Fantasy ~ Journey ~ (closed)

[SilverFlight]

Journey​

The heroes have been chosen. The stage is set. A band of humble humans, and a group of humbled demons, brought together to fight for the freedom of the world.
Far up in a distant mountain range, there lies a temple, one of the last earthly refuges of the gods. It is here the god queen has summoned her champions, to bestow gifts and a few last words of wisdom before they embark...



Dayce was sweaty. She was also tired. The climb had taken her most of the day, and now the sun played upon the horizon like a child's ball, balancing on the edge of the world.
There were a few buildings on the plateau she had reached, simple stone and wood, painted earth-red, and copper roofs, long turned green with age, but she was headed for the one at the very top, nestled in the growing shadow of the stony peak.
The air was sharp up here, dewy and she breathed in the fast approaching scents of night: The grass was sweet, mingling with the alpine flowers and the homely smoke trailing from nearby cooking fires. The distant echo of a temple bell sounded just ahead of her, as if beckoning her onward. Her goddess had told her to be here, and so, here she was.

She reached the last few and peered over them, past the large iron gates, into a small courtyard and what she saw, took the last of her breath right from her lungs: The courtyard was paved with rounded stones, and embedded amongst them were large spiral pools, a lantern at each of their centers, being lit by monks as she walked past, a defiance of the growing darkness. They smiled at her and bowed their heads in greeting. Dayce could only wave back awkwardly. The candlelight flickered against the sky, reflected in the water of the pools as the first stars began to appear both above and below.
The most fantastic part however, lay right before her. A temple, decorated with golden statues and golden trim. The high gates were adorned with a glowing green symbol, a great tree, it's branches coiling across the facade. Four great dragons guarded the steps, glinting in the flickering light. They were statues surely, but as Dayce approached the front steps she could have sworn she saw one blink.

There was no knocker at the door, and they seemed to be sealed shut. Dayce had no idea how to get in.
"Um, hello? Chosen one Dayce here, from the desert clan? Champion of the goddess of courage? Uh...please open up?"
Her self-announcement was met with placid silence from the doors.
She stood back a moment in careful thought, before looking around to see if anyone else had come with the same intention.
What she did not see, nestled among the branches of the tree on the doors, were a collection of round, green fruits, but on the lowest branch, one fruit was red.

kase9187 Topless x_Tasia_X ScatheAriiasqDrayceon Tapfic BittyBobcat The Black Knight CenturyEye

((You can have your characters show up as you like.))

 

[kase9187]

Arz had completed his climb long before Dayce, getting there about mid noon. If it hadn't been for the staff on his back, she might have mistaken him for a normal monk. He spoke up as she called out, voice calm with his back turned. "The doors haven't opened for me. I don't think they'll open until all of the summoned have arrived." He let out a little noise of exertion as he stood up, turning to Dayce. His staff clicked against the stone as he tapped it against the ground.

His full height was somewhere around the six foot range, give or take a few inches. His staff reached from his feet to just above his chin. His black hair was jostled a bit by the climb up, and he hadn't bothered to fix it. He walked over with a deliberate walk, and Dayce could see the details of the zodiac on the collar of his robes. He seemed to be wearing more than that underneath, simple peasant clothing so as to not be indecent and ready for hard work.

"My name is Arz Hunyan. Champion of Etanis, and reader of the stars. I was told of your coming... and of the coming of others. But you are the first I have met." Arz held out his hand for the other human to take, a small smile on his face as his eyes glittered with imaginary starlight. "You came on the behest of the Queen as well, yes?"

SilverFlight Topless x_Tasia_X ScatheAriiasqDrayceon Tapfic BittyBobcat The Black Knight CenturyEye

 

[Tapfic]

The walk was turning out to be a bit more difficult than originaly estimated.
Only a bit.

Lan paused for a moment, pulling the strap of his satchel further onto his shoulder. Had he been a more perseptive person, he may have noted the change in weight from when he last set it down at the base of the mountain path.

Instead he wasted breath, grumbling about stupid pompus gods needing to learn to do their own chores.

Honestly, who was a better fit for the mission? A mortal with magic tricks, or the fucking gods that embodied them?
Lan could take a wild guess on that one.

He hadn't been told too much on the actual details of the quest- or he had gotten distracted by annoyance during the explanation- he really couldn't discerne which; but the fact remained. Lan was only aware that he had been voulenteered by his personal bitch of a god to complete the God Queen's holy fetch-quest. That, and he knew he was pissed about it.

The back of Lan's glove wiped a lonley bead of sweat from his brow, and his scowl deepened.

It had taken a good chunk of the day to climb the mountain. Normally he enjoyed long walks- better yet a run.
Unfortunatley a long walk also normally constituted a good few hours. Maybe four.
A day of up hill hiking was far from the limits oh his energy reservations; but it was enough to annoy him.

The mounting irritation that had been weighing on his back and in his satchel did not do wonders for his disposition. Obviously.

A friendly monk waved as Lan met his destination; and not even his appreciation for the temple's beauty could quell his ire enough to let the friendly gesture to be returned.
Instead Lan sneered, brows knit together and nose wrinkled with indignation; and turned his head. The monk did not seem to mind the rude gesture all too much. Good for them.

Two others had already made it to the sealed doors. Great. He could meet some of the miserable fucks he'd be spending the rest of however long this took with.

Lan stepped between the two, despite the fact they were very clearly trying to shake the other's hand. But in Lan's defense; being annoyed made him bitchy.

" Ok, " both hands rested on his hips as he glared up at the sealed doors. He would go and try to open them, if he didn't think it would get him cursed.
" Come the fuck out already, ass queen,"

Despite his words, the voice wasn't all too biting. Each word honestly sounded quite a bit more exasperated than spitful- a tone that was certainly the result of a day's long hike unknowingly carrying a cat-sized dream demon up the mountain in his bag.

Said demon did not stir at the words. He was too busy napping.

 

[BittyBobcat]

Gods sucked.

Peter was no idiot, he had known this long before he'd been bangled. Someone told him not too many years ago about the state of the world and how it came to be. At the time, he assumed it was a fairy tale just like all the ones he heard in his first few months of demonhood—some pretty little story to fill little kids' heads with thoughts of fanciful futures instead whatever destructive ideas they might have gathered otherwise (a strategy which, Peter was proud to say, he was not susceptible to)—but, even then, he still had the offhand thought that it was dumb for anyone to have all the power of the worlds in their hands and not use it. And when he finally realized it wasn't a loving lie, his opinion on the matter was only cemented.

Yet, for a group so dumb, their queen was awfully good at catching demons... even though he suspected she hadn't even wanted to catch him. Perhaps, if he had been just a bit faster, he would've taken the bangle and she would never have pursued him at all. Or maybe his demonstration of awesome stealth and strength was enough to convince her he was too big of a threat to leave unhindered, and the God Queen would've followed him to the ends of the three worlds to do so.

He liked the sound of the second option better.

Of course, he wouldn't be telling it to anyone anytime soon. No, his new "friends" would hear only of how truly humbled he was now—so much so that he hadn't even thought of doing anything remotely disallowed on the way here, much less done it. He was a changed man, and if that was a lie surely they wouldn't be any the wiser to it.

And it was very much a lie.

The resolution didn't last long. As he crested the top of the mountain, he was met with the truly breathtaking sight of water.

Peter had seen water before—he used to live by the sea, for fuck's sake—but he'd also been through his fair share of dry wastelands, especially in the weeks leading to being bangled, and it had been far too long since he'd had the chance to properly jump in any oceans, pools, or fountains. He was taking this one so help (or harm) him Queen of the Gods. In an instant, Peter dropped onto all fours and sprinted straight for the shallow pool closest to the gate. His front paws were first in—splashing so forcefully into the water that he doused the nearest candle—quickly followed by his head, which he dipped only for a second before pulling it out and shaking it off with a contented chirp at the cold dripping down his face.

 

[Topless]

How long was it since Victoria encountered the God Queen? She couldn't remember because everything was way too fast for her to process except her mission. She is still anxious about what she had gotten herself into, yet if there is something that needs to be done then now is the time. The trek up the mountain would have been tiring if it weren't for her riding on the shoulders of the once sea serpent that is Rusalka, much to her annoyance. She didn't agreed to have a lowly human ride on top of her if it weren't for the authority bestowed upon her by the God Queen.

During that time, Victoria started to admire the landscape of the mountain and its scenery. She was thinking about painting a picture of it someday if given the time. After so much time had pass, the duo have arrived at their destination. "Wow, this place looks beautiful!" Victoria was admired of the temple's design and architecture, but Rusalka paid no mind. Four people have already made it here and Victoria decided to have a little chat with them. "Those people must also be chosen by the God Queen. How about we have a little chat with them?" Victoria asked her demon companion to which she said "▃▃ . . ."

The duo went over to the group to make their appearance known to them. "Felicitations, fellow chosen ones." Victoria greeted in a friendly manner mixed with a grandoise tone to signify her royal origin "It appeared that fate has truly brought all of us together. My name is Victoria Einberg Falgrad Rocihante Vainshield, Princess of Galantmere and Champion of Melba. Below me is my companion, Rusalka." And the sea demon said "▂▂▂▂▃▃▃▃▅▅ (Special translation: Fuck you, Victoria! I ain't telling these low life humans and demons shit!)"

SilverFlight kase9187 Tapfic BittyBobcat

 

[CenturyEye]

Honestly, a person could have finished this climb and taken far less time. Honestly, Sarangerel would never have gone straight up through this lush, mountain retreat that her current patron had summoned her to. The place was not currently on fire; therefore, she had time to enjoy it. So, she would. Sarangerel rarely made it two paces up the road before something new caught her attention.

Sarangerel peered through a window or two and wandered through the farms, fully ready to pluck one of the crop if it smelled good enough. Her peering over the side had only resulted in her falling once. The second time she fell was to get a better view of the waterfall. She had not been prepared the first time. Compared to that view, the ponds she saw on the way were easier. The temple bells tolled almost impatiently.

"A moment please," Sarangerel said it to the air, but, she had no way of knowing when the Big One wasn't watching her. That did not stop her from dipping her toes into a lovely, cool pond and then sliding in seconds after to swim that small part of the path. The jagged pass offered little besides more grass and dirt unfortunately. She resisted the temptation to go over the side, because she'd already done that.

Sadly, with nothing else to get into, Sarangerel finally made her way to and past the iron gate. She'd worn an embroidered blue robe for the briefing, of whatever task her new patron had. She'd embroidered the thing with scenes of pigs. She liked pigs. She was still soaking wet. But, between the robe and her trousers, she didn't give away the accessory that the queen gave her. Maybe. Her crossbow betrayed a hint of informality from her, but she couldn't exactly pocket that. Her 'staff' had an obviously not-a-staff head, but that was currently wrapped up.

Sarangerel glanced at the adorable thing enjoying this pool but the larger group had gathered in one spot. She returned the waves of the monks and nodded back more deeply than they had. Then went to the others.

"Greetings. Greetings. Greetings. Greetings. Hi!" Sarangerel softly greeted each dragon statue and waved at them and the living in turn. Her informal 'hi', she saved for the group of the living. "I'm sorry," she said after a beat. "But there are more of you than there are dragons." She hadn't stopped waving. "So, I am called Sarangerel and I think I was sent for. Followed the bells tolling."

 

[x_Tasia_X]

Nina walked past a set of large iron gates, her eyes lighting up with every step she took. This was an exhausting journey to make. Especially since this was the first journey she’d ever made. She was physically tired, yet bursting with energy and excitement. She had never left home long term like this. Especially in secret. She wondered if anyone noticed her absence. Her brother might have. Nina didn’t leave a note or tell him why she was leaving. She didn’t even say goodbye. Part of her hoped that he was angry with her, she would rather have him be mad at her than have him blame himself. Nina let out a small sigh. There was no use in thinking about it now. She could clear up the misunderstanding if she returned home. He’d probably approve of what she was doing. He may even be proud of her when she comes back home.

Nina passed the spiral pools glancing at them with an expression of contentment, watching some of the monks light the last ones. She gave a friendly smile to every face she passed. Then her attention was stolen by the temple ahead of her, richly adorned in gold and guarded by beautiful statues resembling dragons. It was truly magnificent and worthy of being a temple to the God queen.

She was mostly paying attention to the temple, about to approach until she heard a small splashing sound ahead of her. Nina glanced curiously in the direction which it came. An otter? Nina stepped closer, not quite- it was a bit too big to be an actual otter. So it was probably a demon. Nina watched for a few moments her bright eyes sparking with curiosity.

How could she ignore him? It was a cute otter shaped being and her patroness was the goddess of nature, including animals. She loved animals more than humans, to be fair. “Hello, are you here under the God Queen’s command too?” She questioned, it was a stupid question. But that was the point, she supposed. Her expression was soft. She looked too harmless to be on a journey, as if she’d never seen a day of hardship in her life.

“My name is Nina, what should I call you?” She smiled.

BittyBobcat

 

[The Black Knight]

The journey had been long and hard. When the god queen summoned him to scale a mountain, he laughed—literally. Sadly, it hadn’t been a joke and the mountain had been no hill. Back in his archdemon days, he would level a mountain rather than climb it. Having been reduced to a short and pudgy imp, he felt inclines even when they were subtle.

The climb was arduous mainly for his backside. The donkey took her time, head bobbing as she carefully stepped over every tricky rock that could have them both slipping off the edge of a cliff. The creature carried the fat, little beast on her back who complained about butt sores and threatened to eat her if she stopped. The red creature was like a tick except it didn’t drain her blood but her patience.

While he slept, snored, and farted, she was walking relentlessly. Every now and then, she stopped to nibble on some fresh blades of grass. She ate as much as she could before the creature would snort awake and angrily question why she stopped. She became determined—the flame glinting in her black, glossy orbs—she would reach the top of the mountain and kick him off.

The demon felt as though he had been wasting away. He had been able to eat a few wall lizards and suck in some unsuspecting fowl, but he wasn’t eating nearly enough. Each day, the donkey became more and more appetizing. Her oscillating rump was packed with protein. Her shoulders were calling his name. Drool leaked from between his triangular teeth as he fantasized about sinking his teeth into her flesh.

The donkey slightly turned her head, a single and suspicious eye gazing back at the demon. Kul’gemon jumped a little, sheathing his wicked teeth behind straight lips. He glanced up at the sky, and then down the side of the mountain, making a face at how steep of a drop it was. She probably had sensed his hunger. No matter. Once they reached the top of the mountain, he was going to eat her so quick. All the calories he was losing on the hike up needed to be replenished.

The donkey soon reached the summit. It was covered in lush grass, and she could smell fresh water further up. Her legs were sore from walking endlessly, and she glanced back at the horrible thing, checking to see if he had fallen asleep again. Kul’gemon was awake, and he didn’t make eye contact with her. He sensed her suspicion. The tension between them had grown thick and thicker once they had reached the top. Perhaps they both had plans for each other? Now was not the time. The temple was still in the distance—a distance he refused to walk.

Press on, you hideous beast, he thought, frowning at one of the homes.

The donkey walked until she couldn’t any further. The fresh grass was all behind her. Before her was only architecture that didn’t exactly feed her or grant her rest. Her final hoof drop that sounded her stop resonated in their souls for it was in that moment, she snapped. She strongly bucked her rear, sending the fat demon airborne. Kul’gemon’s lips rolled back, presenting his teeth in a scowl as he mentally cursed the creature. He knew that she had been up to something.

With a loud heehaw, the donkey’s rear legs rose, tucking in against her stomach, before they kicked skyward in the hopes of striking the red blob. Kul’gemon had managed to backflip around and parted his teeth to catch her hoof in his mouth. When the donkey’s legs lowered, upon bringing her captured hoof down to the ground, she had tried to stomp the creature, but her leg sank. Her right leg sank up to her flank as though she had stepped in quicksand. Inside the creature’s mouth, she could feel her flesh burning as though her leg were deep within coals. Her forehooves scraped at the ground as she screamed and bellowed in fear and agony.

When Kul’gemon brought his teeth together, her leg was snipped clean off. Dragging his purple, pointed tongue across a sliver of blood that had dribbled from his mouth, he quickly dove for her backside. He sank his teeth into her juicy meat, and a few om nom noms! followed by a heavy and gassy belch silenced the bloody struggle that had happened in front of the goddess’s temple. Kul’gemon grinned victoriously and gave his round belly two satisfied pats.

“Did you really think you could beat me, you stupid bitch?” he mocked as though cursing a formidable enemy. “No mule would fell me. You were lucky that I didn’t feast on your flesh as we traveled. You were destined to be served on my plate. There will be many mules after you who will have the honor of nurturing the body of a great demon.”

The red demon turned to face the slope and the many homes erected along it. He held out a red claw and boomed: “HEAR ME MORTALS! YOUR MULES, YOUR FOOD, YOUR DRINK! THEY ARE MINE! YOU WILL AID ME IN ORDER TO SERVE YOUR GOD QUEEN! I, KUL’GEMON, DEMON OF DESTRUCTION, AM DESTINED TO BRING YOU SALVATION! RAAAAA~HHH!”

His riled scream echoed through the sky and bounced off the surrounding mountain slopes and yet still the chimneys smoked, and no one showed any signs of responding to his summons. Kul’gemon stared at the quiet and peaceful homes not seeing a single person stir. His eyes then narrowed, and his lips dropped into a frown as he sulked. “I’m gonna burn this place to the ground,” he grumbled. He wasn’t going to, but he would have if he hadn’t been tasked to save humanity. It was therapeutic to make threats now days. It still made him feel like a big, scary demon.
SilverFlight Topless x_Tasia_X ScatheAriiasqDrayceon Tapfic BittyBobcat CenturyEye kase9187

 

[kase9187]

Arz was observant as it seemed like more and more were arriving. Their faces had been fuzzy in the predictions, but nevertheless, all were here and summoned by a single entity: The God Queen herself. He bowed politely to all of the newcomers, demon and human alike. His eyes shone with starlight even now. "Welcome, all of you. I am Arz, and I have been summoned like yourselves. I hope the stars were as friendly to you as they were to me." His cloak was ruffling a bit in a new breeze blowing through, and he smiled slightly, as if he knew something they didn't. But considering the extent at which everyone knew what was happening, that wasn't really possible.

"Perhaps, as we wait for the other summoned to arrive, we should act upon this strange calling bestowed on us. Tell me, how have your travels fared, bringing you to this place? And what is it you might believe the God Queen is asking of us?" He stood straight, his staff held loosely at his side. Observational individuals might be able to pick out the details of the sun and moon on the gold and silver ends. He seemed genuinely curious as to the journeys of his new comrades... if they even were that. His demeanor was unlike an executioner, if that's what he's been summoned to be... (Feel free to make your journey in the side stories thread when we have it active!)

SilverFlight x_Tasia_X Topless The Black Knight ScatheAriiasqDrayceon Tapfic BittyBobcat CenturyEye

 

[ScatheAriiasqDrayceon]

Ariiasqthylinh

Arii decided—with no shortage of cursing—that gods were made of bullshit and too much power. It was the third time they'd tried to get the stupid ring off their neck, and still, it hummed innocently at them like they weren't about to snap their spine clawing at it.

Well, at least that's not to say they weren't making good time—actually, correction; they were making horrible time for something that could float. It was almost dusk and they were hardly at the peak of the damn thing, having stopped in a tree to try and rip their damn mask off.

Ariiasq's tail shuddered slightly in irritation as they dropped easily from the tree, eyeing the cliff-face with distain. A glance to the side, however, revealed a set of horrifyingly tightly-packed stairs. Their ears flattened to their neck with the distinctive thought of "oh, hell no" ringing through every particle of their body.

So, instead, they turned toward the all-but vertical incline of the mountain peak and scoffed.

They crouched down against the time-worn stone of what had to be the rival to the heavenly stairs, claws digging as deep as possible as they prepared. Arii coiled themself until their body felt like a loaded crossbow, and just as the pain set in, they pushed off with their rearclaws, aiming for the side of the mountain.

They never landed.

Like an insect over a pond, they floated barely above the surface of the rock, bounding on what almost appeared to be thin air all-but directly upward. Every time they lost that water-like floating because of their new height limit, it latched onto another outcropping of rock, allowing them to leap higher and higher. Once or twice, they had to pause for breath on a ledge, but it lasted barely enough time to notice the shadows shift before they were off again.

Arii got so caught up in their newfound "freedom" that they didn't notice when the mountain turned to walls, simply searching for more ways to get more height; to touch the skies.

All good things had an end, however, and after a particularly strong leap that sent them over the roofs of houses and allowed them to swirl and spin in such a way they hadn't been able to since their powers had been ripped from them.

The false dragon landed with a heavy thud right smack-dab in the middle of the courtyard, their breaths filling the whole of their lungs in a manner that bared their ribs.

And then they were back in the present. They rose to their hindlegs gracefully whereupon they promptly stopped standing, and instead floated maybe a foot off the ground, their tail coiled beneath them like a great snake. If one didn't know better, they could almost assume Arii was meditating.

It was hard to tell what they were looking at, the... seemingly glass of their mask blocking any view of their eyes as they... appeared to regard the collected party with some amount of curiosity. As curious as they were, though, their ears were still flat backward with enough distain to kill.

Arii's eyes, however, were more focused on beyond the party, glinting gold prompting the quietest huffs out of them.

Jet Kaedos

Jet, unlike apparently most of the rest of the party, had almost no issue getting up the mountain. Granted, he did quite a lot of walking, running, and generally physically intensive things. He still tired; he wasn't infallible, but at an easy walk, there wasn't much for him to complain about. He hummed to Atharian in the time he didn't spend admiring the scenery (and pondering what the avian shriek he'd heard hours earlier was). It was simple, but it was enough to content him in his walk.

So long as he controlled his breathing, he was perfectly alright; after all, the human stamina is a truly magical thing, sometimes. Hiking was far from outside of his capabilities... especially compared to chasing a demon general with a broken arm all around creation.

He... did kind-of miss Vihaan, though. Okay—not kind-of. He missed Vihaan a lot. A lot, a lot.

Vihaan was fine, though. Jet would be, too.

The disciple of Atharian crested the stairs and started to a jog. He waved to the monks with a smile, the expression pulling on his scars familiarly. They were doing better, though. Months ago, they would have strained and maybe reopened.

The smile fell into a frown and furrowed brows at the distinct shriek of a distressed animal, and he carefully picked up his pace, dipping around places that looked important with the practiced ease of a medic who had dug his fair share of graves.

Sure enough, he rounded a corner just in time to witness the rapidly-vanishing head of a donkey and the ensuing unpleasantries. For a moment, he had to stand and process what his eyes had told him. Soon enough, though, he resumed functioning and walked—almost silently—forward, folding his hands over each other with a tight-lipped smile.

"I presume this is the party the God Queen has summoned?"

Jet's voice was a rhythmic hum—almost musical in the way he spoke. A whispered tune that carried too well to be quiet, but too soft to be loud. Paired with the smile that shifted easily from mildly disturbed to quite pleasant, the fact that he carried no weapons seemed almost a given.

 

[SilverFlight]

Dayce was about to reach out and take the hand offered her by Arz, but another pushed his way past them before she could. She laughed.
"Not much for first impressions are you? Hey, that bag looks a little heavy for a trip up the mountains, what did you pack?" Tapfic

Dayce stepped around the disgruntled man and took Arz' hand, shaking it warmly.
"Daycean Laoa, I guess I represent Kalian. I'm from the southwest. Not much there now but sand, but, my clan gets by. Where are you from?" kase9187

The party slowly began to gather, and Dayce found her eyes wandering to the demons in their various forms. They fascinated her, her entire life she had been told they were all horrendous murderers. They had destroyed her homeland, one she had never known. Still, Dayce couldn't bring herself to believe they were all unfeeling, mindless killing machines, no matter how foul-mouthed the water demon was.

"Did...did you make her carry you the whole way up this mountain?" She looked up into Victoria's face, trying not to sound too critical. These were people she was going to be spending a lot of time with from now on. Topless

The next to approach looked human, but there were several reasons why Dayce settled on demon. The one called Sarangerel didn't seem to fit her clan's description of demons at all. Dyace found herself waving back.
"You just...greeted those statues?" She gave the golden dragons a second glance. They remained perfectly still, yet something seemed...off.
Dayce decided it was better not to think about it. This was a realm of gods after all, she was sure there was more to this place than met the eye. CenturyEye

Not far off the echoes of an animal's death scream sounded, starting her out of her smile.
The demon that approached was minuscule, and hardly intimidating, but the blood told her that this creature had been responsible. It was a stark reminder that the demons that began to appear here, though they may seem tame now, had been, still were, some of the most brutal. It wasn't a comforting thought. The Black Knight

The next demon to approach made her lose track of that thought entirely. Their entrance was impressive, their form was impressive and Dayce couldn't help but grin.
"A dragon! We get a dragon on our team?" She made her way down the steps and approached cautiously.
"What do they call you?" She asked the dragon, clearly impressed. ScatheAriiasqDrayceon

The party had now gathered, but if they looked to the gates they would see them remain firmly shut. The tree glowed as it did before, casting its pale green light upon those collected by the door. The only thing that was not green was the depiction of the ripe fruit in the ornamental leaves, hanging just within a human's reach.
@ the whole party x_Tasia_X BittyBobcat

 

[CenturyEye]

"Of course, fine sir," Sarangerel did not bow before Kul'gemon, but she was busy clapping for his show and his entrance. "I hope I can be of good help for you." She averted her eyes a moment. "I don't have any of those things though," she added in a smaller voice in response to his demand for mules, food, and drink. She gave the one 'destined to bring them salvation' an introductory wave, before turning to lady in red.

"I did," Sarangerel nodded at her. "Though, now I regret not bringing a mule." Sarangerel watched and followed the girl's movements when she went down the greet the dragon. One of those around would be... helpful indeed. She only needed one dragon scale, well maybe a patch to see how that natural armor worked. And if it had use of an element. Metal maybe? Mmm.

"Forgive me," Sarangerel eventually turned her attention to Arz who had introduced himself to her and the new(er) arrivals presumably. "Well, the stars have never asked me about my day, but they look lovely in the water around here." She rested her arms behind her back, rocking herself back and forth. "My travels were fortunate enough to bring me to the god queen personally and then this place. She didn't tell me what she wanted then but I guess she wants something or somethings..." she brought one hand from behind her back and began counting off on her fingers. "burned, quartered, decapitated, torn asunder, flayed..." she brought out her other arm and briefly stopped rocking. "sky hauled, impaled and electrocuted, strangled, beaten, and/or buried." After a beat in which she considered continuing using her toes, she returned her hands behind her and resumed her rocking, giving Arz a bright smile. "Why do you think the Big Gal called us here?"

She had not mentioned her journey much and very purposely so. That was a boring story. Sarangerel had just waited until the god queen called her.

 

[Tapfic]

"Not much for first impressions are you? Hey, that bag looks a little heavy for a trip up the mountains, what did you pack?"

Lan's eyes narrowed looking up at the girl who spoke to him. He didn't pay much mind to the others as they gathered in the courtyard- because fuck them.

Thinking on the question posed, his frown deepened. The satchel was, infact; far to heavy to only hold his offerings and small collection of personal items.

" I-" Lan started to answer as he opened his bag to check inside but. Strangely enough, he could not see any of the contents.
Before any further investigation was to be had, his thoughts were inturrupted by the frantic squealing of a mule.

Lan turned with wide eyes and a pale face, expecting a hulking monster covered in animal blood.
Instead he looked down and the little red demon, and his brows knit together.

" What the holy fuck?" He asked as though it was a question that could be answered.

Regardless of the rhetoric, the squealing had woken something up.
The blackness in Lan's satchel yawned and stirred. The boy looked back down to the bag as the other humans(?) spoke.
A clawed arm way too fucking long to fit in the bag stretched out. Black fur, lanky arm, and a paw. And then another- and a leg- and a body. The sight was truly unsettling.

Some dark creature appeared, no features discernable on it's face or body. Until too white eyes blinked open; one at a time.

" Oh, we're at the top; you should have woken me up sooner," the creature spoke through a toothy grin that spread across its void of a face.

Lan hated it here.

 

[Topless]

"It's kind of a complicated one actually." Victoria replied with a bit of a nervous tone "You see, we were climbing up the mountains on foot. I think after some time, my feet started to cramp so we decided to take a rest for a bit. However, the cramps haven't fully gone away after some time, so Rusalka offered me to ride on her shoulders the rest of the way. I mean, she wouldn't have done that but I believed she thought we were wasting time that's why she offered me to ride on her. Convenient, but at the same time, kind of awkward."

On the other hand, Rusalka only had this to say "▂▂▃▃ . (Special translation: You bitch, I only did it because the sun was getting hotter and I needed water.)" Victoria moved her feet to check if the cramps are still in effect, and fortunately for her, it's already gone. "Oh look, my cramps have vanished." She said before she gets off of Rusalka's shoulders and the sea demon, after seeing the pools, walked over to one of them, knelt down and dunked her head into it to freshen up. "▂▃▅！" She seemed to be enjoying it.

Meanwhile, Victoria decided to follow Dayce after she spotted a dragon of sorts. "A dragon? Never encountered one in my life before, but I heard they're ferocious beasts that ravaged villages." She said.

SilverFlight ScatheAriiasqDrayceon

 

[BittyBobcat]

“Hello, are you here under the God Queen’s command too? My name is Nina, what should I call you?”

Peter blinked the last few droplets of water from his eyes and squinted upward. A pair of wide, yellow eyes blinked back at him with all the innocence of an easy mark.

His two sharp canine-teeth—each nearly the length of a pinky finger—gleamed white with a grin. "As her now-humbled servant, yes," he chimed, wearing the pleasantly meek tone he'd learned from listening in on the stewards during his short stay in human castle (or, more accurately, its walls) a few years back. With a short stretch and yawn, he stood back on his hind feet to get a better look at the human.

"I'm known by many names." The tuft at the end of his tail flicked, throwing a short spray of water behind him that gleamed orange in the candlelight. "Light-bringer, Inferno, What-are-you-doing Stop-it... but you may call me—oh, fuck no." He bristled, voice rising an octave as he forgot all pretenses of the grandiose and instead hissed at the sight of familiar red scales not too far from where they stood. "I am not travelling with that gods damned noodle—ahem, I... uh. Meant to say my name's Peter."

~~~

The long, winding set of stairs looked positively picturesque in the dawn light when she'd started up them, shining almost white beneath the sun's rising gaze. She would've appreciated the view if it wasn't for the fact that she had to scale them, and—as accustomed to walking as she was—Plume didn't relish the task. Still, gilded walls made themselves known on the edge of her vision eventually, soon enough followed by the rest of the temple. She had not arrived in time to witness the death of a donkey, nor would she want to be if she had known of it, but its braying was enough to draw a droplet of concern into her mind like an overly cautious child trying to fill the last centimeter of an inkpot.

As soon as she spotted the assorted demons and humans at the door, she correctly guessed they were to be acquaintances for the journey ahead (there was little other reason for them to be here). One of them—some guy with star tattoos and a staff—asked for 'how their travels fared' just as she got to the glowing green gate.

Plume clicked her tongue impatiently before dully stating, "They brought lots of walking—has anyone tried opening the doors yet?"

 

[kase9187]

Arz turned to Plume with a gentle look.

"I do believe our second to arrive tried to find a way in. My guess is that the God Queen wishes for us to gather first, so she may notify us all at once. I doubt someone as busy as herself has the time to explain more than once or twice." BittyBobcat

He saw the others arriving and took time to look at each of them. Dragons, demons, and such. None seemed to take him by surprise, as if he knew they were going to be here. Even the braying of the donkey being consumed hadn't provoked any reaction.

To Sarangerel he turned, giving a small nod to acknowledge him. "I don't know why the God Queen gathered us, or even specifically if something is to be destroyed, but almost half of the summoned seem to be demons bound by her bangles. If she'd wanted them removed, I doubt she'd call them all together." CenturyEye

"To have such an ally carry you up to the top! I'm glad both of you were able to make the journey in safety." Arz walked over to Rusalka and gave a small bow. "Thank you for helping Victoria climb the mountain." Arz said nothing else and walked to meet with Victoria and Dayce. Topless

"A dragon?" He looked at Arii with curiosity. "Hello there. My name is Arz. Might I inquire as to what I should call you? I would hate to have to refer to you as simply "Dragon" or "You" if this is to be a long task." He bowed a little. ScatheAriiasqDrayceon

He turned finally to see the one causing the donkey's distress. "Hello. Kul'Gemon I presume? If you are indeed a Demon of Destruction, I hope you will be able to give the name merit when we need you most." Arz seemed to have no trouble giving a polite bow to any of the newcoming members, be it demon or human. The Black Knight

"The God Queen did not appear to me at first, I received premonition of her coming and this place in the stars. As she appeared to me, I was already at the foot of this mountain last dawn. Oh! I even have something for everyone. A kindly lady on the way up offered me food for the journey in exchange for the stars whispers on the state of tomorrow." Arz reached inside his robes and pulled out what looked to be a box. He opened it and inside were just enough Pineapple Buns for everyone to have one or two. "Come, I believe some might be a bit peckish after the climb. I only request you leave enough for everyone to have some if they choose." BittyBobcat CenturyEye SilverFlight The Black Knight Topless Tapfic x_Tasia_X ScatheAriiasqDrayceon

 

[SilverFlight]

"Has anyone tried opening the doors yet?"

Dayce blinked. No one had.
"I'll try." Dayce volunteered, and went back to climb the few steps to the door. There were no handles, not even a bell or a knocker. Dayce pressed her hands against the glowing picture and pushed. She pushed harder, leaning all her weight into the effort. The doors did not budge.

"I already knocked...maybe there's a trick to this."

She was pondering precisely what trick when she heard footsteps through the grass at the side of the temple.
She resisted the urge to draw the spear on her back. They were all allies here, and the god queen wouldn't let any harm come to them before their quest had even begun...would she?

What appeared took the form of a young man, but it was painfully obvious that this was a demon. His eyes, for starters, were bright as gold, and something about them made her hair stand on end. His face was pale, and rounded but his hair was white, darkening at the tips, like the hair of a wolf. He was dressed in leathers, adorned with decorations of teeth and bone-scale armour on his chest and shoulders.
His expression was neutral but Dayce couldn't help but feel a threatening presence to him.
Then it hit her:
"You're Korro."

Even in the backwater that was her desert village, stories had surfaced of the demon general who had slain his warlord master. He had lured his friend into the mists and slain him. Or, that was how the story went. Dayce stood back, but her eyes fell on the bangle about his wrist and she relaxed, but only a little.

Korro's eyes fell on each of the attendants for a moment or two, before he reached for the door and put a hand on the red fruit, depicted on it.
The picture glowed, and the doors swung slowly open.

Dayce made a face. "Now who could've guessed that?"

*~*~*

Inside the temple had been luxuriously decorated. Nearly everything shone with gold: columns, great urns and statues put up on marble pedestals, shimmering insignias displayed on vibrant silk banners, and at the far end, in a golden throne, sat the god queen herself, dressed in splendour that put the temple to shame. A radiant golden grown hovered above her silk-white hair.

Korro entered the temple first, watching the queen with a mixture of wariness and anger. The queen gestured to her side and Korro bared his teeth, then winced as if he was in pain. Dayce glanced at the bangle on his wrist, was it...glowing?
The conflict took only a moment, barely noticeable for those who were not looking, before Korro went to her, eyes on the floor, and stood beside the throne.

Dayce swallowed, some part of her felt pity for him, even understanding how dark a heart like that must be.

The queen waited until most had come in out of the cold.
"Welcome, my champions." The queen said placidly. "No doubt you may have one or two things to say, before we begin?"

kase9187 Topless Tapfic x_Tasia_X ScatheAriiasqDrayceon The Black Knight BittyBobcat CenturyEye

 

[kase9187]

Arz followed everyone inside, regrettably closing up the box of pineapple buns. "I'm sorry, friends, but this might have to wait until later."

Arz has noticed the small, nonverbal conflict between Korro and the God Queen. Her magic must be powerful to subdue a demon like him.

In response to the Queen speaking to them, he walked up to the front and kneeled. "It is an honor to be chosen."

He stood up and straightened up, starry eyes filled with wonder. He looked back to the others. All of them were called to be her champions. His smile was shaded amongst the shining of gold, calm and reassuring.

Turning back, Arz spoke up once again. "My Queen, I have to ask... What kind of duty will we be performing?" He felt himself ask in his head to not become executioner to the demons behind him, a small whisper he didn't even know where stemmed from. She'd called them all champions, would it be right to pit them against one another?

SilverFlight x_Tasia_X Topless Tapfic The Black Knight ScatheAriiasqDrayceon BittyBobcat CenturyEye

 

[Topless]

The gates have finally been opened and it was now time for the chosen to enter the temple to meet up with the God Queen. Victoria started to feel anxious and Rusalka, who had just had her head off the pool fully refreshed, had been dead set on meeting up with the God Queen and beat her to a bloody pulp...if she could. Once inside, the group were met with the beautiful and bright interior of the temple and right across them is the queen herself sitting by her throne. "Oh my, she's a lot more beautiful than the first time we've met." Victoria thought to herself, smitten by how pretty queen is. Rusalka, however, has already been felt disgusted the moment she had laid her eyes on her.

The God Queen had spoken about the group having some questions to asked. After Arz has spoken his question, Victoria stepped up, bowed briefly before the queen and asked "Thy Goddess, I again thank you for rescuing me from harm. If it weren't for your interference that I would have never see the sun by the next morning. Thus I ask of you; what have you seen in us that made us worthy of taking up such a divine task? For us lowly mortals who have worshiped you on a daily basis?" On the other hand, Rusalka let out a subtle growl as she looked at the queen with fury in her eyes.

SilverFlight x_Tasia_X Tapfic The Black Knight ScatheAriiasqDrayceon BittyBobcat CenturyEye kase9187

 

[ScatheAriiasqDrayceon]

If Arii wasn't already upset about being stuck in indentured labor, then the fact that the moment they landed seemingly half the humans in the area approached them did. Their tail uncurled from under them as they landed lightly on their hindlegs, standing upright much like a meerkat would. Purple-tipped claws clacked against the stone as they shifted their weight to regard the group with one side of the grey mask.

"Deception" was written loud and clear across the front of the metal. Their tail flagged at the concept of speaking their name, so instead, in a disdainful hiss that seeped like air from a broken pipe, they said; "Blind. You 'champions' are blind." Midnight blue fangs flashed in the fading sunlight as they spoke, pointed teeth much too sharp to be used often just barely visible past the mask. "I am not a dragon," they spat, words steeped in irritation. "And you," this one they directed at Fish bitch. "You mistake a demon for a dragon, reputation and all. The sheltered one, I assume."

They ignored the familiar shout from behind them and hopped, though they never hit the ground, instead resuming their floating and drifting toward the doors, where they resumed the almost meditation-like stance they had been in earlier.

Someone opened the doors almost immediately after they'd settled, prompting an irate hiss out of them. They did, however, follow, though they weren't actually listening to the God Bitch, or whatever she was called. They were more focused on the demon called to her side like a dog.

----

Jet kept to the back of the group, aware that he... technically was never summoned, and not wanting to intrude. Though, the tune playing across his lips and in his mind assured him that Atharian was pleased with this development, so he couldn't be too far off the mark.

He filed the interactions between the newly-met champions away in his brain for later, taking special note of the short one in the winged cloak. That one was especially angry, and he would prefer not to quarrel with anyone. He was mostly just here to help, not hinder.

Grand golden doors swung open, and the disciple of Atharian tugged at the strap of his messenger bag in nerve-buzzing uncertainty. With a deep breath, Jet slunk in behind the rest, the metal insignia of Atharian's Chorus glinting in the new light from its place in the middle of the bag. It was obvious the accessory was well taken care of, bearing few marks on its surface.

The God Queen was requesting their questions, her voice carrying effortlessly through the temple.

Jet had none. And... actually, he kind-of hoped she didn't notice him. Atharian's song was loud enough as it was... to him, at least, though the lack of buzzing in his ears confirmed that it was simply internal.

 

[x_Tasia_X]

Nina’s expression was gentle as she watched the little otter-like creature. Though, upon a closer look, Peter lacked the sleek coat an otter would have, he was more fuzzy. Nina inspected him further, her eyes squinting. After her inspection, Nina came to the conclusion that this little creature was a stout demon.

She seemed pleased with her decision, which lasted until Nina heard the loud unnerving shriek of a donkey. She snapped her head in the direction of the noise, her eyes widening in shock and slight disgust. She quickly looked away though, deciding that it wouldn’t be wise to pick a fight with what was going to be a future comrade over this incident. She was upset that one of Aranya’s beautiful creatures was disrespected, especially near the temple of the god queen. A goddess Aranya had shown respect to. There was nothing she could do about it now. No matter how much it angered her, after all, she would have to work with this demon. It would be more convenient to smile and remain civil, or at least ignore him.

“I'm known by many names."

Ah- the stout demon had spoken to her again.. Nina gave the little guy her attention and smiled, a little more forced than before, but it was hard to notice. She watched the little guy list off all of his so-called names, some less kind than the others. Before he could finish listing them, he ended up interrupting himself. Swearing that he wouldn’t work with a goddamn noodle, and finally giving her his name.

“ Ah, well it’s nice to meet you Peter, I look forward to working with you.” She chirped, glancing at the larger group gathering at the temple. She watched the doors begin to open and realized that it was time for them to go into the temple by the way she was entranced by the sight. It was a clear sign of Aranya’s desire for her to enter.

“Yes, I suppose I should head that way.” She spoke, half to herself, her voice was quiet. She appeared to be completely distracted, like she was talking to someone else. In a way, she was. Nina turned away from the stout, sparing him a wave and a glance before hurrying to the temple's doors. Nina usually wasn’t impressed by luxurious things, she usually thought of heavily decorated places as flashy. That the funds used to decorate the place could be used for more important things. She felt differently about this place the moment she laid her eyes upon it and the God Queen seated upon her throne. As if the God Queen deserved this amount of luxury. It was only fitting for someone as radiant as her.

Nina silently made her way to the area where most of the other champions gathered. Just in time for the goddess to finish inviting them to ask questions. Nina stayed silent, she found her presence intimidating. It would be difficult for Nina to speak to The Goddess directly.

SilverFlight Tapfic The Black Knight ScatheAriiasqDrayceon BittyBobcat CenturyEye kase9187

 

[SilverFlight]

Dayce sighed at the demon-dragon's hostility. She was hoping for a better greeting, but not entirely expecting it. If these beings didn't have something wrong with them, they wouldn't be here.
"Well, in my defense, I haven't seen many dragons."

The Goddess cast her radiant eyes on all, but it was Arz they rested on as he spoke.
"Rest easy, my champion, for death is not a part of your task."
The queen shifted, sitting a bit more straight. She caught Victoria watching her and winked.

"For a hundred years I have watched the earth fall prey to demons. My beloved creations suffering. I can bear it no longer. I have gathered you here, my human champions, to venture forth to the land of the gods and retrieve a set of scrolls that will return the world again to balance. You must do this, for though I am here in defiance of my husband, I am restricted from interfering directly."
She seemed to look past them now. "All of you here I appeared to...save one. Jet. Come, tell me why you are here."

Dayce looked around, that didn't explain what the demons were doing here, subjugated and angry. As if she had read the desert-dweller's mind, the queen spoke again.
"The demons I have brought as your protection. The road is perilous, and the dangers many."

"With respect, my lady." Dayce bowed her head, not sure how to address the queen of gods. "These demons hardly seem...enthusiastic about us."
The goddess smiled. "You have seen the golden bangles on their wrists. These bands are magically tied to your well-being. If you come to harm outside of your own doing, they will tighten and grow hot. The more a demon defies their purpose, the more power they lose. However, the more they help you with no other goal, the stronger they will become."

Dayce took a deep breath. This was a lot to take in. She glanced quickly at some of the demons, to see how they were taking this news.
Korro wasn't looking at the queen, or the humans, his eyes were locked onto the not-dragon, staring back at them with intense appraisal.

Dayce had so many questions, like how were they going to get to the realm of the gods? How did magic jewelry prevent the demons from eviscerating her in her sleep? But one of the others asked something at the forefront of her mind:

'What have you seen in us?"

The goddess looked kindly on Victoria. "My dear, each of you has something essential to this task. Telling you precisely why would deprive you of your most powerful gifts, therefore I can only say, that you have been chosen for a reason, and that, you must uncover for yourselves."

ScatheAriiasqDrayceon Tapfic Topless x_Tasia_X kase9187 CenturyEye BittyBobcat The Black Knight

 

[kase9187]

Even as Arz knew that the demonic entities were bound to them, he felt relief. He'd not been one for fighting, only doing so out of necessity. But the thought of them being only bound to their side by threat of death was worrying if one were to get free.

"My Queen, I must ask... These scrolls... what might their purpose be exactly? And where should we be taking them to?" Arz asked. "I would have asked the stars, but they and I know that peering into such details might spell disaster."

ScatheAriiasqDrayceon Tapfic Topless x_Tasia_X The Black Knight CenturyEye BittyBobcat SilverFlight

 

[Tapfic]

Lan had followed the rest inside the grandiose temple with heavy footsteps.
On one hand, at least now that they were starting the damn mission. No more sorry bozos would suddenly pop out of nowhere to cause him problems.
But starting the journey still meant well, starting the journey.

He listened with furrowed brows and a resting scowl as the god queen spoke.

Okay okay, so. Quest would be helping the world out at least. Scrolls of balance or some shit.
But Lan still sneered.

" Oh, fuck you and your husband; if he's such a gaping, cavernous asshole that he's fine with demon murder dump his greasy ass. How is this not obvious?"

Lan obviously made the comment to himself, arms crossed as he spoke without realizing he had said his thoughts outloud.
The realization that he had heard the words with his own ears came a second later. He slowly moved a hand to cup over his mouth.
Fucking damnit. This was how he got roped into this bs in the first place, and here he was doing the same shit over again.

Maybe she didnt hear him. Hopefully she didnt hear him.

Lan still made a face as astronomy bitch continued to refer to the god as " my queen", what a fuckin suck up.
---

Kamari sighed at the mention of the bangles, he felt his own wrapped securely around his wrist; though it was hidden by the thick ink black fur.

He would get more of his powers back the more he helped these little mortals? Sure. That was nice.

But was it worth the energy?

" Hmmm..." Mari hummed and slipped a claw into the thin space the bangel left between gold and wrist.
He ignored the comment from the little sour one, and the question posed by (
Well, he hadnt remembered the mortal's name; but he looked like his dreams would taste bland if the boring expression was anything to go by) and instead interjected with his own- more important question.

" So. They come off after this whole thing is done with? Not that I don't appretiate the gift lady, but servatude really isnt a good color on me-"

His grin moved with the words, expression unchanging as he tugged at the bangle with a hind claw.

Mentioned: SilverFlight kase9187

 

[CenturyEye]

Korro's eyes fell on each of the attendants for a moment or two, before he reached for the door and put a hand on the red fruit, depicted on it.
The picture glowed, and the doors swung slowly open.

Dayce made a face. "Now who could've guessed that?"

"I have no idea," Sarangerel had answered Dayce with a small smile. She had been about to suggest setting the walls on fire. People fixed up their doors but often forgot the walls. Solving the puzzle worked too.

"Thank you for your hospitality," She gave the dragons guarding the door head scratches to pass the time until the others entered. She fell in behind them. Perhaps it was a good thing she hadn't burned the wall down. Sarangerel sometimes walked mostly spun, trying to take in everything in the temple. The gold was a bit much but the marble, she loved how polished it looked. And the banners... Sarangerel detoured to grab one and feel the silk.

Tapfic​

" Oh, fuck you and your husband; if he's such a gaping, cavernous asshole that he's fine with demon murder dump his greasy ass. How is this not obvious?"

Sarangerel had seen well felt the god queen first naturally. One doesn't forget a power like that. But she approached at her leisure. At first it was supposed to be dignified. She did her best to cover her mouth when she started snickering at the god queen's words about letting the world burn for 100 years before intervening. And apparently going rogue to do it. Then Lan said that, and Sarangerel lost it, guffawing and holding her sides to keep upright.

Sarangerel, with some effort, composed herself and gave the god queen a delayed greeting, going to one knee before the god. For the brief moment her own bangle became visible on her left ankle as it was no longer hidden by her long robe. "You want me to escort people for a delivery?" It sounded familiar when she put it that way, but also so well normal to be given by the god queen. Ah well. Guess the god queen knew what she was buying. "Well, if that's the case, I will destroy whatever you want." She paused a beat then pointed her head toward Dayce, the nearby human. "Well, whatever they want I suppose. So, mind if we take one of those banners? We can sew the team name on it later. I'm thinking Heaven's Gate Delivery Service."