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Post by Shitakibo on Apr 10, 2023 1:44:45 GMT -5
Taki and the other shamans quickly gathered together, tucking the infirm or incapable members into wagons or onto steeds with competent and willing riders. The convoy's pace quickened, bouncing wagons over the precarious terrain more than once, tipping to the side before righting itself. Roaming through the crowd, she made sure that everyone was keeping pace and they weren't losing people along the trail. Once that was secured, Taki started to make her way forward once again.
Overhead, lightning streaked across the sky in great jagged arcs of unbridled fury. The clap of thunder roared and echoed off the stony area, making one explosive burst of sound seem like many repeating from several directions. A few of the bridled wagon pullers spooked and bucked at the sudden sound, their drivers hardly able to calm the instinctual need to flee. A gentle breeze began to gust across the faces of the rocks, catching in small shears and veins to make wild whistling sounds as the smell of dampness filled the air.
Making her way to Javal's position, she spotted a growing crack between two rock formations that seemed to have slammed together. As the entire convoy continued up the winding path, the crack became a gaping maw in the rock. Somewhat triangular, it looked as though some gargantuan worm had shoved and broken the rock below until it had wedged itself into rows and stacks of such formations to create much of the area's terrain and landmarks. Much of the Dragon's Spine and it's various trails leading up to Sky Peak Village and other surrounding points of interest had a similar look. Their destination this time wasn't the village, but a river running from the summit of a mountain said to be a nexus for spiritual connection and sacred to shaman from all over Charon. Even the spirits themselves seemed to become more present, solid and active according to the tales spun by the elders, whose journeys to the revered waters were numerous and regular.
"Is this our destination Javal?" Taki inquired to the company leader. If so, perhaps she could secure the main group and take a short jaunt to go find the four shaman acolytes who'd gone out to scout a location like this one.
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Post by Javal Zarrias on Apr 10, 2023 12:11:30 GMT -5
Javal saw Taki make her way to his position, he was honestly glad she had been helping him with all this he was glad she was his friend. They soon arrived at their destination, Javal told everyone to prepare to hunker down and ride out the storm.
He answered Taki, "Yes it is for now" he then yells over to his team, "Make sure everyone is safe and secure here I'm looking for the others. Although they said they would be fine, I can't in good conscience leave them out there in the unknown.
Nadia worried and pleaded with Javal, "Boss stay here it's too risky especially with the storm out. Either stay or have one of us go with you, I'll go".
Javal responds, "No Nadia I need you here guarding the pilgrims, sending anybody else would be too risky" he smiles, "Don't worry about me I'll be fine after all I'll fight the storm itself and defeat it if necessary". Javal then takes off running to look for any traces of the separated pilgrims; he couldn't have them all alone in the wild, not on his watch.
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Post by Shitakibo on Apr 10, 2023 16:19:23 GMT -5
"Perhaps an alternative solution then? We all work together to secure the group, and I'll go check after the lost ones... of this group of shamans, I'm the least likely to stay lost for long... and I'm used to tracking, hunting, living in and around the wilds. Your entire company could stay here, keep the group as a whole safe, and I'll go herd the strays as it were." Taki chuckled softly, having just thought of the metaphor. Still, this storm would make every ledge, rock and surface dangerous to travel. Would she be safe enough? Only time would tell. She left the idea with the pair and went to get the rest of the group settled in.
It took a bit of time, during which the storm grew more fierce, then subsided again, becoming a steady beat of raindrops on the stony terrain. Many of the shamans and animals had taken to rest, the rush here putting excess strain on them. Taki returned to Javal once the group had been secured, ready to depart and find the wayward ones.
"What is your decision? Who shall take on this venture?" Taki asked, trying to be polite as possible while also eager to retrieve, and to experience the storm.
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Post by Javal Zarrias on Apr 10, 2023 22:29:35 GMT -5
"Boss, at least take Lady Shitakibo with you she could help you look, just please take someone with you for safety reasons", Nadia yelled as Javal took off
"Fine, fine Shitakibo if you can catch up to me your welcome to join me", Javal said as he continued to run.
The winds were fierce almost blowing Javal off of his feet but he pressed on alongside Shitakibo seraching for these missing pilgrims. Where could they be, where would they even start looking Javal thoughto himself.
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Post by Shitakibo on Apr 10, 2023 23:45:54 GMT -5
As they set out, Taki eased her focus onto the spirits that surrounded the area. Inquiring about specific information took some time, so she followed Javal closely. Using a combination of breathing techniques and mental exercises, she was able to commune with the local ephemera while also searching for clues to the locations of the missing scouting party. After several minutes of hiking the craggy terrain, Taki spotted a shred of cloth that had been caught on a sharp jut of rock. Moving in the direction, she was able to pick up the first trail, bits of kicked up pebbles, snapped twigs and tamped down grasses all in a rough line.
"This way Javal, I think we've caught the first trail. See this... and these here... and up on the rock face... someone came down from above in a hurry, probably looking to shelter before the storm grew worse." She stated, her voice calm, as tranquil as a still pond. Like said pond, beneath the surface she was worried for the safety of her fellow shaman. Though the group had only just met for the occasion, traveling such a pilgrimage was a form of bonding with people she'd not experienced before.
Following a rough, flat bit of terrain, they rounded the face of the large outcropping to find another, much smaller, cave.
"I am Shitakibo... Are there any shaman here?" She called out into the gloom, stepping just in to get out of the deluge of water.
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Post by Javal Zarrias on Apr 11, 2023 16:20:07 GMT -5
Javal and Shitakibo set off in search for the missing shamans in a rush fearing for their safety. Javal knew he should have had his guys following them but he respected their resolve and will bring them back safe. For the most part it was Lady Shitakibo that did most of the searching, she seemed like she knew exactly where they were so Javal just followed her lead. Javal was right to trust Shitakibo to guide them to the pilgrims as she had already found one of the shaman’s trails. He followed quickly until they were in front of a small cave where they heard a shriek, “Help, help me I injured my ankle and I can’t move very well”. Javal had grabbed them and hoisted them on his back getting ready to carry them back on his back.
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Post by Shitakibo on Apr 11, 2023 18:49:38 GMT -5
While Javal gathered up the wayward shaman and got comfortable, Taki began the search for the next trail. Whispers on the edge of her consciousness, the voices of spirits, helped her pick up the next trail. They'd had to back track a bit, then go further south from the main group. Along the way, Taki noted a few troubling signs but wasn't sure what to make of them yet. Something fairly large had made this place it's territory, and might have been responsible for some of the missing shamans.
"How did you come to be injured?" She inquired to the gnome Javal was backpacking along the trail.
"I slipped, getting down from atop the rocks. It was too slick and I lost my footing. That small cave was lucky to find, because I wasn't going to get much farther in the rain. Oh... and before you ask, I've not seen any of the others yet... just rain, and winds and the cave..." They replied, clearly shaken up by the event.
"Thank you." Taki responded, picking the next trail back up and trying to find the best path to follow it. The obstacles along the trail were numerous, but so far had only proven to be minor. Together, the group made it south for about a mile or so across the rain soaked terrain before seeing something unsettling. A pile of rubble, seemingly like any other in the vast mountainous area... until one looked above, and noted the raking marks of claws evenly spaced and cutting deep furrows into the stone. She held out a hand for Javal to wait, leaned against a heavy boulder just out of sight.
"Wait here a moment, something powerful made that pile of rubble, and may still be nearby... if I get attacked, do not come after me, return to the group and get on your way... I will draw it off as long as I can." She explained, taking a deep breath before she stepped out from cover. She approached cautiously, then picked up a stone a bit smaller than her hand and hurled it down the path to clatter and rattle about. No movement, no cries... the shaman waited a few moments and watched her surroundings. She picked up a few more for later, then kept going down the trail until she could hear a soft sobbing.
Rounding another boulder, she found a crevasse low to the ground with a strip of bloodied fabric caught on it's jagged face. She tossed another stone, this one high up over the rocks and back in the direction of Javal and his charge. Again, no response. Taki unstrapped most of her gear, wedging it into a small rut between the boulder and a scraggly bush before ducking into the hole carefully. She still scraped her shoulders, hips, even her nose just a bit, but managed to wiggle in. It was dark, damp and musty and smelled slightly sulfurous... odd... to her understanding, there weren't many volcanoes in the area...
It was then she remembered there were a trio of Kobolds who'd gone off to scout ahead, and one was carrying a staff with a lump of sulfur as part of it's cap.
"Is anyone in here?" She called out softly, to which more sobbing was the only response. She moved a bit deeper in the gloom, her hands feeling their way forward. A scaly surface, slick and broken was the first thing her hand touched. She felt forward, moving carefully, until her hands found evenly spaced, deep gashes. This one had been slashed, gutted by something the size of their entire caravan. A few more feet in lay another of the Kobolds, whose ragged breathing bubbled and gurgled with fluid, their body hot to the touch.
She felt tiny hands against her leg, then a sharp, pinching bite. Reaching out, she hugged the last of the Kobolds against her thigh until they released her. In the dark of this cave, she could barely make out what was happening but understood enough to know that one of the trio was lost completely, and another was gravely injured. Questions would have to wait for later. She scooped up broken Kobold carefully, holding it against her chest. With her only free hand, she took the last member's hand and moved toward the entrance to leave.
"We must go now, get back to the others... It may be frightening but you must... otherwise we cannot help the others, or this one I carry in my arms. There will be time for grieving soon enough little one." Taki did her best to comfort the Kobold still sobbing quietly. With the dim light of the rain soaked sky as her only beacon, she very carefully slipped the injured Kobold outside, then picked up the other. They struggled for a moment, then caught sight of Taki in the light and eased out. Apparently the young girl had held her eyes shut, refusing to open them to the reality they faced. Taki carefully dragged herself from the pit, shedding a few more scales against it's sharp surfaces. They needed to return fast, get the injured to aid before things got worse. The other Kobold, the young girl, held a gnarled bit of wood with a fragment of sulfur twisted into one end... all that remained of the staff apparently...
"Follow me, as best you can, we're going to meet up with two others and get back to camp." She said as she fashioned a sling for the battered Kobold. Now in the light, she could see severe bruising across much of their torso and several broken ribs. Most likely, a lung had been punctured and would only get worse with the journey and every passing minute. Returning to Javal, her face was solemn. She shared a few tidbits of information, just enough for him to understand the urgency, and then took off down the path as quickly as she could manage while balancing with a Kobold. Let the others be safe, she pleaded to the spirits... they didn't need another catastrophe at the moment.
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Post by Javal Zarrias on Apr 12, 2023 1:44:50 GMT -5
Javal carried the injured shaman on his back. It wasn't a very difficult task since Javal was so physically capable. What was difficult was carrying him in such a horrible environment. That being the case, Javal pushed forward, determined to save them all. He continued to follow his friend Shitakibo since he trusted her skill in the spirits as well as she’d already proven herself good at this. While he was following Shitakibo he started to get worried something was out there, something big and dangerous. He had hoped that all of the shamans were somewhere safe otherwise Javal wouldn’t be able to live with himself.
As the gnome shaman began telling their tale Javal was impressed by their Bravery after all even though they did get hurt they were brave for trying, “I’m impressed by your actions you are truly a brave person”.
As Javal continued with the gnome on his back his eyes suddenly opened wide he saw a devised area, “No, no this can’t be I can’t have been this late, for the love of all that is good please be ok if anybody’s around".
As he tried to step forward, Shitakibo motioned him to stop so he stopped and leaned alongside her behind the boulder.
He whispered in a low tone (well as low as Javal can), “No don’t do this Shitakibo let me this is my responsibility”
He tried to go after her but he stopped. He had to let her do this. It was dishonorable to Shitakibo to go against her wishes, whatever it was she wanted to do he’d follow her lead. He slowly waited for Shitakibo; he trusted her abilities and skill, no way she’d die here. As he waited for Shitakibo he talked to the gnome shaman he had on his back he learned their name was a woman named Jalassa Wittlespark who was a baker who had lost her husband and decided to follow spirituality.
As Shitakbo came back with two kobolds in two Javal was relieved but soon his relief turned to panic as he counted the two kobolds a million times before they arrived. Now Javal wasn’t the brightest tool in the shed but he knew that three did not equal two.
As Shitakibo relay as much information as Javal needed his face fell into a sad expression he had failed one of them.
“Nonono, this can’t be no I swore to everyone I’d get them back safe. This is all my fault, all mine. I should've done more to save them. I should've been out there with them. This is all my fault. I swore to myself that I would never let anybody do anything ever again, never let anybody die on my watch again”.
He struggled to come back to reality but he forced himself back. He put on a bright smile and said, “We will get you all to safety, you have my word. Everything is okay now I’m here and I won’t let anything hurt you”.
He hoisted the kobold into his arms and sprinted as fast as he could. He failed one he would not fail the rest of them even if it cost him his life.
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Post by Shitakibo on Apr 12, 2023 2:26:16 GMT -5
Taki raced along side Javal, carrying the injured and unconscious Kobold. She was worried about Javal's state of mind in this situation, but there was only so much they could do until things settled down. As the group sprinted through the rain, it began to let up. By the time they'd reached the area where they'd picked up the Gnome, it had all but dissipated. Puddles of water great and small pocked the trail, filling the lowest spots with muddy waters.
She watched the surfaces of these pools as she ran, hoping against hope that whatever had caused this tragedy had moved on to other places. As the group began closing the distance, a strange sound could be heard echoing from far ahead and the puddles rippled from some unseen force. Something heavy, plodding along the ground with great footfalls. Having focused on sprinting and watching the road, Taki was slow to notice that the spirits of this place were acting strangely. They scattered in erratic patterns, fleeing the presence of something.
At last, the trail leading to the main group came into view... though Taki had almost run right past it, thinking it blocked by some massive rock... until said rock curled to one side, and slapped against the face of the stones with a heavy thud. She slid to a halt, pebbles and mud flying as she dug in to arrest her momentum before she got too close. She cursed under her breath, a hissing, clicking sound that didn't translate well to the Common Tongue. She stared in disbelief as the massive lump of flesh picked itself up and slammed down again, making the rocks in the area groan and the ground tremble beneath their feet.
Setting the injured Kobold into a small cave, hanging from the sling she'd fashioned out of extra fabric from her garments, Taki climbed up the side of trail to get a better view. Six legs, blunted, reptilian head, thick round body, all came into view as she cleared the top of the rocks and looked below. She quickly knew it to be a Basilisk, and locked her gaze on it's rear set of legs for the short few seconds she could see it. Meeting it's eyes would mean she would join the terrain as a statue of stone.
She scrambled back down the cliff face, nearly falling as a spray of debris chased after her. The creature bellowed, enraged by the presence of unwelcome guests in it's territory.
"BA... Basilisk... it's... it's a stone gazed lizard the size of our... entire... caravan..." She stammered out between huffing breaths. "Not to the... the convoy... yet. Definitely heading that... direction... need to warn... others." She said, taking a few deep breaths to steady her breathing. Gathering her will, she retrieved the injured Kobold from the place she'd hidden them and made ready to climb once again.
"We need to all rejoin the others, it won't be as simple as going around this creature either... this is it's territory and it knows we're all here... we're going to have to go up where I was, pick our way across the top of these jagged rocks... and whatever you do... DO NOT look at it's face or head... eyes to the ground, it's our only way to avoid it's Petrifying Gaze." She warned the others, and began climbing once again, her arms and legs straining from the excess weight and not wanting to jostle the injured Kobold.
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Post by Javal Zarrias on Apr 12, 2023 16:02:54 GMT -5
Javal raced with Shitakibo holding both the injured gnome and kobold in his arms. He was trying to push forward against his weighing guilt. He was sprinting as fast as he could going past the earlier gnome pickup spot. Suddenly he heard an echo in the distance. Whatever this thing was, it had to be big and scary which worried Javal, especially with the injuries they were carrying. He could take down whatever it was but he wasn’t sure he could do it with protecting people. Suddenly he felt a tremor as he saw something in the distance, some gigantic beast. He approached behind Shitakibo and saw a basilisk. No way, this couldn’t be why here why now why today.
“Shitakibo we have to do something, one of us has to distract it somehow, and get the others to safety. I can do it trust me I wont open my eyes to it”
He puts down the two injured people he was carrying and takes out his ray bow, “Me and my bow Stick II got this just go help the others as fast as you can”
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Post by Shitakibo on Apr 12, 2023 23:13:09 GMT -5
"Very well, I will see the others to safety. Good luck, and if you can hit it's underside, that's likely to be softer than the rest... otherwise, aim for the eyes. It's likely we'll only take it down with a coordinated effort, but I'd rather drive the creature off. I'm sure most of us feel that way, but we will have consensus. Strike true Javal, and keep your eyes to the ground."
Taki gathered the injured, Kobold across her back, Gnome in her arms. It was a burden, she could only jog at a steady pace over the terrain. The spirits guided her steps, her eyes closed tightly. While she couldn't see the terrain itself, the ephemeral presence of the spirits glowed like a soft mist across the land. Highlighting places that were stable, she made her way past the great beast and back to the camp. More than once, she'd almost run into it's claws or tail, only to side step the impact by a few paces.
The caravan had taken defensive formation, wagons and civilians tucked into the back. Out front were the security company, and a few of the able bodied shamans willing to stand their ground. Barely waving to Nadia and the others, Taki kept her eyes closed the whole way. She carried the others and placed them in the care of the elders who were on this journey. After giving thanks and saying a prayer for their well being, she caught her breath and returned to the front.
"You're back... without Javal? I need to know what's happening, what is making that wild noise?" Inquired Nadia, stopping Taki as she was heading back to help.
"It is a Basilisk, not quite full grown but still quite a beast... Javal is trying to distract it or drive it off, while I carried the injured ones here. They are with the healers now... one did not make it." Said the shaman, her voice solemn yet urgent. She wanted to rush off and drag Javal back to the others... Likely they stood a better chance as a group than taking it on in small numbers.
"If you can get him back, do so."
"Keep them safe, tell everyone to not look at it's face, watch the stones... or become stone yourselves." She warned, then scrambled back up the cliff, eyes shut tightly.
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Post by Javal Zarrias on Apr 13, 2023 1:34:21 GMT -5
Javal took a deep breath, he could do this, it was just a basilisk, nothing too big. Well that was a lie it was quite large but that's beside the point, he could do this. He had to in the name of the dead, he swore he’d bring this beast to justice. He holds his ray bow pulling its string as back as he could, aiming for the Basilisk’s back suddenly an arrow of light appeared in its notch and Javal let go letting the light arrow fly to hit the Basilisk.
He closes his eye and yells, “Hey Basilisk, let's give this battle all we got, I’m your enemy here me”.
His arrow of light hits the Basilisk straight in the back it suddenly roars and turns to face Javal at first trying to petrify him from afar but as he sees it’s not working. He begins to waddle its heavy body towards Javal and away from the pilgrimage.
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Post by Shitakibo on Apr 13, 2023 12:53:38 GMT -5
Entranced by the lovely, flowing trail of spiritual markers, Taki covered a distance much greater than her usual stride. Steadying her breathing helped to calm her mind, attune her to the spirits who were guiding her steps. Her body pitched forward, as if a large cat had pounced on her back. A moment later, the shaman felt the rush of wind overhead as the Basilisk's claws soared by. She righted her balance, returning to the trail in front of her.
Something about it had changed, it's rhythm was less of a bounding stride. It had become a fluid dance, like watching a serpent swim along the river. Now and again, she felt that gentle, furry nudge... and a loud, purring voice. The serpent was quieter, focused on guiding Taki around the heaving monster. Their presence was a warm buzz against her scales, reminding her of her mentor. She'd been so busy as of late, she had hardly taken time to process the idea of it all. Now, of all times, the calm guidance and gentle care of the spirits despite the immense danger gave her comfort and peace of mind.
Once more, the bounding steps carried her away from the beast. As she switched her stride, she felt the serpent moving about, ending up watching from behind and swimming through the air. Javal was close, she could sense him nearby. The Basilisk had turned and was giving chase, annoyed by the biting light and the intrusion. He had succeeded in spectacular fashion, now they just had to draw it away and disappear, or turn and fight it.
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Post by Javal Zarrias on Apr 14, 2023 1:30:55 GMT -5
As soon as Javal had finished delivering his declaration of war against the monstrous Basilisk creature, he quickly turned around in the opposite direction and started booking it. He stumbled a bit at first but soon sprinted as fast as he could, he was going to do this. He was going to get his basilisk away from everyone and keep its attention squarely on him. He wanted to fight it, a part of him screamed at him to turn around and start attacking but he knew that wasn’t the right thing to do. He was going to save them first get the basilisk far far away from the pilgrims and only then would he start fighting them. He dared not look behind him in fear of petrification although the basilisk was a good ways away from him still on his trail. Javal could hear the beast break everything in its path from rocks, boulders, and trees. He spun straight around with his eyes still closed and threw his lightning spear at the Basilisk's face. He spun right back and continued running only hearing a loud roar.
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Post by Shitakibo on Apr 14, 2023 6:29:54 GMT -5
Entranced by the fluid movements she was guided through, the roaring crackle of thunder nearly made Taki stumble. Overhead, the Basilisk roared it's fury before lunging it's bulk after something, or someone. One moment, she was gliding over the rocks, the next she felt a massive set of paws slam into her chest. Her momentum was countered, stunning the shaman for a split second. In that same instant, one of the Basilisk's many legs collided with the same creature... or was it a spirit... Taki couldn't tell with her eyes shut tight.
Trusting her instincts, she watched the feline shape bounce away from the impact. It rolled to it's feet, staggered but seemingly okay. Quick as her hands had practiced for hours, a flurry of sharp Kunai peppered the bottom of the creature's foot. Some blades bounced harmlessly off thicker scaled plates, while others found the tender underside's finer scales and dug into sensitive flesh. She sensed the serpent once more, pushing her to move a different direction. Pivoting on her heel, she scrambled after the flowing shape that teased at her senses.
"Ryu... that's my name... Ryu. Move your body where mine goes and we will both make it."
"She's right, we'll watch over you... please call me Keta, it's nice to formally meet you."
The pair of spirits had names, spoke to Taki as if they had been long time friends and companions. Her mind reeled, emotions swirling with other thoughts and possibilities. Now wasn't the time to break focus, she reminded herself sharply. There was a very dangerous creature thrashing about just overhead, and an important member of their group being chased by it. She focused on Javal's scent, sensing it not far ahead of the Basilisk.
Keta changed direction again, racing like lighting away from the direction Taki was being guided. As spiritual creatures, they were unaffected by the petrifying gaze of the Basilisk. The feline spirit skipped over the rocks, like a bolt of lightning hopping from cloud to cloud. She tucked herself low, pushing her body underneath of Javal's just as he was about to run blind into a ravine. Springing with all her might, the pair just barely cleared the distance.
Snapping after Javal as if he were a bug, the Basilisk slid over the ledge without noticing it until there was no ground to slam it's heavy claws into. Pitching forward, the immense bulk of the creature caught it's jaw and chin on the opposing ledge. Fragments of stone shattered and flew about, the heavy skull bearing the brunt of the impact. Unconscious, unable to grip the ledge, it slid down the ravine. Rocks, dust and debris filled the space and cascaded down to the valley floor below as it widened further down. Trees splintered and gave way, unable to support the Basilisk's bulk or pierce it's thick body. A heavy thud signaled it had hit the floor of the valley below, scattering birds and other creatures.
Taki's eyes stared at the ravine, her eyes peaking slightly. Where was Javal? He'd been close... had he gotten hit by the beast... she didn't know.
"Javal!! JAVAL!! ARE YOU UP HERE!! Can you hear me?!" She shouted at the rising cloud of greyish brown dust, leaves and debris. From the corner of her eye, she noticed a serpentine glow moving off towards it. It was Ryu, floating through the air just above the rocks. She chased after the serpent who stopped when she did. Blocking her path for an instant, the spirit gave her a warning.
"Breathing in this cloud is not wise, and the chasm is a treacherous jump. I won't be affected, and can be back with news on if Keta and Javal made the jump. It will take some time and attuning, but she did manage to leap before Javal fell or was caught, I'm just not sure what happened after other than it falling... I'll be right back... wait here." Said the spirit, looking a bit like one of the many mythological dragon creatures her tribe's traditions told of. A river dragon, guiding life from ocean to river and back, ensuring harmony between water and earth. Taki knew she would have to spend immense amounts of time training to work together with the pair, but was comforted by their presence all the same.
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