BZZT climbs enthusiastically into the gunner's seat, gently loading Longstrike into the cradle of the cannon mount.
With uncharacteristic fervour,
Can we go kill something?
I like it. Very comfortable. Yes, let's.
Ouroboros had been acutely aware of Storm Fury letting go of his shoulder mid decent. He'd given out a cry of alarm, as he suddenly became aware of how fragile the tiny beast was. He was not yet ready to take on his enemies from the air.
What was i thinking?! He chided himself. His eyes had started scanning the area with dismay as soon as he hit the ground. And then...
Storm Fury made his grand entrance.
For some reason Ouroboros was unreasonable angry.
What were YOU thinking! He shouted at the bird as he stormed over to his crater. By the time he reached the small dust covered creature, his fury had diminished and he found himself scooping Storm Fury up almost tenderly, brushing away the the excess dirt, and hugging him tightly.
We shall teach you to fly properly. he said quietly, Maybe you would rather return to the safety of the caravan?
He hoped the bird could understand him...
Gerome was not jealous of a bird... Nope. Not at all. It wasn't like Ouroboros has ever treated him with tenderness... but...
He rubbed his neck.
No, not jealous.
Robbit! Saddle up! Bring Waddle Flap and let's ride!
Ouroboro's head is swiftly enveloped in black sandy plumage as Storm Fury triiilll!!s his approval of being picked up and hugged. Though the question itself gains little more than a blank but happy stare before he firmly clamps himself onto Ouroboro's shoulder once again. Occasionally shaking himself clear of(and coincidentally covering the tieflings head in) more sand.
Oathbearer? Correct me if I am wrong but this device you are riding appears to have a manitite crystal core yes? They were the basis of shard technological development when I was born. May I interact with it? With your permission of course.
Gaia's voice appears to emanate from the shard worn by Salt. The gem gently pulsing amber to the cadence of her tone.
Miles away, a thin dark line of pitch black smoke defiles the otherwise pristine horizon. Dirtying the lovely vista of near white sand and crystal clear skies stretching in all directions.
Have fun!
Salt has no worries letting Gaia interact with the crystal.
If you would be so kind as to press my shard against the tank Oathbearer?
Assuming Salt does this she is likely rather surprised when the strange attachment that held Gaia's shard against her by that ribbon suddenly fades, the shard now adhering to the tank itself. Pulsing an ever brighter shade of gold.
Oh yes, this is most certainly manitite. Perfect. It's no Solaris - but I can work with this.
And the black behemoth of a bike suddenly flashes gold. So brightly that everyone instinctively averts their eyes. When they open them again?
Gaia's shard now sits in a perfectly shaped hold atop the tank, a stylised roaring dragons maw erupting from the metal and holding the gem firm. What had been a simple weapons mount for Longstrike now cradles the rifle like a newborn, pivoting and steadying to make aiming a dream, bearing the twisting form of an ornate serpent wrapped around a thin tree. Handlebars gain guards of jagged black metal, a pair of dragons wings etch themselves into either side of the frame.
And the noise...
If Sash turned the wheezing deathtrap into a purring lion - then Gaia has just turned the lion into a rumbling dragon. Power shakes the air around the tank. A deadly beast just waiting to wake up.
Hmm. That seems about the limit thus far. I'll need more data before I can manifest the weapons I wanted...but still, an unexpectedly excellent medium to work with. My complements to the creator. We should be able to make excellent time now.
That was... SO F~#%EN COOL!
Salt grins and guns the engine again.
Ouroboros, smiles as his happy chirping friend finds his place on his shoulder.
I take it you're coming with then? He says gently Please do be careful.
Is this what love is?
He remounts his dinosaur, careful not to dislodge Storm Fury, and looks to the horizon. The ominous black cloud catches his attention.
Is that? he points.
Gerome finds his place again, clinging to Ouroboros's waist. From this height, he can see the black smoke too.
Yes, Burned Ones. He says, with more certainty than he feels.
We should go kill them.
BZZT scopes the black smoke with Longstrike.
Salt’s gunning of the engine produces a sound suggestive of some raging monstrosity disturbed after centuries of slumber. The vibration through her body indicating a beast that trades stability for raw unfiltered power.
BZZT’s muscle seize up as unnatural terror spikes in his belly. The creatures scream digging into his mind with daggers of fear and loathing.
BZZT shakes clear the fear stabbing at his mind and lines Longstrike up with the lead corpse’s head.
He squeezes her trigger, exhaling as he does.
Ouroboros raises his scaled eyebrow.
Did you actually hit anything?
What can best be described as a giggle rose from Longstrike, followed by the quiet rapport of the shot.
Sadly, no. My current effective range is about a half-mile. But if we get closer I can do more!
Ouroboros snorted, but kepts his sarcastic comment to himself.
Perhaps we should get closer?
he doesn't wait for the others to agree, he puts his heels into the flanks of his raptor, and off he goes.
Gerome, squeaks a little with the sudden movement, and holds onto OB's cloak.
I guess we're riding into battle.
Salt pulled down her goggles and secured her scarf over the rest of her face.
Here we go...
She gunned the engine once more, revelling in the power at her fingertips, then opened the throttle and with a spray of sand, rocketed after Robbit and Gerome.
The sheer joy of going so fast, the wind whipping her hair behind her was exhilarating, she whooped and cheered but all sound was lost in the rush of air and the roar of the engine.
DO WE NEED A PLAN? Gerome shouts to no one in particular, his voice being whipped away with the passing wind.
We're going to poke them with pointy things! Ouroboros calls back.
Salt peeled away from the others and accelerated, moving out in a flanking motion. In response to BZZT's inquisitive look:
I'll drop tou on that rise, it's about six-hundred feet and should give you a clear shot. I'll take the cycle in close and pick them off. If they move towards you, I'll come get you. Understood?
BZZT gave a thumbs up, then checked over his gear.
Th'bullet'll need th'water, I gu'ss...
Ouroboros slowed his raptor as Salt peeled away, turning to in his seat so he could see Gerome.
If I know Salt, she's going to ride into that mess all guns blazing. I want you to stay back and let her draw attention. You do your... he used the universal hand gesture for magical bard thing and stay out of trouble. Keep that jar of water near at hand. If you need me, toot.
But what will you do?
Ouroboros smiled enigmatically and returned his attention to the ride. He corrrected his beasts trajectory to they were moving perpendicular to Salt. He was going to take them from behind.
Keep you eyes open from sentries and traps, won't you kid?
Salt watches Ouroboros manoeuvre to flank and accelerates again toward the Sniping spot. Pulling up with a skid and a spray of sand, she shouts to BZZT:
Get in position, use the sand for cover!
BZZT unlocks Longstrike and leaps down, hugging the ground and laying low at the crest of the rise.
With BZZT in place, Salt checks the charge on her Inferno Pistol, kisses her other pistol for luck, then once again kicks the throttle open, riding directly at the columns of smoke.
INCOMING, YOU SMOKY F%!@S!
She flips a switch by the handlebars and engages the bike's ram.
This is going to be fun...
There are 4 of the burning beasts in this particular wandering band.
Roll initiative.
Tha beasties get...
This is where I leave you. Ouroboros calls back to Gerome. Stay low until you're ready and don't drop that jar of water whatever you do.
Without a second word, Ouroboroso gives him a hard shove. The last thing he saw of Gerome was him sliding down the raptors tail and into the cloud of dust behind him.
He rides hard towards the combat, readying his scythe for action.
Well that was one way to dismount.
Gerome stands gingerly, dusting himself off. He checks his supply of holy water, and his trombone, and follows slowly in the wake of the dinosaur.
For clarity:
Salt:23
BZZT:20
Combusted:17
Gerome:11
Ouroboros:9
Salt guns her engine and flies toward the nearest burning one. With a deft hand, she snaps off a single pistol shot before plowing headlong into the creature, the ram hammering into the searing flesh.
BZZT takes careful aim, feeling Longstrikes power helping him line up the perfect shot. He sights down the burning one standing nearst the one Salt just rammed, and squeezed the trigger.