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Post by Tiger on Aug 4, 2018 15:27:56 GMT -5
For a moment, it seemed like things might go all right - Quicksnap recognized Shadowstep, and though he sounded pained, he didn’t immediately race to attack. ...And then he flinched, shouted, and charged. The raptors jumped back, Driftstone swallowing a hiss for fear he would aggravate the crocodile more. Thankfully, he missed by a great deal, whether from disorientation or the cold. It was still terrifying. Driftstone remembered quite suddenly Quicksnap demonstrating the sort of bite he would give a sower. It was significantly less amusing or reassuring to think about that now. “Beeeeech. Didn’t mean it… didn’t mean it!” he said to no one, still standing where his attack had stopped. Shadowstep hesitated, and Driftstone found himself uncertain what to say. Would telling him there was no Beech here put him into another rage? Driftstone had to keep himself from hissing again when the kaprosuchus turned and snapped at the cold air and the flakes. Or at least, in their direction. “Ssssaaaahadowssstep! Why are you hurting me? Why? I j-just… I just want… to find Beech!”Driftstone looked at Shadowstep in fear, but then turned his focus back on the kaprosuchus, planting his feet firmly. Okay. Okay. If Quicksnap got mad at his mate and made him a target...Driftstone could become a distraction. “I am not the one hurting you, Quicksnap,” Shadowstep said in the same quiet, slow voice. “One of the sowers must have corrupted you; so it is probably the corruption that’s hurting you.” He paused, but added, “We can help you find Beech when you are feeling better.” A safe distance away, Duskrunner and Yellowtooth watched the raptors attempt to work with the kaprosuchus. They could just barely hear the conversation, though Quicksnap’s voice carried enough to help them get a better gist of it. Duskrunner asked in a low voice, “If they can get him to calm down...what then?” “I’m not sure. There must be a cave or burrow or the like we could borrow.” “No, I mean...what then? The healer is dead.” Yellowtail was quiet for a long moment. “...It’s possible it could wear off, after a time. Or we may have to kill the remaining sowers, and hope the corruption dies with them, or at least, with their mother’s claws getting torn from Naelus. If not...perhaps the Spirit can intervene then.” Duskrunner had another question, another worry - but given Yellotail’s focus and clear desire to do something about this...she did not ask. What they would do if none of those solutions came to pass was a moot question if they couldn’t get the kaprosuchus docile enough to move in the first place. ------ The dilophosaurs had gone to bed early, but were woken after just an hour or two but cold. The dinosaurs got to their feet, stepped to the den entrance, and stared. The little bits of white were invisible against the last sharp rays of the sun, but once they passed the treeline, they were unmistakable as being there, and the ground was certainly wet with something. . “Snow?” Soaitsae said softly, identifying it. “This is not the right season…” “Snow is...the cold rain, right?” Taakeyrr said. She stretched her head out into the cold. Her breath, to her surprise, was a little visible in a puff like very light mist - especially when she talked. “It comes along with the ice, right?” She and Xsabaskis had seen ice before, that was how they had known what Kopi was doing when he’d gotten upset. But snow was only something they’d heard about. “I don’t think you were even eggs the last time it snowed.” Soaitsae turned from staring at the sky. “But again - this is the wrong season.” Xsabaskis growled. “Mother Nature trying to attack us again?” “It seems...calmer than the storm, at least,” Taakeyrr ventured. “Sure. For now.” Xsabaskis shivered, her feathers all puffing. “I don’t like this. But I don’t know what we do about it, eith - “ Nearby foliage rustled, and all the dinosaurs tensed - only for a single Coelophysis, puffed against the frigid temperatures and slightly-sparkling with snowflakes, to bound out of the bushes and up to their feet. “You,” it began, panting, huge puffs of vapor blustering from its mouth. “You three are….are Kassisiss’ pack, friends...friends of Beech?” “Yes,” Soaitsae said, at the exact same time Xsabaskis growled, “Who’s asking?” “We thought...you should know - she is...doing a strange back-from-the-dead thing….in the Endless Meadow.” “...You’re going to have to be more specific,” Taakeyrr said. “What ‘strange thing?’” The coelophysis huffed and stamped a foot, but he tried, “She is making...making big things. They look like...like the big-tall-pointy crystals….in the Crags. But...not crystals.” A pause. “Some of them have blood on them?” Taakeyrr’s gut lurched. Xsabaskis’ snarl made the dinosaur flinch. “ I did not do it!” he protested. “I came to get you so you could help!” “We have to go help her,” Taakeyrr agreed. “I’m surprised Quicksnap hasn’t found her yet,” Soaitsae said. Taakeyrr...was not. “Maybe he’s somewhere else.” “Quicksnap is the kaprosuchus, right?” the coelophysis chimed in. “I have heard the start of something about the raptors and a kaprosuchus.” “...What about them?” “Just that they’re together. It was very little. Very distant. Something a night-bird noticed, I think.” It blinked its eyes up at Xsabaskis. “For giving you this information and since you won’t be using it anyway, can my friends and I borrow your den?” Xsabaskis sighed. “...I suppose. But leave room for all three of us to fit back in,” she growled, starting out of the cave. “And for Beech, too, in case she comes back with us.” “Of course,” the Coelophysis said, darting past them - they all watched its movements carefully. “Big dinosaurs are warmer!” It was probably the first time they’d found Beech with some measure of ease. The huge ice crystals were hard to miss - they were taller than the dilophosaurs, completely hiding whatever they were ringing from sight, and were, indeed spattered with blood in places - and they could hear the distressed noises from an almost uncomfortable distance; the cold had driven all the insects into silence She carefully prowled around the structure until she found a gap between two of the rising structures - and sure enough, there was the thylacine. “Beech?” Taakeyrr tried. Her heart was pounding so hard it made her feel sick. “Beech, are you - “ she shut her mouth sharply, started again, “What happened?” Shadowstep tells Quicksnap he’s been corrupted and maybe they shouldn’t go find Beech just yet. Being denied things they want probably goes really well with corrupted animals Meanwhile, a coelophysis brings news of Beech’s crystal building to the dilophosaur family. The dilos go to Beech’s fortress and Taakeyrr, who has a suspicion she knows what upset Beech, asks her what happened. ( Shinko)
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Post by Shinko on Aug 4, 2018 16:08:02 GMT -5
Quicksnap shook his head, blinking watering eyes against the cold. “The… longma,” he croaked. “She… she said… she…” he slammed the top of his head into the snow, roaring and whining in pain as his tail lashed. “Claws and fangs and horns and fire burning, burning, black fire, black fire, please stop!” He lifted his head, lurching towards Shadowstep and Driftstone with a low, threatening hiss. “Bring the light, she sssssaid she would bring the light! But it burns it blinds, can’t see, can’t think!” * * * Beech flinched at the sound of Taakeyrr’s voice. “Go away!” she howled. “He lied to me! I trusted him, and he lied to me! H-he, h-h-he, he…” the flames whicking at her pelt grew stronger, and the blood flowed more swiftly to pool hot in the snow. Tiger Quicksnap mentioned the longma (though it’s not certain Shadowstep and Driftstone would know the word) and implies she did something to him, though he doesn’t clarify what. Beech initially rebuffs Taak. Don’t worry, she’ll cave after a bit.
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Post by Rabbit ♠ on Aug 4, 2018 16:11:48 GMT -5
Kopi had left Quicksnap after some time. While he was in the crags, Kopi figured it would be worth looking around for animals that could need help while he was there. He wanted to meet up with Tash at some point. He wanted to make sure she was okay. Tash was always good at taking care of herself, but Kopi still wanted to check up on her. It was awfully foggy, though. Tash was never easy to find in the fog. Kopi figured that he should wait the fog out and find her once the air was clear. And so he waited… And waited… And waited… But the fog never cleared. That was strange. The fog always cleared up by the time it was the afternoon Why was it taking so long for the fog to clear up now? Was something wrong? This never happened before, at least to Kopi’s memory. Eventually, the day passed by and it was sunset. The fog still lingered on the ground. It was getting late. Kopi really should start looking for Tash soon. Tash might even be looking for him at this point. The air started to chill. Kopi could feel it. It didn’t feel uncomfortable to him, but it made him uneasy. It wasn’t supposed to be cold. Not at this time of year, at least. It was much warmer earlier, the weather couldn’t possibly get this cold this fast. White flakes started falling from the sky. Kopi looked up in confusion. He never saw that before. The cunicanine watched the flakes fall down onto the ground, melting on impact. Kopi hopped around, looking at where these flakes were going to fall. A few managed to stick to a few rocks after a couple minutes. When Kopi spotted these flakes, he hopped over to the rocks and examined them. These flakes were white and fluffy. Upon close inspection, they looked sort of fuzzy. Kopi patted his paw on the flakes. They squished down and left a wet residue on the rocks. Kopi never saw anything like this before. Something was wrong. Something was very, very wrong. Kopi began to run around, hoping to find somebody who knew what was going on. Surely, someone knew why the air was much colder now and why these weird flakes were falling from the sky. Even if nobody did, Kopi would at least find some comfort knowing that he wasn’t the only one that was confused. As Kopi was running, he spotted a glow through the fog. Kopi couldn’t tell what it was, but he felt like there was something over there. He needed to check it out. Kopi ran towards the glow as fast as he could, doing his best to avoid the small patches the flakes were making. It was Mochi. The glowing came from Mochi, or rather an item Mochi had. Kopi hopped closer towards Mochi. They didn’t seem too well off at the moment. “Hey Mochi,” Kopi said as he carefully hopped over to them. “Are you okay? What happened?” Kopi's still hanging in the crags, looking for animals that might need help. He wants to look for Tash at some point, but decides to wait until the fog clears. That never happened, though. Kopi begins to worry about the fog, since it's now sunset, and then gets cold and snows. Kopi's not familiar with snow, so he investigates it and is unsettled. He runs around to look for other animals who might know what's up and he comes across Mochi ( Shinko ). They don't look too good, so Kopi asks if they're okay. (Shinko, if there's anything wrong with the scene, poke me and let me know. ^^)
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Post by Tiger on Aug 4, 2018 17:30:20 GMT -5
The raptors glanced at each other after Quicksnap’s rant. “Black fire,” Driftstone whispered grimly. “That’s what the scimon-sower had on her hands when she tried to attack us!” “But what is a longma?” Shadowstep asked. Movement from Quicksnap drew their attention, and the raptors darted back again as Quicksnap came closer once more. “Bring the light, she sssssaid she would bring the light! But it burns it blinds, can’t see, can’t think !”“I don’t think we should ask him right now,” Driftstone said darkly. “That might make him angrier.” “ Hrrrr. All right. ...Quicksnap. I know it is hard to think. But I am going to try to help. You still know who I am, right?” ------ Taakeyrr winced at Beech’s reaction - her words especially. It was just like she’d feared, and she didn’t know if she should act like she didn’t know, just pretend Quicksnap had never told her his secret, or if she should come clean now, too - but what if that just made things worse, and - Xsabaskis stepped forward, her feet making an odd noise on the white flakes that had begun to gather around the freezing ground. She peered into another gap between the crystals, and Taakeyrr saw her tail whip from base to tip in alarm. Somehow, though, she managed to sound almost her usual self as she said, “We’re not gonna just leave you all alone when you’re upset, Beech. Especially this upset.” She tilted her head at the crystal structure for a moment, possibly assessing its strength. However, when she turned her muzzle back to the gap, she only asked quietly, “Who is it who lied to you?” “Are you sure you want to start that way?” Soaitsae asked quietly. Xsabaskis turned her head to answer him. “Sometimes the only way out is through.” A little bit louder, she added, “But I won’t push her if she’s not ready yet.” The raptors do not know what a longma is but they recognize that whatever it is is a sower! >8O Shadowstep starts trying to help Quicksnap focus on things other than pain and BITING Taak BSODs and Xsabaskis takes over the therapy-ing, telling Beech that yeahno, they’re not leaving her while she’s bleeding, flaming, and creating her own personal Fortress of Solitude/Elsa-castle, and asks Beech who lied to her (and SO SNEKILY says to Soaitsae that she won’t push yet if Beech isn’t ready, meaning probs Beech can ignore the questions and the dilos (and/or other arrivals, this doesn’t have to be a solo party \ o / ) will probably try different calming techniques. ( Shinko)
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Post by Shinko on Aug 4, 2018 18:18:28 GMT -5
Mochi flicked an ear, looking up from where they’d curled in the shelter of a slight overhang in the rock face. One paw was curled around a bright, glowing crimson feather that Svar had given them. It was warm to the touch even plucked from the firebird’s body, and with the way the weather had turned Mochi was glad to have it. “Kopi?” the moon rabbit called uncertainty. That had been Kopi’s voice, they were certain, but they couldn’t see the little brown cunicanine anywhere… Then, with a start, they saw what looked like a chunk of the fog itself moving towards them. “Gods and Spirit,” the rabbit breathed, their voice high. “Kopi! Y-you’re… you’re dead? When did that happen? How? Are you alright?” Mochi started to rise, but hissed in pain as their ribs protested. * * * Quicksnap cocked his head at the question. “Ssssaaaahadowssstep?” he didn’t sound quite sure. “Driftsssstone?” He turned his head abruptly, his yellow eyes wild. “The others, where are the others? Coming at me from behind, from the side, raptors attack in packs, always in packs!” He started to turn as if to look around, but his movements were getting sluggish and increasingly uncoordinated. * * * Beech opened her blank, white void eyes, looking dead at Xsabaskis. “I remember,” she hissed. “I remember dying. I remember what it felt like to die. I remember who killed me. I trusted him. I trusted him.” Several more ice-daggers burst out of the snow, thickening the wall around the thylacine. Rabbit ♠ Mochi doesn’t answer Kopi’s question, alas, since they’re mildly distracted by the fact that Kopi is a ghost now. Tiger Quicksnap seems to recognize Shadowstep and Driftstone, but gets briefly paranoid because WHERE ARE THE OTHER RAPTORS. Meanwhile, Beech doesn’t really answer Xsabaskis’ question directly, but does hint at why she’s so upset.
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Post by Rabbit ♠ on Aug 4, 2018 19:23:31 GMT -5
“Gods and Spirit,” the rabbit breathed, their voice high. “Kopi! Y-you’re… you’re dead? When did that happen? How? Are you alright?”Mochi went to get up, but stopped and winced. Were they in pain? It looked like they were in pain. Kopi hopped closer to Mochi to see if there was any injury. He didn’t notice anything, but there could always be something he couldn't see. “Have you heard about what happened to the lionheart and the healer?” Kopi asked. He forced a laugh. The word had been spreading around the island. If Mochi knew what happened to the healer, they would know what happened to Kopi. “Yeah, about that…” Now that Kopi was starting to say it out loud, he realized how bad of a lead it was. “I'll go on about that later. Yesterday, before the storm rolled in, I ran into a corrupted animal and it didn't end well for me, as you can tell. “ I’m okay, though. I’m okay. About as okay as a ghost can be, of course, but I’m okay,” Kopi quickly added. “I'm here, that's what's important, right? I’m getting the hang of being a ghost, at least.” Kopi laid down on the ground in front of Mochi. He spotted a feather close to Mochi’s body. It looked like one of Svar’s feathers. That must have been what was glowing. Kopi wondered why Mochi had one of Svar’s feathers, but he didn’t care about it too much. He was more concerned about the rabbit at the moment. “You never did answer me, though,” Kopi informed. “Are you okay? What happened to you?” He looked up. “And what’s going on? Why is it foggy? Why is it cold? Why are there white flakes falling from the sky?” Kopi swung his tail and swept away a small patch of white flakes that was close by. “What even are they?” And so, Kopi and Mochi went into a neverending chain of asking if the other is okay.Kopi notices that Mochi ( Shinko ) is hurt and checks them out. He explains what happened before saying it's fine, he's fine, as fine as he can be right now. Kopi repeats his questions, asking Mochi if they're okay and what happened, as well as asking what's up with the weather.
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Post by Tiger on Aug 4, 2018 20:31:46 GMT -5
“No no no,” Shadowstep said quickly. “There is no danger!” Driftstone chittered frantically at him - don’t panic! - and took a turn speaking. “We wouldn’t attack you, Quicksnap, you’re a pack-brother! Yellowtail and Duskrunner are back there,” he said, because Quicksnap finding out later just seemed like an awful, awful idea - “but very far back, and they are just making sure nobody else sneaks up on us. The others are back home with the chicks. Very far away.” Shadowstep agreed, “And you do not have to worry about Yellowtail and Duskrunner. We would not pick a fight with a crocodile so big and sharp! Especially one who keeps being calm and does not attack us.” ------ Xsabaskis felt a chill unrelated to the snowy air jolt down her spine when Beech made eye contact and spoke in a chilly tone. She and Taakeyrr jerked back from the wall as more ice sprang up around it. Xsabaskis restrained a hiss, but only barely; if Beech continued like this, she was going to hurt someone. “Let me try,” Soaitsae said, stepping forward. “The only way out may be through, but you don’t start going before you’re ready.” Xsabaskis...had to admit that her plan had not worked very well, and even though she thought things would be better once Beech got out an explanation, she did not want to trigger any more ice spikes or dead-eyed stares or more bleeding in the process of getting to it. She shuffled aside, making herself useful instead by looking around for anyone else nearby. “...I’m so sorry, Beech,” Soaitsae said after a moment. “Finding out someone’s lied to you hurts, I know. Even if they had a reason, and it doesn’t mean they don’t care about you - it’s still painful.” Shadowstep panics just a li’l bit, but Driftstone jumps in and assures Quicksnap that although yes there are other raptors back there, they’re totes just keeping watch for anyone else sneaking up on them all, and reminds Quicksnap he’s a pack-brother so they’re not gonna attack him. Especially when he’s being CALM and NOT ATTACKY 8DDDD Meanwhile, Soaitsae takes over Beech-counseling and simply expresses his empathy with the pain of being lied to. He may or may not be talking about Taak’s whole Eagle Eye thing, IDK ( Shinko)
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Post by June Scarlet on Aug 4, 2018 20:51:09 GMT -5
Roda watched as snowflakes drifted down. Much more subtle than the hurricane, but still evidence of Mother's power. Mother. Roda didn't know what to think of her anymore. The Spirit of Naelus had made some good points about the nature of mercy, and how the island functioned with it. Roda was no longer convinced that the Mother had the right answer. But what she really needed was someone to talk to, get her thoughts down. And there was few which she could have truly deep conversations about Mother. Roda traveled until she found Genevieve. "Oh good, I've been wanting to talk to you," she said. "I've been thinking about Mother and her promises, and something doesn't seem to quite add up. I'm not certain anymore that the island will be better off with everyone acting under Mother's wisdom. Right now, Scimon are hunted, but that wouldn't stop, in fact, it'd get worse. Right now, there's mercy here, and all that provides. I'm not sure what to think anymore." Roda is unsure about Mother's plan, and searches out her friend Genevieve Coaster to discuss her feelings.
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Post by Shinko on Aug 4, 2018 21:15:50 GMT -5
Mochi’s fur bristled at Kopi’s explanation that he’d been killed by a corrupted animal- and the implication that he was a guardian before his death- but they didn’t get the chance to comment on it before Kopi hurriedly insisted he was alright. Mochi didn’t see how being dead could be alright, and spirit was that blood on his pelt? Kopi asked again about Mochi, and the moon rabbit settled back down with a ginger shrug. “I got hurt in the big wave,” they explained. “Something in my chest. It’s making it hard for me to breathe or move right.” They actually managed a thin smile at Kopi’s apparently confusion over the weather. “You must be young, huh? This is snow- it happens in winter sometimes, though it’s been about three years since the last time. It’s just… rain that gets really cold and freezes. If enough falls, it can turn all the ground and trees white for a few days until it melts again.” The smile faded and Mochi shifted uneasily. “But even when we get it, it only happens in winter. Summer is normally way too hot for snow.” “As for the mist…” Mochi shook their head. “It’s the spirit’s power. The mists are how the spirit protects us, and if the visions in the heart are true, it’s how she brings new animals to the island. So I wonder if this isn’t some sort of shield, or an attempt at one.” * * * Quicksnap didn’t respond at first, squinting through the falling snow as if trying to pinpoint Yellowtail and Duskrunner in the distance. But abruptly, he groaned, sinking to his belly in the snow. “C-cold,” he stammered. “So cold. So tired.” He struggled to rise again, but slipped back down. “I have to… to get up, to find Beech, I have to apologize.” He looked towards Shadowstep and Driftstone, giving a half-hearted growl that tapered off into a confused, almost pleading whine. “I hurt,” he said. “I hurt. Something attacking me, all over. You said… said I’m pack? You… you aren’t… attacking me?” * * * Beech stared at Soaitsae wordlessly for a long minute. Then, the shards of ice-tears once more began to flow down her ethereal cheek fur, and the flames eased- barely. The thylacine let out a broken, feeble whine. “I don’t know who I am anymore,” she whispered. “I finally remember everything- and I feel like I know nothing. It can’t be like it was. Not ever again.” Rabbit ♠ Mochi explains how they got hurt, and explains the weather (as best they can.) Tiger Quicksnap is too cold to take further aggressive action, and partially out of desperation, partially out of maybe the tiniest flicker of true recognition, actually addresses the raptors semi-diplomatically as best he can. Beech, meanwhile, is just a tiny bit broken.
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Post by Tiger on Aug 4, 2018 22:47:05 GMT -5
“That’s right,” Shadowstep agreed with a soft, pleased chitter, some of the tension in his muscles loosening infinitesimally. “You are pack, and we will not attack. The reason you are hurting is the corruption. It is like when you get sick and your throat feels sharp.” “We need to get him out of the cold,” Driftstone said, and then said to Quicksnap directly, very carefully, “We are going to find you a place to rest that is warmer, and safe. I think Yellowtail and Duskrunner will go on ahead of us and find a den for you.” There was, Driftstone considered, the danger of Quicksnap being more trouble warmed up. But he didn’t think staying out here in the cold for very long would be good for the kaprosuchus, not if his energy went away. It sounded almost like warmth and the sun were a different kind of feeding Quicksnap had to do, and not eating food was definitely a thing that could kill an animal. Shadowstep said, “Yes, a den - that will be much nicer than being out in all this.” He took a small step back. “Can you follow us? We will help you get into the forest safely, if you’ll come with us. We do not attack our pack brothers, and we also do not let them get too cold.” ----- “Duskrunner,” Yellowtail said as she saw Driftstone look right at her, and then look over at the forest. “Go find them a den.” “...Even if one is free, in this weather - “ “Other animals are going to take it, yes. Get them out - tell them it’s that or a corrupted kaprosuchus loose on the island. Or offer them a favor from our pack. Something. “ Duskrunner gave a brief rumble of confirmation, and darted off, ducking back a few more paces to try and keep out of Quicksnap’s sight. The mess the snow made was not fun to run in, but she made decent time and only slightly splattered her feet and legs with mud. The first den she came to was not big enough, but the second was. It was occupied by a pair of smilodons, which was significantly less fortunate - but Duskrunner doubted there was much time or distance to go far. She woke the cats, carefully, and gave them an explanation, as quickly as she could. “In short - if you do not let us use your den there will be a corrupted animal twice as long as you roaming the island so perhaps find friends to hide from the snow with.” “Unbelievable,” one of the smilodons said with a wrinkled muzzle. “It’s the truth,” Duskrunner said. “You can’t just turn us out in the cold for - “ “You have fur! It looks very robust! Try puffing it up, and go find somewhere else to sleep!” “How do we know this isn’ some kind of trap and you aren’t a sower?” “Because if I was a sower, I would let my brother and his mate bring the crocodile here without warning you first!” She hissed. “We’ll do you a favor when you need one. It will be grand and impressive and you will like it. Now please go away.” She remembered her manners. “Thank you.” The smilodons did not seem terribly impressed by her manners. -------- Soaitsae let Beech’s whisper stay in the air for a moment. Taakeyrr wondered if he was thinking through everything she said and would come to the right conclusion himself. “...You have been...through a lot,” Soaitsae said. “More than probably any of us can imagine. And as if that weren’t enough, the island is going through changes, too. Terrible things have happened and are likely going to happen in the future, and they’re going to change things for everyone. And change everyone. And then to find out things in the past were maybe not even the way you thought they were...that is a lot to grieve for. “...I think things will steady again, though. Things will be different, you will be different. This lie may make things different. But that doesn’t mean you won’t be happy. And you won’t be alone in struggling to get there; we’d like to help you, as much as we can.” Shadowstep and Driftstone suggest to Quicksnap that they can help him find a den to rest from the cold. Duskrunner goes in search of a den and begins Negotiations with a smilodon to get them THE HECK OUT THE WAY. Soaitsae gives a dad-speech. ( Shinko)
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Post by Coaster on Aug 5, 2018 0:20:02 GMT -5
After her flight through the caves and subsequently witnessing Naelus properly reveal Mother's nature to the uninitiated residents (faulty and biased an explanation though it was, evidently), Genevieve felt... rather tired. The "nightmare" which hinted at the release of death, by contrast, had briefly put Genevieve into something of an ecstatic delirium until it settled enough for her to locate the sha (though the feeling was accompanied by the incessant itch of the Spirit-onesie magnifying at least tenfold). When the brief slumber dissipated and left an odd, nagging listlessness in its wake, she floated aimlessly until the world went white before her. ...No, she wasn't passing on. It was merely snow. She remembered that; the faintest wisp of cold every half-year permeating through the invisible barrier that always separated her from nature, until she found one that didn't, and a cold strangely absent in death permeated her as she searched for freedom in the icy powder, and she was enveloped in fog at least as murky as that which surrounded her now, and she was struck with the realization of... something? It had been so horrifying at the time, but for some reason, she could not presently recall the feeling, that moment of gruesome epiphany in which her station as a failed being became more and more abundantly clear. She had been on the island long enough to study at least one winter snowfall since then, of course. Nonetheless, something about the present scene seemed to return some of her energy. "Oh good, I've been wanting to talk to you," a voice called from somewhere off to the side as she mused. The scimon. One of the most enlightened of Mother's agents from the start, though Genevieve began to doubt after their last meeting. "I've been thinking about Mother and her promises, and something doesn't seem to quite add up. I'm not certain anymore that the island will be better off with everyone acting under Mother's wisdom. Right now, Scimon are hunted, but that wouldn't stop, in fact, it'd get worse. Right now, there's mercy here, and all that provides. I'm not sure what to think anymore."Genevieve stared blankly at a spot in the white expanse somewhere behind the creature she had once deemed conversant with regard to the Mother's true aims. "Have you ever seen snow before? Supposedly, every one is unique, but such a fact is hardly relevant and, in fact, an utter waste given their fragility. It would seem that, as with this snow, you care more about the illusion of beauty of each than about its collective chilling power, sending all but the foolhardiest predator and prey into slumber until its time is at an end. You say you care about your family? Then you would do well to remember your place, what I recall was the reason you came crying to Mother to begin with: the capacity to balance the hunters which, at present, run amok. This remorse only hinders your kind, and..." Genevieve paused a moment; it had not occurred to her that not everyone would be relieved of the island's curse at their death, to be replaced with the freedom the residents called "corruption". "...And it seems your lacklustre commitment renders you incapable of understanding Mother Nature's ways to begin with. Shall we see revisit your assertion that a ghost cannot be corrupted?" Genevieve concluded, drawing closer to Roda as her vague trail of purple haze strengthened and a similar fire appeared in her eyes. Genevieve reminisces on her experience with snow (and certain Implications can be read into it). She responds to June Scarlet, insinuating that the scimons are just special snowflakes and about to try to re-corrupt her despite both being ghosties.
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Post by Rabbit ♠ on Aug 5, 2018 1:00:34 GMT -5
“Oh dear. I’m glad you’re okay,” Kopi said. “Maybe okay is the wrong word, but you understand what I mean. I'm happy you made it out of that wave. That wave was enough to cause some serious damage. Try not to move, okay? You can’t stay out here forever, but you can’t walk like that.” He tried to give Mochi a reassuring smile. “I’ll figure something out.” Kopi looked up at the sky. “This is snow?” He blew on a snowflake that floated by. While Kopi was still concerned, he was intrigued. “I’ve heard about snow, but I’ve never seen it before. I don’t think I was born when it snowed last. If it only snows during winter, though…” Kopi sighed. He knew there was a reason to be worried. “The moment I saw it, I knew something was wrong.” He looked around at the foggy terrain. He never knew Spirit was the one who created the fog. He still had a lot to know learn about Spirit. It made sense, in a way. The fog always seemed to form and clear at the same times of day. If Spirit used the fog to shield the island, what was she shielding it from now? Then he looked back down at Mochi. Kopi knew that some sort of deity was behind all of this, Spirit or otherwise. If anybody on the island could confirm that theory, it was them. “Is Spirit trying to use the mists to keep Mother out? Could they even keep her out?” Kopi asked. “Is Mother the one causing the snow?” The cunicanine buried his face under his paws. Just the thought of the entire island fighting against nature was scary. After everything Kopi went through over the last few days - corruption, guardian duties, his own death - this was the scariest. This made him want to cower in his warren. “Why would she even want to do that?” Kopi's glad to see that Mochi ( Shinko ) is alive and not more seriously injured after that big wave. He learns about snow. He finds it interesting and still rather worrisome. Kopi thinks about Spirit shielding the island and from what and asks Mochi if it's for keeping Mother out, as well as other Mother related questions.
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Post by Liou on Aug 5, 2018 5:28:13 GMT -5
[This morning]The taniwha's hiss was aimed at her instead of Svar. Renpi could take it. Let the course of his anger be diverted, so that the full brunt of it would not strike the firebird. A neat tapping of lucky feet interrupted the Sha. Not luckily for whatever injury Mochi had sustained. Renpi stepped aside curiously as Mochi hopped up to Te Tai. The moon-rabbit's pleas were so pure and wholesome that she just wanted to pinch their cheek-fluff and ply them with crisp lettuce. "My," she remarked quietly. "Such a hurry to deal with feelings. Is that how it happens when you don't have centuries with nothing better to do than brood and mull them over?" She'd tilted her head like a confused puppy and flopped playfully onto her side, her tongue lolling out. Her ears remained wide open while Mochi and Svar implored Te Tai, though. Svar offered his life for the taking. Renpi sprang back upright, flattening her ears. The bird was rather clever when he stopped panicking. Te Tai had not risen to the bait. She relaxed a little, yawned and licked her lips. Before she could say anything, the taniwha's words charged through her mind like a bull. "Just me now, then we're gone."Renpi's trembling paws slapped the ground as her nose began to prickle and sniff. "No, it can't be just you, it mustn't be," she choked out. "Not with so many others before you, not with all their memories, and you the only one to bear them, it's too much. No one beast can take on the life of an entire species, no one beast can keep live the lives of all their kind at once..." She kicked aside some scattered pearl-tears of Svar's. "Don't look," she whimpered at him and Mochi, pressing a paw over her face and clenching her teeth. "Well, well, I wouldn't have deserved Kohimu's care," she shot back at Te Tai in her whining little puppy voice, her eyes still shut tight. "Because I'm just an old forgotten warrior. Proper justice, that won't make light of him. If we can vanquish the true culprits. Properly." She gave a squeaky sniff. "Gods are warring. This island is their battlefield. We are warriors, regardless of our will. Do not let your bloodlust consume you, taniwha," she added in a low voice, starting to walk towards the Crags. "For beings as long-lived and as deadly as we are, just one hasty kill can push us down a merciless spiral. Save your grief. Sharpen it, groom it, flex it. But do not let your grief become another's weapon." From last round, don't mind me flashing back, Renpi reactions to Mochi's Shinko reasonable sympathy, Celestial's extra pleading and Thorn's mercy, with puppyness, flowing emotions, and being a Controlled Warrior, if you please.
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Post by Draco on Aug 5, 2018 7:07:53 GMT -5
Kuzen and the quokka spent the day pulling animals out of the water, or getting them off small pieces of land trapping them. The quokka mostly staying out of the water and assisting from the land, and Kuzen swimming and ferrying others (at least the smaller animals, bigger ones involved branches). The whole time the quokka grumbled and questioned what they were doing and why. "It's the right thing to do. Plus there honestly isn't that many who can handle the waters like I can." The quokka shakes his head frowning, "But you're so small." "I may be small, but I'm actually pretty strong when water is involved. Though I would rather just lay around and relax." "Then why don't you?" "I... I just feel like I need to do this." Kuzen thinks back to the blurs in his memories. The thing he did, but can't fully remember. It prodded at him, like a itch he couldn't scratch. He didn't want to remember what he did, but felt he had to at least redeem himself. "I just have to." Kuzen held out his hand as a piece of snow dropped. He looked around a bit confused as it got colder. The quokka on the other hand looked freaked out by the cold and sudden snowfall. "What's going on?!" The quokka hopped around trying to avoid the snow. Kuzen shook his head, "I don't know... But I don't like the cold. It gives me a headache." He could feel the water at the top of his head getting colder by the minute. It wasn't unheard of kappa who are found in snowy areas in the past, but in most cases they would travel to warmer areas or hide in hot springs. Kuzen however didn't have the luxury to do this. "Let's try to get somewhere warmer." The quokka looked around and nodded, "I don't want to be out here if we can help it." Kuzen and the quokka were playing river rescue squad all day.
They discuss why they're doing what they're doing.
Fuzzy memories still bother Kuzen.
It starts to snow and the two decide to look for a warmer place to stay before Kuzen starts to freeze up.
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Post by Celestial on Aug 5, 2018 7:57:06 GMT -5
Svar had turned away as Renpi asked: he was certainly not going to listen in when she asked. That is, after all, something that the Sha would do to him. He was better than that. Therefore, whatever words she exchanged with Kohimu remained between them. At least Te Tai had not taken his life. That had been a relief for Svar: his pleas had been born of grief and desperation. He still did not want to die, not now when there was so much at stake for Naelus. What was more, a decision was made: they would go after the sivatheriums who had caused the tragedy to befall Kohimu and Svar. What they would do with them when they found them was another question. Mochi had offered to go with them but it was clear by the way they winced with every breath that the moon rabbit was not going to go far, much less be any use to them. Though they insisted that they promised to stay with Svar, the firebird was having none of it. So Mochi would not get cold or uncomfortable waiting out here, Svar reached behind him and plucked out a feather from his chest, pushing it into Mochi's paws. "If your feet really bring luck, this will keep you warm instead of bringing you misfortune. In the fog, we'll also be able to find you." With that, the trio of immortals consisting of Renpi, Te Tai and Svar set off. The firebird, knowing what the sivatheriums looked like, scouted ahead. While he normally could have travesed the island by himself in a matter of hours, the need for a thorough search and allowing Te Tai and Renpi, the latter of which could not even fly, to keep up slowed the party down significantly. He made sure to remain within sight of Renpi and Te Tai: with the fog being this thick, they could see him but he still wanted to see them. As they continued further, the mists grew thicker. Snow began to fall from the sky. This by itself was not unusual for Svar: he had seen plenty of snow in the old lands, and a little on Naelus in the century he had been here. The timing, however, was unusual. He suspected it was not a coincidence: Mother Nature was trying everything to wear the island down. Soon, the snowfall had turned from one or two flakes to a significant fall. Though it simply melted and eventually evaporated when it hit Svar, he suspected it would not be long before the snow hindered him and the others. Refocusing his efforts, he dove lower to the ground, searching for a place for him, Renpi and Te Tai to shelter, this time keeping in mind to find somewhere with multiple exits. That was when he saw them. Sivatheriums. They were huddled together under a tree. It was them. The same ones who had contributed to Kohimu's death. Rage flooded Svar's body. Perhaps he had been the one to cause the death of his best friend, but without these creatures, Kohimu would still be alive. His crest flattened and he gave a low hiss of rage. "You..." without warning, he took off at renewed speed towards the creatures, flames licking at his wings. *** Wandering with Tash through the woods trying to find the sower ghosts sent frissions of energy down Morag's spine. It almost reminded her of her almost long-forgotten youth stealthing through the woods avoiding predators in daring escapes. At the memory, even her old bones felt lighter and less creaky. She could almost keep up with Tash on the ground, whenever she did not pause for a quick snack break. As they travelled, a cold speck fell on Morag's nose. She sneezed, with the noise produced was so small it was almost like a ladybug's cry of terror at falling off a leaf. Looking up, the haggis spotted several more flakes falling onto them. Some settled in her fur, clinging to it. However, she barely felt it: in the old country, on the hills, snow was a regular occurence. "Don't worry, dearie, it's just frozen water falling from the sky: nothing to be worried about," Morag called to Tash. "Let's keep going. If it gets bad, we'll find somewhere cosy and warm to hide." She continued to scuttle through the undergrowth until a flash of ghostly blue caught her attention. Creeping towards it, Morag found the cat sower from the other day and a squirrel creature. This one was similar to the one she had met before but it was also ghostly. Wait, did that creature not say her sister who had been killed was a sower? Morag's eyes widened. "Tash!" she hissed. "There's two of them, dearie. Just our luck!" The cat sower seemed to be creeping towards the squirrel. Her paws seemed purple and black. Was she okay? Well, it hardly mattered. They had found them and it was time to ask them some questions. This was again, so much like her youth. Back then, her enemies were preators who wished to eat her but she was sure the tactic would work on sowers. The best way to confront an enemy was head on with as must gusto and bravado as possible. Show no fear, no intimidation and always be audacious. Nobody would ever believe you were daring enough to confront them head on. "OI!" she yelled at both the sowers, stepping out into full view. They were both larger than her, somewhat, but Morag had stared down bigger creatures. "You've got a lot to answer for, you naughty things! Why did you corrupt that poor doggie? It couldn't even talk! Now Thunder is mad and it's all your fault. You should be ashamed of yourselves!" she shot a stern glance at the squirrel-creature. "Especially you! Your sister has been worried sick about you. The poor dearie. You need to find her and apologise right now!" After leaving Mochi with a feather to keep them warm, the immortal squad fly out in search of the sivatheriums. Svar scouts ahead, but as the snow begins to fall, he has to find shelter. As he is searching, he spots the sivatheriums and goes into a blind rage. Te Tai, Renpi ( Liou, Thorn), help stop him plz? Meanwhile, Morag searches with Tash( Rabbit ♠) for the sowers, all this reminding her of her youth. She eventually finds Genevieve( Coaster) with Roda( June Scarlet) and, believing the best refuge is in audacity, steps out and tells them they should be ashamed of themselves, like a true grandma.
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