Fantasy Aetherspark IC

[Fangs9090]

Adelynn let the flames on herself go out once she saw how much the fire was spreading. Maybe they went a bit overboard… She looked over as Akila spoke up, stammering as she searched for a reply.

MoonShadow pointedly stomped Akila’s tail as she passed by. “Shut up and do something useful.” Odd that she felt the need to stop her from harassing Adelynn, but the fire was a bigger concern.

Kanon soon joined them, her blade sheathed as her focus shifted to getting Adelynn out of there.

 

[SilverFlight]

It took a moment for Korro to realize they were in danger, focused so intently on what was happening to Denver. He saw Blestare coming and wrapped his arms protectively around the goat as he crashed into them.

Recovering from that, Korro took a deep breath and breathed a wave of icy wind, extinguishing the flames in a 20ft radius. He formed several large ice shards and sent them speeding into the walls near the opening at the top. The water as they melted coated the stone and plant matter, making it harder to ignite.
Korro continued the work with the help of others until nothing of the flames remained, after which he sat down panting. The heat had made his powers weaker than they should have been.

"The next person to try and run headfirst into danger...gets frozen solid." He growled menacingly.

MageMantis Gummy Worm

 

[Gummy Worm]

Denver watched in awe as the fire was cleared. he sat next to the wolf and leaned his head against him "You did a very good job...sorry I was useless...again..." he said looking down at his hands. "Dammnit...what was all that talk about being "more powerful" about? Im just as weak as I always have been" he thought angerly as a new voice entered his head, that of his mothers. "Calm yourself my child. You will learn, as your outside grows stronger so will your power." Denver looked around in a panic, not knowing where the voice came from "Silly child, I do not exist outside of your mind...yet" she spoke as Denver sighed "I guess I'll just have to be patient..." he thought as he looked over at Korro again.

SilverFlight

 

[Stern LuLuLu]

As the plant monster was engulfed in flames through the combined efforts of the mercenaries, Lena let out a sigh of relief. However, that sense of relief was fleeting as she realized the cave they occupied was now ablaze, the entrance supported by the plant roots having collapsed. Trapped, she thought quickly, knowing to stick close to the ground to avoid inhaling smoke. With determination, she joined Korro in battling the flames using her ice abilities. “I must say, I did not expect the fire to spread this much. I’ll make a note of that. Great job, Adelynn, on your abilities. This was an impressive display!” Lena remarked, her words filled with genuine admiration for Adelynn’s inherited power.


Seeing that Aaliyah was doing better Warren would stand up and examine the two eggs. “I think they are doing well. I made sure not to be careful when I was moving so they should be good for whatever people are going to use them for. Go ahead and touch them if you want.” He gestures to her to go ahead.

Just then, Warren's eyes widened as he spotted thick plumes of smoke curling out of the cave. The plant monster was ablaze, and he could see the cave's entrance crumbling. "Look out!" he shouted urgently to the group outside, adrenaline surging through him. He swiftly pulled Aaliyah and the two precious eggs back, ensuring they were safe from falling rocks.

“Well, that is not good.”, he muttered under his breath, glancing over at Aaliyah and Elixen. "Is everyone all right?"

Before they could respond, Barracuda’s voice rang out from behind the blockade of debris. Warren nodded; Barracuda was right. They couldn't afford for the fire to spread. "We have to act fast!" he declared, passing the fragile eggs to Elixen. "Aaliyah, do what you can to help. I’m running for more water. Elixen, move back with the eggs—now!”

Without waiting for a reply, Warren dashed toward the river, heart pounding. He anchored his determination as he dove into the water, racing to the bottom. He concentrated, channeling his energy into the earth, crafting a new path for the water to surge toward the blocked cave entrance.

Emerging from the depths, he gasped for air and called out, “This is your moment to shine, Lady Aaliyah. Focus on dousing the flames outside.” With a reassuring nod from Warren, he plunged back into the water, determined to clear the debris. He began digging downwards, creating a path for the rocks at the cave entrance to tumble into the hole he was carving out, all the while praying he could resurface before being ensnared by the collapsing rubble.

Time stretched as he worked, to the point where air bubbles stopped, showing up for him. Finally, he burst through the surface, water cascading off him as he flopped onto the ground, breathless yet relieved, taking a moment to rest and gather his strength not knowing if the rest of the group was safe or not.

MageMantis Noble Scion SilverFlight Fangs9090

 

[SilverFlight]

Korro's expression softened when Denver spoke. "You are never useless." He said softly. When Denver seemed to panic, Korro looked worried.
"What's this?" He moved to brush a gentle hand against the strange porcelain mark on Denver's chest.
Not convinced it was safe just yet, Korro put an arm about Denver's shoulders, and another under his knees, ready to lift him off the ground.
"You hit your head pretty hard, I think I should carry you."
Gummy Worm

 

[Noble Scion]

Aaliyah Sh'ahn

Aaliyah would give Warren a somber look despite his optimistic thoughts on the eggs, before she'd frown at his mentioning of the others. She didn't have much faith in them to take good care of the eggs given the outlook of some of the me,bers of the party, namely the rancid snake Akila who seemed to have it for everyone.

"I-I can take care of them." The princess would suggest before her tense waiting would come to an end, Barracuda's voice calling her name, as she'd spring into action along with Warren, leaving the dragon eggs in Elixen's care as she'd charge into the cave once more, though deciding not to heed his advice as she'd make her way to the heart of the fire.

Confident in their ample water supply in the river not far away, she'd pour out her flask as start using her water on the flames, focusing on creating a path for those trapped inside as the water powered by her bloodline would seem to refuse to evaporate, washing a way through the fires.

Despite her straining herself, she couldn't help but smile as she'd once again get to prove herself, happy to be of practical service rather than just the model figurehead she'd been at home.

"Here! This way!" The sahagin would call, hoping her voice would make it easier to find their escape route through the smokescreen.

SilverFlight MageMantis Stern LuLuLu Fangs9090 Gummy Worm

 

[Gummy Worm]

Denver looked down at the mark on his chest and shuddered a bit "I...I don't know yet" he said looking down before his face grew bright red as the wolf lifted him up. "I-I...If you want to...D-dont let me hinder you" he said refusing to make eye contact as his face practically glowed red.

Shinobi sighed as he finally managed to get to his feet, "Making me go through all this and we're not even gonna make any cash," he grumbled as he put his sword away. Shinobiknew very little about dragons; all he knew was that they were big, scary, and worth a lot of money.

SilverFlight

 

[Fangs9090]

The fire was doused, for the most part, so Kanon escorted Adelynn to the mouth of the cave before helping to clear out the burnt blockage so they could all pass.

MoonShadow went to see if there was anything salvageable from the dragon and the broken eggs. The corpse was a bit old, but edible, for her. The plant had eaten the best parts, but she'd still be able to cut some dragon jerky off of it. She found the eggshell that had the most leftover in it and used that to carry the meat bits she collected, as well some small pieces that she cut from the Ripper bulb. With her prize gathered, she headed after the others, already eating some of what she had in the eggshell.

 

[MageMantis]

Akila let out a yelp when Moon trampled over her tail, turning around to viciously scowl at her afterwards as the fire raged around them. Meanwhile, Elixen nodded in response to Warren and scooped and pulled the two dragon eggs to safety with her tail. Soon, Korro would unleash the hand of winter within the den, successfully dousing the flames. Some of the mercenaries begun navigating through the smoke, letting Aayliah's voice guide them to their destination as they soon spilled out of it.

Barracuda, Tonnie, Blestare, Quicklaw, Akila, and Elixen stood outside of the cave entrance when one of the eggs started to hatch. Akila slithered towards Barracuda, “Gunslinger, why did you not fill the cretin with bolts (bullets)!?” Questioned she. While Quickclaw held great contempt for the snake, she could not help but ponder the same question as she and a few other mercenaries turned to Barracuda with expressions that reflected the same sentiment. Barracuda remained calm as he provided an explanation,

“The firearms I use are not the same models as the ones most pirates and aristocrats possess: They are Snaplocks.” Informed he as he held out a pistol for the others to inspect. “They consist of one barrel, and can only fire once before requiring minutes to reload. It can be taxing, but a well-placed shot can end any fight.”

While this transpired, fragments of the egg’s shell begun to chip away, before the entire top half shattered to reveal a baby dragon. It favored its late biological mother and possessed a streamlined body. Its top half was a shimmering emerald green, while its underbelly was a muddy brown. Its two horns jutted away from itself and towards the ground before pointing forwards like spears. It had a long tail that ended with a triangular vertical banner. It lacked wings altogether, instead possessing a flexible glider membrane between all four legs like that of a flying squirrel’s. It bore dorsal grassy green fur that ran down its head to its tail. By the time Adelynn had emerged from the den, the dragon’s first sights would be set on her. Seeing the Raccoonfolk as its mother, it chirped and bounded from the egg before Elixen could react, landing on its four talons and scuttling to Adelynn before scampering up her body and wrapping around her neck like a scarf while it nuzzled her. Barracuda witnessed the scene, his mask hiding his joyous grin. “Doomscout.” Informed he, naming the Dragon type. “A dragon-type adapted to survive in forest environments. They are like Geese, believing whatever they first see to be their guardians. What they lack in flight, they make up for in gliding and unmatched climbing skills. They breathe poisonous gas that is highly flammable, but as hatchlings the most harm it will inflict is a whiff of an unpleasant smell.” Explained he, as the Doomscout puffed a small purple cloud from its mouth that reeked of an acrid stench. “As it grows, it will escalate to mild irritation, then slight airway obstruction, then suffocation, and then poison infliction to all who breathe it. It will reach adulthood one month from now, but its longevity will enable it to likely outlive us all. Doomscout mothers have been known to be highly empathetic, adopting orphaned dragon eggs.” Elaborated he as he looked to the second dragon egg, which shone bright of different hues of colors.

With the satisfying silence that followed a battle’s end soothing the tension, the mercenaries could remain here and recover or get back on the horse and push forward to the farmland. The latter could be worth considering, as while it was still morning the threat of nightfall crept down the sky of hope.


Fangs9090 SilverFlight Stern LuLuLu Gummy Worm Noble Scion

 

[Fangs9090]

Adelynn was still feeling a bit guilty about the size of the blaze she created, and thinking about how she might better control her flames, so she was caught off guard by the sight of a dragon hatchling charging her, and she nearly fell over when it climbed her. She stopped to listen to Barracuda, before her mind latched onto a certain part of that. “W-wait, wait. It…thinks I’m its guardian?”

Kanon gave her a smile. “Congratulations, you’re now a mother.”

“What? But, I’m not ready!”

“Don’t worry. As with all things, I’ll be here to help you.”

 

[Stern LuLuLu]

As the last echoes of battle faded, Lena found herself standing over the remnants of the plant monster, now just a pile of smoldering ash. With a deep breath, she approached the remains of the mother dragon, her heart filled with reverence. She carefully collected the fragments she had hoped for, treating them with the utmost respect. Emerging from the cave, she joined the others outside, where a delightful surprise awaited her—a dragon egg had hatched! Adelynn stood proudly beside the newborn creature, claiming it as her own. “That’s wonderful! I hope everyone is doing well,” Lena said warmly, her eyes sparkling with joy.

She quickly turned her attention to the shell of the first egg, collecting materials to aid in her crafting. Just then, she noticed the second egg beginning to crack, a ripple of excitement coursing through her. “I don’t care who wants this one, but as soon as I gather what’s left of its shell, it’s up for grabs!” she declared, a grin spreading across her face. With her heart racing in anticipation, she began to set up a small workspace, ready to create something special once the second hatchling emerged. Meanwhile, the group rested.


Still resting just by the river worn would see that everyone was coming out of the cave alive after having fought the plant monster and now that the fire from the out the wrath of the fight was dealt with. “Great is always lady Aaliyah“.He decided to move to where Aaliyah was laying there relieved that everyone was safe almost falling asleep.” Seems like everything went well and nobody got too hurt. That’s good to know” he said to the group coming outside. Seeing that the eggs were hatching Warren turned to said to watch it, but did not move from his spot. “Congratulations.” he said to the new keepers of the dragons.

MageMantis Noble Scion Fangs9090 SilverFlight Gummy Worm

 

[MageMantis]

Soon, the second egg cracked and its top burst open, revealing another baby dragon. This one had gray scales with gold markings and accents. It had armored jagged and spiky scales. Two jagged silver spiky horns sat on its head that pointed backwards and diagonally up. It had black sclera that surrounded white pupils. It possessed two large wings and a tail that ended with a large deadly Guandao-like blade. Its first sight was Akila, but it walked to Aayliah and curled around her leg.

“Stormcleaver.” Spoke Barracuda, naming the dragon-type. “A dragon-type adapted to survive in harsh high mountains frequented by cumulonimbus clouds. Stormcleavers mothers ensure that the hatchlings imprint on them by nuzzling the eggs before they hatch so that the hatchlings will remember her scent.” Barracuda looked to Aayliah. “It remembers you.” Stated he. “They are immensely strong and possess immaculate flight endurance, sometimes sleeping through flight trips for days on end like Albatrosses. An adult’s tail-blade can tear through the sturdiest steel. They breathe lightning, but can only produce sparks as hatchlings. As they grow, so will the potency of their lightning. It too will reach maturity in a month from now, and will likely outlive us all.” Elaborated he.

Elixen walked to Kanon, “Red Knight, are we to resume our quest or remain here to recover?” Asked she.

Meanwhile, a bone would bounce off of Korro’s nose as strange creatures could be seen in the tree branches above snickering amongst themselves. They appeared like small blue chimpanzees but with black beaks, large triangular fennec-like fuzzy ears, crazed eyes and long tails. The way moved was uncanny, almost like puppets. Barracuda sighed, “Irklings.” Identified he. “Creatures who grow stronger from successfully provoking people. They cannot harm you unless you harm them first. Do not acknowledge them. They will go away eventually.” Explained he, as an acorn struck Kanon’s nose softly. There were about five of them, a single landing in front of Shinobi and dropping a dead possum in front of him as if to mock him. The Irkling then shoved the possum into its beak and tore it to shreds whilst laughing maniacally. One Irkling took notice of Helena’s potion station, pulling out glowing strange fragile gemstone ingredients from its pouch on its strap before crushing them in its palm while staring smugly at the Fae. Another hurled dead fish at Aayliah.

“HEY FISHY FISHY!” Screamed one, the words just barely sounding like common. Akila laughed at the others until a human skull bounced off of her head, causing her to growl in frustration. Blestare stared at the sight in shock as Quickclaw attempted to distract the other mercenaries with conversation, “So, what does everybody do for fun, and what got you into it?” Asked she nervously as a dead gecko bounced off of her head.

Fangs9090 SilverFlight Stern LuLuLu Gummy Worm Noble Scion

 

[Fangs9090]

Kanon rubbed her nose as she looked to Elixen. "It may be best to move on. Not all of us have the same amount of patience..." She glanced towards MoonShadow, who was currently lurking in the shadows with her food, doing her best to stay hidden.

 

[Gummy Worm]

Shinobi stared in horror as one of his own kind was devowered in front of him. the words from the others seemed to dull out as he watched. How dare they? defiling a courpse of his fallen brethren...Shinobi's expression hardly changed as he drwe his sword and thrusted it through the Irklings heart, drawing his small side dagger andslicing ith throat open befor climbing on top of the beast and stabbing it repetedly. covered in blood as tears ran down his face "Kono yarō! ! Yokumo son'nafūni otōto o koroseta monda!! Shinde shimae!! Jigoku de moero, kono yarō!!!" he screamed as he turned the creature into a bloody pulp.

MageMantis

 

[MageMantis]

Dark blue blood spewed from the Irkling’s body as it was stabbed to death, screaming in agony as it fell to the ground and soon went limp. “IMBECILE! WHAT DID I TELL YOU!?” Lashed out Barracuda as the other Irklings immediately went berserk. The other Irklings fed off of Shinobi’s agitation from afar, all laughing maniacally as their eyes glowed a bright yellow as their bodies’ muscular structure expanded, their talons becoming sharper and their beaks growing teeth as their head shapes become horrifically more human-shaped while their bird facial features remained, looking almost as if they were Humans masquerading and wearing detailed and convincing bird beak makeup upon their faces without accounting for how their head shape would fit in. Some of the Irkling’s arms would become disproportionately longer than the rest of their bodies, some swinging them around in the air gleefully. Soon, they dove from the trees and into the bushes below, vanishing from all sight.

Quickclaw stared off into the woods with a mortified expression,

“Aw shit.”

 

[SilverFlight]

Korro hefted the pack, and then picked up Denver like he weighed nothing. It pleased him slightly to show off his strength.
The wolf followed the others outside, looking at the two glistening eggs they had just rescued. Then, to his horror, they began to hatch. Korro had tangled with dragons before: voracious, intelligent, predators and creatures you did not want to be on the wrong side of. He eyed the babies warily as they took to their new masters.
"If they mature in a month, I dread to think how much they eat." He muttered under his breath.

Something struck him and he glared at the trees and it's source.
"Can we not have a minute's respite from things that want us dead?" He growled as the ugly beasts laughed. They did their best to get a rise out of each of the companions. Korro turned his back on them, shielding Denver from the onslaught, Shinobi...was a different matter.
Before Korro could even react, one of the irklings had torn apart a possum in a gruesome display. Shinobi had responded in kind, and though Korro agreed with the sentiment, what happened next sent a cold stone to the pit of his stomach.

"I uh...suppose you would be sad if I let those things kill your vassal?" He asked Denver, who was still tucked in his arms. His tone was none too committed, but it did promise he would intervene if the possum looked like he might die.

"Barracuda! How do we stop them?" He barked, readying for yet another fight.

Gummy Worm MageMantis

 

[MageMantis]

Barracuda gripped his guns and looked at WarWolf, “Traditional tactics.” Replied he. A single Irkling sprung from a bush and charged at Barracuda, the Gunslinger blasting the Irkling in the head with a Wyrmsteel bolt as its head exploded to bits. The body fell over, leaving three Irklings left. Another Irkling lunged at Quickclaw and slashed its claw at her, the Lizardfolk ducking under as Barracuda aimed his gun and popped its head to bits too.

Another Irkling popped from a bush and wrapped its strong arms around Denver, attempting to drag him inside while the other Irkling dove from a tree and at Kanon, attempting to slash her across the face with its claw.


Fangs9090 SilverFlight Stern LuLuLu Gummy Worm Noble Scion

 

[Gummy Worm]

Denver yelped as he was grabbed "W-wait let me go!!" he yelled struggling against the Irkling as he felt the glass mark on his chest vibrate, Denver felt himeslf growing tired as he closed his eyes. When he opened them again he was not Denver. yes he still looked the same but his mind was being used but the being sharing his body. With a quick movement he pushed his hooves off the ground and spun so he was on top of the Irkling. he put his hands on its face as they began to glow. a sick sizzling noise could be heard as his hands heated up, he then used his thumbs to push into is eyes, A twisted smile on his face as the creature was killed.

After the gross attack Dever stood up and faced Korro. "Protect the possum, he could be useful" he sid his voice monotone, regal, and hollow. Denver picked up his staff and watched for any other monsters unfortunate enough to cross his path.

MageMantis SilverFlight

 

[Fangs9090]

Kanon had her blade ready, having drawn it when the creatures transformed. Kanon met the one diving at her with an overhead swing. The weight of her blade and the force of her swing combined with the irkling’s own momentum caused the blade to sink deep. Bracing against her sword, Kanon kept her footing against the creature’s weight and slammed it to the ground. She then stomped on the blade, pushing it the rest of the way through to finish slicing the creature in two.

 

[MageMantis]

With the Irklings slain, silence returned to the forest once more. Blestare looked at Denver with a look of fright. While he hadn’t known the goat for long, it wasn’t hard to see that he wasn’t himself. Tonnie stepped forward with a concerned face, “Are you all right, mate?” Asked she to the goat.

“We need to move.” Hastily announced Barracuda. “Their corpses will attract more.” Added he. He reviewed his map and compass before pointing to a point in the woods. “This way.” Spoke as he started speed-walking.

Gummy Worm Fangs9090 Noble Scion SilverFlight Stern LuLuLu

 

[Noble Scion]

Aaliyah Sh'ahn

With Korro's help, the flames would soon be extinguished with all the members, and the two new 'members', having escape safely, Aaliyah remaining by the eggs' side.

Before long, the two eggs would hatch, Aaliyah watching with a childish envy as the green hatchling would wrap itself around Adelynn as Barracuda would explain the creature, only for something else to coil around her leg.

"Oh! Hello little one!" The sahagin would giggle, before attentively listening to Barracuda's explanation for the dragon hugging her leg, her gaze softening on it before she'd reach down and pick it up in her arms, affectionately nuzzling its face with her own, already the picture of a doting mother as she'd keep it close.

"Thank you sir Warren, you too~" She'd giggle back at him before shuffling a little closer to the half-elf, the silver reptile in her arms looking at him with thoughtless, beady eyes as it would tilt its head with curiosity. "Want to pet him? You could be his 'papa'~"

The moment wouldn't last, however, as a strange new creature would start accosting the group, Aaliyah's face tilting into a saddened frown at the dead fish and the jeering, piercing words, only for her to burst into a chuckle as the Stormcleaver pup would scramble out of her arms to gobble down the 'treat'.

Thankfully their group was capable enough to deal with them quickly, freeing her to once again claim her pet in her arms, its face as smug as it was serene as it wouldn't have to walk, enjoying his fish mom's warmth as she'd start following after Barracuda.

"Surely they can't eat more than we can~" She'd hum optimistically to try and soothe Korro's worries. She was already too attached to leave it alone anyhow.

MageMantis Stern LuLuLu Fangs9090 SilverFlight

 

[Fangs9090]

Kanon swiped the blood from her sword before resting it on her shoulder. She let Adelynn go first before following behind her.

Adelynn hurried after Barracuda, eager to avoid more of those things. Confident that the others had any hazards under control, she turned her attention to her new dragon. She’d heard some stories about dragons, but seeing one in person was something else. It also wasn’t the giant, fire breathing terror that most stories described. Rather, this one would be depending on her, at least for a while. She pulled up some of her rations to feed it, quickly discovering it preferred meat over fruits and vegetables. She needed to name it as well, but… “Um…how do I know this dragon’s…gender?”

MoonShadow fell behind as she added some bits of irkling to her eggshell of food. It was quite the handy bowl, but it did occupy her hands an awful lot. She followed behind at the back of the group once she had collected her food.

 

[Gummy Worm]

Denver brushed past Tonnie coldy "Yes, yes, perfectly fine" he said his hand still steaming from the heat. Shinobi panted as he stared at the corpse of the Irkling and drew his sword from the corpse and wiped it of its blood "あなたにエネルギーを無駄にしたなんて信じられない。 神々があなたの魂に容赦ないことを願っています。 哀れな生き物"

(("I cant believe I wasted my energy on you. I hope the gods a merciless on your soul. Pathetic creature."))

 

[MageMantis]

(Edited):

Barracuda turned his head to Adelynn, “If the sclera is white, it’s a female. If the sclera is slightly yellow, it’s a male (you can decide the gender).” Replied he.

The Irkling meat would taste rich with a pinch of sourness to MoonShadow, however it would strangely tickle the insides of her mouth a bit.

Tonnie would keep watch over Denver, knowing that he was most definitely perturbed.

Fangs9090 Gummy Worm

 

[SilverFlight]

Denver leapt out of Korros arms and suddenly was...wrong. He didn't stand like himself, or...sound like himself, and when he slew the creature with brutality that would give Korro pause, he knew he was not looking at his friend anymore.
The wolf bared his teeth. "What are you?" He asked the thing controlling Denver.
The irklings suddenly did not matter, and Korro stared daggers into the thing using his friend's body.

Gummy Worm