Event - The White Dragon Travel Log

[bravenewmods]

[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.]

Comments

Fai Flourite | OTA

[comparative_insanity]

a; and I've been flying ever since

[He has missed flying. Out in the wild, he's used telekinetic power and his own lightness to hitch rides with Dotty, but... well, it's not quite the same. He's had the freedom of space and distance, but at time he has still felt tied to the earth as surely as he's been tied to his search. Now he's strapped in, his movements restricted, but he feels as if some heavy burden has been cut away.

He's heavily bundled up in preparation for the cold, and that's just as well, because he's leaning into the air resistance as if he is trying to break through it, gaze wild and exuberant. If he sees anyone watching him, he smiles widely, spreading his arms wide like wings.]

Best feeling in the world, huh~?

b; saw the earth and I saw the sky

[The bustling camp, while welcome, is also overwhelming to someone who can barely remember what spending time with other human beings is like. So after watching the purposeful bustle, the dance, the debates for a while, he bundles up Sweetie Pie in his arms and goes wandering off for a while.

He's trying not to fall into the same grim mentality as he's had while looking for Yuui before, but nonetheless he can't resist exploring. The sharp obsidian formations fascinate him, and he moves cautiously closer, tips of his talons meeting those of his own distorted image, reflected back at him from a dark, mirror-like surface.

He jumps and tenses a bit at the sound of sliding rocks close by, cocking his head like a bird in the direction of the sound.]

I'm not alone here, am I?

B.

[platinumlucifer]

[ It wasn't just the cold that bothered Excellen, although if anyone asked why she was so quiet, it would be the first excuse she gave. Calderans didn't do well with cold, she explained with a bit of a forced laugh, hiding deeper in her coat.

The real reason? Much more complicated. Much more personal.

The normally bubbly blonde found a bit of quiet solace in the shiny, purple rock formations, when she did manage to get a few moments to herself. And yet, looking at herself reflected back, distorted, she felt even more uncomfortable in her own skin. Uncomfortable with the changes she had begun to notice. Uncomfortable with what they could mean--what she tried not to think about.

Hopefully getting the blood flowing with a good old fight would be just the thing to knock some sense back into her. Make her forget everything that that cave forced her to remember.

Usually light on her feet--an added perk of being a Flying type--feeling the bit of rock slip out from under her feet, as well as a voice call out in the solitude, startled her, and Excellen stopped like a deerling caught in the headlights.

Then, all at once, she was her bubbly self again, the mask hardly getting a chance to slip. Smiling, she appeared from behind a larger obsidian stalagmite, sticking her tongue out a bit playfully. ]

Whoopsie! Sorry, I'm usually not so loud. I hope I didn't interrupt anything.

[comparative_insanity]

[Once the first instinctive wariness is out of the way, the fight-or-flight response which had slowly become the norm while fighting for his survival in the wilderness, there is a moment of bewildered blankness as he tries to remember how to react. He's always been instinctively good at knowing what facade to put up, what words someone else wants to hear, how to protect himself in social situations. But ironically, while he had learned how to protect himself from weather and hunger and wild pokémon, he seemed to have lost his grasp a bit on his social flair.

Well, that's what came from not talking to a single human being for almost a year.

What it means is that as the girl looks out from behind the rock formation, there is just a fraction of a second when he looks vulnerable and confused and taken aback. All sorts of emotions are on display briefly for those who are skilled at reading, before he remembers, and carefully erases any trace of his inner conflict behind a wide, charming smile.]

Clearly you did. I mean, admittedly there's not terribly much to do out here but to enjoy my own company - but on the other hand I am pretty nice company, you know?

[platinumlucifer]

[ Excellen had her own secrets, ones she would prefer to keep just that. She could distinguish when someone else wasn't being as truthful with themselves around others quite well, even without that advantage. She was perceptive, ridiculously so, but at the same time knew when was the proper time to say something. If she knew him, she would poke.

But it seemed like he wanted to play instead, and that was fine by her. A bit of flirting would take the edge off this cold, right? Even if he wasn't really her type. ]

Ohhhh yeah? And why's that?

[ A grin begins to form on her lips as she sidled over, her eyebrows raised curiously. Please, tell her more, enlighten her. She would love to learn. ]

B

[untalented]

[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....

[comparative_insanity]

[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.]

[untalented]

[....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.]

[comparative_insanity]

[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.]

[untalented]

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.]

[comparative_insanity]

[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.

[untalented]

[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.

[comparative_insanity]

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?

[untalented]

[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.

[comparative_insanity]

[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?

[untalented]

[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.

a

[rainsrespite]

[From the back of the Dragonite she favored, Yuuna looked over at the flying man she'd helped to pluck out of the swamp a few days ago and snorted a laugh. He sounded just a touch silly, all in all, but at least he was smiling. That...well...that was good to see. They'd need that, if they were going to make it through all this.]

Of course! The only thing that really even compares is a good fight...and that requires a lot more effort!

[comparative_insanity]

[Fai has really missed being silly. He's missed doing things for the sheer enjoyment, he's missed uncomplicated laughter, and he's missed being able to put responsibility in someone else's hands and just relaxing for a while. He still looks far too skinny, and there is an unhealthy pallor underneath the lingering tan the summer had burned into his skin, but the haunted and deadened look has faded quite a lot from his eyes.

He laughs at Yuuna's comment, his small shrug making him look momentarily even more birdlike.]

You know, I've never really liked fighting that much, it's just a thing that seems to happen a lot. Must be my charming personality!

[rainsrespite]

[Yuuna’d almost insisted that Fai stay back in Union. It would’ve been a futile protest, definitely, but she still thought she should have made it. He wasn’t well, he wasn’t in the kind of shape…really…anyone else she was flying with was in. A year in the wilds did that to a person, and while he seems in high spirits she’s still worried. A bird in Glacier, after all, might be a bit more grounded than she liked. And might be easy pickings for a dragon god, even in the air.]

Well, you’re not a Fighting type. It just happens to me too, I eventually learned to enjoy it.

[Nevermind that she’d awakened only two months ago. She’d been a fighting type at heart since she was ten.]

[comparative_insanity]

[Fai hasn't exactly wanted to go away so soon after returning either. He'd felt bad for the sake of his parents, who'd had to cope with the loss of their children for so long, gotten one son back alive, only to have him rush off again. But he had made a promise to himself when he decided to end his exile: He wasn't giving up. Any opportunity he got to look for Yuui where he hadn't been before, he was going to take it. That was it, no excuses. Of course he wanted to help as well, but Yuui would always remain his main motivation until the day he was found.

Now... Well, his parents will have to wait, but he thinks they understand. And after all, Fai has Feliks with him now. Whatever they might have thought of him before, there is something about a boy who never gives up on their lost son to parents-in-law. Feliks had given them hope, so how could they possibly object to him?

He tries to give Yuuna a reassuring smile.]

Well, I think maybe not actively looking for battle might be a good tactic for me right now, right? I'll try to let the rest of you handle the more overt dangers until I can stop looking like an underfed Leavanny. [Fai is admittedly terrible at not getting himself into danger, but he will try. For their sakes.]

[rainsrespite]

[Yuuna returned that smile with one of her own, bright and sunny despite the situation.]

You look like you could at least handle a few Skitty, Fai. I mean, I'd rather you were back home in bed but I can't really mandate anything you wouldn't sneak out of so yeah. I'm just going to keep an eye on you. If something goes wrong? We'll get you out. I can't guarantee a fight won't happen, because I'm fully expecting one and I came armed for Ursaring but we might be ticking off an actual god.

[And she's not sure if he really understand the context of that. She met him after Heatran, but...did he actually engage the thing?]

This...hell. The last few I ran into sure didn't give me the option. [Still smiling, but it's grimmer somehow.] I just hope whatever it is isn't like Yveltal.

B

[victimlessdetails]

[A woman, actually dressed for the cold in spite of her normal reservations in regards to clothes, steps out of the darkness.]

Just prospecting a bit, kid. I only sneak out of habit, promise.

[True to her word, Isabela leans in to study the rocks.]

Interesting stones here. I think I've seen the like around volcanoes, but never in this amount. Shiny stuff that takes an edge better than steel.

[comparative_insanity]

Volcanoes, huh? High temperatures... maybe that's why it looks so much like glass.

[Fascinated, Fai levitates a small piece off the ground, spinning it in the air in front of him. The faint, pulsating glow of the Psychic energy causes the shiny shard of rock to cast little specks of light on the ground and brooding formations around it as it turns.

Then he smiles at the woman, wide and pleasant.]

Thank you for telling me. I was rather curious about it. [And at heart he is and always will be a huge science nerd.] Tell me, where did you come across these volcanoes?

[victimlessdetails]

[Isabela nods, and smiles a bit.]

Looks like glass, cracks like glass, lacerates people like glass if you're in dire need of a knife. And apparently, quite sparkly in the right light.

The biggest volcano's probably on that tropical island south of Union. There's a few more in the Archipelago further out. You haven't been out there?

[comparative_insanity]

[Fai reaches out experimentally and runs his thumb across the edge of the rock shard, letting out a surprised little huff of laughter when he naturally manages to nick it.]

Hu~uh. I wouldn't like facing a rock type around here, I think.

[Rock types in general are a pain. #flyingtypeproblems.]

I've only been down there a couple of times, and never close to the volcano. I think I'll have to go there one day. [It's a place where he hasn't been, so it's somewhere else to look for his brother. A small, amused grimace.] At least it'll be a lot warmer there, right?

[victimlessdetails]

No kidding. This is the coldest I've ever been. For that matter, it's the most clothes I've ever worn.

[Coats are unnatural. Pants doubly so.]