Graded [Cleansed Curses Shrine] Falling to Rise Part 3: The Toad, the Witch, and the Dream.

[StarPrincessVal]

Paru

​

As Yukan acknowledged her, Paru felt a small sense of pride. Thus far on her journey she had been wandering aimlessly, alone and lost in the wilds of Kuridan. This moment was the first real step of progress on her path of doing her duty. As Uriel addressed the others and Ko questioned his resolve, Paru smirked at Kai's challenge. She knew the mutt could hack it when it came down to it, but he did seem easy to fluster. Then she was called out by the celestial guardian that seemed to be tied to this place. "Me?... But... I-I can try, though I'm not sure what I can do..." Did she have the powers the celestial spoke of? It had been her sister who was chosen to lead her people, not her. Oparu had been trained in the way of ritual and spiritual guidance, not Paru... She was nothing but a sword swinger... constantly letting her sister down... but she wanted that to end. Maybe here and now it could. She stepped forth allowing herself to be positioned. She wasn't sure what to do, not really. But she had sometimes spied on her sisters training as a child. She remembered the meditating, the mantras, the words of the previous Kirin left for his predecessor. She calmed herself and focused her thoughts on the world they had left behind, the trees and animals of the forest, the farmers and crops of the field, the rain storms and rivers, the sun and earth. Existing in harmony between all things. She let out a sigh and begin to let the spirits of nature flow through her...

 

[gmimperfecti]

As Yukan concluded his speech, a hushed silence fell over the gathering, as though the very winds held their breath in reverence. His words hung in the air, their echoes resonating within the hearts of every listener. Yukan's address was not merely a rallying cry; it was a heartfelt acknowledgment of the trials they had all endured and the collective journey they were about to embark upon.

As the last note of Yukan's voice faded, a ripple of response swept through the group. The tanuki forces, ever respectful of their commander, were the first to react. A swell of murmured agreement arose from their ranks, their usually mischievous eyes alight with determination. They fell into formation, their movements disciplined and precise, a testament to their trust in Yukan's leadership.

The celestial host, initially silent observers to the mortal's speech, found their voices next. Their ethereal tones rose in harmony, a beautiful choir of celestial agreement that echoed through the trees. Their words were beyond mortal understanding, a language older than the earth.

Then came the flying monkeys, their eyes bright with excitement and curiosity. They chattered animatedly amongst themselves, mirroring Yukan's positive energy. Even in the face of uncertainty, their spirits remained undaunted. They flitted around, their quicksilver movements creating a spectacle of vibrant colors in the early morning light.

The three mortal healers - Ceylan, Gyoubu, and Yumeko - exchanged glances of understanding and unity. They moved to the forefront, their steps deliberate and purposeful, embodying the resolve and compassion that their roles demanded. Yumeko, ever the calm in the storm, gave a quiet nod of acknowledgement to Yukan, her green eyes reflecting hard earned equanimity.

The silence that had fallen post Yukan's address was now replaced by a harmonious orchestra of murmurs, celestial choruses, and chittering excitement. It was the sound of unity, a testament to the camaraderie and bond they had fostered over their journey. It was a sound that carried within it the promise of success, of a group ready to face any challenge together.

As the guides took their places, the air became thick with anticipation. A sense of impending adventure wafted through the breeze, whispering promises of trials, triumphs, and camaraderie. Yet, amidst the anxious excitement, there was a sense of confidence, a belief that stemmed from Yukan's affirmation. They were united in purpose, and they were ready. What would the journey ahead hold for them? Only time would reveal the answer.

----

The trio of healers, standing distinct amidst the gathering, seemed to have formed a world of their own, where the tumult of the outside chaos melted into a background hum. The conversation was an island of calm amidst the gathering storm, their voices maintaining a steady cadence that contrasted with the heightened energy of the others.

Gyoubu, the seasoned Shrine Maiden, smiled kindly at Ceylan's flurry of inquiries. The earnest curiosity in his tone warmed her heart.

"Please, Saint Ceylan, there's no need for apologies," she reassured, her voice as soothing as the rustling leaves. "Your humility speaks for your character. Your questions reflect your commitment to your role. It's heartening to see such a matched pair. I am certain Yumeko would agree." Her eyes drifted to Yumeko, a gentle invitation for her to share her thoughts.

Yumeko nodded in agreement with Gyoubu, her eyes reflecting a similar warmth. "Indeed, Ceylan. It is only through questions that we learn and grow. The body is as much a mystery as the soul. As for the chaos of the battle..." Yumeko shivered looking away and reflecting upon her past.

"You are right to wonder, Ceylan," she began, her gaze steady. "Warriors often think their job is hard, risking their lives and choosing which enemy to kill. However, ours is harder. We must not risk our lives and decide which friend shall live."

Gyoubu's mood froze over, turning somber. "A battlefield is a maelstrom of chaos and violence, and yet in the midst of it, we are expected to bring healing and hope. Choosing whom to heal... it is a heavy burden." She took a deep breath and let it out.

"Formal training is..." Yumeko looked away again, watching the four heros on the cardinal points around the portal.

Gyoubu picked up the fraying thread of their conversation. "It's fine. We are asked to raise two wolf spiders. Actually if you catch them as they emerge from their brood, they often will imprint upon you. Anyway, we raise them and love them. When they are old enough, they are used as practice. Two warriors charge them, and we are only allowed to heal one."

Yumeko nodded, still watching the ritual begin to unfold. "Prioritization is saying no, of not doing, as much as it is saying yes to something. We must assess the situation, deciding who we want to save, when we will use our scarce resources, and who...," she paused, a flicker of sorrow passing across her features, "...who we will not. It is about driving the most impact from our powers."

Gyoubu, listening attentively, then chimed in, her voice reflecting the changes of her mood, now serious and calm. "Yumeko speaks true," she said, her hands idly playing with a charm. "There's a rhythm in every life, and when it stutters or falters, we must choose. Perhaps that is why Long Feather asked you to restrain your powers?"

---
As the ritual unfolded, first as the Sun rises in the East, so to did the ritual begin thus.

As Paru stepped forward, she could feel a warmth spreading from her core, moving outwards through her limbs and resonating with the celestial garden around her. It was a familiar sensation, one she had felt in the past but never with such intensity. Her memories of her sister's training came flooding back, and she focused on the feelings of tranquility, harmony, and balance that her sister always embodied during the rituals. She breathed in the energy of the garden, allowing herself to become a conduit for the spirits of nature, channeling their power into the ritual.

Slowly, a soft glow began to surround Paru, a testament to her affinity with the natural world. The light seemed to breathe with her, intensifying with each inhalation and dimming with each exhale, moving rhythmically like a gentle tide. The glow was soothing and warm, its soft radiance reflecting off her skin, making her eyes sparkle with an inner fire.

The light drew the attention of the celestial beings around her, their eyes wide with a mixture of awe and respect. The crowd watched in silence as Paru's body swayed lightly, caught in the rhythm of her mantra, her breaths echoing the pulse of the natural world around her.

As Paru continued her focus, she could feel the faint pull of the ley lines, sensing their delicate pathways stretching out from beneath her feet, crisscrossing the celestial garden and reaching out to the otherworldly realms. The sensation was like threads of silk sliding through her fingers, ethereal and elusive, yet full of potent energy. She took a deep breath, her heart resonating with the rhythm of the ley lines, and she began to guide them, her thoughts and energy shaping the lines, creating an intricate web of connections to the world they left behind.

Then, in the heart of the celestial garden, under Uriel's watchful gaze and among the crowd of celestial and earthly beings, the first part of the fairy ring began to form. Glowing with a soft light, it appeared beneath Paru's feet, its luminous shape reflecting her inner peace and harmony, an echo of the natural world she held in her heart.

The fairy ring spread, encircling the four and the portal at their center. The toadstools pulsed with the energy of the deep woods and celestial paths contained within. The toadstools were a wild chorus of color like a thousand different flower petals had tossed like confetti and landed as a magnificent ring of new mushroom caps. The sight of the ring confirmed Uriel's words, a testament to Paru's power and lineage. As the scintillating colored light danced around her, the crowd gasped. She was the Eastern Point, the beginning of the sun's rise, and the dawn of their journey home.

---

Kai's confidence was apparent in the way he moved forward to take his place in the south. With a determined gaze fixed on the portal, he raised his tattooed hand, each line of ink glowing softly against his skin. The floral pattern etched in his skin seemed to come alive, each petal flickering as if caught in a soft breeze, and the delicate moon in the center shone with a silvery light.

The moon, emblematic of his deep connection with the Dream realm, seemed to echo his sentiments - a desire for departure, a yearning to cross the boundary between this surreal, timeless world and the solid reality of his physical existence. Kai focused his mind on this desire, letting it flow through his veins and infuse every fiber of his being.

His will resonated outwards, wrapping around the portal, imbuing it with his intense determination. A ripple of energy pulsed from his tattooed hand, creating visible waves in the space between him and the portal. The ambient energy in the air seemed to answer Kai's call, converging on the portal, swirling around it in a display of breathtaking luminescence.

The pull of the portal started to resonate with Kai's intent, its pulsing frequency syncing with the rhythm of his heartbeat. He could feel it responding to his will, an echo of his desire for return rebounding from the portal and amplifying with each passing moment.

As Kai continued to concentrate his will, the dream realm seemed to ripple around them, responding to his influence, expressing the collective desire of the group to return to the physical realm. In this surreal moment, under the watchful gaze of the celestial beings, Kai stood as the embodiment of autumn - the fall before the rise, a testament to their collective will not to descend into the chaos of the Dream but to rise into the tangible world they once knew.

The crowd watched in awe as the portal began to pulsate with an enhanced energy, its luminescence intensifying, reflecting their shared longing for home. As they watched, it was clear that their journey was underway, guided by their combined determination and the innate power of those chosen by Uriel.

---

As Indicus took his position in the west, an immediate and profound change swept through him. He could feel the blood of lunar dragons coursing through his veins, their power a quiet hum beneath the surface of his awareness. His heart pounded in sync with an ancient rhythm, one that resonated with the power of the moon and the essence of the dream.

He felt a natural pull, an inexplicable instinct that guided him. Standing tall, his eyes glowed with a blue hue, reflecting the soft luminescence of the moon. He reached out, feeling the ethereal energy of the dream realm circling around him. His mind, imbued with the wisdom of lunar dragons, seemed to be a conduit, an anchor that solidified their collective will and offered a clear path through the chaotic energies of the dream.

As he focused on the memory of their world, a vision formed in his mind: of the tree at the center of the shrine, the constant thrum of life, the flutter of leaves in the wind, the rich earthy scent. This image became vivid, tangible, and he let it flow from him, outward into the swirling energy around the portal.

A soft whirlwind of blue magic started to swirl around him, whispers of silver winding through the vortex, reflecting his determination. The energy responded to his will, aligning with the memory of their world, bending and shifting to mirror the reality they sought. The vortex of magic grew stronger, and the portal seemed to shudder and pulse in response.

His essence, the heritage of the lunar dragons, became a guiding light, a beacon cutting through the nebulous energies of the dream. He was the sunset that gave way to the calm of night, the stabilizing force needed in the twilight hours of their journey.

The crowd watched in quiet awe as the magic of the lunar dragons danced around Indicus, a tangible testament to their unyielding will. As they stood in the presence of this wondrous spectacle, they could feel a palpable shift in the energy of the portal, a sure sign that their journey back home was progressing under the guidance of the chosen four.

---

Uriel watched the exchanges between Kai, Ko, and Paru, a soft smile touching his lips. It was heartening to see how far they had come since their arrival in this realm, and now it was time for Ko, the one who had unwittingly initiated this journey, to bring it full circle.

"Ko, the sword was but a tool," Uriel advised in a voice resonating with both patience and wisdom. "The true power that opened the portal came from you – your will, your intent. This realm reflects your deepest desires, and it responded to the energy you exuded when you struck the tree. This is what we call ones Sword Grace."

His gaze drifted towards Ko's hand on his sword hilt. "The blade might have been the physical conduit, but the essence was all you. Now, it's about harnessing that same energy with a specific goal in mind. You have to focus on your desire to return home, to leave this realm, and channel it as you did before."

Uriel's gaze flicked back to Kai, appreciating the cleverly veiled challenge he threw at Ko. He knew the swordsman's pride would not let him back down. "Kai is right. Your determination, your resolve as a warrior... these are what matter now. Visualize your destination. Concentrate on the world we left behind and use it as your beacon."

Then, Uriel addressed the crowd, his voice echoing in the celestial garden. "As each one of them plays their part, so must we all. Let us unite our wills, focusing on our world. Allow your energy to augment theirs, and let's open the door to shores of Creation."

With that, Uriel fell silent, letting his words resonate within each person present. As one, they all turned their attention to Ko, their collective anticipation and hope focused on the swordsman. For a brief moment, the garden seemed to hold its breath, waiting for Ko to wield his will and complete the ritual.

 

[Orikanyo]

Ko



"Tsk, are you-" his anger suddenly was boffetted by the words of more... What? Was... What were they...? Grrr... how dare they lecture HIM on the sword! He was the swordsman here! That impudent whelp couldn't even match his skill! There is no way he should be able to talk such drivel to him! but yet here he was! How annoying! He should cut him down for his impertinence...

Though with his sword's hilt in hand... He noticed...

He was being watched by everyone...

First they barely recognize his great act but now they look to him to be some sort of deliverer?

What was he?

Some sort of multidimensional portal expert?

Will he be asked by the nobility to bring them a roast from the kitchen of the palace next door?

Because by the gods watching and those that hold distain!

HE WOULD!

Because there's no greater showing of his strength and mastery than doing such a thing.

He remembered his master once challenging him and his fellow students to reach the kitchen whilst he protected it, that dinner was sweet when they finally decided to crash through the wall to get around him... it only took two days!!

Perhaps this is much like that day, knowing where to cut, how to cut... Ah, his master was wise indeed.. Old bastard did that the day they had meat buns to toy with them... Three day old meat buns were better than none though.

...Right...

The strike.

"You want to go back to the hill? Fine then, follow after and don't make me wait... Don't know how long those portals stay open for really so don't blame me if your tail gets caught." his hands reached first for his mundane swords... then he decided to take out the mithril blade, holding a hand upon the hilt. His breath slowed as he focused... visualizing the field... Where it lay, the newly purified land... There... he felt the brisk breeze from the rolling hills on his face...

With a final deep breath, he held it and struck.

Inescapable Death, Cross Between Veil. Weapon Mastery E, Multidimensional E, Penetrating E, Accurate E, Hot Shot E, Incurable E, Contact E, Blight E (razor sharp), Continuing E (Bleed), Penetrating E, Accurate E. Beasts that think themselves immortal are a pain to all swordsmen, this technique exists as the bane against all that think themselves untouchable. haphazardly used to cross wierd dimensional places. Grade E Action 1

 

[Elvario]

Ceylan

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From:
Ceylan (Event) - Granblue Fantasy Wiki

Languages: Common | <Beastial>

He'd noted Yukan's scepticism, but he wasn't sure why. Perhaps he'd have time to ask later. For now, his focus was elsewhere. After all, he felt like he was rapidly learning many things in short amounts of time. These two certainly had a practical wisdom to them; one he himself had always lacked. His calm voice was a stark contrast to his excitedly wagging tail as he engaged with them in conversation and debate.

His tail died down when his fears were confirmed. The need to chose who to save. That was the hardest part about their role, wasn't it? He'd figured as much, but now it was confirmed. He wasn't sure what a wolf spider was, but he didn't need to know such a thing to get how brutal such a training must be. It reminded him of some of his own training. “I learned a lot of my healing through a Syncretist priest, whom always said that you needed to understand someone's suffering before taking it away. As a result, he'd often mutilated himself or purposefully allowed himself to get infected with diseases. For anything I wanted to learn, he'd first ask me to do the same. It was difficult, but at least I never had to make such choices.” Honestly, he believed his own training might've been far more merciful than theirs.

Driving the most impact from their powers. That part struck him the most. “How do you decide such a thing in the heat of the moment? Do you have any knowledge on warfare or is it an instinct only trained through experience?” He knew this was a heavy and difficult topic, but he felt like avoiding it would just be a sign of weakness. His own weakness. “As a Syncretist, I've always been trained to cause the most good I can, but in a battle, the most good is winning the battle. Thus... that would mean that it wouldn't be a simple matter of healing the most harm, but of actually knowing which of the troops are most strategic to heal for the sake of winning the battle, would it not be?”

He was surprised to hear them mention Long Feather. “Perhaps it is...” He wasn't entirely sure, but it sounded plausible. He sighed. “Still, I wonder. The more our strength grows, the less often we'd have to chose, right? Yet... if our strength grows, so will our responsibilities and the challenges we face. The stakes would be higher and the risks more severe... Perhaps... perhaps I'm not suited to heal during battles.” The latter, he feared, might be true. Could a Wandering Saint truly be expected to so easily choose who to save and who to let die? Was that a part of Sainthood? Wouldn't a true Saint be able to save everyone? He wasn't sure.

 

[gmimperfecti]

As Ko worked through and prepared for his strike, the healers off the to side, watching the ritual unfold continued their own conversation.

They spoke more about their upbringings, Ceylan's teacher's way of empathy and the two Shrine Maidens about battle drills and mock triage. It filled the time as they watched the ritual.

At one point, Ceylan asked, “How do you decide such a thing in the heat of the moment? Do you have any knowledge on warfare or is it an instinct only trained through experience?”

Gyoubu spoke first, "Long Feather believed that what we practice we do, what we think we practice, and each moment should embody a choice." Gyoubu scratched behind one of her ears, "But it isn't easy to follow all of his teachings."

Yumeko nodded, "Such times rely upon the road paved not paving a new one."

Ceylan knew this was a heavy and difficult topic, but he felt like avoiding it would just be a sign of weakness. His own weakness. “As a Syncretist, I've always been trained to cause the most good I can, but in a battle, the most good is winning the battle. Thus... that would mean that it wouldn't be a simple matter of healing the most harm, but of actually knowing which of the troops are most strategic to heal for the sake of winning the battle, would it not be?”

"Strategy is an overlooked virtue for a healer, more so during battle. We of the Republic often use Igo, the board game, to simulate warfare and the difficult choices it entails as much as life drills."

Gyoubu smiled and nodded. Long Feather often would say things like, "Every time you place a stone on the board you are exposing something of yourself. It is not just a piece of slate or shell. You have entrusted to that stone your feelings, your individuality, your will power, and once it is played there is no going back. Each stone carries a great responsibility on your behalf.”

He was surprised to hear them mention Long Feather. “Perhaps it is...” He wasn't entirely sure, but it sounded plausible. He sighed. “Still, I wonder. The more our strength grows, the less often we'd have to chose, right?"
Gyoubu spoke, "It is true, the rich do not worry about poverty so much as those who are without coin." She looked at the Masanori scions standing near the dire board calvary and spit.

Yumeko chided Gyoubu. "The stone played by two masters is often impossible for a novice to grasp, yet each play by a novice is an obvious mistake to the master. The danger, Saint Ceylan, if you would permit, is your power allows for you not to train against such priorities, but should you meet another Saint who opposes you, then you may find it harder for never having played against an equal opponent."

--------

Ko was ready.

In that moment, as Ko held his sword high, his eyes ablaze with the certainty of his resolve, a ripple of silent anticipation washed over the garden. Every eye was on him, every heartbeat tied to the rhythm of his breath, every spirit lending its energy to the collective will such was the way of dreams.

Ko, the warrior, the swordsman, stood as the embodiment of their hopes, their will to return home. His eyes, though they held the flame of anger, also held a deep conviction that none could deny. And when he swung his sword, it wasn't the blade that moved but the force of their united will.

The air around him shimmered, reality bending to his will as the portal swelled in response to his strike. Ko's attack was once more flawless. He struck in the same place as before. Again he grazed enlightenment, touching upon the illusion of creation itself not with a blade but with Nishkriya, The Sword and Glory. What he saw again was enlightenment itself, and his sword art had changed by such insight gone was [Inescapable Death] and in it's place blossomed a new way to wield the sword, [Cross Between Veil].

This wasn't an attack on a corporeal entity; it was a severance of their ties to this realm, an assertion of their desire to return to their rightful home. Ko's strike transcended the physical, reaching into the metaphysical and manifesting their collective will. The sword's edge became the bridged that spanned the gap between realms.

With a loud, resounding echo, the rift widened, revealing a picturesque landscape that was an echo of the world they had left behind - the rolling hills, the vibrant greenery, and the azure sky. The portal shimmered with an ethereal glow, marking a clear path to their destination.

The shock of the moment, the breath taking beauty of the portal and the familiar world beyond, silenced the celestial garden. But then, the silence was broken by a collective sigh of relief and the garden erupted into cheers and applause.

As Ko lowered his sword, the edges of the tear he had created started to heal, but the path remained open, glowing invitingly. One by one, they started to move towards the portal, their faces shining with anticipation and joy.

As the crowd gradually made their way through the portal, they found themselves back in their world, back on the hill under the vibrant sky. They could feel the breeze on their faces, smell the earth beneath their feet. They were home.


Ko, with his sword still in hand, was the last to step through the portal.

As the last of the group stepped through the portal, it was clear that the portal was not going to simply vanish like a fleeting moment. Unlike what they expected, the rift didn't close. It remained open, pulsating with an otherworldly glow. The scar, the tear between realms that Ko had made, had taken on an almost solid form, crystallizing around the edges of the portal and creating a solid boundary between their realm and the Dream. It was the infinite tunnel when two mirrors opposed each other, a passage at once infinite and short.

The edges were not raw or ragged but were instead smooth and refined, as if they had been intentionally crafted.

It looked as though the repeated opening of this wound had etched a permanent mark in the fabric of Creation and the Dream, forever linking these two places. The dreamlike Shrine of Cleansed Curses and the reality of Creation, forever tied through this gateway.

The group looked back at the open portal, the silver glow illuminating their faces in the light of the day. The portal between Creation and the Shrine of Cleansed Curses was now a fixed point, a connection between realms that could not be easily severed. It stood on the hill under the open sky, a monument of their journey, a bridge between realities.

Closing the portal, at this point, would be a monumental task, if not impossible, which also meant that this portal would shift the dynamics of present political situation.

--------------



As the group embarked on their journey away from the town and towards the undulating hills that lead towards where the Hill Toads often made their winter homes they noticed different things.

Spoiler: what Ko picks up

Ko, the swordsman with superhuman hearing, started to pick up a low, almost imperceptible rumble. It was not unlike the distant grumble of an earthquake, yet its source was elusive, and the ground beneath their feet held a subtle vibration that seemed to pulse with an irregular rhythm.

Spoiler: what Paru picks up

Paru, guided by her sensitivity to the spirits of the wilds, could hear faint whispers carried by the wind. The whispers were a remnant of her experiences in the Dream, traces of an ancient, primal energy that still lingered around them. Her heat vision picked up an unusual heat signature, almost as if something was simmering beneath the hills, the warmth spread out in a seemingly haphazard pattern, all converging towards a distant watchtower standing solitary against the sky.

Spoiler: what Kai picks up

Kai, with his instinct for danger, felt a palpable sense of unease. His intuition projected a fleeting vision of the group riding towards the distant watchtower, but the sense of danger was pervasive yet strangely diffuse, creating an eerie sense of being encircled by a lurking threat.

Spoiler: what Yukan and other Tanuki pick

For the Tanuki, their sensitive noses picked up a peculiar scent carried by the wind. The smell was strange and disconcerting, reminiscent of the moist earth after a heavy rain but tinged with an acrid undertone of copper. It was a smell that didn't belong to this idyllic landscape, stirring a sense of unease amongst the creatures.

Spoiler: what Indicus picks up

Indicus, with his newly awakened blood and honed survival skills, felt an inexplicable pull towards the distant watchtower. It was as if an unseen force was subtly guiding him, a pull that spoke of a path they had yet to travel.

Spoiler: what Ceylan picks up

Ceylan, sensitive to the invisible currents of energy flowing around them, could perceive the intricate network of leylines and the ebb and flow of energy around them. It was as if a path was slowly revealing itself, a path that would take them past the watchtower and then fork out into the unknown. Along this path, he could sense faint traces of darkness, corruption, and curses, residues of a malignancy that was slowly being purged by the rejuvenating power of the celestial tree.

Despite the disquieting signs, the combined forces continued their journey. Several of the tanuki glanced towards Yukan from time to time, but they all wanted to prove themselves and the Hill Toad or the White Witch were their best bets. Their resolve was unbroken, ready to face whatever lay ahead, strengthened by their shared experiences and the bond that had grown between them.




OOC
- Feel free to post resposnes and actions for whatever might be up head at the watch tower.

 

[Elvario]

Ceylan

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From:
Ceylan (Event) - Granblue Fantasy Wiki

Languages: Common | <Beastial>
Mentions: Paru StarPrincessVal

Rather than it not being 'easy' to follow Long Feather's teachings, Ceylan honestly thought they didn't hold any meaning other than what meaning someone might give to it. In other words, it wasn't self-evident and thus only useful to help someone structure their thoughts on a certain matter. In this case, it sounded like 'what we practice we do, what we think we practice' insinuated a self-reinforcing mechanism by which your past choices helped form your decision-making for present and future decisions. Or at least, that is what Ceylan made of such a message. “To me, that sounds like a form of commitment to your actions, a pattern of being able to decide your actions better by how often you've made similar ones prior, be it in practice or reality.” Yumeko's proverb suggested the exact same.

“Igo... I believed I heard of it, though I never played it. I'd love to learn it one day, should a time and place for it arise.” It felt a bit odd to compare a game to a good warfare simulation, but perhaps the strategic insight one might gain from it would indeed be useful. Still, there was a darker aspect to it. “Although I must admit, with a background such as mine, I believe it would be utmost difficult to start seeing people as pawns akin to how one would in Igo, regardless of whether it'd be for the greater good or not.”

He fell silent upon the mention of mastery. Taking a fair while to think, before replying. “I would not claim mastery over much, especially not tactics and strategy, but you present a terrifying idea. Someone with equal powers, yet opposite ideology, would be an utmost terrifying enemy to face. I'd hope the gods would not fortune someone who's ideology is the polar opposite of mine, but I know demons that might. Still, I'd believe a true Saint would never become my opponent.” Perhaps it was a bit naïve, but he couldn't come up with someone worthy of Sainthood that he wouldn't be able to talk things out with. Only those that might fake Sainthood or that had similar powers from other sources. Truthfully, he wondered if her words held premonition. What if this White Witch was such an opponent? A terrifying thought indeed, but one he'd want to account for.

Thanks to Ko, they were able to leave the shrine without too much further trouble. Even here, on the other side of the portal, he could feel lingering senses of corruption, darkness and curses. The tree was doing its work, but the fact that darkness still lingered was evidence of how deeply rooted it'd been in the first place.

With most of the gathering between healers (likely) having concluded, at least up until they'd have time for more thorough lessons and a game of Igo, he turned his attention elsewhere. Yukan was still of interest to him, but he didn't want to distract him from his duties. Kai and Indicus didn't seem to be all that talkative. Ko was the type of person he wasn't sure how to approach. That left only the Kirin woman, Paru. He figured he'd try approach her again. “Excuse me, ma'am, I believe you were from some hidden forest village and ended up in that dimension without knowing how? Would you mind telling me a little more about your village and about yourself? Although I'll admit you have raised some curiosity in general, I'd also like to see if there really isn't something that ties you to these events at all, or if it was merely something that is easily overlooked without an outsiders perspective on it.”

 

[Shadow Dancer]

Indicus looked at the watchtower in the distance as his blood stirred and looking around he saw some of the Tanuki's noses twitch. Indicus just shook his head and continued moving with the group the footfalls creating their own cadence along with the soft clinking of supplies, armor and weapons. Indicus decided to try and practice recalling the feeling he got when the portal was opened. He felt like he was a step away from unlocking another secret in his blood but just could not get past that last little threshold to breakthrough.

 

[StarPrincessVal]

Paru

Mentions: Elvario gmimperfecti TheTimePiece​

As they walked, Paru thought about the events of the ritual. How had she managed to do that? She was the wrong sister. 'Inert', as the head priest would call her. She had never shown any signs of being spiritually receptive. She was just muscle. And she had liked it that way. Muscle got to drink till the late hours of the morning, while her sister slept and meditated to keep up her chakra. Muscle got to cut boars in half and feast with the locals, while her sister studied the growth patterns of last years harvest. Muscle got to fool around, while her sister practiced moral sanctity. She clenched her fist and scowled to herself as she walked.

As Ceylan approached she lightened up a bit. She didn't mind speaking with him, even if he was a holy man. He was different than the priests of her village, not talking down to her or treating her like a dissapointment. As he spoke, she contemplated his questions. Could she tell him about the village? It was supposed to stay hidden from outsiders, but that didn't mean she couldn't inform them that they had farms. How much talk was too much. This is why she didn't think she was the right person for this job, but she would do her best. "I... I suppose I could tell you some things about it, hijiri. It's a small community, maybe a hundred people living there. Mostly farmers and hunters. We stay hidden to remain separate from the rest of the worlds corruptions. However, my sist- the current leader, isn't sure that's the proper course of action anymore, so she sent me to learn about the world and return to her with what I learn. If you have time at some point, I would like to hear about your beliefs. I think that sort of thing is exactly the information I was sent to obtain. As far as my tie to these events, I really don't know. I'm sorry. I was traveling through the woods on my journey, and the next thing I knew, I was in that other place with you all. I don't know how I got there. I am very grateful for your aid." She gave a slight courteous bow to Ceylan.

Suddenly a faint sound caused her ears to stir. She looked up in the direction of the sound, but it seemed to be moving quickly all around her, and it was very faint. Her eyes scanned the landscape and she suddenly begin to realize that something was abnormal. "Pardon me, Hijiri." She bowed to Ceylan again and approached Yukan, attempting to get his attention. "Uh... S-sorry... I'm picking up a strange heat signature that seems to be coming from that watchtower. It's faint, or deep under the ground, I almost didn't detect it, but it runs through these hills. It may be an animal burrow or a hot spring source, there seems to be no discernable pattern to its layout." She didn't know if any of that was helpful, but she was trying.

 

[Orikanyo]

Ko


...Humph... it was good to get some recognition from others. Though he still was tempted to make a formal demand for a duel against this brash upstart who cannot cut between one or two measly dimensions! Though he had no clue earlier that he could as well... Far be it from him to let that brat upset HIM! HE was a master of his sword, and a master of himself! So, with a show up utmost maturity and calmness he... Turned his nose up and away from kai each second he would be near the man in the slightest.

Yes how do you feel being ignored by your better!!

Though, they were all now back in the real world... or was it still real...? Well, the portal was still there.. Err.. it was a portal now anyways...

Looks like a holy site to him.

So... no reason to think about it too much, this is the other canid's thing afterall. He was just a swordsmaster that could wield a sword of truth and apparrently cutting through dreams. No big deal really... As.. much as the others seem to think... Really he SHOULD be given MORE praise for his feat! How could they downplay and ignore his greatness! Surely it was largely an accident why it occurred and he sure as hell thought he could never do it again...

But here he was...

"...Yea like to talk alot... Will fit in well with these lot..." StarPrincessVal Ko regarded Paru's explanation with a rude shrug and... Cleaning his ear with a finger. "Whats that rumbling noise? Man can't even think with that crap happening in the hills."

 

[Elvario]

Ceylan

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From:
Ceylan (Event) - Granblue Fantasy Wiki

Languages: Common | <Beastial>
Mentions: Paru StarPrincessVal | Yukan TheTimePiece

He listened to Paru attentively, although he'd not manage to learn a lot of new things from it. “That is a most interesting quest you've been sent on.” He replied, as he learned about Paru's quest and about her sister. He gave her a gentle smile. “I've travelled a lot, but normally, I travel to where the corruption runs deepest and where the troubles are at their worst, so I couldn't give you a good idea on whether it's worth to stay hidden or not. However, I can say there are many beautiful sights and amazing people out there, as I feel like many of the people I met manage to keep surprising me... If I had to say one thing, your sister would need to carefully debate if she wishes to risk the world finding her village instead. If she choses to stay isolated, the chances of being uncovered will increase, as more and more of the world is explored and mapped out.” He realised he'd gone a bit off the chards. “My apologies, I'm saying more than needed of me. Still, I would love to meet and share my knowledge with your sister, one day. Of course I'm also willing to teach you about the Syncretist Gospel, but it is more of a practice than a theology when it boils down to it.”

Still, for her to be unaware of how she got caught up in this... it was still odd. “Perhaps we'll learn how you got involved later, or perhaps it was coincidence. Either way, before I forget, you may call me Ceylan, if you wish. I've still not gotten used to being referred to in such polite manners.” He looked as she headed for Yukan and mentioned sensing some things. He decided to add his own two cents. “All I can sense is that this area is dense with leylines and that traces of dark energy running through them are being purged by the Celestial Tree. Although, perhaps it is worth noting that the leylines go past the watchtower, further into the unknown.”

He decided to ignore Ko's remarks. His fellow canine was clearly a lot different from him, that much was obvious.

 

[Shiyonichi]

“Aye, a swordsmaster worth their salt. No doubt about it.” Kai would say innocently to Ko cutting the portal open, quickly conceding the point, as he had no real doubt in Ko’s skill in the first place and just said that to play him like a kazoo motivate him.

Kai would then instead react to Ko’s attempts at ignoring him, with not really acknowledging it at all. He didn’t really care to be honest, if he wanted to ignore Kai then that’s fine by the Yakuza Hobo, as long as they weren’t going to cause problems when in danger, that didn’t really matter if they weren’t on speaking terms. He definitely wasn’t amused by Ko’s reaction and it definitely didn’t remind him of a moody teenager or child who didn’t get the toy that they wanted. Definitely not.

Kai’s danger sense would go off and he would shift his mood, before saying to the group. “I can’t say anything concrete, but this entire place, feels dangerous.” Kai always had good intuition, but after he got to this world, it felt like he had an extra sense, like a cross between a radar and alarm that would go off when something dangerous was around him. It was one of the reasons why he was such an annoyance to the Fae when they played tag. “Can’t quite pinpoint where it’s coming from, but if I got to describe it, it’s like a predator stalking prey. It haven’t quite decided to pounce, but it haven’t decided to it’s not worth it. Everyone watch yer backs.” Kai warned everyone to keep their guards up as this wasn’t a place for a picnic.

Elvario Orikanyo TheTimePiece Shadow Dancer StarPrincessVal

 

[TheTimePiece]

Yukan Koyake
​

gmimperfecti Elvario Orikanyo StarPrincessVal Shadow Dancer Shiyonichi

Thankfully Yukan's speech had been well received once again which was reassuring. He knew that for the long term he would need to keep this streak of successful public addresses going if he wanted to actualize his goals. While he noticed people were having conversations and there was some interest in hm from the glances he was receiving for now he largely stayed in formation and moved forward looking fairly stoic as perusal when in situations like these. While he did listen to the conversations about the ritual as they were in range, he didn't feel a need to add much to this conversation as he wasn't directly involved, it was better that he focused on keeping everyone together, not being inclined to make the first verbal move. There a sense of accomplishment he couldn't help but feel regardless as the group made their way along. He looked out to the changing landscape as in their moving formation of sorts the group went forward beyond the realm they had been in. Hoping that all would go well enough on that front of things, it was really all you could do when magic like this was involved.
Thankfully they successfully cleared the portal.

Yukan listened to what Paru had to say to Ceylan's questions since he too was curious about who this person was and where they had come from. Despite this he didn't appear to outwardly react much to what she had to say, it seemed something was bothering him.

He also looked to her and gave a slight nod to her as he was addressed by her directly this time around, before he looked to the strange tower himself yet again, strange in that he could smell a most unusual scent as if it didn't belong among where they had come out. Yukan's nose twitched a bit before he replied,

"Indeed this is an unusual tower from what I can gather, I can smell the scent of earth not long after a heavy rain has struck it...in addition a metallic scent as I am sure many of the other Tanuki can sense."

"Your additional information and thoughts are helpful, thank you for sharing them with me." He said matter of fact to Paru. Then there was Ko who just indirectly revealed there was some strange sound coming the way of the structure too.

He turned to Ceylan also when he spoke not really sure what he was expecting, but to hear the leylines were that strong wasn't terribly reassuring, giving him a nod too.

With Kai throwing in his thoughts about sensing danger this was all adding up to something unsavory.

Yukan acknowledged him too.

"With the information I have assessed, I believe that we are in the midst of a potential hostile." Yukan announced with a serious tone to the group raising his voice tapping into Leadership E.

"In order to ensure our security we should investigate the site, that tower and the hills, as they are the source of this unusual activity, it could be related to the White Witch." Yukan further asserted.

"We should take additional caution given there is a high possibility of danger, we know how to work to our strengths after our last endeavor, We shall continue to use our unity to our advantage here."


It seemed Yukan was ready to move into formation in the area when the others were.

 

[gmimperfecti]

Before the group proceeded on their journey, Riku took a moment to consider the celestial portal they were leaving behind. It was a link to a realm of mysteries and spirits, a symbol of their victory, and an unusual tactical asset. However, it was also a potential liability, a breach in reality that could invite unintended threats if left unguarded. As much as it was a beacon of their success, it was also a tempting target.

Calling upon a unit of archers and yari, Riku convened a brief council on the rolling hill before the Celestial Tree. His voice was a measured baritone, rumbling over the soft whistling of the wind.

"I entrust you with the protection of this tree and the portal," he announced, his gaze stern yet proud. "You are not merely guards, but wardens of this new landmark. Let no unwelcome entity pass through its threshold, and let no foe come within a stone's throw of the tree."

The soldiers stood in solemn attention, understanding the weight of their commander's words. The archers, with their sharp eyes and swift hands, were to serve as the first line of defense, their arrows ready to rain down upon any who dared approach. The yari, armed with long spears, would stand as the bulwark, the last defense between any enemy and the celestial portal.

"As long as we stand vigilant, our victory will be preserved," Riku continued, looking at each of his soldiers in turn. "This celestial portal is now a part of our realm. Respect it, protect it, and remember the price we paid to cleanse it. Let that price not be in vain."

---

As the ensemble pressed onward towards the distant watchtower, the landscape looked lush and undistributed. The distant watcher looked aged but regal. A silhouette or two walked about it's ramparts, vague shapes of activity and life to keep any suspicion at bay. In fact the vague senses that each had felt, vague reasons to discount continuing forward intensified. If they weren't so eager to move forward, if their intent was not firm, it would be easy to justify ignoring the tower and just continuing along the road instead towards the swampy forestland where the wolf spiders and hill toads made their homes.

Taking the low road instead towards the tower was different. The road itself followed a small leyline, an admixture of the departing corruption and the celestial energy now flowing from the Celestial Tree that the Corpse Tree had become. Still, out of the corner of their eyes one could see something that was once lush, green hills that looked bleak but only when half seen. The verdant grass was replaced with grey and lifeless shrubs. The trees were gnarled, their branches reaching out like skeletal hands. It was as though life had been sucked out of the landscape and replaced with an eerie stillness that seemed to hang heavy in the air.

As the forces continued, they could see an unusual shimmering on the horizon, like a heat haze distorting the world beyond. As the mile march grew closer to a quarter of a mile from the watch tower upon the low, unused road, it became clear this was no natural phenomenon. It was as if reality itself was bending and twisting, an illusion that seemed to ripple and shift, hiding something beyond their sight.

Something was wrong here. The corruption that Ceylan had sensed earlier was growing stronger, almost tangible in its potency. This was the touch of the White Witch, her powers of illusion and corruption warping the world around them. They were entering her hidden domain.

Suddenly, as they pushed through the veil of illusion, a massive toad materialized in their path! It was grotesque, its bloated body covered in pulsating warts that oozed a foul-smelling mucus. Its eyes glowed with a sickly green light as it let out a guttural croak that echoed across the desolate landscape.

This was one of the Hill Toads they had been hunting, but it was clear that it had been touched by the White Witch's corruption. Its presence served as a living barrier, a grotesque sentinel guarding the path to the watchtower. The army halted, unsure of how to proceed. The toad was enormous, easily the size of a small hill itself, and its aura radiated a powerful malicious energy.



Eyes focused on the monstrous creature blocking their path. All knew they had to press onward, the watchtower was a pivotal point in their journey and they couldn't afford to backtrack.

But as they readied for battle, the ground under their feet began to rumble ominously. The corruption had seeped into the very earth, warping the land itself. Sinkholes opened up around them, and the earth quaked beneath their feet. A foul odor of decomposing earth burped from each of the sink holes. They found themselves not only faced with the monstrous toad but also an unstable and treacherous terrain. The challenge they had to overcome had just doubled, and the path to the White Witch had grown even more perilous. The hunt for the Hill Toad and the White Witch had truly begun, the illusion and corruption standing as formidable obstacles in their path.

---

Spoiler: OOC Information about the challenge of this scene.

OOC
The sinkhole and the diseased Hill Toad pose significant challenges to the group as they traverse through the treacherous terrain in search of the White Witch. They act as substantial obstacles, not just physically but also symbolically, representing the pervading corruption and dangers in this wilderness.

The Sinkhole: This is not an ordinary geographical feature. It's an insidious trap concealed by illusory magic and the deceptive serenity of the landscape. What appears to be solid ground can give away at any moment, swallowing those who tread upon it without caution. The peril of the sinkhole goes beyond the immediate threat of falling – the depth and the unknown nature of what might lie within it add layers of danger. Extracting anyone or anything that falls in could be a time-consuming and risky endeavor, potentially splitting the group and making them vulnerable to attacks. Furthermore, the sinkhole symbolizes the hidden pitfalls and unseen dangers that can appear in their journey, testing the group's vigilance, unity, and adaptability.

The Diseased Hill Toad: This creature embodies the corruption that the group aims to combat. It's a gross distortion of natural life, tainted by disease and likely driven to aggression by its affliction. The toad poses a direct physical threat, especially if it's of considerable size and strength as Hill Toads often are. Its disease could be infectious, posing a risk of spreading to those who come into contact with it. Moreover, there's a certain moral dilemma associated with the creature. It's a victim of the same corruption that's blighting the land, and its aggression may be a result of suffering rather than innate malice. As such, dealing with the toad may require the group to make hard decisions about the balance between mercy and necessity, further highlighting the ethical complexities of their mission.

Both these obstacles serve to remind the group of the corruption they're facing, challenging their resolve and their strategies. They are physical manifestations of the rot that has been spreading in the land, a tangible sign of the tasks that still lay ahead and the urgency of their mission.

 

[TheTimePiece]

Yukan Koyake
​

gmimperfecti Elvario Orikanyo StarPrincessVal Shadow Dancer Shiyonichi

It was reassuring for Yukan to hear Riku give concise and reasonable orders, as questionable as his activity had been when they first met, he was being quite a bit better now as an ally, seemed like the sort you always wanted on your side rather than an enemy that much could be gathered.

As the group approached the tower it wasn't long before Yukan was feeling similarly to how he did at that last shrine the main difference being the celestial and cursed energy competing with one another, not that Yukan had the skills to make heads or tails out them one way or another just that one was good and one was bad. Perhaps it had been this White Witch who had cursed the tree and shrine all those years ago as long as it had been that way, of course there was no way of knowing for sure but it certainly seemed that it was a likely case as these were all signature markers of her now that were much more recognizable. The dead landscape was a give away that the group was arriving in a problematic area combined with all the sensory details the group had revealed prior. Yukan looked around cautiously as they took the road presumably still in formation. Then there was the strange shimmering and almost disorientating effects they were being subjected too.

"Everyone I will reiterate we should remain enhanced caution when navigating this environment. There is a high chance of foul play and that she has engineered much of our environment to her advantage. And after that ambush attack we know for certain that our foe can use illusion magic to some capacity" Referring to the events with Mitsunari and the Masanori clan. While Yukan couldn't sense or detect illusion magic for certain with any particular skillset, just the fact that it was distorting and there was a past experience involving the witch with illusion magic this wasn't an unreasonable consideration to have.

Once they entered the domain, what Yukan wasn't expecting was a large Hill Toad right in front of them that he hadn't seen before, and he heard it now too it was a rather sudden intimidating sight to say the least as his eyes widened briefly before after taking in more details about the toad it shifted to a look of distain.

"This is utterly despicable.." He'd say to no one in particular.

"That this witch has no qualms defiling and corrupting what's natural..the ancestor of the toads like this, it's under her influence." He said.

Worse yet Yukan took notice of the ground shifting and becoming more dangerous around them with the strange smells, indeed he was right his comment about her possibly rigging things to her advantage in the environment rung true.

"It's going to be difficult to tell what's true and what isn't on this unstable ground.." Yukan proclaimed.

Yukan turned to those who were near him. "Truthfully besides the danger I'd rather not slay this Toad if it's possible for it's a victim of being in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Yukan's mind did however wonder if they did have to kill it, could it's corpse be salvaged for the festival even when it had been corrupted like this? If it was purified could it be? That part of his thinking didn't last long as there was much more important things at hand right now.

Naturally with all of this going on with the curse, Yukan turned to Ceylan.

"Can you make sense of what's going on here, Any information about the White Witch's influence here that would be of use? Can any of this be purified?" He asked figuring that he was the right one to ask, given he had purified the shrine.

He then spoke out with the ability Follow the Leader.

"It'll be impractical for us to try to hold any large scale formal combat formations with the ground unstable like this, I think in a situation like this we should move strategically in smaller groups. Those of you who are ranged and capable, minimizing your contact with the ground where possible could be beneficial. Healers should spread out as to have the most of us in range for aid as possible."

The later line more so referring to their winged friends many of whom used the bow.

" While we should be on the defensive and prepared, I believe that we should engage the corrupted Hill Toad in close combat only as a last resort, not only are they particularly dangerous at this size to battle under normal circumstances without such a dangerous ground it is difficult to say if this one's abilities have been enhanced by the witch's corruption."

At this point Yukan was giving elements of what he thought was wise to do moving forward, he thought it was likely that others would share their opinion on what to do, figuring Commander Riku would have some additional insight as well as some of others who had come so far.

Spoiler: Actions

1. Use Follow the Leader.

Follow the Leader - Leadership F, Warfare F, Republic of Kuridan Etiquette F Grade F Post Cooldown 0
Yukan uses his leadership skills and Knowledge on warfare to make informed dialogue.

 

[EMIYAman]

Tia
Mentions: Elvario
​

Amidst the rustling of leaves a young girl trekked steadily through a forest. Clad in a simple white sun dress and not even shoes on her feet. If anyone had been around to observe the strange sight of a child traveling in the wilderness alone they would no doubt notice the odd pathing of her journey. She would stop suddenly as if lost in thought, then continue. Other times she even turns around and doubles back seemingly abandoning her destination entirely only to turn right back around with renewed vigor. Tia had been in this state for over a week.

Clutching the letter in her hand Tia once again familiarized herself with the scent lingering upon it. As time passed the scent itself grew weaker but she had followed it for quite a while now and now the trail was fresher and she no longer needed the letter to guide her. Instead, she kept it as a reminder of her goal. To keep the image of her only family firm in her mind. Just the thought of them stirred feelings within Tia that she still struggled to fully understand. Gripping the letter tightly threatening to tear it her emotions surged. With only the sound of nature to accompany her Tia smelled the scent growing even stronger, meaning she was close to her father. Her packmate; the only one left. Thinking of him aroused a feeling of longing within her, one of both affection and hunger. Her instincts were flaring up, the desire to be with her father and to eat were blending in a way that frightened her. Yet she couldn't abandon her path. She had to see her father, she had to see Ceylan.

Finally breaking through the tree line Tia found herself in a field of rolling hills. Directly following Ceylans scent would lead her to a settlement in the distance, but going to a location where people gathered was off the table for Tia. Whether she could pass as a human or not, her sudden "urges" wasn't something she could likely control surrounded by what she would perceive as prey. Forgoing that option entirely she continued to follow a less direct path to Ceylan. It wasn't long before Tia came upon a foreign sight she couldn't make heads or tails of. There was an expansive circular shape in the distance like a hole in the air rather than on a solid surface. Curiously she stared at it but before she could get any closer the chatter of people alerted her. Ducking out of sight she peeked out from a bush seeing a group of guards holding the long shiny fangs of metal in their hands. Just looking at them once again aroused her hunger. Her natural inclination was to try and stalk them, but the promise of seeing Ceylan kept her animalistic tendencies at bay. With a sniff she could tell Ceylan had passed through the area earlier, and very recently at that. So fresh was it that she could now pick up the other scents layered with his. Meaning he wasn't alone. Pursing her lips Tia once again found herself conflicted; her father was close but he was likely with strangers. They were unknown and unknown meant danger, if they ended up being a threat to her or Ceylan... In response to this thought the tips of Tia's hair wriggled in agitation. Briefly revealing themselves as thin strands of biomass rather than actual hair. With a start, Tia realized her form breaking down even if in a small way. Taking deep breaths she repeated the mantra Ceylan had once told to her and which had centered her all this time.

From then on Tia's pursuit turned into something more like a mad dash. She was ignorant of a lot of things but even she could tell how unstable she was getting ever since Haruki's death. In her heart, she held some hope that Ceylan would be the answer to all that. Her solitude especially. The trail brought her before a great tower in the distance. While from her vantage point, she could see the tower seemed to have some guards Ceylans's scent was leading her in that direction. As she approached a strange tenseness began to grow within her, not unlike the way animals sense incoming disaster. It was uncomfortable but it did not deter her. Running along the path Tia could feel just how close she was getting, she was sure any moment now she would see her father. Going around some foliage blocking her view her nose told her he was RIGHT there! But she could see nothing. There was no mistaking the strength of the scent but her eyes told a different story. Confused Tia looked around, then made some tentative steps forward. As she did she could see a shimmer on the horizon like a mirage or haze. The feeling of unease grew stronger and just as it did the landscape changed.

The previously vibrant surroundings had turned black rotted and dead. The grass was dry and crunched beneath her feet while the trees were bereft of their leaves and gnarled. A revolting stench hung in the air and the ground shook, but it all barely registered to Tia. He was right there. His back was turned towards her but she finally caught up to him there was no mistaking it. The beings that stood by him were non-factors, Tia merely ran by them. A smile threatened to come upon her face for the first time in a long while. "Cey-" but she stopped. Finally noticing the large toad standing threateningly ahead of him. Tia's eyes widened at its size but rather than feel shock or fear all that came upon her was violent intent. Her thought process wasn't logical, nor was it reserved by common sense.

While the group had yet to notice her arrival and were preparing to mount a plan against the toad, Tia ran forward. The sight would be ridiculous or perhaps horrifying to anyone else; a little girl running directly toward a large monster. Such an act even went against how Tia would normally act, usually keeping to her human disguise especially when near Ceylan. Meaning she never fought in the open often opting to take out threats discreetly. But her lonely wanderings had left her more than a little skewed. While she had enough sense to not reveal her biomass manipulation-related abilities she still had her raw strength and some cunning. Rearing her fist back she punched the toad and as soon as her fist connected she channeled a bone spike into her fist forcing it to stab into the toad as she punched it [Punch Spike]. Her eyes were filled with murderous intent and a growl threatened to escape her lips. Reason seemingly having left her entirely for the sole sake of ripping the enemy threatening Ceylan apart.

• Punch Spike- Feature: Retractable Claws, Super strength F, Elasticity D- Tia uses her unnatural strength and punches her enemy. As soon as she does she manipulates her biomass to form into a bone spike that shoots out from the front of her fist into what she punches. When her fist is pulled away the spike quickly retracts back into her discreetly. - Grade D - 2 post-Cooldown

 

[Elvario]

Ceylan

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From:
Ceylan (Event) - Granblue Fantasy Wiki

Languages: Common | <Beastial>
Mentions: gmimperfecti | Yukan TheTimePiece | Tia EMIYAman

Ceylan felt uneasy as he could feel just how strong the corruption was in this place. “The Celestial Tree isn't reaching well here. This is about as bad as the Shrine before we Cleansed it... so... we might be entering another such territory. Perhaps the original place.” He doubted the others would need such a warning, but he gave one regardless. “We're following a small leyline, a mixture of departing corruption and Celestial Energy.”

The shifting landscape only increased his uneasy feeling more. “The strength of it... I've no doubt about it. This could only be the work of this White Witch we've heard about. This is a domain of hers, of not her primary one. It has to be.” He said, as a shiver went down his spine and through his tail.

The sudden hill-toad gave him no clue what to do next, as he just stood still and stared at it in shock. A Hill Toad alone sounded like it could be trouble. This corrupted one? Far more trouble. “The malicious energy from it has the sense of the White Witches' influence all over it.” He wasn't sure if anyone needed such confirmation, but he gave it regardless.

That's when he noticed the earth itself had turned against them. Unstable, treacherous, cursed. To make matters worse, it was likely the White Witch herself would know who'd enter her domain and that she'd keep tabs on them. He instinctively looked to Yukan for some guidance. Even after his talk with the other healers, he felt highly underprepared to take on this type of task without being given any directions. “If her illusionary magic is malicious or cursed in nature, I might be able to sense some of it, but I can not give any guarantees, for it seems far stronger than I'm normally able to sense.” Ceylan replied, upon Yukan's mention of it.

He was surprised by Yukan's words about the toad. “Indeed it is, but were you not set out to kill a toad for your quest? Do not misunderstand, I am all for trying to cleanse this corruption, but if your goal is to hunt a Hill Toad, would it not fulfil your goal and put it out of its misery at once? It seems more wrong, to me, to spent our energy and effort cleansing this Hill Toad only to find and kill another that hadn't been corrupted.” At the end of the day, as far as Ceylan was aware (perhaps he was wrong), Hill Toads were just animals, albeit a bit bigger and more noble.

Ceylan had to think on Yukan's next words carefully. “I believe it might be possible, but as before, I think it might be best to go to the source of it. If the Celestial Tree's energy can't push up against the corruption that's spreading here, any purifying I might be capable off would only be temporary, unless we can get rid of the source.” He wasn't fully sure, so he'd ponder about it a bit more (Magic B, Healing B, Focus F, Religion B) to see if he could come up with alternative solutions.

When Ceylan heard Yukan's words to the troops, there was one worry on his mind. “With all due respect, I believe the White Witch would not be as foolish to ignore flying threats to her domain. We've spotted the dangers on the ground, but those of the sky have yet to be revealed. It's not within my rights or knowledge to interfere too much with your commands, but if I may suggest one thing, I would at least not spread them too far or thin, as I have a foreboding feeling they might be hit by something sooner rather than later.”

That's when all his thinking went out the window. He noticed Tia running at him. Surprise, shock, tail wags. That was the order of emotions he went through. That tail drooped when she ran at the Hill Toad. “No, Tia, wait!” He'd call after her. He'd finally met her again, he couldn't lose her almost instantly. His mind turned around quickly, he knew what to do. The same he'd done with Paru, just a lot more quickly. He used [Summon Targets (D)] to summon Tia to him as quickly as he could, hopefully before she'd agitate the Hill Toad.

If he were to succeed, he'd immediately embrace her. One, because he wanted too. Two, to keep her from running off again. Three, to ensure nobody would consider attack her with the way she looked right now. Four, to calm her down. “Calm down, Tia, it's alright. You've done great. You've found me. It'll all be good. It's alright.” He spoke, using [Soothing Aura] to help calm her down again. He'd need to explain this all later, he realised, but that could wait. Tia came first.

D e CD's (Duration)
Summon Targets D – Summon Creature E, Magic Affinity D, Magic Duration E, Magic Targets E, Energised D – Character summons a specific creature or a specific group of creatures from the same plane of existence (within a 100 feet search range), Grade D e – 1 Post Cooldown
E e CD's (0/0)
Soothing Aura E – Magic Affinity E, Healing E, Magic Range F, Magic Targets F, Magic Duration F, Religion F, Empathy F, Energised F, Persuasion F – Character has a soothing aura that calms and heals those around them. - Grade E – = Post Cooldown.

 

[Orikanyo]

Ko


"Alright, guess we found it, time to go slay it-" Oh, well, how would he get close...? Hrrmm... Hill toad... it... certainly looked like a toad. Big, toady looking, with the ground basically rumbling at it's feet... yep, just a normal toad...

...

"The information at our disposal in regards to our foes leaves much to be desired." he stated frankly, eyeing the thing from afar. "...If we approach, it entraps us. if we don't, it'll likely come towards us and entrap us. There is clearly one way to go about this... Ranged combat... or being atop of the creature. Can anybody reveal they have the ability to fly when it is most convenient?" he tried joking, but.. Suddenly...

A human girl had appeared.

And tried to... Attack... the toad!?!?

Well she certainly had more guts than alot of the soldier here!

Though it was Ceydan who used that spell again to bring her back.. which was smart, though he halfway thought the toad would explode by the strange little girl's punch. So he hoped anyways, what else would happen? She gets eaten? likely, very likely.

"...So... That yer kid or something? We babysitting now?" Ko asked with a shrug, looking at a loss for their plan to fight this thing...

 

[StarPrincessVal]

Paru

Menitons: Orikanyo
​

She nodded curtly again at the holyman. "Ceylan, I shall remember that. I don't believe I have given you my name yet. I am Paru."

As Yukan acknowledged Paru's input, she felt a smile wave of pride wash over her. But it was short lived as Ko remarked on her long winded explanation. She glared at him, a pout on her face. "I'm trying to offer my assistance, Mutt. Maybe once I can swing a sword as well as you I'll be able to get away with merely muttering and barking." But Ko's words struck a chord as suddenly everyone began to converse again and she realized how out of place she was. She hung back as the group continued to make their way to the tower.

Paru pulled her sword from her back as the toad appeared before them. She listened to the others talk trying to formulate a plan, when Ko's voice near by caught her attention. "I... I can get on it's back. It shouldn't be too difficult, if you can keep it from trapping me before I reach it." Before he could respond however, a small child ran past them, causing Paru to stare in surprise and confusion. The child surely had courage, but lacked self preservation. She watched Ceylan magicall yank the child back, as he had done her before, then embrace her. Obviously this child was someone important to the holyman and the sight made Paru slightly homesick, but now wasn't the time for that. She looked at Ko again. "Can we work together?"

 

[Shadow Dancer]

When the toad appeared Indicus immediately went on guard, holding himself in check as the group planned. When he saw a young girl run up and attack the toad before the priest used his magic to pull her back. Indicus couldn't help but feel that a little girl literally beat him to the punch. Indicus was looking forward to this fight, the zombies were hardly satisfying they never felt pain, it was like fighting aggressive training dummies.

Indicus heard Paru's question and thought about it before nodding, "I don't know about the others but I probably could keep it busy easily enough. What's the plan once you are on it's back?"

 

[Shiyonichi]

Kai noticing the Sinkholes used his [ Sense F ] to detect the sinkholes areas. “Ahem, everyone. The areas ya should avoid…” Kai quickly pointed out where the highest risk areas of sinkholes would be, though he’s was not as detailed as he would have liked to be due to a lack of timing.

Kai would then use his [ Future Sight ] F to see the next movements of Hill Toad. Kai was a lot of things, but he wasn’t recklessly stupid. Rather he prepared for the movements of the others willing to work with his teammates as he had no idea what to expect. Kai would quickly send out a short warning for Yukan and Riku about the next movements of the Toad which he gleamed with his future sight as he kept his own guard.

TheTimePiece

 

[gmimperfecti]

Yukan called out almost like a parent might warn a child away from touching a flame to the assembled host, "Everyone I will reiterate we should remain enhanced caution when navigating this environment. There is a high chance of foul play and that she has engineered much of our environment to her advantage. And after that ambush attack we know for certain that our foe can use illusion magic to some capacity," Referring to the events with Mitsunari and the Masanori clan. While Yukan couldn't sense or detect illusion magic for certain with any particular skillset, just the fact that it was distorting and there was a past experience involving the witch with illusion magic this wasn't an unreasonable consideration to have.

The haunting moan of the wind sweeping across the fetid swamp announced the gruesome encounter between Tia and the gigantic, diseased Hill Toad. A beast of epic proportions, the toad stretched over 32 feet in diameter, its bloated body appearing as a grotesque hill amongst the marshland. It was infested with bulbous pustules, pulsating with every labored breath it took.

Tia, summoning her primal fury, charged at the repugnant creature. The toad watched her approach, its beady eyes filled with contempt for the seemingly insignificant threat. But Tia didn't seem to notice. With her bone spurs glinting ominously under the wane afternoon light, she sprang forward, a hint of resolve burning fiercely in her eyes. She struck the Hill Toad, her spurs piercing its mottled skin with a nauseating splatter, puncturing one of the sickly pustules that plagued its body. The impact sent an arc of poisonous iridescent green sludge soaring through the air. The toad gave a low moan as its pustules was popped. One of its chromatic, scintillating eyes watched her for a moment.

The second the infectious ooze met her skin, it began its corrosive assault. Her body became awash in agony, but she refused to falter. As Tia yanked her spurs from the creature's pustule it was like stabbing mud. She mad a wet sucking sound but it was impossible to say without supernatural senses if any damage had been done to it.

She was bathed in poison and pus, the substance searing her skin. Worse, it seemed to worm its way into her wounds almost like small tadpoles swimming along her skin and into her pores. The pain was intense, an acute reminder of the toad's lethal affliction. Amidst the excruciating pain and against overwhelming odds, Tia would have continued her battle, but her father called her back.

Once Tia initiated the confrontation with the colossal, diseased Hill Toad, Yukan rallied the troops. The commander who had started out unseasoned had gained respect from the troops he'd allowed to follow him. Yukan's command through his leadership skills and knowledge on warfare helped to make an informed dialogue. He projected a sense of competence and confidence that many of the "soldiers in training" dearly needed. Even though the warriors had drilled and fought zombies, they were still themselves new to life and death situations.

Yukan's voice cut through the tension, echoing the wisdom of a veteran warrior [Follow the Leader]. "It'll be impractical for us to try to hold any large scale formal combat formations with the ground unstable like this, I think in a situation like this we should move strategically in smaller groups. Those of you who are ranged and capable, minimizing your contact with the ground where possible could be beneficial. Healers should spread out as to have the most of us in range for aid as possible."

The later line more so referring to their winged friends many of whom used the bow. Whiteclaw and the other birdkin scouts spread out, leaping and dashing, bows out and arrows nocked.

"While we should be on the defensive and prepared, I believe that we should engage the corrupted Hill Toad in close combat only as a last resort, not only are they particularly dangerous at this size to battle under normal circumstances without such a dangerous ground it is difficult to say if this one's abilities have been enhanced by the witch's corruption."

At this point Yukan was giving elements of what he thought was wise to do moving forward, he thought it was likely that others would share their opinion on what to do, figuring Commander Riku would have some additional insight as well as some of others who had come so far.

Riku, once more known for his smooth words and self-preservation than his prowess in battle, rose to the occasion. He had seen the potential benefits of alliance with Yukan and had, begrudgingly, allowed some of that commander's honor to seep into his own tactics. His eyes, once merely keen on potential profit, were now focused on the monstrosity before them.

He addressed his troops, his voice projecting confidence and a touch of his usual cunning. "Spread out, boar riders," he commanded, "Engage the beast, but remember, we're not here to win a contest of strength. We're here to win the war. Keep it distracted, keep it moving. The less it can focus, the better." His orders bore an element of caution, revealing his intent to minimize his casualties.

Behind him, his yari unit stood ready, their eyes trained on the healers, ready to spring into action at any sign of threat. Their formation was defensive, creating a secure perimeter around the most vulnerable among them.

Among Riku's ranks, Yumeko stood out. The elderly Shrine Maiden, dressed in her faded indigo robes, emanated a serene calm in the face of impending chaos. Her experience was vast, having encountered Hill Toads in her time, but the monstrosity that loomed before them was unlike anything she had seen before. Even so, she did not falter.

With her hands held together in prayer, Yumeko relayed her knowledge to the assembled forces. "Be mindful of its tongue," she warned, her voice steady as she looked upon the beast. "It can strike with the force of a cannon. And watch for when it leaps. The ground will tremble, and it may use the opportunity to burrow or hide within the marsh."

Her words held the attention of everyone, the soldiers nodding their understanding. Her mention of the toad's ability to manipulate the elements of water and earth struck a chord of concern among the ranks, but it also steeled their resolve. They were facing a formidable foe, but under the leadership of Yukan and Riku, and with the guidance of Yumeko, they stood ready to face the challenge.

Yukan's words, though a stark reminder of the peril they faced, had instilled a sense of strategic preparedness in the troops. His warnings of the potential dangers ahead did not dampen their spirits but made them more resolute. And so, under the leadership of Yukan and Riku, they readied themselves for the imminent combat against the massive Hill Toad.

The archers and scouts unleashed three volleys of arrows.

As the archers loosed their arrows, the tension amongst the soldiers was palpable. The whistling sounds of arrows flying through the air in rapid succession echoed in the battlefield. Their precision and speed, a testament to their intense training and the trials they had faced. Each volley was a precise choreography of power and finesse, displaying the remarkable growth of the archer units.

As the battlefield continued to churn and shift under the influence of the enormous Hill Toad, Kai's unique abilities came to the forefront, proving instrumental in helping the troops navigate the increasingly perilous terrain.
With the intensity and swiftness, Kai activated his [Sense F] ability. His eyes, imbued with an otherworldly glow, and darted across the landscape, locking onto the subtle changes in the soil. He identified the areas most likely to collapse into sinkholes, the loose mud and the shifting terrain signaling the earth's hidden threats.
Clearing his throat, Kai quickly gestured to the areas of concern, his urgent voice cutting through the din of battle. "Everyone, avoid those areas..." He pointed out the zones of potential danger, his instructions concise due to the time constraint. Still, the advice was valuable, providing a map of safety amongst the treacherous earth, allowing his comrades to sidestep potential pitfalls.
The Dire Boar Calvary used Kai’s advice to navigate the maze of sink holes, gaining enough speed to charge along the toad’s flank and soft belly. Their long Yari blades sinking deep into the toad’s skin. Instead of retracting the Yari, each rider released as soon as the spear jabbed home.
Kai activated his [Future Sight] ability. His eyes turned a vibrant hue as the immediate future unfolded before him, the movements of the gigantic Toad playing out in his mind. His vision revealed the beast's imminent actions, a useful advantage in the unpredictable chaos of battle. Kai was not one to keep this critical information to himself. He promptly conveyed his predictions to Yukan and Riku, alerting them to the Hill Toad's impending movements. He gave a warning. Kai's prescience, combined with his willingness to collaborate, elevated the group's tactics and bolstered their chances of survival against the gargantuan adversary. Riku’s eyes widened Anna he called for the boat riders to retreat.
The arrows, however, met with unexpected resistance. The Toad's back skin seemed to absorb the arrows like a sponge, the shafts disappearing almost instantly into the muck-like flesh. Each successful hit against the disease-ridden pustules on its body sent showers of a sickening green ooze in all directions. The acrid smell filled the air as the ooze splattered onto the ground, sizzling ominously on contact. Yukan's foresight in keeping the troops at a safe distance spared them from being coated in the hazardous substance.
The reaction of the Toad to the onslaught was strange. Instead of lashing out, it groaned in a low, guttural tone, a sound that resonated deeply, vibrating through the ground beneath them. Rather than counterattacking, the beast began to roll around in the mud. Its gargantuan body, crushing and shifting the landscape, resulted in an expanding network of sinkholes that quickly transformed into a sizable pit.
The sight was bewildering. The Toad's actions were not of a typical beast enraged by attack, but rather of an entity luxuriating in a bath. Its formation of a muddy pit further emphasized this notion, prompting speculation amongst the troops about the creature's true nature and the extent of its corruption by the witch. As they watched the mud pit grow around the beast, their strategic plans would have to adapt to this unforeseen change in terrain.
Meanwhile the rest of Yukan’s irregular logistics unit discussed tactics and bantered amongst themselves. Paru, Ko, Indicus and a few others chatted and planned while Ceylan saw to Tia. Gyoubu looked over from further away but she remained supporting the right flank of the army, her nature energy reaching out to help them resist the miasma like haze filling the air from the combination of the arrow barrages and the toad squirming in its new mud pit. A few small mushrooms pushed up from the ground as the trio chatted. They were bone white in appearance with a faint silvery sheen like they’d been dusted in silver.
As Ceylan extended a desperate hand towards the charging Tia, the air seemed to thicken, a distortion of reality forming around the wolf Beastkin. The magic of the [Summon Targets (D)] spell was powerful, palpable in the charged atmosphere, pulling Tia out of the toad's dangerous proximity. Within moments, the distorted space collapsed back into normalcy, depositing Tia safely in Ceylan's arms.
The immediate danger averted, Ceylan pulled her closer into a comforting embrace, his grip firm yet gentle. An ethereal glow began to radiate from him, encapsulating the pair in a warm, serene light. His [Soothing Aura] ability washed over Tia, its soft tendrils of light tracing her form, seeping into her injuries. The area around them fell into a momentary tranquility, the comforting aura affecting not just Tia, but everyone in its range, muting the immediate tension of the battlefield.
Though the Soothing Aura brought momentary peace and even eased some of Tia's visible discomfort, it did little to reverse the severe damage inflicted by the corrupted Toad's pustule. The strange disease had already begun to metastasize hands warping the grotesque bone spurs and forming a river of raised bumps tracing her lymphatic system in her arms, a disturbing sight contrasting the normalcy of the rest of her wolfkin girl’s body.

The aura flickered around these protrusions, sizzling as the two energies competed against a barrier that the disease seemed to have formed. The potency of the corruption was beyond the healing magic. Nonetheless, his embrace remained steady, the comforting light of his aura persisting, an unwavering beacon of hope amidst the looming shadow of their formidable foe.

 

[Elvario]

Ceylan

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From:
Ceylan (Event) - Granblue Fantasy Wiki

Languages: Common | <Beastial>
Mentions: gmimperfecti | Tia EMIYAman

He was too late to summon Tia back before she'd get harmed. Seriously so. He was in shock as he saw her covered in poison and whatever gross corruption came out of that toad. He knew they'd discussed proper battle healing prior, but... this was his daughter how could he not focus on her? He'd trust Yukan would command the others well enough to give him some chance at helping Tia, as he used [Curse Cleanse B] to heal her and get rid of the poison/curse that she'd been infected with. “There, there, all good.” He'd say, not minding how monstrous she looked right now, as he knew he true nature wasn't as her looks suggested her to be. “Please, don't do such things again. It's dangerous.” He'd state next, gently yet firmly.

As he noticed how corruptive and dangerous this was, he'd extend his [Curse Cleanse B (Targets C up to 49 more)] to some of Yukan's and Riko's warriors in melee range, who'd risk being exposed to it, however many he could reach with it. “I'll try to ward off the poison, but I might not be able to heal you all at the same time. Please, be careful!” He called out, not just for the troops to hear, but also for the other two healers to know what he'd decided to focus upon so that they could hopefully fill in for what he'd be unable to do right now.

B e CD's (duration)
Curse Cleanse + Duration - Magic Affinity B, Magic Range C, Magic Targets C, [Spell Duration C], Sixth Sense D, Healing B, Religion B, Energised B - Uses divine senses to detect curses and combines religious knowledge with healing magic to cleanse them. - Grade B - 3 post Cooldown
D e CD's (Duration)
E e CD's (0/0)

 

[EMIYAman]

Tia
Mentions: Elvario
​

There was barely any sense or reason in Tia's actions, with hindsight even she would likely realize that. Pure violent instinct and rampant emotions had been what spurned her on, and there were consequences to such action. Tia's attack had done some damage but the Hill Toad was simply too large for an attack lacking surface area and destructive power to do much more than lightly mar it. In fact, Tia's very attack worked against her. The corrosive discharge that spurted out as a result of her attack spilled over her. Tia was no stranger to injury as any predator lived steeped in conflict. Tia's biology was naturally robust. There were few things that could truly harm her and fewer still she could not recover from with her body's regeneration. She did not possess vital organs or even a brain, so fatal injuries were all but impossible to inflict on her through conventional means. So long as she had a supply of biomass she could even be considered immortal though such an assessment would be hyperbolic. As far as organisms went Tia was uniquely suited to her role. This only sheds light on how effective the poison and curses layered within the Hill toad were.

No sooner than the poison began eating away her was she teleported back into Ceylans arms. Normally this would have likely calmed her down, instead, Tia let out a high-pitched scream of utter pain. Tia had been injured before, from stabs, bludgeoning, and bites. But she hadn't actually felt pain before. Her species was amorphous and formed their bodies into what they needed based on the situation, such as Tia shaping herself into a human. This meant she lacked pain receptors as it was not seen as necessary for the damage she had sustained. Pain was meant as a warning to ward off future contact with what hurt you. And for the first time in Tia's life the feeling of "pain" was conveyed to her. In a way, her body was trying to help her by instilling aversion to the Hill Toads' poisons. But it was agony to her. "AAAAAAAAAAAGH!" She continued to scream, it was the only response she could make as overwhelmed as she was.

Ironically if she had continued to fight her adrenaline and instincts taking over may have staved off the worst of it, but now she was feeling the full brunt as her body continued to fabricate pain receptors. All the while her body also tried to resist the poison and recover, unfortunately, it couldn't do this without giving away Tia's true nature. Her flesh bubbled and where once was pale soft skin now crimson tendrils wriggled and slithered trying to repair the damage. Wherever the poison touched "Tia" dissolved leaving only churning nebulous meat. All the while Tia could do little more than shake and let out hoarse breaths as her vocal cords had dissolved into the rest of her to save biomass for regeneration. Now she couldn't even scream.

Fortunately, she was still with Ceylan and he was the best Healer anyone could ask for. As his healing magic worked its way through her body the pain receded enough for Tia to become cognizant enough to understand what was happening. As she lay in his arms Tia opened her eyes looking up at him, still trembling. "Ceylan?" For a moment Tia seemed unsure of what was going on, the shock to her system had put her thoughts in disarray but understanding came quickly. His potent healing ability had healed her wiping away the poison utterly in the face of his holy power. Now her body was in full view as it patched up her wounds. The flesh knits itself together before once again taking on the form of pale skin or hair. Even her "dress" regenerated with the aid of Ceylans healing. Revealing that it too was just an extension of Tia herself. Realizing the state she was in Tia's eyes widened, she tried to cover herself as if she was feeling the shame of nakedness. "Don't look at Tia! Please, Tia is...Tia is!" She wanted to say "Human" but even she knew how blatant a lie it was, her deception was useless now. Tia had almost forgotten how inhuman she truly was only the last week reminding her as she had fallen to her lowest point. Now the person she cared about the most knew. In Tia's mind, there was no doubt Ceylan would hate or fear her, perhaps even try to kill her. She was a foreign entity, not even the same species, and she naturally predates intelligent life as a source of food. Tears welled in her eyes, and she refused to look at Ceylans face afraid of what she would see. The people around her, the Hill Toad, the decayed land, none of it mattered to Tia it was all background information her goal and focus had always been Ceylan and now even that pillar was shaking at its foundation due to her uncertainty. The girl wondered if she would be discarded, would she be truly alone now?

 

[Shadow Dancer]

Indicus saw what happened to the girl and quickly realized said girl was not exactly human when she started dissolving and reforming as whatever the toad was covered with touched her the inhuman scream helped reaffirm that fact in case Indicus thought he was crazy.

Indicus really did not have time to ponder the 'girl' any longer as he ran towards the toad using his agility and speed to dodge holes as they were pointed out and keep the mud from bogging him down all to get close enough to use his [Fire breath F] deciding that touching the toad would be quite unwise seeing as the inhuman girl with excellent regeneration had trouble fighting it off he knew his own was not anywhere close he would take a minute to fully recover from his injuries and that was too long in a fight.

The attack streaked across the body of the toad for a second as Indicus moved. Indicus then retreated to the back of the group readying for another pass with his dragon fire, his eyes watching the toad and the surroundings for retaliation as his heart excitedly pumped blood and adrenaline throughout his body.

1. rushed the toad avoiding holes and overcoming mud(Fast F, Jumping F, Perception F)
2.Used [Fire breath F] {F cooldown 0/0}
3. Retreated avoiding holes and overcoming mud (Fast F, Jumping F, Perception F)

 

[Orikanyo]

Ko Matatsu



"Bahahaha! You have my aid as you give your then catdeer! have no fear, I'll be ready to slay as needed and slay this beast if my name isn't-" He paused as the child seemed... To... be changing... Was... WAS SHE MELTING!? She was!!! And now.. She was holding onto the other canine man! Surely he must protect the man from this melting monst- WHY WASN'T HE BACKING AWAY!?

This was too much, he decided to completely ignore it's existence.

Yes, just cut it out of your mind with a little mental sword and deal with it later.

That man's pet is not your business!

"lets just go Paru- wait... can't get close unless the sinkholes get us. how do we proceed?" he asked honestly, looking abit confused about the approach. His sword in hand he considered the various ways to.. Approahc this... How.. How could he get past the litteral ground being turnt asunder and made into.... Surely he could do something... He would discuss this with paru first... though with these motes of healing energy around him.. he.. kinda felt like he could take on the world at this moment...