Crash Course
Jan 20, 2017 9:56:56 GMT -5
Post by Codec on Jan 20, 2017 9:56:56 GMT -5
Codec: Aleport. There were tales drifting across the lands that a real life Siren was terrorizing the region. When news had reached Codec he'd rushed off to the area, and with the blasts of ocean air erupting from the waters he found himself grinning from ear to pointed ear. Blue hair spilled about his head and the elezen was staring at the distant tower where the Umbra Island was supposed to have the monster. The various grand companies were offering a bounty and Codec had every intention of cashing in as it were! Musketoon in hand, turret at the ready he began for the trek toward the docks hoping he'd find someone among them brave enough to deposit him on a Siren's shore.
Kallera: Unfortunately there were no adventurer's at the docks. Just before she decided to ask a Yellowjacket Codec ended town. She couldn't be happier. "Codec! Oh, tell me you here for the bounty!"
Takeshi: Well, Takeshi -hadn't- been here for the bounty originally, he'd come for other kinds of work, but when he arrived, he'd been told about a Siren... Well, it certainly wasn't -Codec's- Siren, it was an actually bloody siren...? He couldn't really think there was such a thing, but, his curiousity was getting the best of him. He wanted to know what this Siren was, or if it was a hoax... The youth didnt seem so youthful anymore, attire changed, physique toned, his amethyst locks pulled up and cut. Within his hood, a baby crow nestled in the cloth and chirped quietly, watching the world around it with wonder. Adventure! Yes, there was a whole world to explore and delve into.. Wandering towards the front of the city, he noticed familiar faces and slowly approached, pulling his scarf down around his neck. He wondered if they'd recognize him... ".. My, fancy finding you two here..." He definitely looked closer to his origins of a Ninja, but with twist!
Star: Arriving in Aleport she gripped the poster with the bounty information about the Siren that had been causing problems. Low and behold she spoted Codec, Kallera and Takeshi. Her ears twitched with happiness. "You're all here?" she asked curiously as she pushed her hair behind her shoulder. Lifting up the piece of paper, she felt her cheeks puff up a bit, being the shortest one where she wanted to get there attention. "Are you here to look for the siren?"
-: Codec waved as Kallera came into view, a smile remaining on his lips as he closed the distance. "I am! Kisumi told me that... well that Sirens have wings and I need to know whether or not thats true!" Which was right around the time that Takeshi came padding over, hair cut... looking a little more grown up. "Look who went through their last growth spurt..." He winked playfully which was right around the time that Star also showed up. "Oh boy, seems we're all after the same bounty! You are after the bounty right Takeshi?" He moved to take a better look at Star's poster. The words were hard to read, but he could get the numbers right! "That seems like enough to split four ways... whatya say?"
No sooner did she talk did Takeshi and Star made themselves heard, asking about the Siren. Kallera had said nothing to Takeshi, though he was the closer. It seems they were all after the same bounty. Oh please don't make this awkward... After about a month away from him, Kallera wondered how much patience she had left for him.
Oh, look who it was! Star was coming along, too? Takeshi smiled bright, and moved to her side. "Hmm, I haven't grown an inch, unfortunately..." He commented back to Codec before they approached Star, to look at her paper. Takeshi peered a moment before wrapping an arm around her waist, looking to the others. Codec seemed willing to split payment, which, sounded fair. "Tis not the money I'm after.. But sounds fair." He then looked to Star and huffed lightly. Funny how fate worked its ways... "Seems that way, dear. But you can take my part.." He smiled softly, affection clear in his expresion. The others might notice how much calmer he looked, too! "You got everything you need, love?"
Looking over her shoulder at Codec, she lifted it a bit more so he could look at it. Blushing a bit as Takeshi pulled her closer to him, she put a hand to his chest and smiled gently. "I do have everything I have, thank you." she replied as she leaned forward to kiss him on the cheek. Looking over to Kallera, she smiled wide. "Kall, since you're here we have a balanced party." she stated before thinking for a moment. "Let me go change real quick actually...I feel like it's going to be a bit ofa trip."
-: If Codec noticed their personal dramas, from Takeshi pulling Star closer to him, to Kallera not greeting Takeshi, then he didn't say anything. Better that they at least pretend they were friends. "Excellent! Lets see if we can't find a porter to Umbra Island! " Except Star was off to go change it seemed like. Gun in hand he started for the docks. Assured his "party" would follow. "Seems like the lot of you are in good form, If you haven't got any wax then I'd suggest it, Sirens are notoriously alluring with their voices..." There was a shade of blush catching his cheeks as his mind wandered as it always seemed to, to his personal Siren. "I imagine having miq'ote ears might make you more susceptible to the Siren's song... so... extra wax!"
Kallera immediately too the moment to run over to the Merchant in Aleport to see if they had wax. Turns out they had and then some. the porr lad had bought surplus thinking that adventurers by the tonzload would by hunting it down...and investment not so fortunate. Kallerea bought for the party , then wordlessly ran back to Codec with goods. Even if the folktales were false, wax in her own ears might help keep her mind on things.
Here came Kallera again, good! Takeshi had followed Codec quietly, and soon, Star had followed. The gang was all together now! "Right, then.. Ready when everyone else is." He watched Star for a moment, before seeming to ponder. He then looked ot Kallera and walked a little closer to her, before cleaing his throat and tilted his face a little, ears falling. He wasn't sure why she'd been so quiet, but... he hoped they were still on good grounds. For now though, he focused on the task at hand.
Looking between Takeshi, Kallera, and Codec she bit her lip. "Yes, well...it looks like Kall got some wax!" she said smiling a little bit, suddenly noticing Kallera was quiet. Patting Takeshi on the head, she walked ahead of him to walk next to Kallera. "Are you okay?" she asked gently and quiet enough for only Kallera to hear, genuily conserned about her friend.
-: Codec had been talking to the skipper, trying to bribe him to get them to take them to Umbra Isle. It took several seconds at which time Kallera was coming around with wax. "Alright! He says he'll take us but we're stupid for going!" Codec looked over the water and grinned bright, as he motioned toward the boat. With the wax in hand he hopped right into the boat, carelss that it might sway or rock. He didn't know how others would handle being on the water but he was as confident on a boat as he was on land. When the others joined the skipper followed and began the trek toward the Umbral Isles.
Ferry Skipper: We're headed for the Isles of Umbra. You coming along?
Once they were on the boat. Kallera whispered to Star "A Month, a whole month, and he doesn't even mention a word.... I Ended up chasing down crazy murderer after crazy murderer..."
Well, it was adventure he was looking for... he certianly got it. With Codec's que, Takeshi climbed into the boat uneasily, he'd never been on the water before.. He found himself fixing his hair and looking out while they were on their way, before looking to Star and Kallera. He... knew he owed an apology, for his disappearance. But truly, it was for the better. He was happier and calmer for it, his perspective changed for good things. Turning to Kallera, he mewled softly to get her attention before looking to Star. He didnt want ot interupt but, he felt he had to speak up. He was no where near as meek as he used to be, that was for sure. "Sorry, if I'm interupting.. Kallera." He caled her name before smiling softly, a gust caught his bangs and he rose a hand to hold one side out of his eyes. "It's good to see you.. Sorry, for being gone so long. You know, you and Codec both taught me a hell of a lot, whether you know it or not... I know I left on bad terms, no where near sane, but I promise I'm better now. I.. realized, that I was looking at the world in the wrong way, always negative, anticipating... hating, paranoid. I had to take time for myself and work on changing. Not just... for Star's sake, but for my own, and everyone else I know. I hope you understand... I didnt do it to worry anyone. I didnt disappear out of spite. I still care you know." He smiled warmly at that, before his ears perked up and he looked out to the water again, curiousity in his expression..
Star Amethysta's ears dropped down a bit. "He didn't let you know he was going away for a while." she sighed gently. "He's changed some, Kall. For the better." she said looking towards Takeshi now who was trying to get Kallera's attention. "I'll let you two talk." she said before walking over to a side of the boat, peering down into the water with a small sigh.
-: Codec himself was at the bow of the boat. His hands working the rigging despite a look on the Ferry Keeper's face that was decidedly not pleased with the elezen for touching his ship. Alas! It was in Codec's blood to be onboard a boat. To feel the spray of salt and sea in his face, to shiver in anticipation as they swung over a way rounded a bend and were making straight for Umbral Island. Likely, Takeshi might sense it first with his echo... A subtle shift in the air. A turning of Currents as something deep and dark seemingly danced beneath the edges of the boat. Codec missed it of course, but he did spot a single figure standing atop a cliff, the aether around him churning visibly as a hand reached out toward the boat. From beneath the waves shot up an Egi of the primal Leviathan. It slammed into boat, shaking it and causing Codec to grip onto the mass, a look of confusion hitting his face before he shouted. "JUMP JUMP NOW" He was stupidly rushing toward his Friends trying to push them into the waters as screaming from the air was a ball of fire that struck the boat hard enough that it buckled, flipped upward and was starting to come back down toward the water upside down.
Kallera looked down at the rocking boat, inattentive of the water's changing color. until something massive shot up from it. What the hells was that?! Are creatures that large in the sea? Kallera then heard Codec's shouting. Kallera wasted no time jumping, the cold shock of the sea greeted her. and she came up, Yelling "What was that?' They had best find a direction, and fast. or they won't have to wait for the chilly water to do them in! Never mind the cold water. That giant fish was going to eat them! "We had best find a direction, and fast!"
Through the wonder of a new experience, something piqued in his senses... Unlike all his previous experiences, there was no pain, no sickness, only his second vision hit him, and, for good reason. He could see the terrible imbalance in the area, bad energy... Primal, energy, at that, though he didn't know that. It was vivid in his eyes, as he just barely got to stand and tried to alert the others, but then he noticed the mass moving beneath them, his eyes fell down, looking terrified. What the fuck was that?! "T-The hell..?" He didnt get the chance to know, his vision turned to the cliff, sensing the source, but in his distraction, the boat was taken by a magical being, rocking them hard. Hard enough, that Takeshi was knocked into the water, plunged into the bitter cold water. He did surface thankfully, and gasped as he tried to get an idea of what was going on. The others had to abandon ship too, and as soon as Star was out, he made his way to her, seeming panicked. He could still see the being in the water, it was like a glow to his eyes, but if it delved deep, the glow would be faint.. At least he had an advantage, FINALLY, A use for this fucking curse! As soon as he could, he got Star into his arms and held her against him so he could keep her afloat. "It's okay, I've got you..." He then hastefully made to get away from the boat, to ensure they wouldn't get pulled down. He took a couple seconds now to look about and grimaced. "It's beneath us!"
The last thing she heard was Codec screaming for them to get down. Her body hit the ice cold water and she froze up in shock, unable to swim she felt afraid for her own life and at the same time the numbing feeling that took over her body. She noticed the giant fish monster and she winced slightly, fighting to breath at this point. A few airbubbles escaped from her mouth, she soon closed her eyes feeling dizzy and light headed. A pair of arms brought her back up to the surface and she coughed violently. "I-I can't swim." she admited shivering in Takeshi's arms and looking miserable.
Kallera, Takeshi and Star all jumped ship. But the problem with telling people to jump ship, and with preparing to push them overboard was Codec was stuck in the damned thing as it went skyward so that the sea became his heavens as it crashed violently into the water. The mess of sails and riggings trapping him as he sank beneath the waves, as th ropes tightened around him. Takeshi called it true, the Leviathan Egi was below them and at once it it jetted upward striking the elezen man and forcing the ropes taut about his wrist as the boat was sinking beneath the waves. It'd drag him to his doom if the thin blue body of the egi didn't jump above the water, Codec's leg in its mouth as it slammed him down atop the waves with a thunderous strike that sent a gout of water spraying around. The leviathan Egi struck down into the water after him, and went down beneath the waves. Leviathan swirled beneath them, and at once it jumped upward a wave following his snake like body as he whipped at the various people caught in the water. Once the wave struck them casting them onto the shore at various points, it honed in on Star.... it roared and like a missile launched itself for her. -d-
Kallera was sent towards shore, and saw the waves darken once again, and Codec missing. No "Codec!" Kallera yelled towards the sea. only to find Star still in the sea, struggling to stay afloat.. Kallera was sent towards shore, and saw the waves darken Only the Sea serpent responded, darting out of the water and heading towards Star. Kallera force out her hand and focused her anguish into a blast, aiming for the Leviathan's face. The beast struck square in the face, hesitated a brief second and then quite clearly shifted to launch itself in all its fury at Kallera. Its body shimmered with aether, the water beneath it beginning to circle its form as it made an attempt to come as a battering ram at Kallera. Out on the shore, Kallera had no place to hide from the creature. Using her extended hand, Kallera used her darkside as a barrier. bracing herself for the inevitable charge.
Well, fuck. He'd barely managed to get his bearings before he noticed the moving Egi, anticipating a crashing of a wave. He was right, and the force hit him hard, barely able to hold onto Star, despite how tightly he held her. Thank the goddess that he endured, for they found themselves upon the shore and Takeshi quickly got to his feeet and scooped Star up and put her to her feet. They were a ways from Kallera, more to the western side, >>
It's official. "Fuck" is a Doman word, and Takeshi has taught us all its applications.
Once he had Star up, he put a hand to her shoulder and looked back out ot hte water, to see where the Egi had moved to. His sight was making things a little difficult, there was so much aether in the area... But the particular glow of the Egi reached him and he grimaced, it was heading for Kallera...! "Kall, incoming!" He figued he'd warn her before scooping star up into his arms bridal style and jumped back to get out of the way, hissing. Codec hadn't come up yet either... Fuck! Noting the Egi's signature, he found himself drawn to the cliff beyond them, and barely, he could see a figure, but they were far away; only reason they were noticable, was because of the mass of moving Aether near them, something dark... Star might notice his expression turn grim. ".. We're not alone..."
Almost as soon as Takeshi pulled her out from under water, she was blasted back and onto the shore with Takeshi. Her ears dropped down low and she felt her body shaking uncontrolably. She was in shock and her ears were full of water, she felt her eyes began to fill up with tears. "T-T-T-Takeshi...what just happened?" she was shivering and as soon as he pulled her to her feet, she fell back down onto her knees unable to stand at the current moment, until he picked her up. "W-Where's Codec?" she asked as she gripped at his shirt and looked up at the figure that peered down at them. The world around her was spinning and she didn't know how to digest everything at the current moment, she leaned her head against his chest. "I need to sleep a bit...I'm sorry." she said quietly as she began to fall asleep.
-:The Egi was storming toward Kallera with the full force of water circling its Serpentine being, and it meant to hit her with the force of a stampende of raging buffalo. And it did. It did in fact hit Kallera. Except Kallera was ready, her dark magics propped a wall up and when it struck it might have caused a knockback, but the Egi itself seemed stunned. It hissed before jumping curling into a ball and disappearing from view. The aether there shimmered violently and so visibly that even those without the echo might have seen it. A star that frosted the air, spinning in on itself in the form of another spell perhaps? Or... or something worse. Sputtering toward the edge of the water was the hapless ferry-skipper. His hair clinging to his head, his dogged eyes looking toward where the wreckage of his boat no doubt dragged Codec to his doom. "oi moi wiofe is gonna kill me..."
Kallera saw the gi roll up and dissappear from view. She was no expert on magic, but it looked like how carbuncles went away when called back "A summoner...We have a summoner!" Kallera took a moment to try and look for the caster. If they are charging a spell, they must be making a visible scene...
Kallera might not have been able to find the moon in the sky if she was looking.
She wasn't used to looking for casters, In fact she didn't know where to look among the scenery. That spell however, was painfully obvious..."I have to get away from that..." -
Well, there goes star... Poor thing was shivering like hell. He held her closer and looked about, hearing Kallera yell. "Yeah, the fucking bastard!" He sneered angrily, before noticing the aether and the ice based magic. "FUCK, NOPE." He yelled at the thing and made to get out of the water. He wasn't going ot become a cat-sicle today, no way in hell! "They're lookin to bind us in ice!" With a frustrated snarl, he looked ot the cliff again. Still there, asshole?! Ooooh, he wanted to punch them! For now though, he made sure him and Star were out of the water before plopping down on the ground and held her close, letting out a sigh to try and warm her up. Umbra clung to the inside of his hood and chirped manically, frightened and cold. "I know, I know.." He scooped the bird up and put them in his scarf around his neck, so they'd warm up a bit faster. He then looked to Kallera. Codec hadn't surfaced yet... but he couldn't just jump back in without a weapon! He'd doom himself!... but maybe he'd have to... He knelt down to hold Star as he pondered his next course of action. His gaze turned ot the cliff again, to which he glared. "... SHINJIMAE!!!!" He screamed at the top of his lungs a Doman curse; Telling them to Drop dead and go to hell.
Kallera started to sprint from the shore as Takeshi took Star to safety. Kallera then heard Takeshi spout something in Doman towards the cliff. Perhaps he had found their man... Her feet made the clatter of hard ground as she stopped sprinting.
-: The ferryman rose and was smart enough to run toward the drydocks to get away. Only the spell was cast and from the ball of ice went a lance of sharp white ice in every direction. A lance struck the ferryman. Blood spurting from his chest, as he struck the ground. A gust of wind picked up and ice swirled in the area where our heroes had just been. And had Takeshi not called out their new location that might have been it. They might have been safe and free from danger. Except he had. The ground froze over, and from that spot the aether ripped and sputtered, and violently gripped at the land. A hand rose up, no larger than a lalafel's... white and in the shape of a claw. It pushed into the water as it tried to manifest.. Locks of silver hair, skin white as ice. From the far shore, came another figure. Skin bronzed and sun-warmed, even as the cold leeched into his flesh. Blue hair spilled over his gaze as he vomited water from his stomach and hazily raised above his head two weapons and threw them in the general direction of Takeshi, Star and Kallera... Before falling face up in the water and clutching his stomach... -d-
A pair of weapons were tossed towards the three's direction as the Summoner started calling for another egi. Kallera saw a 2nd figure collapse from the far shore. "Codec..." Never mind that! They are fighting for their lives here. The target was up on a cliff, apparently enjoying the view enough to be standing on the edge."Takeshi! Get Star up!" Kallera started running towards the figure that collapsed. If it was codec, he needed help. She ran over to Codec, Keeping an eye on the manifesting egi. If itr tries anything she had to be ready. "Get her up!" she yelled back again as she was attempting to pick up Codec. -d-
More aether... Takeshi's gaze turned towards the source, noting a second body collapsing. He grimaced and looked back to Star in his arms. He had noted the weapons returned to him, but Kallera's call made him tense up. He didn't know what to do... He knelt down beside his bow and sat Star up in his arms, seeming worried before he leaned down to kiss her, running one hand through her hair as he rested her against his knee. He broke away before giving Star a light shake, huffing as he looked over his shoulder. "Star, wake up.. We need you, love.. Please..." He could see Kallera had reached the soul, but could not determine who it was. All he knew is that he was being yelled at to wake Star up. If she didn't stir, he'd shake her a little more and rub her arms to try and warm her up, hoping it'd rouse her... "Pleeease...! Me o samshite kudasai... We need you, damn it..." His gaze fell some, as he looked back ot the others again, then back to Star...
Star Amethysta's hands twitched as soon as he kissed her. Opening up her eyes she jerked awake and looked over at Takeshi gasping for air and then reached out to touch his face for a moment. "What's going on?" she asked, but didn't get an explination. Her ears dropped down as she watched the Shiva-Egi forming on the shore. "Thal's balls." she hissed out gently as she stood up in a hurry. Lifting up a hand to her head, it began to glow a light green color. She could cast white magic with out her globe, but only when she seriously consentrated. "W-W-We need to go." she said shivering in place. "I'll heal Codec once we're safely away."
-: Indeed it was Codec. His left leg a mangled mess of bite marks, leaking blood.. A crack in his forehead no longer washed by the cold depths of the salt brined sea was leaking new from where his head had impacted the water with forece. Dizzily blue eyes opened as Kallera attempted to pick him up. He didn't struggle against her. Instead he braced imself on his good leg, trying to shake the cobwebs free. The white hand clawing free was now showing a crushed visage of jagged ice with long flowing white hair that reaced down to pointed misshapen feet. It was a Shiva Egi. And no sooner had it formed, did its hands hold a bow, from which sevaral balls of ice fired in a circle around her. One struck Codec dead in the chest, another would smack off Kallera's back, one would clip Takeshi's arm and the other Star's shoulder. Immediately they'd all feel the ice creeping through their being. Through their water-soaked clothing, stealing more warmth, but more vitally starting the process for a deep freeze. Gun in hand even as Kallera collected him, he fired a shot toward the distance. -d-
As Kallera helped Codec up, she felt something hard strike her back. "Aah--ah!" The shot from the egi cost her some time in getting Codec up, but she had to get him to saftey. "Come on...Come on." She had to trust Takeshi and Star had this. She couldn't fight and carry at the same time. "T-Thank goodness you're alright, Codec." seh whispered, though she noticed a foggy breath and a chill from inside. That didn't seem right... She was running back to shore but it would take some time.
(Takeshi Isamu) He offered a nod to Star, his usual calm expression had broken into concern. There wasn't the usual rage one might have expected, but instead, there was patience in chaos. "I understand.." But then, he sensed a change, and before he could move, the Egi had shot her energy, and he found himself unable to dodge it, getting clipped on his left arm. A hiss was made, as it tore through his glove as it passed, cutting into his flesh. Immediately, he felt his blood starting to run cold, >>
(Takeshi Isamu) and though he thought to hold the wound, he refrained and scooped up his bow from the ground, and grabbed Star's globe and held it to her. "We're of the same mind..." He made sure she'd follow before running though, not wanting to leave her behind. Kallera and Codec would surely make it, but he turned his gaze back to make sure. So far they were okay... As he ran, he noticed pufs of air forming, caused by cold hitting warmth.. "... the hell was that...?" He questioned to himself, but focused.
(Star Amethysta) As she turned to run, she noticed the egi shooting a blast at them. It hit her shoulder as she tried to dodge it and failed, her cold skin got even colder and her blood felt like it was freezing over. She took a deep breath trying to focus on what was happening in that very moment. Her ears perked up as soon as her globe was put into her face, she grabbed it quickly and began to run with Takeshi. Healing the two of them as she ran. "That e-egi hit us with some freezing blast." she breath out >>
(Star Amethysta) with a shiver and was catious with approaching Kallera and Codec, lifting her globe up she began to chant a healing spell and a great shine circled around the four of them. "I-Is that any better?" she asked keeping her globe out prepared to fight if needed.
Codec Icyobi) -: It all went wrong when Star cast that helios. Incredibly wrong. The air crackled in hissed with the sudden discharge of Aether. Of properly stored, properly atuned... aether. For one, as the spell washed over Codec with all the force of a smithy's hammer hitting an anvil. Almost immediately he was pushing away from Kallera, dropping to his knees as the spell wove itself through his being. Surely it knitted the torn and broken flesh of his leg, and absolutely began to mend the rip in his
(Codec Icyobi) skull that leaked blood. But it felt like someone was flaying him. Like someone had taken a jagged knife and began to peel back the layers of his skin from the muscle. Like someone was setting his insides on fire, and cracking his bones from the inside out. Immediately he vomited sea water again, twisted and turn away from his teeth as his jaw tightened and his eyes shuttered close. A chocobo kicking him in the head would have been preferable to the way it felt like the very universe
(Codec Icyobi) was cracking between his ears. He dropped, and the most pitiful sound broke his lips as he curled into a tight ball... gasping for air before blackness took him. The Second thing that happened... the Shiva Egi charging at them an ice sword raised. All that purified aether, all that magic done right right in the vicinity of magic done wrong.... the Egi down right shattered. A brilliant burst of light and energy that spouted in every direction, sending jagged pieces of ice for the party
(Codec Icyobi) even as the aether twisted violently threatening to rupture into a hole through which an enttiy of the void might enter. If they dared look away, if they dared look toward the distant cliff, they might see the cloaked figure had fled. -d-
Kallera Etoile) Kallera slid in front Codec's writhing body, and put her sword in front of herself. the jagged ice delecting off of her sword. The aether swirled around and was difficult to see. Kallera couldn't make sense of what she was seeing. >>
(Kallera Etoile) Codec was out cold, and it looked like Takeshi wasn't faring much better. "Star, any other ideas before we start running for our lives?"
(Takeshi Isamu) Well, if anything, he had hoped the magic would have helped. But, it didn't, not completely... Codec dropped in severe pain, and, Takeshi almost as quickly grunted as a migraine rose. It was like a knife to his skull, as he shut his eyes tight. A light sway was made before he shook his face violently, and whined. He felt sick, but not enough to hinder him. The imbalance in the area made for a bad, bad feeling... Trying to come back about, opening his eyes, he realized.. >>
(Takeshi Isamu) "E-Eh?" He made a confused noise, and rubbed his eyes with his wrist. Nothing... Darkness, black. Not even a glow or visible aether! ".. Oh, no..." Another whine was made as he tried ot look about. His honey hues couldn't focus on anything, and he held a hand out to his side. "Star? Guide me, please.. M-My sight's gone..." Damned Echo! He didn't need this NOW. How long would this last..? "I'm with Kallera, a withdraw is the best option..."
(Star Amethysta) Almost as soon as she ran up to help heal, she noticed her spell do good and bad. Her ears and tail stood on end as she soon noticed the Aether around them, unbalanced. "We need to go, now." she said gently and put her globe on her back. "Kall, you carry Codec." she said gripping Takeshi's hand and then scooped up Takeshi. "W-We should run." she said grunting slightly. "Yep, your muscle has made you just a bit more heavy." she said trying to lighten up the situation. She looked over her>>
(Star Amethysta) shoulder at Kallera. "The Aether flow is currently out of balance. Come on."
[3]<Kallera Etoile> legit blushing intensifies.
(Codec Icyobi) Kallera hefting Codec up with met with silence. The pain had knocked him out. Out cold. He'd go wherever the hell they forced him. Behind them the void hissed, and howled and hands seemed to be reaching out before the the hole shuttered close as they were running into the distance. Be it god or fate they'd skirted disaster and come away alive. Now the real question was, the one that might nag them in the back of their minds and haunt their waking moments... Who had attacked them? And
(Codec Icyobi) who was meant to be the target... -d-
[3]<Kallera Etoile> half chewed miqote images come to mind.
[3]<Takeshi Isamu> over there
Sylskaetsyn: The Admiral's ban on piracy has proven effective, by and large. The only problem is, the ones that refuse to give up the life are the absolute bloody worst of the lot.
(Kallera Etoile) They had arrived at Candlekeep Quay by the time they stopped. Kallera sat Codec down near the rocks, and sat next to him. He looked fine...yeah, fine. >>
(Kallera Etoile) "I think we were being targeted, but who the hells would know we were coming? We weren;t even supposed to be on this island..." >>
(Kallera Etoile) Kallera thought. _This seems a lot like a hit...or a levequest taken out of someone_ "Star, Takeshi, did you notice any people after you? Like, did you meet some people that would send arcanist assassins?" -d-
[3]<Kallera Etoile> Star, /random for more misfortune upon Takeshi.
(Kallera Etoile)
[3]<Kallera Etoile>
(Takeshi Isamu) Despite being picked up by Star, and how upset it made him, Takeshi didn't fight her decision. He was quiet until they seemed to come to a stop. Being asked a question, Takeshi squirmed (either in star's arms or in place) with a huff. He hadn't been followed, hell no... "I'm not marked, no... My debt with Shinobi was paid in kind." He then uneasily turned in place, and let his hand move to the rock. Wall... He removed his gloves and hung them from his coat, before tracing over the rock. >>
(Takeshi Isamu) Still dark... nothing... He couldn't see anything at all. Umbra in his coat began to chirp, as if in a rhythm, and he began to wander westward, away from the group. As he neared the cabin and a rock, Umbra's chirps picked up in pace, until he reached the smaller rock. The baby bird cried and flapped its wings. "Wall?" He reached his hand in front to realize ther ewas nothing, lower, he found a rock. "..Ah, small rock. Obstacle? Thanks Umbra..." He mewled quietly, and frowned..
(Star Amethysta) Thinking for a moment, she bit her lip. "I don't know honestly..." she said quietly and felt her ears drop. "I did...kill my father and I know he had some followers." she sighed gently and sat against the wall, reaching out to grab Takeshi's tail to keep him close. "I doubt anyone found his body though." she said shrugging and looking away from Kallera. "Hows Codec doing?" she asked gently
(Star Amethysta) >>
(Star Amethysta) keeping Takeshi close and pulled slightly to pull him down next to her. "And...what do we do now? I'm not going to heal anyone for now." her ears dropped down low and she felt sad. "We need to rest up."
(Codec Icyobi) -: Codec was still out cold.
(Codec Icyobi) -d
(Kallera Etoile) Kallera took a closer look at Codec...he seemed to be having a rough time of it, though his physical injuries have mended...Kallera tried talking to him, tapping him "Codec.">>
(Kallera Etoile) He began to stir, and Kallera felt relieved he was going to be alright. Kallera then told Star "He might be allergic or something, I've seen some wierd allergies in the Shroud before, but this one...I wonder if he reacts to potions the same?"
(Takeshi Isamu) Like being kept on a leash, Star forced him to stay near, grabbing his tail. The male bristled at that and returned to her without hesitation, and plopped to sit down beside her. Hearing Kallera's question, Takeshi shrugged, albiet his blindness made him look a little distant. "Well, if he has an aversion to healing magic, I can't imagine why he'd get sick from potions, being they're alchemical, not.. Aether-bound. Though, I did notice something funny last I was with Codec..." >>
(Codec Icyobi) -: Codec sitrred as Kallera tapped him. For a second he was just absolutely unaware of where he was, and his face showed it. Whether it was the cold water sticking to his clothes that forced him to shiver even as he grit his teeth and groaned in pain... or the way he clutched at his sides as if he might suddenly force it to stop. Blue eyes were glazed over and he seemed entirely lost. "Grrr... I..." He rolled onto his knees and tried to figure out just what the hell had happened. -d-
(Takeshi Isamu) Takeshi seemed to ponder before hearing Codec groan. Oh, they were waking up, he could tell! A light huff was made before he thought of looking, but, right, blind. He sighed. "I watched as Codec healed himself with the World's aether last time I saw him... That's likely an issue. But aside form that..." Takeshi grunted then and his eyes turned towards Kallera and Codec though distant. "... Take a moment, Codec; But when you can, tell us if you were marked, followed, wanted..." >>
(Takeshi Isamu) As he finished, a tiny fluff of feathers popped from his scarf and pulled at Takeshi's hair, to which he stiffened as Umbra crawled to sit ontop of his head. "... Arcanists with corrupted aether... that.. just isn't... normal... Much less, possibly hired killers..."
(Star Amethysta) didn't say much, she wrapped her tail around Takeshi's to keep him in place as she get into her bag to grab a potion. "Just in case he can drink it." she said softly passing it to Kallera, before leaning her head back onto the rock wall. "I'm so cold." she commented to herself. "Arcanists are usually calm...but the fact that it seemed more after Codec it's making me wonder if Codec isn't as innocent as he seems." she commented while crossing her arms.
(Kallera Etoile) _No..._ "Kallera looked at the potion, then at Codec with a concerned face. _Would you have hit it off, if he wasn't?_ "Codec...?" _No way..._
(Codec Icyobi) -: Codec could hear their comments. And a flash of anger filled him. Or maybe irritation.. As he forced himself to his feet, turned and then fell back onto his ass. His eyes closed, and he tried to ignore the pain between his ears, at the bridge of his nose. Between gritted teeth, he uttered in half-choked breath. Rasped as he could still taste the salt water in his mouth, mixed with bile that he'd vomited. "Oh.... yeah... after me... not the Ninjaki assassin... the wielder of dark magics..
(Codec Icyobi) or the person who digs up ancient arcane knowledge... yeah for fucking-sure... me..." He asked between rasped breaths as he rolled to knees again. Took as deep of a breath as he could afford, and then opened his eyes to gaze upon them. "Far as I know, no one 'round these parts wants me dead." -d-
Star Amethysta is annoyed with you.
(Kallera Etoile) Kallera bit her lip at Codec's comment. "Well, we at least know what we are up against. Someone that uses summons. We just have to not get caught flatfooted." >>
(Kallera Etoile) Kallera stayed quiet for now, but right now, she wanted to talk to Codec some more... -d-
(Takeshi Isamu) Back handed, jeez... Takeshi whined some and ran a hand through his bangs before murrmurring. "What a day, huh Umbra...?" The bird chirped loudly and fluffed itself, making a brbrrrhrrtrn noise then settled down. "Yeah, agreed, let's not..." He then rubbed his eyes some more before trying to get to his feet. He wanted to wander! But Star's hold on him prevented him from walking away, to which he huffed and seemed curious. What had him snagged? He deigned to pull against the hold...
(Star Amethysta) Biting her lip to hold the comment on the tip of her tongue, before looking away thinking. "Only...person I know who wants me dead is Kisumi." she said before realizing what she said and her face turned white. "That's old news. Forget I said anything." she said gently to the group and stood up letting go of Takeshi's tail. "Don't wonder off." she said in an order before walking away from the group a few feet.
(Kallera Etoile) the mention of Kisumi's name was an idea in Kallera's head. "Codec...What about Kisumi? We've all had dealings with her in one way or another." >>
(Codec Icyobi) a bird misses pooping on Star by like a foot.
(Kallera Etoile) "If there's anyone with a talent for the wierd, its her, and we are in La Noscea. You think this might be some of her heat after us?"
(Codec Icyobi) -: "Oh yeah, I see... got enough blaming me, and now you're going to blame Kisumi?" He raised a hand to the bridge of his nose. "Sure, she doesn't think the two of you are good together, but thats no reason to say something as outlandish as Kisumi wanting you dead!" The more he raised his voice, the more his bell-felt like it'd been rung. He looked over his shoulder, squinting to see the ocean wavering in the distance and found himself grow a little unsteady at the idea of going back out so
(Codec Icyobi) soon especially given how fucking miserably cold and in pain he was. "You're supposed to be her friends... my friends, and here you are just throwing blame at one another... Goddesses bless you and have a safe journey..." Codec turned staggered for a moment and then forced himself to stand upright as he started for the long trek back to the Mists. Gun in hand.
(Kallera Etoile) "Codec , wait!" Kallera yells. running after him.
(Kallera Etoile) "Codec!"
(Star Amethysta) Just stood there for a moment, before looking away. "I'm not lying." she said gently and went back over to Takeshi. "Let's go, Takeshi. We can't let them wonder off..."
(Kallera Etoile) Kalleramade it as far as the drydocks before losing Codec. "Codec...I-I just wanted to..." Kallera felt ashamed, fumbling for a response.
(Star Amethysta) "Kall..." she whispered gently, her tail still wrapped around Takeshi's arm. "I didn't mean to say that...it was something that happened, and I didn't want to start anything."
Kallera: Unfortunately there were no adventurer's at the docks. Just before she decided to ask a Yellowjacket Codec ended town. She couldn't be happier. "Codec! Oh, tell me you here for the bounty!"
Takeshi: Well, Takeshi -hadn't- been here for the bounty originally, he'd come for other kinds of work, but when he arrived, he'd been told about a Siren... Well, it certainly wasn't -Codec's- Siren, it was an actually bloody siren...? He couldn't really think there was such a thing, but, his curiousity was getting the best of him. He wanted to know what this Siren was, or if it was a hoax... The youth didnt seem so youthful anymore, attire changed, physique toned, his amethyst locks pulled up and cut. Within his hood, a baby crow nestled in the cloth and chirped quietly, watching the world around it with wonder. Adventure! Yes, there was a whole world to explore and delve into.. Wandering towards the front of the city, he noticed familiar faces and slowly approached, pulling his scarf down around his neck. He wondered if they'd recognize him... ".. My, fancy finding you two here..." He definitely looked closer to his origins of a Ninja, but with twist!
Star: Arriving in Aleport she gripped the poster with the bounty information about the Siren that had been causing problems. Low and behold she spoted Codec, Kallera and Takeshi. Her ears twitched with happiness. "You're all here?" she asked curiously as she pushed her hair behind her shoulder. Lifting up the piece of paper, she felt her cheeks puff up a bit, being the shortest one where she wanted to get there attention. "Are you here to look for the siren?"
-: Codec waved as Kallera came into view, a smile remaining on his lips as he closed the distance. "I am! Kisumi told me that... well that Sirens have wings and I need to know whether or not thats true!" Which was right around the time that Takeshi came padding over, hair cut... looking a little more grown up. "Look who went through their last growth spurt..." He winked playfully which was right around the time that Star also showed up. "Oh boy, seems we're all after the same bounty! You are after the bounty right Takeshi?" He moved to take a better look at Star's poster. The words were hard to read, but he could get the numbers right! "That seems like enough to split four ways... whatya say?"
No sooner did she talk did Takeshi and Star made themselves heard, asking about the Siren. Kallera had said nothing to Takeshi, though he was the closer. It seems they were all after the same bounty. Oh please don't make this awkward... After about a month away from him, Kallera wondered how much patience she had left for him.
Oh, look who it was! Star was coming along, too? Takeshi smiled bright, and moved to her side. "Hmm, I haven't grown an inch, unfortunately..." He commented back to Codec before they approached Star, to look at her paper. Takeshi peered a moment before wrapping an arm around her waist, looking to the others. Codec seemed willing to split payment, which, sounded fair. "Tis not the money I'm after.. But sounds fair." He then looked to Star and huffed lightly. Funny how fate worked its ways... "Seems that way, dear. But you can take my part.." He smiled softly, affection clear in his expresion. The others might notice how much calmer he looked, too! "You got everything you need, love?"
Looking over her shoulder at Codec, she lifted it a bit more so he could look at it. Blushing a bit as Takeshi pulled her closer to him, she put a hand to his chest and smiled gently. "I do have everything I have, thank you." she replied as she leaned forward to kiss him on the cheek. Looking over to Kallera, she smiled wide. "Kall, since you're here we have a balanced party." she stated before thinking for a moment. "Let me go change real quick actually...I feel like it's going to be a bit ofa trip."
-: If Codec noticed their personal dramas, from Takeshi pulling Star closer to him, to Kallera not greeting Takeshi, then he didn't say anything. Better that they at least pretend they were friends. "Excellent! Lets see if we can't find a porter to Umbra Island! " Except Star was off to go change it seemed like. Gun in hand he started for the docks. Assured his "party" would follow. "Seems like the lot of you are in good form, If you haven't got any wax then I'd suggest it, Sirens are notoriously alluring with their voices..." There was a shade of blush catching his cheeks as his mind wandered as it always seemed to, to his personal Siren. "I imagine having miq'ote ears might make you more susceptible to the Siren's song... so... extra wax!"
Kallera immediately too the moment to run over to the Merchant in Aleport to see if they had wax. Turns out they had and then some. the porr lad had bought surplus thinking that adventurers by the tonzload would by hunting it down...and investment not so fortunate. Kallerea bought for the party , then wordlessly ran back to Codec with goods. Even if the folktales were false, wax in her own ears might help keep her mind on things.
Here came Kallera again, good! Takeshi had followed Codec quietly, and soon, Star had followed. The gang was all together now! "Right, then.. Ready when everyone else is." He watched Star for a moment, before seeming to ponder. He then looked ot Kallera and walked a little closer to her, before cleaing his throat and tilted his face a little, ears falling. He wasn't sure why she'd been so quiet, but... he hoped they were still on good grounds. For now though, he focused on the task at hand.
Looking between Takeshi, Kallera, and Codec she bit her lip. "Yes, well...it looks like Kall got some wax!" she said smiling a little bit, suddenly noticing Kallera was quiet. Patting Takeshi on the head, she walked ahead of him to walk next to Kallera. "Are you okay?" she asked gently and quiet enough for only Kallera to hear, genuily conserned about her friend.
-: Codec had been talking to the skipper, trying to bribe him to get them to take them to Umbra Isle. It took several seconds at which time Kallera was coming around with wax. "Alright! He says he'll take us but we're stupid for going!" Codec looked over the water and grinned bright, as he motioned toward the boat. With the wax in hand he hopped right into the boat, carelss that it might sway or rock. He didn't know how others would handle being on the water but he was as confident on a boat as he was on land. When the others joined the skipper followed and began the trek toward the Umbral Isles.
Ferry Skipper: We're headed for the Isles of Umbra. You coming along?
Once they were on the boat. Kallera whispered to Star "A Month, a whole month, and he doesn't even mention a word.... I Ended up chasing down crazy murderer after crazy murderer..."
Well, it was adventure he was looking for... he certianly got it. With Codec's que, Takeshi climbed into the boat uneasily, he'd never been on the water before.. He found himself fixing his hair and looking out while they were on their way, before looking to Star and Kallera. He... knew he owed an apology, for his disappearance. But truly, it was for the better. He was happier and calmer for it, his perspective changed for good things. Turning to Kallera, he mewled softly to get her attention before looking to Star. He didnt want ot interupt but, he felt he had to speak up. He was no where near as meek as he used to be, that was for sure. "Sorry, if I'm interupting.. Kallera." He caled her name before smiling softly, a gust caught his bangs and he rose a hand to hold one side out of his eyes. "It's good to see you.. Sorry, for being gone so long. You know, you and Codec both taught me a hell of a lot, whether you know it or not... I know I left on bad terms, no where near sane, but I promise I'm better now. I.. realized, that I was looking at the world in the wrong way, always negative, anticipating... hating, paranoid. I had to take time for myself and work on changing. Not just... for Star's sake, but for my own, and everyone else I know. I hope you understand... I didnt do it to worry anyone. I didnt disappear out of spite. I still care you know." He smiled warmly at that, before his ears perked up and he looked out to the water again, curiousity in his expression..
Star Amethysta's ears dropped down a bit. "He didn't let you know he was going away for a while." she sighed gently. "He's changed some, Kall. For the better." she said looking towards Takeshi now who was trying to get Kallera's attention. "I'll let you two talk." she said before walking over to a side of the boat, peering down into the water with a small sigh.
-: Codec himself was at the bow of the boat. His hands working the rigging despite a look on the Ferry Keeper's face that was decidedly not pleased with the elezen for touching his ship. Alas! It was in Codec's blood to be onboard a boat. To feel the spray of salt and sea in his face, to shiver in anticipation as they swung over a way rounded a bend and were making straight for Umbral Island. Likely, Takeshi might sense it first with his echo... A subtle shift in the air. A turning of Currents as something deep and dark seemingly danced beneath the edges of the boat. Codec missed it of course, but he did spot a single figure standing atop a cliff, the aether around him churning visibly as a hand reached out toward the boat. From beneath the waves shot up an Egi of the primal Leviathan. It slammed into boat, shaking it and causing Codec to grip onto the mass, a look of confusion hitting his face before he shouted. "JUMP JUMP NOW" He was stupidly rushing toward his Friends trying to push them into the waters as screaming from the air was a ball of fire that struck the boat hard enough that it buckled, flipped upward and was starting to come back down toward the water upside down.
Kallera looked down at the rocking boat, inattentive of the water's changing color. until something massive shot up from it. What the hells was that?! Are creatures that large in the sea? Kallera then heard Codec's shouting. Kallera wasted no time jumping, the cold shock of the sea greeted her. and she came up, Yelling "What was that?' They had best find a direction, and fast. or they won't have to wait for the chilly water to do them in! Never mind the cold water. That giant fish was going to eat them! "We had best find a direction, and fast!"
Through the wonder of a new experience, something piqued in his senses... Unlike all his previous experiences, there was no pain, no sickness, only his second vision hit him, and, for good reason. He could see the terrible imbalance in the area, bad energy... Primal, energy, at that, though he didn't know that. It was vivid in his eyes, as he just barely got to stand and tried to alert the others, but then he noticed the mass moving beneath them, his eyes fell down, looking terrified. What the fuck was that?! "T-The hell..?" He didnt get the chance to know, his vision turned to the cliff, sensing the source, but in his distraction, the boat was taken by a magical being, rocking them hard. Hard enough, that Takeshi was knocked into the water, plunged into the bitter cold water. He did surface thankfully, and gasped as he tried to get an idea of what was going on. The others had to abandon ship too, and as soon as Star was out, he made his way to her, seeming panicked. He could still see the being in the water, it was like a glow to his eyes, but if it delved deep, the glow would be faint.. At least he had an advantage, FINALLY, A use for this fucking curse! As soon as he could, he got Star into his arms and held her against him so he could keep her afloat. "It's okay, I've got you..." He then hastefully made to get away from the boat, to ensure they wouldn't get pulled down. He took a couple seconds now to look about and grimaced. "It's beneath us!"
The last thing she heard was Codec screaming for them to get down. Her body hit the ice cold water and she froze up in shock, unable to swim she felt afraid for her own life and at the same time the numbing feeling that took over her body. She noticed the giant fish monster and she winced slightly, fighting to breath at this point. A few airbubbles escaped from her mouth, she soon closed her eyes feeling dizzy and light headed. A pair of arms brought her back up to the surface and she coughed violently. "I-I can't swim." she admited shivering in Takeshi's arms and looking miserable.
Kallera, Takeshi and Star all jumped ship. But the problem with telling people to jump ship, and with preparing to push them overboard was Codec was stuck in the damned thing as it went skyward so that the sea became his heavens as it crashed violently into the water. The mess of sails and riggings trapping him as he sank beneath the waves, as th ropes tightened around him. Takeshi called it true, the Leviathan Egi was below them and at once it it jetted upward striking the elezen man and forcing the ropes taut about his wrist as the boat was sinking beneath the waves. It'd drag him to his doom if the thin blue body of the egi didn't jump above the water, Codec's leg in its mouth as it slammed him down atop the waves with a thunderous strike that sent a gout of water spraying around. The leviathan Egi struck down into the water after him, and went down beneath the waves. Leviathan swirled beneath them, and at once it jumped upward a wave following his snake like body as he whipped at the various people caught in the water. Once the wave struck them casting them onto the shore at various points, it honed in on Star.... it roared and like a missile launched itself for her. -d-
Kallera was sent towards shore, and saw the waves darken once again, and Codec missing. No "Codec!" Kallera yelled towards the sea. only to find Star still in the sea, struggling to stay afloat.. Kallera was sent towards shore, and saw the waves darken Only the Sea serpent responded, darting out of the water and heading towards Star. Kallera force out her hand and focused her anguish into a blast, aiming for the Leviathan's face. The beast struck square in the face, hesitated a brief second and then quite clearly shifted to launch itself in all its fury at Kallera. Its body shimmered with aether, the water beneath it beginning to circle its form as it made an attempt to come as a battering ram at Kallera. Out on the shore, Kallera had no place to hide from the creature. Using her extended hand, Kallera used her darkside as a barrier. bracing herself for the inevitable charge.
Well, fuck. He'd barely managed to get his bearings before he noticed the moving Egi, anticipating a crashing of a wave. He was right, and the force hit him hard, barely able to hold onto Star, despite how tightly he held her. Thank the goddess that he endured, for they found themselves upon the shore and Takeshi quickly got to his feeet and scooped Star up and put her to her feet. They were a ways from Kallera, more to the western side, >>
It's official. "Fuck" is a Doman word, and Takeshi has taught us all its applications.
Once he had Star up, he put a hand to her shoulder and looked back out ot hte water, to see where the Egi had moved to. His sight was making things a little difficult, there was so much aether in the area... But the particular glow of the Egi reached him and he grimaced, it was heading for Kallera...! "Kall, incoming!" He figued he'd warn her before scooping star up into his arms bridal style and jumped back to get out of the way, hissing. Codec hadn't come up yet either... Fuck! Noting the Egi's signature, he found himself drawn to the cliff beyond them, and barely, he could see a figure, but they were far away; only reason they were noticable, was because of the mass of moving Aether near them, something dark... Star might notice his expression turn grim. ".. We're not alone..."
Almost as soon as Takeshi pulled her out from under water, she was blasted back and onto the shore with Takeshi. Her ears dropped down low and she felt her body shaking uncontrolably. She was in shock and her ears were full of water, she felt her eyes began to fill up with tears. "T-T-T-Takeshi...what just happened?" she was shivering and as soon as he pulled her to her feet, she fell back down onto her knees unable to stand at the current moment, until he picked her up. "W-Where's Codec?" she asked as she gripped at his shirt and looked up at the figure that peered down at them. The world around her was spinning and she didn't know how to digest everything at the current moment, she leaned her head against his chest. "I need to sleep a bit...I'm sorry." she said quietly as she began to fall asleep.
-:The Egi was storming toward Kallera with the full force of water circling its Serpentine being, and it meant to hit her with the force of a stampende of raging buffalo. And it did. It did in fact hit Kallera. Except Kallera was ready, her dark magics propped a wall up and when it struck it might have caused a knockback, but the Egi itself seemed stunned. It hissed before jumping curling into a ball and disappearing from view. The aether there shimmered violently and so visibly that even those without the echo might have seen it. A star that frosted the air, spinning in on itself in the form of another spell perhaps? Or... or something worse. Sputtering toward the edge of the water was the hapless ferry-skipper. His hair clinging to his head, his dogged eyes looking toward where the wreckage of his boat no doubt dragged Codec to his doom. "oi moi wiofe is gonna kill me..."
Kallera saw the gi roll up and dissappear from view. She was no expert on magic, but it looked like how carbuncles went away when called back "A summoner...We have a summoner!" Kallera took a moment to try and look for the caster. If they are charging a spell, they must be making a visible scene...
Kallera might not have been able to find the moon in the sky if she was looking.
She wasn't used to looking for casters, In fact she didn't know where to look among the scenery. That spell however, was painfully obvious..."I have to get away from that..." -
Well, there goes star... Poor thing was shivering like hell. He held her closer and looked about, hearing Kallera yell. "Yeah, the fucking bastard!" He sneered angrily, before noticing the aether and the ice based magic. "FUCK, NOPE." He yelled at the thing and made to get out of the water. He wasn't going ot become a cat-sicle today, no way in hell! "They're lookin to bind us in ice!" With a frustrated snarl, he looked ot the cliff again. Still there, asshole?! Ooooh, he wanted to punch them! For now though, he made sure him and Star were out of the water before plopping down on the ground and held her close, letting out a sigh to try and warm her up. Umbra clung to the inside of his hood and chirped manically, frightened and cold. "I know, I know.." He scooped the bird up and put them in his scarf around his neck, so they'd warm up a bit faster. He then looked to Kallera. Codec hadn't surfaced yet... but he couldn't just jump back in without a weapon! He'd doom himself!... but maybe he'd have to... He knelt down to hold Star as he pondered his next course of action. His gaze turned ot the cliff again, to which he glared. "... SHINJIMAE!!!!" He screamed at the top of his lungs a Doman curse; Telling them to Drop dead and go to hell.
Kallera started to sprint from the shore as Takeshi took Star to safety. Kallera then heard Takeshi spout something in Doman towards the cliff. Perhaps he had found their man... Her feet made the clatter of hard ground as she stopped sprinting.
-: The ferryman rose and was smart enough to run toward the drydocks to get away. Only the spell was cast and from the ball of ice went a lance of sharp white ice in every direction. A lance struck the ferryman. Blood spurting from his chest, as he struck the ground. A gust of wind picked up and ice swirled in the area where our heroes had just been. And had Takeshi not called out their new location that might have been it. They might have been safe and free from danger. Except he had. The ground froze over, and from that spot the aether ripped and sputtered, and violently gripped at the land. A hand rose up, no larger than a lalafel's... white and in the shape of a claw. It pushed into the water as it tried to manifest.. Locks of silver hair, skin white as ice. From the far shore, came another figure. Skin bronzed and sun-warmed, even as the cold leeched into his flesh. Blue hair spilled over his gaze as he vomited water from his stomach and hazily raised above his head two weapons and threw them in the general direction of Takeshi, Star and Kallera... Before falling face up in the water and clutching his stomach... -d-
A pair of weapons were tossed towards the three's direction as the Summoner started calling for another egi. Kallera saw a 2nd figure collapse from the far shore. "Codec..." Never mind that! They are fighting for their lives here. The target was up on a cliff, apparently enjoying the view enough to be standing on the edge."Takeshi! Get Star up!" Kallera started running towards the figure that collapsed. If it was codec, he needed help. She ran over to Codec, Keeping an eye on the manifesting egi. If itr tries anything she had to be ready. "Get her up!" she yelled back again as she was attempting to pick up Codec. -d-
More aether... Takeshi's gaze turned towards the source, noting a second body collapsing. He grimaced and looked back to Star in his arms. He had noted the weapons returned to him, but Kallera's call made him tense up. He didn't know what to do... He knelt down beside his bow and sat Star up in his arms, seeming worried before he leaned down to kiss her, running one hand through her hair as he rested her against his knee. He broke away before giving Star a light shake, huffing as he looked over his shoulder. "Star, wake up.. We need you, love.. Please..." He could see Kallera had reached the soul, but could not determine who it was. All he knew is that he was being yelled at to wake Star up. If she didn't stir, he'd shake her a little more and rub her arms to try and warm her up, hoping it'd rouse her... "Pleeease...! Me o samshite kudasai... We need you, damn it..." His gaze fell some, as he looked back ot the others again, then back to Star...
Star Amethysta's hands twitched as soon as he kissed her. Opening up her eyes she jerked awake and looked over at Takeshi gasping for air and then reached out to touch his face for a moment. "What's going on?" she asked, but didn't get an explination. Her ears dropped down as she watched the Shiva-Egi forming on the shore. "Thal's balls." she hissed out gently as she stood up in a hurry. Lifting up a hand to her head, it began to glow a light green color. She could cast white magic with out her globe, but only when she seriously consentrated. "W-W-We need to go." she said shivering in place. "I'll heal Codec once we're safely away."
-: Indeed it was Codec. His left leg a mangled mess of bite marks, leaking blood.. A crack in his forehead no longer washed by the cold depths of the salt brined sea was leaking new from where his head had impacted the water with forece. Dizzily blue eyes opened as Kallera attempted to pick him up. He didn't struggle against her. Instead he braced imself on his good leg, trying to shake the cobwebs free. The white hand clawing free was now showing a crushed visage of jagged ice with long flowing white hair that reaced down to pointed misshapen feet. It was a Shiva Egi. And no sooner had it formed, did its hands hold a bow, from which sevaral balls of ice fired in a circle around her. One struck Codec dead in the chest, another would smack off Kallera's back, one would clip Takeshi's arm and the other Star's shoulder. Immediately they'd all feel the ice creeping through their being. Through their water-soaked clothing, stealing more warmth, but more vitally starting the process for a deep freeze. Gun in hand even as Kallera collected him, he fired a shot toward the distance. -d-
As Kallera helped Codec up, she felt something hard strike her back. "Aah--ah!" The shot from the egi cost her some time in getting Codec up, but she had to get him to saftey. "Come on...Come on." She had to trust Takeshi and Star had this. She couldn't fight and carry at the same time. "T-Thank goodness you're alright, Codec." seh whispered, though she noticed a foggy breath and a chill from inside. That didn't seem right... She was running back to shore but it would take some time.
(Takeshi Isamu) He offered a nod to Star, his usual calm expression had broken into concern. There wasn't the usual rage one might have expected, but instead, there was patience in chaos. "I understand.." But then, he sensed a change, and before he could move, the Egi had shot her energy, and he found himself unable to dodge it, getting clipped on his left arm. A hiss was made, as it tore through his glove as it passed, cutting into his flesh. Immediately, he felt his blood starting to run cold, >>
(Takeshi Isamu) and though he thought to hold the wound, he refrained and scooped up his bow from the ground, and grabbed Star's globe and held it to her. "We're of the same mind..." He made sure she'd follow before running though, not wanting to leave her behind. Kallera and Codec would surely make it, but he turned his gaze back to make sure. So far they were okay... As he ran, he noticed pufs of air forming, caused by cold hitting warmth.. "... the hell was that...?" He questioned to himself, but focused.
(Star Amethysta) As she turned to run, she noticed the egi shooting a blast at them. It hit her shoulder as she tried to dodge it and failed, her cold skin got even colder and her blood felt like it was freezing over. She took a deep breath trying to focus on what was happening in that very moment. Her ears perked up as soon as her globe was put into her face, she grabbed it quickly and began to run with Takeshi. Healing the two of them as she ran. "That e-egi hit us with some freezing blast." she breath out >>
(Star Amethysta) with a shiver and was catious with approaching Kallera and Codec, lifting her globe up she began to chant a healing spell and a great shine circled around the four of them. "I-Is that any better?" she asked keeping her globe out prepared to fight if needed.
Codec Icyobi) -: It all went wrong when Star cast that helios. Incredibly wrong. The air crackled in hissed with the sudden discharge of Aether. Of properly stored, properly atuned... aether. For one, as the spell washed over Codec with all the force of a smithy's hammer hitting an anvil. Almost immediately he was pushing away from Kallera, dropping to his knees as the spell wove itself through his being. Surely it knitted the torn and broken flesh of his leg, and absolutely began to mend the rip in his
(Codec Icyobi) skull that leaked blood. But it felt like someone was flaying him. Like someone had taken a jagged knife and began to peel back the layers of his skin from the muscle. Like someone was setting his insides on fire, and cracking his bones from the inside out. Immediately he vomited sea water again, twisted and turn away from his teeth as his jaw tightened and his eyes shuttered close. A chocobo kicking him in the head would have been preferable to the way it felt like the very universe
(Codec Icyobi) was cracking between his ears. He dropped, and the most pitiful sound broke his lips as he curled into a tight ball... gasping for air before blackness took him. The Second thing that happened... the Shiva Egi charging at them an ice sword raised. All that purified aether, all that magic done right right in the vicinity of magic done wrong.... the Egi down right shattered. A brilliant burst of light and energy that spouted in every direction, sending jagged pieces of ice for the party
(Codec Icyobi) even as the aether twisted violently threatening to rupture into a hole through which an enttiy of the void might enter. If they dared look away, if they dared look toward the distant cliff, they might see the cloaked figure had fled. -d-
Kallera Etoile) Kallera slid in front Codec's writhing body, and put her sword in front of herself. the jagged ice delecting off of her sword. The aether swirled around and was difficult to see. Kallera couldn't make sense of what she was seeing. >>
(Kallera Etoile) Codec was out cold, and it looked like Takeshi wasn't faring much better. "Star, any other ideas before we start running for our lives?"
(Takeshi Isamu) Well, if anything, he had hoped the magic would have helped. But, it didn't, not completely... Codec dropped in severe pain, and, Takeshi almost as quickly grunted as a migraine rose. It was like a knife to his skull, as he shut his eyes tight. A light sway was made before he shook his face violently, and whined. He felt sick, but not enough to hinder him. The imbalance in the area made for a bad, bad feeling... Trying to come back about, opening his eyes, he realized.. >>
(Takeshi Isamu) "E-Eh?" He made a confused noise, and rubbed his eyes with his wrist. Nothing... Darkness, black. Not even a glow or visible aether! ".. Oh, no..." Another whine was made as he tried ot look about. His honey hues couldn't focus on anything, and he held a hand out to his side. "Star? Guide me, please.. M-My sight's gone..." Damned Echo! He didn't need this NOW. How long would this last..? "I'm with Kallera, a withdraw is the best option..."
(Star Amethysta) Almost as soon as she ran up to help heal, she noticed her spell do good and bad. Her ears and tail stood on end as she soon noticed the Aether around them, unbalanced. "We need to go, now." she said gently and put her globe on her back. "Kall, you carry Codec." she said gripping Takeshi's hand and then scooped up Takeshi. "W-We should run." she said grunting slightly. "Yep, your muscle has made you just a bit more heavy." she said trying to lighten up the situation. She looked over her>>
(Star Amethysta) shoulder at Kallera. "The Aether flow is currently out of balance. Come on."
[3]<Kallera Etoile> legit blushing intensifies.
(Codec Icyobi) Kallera hefting Codec up with met with silence. The pain had knocked him out. Out cold. He'd go wherever the hell they forced him. Behind them the void hissed, and howled and hands seemed to be reaching out before the the hole shuttered close as they were running into the distance. Be it god or fate they'd skirted disaster and come away alive. Now the real question was, the one that might nag them in the back of their minds and haunt their waking moments... Who had attacked them? And
(Codec Icyobi) who was meant to be the target... -d-
[3]<Kallera Etoile> half chewed miqote images come to mind.
[3]<Takeshi Isamu> over there
Sylskaetsyn: The Admiral's ban on piracy has proven effective, by and large. The only problem is, the ones that refuse to give up the life are the absolute bloody worst of the lot.
(Kallera Etoile) They had arrived at Candlekeep Quay by the time they stopped. Kallera sat Codec down near the rocks, and sat next to him. He looked fine...yeah, fine. >>
(Kallera Etoile) "I think we were being targeted, but who the hells would know we were coming? We weren;t even supposed to be on this island..." >>
(Kallera Etoile) Kallera thought. _This seems a lot like a hit...or a levequest taken out of someone_ "Star, Takeshi, did you notice any people after you? Like, did you meet some people that would send arcanist assassins?" -d-
[3]<Kallera Etoile> Star, /random for more misfortune upon Takeshi.
(Kallera Etoile)
[3]<Kallera Etoile>
(Takeshi Isamu) Despite being picked up by Star, and how upset it made him, Takeshi didn't fight her decision. He was quiet until they seemed to come to a stop. Being asked a question, Takeshi squirmed (either in star's arms or in place) with a huff. He hadn't been followed, hell no... "I'm not marked, no... My debt with Shinobi was paid in kind." He then uneasily turned in place, and let his hand move to the rock. Wall... He removed his gloves and hung them from his coat, before tracing over the rock. >>
(Takeshi Isamu) Still dark... nothing... He couldn't see anything at all. Umbra in his coat began to chirp, as if in a rhythm, and he began to wander westward, away from the group. As he neared the cabin and a rock, Umbra's chirps picked up in pace, until he reached the smaller rock. The baby bird cried and flapped its wings. "Wall?" He reached his hand in front to realize ther ewas nothing, lower, he found a rock. "..Ah, small rock. Obstacle? Thanks Umbra..." He mewled quietly, and frowned..
(Star Amethysta) Thinking for a moment, she bit her lip. "I don't know honestly..." she said quietly and felt her ears drop. "I did...kill my father and I know he had some followers." she sighed gently and sat against the wall, reaching out to grab Takeshi's tail to keep him close. "I doubt anyone found his body though." she said shrugging and looking away from Kallera. "Hows Codec doing?" she asked gently
(Star Amethysta) >>
(Star Amethysta) keeping Takeshi close and pulled slightly to pull him down next to her. "And...what do we do now? I'm not going to heal anyone for now." her ears dropped down low and she felt sad. "We need to rest up."
(Codec Icyobi) -: Codec was still out cold.
(Codec Icyobi) -d
(Kallera Etoile) Kallera took a closer look at Codec...he seemed to be having a rough time of it, though his physical injuries have mended...Kallera tried talking to him, tapping him "Codec.">>
(Kallera Etoile) He began to stir, and Kallera felt relieved he was going to be alright. Kallera then told Star "He might be allergic or something, I've seen some wierd allergies in the Shroud before, but this one...I wonder if he reacts to potions the same?"
(Takeshi Isamu) Like being kept on a leash, Star forced him to stay near, grabbing his tail. The male bristled at that and returned to her without hesitation, and plopped to sit down beside her. Hearing Kallera's question, Takeshi shrugged, albiet his blindness made him look a little distant. "Well, if he has an aversion to healing magic, I can't imagine why he'd get sick from potions, being they're alchemical, not.. Aether-bound. Though, I did notice something funny last I was with Codec..." >>
(Codec Icyobi) -: Codec sitrred as Kallera tapped him. For a second he was just absolutely unaware of where he was, and his face showed it. Whether it was the cold water sticking to his clothes that forced him to shiver even as he grit his teeth and groaned in pain... or the way he clutched at his sides as if he might suddenly force it to stop. Blue eyes were glazed over and he seemed entirely lost. "Grrr... I..." He rolled onto his knees and tried to figure out just what the hell had happened. -d-
(Takeshi Isamu) Takeshi seemed to ponder before hearing Codec groan. Oh, they were waking up, he could tell! A light huff was made before he thought of looking, but, right, blind. He sighed. "I watched as Codec healed himself with the World's aether last time I saw him... That's likely an issue. But aside form that..." Takeshi grunted then and his eyes turned towards Kallera and Codec though distant. "... Take a moment, Codec; But when you can, tell us if you were marked, followed, wanted..." >>
(Takeshi Isamu) As he finished, a tiny fluff of feathers popped from his scarf and pulled at Takeshi's hair, to which he stiffened as Umbra crawled to sit ontop of his head. "... Arcanists with corrupted aether... that.. just isn't... normal... Much less, possibly hired killers..."
(Star Amethysta) didn't say much, she wrapped her tail around Takeshi's to keep him in place as she get into her bag to grab a potion. "Just in case he can drink it." she said softly passing it to Kallera, before leaning her head back onto the rock wall. "I'm so cold." she commented to herself. "Arcanists are usually calm...but the fact that it seemed more after Codec it's making me wonder if Codec isn't as innocent as he seems." she commented while crossing her arms.
(Kallera Etoile) _No..._ "Kallera looked at the potion, then at Codec with a concerned face. _Would you have hit it off, if he wasn't?_ "Codec...?" _No way..._
(Codec Icyobi) -: Codec could hear their comments. And a flash of anger filled him. Or maybe irritation.. As he forced himself to his feet, turned and then fell back onto his ass. His eyes closed, and he tried to ignore the pain between his ears, at the bridge of his nose. Between gritted teeth, he uttered in half-choked breath. Rasped as he could still taste the salt water in his mouth, mixed with bile that he'd vomited. "Oh.... yeah... after me... not the Ninjaki assassin... the wielder of dark magics..
(Codec Icyobi) or the person who digs up ancient arcane knowledge... yeah for fucking-sure... me..." He asked between rasped breaths as he rolled to knees again. Took as deep of a breath as he could afford, and then opened his eyes to gaze upon them. "Far as I know, no one 'round these parts wants me dead." -d-
Star Amethysta is annoyed with you.
(Kallera Etoile) Kallera bit her lip at Codec's comment. "Well, we at least know what we are up against. Someone that uses summons. We just have to not get caught flatfooted." >>
(Kallera Etoile) Kallera stayed quiet for now, but right now, she wanted to talk to Codec some more... -d-
(Takeshi Isamu) Back handed, jeez... Takeshi whined some and ran a hand through his bangs before murrmurring. "What a day, huh Umbra...?" The bird chirped loudly and fluffed itself, making a brbrrrhrrtrn noise then settled down. "Yeah, agreed, let's not..." He then rubbed his eyes some more before trying to get to his feet. He wanted to wander! But Star's hold on him prevented him from walking away, to which he huffed and seemed curious. What had him snagged? He deigned to pull against the hold...
(Star Amethysta) Biting her lip to hold the comment on the tip of her tongue, before looking away thinking. "Only...person I know who wants me dead is Kisumi." she said before realizing what she said and her face turned white. "That's old news. Forget I said anything." she said gently to the group and stood up letting go of Takeshi's tail. "Don't wonder off." she said in an order before walking away from the group a few feet.
(Kallera Etoile) the mention of Kisumi's name was an idea in Kallera's head. "Codec...What about Kisumi? We've all had dealings with her in one way or another." >>
(Codec Icyobi) a bird misses pooping on Star by like a foot.
(Kallera Etoile) "If there's anyone with a talent for the wierd, its her, and we are in La Noscea. You think this might be some of her heat after us?"
(Codec Icyobi) -: "Oh yeah, I see... got enough blaming me, and now you're going to blame Kisumi?" He raised a hand to the bridge of his nose. "Sure, she doesn't think the two of you are good together, but thats no reason to say something as outlandish as Kisumi wanting you dead!" The more he raised his voice, the more his bell-felt like it'd been rung. He looked over his shoulder, squinting to see the ocean wavering in the distance and found himself grow a little unsteady at the idea of going back out so
(Codec Icyobi) soon especially given how fucking miserably cold and in pain he was. "You're supposed to be her friends... my friends, and here you are just throwing blame at one another... Goddesses bless you and have a safe journey..." Codec turned staggered for a moment and then forced himself to stand upright as he started for the long trek back to the Mists. Gun in hand.
(Kallera Etoile) "Codec , wait!" Kallera yells. running after him.
(Kallera Etoile) "Codec!"
(Star Amethysta) Just stood there for a moment, before looking away. "I'm not lying." she said gently and went back over to Takeshi. "Let's go, Takeshi. We can't let them wonder off..."
(Kallera Etoile) Kalleramade it as far as the drydocks before losing Codec. "Codec...I-I just wanted to..." Kallera felt ashamed, fumbling for a response.
(Star Amethysta) "Kall..." she whispered gently, her tail still wrapped around Takeshi's arm. "I didn't mean to say that...it was something that happened, and I didn't want to start anything."