were easy enough— it was a matter of keeping them overwhelmed faster than they could heal or defend respectively. Even Revali could be subdued with enough patience and planning. Urbosa to Champion, though, was a force of nature he still had to figure out how to counter. \n\nIn his musings he was oblivious to the puffshroom arrow, which hit him, and damn did it Hurt. That was a stupid mistake, and now he could hardly see. He needed to get airborne, and the best he could hope for was countering Wild if he did manage to get up close." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Yes! It hit! The puffshroom created a cloud of smoke around Champion, and Wild landed quietly. He then locked onto where he knew Champion must be, and launched himself forward.\n\nThis was the part Wild was truly anticipating. He couldn't activate his Hyperfocus here unless Champion made a move, so his plan instead was to attempt to get him to execute a perfect dodge and hope he would try to strike back. The thing about Wild was that the closer he got to an opponent, the more dangerous he was. His best card was Perfect Override, in which he could Steal An opponent's flurry rush and counter in bullet-time. But theoretically, Champion could do this too. \n\nHe entered the cloud of smoke and swung the Master Sword at the silhouette of Champion, expecting either a dodge or a block. At this range, Wild should look like a dark shape lunging through the smoke, so it would come down to reflexes and whether or not Champion was as masterful at bullet-time as Wild." }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "He coughed. There was so much smoke everywhere. That was some trick, and Champion hated it. He had just enough time to react to the lunging shape. He closed his eyes and exhaled. He jumped sideways, and felt his senses heighten as he entered bullet-time. \n\nDespite how weird it felt, he loved the sensation of bullet-time. It was a moment of pure battle clarity. He felt like he was in complete control when he could move so fast without his enemies being able yo react. \n\nWith a fluid motion he drew his own Master Sword and slashed at Wild." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Wild smiled as he felt time slow down around them. He had guessed correctly, Champion had taken the bait. Which meant one of two things: he couldn't do what Wild was about to and therefore wasn't anticipating it, or he was already a step ahead and attempting to beat Wild at his own game. Only one way to find out.\n\nWild felt half a wheel of stamina drain from him as he activated Perfect Override and turned, locking blades with Champion and immediately taking them both out of bullet-time. The impact of two Master Swords clashing caused a burst of light, and the smoke was blown away. \n\n\"Guess that's another trick you don't have up your sleeve yet,\" Wild remarked, his smile lit up by the golden glow of his Master Sword. \"Think about what You Have that I Might not. There's gotta be something. Hit me full force with it.\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "Champion's eyes widened. How many more tricks did Wild have? He felt wildly under-qualified. \n\nNo. \n\nNot under-qualified, he was trying fight Wild as if her were Wild himself. But he wasn't Wild. And given that Wild didn't remember much of his time as a soldier, Champion was willing to bet Wild didn't know some of the things he could do. \n\n\n\"Full force, huh?\" \n\nHe wanted to keep some of his best card to play in case he needed them later, so he began striking at Wild, working to chip away at the other hero's defenses. He could get in a massive blow if he could overwhelm him. And it seemed now was the perfect time given that he looked somewhat winded from that override of his perfect dodge." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Wild wasn't expecting the sudden onslaught of strikes, so quite a few got through. But he wasn't upset; no, instead he felt a sort of pride. Like every time one of his students managed to make him stagger in combat class. It meant a lesson was learned. Progress was made. Every time it happened, it filled Wild with a refreshing satisfaction, and even with dirt and scrapes on his face, today was no exception.\n\nBut he couldn't just Let Champion win. That would be a disrespect to the skill of the other fighter, in Wild's book. So he pressed his thumb into the palm of his right hand, and the ghostly avatar of Yunobo appeared beside them. It swung the Boulder Breaker straight into Champion's stomach, sending him flying off of Wild. After he landed much farther away than normal due to the anti-gravity, Wild straightened and wiped a bit of the dirt from his face.\n\n\"Heh, not bad at all!\" He called across the distance between them, practically beaming. \"Leaning into your strengths, not the opponent's. That's the only thing that let me put the Hero of Legend on the ropes. Good start, but chip damage isn't going to cut it, and you know it. I could tell you were building up to something. But you aren't used to learning opponents, are you? You've gotta be clever if you want to pull off something big on me.\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "Champion grimaced as he stood. He struggled for a moment to catch his breath. Sure the Goron specter didn't hit as hard as Daruk would've, but it still Hurt. On the plus side though, Wild's attack had knocked him near his spear. \n\nChampion sheathed his Master Sword, and instead pulled out his guardian flail. He smirked. \n\n\"You want a show, huh?\" \n\nWith one of the Guardian arms, he grabbed his nearby spear and chucked it again at Wild. With its other arm, he grabbed Wild's chest and pulled himself back across the low gravity distance. It seemed wild underestimated the value of chip damage." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "The flail took him by surprise, but the spear scraping into his side - and hurting a Lot More than it probably should - left him completely unprepared for Champion hurtling towards him. The clamp on his chest made him incapable of dodging, and Champion slammed into him Hard. The impact knocked him flat on his back with his doppelganger standing right over him. His mind raced. \n\nHis first thought was that he needed to recover, and for that he needed Champion to be away from him. And for That, He needed to get creative. 'Revali, stop wheezing. I need you to blow him off me.'\n\nThe rito in his head, who was laughing hysterically, seemed to be unable to respond. Thankfully, he still did as he was told, and his second use of Revali's Gale created an updraft Beneath Both fighters. Champion was thrown into the air, and so was the flail. Unfortunately, the claw was attached to him rather hard, and removing it by force was Very Painful. Wild kept his eyes on Champion above him as he unclipped his emergency fairy bottle from his belt (an idea from Legend) and uncapped it to recover some strength. It wasn't a lot, but it was something.\n\nOkay. Time to get serious." }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "He landed hard, rolling several times. He was tired of being blown around. His arms burned from the constant scraping against stone. \n\nBut he didn't have time to be in pain. Struggling, he pushed himself up and made a dash towards the flail. He dove towards it and rolled to the side once more with it in his possession. \n\nThen he caught his breath. He'd caught Wild off guard with the flail. Which meant Wild likely didn't have a flail and didn't know it's practical uses. He needed to get some solid hits in with the flail. He was running out of options, but he had Wild on the defensive for once. He didn't know how long he could hold it. \n\nWith shaky legs he stood. With flail in hand, he thrusted his arm out and the flail went for his Guardian Spear again. When it was in the claw, he pivoted around, turning. In another fluid motion, the Master Sword was in the clutches of the other claw. He could now attack from a distance with two different weapons. Wild had a clear advantage while up close and personal, so it was time to fight from a distance. \n\nIn a dance of some very fancy foot work, Champion swung his flail that held the Master Sword at Wild." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Okay, so Champion had figured out that Wild had no idea how to deal with that flail. At a bit of a loss, he used the time Champion was taking to grab his weapon to turn inward again. 'Fi, you figured out anything about that thing yet?' He thought, standing up.\n\n'A magic flail,' The spirit answered. 'This is an item you do not have, Master, and he appears very skilled with it. There is a 86% chance that it would be wise to avoid getting caught by it again until you can figure out how to disarm him.'\n\n'Makes sense.'\n\nUnfortunately, the short conversation in his head distracted him just enough to get a Nasty Scrape on the shoulder with... The Master Sword attached to the damn flail. What the fuck. With a huff, Wild threw his Zonai arm out to the side, calling out Sidon and Riju, the last two avatars not already in the fight. He needed a distraction to recover more and figure out how the hell to counter that flail. He whistled, and all four of them charged at Champion. \n\nWild had given his opponent an opportunity to tip the scales with a limitation, and Champion chose not to. He was going to regret that decision. Lightning was still off-limits per Wild's own rules, but everything else was fair game." }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "Champion was used to being rushed by multiple enemies at once. He quickly launched himself into the air with cryonis, and once again forgot completely about the lower gravity. He went sailing into the air, and landed rather roughly when he came back down. \n\nWinded and trying to catch his breath, he harnessed the power of his ice rod to cause a massive icicle spear in front of the ghost sages, and he hoped dearly that he could simply freeze them for a moment while he dealt with Wild. \n\nWith that taken care of, Wild thrusted the other Flail arm out at Wild, hoping to catch him again with the spear. \n\n\"Not a fan of these?\" He taunted. It felt somewhat good to give Wild a dose of what he'd been receiving." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Damn. Distraction didn't work. He needed to get that flail out of Champion's hands. He would never be able to recover if the guy was constantly throwing these at him. The sages, unable to be physically harmed, hadn't been frozen. But all of them were stunned; the ice had caused all of them to be knocked backwards.\n\nThen he got an idea. If he didn't want the flail to keep flying at him, why not Send it back? \n\nWhen the spear came at him, he was ready. Just before it hit, he activated Recall on it, and the entire weapon froze. Champion wouldn't be able to move it right now if he tried. \"On the contrary, I think it's cool. Kinda jealous,\" He admitted with a smirk. \"Unfortunately, you've used it long enough for me to know what trick I can pull on it.\"\n\nWild grabbed onto the chain. With a twist of his wrist, Wild set the weapon in reverse motion. Its movement was in perfect reverse, bringing Wild flying back towards Champion. As soon as he got close enough, he planted his boots into Champion's chest and launched himself away, wresting the flail from its owner. After landing a backflip, he noticed the other Master Sword still attached to one of the claws and frowned. He wasn't giving the flail back, but this belonged in its own hero's hands. He dislodged the hilt from the claw, placed the sword on the ground, and kicked it back towards Champion.\n\n\"That isn't a weapon for me to take,\" He called across the distance between them, his voice turning very serious. \"And it's not one for you to carelessly risk being stolen like that. She's worth more than that.\" Wild closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and let it out. Once he opened his eyes again, the stern glare was gone. He tossed the flail at one of the stone arches around them, and it caught onto the top, wrapping itself multiple times around it far out of reach. He then pulled his sword back out and pointed it at Champion. \"Now, where were we?\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "On the ground from the impact, he glared up at Wild. He rolled and picked up the sword. Something had snapped in him. It was like Wild's accusation was the embodiment of all of his self-doubt. The nights he'd spent agonizing over whether the sword made a mistake or if he was even worthy boiled to the surface. \n\nHe'd given everything for his Hyrule. His happiness, his childhood, His Freedom. And now here was someone with his face, questioning his loyalties. \n\nHe picked up the Master Sword and felt a holy power course through him. \n\n\"You of all people should know what it's like to give so much of yourself and not have anything left. What I've had to give for them, and for her. What you've had to give. But if you want to see what destiny has made me, then by all means, see for yourself.\" \n\nHe pressed the flat of his blade against his forehead and allowed first blue energy to engulf the master sword. With a battle cry, he spun, unleashing a devastating blow." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Things happened incredibly fast. That was usually the case when Wild died, even if it didn't happen often nowadays. Something he said must have riled up Champion terribly, because one second the guy was talking about sacrifices, and the next-\n\n...\n...\n*\"It was my pleasure.\"\n...\n...\n\nThe ghost of Mipha floated around him and disappeared. His wounds from the spar sealed themselves, and energy returned to him like a fire being reignited. Warmth spread from his core to the rest of his body, and his health was completely restored. All that was left of their clash was the dirt on his tunic and trousers. Slowly, very slowly, Wild rose from the ground and stood, his back facing Champion. After a moment, he sighed and turned, looking at his alternate self sadly. Because this wasn't even the first time this had happened. It was just like his spar with Legend, but this time, he was on the receiving end of that anger. It was time to end this before things got further out of control.\n\nBefore he died Again.\n\n\"Okay, then,\" He said quietly, raising his sword with an unnervingly neutral face. \"Let's wrap this up.\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "Unscathed. \n\nHe'd taken everything Champion had and was left unscathed. \n\nChampion fell to his knees, his breath heavy and his muscles burning. The master sword barely held in his hands. He stared blankly at the ground. He had no tricks left to play. And in his chest he felt dull and empty. \n\nHe'd faced hordes in the thousands and unleashed several of those attacks, but something about this one had broken his spirit. He had nothing left in him. \n\nOf course he'd seen the specter of Mipha, which held implications about what he'd done that he did not want to think about. He breathed in and out, his chest heaving. \n\n\"I yield.\" \n\nIt was a simple admission. Weak almost. \n\n\"You win. You're the greater hero.\" \n\nHe'd let loose like Wild wanted, but he wasn't sure he liked the consequences of it. He wasn't sure what the point was. He'd hurt someone in doing it. It all seemed to reinforce why he couldn't let loose. Why he couldn't ever let anyone see past the Chose Hero's facade. His forced stoic demeanor. No, if this is what came of it, he was right to hide his pain." }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Wild let out a small breath and closed his eyes as he sheathed his sword. The situation was so painfully familiar. He knew exactly how Champion felt right now, and he needed to explain that. The guy looked broken, almost as bad as Wild had been after he thought he had killed Legend. And so Wild couldn't blame him for simply yielding just like that.\n\nSilently, Wild sat down on the stone floor beside Champion. He pulled out his Sheikah Slate and swiped to the meals menu, looking for something in particular... Ah. Creamy Heart Soup. He tapped the icon of it on the screen and held out his hand, and slowly the blue tendrils from the device formed a steaming bowl of it, complete with sliced hearty radish. He placed it on the ground in front of Champion.\n\n\"I'm no better, you know,\" He said quietly. \"My spar with the Hero of Legend went even worse. Killed him twice with lightning without realizing it because I lost my temper. That's why you never saw Urbosa's Fury.\"\n\nHe let out another sigh. \"And the Master Sword... I wasn't trying to invalidate your experiences. I thought you were being careless with her. The sword, I mean. As someone who went through one of my quests almost completely without her... The idea that you would throw her at enemies on the end of that flail was... Disappointing, I guess. If I were a Real* Enemy, I would never let you see that sword again.\" \n\nHe took out his own Master Sword and traced the scars on the blade near the hilt, holding it out so Champion could see. \"Ganondorf completely shattered her. Everything above this line had to be restored over thousands of years.\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "He picked up the bowl with silent gratitude and drank. The warm broth ran down his throat, relaxing his muscles and providing comfort to his heart. He smiled sadly. \n\n\"It tastes just like hers...\" \n\nHe listened intently to Wild's story and felt a mixture of guilt and validation. It wasn't something he'd ever experienced before. He was grateful to Wild. \n\n\"You talk about the blade as if there is sentience. I have never heard of the Master Sword as 'her.' I... Had thought you were mocking my feelings for Zelda and... Questioning my ability ti be a hero. I am sorry. I lost control.\" \n\nHe touched the other Master Sword cautiously and examined the reformed blade. \n\"I'm sorry. I didn't know. Is this... My future?\"" }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Wild definitely took note of Champion's comment about the soup. He was curious but... It would need to wait. There were more important issues to talk about.\n\n\"I guess you must not hear her...\" He mused. \"I think I've already mentioned it over the parchment, but the other Champions' spirits lie inside of me, giving me their powers. I can hear them in my head... But alongside them, I hear Her. The spirit within the sword. Fi. She's like... A guide of sorts. Tells me things about battles and enemies I wouldn't know otherwise. Gives advice, sometimes. Maybe you'll hear her too, one day.\"\n\nAt Champion's question about his future, Wild took a deep breath in and looked up at the sky. \"To tell you the truth... I don't know. I hope not. That quest almost broke me. By the end, I wasn't even doing it for Hyrule anymore. Ganondorf made it personal, and I wanted revenge. I thought I would never see Zelda again, and I wanted to kill him for it. It was... My darkest moment that I can remember.\"\n\nThen he looked down at Champion with a look of pity. Beneath their experiences, they were the same person deep down. If Champion had to go through Wild's second quest too, he couldn't see him reacting any differently. The grief that consumed him only a few months ago had left scars on his heart, even if his many deaths to Ganondorf had left his body nearly unscathed. \"Believe me, Champion. Never in a million years would I mock your feelings for Zelda.\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "He hung his head. The weight of what he'd done had finally begun to set in and his heart filled with anguish. He clenched his firsts. \n\n\"I'm so sorry, Wild. I didn't mean to lose control like that.\" \n\nHe exhaled sharply. His eyes widened slightly. \n\n\"I could've taken you from your child had it not been for Mipha. I- How can you be so calm with me?\" \n\nHe couldn't look the man in the face. He bowed to Wild, head on the ground. \n\n\"How can I atone?\"" }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "A weak laugh left Wild at the question of why he was so calm. \"Champion, please get up. We'll just say you owe me one and leave it at that. Because I guarantee you, 100%, even if I Didn't Have Mipha, you wouldn't be able to make my soul leave my body if you tried a thousand times.\" \n\nWild held the Sheikah Slate over the empty bowl, and it dissolved back into the screen. His tone was calm, albeit cynical. \"The Shrine of Resurrection made me virtually unkillable. After falling in battle once, it made it so that it couldn't happen again. I've died hundreds of times. If you Really Killed me, you wouldn't remember it, because time would reset to before the spar began. And if That Happened, I would have called this whole thing off.\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "\"Oh.\" \n\nWhat could he say to that revelation? Wild was unkillable and so nonchalant about the fact. It defied everything he knew. \n\nAnd Wild was nonchalant about it. \n\nChampion sat up, head spinning. \"How many times have you died?\" He asked quietly. \"...And then. How did you live with that?\"" }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "Wild let out a single, bark-like laugh. It wasn't funny, but he really couldn't help it. Dying just wasn't a big deal anymore. He couldn't afford to make it one. \"How Many? If I knew I would tell you. I lost count somewhere in the 20s or 30s, but it must be somewhere in the hundreds now. I've forgotten most of them, but...\" He tapped his forehead. \"Some I couldn't forget if I tried. Falling from the Great Plateau Tower, blasted by a Ruined Guardian, the Lynel on Shatterback Point... You get the picture.\"\n\nHe leaned back on his hands, looking up at the sky, completely blue since they were above most of the cloud layer. \"When you can die an infinite number of times, giving you an infinite number of tries at getting past something, with no physical consequences, there are only two outcomes. You can go mad, or you can stop caring. And someone who can die as many times as it takes to get what they want can't really afford to lose their sanity, don't you think?\"\n\nHe sighed as his head dropped to look at Champion again. \"You call me the greater hero, but in some ways I envy you. For you, death is something you feel motivated to Avoid. Life has Meaning. I don't have that privilege. For me, the difference between life and death is reduced to merely the difference between success and failure. And even then, failure means nothing but another chance at success. And it's all I've ever known.\"" }, { "author": "Link, Bane of the Calamity", "message": "Champion gave a half smile and sat back. \"You know, I didn't think I'd ever meet someone who understood what it was like to always... Be the hero I guess. To always have the weight of the world on your shoulders. It's... Thank you.\" \n\nChampion felt a release of emotions he didn't realize he'd been holding back. Relief. Pain. Understanding. It all flooded out of him in silent tears sliding down his face. \n\n\"Thank you, Wild.\"" }, { "author": "Wild", "message": "The tears were slightly unexpected, but Wild made sure not to give that away. He clapped Champion's shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze. \"No problem. Our experiences might be vastly different, but we're more similar than you think. The weight of my Hyrule is just as heavy as yours, and I won't claim to deal with that stress any better than you do. You bottle it up. I've convinced myself it isn't a big deal. Neither of those are good, but it's hard to find the time to heal when you have to worry about Everyone else First.\"\n\nWild looked up at the sky. From the sun's position, it looked like they hadn't been up here too long, even though it felt longer. But Champion was surely exhausted; they should head home soon. \"Take your time, but once you're ready, we should head back and get some rest. You look like you need it.\"" } ]	216	7,452
300	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Tulin, Sage of Wind", "message": "The Stormwind Ark had become a safe zone for Tulin these days- a place for him to retreat to when he truly wanted to be alone. The Flight Range was usually occupied by former Elder Kaneli, and there was not really any such thing as true Privacy In Rito Village. The Stormwind Ark was high enough above the Hebra peaks that few would attempt the flight upwards, if they even had the wings to do so, granting Tulin the solitude he sometimes needed.\n\nAnd with the knowledge that the Demon King had already returned, he'd been in need of that solitude. Needed time to sort out his thoughts, and focus on training himself further. He had funnily enough already been on his way to the Ark for that exact reason when he learned that the legendary Master Revali was also en route, as he'd concluded his afternoon patrols.\n\nWell. Being alone with his thoughts was one thing- getting to meet Master Revali was an even better alternative. He wouldn't Have To think about it, then!\n\nTulin came to a landing on the deck with a triumphant huff, taking only a moment to catch his breath before he started peering over the side to see if he could catch sight of the fabled Champion." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "His legs were locked—tangled even— into his companion's feathers as he knelt there and continued to play the erhu. He had to keep playing, if only a little longer, to keep the maelstrom of the gale overclocked. It wasn't hard, per se— wind was his natural talent as well— but it was always taxing given the sheer size and scale difference. He swallowed his spit and continued to pull the bow across the strings, even though he could feel himself begin to sweat.\n\n\"I told you that I've more than a pretty lil thing on your shoulder that nags ya!\" He said. \"You and I have the same element of magic, meaning that combining them to form a mile-high funnel is a breeze!\"\n\nAs they grew closer to the Stormwind, he wondered how this Tulin was similar, and perhaps what was different. Was he still young enough to see him? Or had his eyes stopped catching glimpses of his kind long ago? His Tulin was someone who, even though he was hard to spot at first, grew to accept that childlike didn't mean immature. \n\nI'm just fussing aren't I? He thought. I can't let myself be upset whether or not someone is capable of seeing me. Just say hi and be understanding— he has a lot of responsibilities to perform.\n\nThis place, the Stormwind— it was a Temple. Temples often held sacred power that could be pleaded with the gods to borrow. He had something in mind with this particular trip, for certain, and it was going to require that he put further focus into it. But he knew he'd be clear about what when it was necessary. After all— a Sage has his secrets." }, { "author": "ns2thoa2 rta2 2eyale", "message": "Nothing brought North solace quite like flying alone. It had always been how he was- soaring by himself into danger was the safest bet, so he didn't have to worry about anyone.\n\nBut... He had to admit, flying with Kyneri's song in his ear made a deep-seated part of him sing out with joy. Rito Were Flock birds, after all. \n\nBut that also meant he had to be Careful. He couldn't risk the little one being dislodged, and he only had his legs to hold on with. This made their flight slower then he'd have liked, but it was worth it for the beauty he became witness to.\n\nThe Stormwind Arc. \n\nEvery Rito child was told legends of it- how Vah Medoh itself was inspired by the mythical ship. A piece of Revali that long had been repressed felt like it was bubbling at the idea that He Was flying high enough to bear witness to its majesty.\n\nBut priorities. He had to reach Tulin. He could see the young Sage from here, and he shifts his feathers to catch a side draft that pushes him straight to the other.\n\nLanding carefully, bidding a grateful coo to Kyneri with praise for the other's magic, he turns his attention back to Tulin, and finds himself... Faltering.\n\nTulin... His eyes look too tired for his age. There's a set to the fledgling's jaw that Revali recognized from himself, and there's a sinking realization in his gut that Tulin had indeed ended up like him.\n\n\"Tulin, wonderful to see you.\"" }, { "author": "Tulin, Sage of Wind", "message": "He couldn't help the cry of amazement that slipped from his beak as he saw the legendary Champion Revali Come soaring through the clouds, bolstered by a gale the likes of which he'd Never Seen. The stories always told about how powerful Revali's Gale was, but... Seeing it in person like this, it sparked wonder in his eyes despite everything.\n\nHe stepped back away from the edge of the ship's bow to give Revali room to land, his wings half-spread as he stared up at him. Him, and the small being on his shoulder.\n\n\"It's great to see you too, Master Revali! And friend!\" Tulin put on a smile, though he didn't really need to Try- witnessing Revali's Gale in action had sparked a fire inside him. \"That was Amazing! The wind control, the— Wooosh! You got up here like That!\"\n\nTulin beamed up at Revali... But both Revali and Kyneri could see the way he carried himself even then. He held his head high, posture shifted to hold the weight of the Great Eagle Bow on his back- the bow practically as big as He Was.\nHe was a warrior. He was a Sage. He had to grow up too quickly." }, { "author": "Kyneri/Serin", "message": "Despite his eyes, those same damn eyes... Kyneri thought to himself. Despite it all he can still see me. He hasn't lost the battle. Not yet. \"Nice to meet you, Tulin. And yes, Revali is rather impressive with his technique. Though I take it you have something of skill to show him as well!\"\n\nHe looked over Tulin's features. He was bright-eyed under Revali's gaze, but the Secret Stone around his ankle was in many ways akin to a falconer's jess. The weight of responsibility was upon him, but hopefully it wouldn't always have to be. \n\nKyneri began to remember the last time he saw a face like that, a memory that was second only to... That Memory... And he shook his head to clear his thoughts before the boy could catch him staring into space. What was it he said?\n\nOh right, Tulin's ability. \n\nOh shit, Tulin's ability... He thought.\n\nKyneri suddenly gripped Revali's feathers like a gardener would to a nasty weed that struggles to be plucked. \"I forgot that every time he or his Vow did what he can do, if I wasn't prepared I'd be set flying off my ward.\"" } ]	279	1,500
141.833333	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "koda9098", "message": "Could you Start if that's okay!(" }, { "author": " + \|Goddess Reincarnate .+@ ", "message": "After a bit of exploration, the Goddess Reincarnate got a rough idea of how the Surface was like. At first, it was hard consider she was not used to walking on ground for a long period of time due to the fact that the Hylian in Skyloft used Loftwing to travel to and fro. But over time, she was accustomed and adjusted to her life without relying on the Loftwing so much.\n\nEverything seemed to be going peacefully until one day, she was exploring Faron Woods, she came across a portal that seemed to be leading somewhere. Thinking that this may be a part of the woods that she didn't explore, Zelda decided to step through the portal. Suddenly, she felt dizzy. The portal seemed to be moving at a rapid speed. Just as Zelda thought that she was going to fall, the portal stopped moving. \n\nThe blond steadied her footing, dusted some leaves that fell on her while she was in the portal and looked around. She was surprised to find herself in a totally different place. This was not the Faron Woods that she remembered. Or, maybe, this was not Faron Woods. She decided to take a look around and to explore a bit. Maybe she'll be able to find her way back?" }, { "author": "Young Link", "message": "As The Goddess walked through the woods, a soft fog went through the area, just where was she... Maybe there would be someone around that could assist her but no one was around... Until there was someone \n\nThere was soon a soft noise going through the woods, the sounds of a horse before a silhouette was shown through a fog, a hero in green... \n\nThe Young Hero stopped near the Goddess Reincarnated, he then looked towards Zelda with a bit of confusion before speaking up as a soft child voice went through \n\n\"Hello there, Are you lost?\"\n\nThe Young Hero said with a smile before getting off his horse, as he carried his Gilded Sword, mirror shield and his Keaton Mask that was clipped onto his hat" }, { "author": " + \|Goddess Reincarnate .+@ ", "message": "Hearing the voice of someone behind her, the Goddess whipped around, startled. Upon realizing that he was just a child, she had lowered her guard for a bit. \n\nThis is strange. She thought. Link and I should be the only Hylian on the surface, yet here, in the middle of an unknown wood, with possible monsters lurking, stood a Hylian child. Who could he be?\n\nZelda's interest was further piqued when she noticed that the child had weapons with him. She couldn't help but frown. For a child to pick up weapons, something must've been really bad that happened to him. The Goddess Reincarnate felt sorry for him, and she had an immense amount of sympathy for the small Hylian. To make conversing easier for him, she got into a squadding position. A gentle smile visible on her face as she answered his question.\n\n\"Yes, unfortunately it seems so. I walked through a portal, thinking that it leads to another side of the forest until I found myself in the open. Are you lost as well?\"" }, { "author": "Young Link", "message": "The Young Hero saw Zeldas slight frown before he smiled lighty, as he put on the Keaton Mask briefly to try to get Zelda to smile\n\nAfter this, the Young Hero extended his hand in order to go to do a handshake with zelda before speaking up once again as he listened to what zelda had to say\n\n\"You walked through a portal... It must have been something Time related, I went through something similar after defeating Majora and was heading back to Hyrule...\"" }, { "author": " + \|Goddess Reincarnate .+@ ", "message": "The Goddess giggled at the young Hero's attempt to make her smile. It worked and she appreciated his effort to cheer her up.\n\nWhen the young Hylian extended his hand signaling for a handshake, she took his small hand and noticed how calloused they were. Her heart sank. No child deserve to go through something so rough that they had to resort to training to master weapons to defend themselves. With that, Zelda's worry grew. But she knew, she couldn't concern the young one with any more negative emotions, so she tried her best to stay positive for him.\n\n\"Hyrule? Is that where you're from? I see... A time portal? That's certainly interesting indeed. Oh, by the way, since we're going to make acquaintances, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Zelda, it's my pleasure to meet you!\"\n\nThe smile on her face was big." }, { "author": "Young Link", "message": "The Young Hero happily shook Zelda's hand, noticing that her hand felt warm, like a happy feeling and his smile was still there \n\nHe then heard Zelda's name and was a little surprised but because it was Time stuff, it probably was easy to explain \n\n\"Zelda... A dear friend of mine also was called Zelda..\" \n\nThe Young Hero then took out an item briefly showing it to the other Zelda \n\n\"They gave me this, to protect it from Evil\" \n\nYoung link showed the ocarina of time, a dark blue ocarina with a triforce symbol before putting it away... \n\n\"As for me! I'm Link! It's nice to meet you Zelda\"\n\nHis happy smile went back on Link" }, { "author": " + \|Goddess Reincarnate .+@ ", "message": "Hearing that someone else also has the name Zelda was quite a surprise to her, as she didn't think there would be someone else with the same name as her. But she decided to shrug it off.\n\nWhen Link showed her the Ocarina of Time, the Goddess looked at the instrument, a happy feeling immediately welled up inside of her, as she loves music, and would often strum a note or two on her lyre. \"I would definitely show you my lyre if I could.\" She told the young Hero apologetically. \"But a friend of mine currently have it, so I'd personally have to get it from him.\"\n\nLink... Huh, this is certainly getting really interesting. I wonder if there are other people who are named Link out there as well as another Zelda. It'll definitely be funny to think about.\n\n\"It's nice to meet you too, Link! \"" }, { "author": "Young Link", "message": "The Young Hero then nodded, completely understanding why the Lyre was missing as he himself had his own instrument taken\n\n\"That's alright! I do hope you find your friend and your instrument\"\n\nThe Young Hero smiled before taking out the deku mask and showed it to Zelda. He then briefly put it on and a light surrounded the Young Hero" }, { "author": "Young Link (Deku Scrub)", "message": "After a moment, A Deku Scrub was in his place and he briefly spun around before looking towards Zelda to see what her expression would be" }, { "author": " + \|Goddess Reincarnate .+@ ", "message": "The former Goddess smiled at Young Link's words. \"He's actually not that far. In fact, I was just talking to him moments ago before I stepped through that portal.\"\n\nThen, her smile froze on her face. That's right, Zelda was supposed to be waiting for Link's return as he was trying to get them something to eat. She shouldn't have wandered this far and get herself lost in the forest. Now she's lost and Link would have to go on a journey to look for her again.\n\nShe sighed and noticed the young Hero of Time taking out the Deku mask. Curiosity immediately piqued her interest as she temporarily forgot about her problem. When Young Link turned into a Deku with the magic of the mask, the Goddess Reincarnate gave a gasp of surprise. \n\n\"Oh Goddess! Link, is that you?\" Her hand flew to her mouth in amazement. \"I almost didn't recognize you.\"" }, { "author": "Young Link", "message": "The Young Hero then took off the Deku mask before smiling once more, he enjoyed seeing Zeldas reaction before deciding to sit on a nearby open tree stump with Epona sitting nearby.. \n\n\"I'm able to turn into a deku using that mask, as well as a Zora and a Goron...\"\n\nYoung link then looked down towards the Ground \n\n\"I wanted to save everyone and I did... But it took a lot of... Time...\" \n\nThe Young Hero then had a bit of a sad expression..\n\n\"I wanted to meet my friend again but I instead saved Termina from a falling moon... I really didn't want to use their identities and lie to them\" \n\nThe Young Hero wiped the tear forming from his eye \n\n\"But the spirits in the Masks are happy now... So that's good\"" } ]	155.5	1,702
200	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Hero of Dreams", "message": "Dream nodded in relief as he saw that Ruby was unharmed, then touched his face with one finger. It felt wet... Drawing his hand back, he found Nightmare Fuel dripping off of it. Had he been shedding tears of the substance? That was new. He wasn't sure what had happened, he lost vision and consciousness so suddenly. He looked down at the body of the Dead Hand and bit his lip, thinking.\n\nThis was not good, and not something that should Ever Happen again. Dream Hated Not being in control of himself at all times, and the fact that this monster was somehow able to override his own will to keep fighting was honestly terrifying. He had to ensure that somehow, this couldn't happen again. He couldn't afford to lose himself to this threat. But it wasn't something he was sure he could do by himself. So as much as he hated to say it-\n\n\"I think...\" Dream swallowed. \"I think I need help. I don't think I can fight this by myself. At least, not yet.\"" }, { "author": " Dark Link \"The Dark Reflection\"", "message": "That's okay.\n\nThere's some things that they need help with. There's a reason Dark has chosen to keep a step back aside from eliminating ReDead, they know their own nature too well- if they fall too deep into the hunt, others will be hunted. Sometimes there is things you need help with, as much as they hurt.\n\nShe's lucky she's had people to help, and she wants Dream to have that too.\n\nIt only takes her a moment to get out a piece of charcoal and some parchment. It's kept close in the same spot of his bag for a reason. The ease of access meant a lot in situations like this- and he needed to make a response. This was not good. Yet Dream needed to know someone was on his side for it.\n\n- If you ever think it might happen, mention me. I'll find you." }, { "author": "Hero of Dreams", "message": "Dream bit his lip again. He wasn't normally one to ask for help. Hell, he Avoided It if he could. But now... Did he have the luxury to be stubborn? Probably not. And Ruby was Kind. Kinder than most people he knew. Most of the time he was the one helping others: running into a den of moblins to save an old lady's pet, grabbing a stranded girl from a precarious position on a bridge and flying to safety on a hookshot, helping a lost soul find rest after death. It might be... Nice. To Not Be the one to save the day for once. \n\nSo he swallowed his pride. \n\n\"Can... Can I come with you?\" He asked very tentatively. \"I promise I can pull my own weight. I can fight good... I got a lotta things that can be useful. And...\"\n\nOh this was going to sound corny. But it was absolutely true.\n\n\"...It feels nice to meet someone who understands.\"" } ]	208	600
353.75	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "The Hero of Legend", "message": "Around thirty minutes of enchanted running, map checking, and occasional stopping to dispatch strange stalfos enemies that he isn't quite used to yet, and Legend was near his destination. Near enough that he felt safe in pulling his lantern from his pack and lighting it with a bit of his magic. It gave decent enough light, and would also serve to point himself out to the Sheikah he was meeting with. \n\nThis was... Not out of character for him. He was not callous enough to leave someone injured in an unknown place. Even if he hated his title, he was still a hero. Despite this... He wished he didn't have to travel as far anymore. He had enough of walking around to serve a lifetime. \n\n... Maybe he should try taming a horse while he's here. Not that stamina was an issue for Link here— he's seemingly boundless on that front so long as his pace is reasonable enough. But... \n\nHe's getting older. It's not going to get any easier on him, these quests. \n\n... Was that a Lionel corpse? Goddesses, that's big. Link raises his lantern and takes a glance around. \n\n\"Hey, are you here?\" Link calls. He curses, though. Might not understand the modern Hylian. Let's see what I remember from the Book of Mudora...\n\n\"Ah... Greetings?\" ... He felt a fool." }, { "author": "Khasi", "message": "Sitting alone in the middle of a field, injured, was not exactly new to the Sheikah. He'd spent the better part of seven years hunting monsters, and before that, he'd often been sent on dangerous missions by the King. Getting hurt was not new. \n\nA stranger offering to find him to help him from a magical piece of paper Was Very new, and, admittedly, Khasi wasn't entirely sure if this was a Great Idea. But he'd already agreed, and his ankle really did hurt too much to walk... Any potions he'd had were gone. He'd lost most of his gear when thrown through that portal; all he had were the clothes on his back and his spear which thankfully had been strapped to his back.\n\nWell, if this 'Legend' really did mean to help him, it would be nice to have someone to talk to for once... He was really tired of being alone. \n\nHe sensed the approach of someone before he saw the light of the lantern. He couldn't stand, but he lifted his head, hoping it was Legend coming for him and Not Another monster. \n\nA moment later, he spotted the Hylian, and sighed, relieved. Thank the Three. \n\n...And he didn't understand What The man was saying. At least not until he suddenly switched to the Hylian Khasi was familiar with. \n\nOh. I didn't even think about a language barrier. Fantastic. Probably too much to hope he might speak Sheikah.\n\nHe raised a hand, waving toward Legend, not really wanting to stand up and aggravate his ankle any further. \n\n\"Right here!\" He said, hoping that 'greetings' was Not The only word Legend knew. Because Khasi hadn't understood a word of what he'd said Before." }, { "author": "The Hero of Legend", "message": "Ah. Legend fueled the lantern with a bit more of his magic to brighten the area, getting Khasi into better view. Huh. Neat outfit. Feel like I've seen the symbol before. Probably the Sheikah symbol actually... \n\nLegend huffed forward, eventually reaching Khasi properly and giving a bit of a short wave. From this distance, it was extremely easy to spot the hero's eyebags. And the general air of exhaustion that seemed to follow the man. But, those same eyes showed a sharpness to them, glancing about with ears pricked for any potential dangers (even potentially from Khasi). \n\n\"Ah, good.\" Link switched exclusively to the old Hylian dialect. Suddenly, he's thankful that Zelda made him study the language in more depth. I'll have to give her flowers. \n\n\"You're lucky I speak Old Hylian. In any case, I'm glad to see you're... In a shape. I can either take a look at your ankle or I can give you a potion. I should have one red potion on me...\" Legend began to root around his pack, crouching down to search. \n\n\"Oh uh, formal meeting I guess. I'm Link, or Legend, though I figure you know that. You're... Khasi, right?\" Link mutters something in his modern tongue after, producing a bottle that had a fairy in it and stowing that away." }, { "author": "Khasi", "message": "Oh, good, he Did Speak regular Hylian. Khasi had been afraid they'd be trying to communicate with gestures and random words. \n\nThe Sheikah noted the man's exhaustion, but opted not to mention it. He wasn't going to be rude to the person helping him, and Legend seemed like the sort of person who probably wouldn't want it pointed out. At least he seemed to still be on alert.\n\nKhasi snorted, shifting slightly to get a better look at Legend. \"If you call being slapped out of the air in shape, sure. I've never seen a... What did you call it? Lionel? Thing was insane, and I'll be glad if I never have to fight one again.\"\n\nHe watched Legend rooting about in his pack, slightly jealous the Hylian apparently had been sent into this era with all His Things. Why hadn't He Been able to keep his things...?\n\nHe nodded. \"Khasi, yes. Nice to meet the face behind the scroll. And a red potion should be fine; it's not broken, just twisted.\"\n\nThe Sheikah offered Legend a friendly smile, simply just glad to speak to someone after so long. Goddesses, how long had it been since he'd seen a friendly face? Even before Ganondorf, he'd never gotten to really speak to many outside the tribe; Sheikah were supposed to stay secret, after all. But here, it seemed Sheikah weren't all that secret, and this wasn't Khasi's era, so what did he care if someone saw his true face?" }, { "author": "The Hero of Legend", "message": "The better look at Legend gained an even closer look at his face. There seemed to be an old scar that ran from the left side of his forehead, between his eyes, and down to the right side of his jawline. Freckles dotted the man's face, and he had an unnatural streak of pink into his fiery ginger hair. And he had a few age lines here and there (or stress?). Other than that, his cap was red and gold along with the tunic he wore, and the sound of heavy chainmail could be heard when he shifted around. Not to mention the slew of magical items he simply had on his person. \n\nHe produced a red potion in a simple bottle and handed it over the Khasi, loading the other bottles back into the bag. \"When you're done, just hand the bottle back. Glass is... Expensive, to say the least.\" A sigh. But he turns and focuses onto Khasi, his eerily cold blue eyes trained on the Sheikah. \"Yes. Though, these are... A bit different than the ones I encountered in my time. The Lynels here seems a bit... Bigger? They're still incredibly tough to kill, from my understanding. Haven't faced one in combat here yet.\" A pause. \"I Do Remember facing a golden one, but that was in Holodrum...\" Legend shakes his head. \n\n\"... I'll have to figure out how to brew a new red potion... But I believe Wild knows how.\" ... Is he talking to himself? Legend has a bit of a distant, yet calculating look on his face. His brows are furrowed and his ears twitch now and then. Eventually, his attention is regained. \"But, ah, how are you feeling now? Ankle okay?\"" }, { "author": "Khasi", "message": "He nodded and took the potion. Didn't need to tell him twice; glass was insanely expensive in his time. It had taken him forever to get enough rupees to even afford the bottle he'd had, and now it was gone... Sometimes he wondered if the Goddesses hated him. \n\nHe downed the potion, the effects taking almost immediately. The dull, throbbing pain he'd been ignoring faded, and the swelling went down until the ankle looked normal again. He flexed it experimentally. \n\n\"Feels fine.\"\n\nHe stood up and tested his weight. Good as new. \n\n\"Looks good. Thanks for the potion.\" \n\nHe handed the empty bottle back to Legend. The Sheikah himself looked a little tired, but not as tired as Legend. Indeed, he looked fine for the most part, save for a few bruises and scars littered about his body. He certainly seemed like someone who had seen his fair share of battle. \n\n\"It wasn't easy to kill. Damn thing was Fast Despite its size, and there was nothing like it in my Hyrule. Thank the Goddesses for that; I can't imagine what would have happened to Kakariko and the people there if Ganondorf had had creatures like that under his command...\"\n\nHe shook his head, banishing the thought. He really didn't want to think about that. \n\n\"Anyway, thanks for the help. I'd pay you, but, ah... All I've got are the clothes on my back and my weapon, so...\"\n\nHe shrugged sheepishly. \"I don't suppose your friend knows anyone around here who might be interested in monster parts? I've heard they're good for brewing potions...\"" }, { "author": "The Hero of Legend", "message": "Legend nods at the assessment, his own glance about the ankle showing well... It seemed to be fine. And there was no lying about the pain no longer being there. So, he simply took he bottle back and set that problem as fixed. Does this count as a side quest? No reward though... Idiot, does there need to be a reward for helping people?\n\nThe hero tunes into the description of the Lynel from here, brows furrowing for the moment. \"You did not have Lynels? ... Hm. Must have been something Ganon developed during the Imprisoning War.\" Legend stood up from his crouched position after returning everything back to his pack. \n\n\"Right, I didn't expect a reward.\" Liar. \"But I can bring you back to Wild and me's camp. My's? Hm.\" The man shrugs. Proper grammar is lost on him sometimes. \"He could probably direct you better than I. Only if you're up for it. I tend to move pretty fast without stopping.\" He has ungodly stamina, after all. That and the help of magic artifacts. But it's truly the stamina. \n\n\"The only person I know who would be interested in monster parts isn't quite here. Unless she is and decided not to drop by yet.\" ... \"... I haven't exactly killed Too many Enemies, so that might be possible...\" She has that uncanny knack for showing up when I'm injured or just wandering around. Or JUST after I leave a dungeon... Ugh." }, { "author": "Khasi", "message": "\"I mean, I could pay you once I get some rupees. I assume I'd find you somewhere eventually.\"\n\nHe lifted his arms above his head and stretched, cracking his neck and getting some kinks out. He felt a lot better now after taking that potion, so he was honestly probably fine to go at it alone.\n\n\"Monster parts? Oh, I'm not a merchant.\" He snorted. \"No, no, I meant getting paid to Kill Monsters. I'm not going to do it out of the goodness of my heart; I'm Not the hero, after all.\"\n\nSure, he technically killed monsters for free back in his time, but that was a lot different. Ganondorf was actively terrorizing people and pretty much throwing the people into poverty. Khasi was Not Some kind of paragon of morality, but he wasn't heartless; he didn't charge oppressed people to get rid of the monsters terrorizing them. \n\nBut from what he'd read on the little magic paper, people weren't really suffering under the reign of a tyrant here. There were monsters, sure, but people were generally safe if they didn't wander around, and this Hyrule seemed to be doing fine.\n\nThus, Khasi didn't feel a lick of guilt for charging for his services. \n\n\"I'm sure there will be people who might want to buy some parts for potions or whatever, but that isn't going to be my focus. I'm just going to make enough to retire somewhere out of sight, out of mind. And coming from that, I'm just going to head to that Lurelin Village the other guy mentioned. He said they've been having issues with pirates, so what better place to offer my services?\"\n\nHe bent down, picked up his spear, and slung it across his shoulder. \n\n\"Thanks for the help, though. You don't need to worry about me imposing on your camp or anything; I'll be fine on my own now that I know more of what to expect around here. That lion thing caught me off guard, but it won't now. We can meet up again in the future, if you want me to pay you back.\"\n\nHe turned to leave, but gave a little farewell wave over his shoulder. \n\nIn the end, t\n\nHe Sheikah really did kind of just prefer travelling and fighting on his own. Made things easier." } ]	339.5	2,830
293.666667	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Hero of Dreams", "message": "Dream gazed up at Ruby, eyes wide in surprise. It was strange, they had a oddly similar story. At the question he looked back down again.\n\n\"I... Yeah,\" He confirmed. \"I am... The bad ending. The one where everything went the worst way possible. I finished my first quest the same, but despite wishing on the Triforce for Everyone To come back, my Uncle didn't. The person who meant the most to me, who my first quest was about Avenging... Did not come back.\"\n\nDream's hands balled into fists, the Nightmare Fuel squeezing out between his fingers. He took a shaky breath in as he looked at the stuff angrily, a hatred in his eyes unbefitting someone so small. \"So I ran. To Holodrum, then Labrynna. And I failed to save the Oracles. Failed to save Zelda from being sacrificed. Failed to stop Ganon from coming to full power. I set sail across the ocean, trying to find a place where no one knew me and Ganon couldn't find me or die trying. \n\n\"A storm hit, and I capsized. And then... I woke up on Koholint. An island that was... Incredible. But it was plagued by Nightmares. I fought them, but... Eventually I learned the truth. It was a dream. And to dispel the nightmares, I had to wake up the god whose dream I was trapped in, so that I could go home. But the island would disappear.\"\n\nDream wasn't sure why he was so ready to tell Ruby his story. Maybe he was just a good listener? \"I never left Koholint. Ganon is waiting for me. I know it. So... I protect the people of the island from the nightmares. Or... I thought I did.\" He fell silent, he didn't know how much more he would be able to say before he lost it." }, { "author": " Dark Link \"The Dark Reflection\"", "message": "And once more, they are patient. The Dark Link's attention kept hold of every word, listened to every detail. She didn't interrupt, did not write until they had emptied what words they could.\n\nAnd he held sympathy. Ruby knew fear well, the fear of disappointment. The fear of having no one to remember you. The fear of having no one that cared for you. The fear of finding yourself in a world that held nothing but cruelty, whether the people held it against you or the wasteland that had been left did. Ganon ruined all that he touched- they saw that destruction themself.\n\nThe fear that they would not be enough to defeat it. The barriers that gave life to them. The inner demon that laid within.\n\n- You're scared. And fear is natural.\n\nIt's something they'd only begun to accept themself. Through the support of those friends that kept to their side. Only as of recent has he begun to accept that what created them does not Define Them. No matter how much hatred and fear creates their body and being, that she can be more than that. He knows this one has the potential for that too, because they fear being the harm. And that means something.\n\n- I have been a plague amongst my other's consciousness as well. If you are the bad ending, than I reflect a bad half. The strongest of ills within a mind, yet here I am. Rejecting what I was created for, and going further. It's a difficult thing, to know you are created out of cruelty. Yet, we are not what we are made of, we are what we make of ourselves. Otherwise, why would you be scared?\n\nRuby tilts their head, before extending a hand. Dream may be afraid, but but he is not. Just because one is made of ill, does not mean they will forever be an ill. The nightmares does not make them untouchable." }, { "author": "Hero of Dreams", "message": "Dream was struggling to hold himself together at this point. Ruby was being incredibly kind... Too kind, almost. Dream hated the fear in himself, hated the gods for placing tasks in front of him he could not complete because of that fear. He had not felt heard in that... Until now. Until Ruby.\n\nIn a way, him being a nightmare was the Only Thing that made sense. The Triforce should have worked properly. He shouldn't have woken up in the Dark World. Nightmare Fuel did not cling to him. He could not dream since he woke up. Both of his alternate selves completed their adventures, were able to leave the island. Dream was not. He was an anomaly, an impossibility. The irrational fears of the real thing, given form and breath.\n\nHe looked at the extended hand, nails clawed but somehow not dangerous-looking. He had to admit, he so desperately wanted to take it. Unclenching his fists, he moved his left hand, still dripping black liquid, and placed it on top of Ruby's. Immediately, he felt the fear within him start to subside, and his hands felt strangely... Dry. He raised them in front of him, and gasped as he realized that the Nightmare Fuel had gone.\n\nHe looked back up, his eyes filling with tears he could no longer hold back. \"I... I guess that makes sense,\" He sniffed. \"Just 'cause I came from a nightmare... Doesn't mean I'm gonna hurt people. I... I don't wanna do that. I wanna beat this thing. It's... The least I can do. After all my failures.\"" }, { "author": " Dark Link \"The Dark Reflection\"", "message": "They don't write this time. Instead she just listens to their thoughts. To their process, and she's happy that they're going to allow themself to live as they want. He's gentle with them, because someone needs to be gentle to someone so scorned for what they cannot help.\n\nThen, once their words end, she nods. Before leaning forward and moving to wrap an arm around the younger shoulders. A gentle hand pats at their back, reassuring and understanding.\n\nShe believes in them. They're a mere child made of nothing but the irrational, and that is not his fault. It's not either of their faults- and he wants to be more than cruelty. He can be more than cruelty, even if he still holds their grief. They're far more than what they're made of.\n\nHe believes.\n\n- You want to do good, and I believe you will. You are going to be a help to everyone, not a hindrance. And if anyone gives you any issues\n\nThey raise a finger to punctuate, before continuing.\n\n- I'll deal with them. Because you don't deserve that scorn." }, { "author": "Hero of Dreams", "message": "The contact is too much for Dream. This kindness that he couldn't help but feel he didn't deserve... It overwhelmed him. He turned his head into Ruby's sleeve and gripped her shirt as he cried. He couldn't speak, so he merely nodded to show he understood. It was so strange, how Dream was openly crying in front of a stranger. The last time he could remember doing that was... Well the last time he Cried Was when he came home to see no Uncle waiting for him. He couldn't remember the last time he cried in the presence of someone he didn't know.\n\n\"I... You don't have to promise that,\" He sniffed. \"I don't know what I could give you in return...\"\n\nIn all his adventures, Dream had learned that things are never simply freely given. It was just common sense. Give someone something, you get something in return. He didn't know what he could give to repay such a kindness." }, { "author": " Dark Link \"The Dark Reflection\"", "message": "Sometimes you didn't need repayment in anything but an act.\n\nRuby was not made to be rewarded, and a reward never crosses their mind when it comes to their actions. It is done out of a want, whether instinctual or of their own choice. She couldn't imagine asking for something in return for this- no matter what he was, Dream was still a child. A child that has faced more hardship than anyone should.\n\nHe would know. He was that child once.\n\n- Nothing. I do it because I want to. Not because I need anything in return.\n\nHis hand shifts from Dream's back to cradle the back of their head, careful of his claw-like nails. There's a low, echoed hum from the shadow as she gently pat, allowing the tears to be shed. Everyone needs a moment. Some need several.\n\nThey'd be here as long as they needed to be. It's what he would have hoped others would do for himself as a child. Sometimes there just needs to be a kindness against all misery." } ]	282.5	1,762
329.181818	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": " Dark Link \"The Dark Reflection\"", "message": "Admittedly, navigating something familiarly unfamiliar is not something he's had to do in some time.\n\nThe map provided in the parchment did help plenty though, as strange as the form of communication was. The landmarks were clear, and Link's sense of direction handled the rest of it fine enough. Though inevitably you meet twists and turns, they managed to keep on track and continue further nevertheless. It certainly wasn't the worst thing they've had to navigate- no. She's certain nothing would hold a Candle To that.\n\nThough it had taken some time. It is lucky in some part that their stamina does not wane, and their curiosity stays strong. He finds himself taking note of everything he passes, all the sights and sounds that had been muted for his eyes and ears for so long. Interesting rock formations, trees, whatever may prove useful for navigation later all sequestered into the back of their mind for later recall. She's certain she'll need it, traveling on her own two legs is something that must be relearned. Now, the sta-\n\n... Ah. His eyes track up from the page to the large, almost animal head like structure above. Then, they track down to the tents and tables below. It certainly was a stable were the banners imprinted with horse shoes to say something, but certainly not like any he's seen before. It does provide a clear landmark though, that is something more than useful. Perhaps it's common in this day and age, he cannot say for certain. That's what exploring further would prove useful for. Issues come first though, and even from here she can tell issues there have been. Dirt kicked up, faint scratching, it speaks that something occurred yet didn't get too far. Luck, certainly, on their side. For how long, though?\n\nLink gently stows his parchment away into the pocket at his hip, stepping into the stables while offering a sharp knock on the wooden post outside. Three, evenly spaced, heavy things. Hopefully that draws attention well enough, a signal of arrival." }, { "author": " Alore ", "message": "Coincidentally, Alore had briefly fallen asleep in said stable at one of the tables. The knocks had effectively woken the man up, to which he starts with an immediate yawn. The last \"Raid\" As it were had truly taken it out of the man who was unused to combat. It was simple unheard of for things of these natures to be... Well, existing. They were terrifying. ... Though Alore supposed if they weren't constantly hostile, they may be a bit cute. Like a pig, really. \n\nBut that's neither here nor there. The blue-haired gentleman glanced about, blinking sleep out of his eyes. He vaguely noticed that the person who ran the Stable seemed to... Not be in the usual spot? Maybe they had somewhere to be. Instead, leaning into the doorway of the Stable was a shadow of a person. Truly. Red eyes, grayish skin, white hair— though vaguely familiar... Yes, this person almost looked like what Link might grow up to be if you squinted! \n\nAs far as what Alore though about this newcomers appearance? Well, he is not one to judge. Perhaps an unfortunate curse had befallen this person! But either way, instinctually, this felt like the Link he had met on the parchment. \n\nSo he rose to his feet with a smile, eyes mirroring the smile on his lips. \n\n\"Hello there! It's good to meet you. Are you Link?\"" }, { "author": " Dark Link \"The Dark Reflection\"", "message": "Ah, this must be the mentioned \"Alore\" Approaching now.\n\nA judgement that comes easily. After all, they had stated themself that many of those in the stable prior had left due to troubles with the monsters. An understandable fact, the things could be fierce to fight at the best of times- deadly at the worst. Most would abandon what is considered to be unsafe, and certainly this falls under that category of thought.\n\nThough- hm. His fingers curl into the leather of his gauntlets as the man speaks, and Link finds himself tilting his head ever so slightly. Something about their speak, in specific. It drew her to become alert, focused on the one before them. In an odd way, she's certain she'd know where he was even without eyes lying upon him. Food for thought to come, when considering the circumstances upon them.\n\nLink offers a nod in response to his name, raising a hand up in a simplified wave, before extending it forward in an offer to shake. Though- now that he considers, he's not sure how the expression was taken across time. They suppose there's many things to account, not just landscape... He will learn, inevitably. Trial and error to come.\n\nFor now, to account what he can tell. Alore appears to be of the unruly sort in some ways, wild hair across their face tied back as best as could. A simple fashion of clothing with a cloak pinned around, odd blue hair, and a thinner physique. The appearance is not what Link makes note of- the other holds a certain presence. One that retains attention, though he can't quite pinpoint the source. A strange one indeed, though polite so far as can be said. No reason to make assumptions as of yet." }, { "author": " Alore ", "message": "The man moves to approach, figuring it would be rude to speak all the way by the table inside of the stable. Alore can't help but keep himself trained on the eyes of the other. Both out of, well, politeness and the other out of just how mesmerizing the person's eyes were. Like inset rubies... \n\nAlore blinked and smiled, pausing for just a moment to notice that... Well, yes. This person doesn't... Have a mouth. He can't help the way his brows knit in concern for a moment before he produces a simple sheet of paper and a bit of charcoal for writing smoothed into a stone. \n\n\"Here! This might help you, in case you didn't have any!\" Alore tilts his head just so slightly, humming. \"I hope the journey wasn't too terrible. I thought I smelled rain on the horizon.\" A pause. \"Oh! Did you see any of those terrible things on your way here?\"\n\nThis man has the look of a knight. Like, one who has seen a bit of battle! But he's never seen a Hylian quite like him... Perhaps these are the Hylians of the future? Is that what they were talking about in the scroll?\n\n\"Oh, apologies, Link. Perhaps we should sit down, first?\"" }, { "author": " Dark Link \"The Dark Reflection\"", "message": "Ah, a perceptive one. They take the offered paper and charcoal graciously, edges of their eyes raising every so slightly in lieu of a polite smile. It would certainly make things easier on them both, though Link was still working on his legibility in broad.\n\nThe other offer was taken in kind as well. The stables, now that he had a look, were quaint. To them they resembled something like attached inns, with tables and quarters not just meant for horses. Perhaps that's why they were so roadside, so that those traveling on horseback could stop off for some rest or supplies.\n\nAllowing herself to inside, she takes the seat at the offered table. Near the moment she's seated does ahe begin to scrawl on the page in order to answer, strokes quick and some edges blurred with no clear reason as to why. It is legible though- answers, and some of their own polite additions. After all, it was a kindness in the first place. Most do not take his appearance well, in the very scarce few that have seen it. Namely, well, himself.\n\n- Thank you for allowing me inside. These stables are quaint, an admirable thing.\n- I encountered none, thankfully. My trip was smooth, if there were any they were not causing me trouble.\n\nSimple thank yous and replies, the shadow-like Link pulling his hands away from the page in order to give a clearer view." }, { "author": " Alore ", "message": "Alore had quickly found himself fond of the stable and the life within. Seeing people enter and exit at a whim, rest for a moment. Though there have been a few who have cleared out after hearing about the unfortunate monster attacks, for the most part there were still at least three people (including himself) still around! \n\nBut the man seats himself in front of the other. Which... Actually, looking a bit closer... He should ask how to refer to this person. After all, he himself usually has to correct people. Hence the fluffy and obscuring hair— harder to tell a person's face through it. \n\nAlore waited patiently while the knight wrote what was needed, and leaned forward to read. \n\n\"Oh, well, it isn't my stable. All are welcome here. And I'm so glad that you did not encounter them, even if you can handle them.\" Alore shivers, a frown on his face. \"Oh, how should I refer to you? I would hate to presume you to be a sir or a lady.\"\n\nAlore leaned back and shuffled in his pack, producing a small piece of wood and a whittling knife. He just... Began absentmindedly whittling something. But his attention was still mostly on Dark Link." }, { "author": " Dark Link \"The Dark Reflection\"", "message": "Admittedly, they had to pause to think about that question.\n\nIt's not something they ever quite recall being asked. Certainly she'd taken most forms of address just fine, picky was not a word she'd particularly use to describe herself. Though asking how to be addressed, or rather how he'd prefer to be addressed- well, that was an interesting one. Admittedly she had to tap her sharply nailed finger on the table for a moment as she thought, before returning the charcoal to her hand and scratching down more.\n\n- All terms of address. I am fine with all.\n\nThat seemed to fit them best. Admittedly, he was not partial to one nor the other. All elicited the same general response; if it were referring to him, then he would simply answer it. It did not need to be any deeper than that, nor quite was it. They simply were, and so she would be.\n\nWhat actually interests him far more than any thought on his own address, was the carving. Distantly she remembers doing the same action herself, the Kokiri lived and thrived in the woods. Therefore, she'd learned to whittle what was needed when such the need had arised. Cut off from other society, everything had to be hand picked or hand made. They pull themselves from those thoughts quickly, lest they find themselves falling into a spiral of thought about Them, returning their focus to scrawl something new.\n\n- I take it you whittle? It's been some time since I've carved much myself, a pleasure to see it." }, { "author": " Alore ", "message": "A simple, relatively innocuous looking wood piece began to take a very vague shape as he carved into it— nearly clipping his thumb several times. The movement was automatic, almost fluid as the waters of a quiet river. He turns the relatively cylindrical piece around in his hand now and then, creating a peak or a crease of some kind. \n\nEventually, he glances back up again. Alore reads the text produced on the paper with a nod of understanding and a simple smile. \"I see. Okay! I'll keep that in mind.\" Alore's brain hums with questions he desperately wants to ask. If the person in front of him were some kind of ethereal Hylian new to the future, or if she were a demigod, or something of the sort. The brightness of his eyes contrasting with the shadows surrounding, the white of the hair— curious, curious. Even the pointed nails were noted. Different. New.\n\nUnconsciously, he can feel where his carving is going. He moves it to a different direction. A duck, maybe?\n\n\"... Ah, yes! It's one of my main crafts. Woodworking and claywork are my best handiwork. You carve too? A painter and a carver...\" Alore smiles, a bubbling laugh erupting from his lips. \"If my hands are idle, I tend to... Ah well, it's fine. Usually it's best if I have something to do with my hands before my mind wanders. Ah but— yourself! It was very kind of you to come. Ah, if you'd like, I could repay you somehow?\"" }, { "author": " Dark Link \"The Dark Reflection\"", "message": "- I understand that, crafts help keep the mind and hands busy.\n\nAdmittedly, they do it for a similar reason. She has- so, so much time throughout the day. When you do not sleep or rest like most must, it leaves endless time for the mind to pick at you. Pick you apart, your actions apart, and well... What would she be if not a being with many flaws to pull at? Certainly, any time spent doing anything else was better.\n\nOh- payment. Immediately at that he raises a hand and shakes his head, no that would not be necessary. This was his job, it's what gave some meaning to their rather boring life. Besides, the company alone was- it... Was nice. They'd been just an observer for so long that getting to just talk to someone- ah. Don't get lost in your own head, they'd just mentioned that one.\n\n- No payment needed. I'm happy just helping.\n\nIt might come off as hollow, but truly they don't need much. They don't need shelter, they don't need anything supplied as they have their own items, they don't need health- truly they can't think of anything. A payment would just be over the top... She's quite fine as is. It's just expressing that sentiment that's hard.\n\nThough she does eye what Alore is carving with curiosity. What can they say, it's almost nostalgic in a way. He's been away from home for a very long time, even as much as the thought of those woods stir anger and nausea." }, { "author": " Alore ", "message": "Alore nods in response at the writing, glancing back up. He's realizing that he has a rather fast way of talking, which is not ideal when you are speaking to someone who must write to communicate. Maybe a type of... Nonverbal communication not involving paper and charcoal or quill could be made... But I would not now how... I know hunters use hand signals but... Hm...\n\nBlinking a few times, he refocuses as he sees movement— looks to be the person shaking her head in response to payment. Alore's jaw sets for a moment, a small frown working its way onto his lips. \"... Hmm... How about I give you what I am carving now as payment? Or if that does not sound good, it is a gift instead.\" Alore nods, as if this is a good compromise. His smile returns relatively quickly, small and gentle. \n\nWith that plan in motion, he begins wto work with a focused vigor. Methodical and careful yet at a moderate pace. Whatever he is carving is taking shape with practiced ease. And he settles into a comfortable quiet. \n\nThe craftsman does notice, though, that the other is rather interested in the work. So, he makes sure to stay within view of the other as he peels pieces of the wood off of itself. An easy thing. A soothing thing. \n\nThe... Events of the past few days melt behind him. The feeling of gross, stinking blood splattering across his clothes and the scent of iron. The moment of panicked gasping he had upon realizing the nature of what he had done— even if the things were going to kill him if Alore had done nothing to protect himself. It's unusual for the Stables to be attacked at all, the hero in the parchment had said. \n\n... It all fades out of view, to the sounds of birds and the gentle carving of wood." }, { "author": " Dark Link \"The Dark Reflection\"", "message": "There was a moments hesitation. They did not want to make it seem as though they wanted a reward- desired one, even. Though Alore asks her, even presents it as a gift, there's a part that stirs at the thought. He doesn't want it to seem as though it's necessary for later, that it's something that needs to be continued.\n\nThen she looks at the item, and nods.\n\nShe knows she'd also feel bad were she to decline, and she cannot help but admit that she wouldn't mind the trinket. Link owned so little, everything that was on them simple copies of everything he had before. Everything practical at least, things that were truly just his? Well, never. That's what happens when you and your very being are mimicries, all you own is just the same. Nothing unique. It can't... Hurt, can it, when offered so kindly?\n\nHe allows himself to shift his seat too, so they don't have to turn to look. Admittedly, it's one of the most peaceful moments they'd had in years. There's something dreadful about having to watch on- a secondary view of your own time marching forward without you. No matter how long she was there, no matter how long she had to grow used to it, it hurt nonetheless. Muffled voices and a hazy world as though underwater, all passing with no thought to him.\n\n... Now it's clear. It's passing with him rather than without him, even if it was not his own era. Birds sing, wood carves, and they are here for it. They can have that peace now. They're even... Happy to have it.\n\nHow strange." } ]	321	3,621

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