[center][h3]Asbestos[/h3] [b]Location:[/b] Sandswept Sky - Gerudo Town Midna’s [@DracoLunaris], Sectonia’s [@Archmage MC], Primrose and Therion’s [@Yankee], Jesse’s [@Zoey Boey], Raz’s [@TruthHurts22], Raiden’s [@XoXKieroBombXoX], Panther, Necronomicon, Peacock, Tharja [b]Word Count:[/b] [/center] With the men of the group and any of their sympathizers left behind, the remainder of their party made their way toward Gerudo Town. While not paved at all, the path there across the sand was a well-trodden one, and with the veil of nightfall pulled once more across the Sandswept Sky, it was a journey the lucky few could make in relative ease and comfort. Asbestos, for one, seemed to be in a good mood. Compared to the others the savra girl had barely broken a sweat at all today, with nothing more than a few training exercises from that morning under her belt, followed by the boredom of sitting on her hands during both legs of the Virgin Victory’s desert voyage. The chance to bully some monsters with her explosive greatshield came as a rare treat for her, but the opportunity to explore somewhere new and exciting was something she treasured above all else. Without the fatigue accumulated by the others during the day’s ordeals on Split Mountain and the Railway Gun, she sauntered along at the forefront with pep in her step, her salamander tail bouncing along behind her with a lantern held tight in its curled tip. That said, a rather severe case of RBF suggested that she wasn’t frothing at the mouth to make new friends or bother with idle chit-chat. When Jesse spoke up en route to Gerudo Town, therefore, she quickly found herself on the receiving end of a derisive snort from Asbestos. Her tail came around with its lantern to shed some light on the woman who disturbed the peaceful silence. “Huh! If yah came up on deck eahliah, yah woulda seen fah yahself, Red. Look!” She motioned with her head toward their destination. While the gloom made it difficult to perceive all the details, the light of the world’s moons plus the many blazing braziers of Gerudo Town provided enough illumination for a keen pair of eyes. From their position on the ground the campaigners could see only the sandstone walls that encircled the place and guarded the city inside from view, most of which featured tops of uncarved stone rather than battlements, but where walkways existed the fires of torchlight revealed the well-armed guardswomen that patrolled them. Beyond the walls, only the [url=https://i.imgur.com/pcpHqga.png]three goblet-shaped monoliths[/url] could be glimpsed, their sides and streams of crystal-clear water catching the fickle firelight from below. “It’s like an ancient walled city. And if that ain’t good for yah, just shut yah yap an’ pick up the pace!” From a distance Gerudo Town appeared to be on the smaller side, judging by the two lady warriors guarding the main entrance, but as the party grew closer they realized their metrics might be a bit off. When she realized that things looked to be a little bigger than they first seemed, Asbestos scrunched her eyebrows up in bemusement, and her confusion only continued to grow until she and the others finally reached the front gate, where she stared up at the spearmaidens in astonishment. The Gerudo, side-lit by the fire bowls set in recesses to either side of the entryway, were no ordinary women; standing up to eight feet, these brawny lasses towered over every newcomer sans Sectonia, and over Asbestos in particular. At a mere five foot one, the defender barely even reached the guards’ belly buttons. When the Gerudo glanced back down at her imperiously Asbestos made sure to give both of them the stink eye, just to make sure they knew how little their stunning physiques impressed her. Anyone who dared look down at her, after all, would soon find that her attitude far outstripped her dimensions. Although the surliness earned Asbestos a stern look, the newcomers passed the guards’ brief examination. In particular they seemed to approve of Tharja, whose attire suited both their purposes and their civilization’s culture, even if her mood remained murky and distant. After they unbarred the entrance corridor with their spears the Gerudo stepped aside to admit their guests. “Welcome to Gerudo Town,” the more elaborately-armored of the pair told them, her rigid features and commanding glare a little less hospitable than her words. “We hope you will enjoy your stay.” The rather strict inspection at the entrance set somewhat of a dour tone for the group, but the moment Asbestos proceeded through the stone corridor and Gerudo Town opened up before them, she quickly forgot all about it. A beautiful main thoroughfare greeted them, floored by mosaic tiles, studded with tall coconut palms that swished in the evening breeze, and cut through by glittering canals that babbled softly in time with the flutter and billow of splendid storefront cloths. Masterful statues and obelisks, many with a decidedly Egyptian flavor, could be seen along the avenue at regular intervals. Even the sandstone walls of adjacent buildings featured lovely murals, which danced in the light of the braziers as they flickered and sputtered. Though much smaller in scale than Al Mamoon, the place possessed a sort of thematic, historic beauty that the Cream of the Eastern Desert did not. It also seemed to be much quieter and more serene in the dark, although with dusk only recently fallen and the night still young, plenty of its citizens were still out and about. And for the most part, Jesse’s intuition was spot-on. A sizable chunk, if not a majority, of the town’s residents appeared to be Gerudo, and one would be hard-pressed to find fault with their appearances, especially if one possessed an affinity for height or musculature. That said, Asbestos noticed a bunch of other female characters as she looked around, a number of whom didn’t fit the place’s aesthetic, such as blue-skinned [url=https://i.imgur.com/ulYWfqE.png]Elerians[/url] and the feline [url=https://i.imgur.com/pQ02gWQ.png]Kaka Clan[/url], so she assumed that this area must be about as jumbled-up as the rest of them. Instead of the local people, however, Asbestos cared more about the town’s facilities. Quickly taking stock with the aid of a signpost, she spotted a handful of stores and stalls that seemed to be open, including a smithy, grocer, and loot exchange. To the left were the [url=https://i.imgur.com/bfHYu9m.png]Sand Seal Pens[/url], ahead was a commissions counter, and farther on she could see a pub called Warrior’s Honor, the Grand Cathedral of the Chantry (which judging by a cursory glance didn’t look as big as its name would imply), a large inn nestled among the residences, and one fortified structure closer to the palace that appeared to be a dual-purpose barracks and jail, complete with a training yard outside. There seemed to be some sort of commotion over at the jail, but the Savra girl didn’t care. Then there was the palace itself, but Asbestos certainly had no plans to go there. Instead, her hunger and thirst compelled her to set a course straight for the pub without so much as warning the others. Alice took in the sights through half-lidded eyes, her manner languid as usual. “Hopefully this place is somewhat less medieval than it appears, or we may have some trouble procuring the fuel and material to return the Virgin Victory to mint condition.” She turned to face the others and bid them farewell. “What you do next here is up to you, but make sure you rest well. I would guess that you’ve all more than earned it.” With a slight smile she went off on her business, in search of a workshop or depot. She set her sights on a building of brick and glass, one that looked rather like a train station, which was odd since nobody had seen a train track to or from Gerudo Town since their arrival. [center][h3]The Chalk Prince, the Fallen Child, the Prisoner, and the Skullgirl[/h3] [b]Location:[/b] Frozen Highlands - Dragonspine Foothills Linkle’s [@Gentlemanvaultboy], Frisk’s [@Majoras End], Prisoner’s [@XoXKieroBombXoX] [/center] An eager smile briefly passed across Albedo’s face as he slowly nodded his approval of Frisk’s decision, as well as the reassurance it gave Joel. “My thoughts exactly.” When he leaned over and patted the child on the shoulder, his touch was cold. “We’ll get him back before you know it.” The alchemist then addressed the group at large. “As for how we might go about doing this, I may have a plan of action. Linkle, while I’m sure you want nothing more than to aid in this search and rescue, since you are the strongest of us I would ask you to stay here, and keep young Joel safe from anything that might chance upon the campsite.” Though sympathetic, his expression and tone of voice were also firm. He spoke with the authority of someone who could figure out the best way to get things done, and despite any misgivings on the Skullgirl’s part he would brook no argument. “The purpose of this is so Teba can join us in our search. Since he is the most familiar with these environs, his presence would be an invaluable asset.” His gaze landed on the Rito archer, who looked annoyed at the proposition. “While I know we may not be on the best of terms yet, I urge you to put your suspicions aside, and to think of Joel. We [i]need[/i] your help if we are to find his father, and not aimlessly wander until another avalanche buries us, and rob the poor boy of the last of his hope.” Though he took his sweet time doing it, Teba couldn’t help but to concede when faced with such a potent blend of reason and pathos. “...Fine. Just don’t expect me to save you if you trip and fall off a cliff.” “I am grateful.” Albedo paid the bowman’s brusqueness no mind as he focused on Melony, who he offered a reassuring smile just like Frisk had for Joel. “And we’ll keep an eye out for your Pokemon, too.” The trainer smiled bitterly. “I appreciate it.” A second later, however, her expression tightened. “Wait…but how will you find them, if you don’t know what they look like?” A moment of silence passed before Albedo blinked twice, his expression emphatically neutral. “...Excuse me, you’re quite correct. Could you describe them for us?” Melony thought for a moment, then complied. “Yes. One is a Galarian Darmanitan, who looks somewhat like an ape, with blue skin, white fur, and a mustache. Answers to the name Gordon. A stubborn creature, but…lovable, and dependable when push comes to shove. The other is Frosmoth, an elegant insect with a pillowy ruff and iridescent lavender wings. His name is Fionn. Though quiet, he is jealously protective, and would always stay right by my side…” “I see.” Despite the descriptions, Albedo did not seem confident. He crossed his arms. “These Pokemon sound quite precious to you. Are you sure you wouldn’t rather come with us, and seek them yourself? You seem like a tough, capable lady. I’m sure if anyone can overcome this mountain, it’s you.” Already teetering on the brink, Melony was won over by the flattery. She was a premier gym leader, after all; it wouldn’t do for her to sit here by the fire while the others searched high and low for her precious companions. “...Yes, I think I will.” “Hold on, that means living Joel in the company of this...girl!” Teba objected. “Let’s at least have them both come with us. With four fighters, we could definitely keep him safe!” Albedo shook his head. “This mountain is incredibly dangerous, and no place for a child. Linkle here has a true hero’s spirit inside her. She would rather die than harm a hair on Joel’s head, or let him come to harm. Isn’t that right?” For a moment Linkle looked uneasy, but hearing her heroism brought into question bolstered her resolve, and she clenched her fists to give a determined nod. “Besides,” Albedo continued, “With my plan, we’re most likely to finish this mission and all get home as soon as possible. No more Dragonspine for anybody.” His gaze landed on Teba as he said this, and the Rito’s complaint froze in his throat. While he did have a soft spot for Joel, and his conscience wouldn’t let him abandon the poor boy, it was true that he didn’t want to be here, doing this. He glanced at Linkle one more time, unhappy about the half-skulls in her red eyes, but ultimately sighed. “...Understood,” he grumbled, before stalking over to Linkle. “But if anything happens to him, I’ll hunt you down. Understand?” Linkle did. Melony, Meanwhile, had been thinking, her lips pursed. Something wasn’t quite adding up. Before she could come to any conclusions, however, Albedo rose from the fire. “I’m good to go, so let’s begin. No time to waste.” Melony rose, and since Teba was already up, he seemed ready to depart by default. The Prisoner joined the three without a word, and Frisk made four. Teba set off in the lead, with the rest right behind, and together they crunched up the snow-laden path. [hr] In just a few moments the team left the camp behind, but they soon found they hadn’t seen the last of giantwood. The surface of Dragonspine was rocky, with large stone outcroppings piled high with snow, steep rises and falls, and countless dead trees, many of them a lot like the grim copse they just left. What trails they found were narrow, snaking up and down or curving along the mountain’s slope, but here and there the rescuers found traces of old ruins. Some of the more inhospitable climbs featured eroded stone steps, and both bridges and pillars hewn from the rock lay partially hidden under the snowfall. While Albedo kept his eyes out for any clues, he knew that if Joserf could be found this close to the camp, he would have been already. “Any idea where to begin?” “Somewhat,” Teba replied as he walked on, bow in hand. “Since arriving, I’ve noticed a number of small camps of similar build, all with numbers. Like ‘Dragonspine Camp Six’.” “Perhaps set up by experienced trail guides so that adventurers could find shelter anywhere on the mountain,” the alchemist mused. “Right, but there are fewer now than before. At first I could find two, three, five, six, seven, and ten. But last time I checked, only two and seven still exist, and two’s already beneath us. Though, I haven’t gone up to check ten again, I guess. Point is, more and more have been torn up and buried. Too fast and continuous for the storms to have done it. Something’s been destroying them.” Albedo’s expression was guarded, as if he didn’t want to worry Frisk. “Possibly. Have you found any trace from any campsites? Either from Joserf, or whatever destroyed them?” Teba nodded. “Yeah, I found a bowl up by site six, plus a note from Joserf. Said it’s for feeding the foxes that kept him company while he went up to reach the peak, and asked whoever found it to use the bowl to feed them, too. What a softie. Who’d waste food like that?” He cleared his throat roughly. “Anyway, that’s where we’re headed. Last place we know he was.” Well before they reached site six, however, the team found something else. At the top of a [url=https://i.imgur.com/A1eRAPJ.png]snowy path[/url] where a handful of autumnal trees held out against the cold, they found the half-buried wreckage of a campsite beneath a trio of strange arches, curved like enormous rib-bones through the air. Along with them were the remains of a ladder that once provided access to the cliff-top just ahead, without which there was no easy ascent. Teba had already taken to the air when he realized the others couldn’t follow him, at which point he landed. “...Right, you’ll need to find some other way up. This is site four, by the way.” “I was wondering,” Albedo remarked. He knelt over the debris and sifted through the snow. “Have you checked these sites thoroughly?” Teba shrugged. “Pretty much. I mean, snow’s not good for my feathers, so I just scratched with my feet a little.” Melony gave him an incredulous look. A moment later, Albedo pulled a piece of rumbled paper from a frozen knapsack, scanned it, then handed it to Frisk. It read: [i]Nothing untoward happened on the way here. The weather remains fine indeed. It seems that my luck has turned at last. Perhaps I can make a run for the summit after all...I'll just give it a little go. If anything happens, I'll turn back right away.[/i] “Promising?” Melony asked the two. She then looked at Teba. “It makes sense that he would stop at each of the sites in his path.” The archer opened his beak to respond, but before he could there came a rumbling sound. From the earth clawed a squadron of [url=https://i.imgur.com/cXYfzzi.png]Draugr[/url], the fractured and warped remains of northern warriors, stiff with ice but burning with hatred. Among them were a couple [url=https://i.imgur.com/X1k3izA.png]Hel-walkers[/url], the malignant souls spat out by Helheim to wander the earth as accursed beings. All bore vicious weapons in various states of disrepair, and a snapshot arrow from Teba right into the nearest one’s head failed to instantly put it down. Albedo held out his hand, and a frozen sword grew into existence. “I knew it!” Teba groused. “Focus on the enemy! Come on, you two!” the alchemist urged as the enemies closed in. He charged toward the undead enemies, leaving a surprised and horrified Melony behind.