bravenewworld | Event - The White Dragon Travel Log

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Event - The White Dragon Travel Log

[It's a lengthy journey even by air, that our intrepid heroes find themselves on. The veteran fliers set a quick, but not grueling pace at the suggestion of the Valkyries. Arriving to a battleground when a god had taken the field tired was not wise, they'd said, and who could really blame them? The prospect alone of facing down one of the beasts of legend would be enough to send most men fleeing in the opposite direction, but one who was working with a human? That was all the more reason to make sure that proper care was taken on the trek. And so for a day the party traveled, a caravan of birds, dragons, reptiles and the odd flying robot making steady time across the Rolling Plains before setting down at the north-eastern edge.

The curious would find that not far from where the tents were pitched, the green hills turned jagged, the land going from verdant to a sea of dark glass. Obsidian shards spiked upwards, spires gleaming in the moonlight like razor sharp teeth, setting an ominous tone for the evening's respite. Tents were pitched, fires were lit, and the more warlike companions even began a drum circle and dance. Valkyries and shirtless Calderan volunteers, a small number of visiting mages, and other more mysterious folks all curious to see the god and to help with the relief efforts. The camp, despite the circumstances, was at least a lively one.

And then came the final day.

Over the Obsidian Flats they went, the massive shapes of Boldore and Tyranitar visible even from up in the sky. And...further perhaps even more stunningly, a gigantic lake almost large enough to call an inland sea, sprawled out below. Rivers snaked out of it all around, and the water itself was a pure crystal blue. But perhaps the most awe inspiring sight of the whole journey came once they cleared the Flats and the area around Glacier came into view. An expanse of white, thick snow covering the ground this early in the year. Arctic forests cropped up here and there, snowcapped trees and a frigid looking river marring the perfect canvas beneath. And more Pokemon , of course. Gigantic Avalugg shook the ground below, and a new species plodded along, chewing amiably on the trees, largely unconcerned by the humans overhead, and the occurrences in the distance.

Along the coast a city was in flames, people streaming out of its ruined gates, desperately fleeing along the rivers before whatever it was came back. Smoke curled up along the skyline, burned hamlets and outlying settlements that'd already been destroyed.

It seems like they weren't too late, and it in the moment of respite there was a chance for our heroes to at least get their bearings and prepare for the Dragon God's return...]

[OOC: We will be opening some of these areas for bonding within the next few days for everyone who is taking part in the expedition.]

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[He didn't know Fai, but he understood enough to know that Fai was an acquaintance of Yuuna's and was a person of extreme importance to Feliks. After months of trying to understand the spunky and sometimes moody Fairy-type, Waver felt like he had finally had a breakthrough in understanding-- and he knew how easily people could get lost in the wilderness as well. Inexperienced and preoccupied with staying warm as he was, Waver maintained enough presence of mind to keep tabs on the faces he recognized. Merrill, Yuuna, and Feliks were all friends. Isabela was a disconcerting but seemingly good natured individual who had helped him during his first weeks in Union. But Fai, for all of his jokes and games, was a complete mystery. Though he was just as infuriating to be around as Feliks could be, Waver was having a hard time understanding how much was a joke and how much was said in utter seriousness.

And, not trusting the mentality of a person who had been estranged from civilization for over a year, Waver decided to grab his Vulpix and attempt to tail Fai.

Too bad his physical agility was highly lacking.]

--You caught me, [he said, barely nudging his way out of his scarf so he could speak properly. His tone was unamused, but not hostile either.] It's pretty barren out here....

[Honestly, Fai doesn't really trust his mental facilities all that well right at this moment, certainly not to the extent where he's sure not to do something stupid and potentially harmful in the foreseeable future. But then again, the very idea of setting out on his own again is right now so unspeakably terrifying to him, that he figures the chance of running off on some impulse pretty slim as it stands.

Then again, he's also aware that the logic behind his first complete disappearance must seem pretty damn shaky for anyone who doesn't thoroughly understand his and Yuui's relationship - and he can count those people on one hand. So he's aware that the people closest to Feliks probably won't trust his reasoning in general, and particularly not those who haven't even spoken to Fai before.

Such as... ah, yes. Waver.

Just to be annoying, and in an attempt to at least not let on what a complete mess he still is on the inside, he smiles ever so pleasantly and shrugs.]

Well, I certainly wouldn't want to build a house here, but it's not so bad really. It speaks nicely to my vanity. [He nods at his obsidian reflection, which honestly looks pretty deformed and creepy, but he doesn't seem to mind.]

[....inscruitable as always.

Waver huffed an irritable sigh and shoved his mitten-clad hands deeper into the pockets of his overcoat, almost willing the warmth to touch his fingers. All he knew about Fai was what he could see-- a Psychic and Flying typed enlightened with plenty of experience and Analytic talents on par with his own. The similarities between the two of them on a glance bothered Waver to no end.]

It's not exactly a welcoming place for an audience to come watch you preen, [he muttered.] It's a little cold. And slick.

[....And that had to have been the biggest understatement since the Cataclysm.]

[It's hard for Fai to decide what to make of Waver as well. Not because he doesn't seem like a reasonably straightforward person, but simply because he doesn't quite know how to relate to him.

He knows he ought to try making friends with him as soon as possible, of course, and yet he finds himself anxious and uncertain instead. Waver is clearly wary of him. Waver is easy to provoke and, he's guessing, hard to please. Waver is very clever, but also rather rigid. Waver is exactly the kind of person Fai has always had difficulties understanding and getting along with - and he's Feliks' friend. He's a change that happened in Feliks' life while Fai was gone, and so somehow Fai is the intruder in this situation, and he really doesn't know how to deal with that.

Every single insecurity coming back to life all at once, he really only knows one way to respond.]

Well, I'm glad you made the effort. [Even though he knows, of course, that this isn't the reason why Waver came.] But, you know, I rather came here in an attempt to rid myself of an audience, not the opposite. [That... wasn't very nice of him, he knows, and his smile isn't making anything better. But now he's defensive and doesn't know how to stop.]

Then I won't look-- but, I won't leave, either.

[Digging his heels into the thin layer of snow on the obsidian, Waver stood obstinant on that point. In truth, he had no reason to care about Fai quite yet. But, he had reason enough to care about the chain reaction that would spark if Fai went missing again. Feliks was far from subtle in his distress, as even an outsider to the city like Waver could see it plainly, and Yuuna would be upset with worry if Feliks went and did something stupid because of his renewed distress.

Having friends was a strange and new concept for him, and he wasn't about to let anything happen to put that in jeopardy. If safeguarding his few connections in Union ment hovering over a strange and infuriating bird, than so be it.

Fairy-types were still more annoying, and Ghost-types were worse.]

[Fai's more generous side, which is still there somewhere under all the tension and apprehension, genuinely thinks that this is rather endearing. It's not like he can't figure out that this is Waver's way of looking out for his friends, and that it's done out of concern for Feliks - and probably Yuuna as well. And he's happy, he truly is, that Feliks has had people looking out for him.

Unfortunately it also cuts rather deep to realize that Waver thinks that Feliks needs to be protected from him - even more so because he realizes it's true. He's hurt Feliks, hurt him so badly and not even been there to see it, and now he's going to be seen as a potential danger until he's proven that he can be trusted.

It really doesn't help him get less defensive, regrettably.]

Mm~mm, keeping watch on me are you? [It only takes one graceful little hop for him to suddenly stand right next to Waver, bending down to look him in the eye and accidentally-on-purpose emphasizing their height difference.] You know, if I was going to run off again, I would at least choose a place where finding me again wouldn't be so easy.

Edited 2015-09-30 00:27 (UTC)

[This was no longer a friendly gesture for a mutual companion, but a battle of wills. Looking up at Fai from underneath the furred trim of his woolen hat, Waver watched him with a firm and unflinching gaze. The difference in their height was intimidating, but he knew that there was no particular reason to be afraid. Facing a high leveled Hitmonchan, even with his type advantage, was still more intimidating.

Besides, he felt that he needed to make his presence known to this person. While Fai might have the history, Waver felt that it didn't make up for recent misdeeds.

Even if the circumstances weren't entirely Fai's fault, the man still needed to be held accountable.]

How would you be sure? For all you know, I've found a way to trace your whereabouts already.

[It was a bold-faced lie-- but, not beyond the capabilities of a properly trained Magus.]

Besides, you still need to foot my laundry bill. Feliks made a mess of my favorite sweater because of you.

I thi~ink you probably can't, and you're just saying that. [He shrugs loosely.] A shame, really. I'm sure something like that could be useful.

[He sounds more casual about it than he actually feels. He'd actually feel a bit safer if that were the case, since he's still not trusting his own mind completely... but he's not going to tell Waver that.

At the demand that he take care of a laundry bill of all things, he lets out an amused, musical little sound, trying desperately not to show how truly awful he feels about the implications.]

I can pay it. Now that I'm considered the sole heir of the family, I suspect I could get my parents to pay for just about anything. [There is a lot of sadness and cynicism, as well as gratitude and love all at once behind that statement - but it probably doesn't quite come off like that.]

But you know, here's the thing... I'm not going to stop looking for my brother. Not until the day I die, or he is found - whichever comes first, do you understand? [His voice is for a moment low with intensity and obsession, before it picks up somewhat again.] But all I was doing out in the wilderness was killing myself too fast and letting down a lot of people. So I have no intention of going back, see?

[He felt his cheeks redden at Fai's pointed words. Though the analysis was completely correct, Waver couldn't just let Fai know that without injuring his own pride.

There were other factors at stake-- like everyone's safety.]

I understand-- and you can search as much as you want, but I'll give you the same words that I gave Feliks:

Don't go alone. If something happens, you'll be glad for the back up.

[It was both a general safety measure and a means of ensuring that no one was running themselves to death for the sake of a long cold search. Being without a family himself, he couldn't fully appreciate Fai's or even Feliks' thoughts on the matter, but he had learned quite a bit about the world in the short time he's been in Union.]

And don't make any excuses about people getting tired of travelling with you, like Feliks tried to. There's always someone, even if they're one of the Rangers.

[Fai raises his eyebrows, and he can't quite help the amused little smirk which pulls at his lips, causing them to quirk upwards in a slightly lopsided smile.]

You know, I think I've managed to figure out the downsides of going alone after nearly a year on my own in the wilderness. [He glances toward one of the rock formations, which Sweetie Pie is right now scaling in grim determination.] Not that I was ever alone, I have to point out. I just didn't have any human company.

[It's not that he doesn't understand Waver's point perfectly, and he really had no intention of going on his own - more out of fear for a mental relapse than his physical health, but still. He's just determined to be a twat about it because he can't think of any other way of solving the situation without backing down.]

Anyway, it's not like Feliks will let me out of sight for long right now, is it?

[Waver heaved a sigh. He didn't want to back down either, but he was growing weary of this man.]

You're out of his sight right now, [he pointed out,] and there's an angry God out here. Everyone's saying not to travel alone-- unless you want to become food for that God.

[Fai rolls his eyes a bit.]

Ah, yes. I mean, I am both within easy teleporting and signalling distance from camp, and I am not actually travelling alone. I'm taking a walk. But I see your point about never getting out of his sight ever - I'm sure he'll be pretty enthusiastic about following me on every bathroom break. It could be like couple bonding time, ri~ight?

Well. If it's just a walk, then someone walking with you shouldn't be an imposition-- isn't that correct?

[His temper flared now at Fai's jokes and care-free attitude. It was a if Waver's intentions of making sure that the weirdos in their strange little group stayed safe was completely and utterly for nothing.]

Ah? Did I say that I minded your presence?

[Well, no he didn't, but he sure had been trying his very best to find and push as many of Waver's buttons ever since the start of the conversation. Not that Fai is going to acknowledge that right now, when playing up an obviously false display of hurt innocence is much more fun.]

You're free to follow me as you wish, of course! [Suddenly, he sets off briskly towards the rock formation that Sweetie Pie has already climbed, and-

-Fai used Bounce!

Peering down at Waver from his sudden elevation, he laughs.] Are you coming? [Let's see how determined he is.]

[--He hates you.

Waver decided at that moment that he well and truly hated Fai. At least, for now. The taunt earned a muttered curse in reply-- probably something wishing a plague of stunlutefisk to befall Fai and his bretheren for the winter holidays. The dish was vile, and a noted terror to both palates and silver cutlery in the areas west of the mountain range.

Drawing in a deep breath, Waver forced himself to refine his focus-- and he promptly teleported to Fai's location.

Once up there, though, he crouched down and held onto the rock formation tight. Fearful as he was, he wasn't going to be defeated just yet.]

I might not be able to fly, [he muttered darkly,] but I can do this much.

[Fai might not always be a nice person, and he sometimes has problems realizing that a joke has gone too far until it's too late, but he's not actually a cruel person as a rule. As soon as he sees Waver hang on to the rock like that, and it sinks in that he really had followed despite being terrified, he realizes that he's being unfair. Even worse, he's being a bully.

Waver is only trying to do right by a friend. What's his excuse?

Crouching down next to him only a moment later, the air fizzles gently as he raises a psychic shield around them both, as a preventative measure in the unlikely event that either of them really should fall.]

You know, the view up here is nice, but I think I liked it better on the ground. [His voice has softened from the teasing sing-song, a peace offering which he cannot quite manage to put proper words to just yet. Feeling Sweetie Pie instantly climb onto his back, he reaches out and takes a hold of Waver's wrist, using Teleport in turn to get the group of them back onto safer terrain once again.]

Make up your mind, would you?

[His tone was tired and exasperated. The chase had it's merits, but he sincerely couldn't tell what Fai's intentions were-- except challenging his personal pride. Misgivings aside, Waver accepted the hand and was glad to be on the ground once again.

Except, now he was certain that he was going to give Fai some stunlutefisk for the holidays.]

[Fai might attempt to make up his mind if his head wasn't spinning so badly - turns out that Teleporting more than one person is still a bit more than his malnourished and worn out body is up for. So instead of replying, he bravely combats nausea for a few moments before giving in, scrabbling away from Waver in time to be heartily sick.

Laughing feebly, he wipes his mouth while Sweetie Pie conveys her distress and worry by a low growl and a series of hard little punches to his shoulder, followed by intense fawning.]

Well, we can definitely call that a work in progress.

[Waver turned away with his face covered at the sounds of Fai's retching, face burning in embarrassment for the other man's sake. Though Fai may have been infuriating, there was no doubting that his year walk-about had taken a toll on him physically.

It only served to vindicate Waver in his hunch to keep an eye on the crazy bird.]

...Let's get you back to camp, [he said, mouth turned in a frown while he spoke.] You need to be smarter about what you do.

Smart, I can manage. But, ah-

[Fai starts to get unsteadily to his feet, and it's probably lucky that his hollow bone structure renders him so light, because his legs only barely seem to want to hold him. It's as if not being continuously abused has reminded his body exactly what a poor shape it's in. He hadn't actually been this unstable out in the wilderness where he was more or less always starving or suffering from sleep deprivation to some extent.]

I'm not quite so good at being sensible, however. That has always been... [He bites down on Yuui's name before it slips out.] But you're right. We should get back to camp. [Wobbling like a newly born Deerling all the way, by the look of it.]

Edited 2015-10-03 15:59 (UTC)

--Excuse me, [Waver said abruptly, reaching to grab Fai's slender hand. The man's wobbling, halting movements were bothering him to no end-- because he knew that Fai was just going to cause trouble for people one way or another at this rate.

That was the only warning he gave before he teleported the two of them back to camp.]

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Event - The White Dragon Travel Log

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