Coughing and hacking a bit, John's eyes water as he breathes in the poisonous smoke but is otherwise unaffected.
However, the cloud was dangerous, both to his companions, and to the wildlife in it's path. Instinctively, he knows that to get rid of it, a strong wind is needed.
Borrowing the winds that were swirling around Bage, he somehow manages to increase their strength and powers, directing them to cut straight through the center of the poisonous, deadly billowing mass, dispersing it utterly.
Bage thankfully covered his face in time, but that sure was some horrible smelling stuff. Taking in a deep breath once the angel man clears the area, Bage looks around carefully for any more enemies.
Liriiestil blows away the poisonous cloud and as it disperses, Lucas is revealed to be sitting on a nearby fallen tree, slowly inspecting and cleaning his rifle and apparently ignoring the battle that just took place. "You kids are getting cocky. No matter how big you are, there's always someone bigger, and in this case, I think you might have just pissed them off. Not saying I don't agree with you now that we probably shouldn't give an angry god or goddess more power, but interrogating the guy as soon as he shows up, and damn near outright calling him a liar is not the way to resolve this. Obviously," he says, looking at the destroyed vegetation around them.
Lucas quickly runs the rifle through a function check, loads the weapon, and then re-slings it over his shoulders as he stands up. It looks like he's coming to terms with the combat-related knowledge that he obtained with this new life and new body. "But no matter now, what's done is done. Someone fix up Zaidel and let's get a move on. Babey, point the way."
The Vulture King's otherworldly fortitude fights off the poison easily. He swoops down towards Zaidel and puts three fingers on the bulky man's forehead. He says a few words in an ancient tongue and healing energy flows through him. "Come along then young one, don't want to hold up the pack."
The Vulture King extends his hand to Zaidel, who's mind has cleared.
Pulling himself up from the god's reach, the big warrior thanks him.
"Ahh. Thanks, Vulture Dude! That was not the trip I wanted to take."
Upon seeing the devastation to the plant life that resulted from that vile cloud, John drops to his knees, slamming the ground several times with his clenched fists. "No, no, no!! This can not be!"
He stands up, reverting to his normal form, , and summons the heat from around him into a small ball of flame. How he is doing this he has no idea, but he knows it's the right thing to do.
A minute later, a wave of fire erupts from his hand scorching the dead/corrupted plants to ash. He attempts to protect his friends, but he's not sure if it was going to work. This is all very new after all. He will then 'encourage' new life to grow and replace that which was destroyed.
|
Alyssa cowers in the hydra's lair.
I wonder if this will help me, she thinks, looking at the sword. She shrugs. Probably not.
I can't help but think Kamii's not all at fault here, but I doubt the group's going to believe that. I hope no one gets hurt. Gods, I don't even know who they are, yet I already find myself relying on them and worrying about them. One thing is for certain; we need to find out more about this kid, and about this Apollo's death. I'm really hoping that means Zeus isn't around somewhere....
She continues thinking, and worrying the sounds of battle and flames get higher and higher.
Once the cloud has dissipated, Kei will uncover Babey and say
"You are most welcome. I do not like that guy at all."
he then pats her gently on the head.
Looking around, the big warrior notices the team is missing someone. Zaidel observes Alyssa taking refuge in the hydra's lair.
Walking delicately, Zaidel enters the enclosure.
"Hey! Alyssa, right?" The big warrior asks in a softer tone. "You okay? Did you breathe in any of the fumes?
Joseph looks at the big and strong Zaidel who had fallen to the fumes, then back to the wisps of the thick dark substance clinging to his breath. Well... Maybe he's not as strong I thought, but... frailer than me? He wipes the juice from the exploding orange off his face and turns to Babey on Kai's shoulder. "Hey, you sure you got what that thing was right? I'm not feeling a thing and it didn't do much to Kamii." As Jon begins to yell about the destroyed foliage around the group Joseph rushes too his side. "Whoa! What's the matter?"
He stay's by Jons side, attempting to console him until the ball of fire appears, at which point he takes a step back and continues from a short distance. "Whoa! Hey, man slow down. The knob head's gone, no more fire needed!" Joseph only runs when the fire begins too appear. "SHIT!" He yells as he runs through the sparking flames. Only just getting caught by the brunt on his leg as he dives out of its sphere of influence.
He lays on the edge of the flaming area and pulls his scorched leg up to his chest, Grimacing and gritting his teeth. After just a few seconds however, the smell of burnt flesh and cloth wanes, all that remains is a bare leg with no visible sign of damages.
As the fires come rolling through the desiccated area, Kei begins running towards the edge of it, once again surrounding Babey in both hands to protect her.
For the first time since he has arrived here, even Kei seems surprised at how fast he runs.
"Did Kamii return?" asks Kei as he looks around for more assailants.
Alyssa peeps out when she hears Zaidel.
"I'm fine," she says. "Are you all ok? Is it safe to come out now?"
Zaidel concedes, "Yeah. It's okay now. I got hit by Joseph's funky orange bomb, but it was Kamii's goodbye fumes that put me on the ground. Luckly, V.K. was able to set me right."
"I think we're heading out soon to meet The Lady of The Wood".The big warrior makes a low bow and offers his arm. "Care to join us?"
The Vulture King smiles slightly at being called V.K. Once the group decides to set off, he takes to the air with a flap of his wings and follows the group while flying.
Babey agrees with Kei. "Yes, I think he is o bod mon, I dan't like him ot oll either."
As the group sets off, John having successfully healed the forest and Zaidel healed from Kamii's toxic vapors, the sun begins to set and the forest grows dim. However, as true darkness falls the green moss which covers most everything reveals itself to be luminescent, its bright green glow providing enough light to easily see by.
The forest at night has a peaceful, dream-like quality to it, the smell of all the fresh vegetation and loam an enchanting one that makes you feel free and calm.
Balls of fairy light, bits of the enchanted forests life force, float airily around, each one a single color but with a wide variety among them; bright greens and yellows, glimmering blues and oranges.
After several hours you detect something in the woods; An elf steps out from behind a tree, where he seems to have been waiting. He wears an open brown vest and forest green slacks though he lacks a shirt, exposing much of his tightly muscle torso. A shock of blonde hair is swept back over his skull and piercing green eyes inspect the group.
Babey swallows as if suddenly unsure of herself.
The Elf's eyes narrow as he looks over the group.
"Who are you people and why do you wish to see the Lady?" He asks in perfectly enunciated Common.
"Because we have questions that she can answer." replies Kei.
"Because we have questions that she can answer." replies Kei.
"I am the Sacred Guardian of the Lady's inner realm." The Elf replies.
"It is my duty to keep undesirables from my Lady's court, a duty I take quite seriously. I care nothing for your questions. Explain; why would my Lady?"
The big warrior's face lights up when the group meets the mysterious blonde stranger.
Oh my God! It's an elf! Fricking Legolas himself!
Zaidel marvels at the elf's classic features: sharp chin, pointed ears, and slim physique.
Babey tells the Elf after gathering her courage.
The Elf laughs, not a cruel sound but genuinely amused.
"Lesser fey like you are known for their scampish foolishness, the Lady delights in such innocence! Doesn't make you a very sound character witness though."
John holds up both hands to show he is not a threat "Easy lad. We're strangers from a strange world, now likely stuck here, which to us is a strange place. We mean you, your Wood, nor your Lady any harm. We're just trying to find out some answers. May we please be escorted to her?"
Joseph speaks up after a long bought of quietness over the many hours since the fight with Kamii. "You could even hold me, as a prisoner until negotiations are over." Joseph looks down to the charred cloth on his unblemished leg. "Extra layer of trust and all that."
John holds up both hands to show he is not a threat "Easy lad. We're strangers from a strange world, now likely stuck here, which to us is a strange place. We mean you, your Wood, nor your Lady any harm. We're just trying to find out some answers. May we please be escorted to her?"
The Elf's eyes spring wide, almost reminiscent of Babey.
"Of c-course, yes...no wait, may I have your names?"
The Vulture King lands once the elf appears. When she asks for their names, he nods at her and says, "I greet you young one. I am the Vulture King, a protector of the pack. I suppose that some in the pack might not want my protection, he says, briefly looking at Joseph before continuing, "But it is my will nonetheless."
"My name is John. Of Earth, not that I think you know what or where that is." He says with a small bow.
"Zaidel Michigan. Also of Earth". The big warrior stated.
"Bage of Earth," Bage says, looking around and drinking in the sights. I'm living inside of the lord of the ring, people.
Man, how does that guy keep doing that. "Joseph, Joseph miner"
Kei bows and says
"My name is Matsuhiko Kei."
"Very well, I like that many of you are from a place named 'Earth', that means dirt, a life giving thing we are fond of here. You seem a trustworthy sort, especially him." The Elf indicates with a nod of his head toward John.
"And what is your name sir?" He asks, indicating Lucas.
"I am sorry but I must have your names if I am to let you into the Lady's inner realm, it is a matter of proper decorum that I announce you."
Lucas looks over, startled out of his thoughts by the direct question, "My apologies, son. We haven't been here that long and I'm still taken by how different this world can be from our own. I am Lucas Martin," he gives his name and sticks his hand out for a proper introductory hand shake "And speaking of decorum, is there anything we should know regarding our conduct here? If we are to be the first ambassadors for our world, we wouldn't want to make a fool of ourselves, after all."
Lucas looks over, startled out of his thoughts by the direct question, "My apologies, son. We haven't been here that long and I'm still taken by how different this world can be from our own. I am Lucas Martin," he gives his name and sticks his hand out for a proper introductory hand shake. "And speaking of decorum, is there anything we should know regarding our conduct here? If we are to be the first ambassadors for our world, we wouldn't want to make a fool of ourselves, after all."
The Elf shakes Lucas' hand, smiling at him. "Don't worry about being too proper, the Fey and the Elves alike regard most others as naturally uncouth anyway. Simply obey the laws of any reasoning being, no violence, theft, etc. and you will be fine"
The Elf whispers under his breath and suddenly the path ahead shimmers strangely, almost like it was the somehow vertical surface of a body of water with many stones thrown into it, a gentle cavalcade of soft circular ripples expanding out from many points until the surface stills.
"Step through, announced ones, and enjoy the pleasures of my Lady's Court." The Elf invites.
Feeling a strange sense of belonging emanating from the other side, John is the first to step through. His eyes immediately seek out the Lady of the Wood, as he feels drawn to her.
Kei again bows and steps through the portal, still offering Babey a ride if she wants to follow the group.
The big warrior again offers his arm to the meek Alyssa so they may step on to the shimmering path together.
Lucas pauses before he steps into the portal, covering his thoughts under the guise of inspecting the portal, but even his continually growing wonder is unable to override the honed reflexes and instincts inherent to his new body, and somehow, his mind. Well that's convenient. But we don't even know that it's safe, save for his word.
Ah, screw it. Make the choice that will make for the best story. How bad could it be? And Lucas steps through.
Hmpth, he was starting to see the patterns between the beings now, how they reacted and what personalities they had.
The only female of the bunch... whose name he believed to be was Alyssa, seemed to be the most fragile, physically and emotionally of the group. Your typical kind-hearted maiden that cowed at the first sign of danger. Non to impressive, and likely not going to be much of a help in this quest.
Then there was this ‘Joseph’ fellow... quite frankly, it was going to be a surprise if he managed to survive for long. Emotionally, panicky and unreliable to a fault. He had done nothing but cause issue and chaos within this group, and it was a surprise they hadn’t straight up abandoned him yet... but perhaps he could change and surprise him. It was unlikely, but not impossible.
Bage and Zaidel were very similar in that they very much enjoyed strength and power, and enjoyed combat despite the risks that came with it. Very good, though he was uncertain about whenever or not they would be a challenge to someone of his own strength or skill. Not that it mattered too much, they likely had the capability become strong enough to do so eventually. Perhaps even give him a reason to keep growing stronger.
Liriiestil was the face of the group. Far the best at keeping a level head, and persuading people to side with them. A powerful being whose tongue was so sharp that it was almost a surprise that it did not use magic... he was basically the leader from what he could see, though it seemed that the group had not yet officially nominated him as said leader so far.
Kei seemed very polite and reserved. A strong-ish fighter, if the battle against the hydra was much to go by, but there wasn’t much to say about him in terms of personality. He was just... there.
There was the Vulture King, an old deity finally given flesh. A being that very much enjoyed his power and was seeking out further worship in order to strengthen himself in this new reality. He seemed practical, through proud. Helping others with the expectation of getting something out of it, even as something as tangible as a pray... through of course, defensive about his divinity, as old gods were oft to do.
It was ironic, then. That Lucas seemed to act as the oldest, and perhaps the wisest of the group. Sure, he foolishly believed in honour, but he could not blame the old man for that, as many people did the same. He was good at keeping a level head, yet swift to act when it was necessary to do so. All in all, a good leader as well, though perhaps he would serve best as an advisor and secondary leader to Liriiestil...
Still, no reason for him to approach them just yet, despite having a solid grasp of their character. More information, so that he could better predict, anticipate and control them as needed. Besides, it had been a while since he had been a hunter... and his ‘prey’ was always fun to hide from! Of course, he had another challenge soon approach him. The elven guard seemed rather insistent on the fact that they had to name themselves in order to be allowed access to the Lady’s domain. Being that he had not revealed himself, nor did he even have a name, he might be forced to reveal himself...
Not wanting to do that yet, however, he would study this portal and the area around it. Knowing that his long experience had allowed him to find, and study magical auras to see what they are... and if there are any magical sensors in the area.
As you step through the portal you find yourself in a wood that seems nearly identical to the one you just past through, however there is something a bit different, it is both even quieter than the wood you left and the enchanted feeling has increased exponentially.
The luminescent green moss here is even brighter than the woods you left and it has an odd effect on the optics of the forest. After a minute you realize what it is. All of the light is coming from below you so shadows trail upward instead of across the ground, a momentarily disorientating change that actually becomes a bit of fun as you grow used to it.
The shadows create hints of movement and shapes among the branches and leaves of the forest canopy but it isn't a frightening effect, rather it appears with playful mystery here and there before fading away.
Babey looks on with awe from her current Kei perch and swallows as she feels the awesome force of her Lady's power saturate this world.
Out of the dimness a blue light dances through the forest and approaches the group.
"Babey! Long time no see!" It calls. "And you brought friends! I heard their names echo through the forest but I already forgot them!"
Babey's eyes open with excitement and she calls out;
Tavi grins mischievously.
"Just dealing with various Links, if you get my drift. Now, group of Forest Friends, would you like to meet the Lady? I can lead you to her!"
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Bage's focus is above as he watches the shadows shift. This is kinda fun.
His attention comes back as he hears a voice, only to see a light... "It's Navi," Bage points out. Does this mean the Lady is a giant tree?
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Leaning down to Alyssa, Zaidel whispers, "If Tavi says 'Hey! Listen!', I just may lose it!"
Tavi leads you deeper into the enchanted forest, where you wander inside the twilight realm for what seems like an age but might only be an evening.
Just when you think perhaps you will never arrive you step out of the twilight to a multicolored array of Fey lights illuminating an enchanting glade.
Much is happening in the glade, where Elf and Fey lords and ladies gracefully dance and eat off platters of greenwood artfully arranged across huge, curving tree roots shaped into almost table-like plateaus.
But your attention is immediately drawn to a being who simply must be the Lady of the Wood.
Twice the height of an Elf and much thicker in her build the Lady of the Wood never the less had Elven features, where a soft, pretty smile graces her regal features. Her body is clad in an incandescent forest green gown made from dragon scales.
You aren't sure what color her hair is because, though it appears a light blueish-black, it could simply be a symptom of the strange inner light she glows with, a pretty moonlit shade.
"Welcome to my Court." She says, her gentle voice somehow echoing throughout the forest. She strides toward you with an almost unnatural grace. She takes John's hand and holds it up to kiss the back of his hand.
"Welcome, honored Elf King! I haven't seen you in a few thousand years, where have you been?"
The Vulture King raises his eyebrows and looks at John. "Elf King? Well, that is quite something. Tell us, Elf King, who you truly are."
"I thought you seemed a bit too...enchanting to be from earth," Bage comments. "So care to let us in on it?"
Much is happening in the glade, where Elf and Fey lords and ladies gracefully dance and eat off platters of greenwood artfully arranged across huge, curving tree roots shaped into almost table-like plateaus.
But your attention is immediately drawn to a being who simply must be the Lady of the Wood.
Twice the height of an Elf and much thicker in her build the Lady of the Wood never the less had Elven features, where a soft, pretty smile graces her regal features. Her body is clad in an incandescent forest green gown made from dragon scales.
You aren't sure what color her hair is because, though it appears a light blueish-black, it could simply be a symptom of the strange inner light she glows with, a pretty moonlit shade.
DAMN Woman! Just how Daddy likes it! Thought Zaidel.
"Welcome to my Court." She says, her gentle voice somehow echoing throughout the forest. She strides toward you with an almost unnatural grace. She takes John's hand and holds it up to kiss the back of his hand.
"Welcome, honored Elf King! I haven't seen you in a few thousand years, where have you been?"
Oh. Well, thought the big warrior, slightly dejected. Looking around, Zaidel mused, there are other fey ladies in the enchanted forest!
Lucas raises a single eyebrow in reaction to the Lady's declaration, I get the feeling that I should not be surprised.
When the lady of the woods welcomes them Kei bows low again. Clearly, the anecdotes about Japan you might have heard are correct.