[center][img]https://i.ibb.co/88KWNj5/OTbanner.png[/img]
[sup]____________________________________________________[/sup]
[color=FFC6C6][u]Level[/u]: [b]7[/b] - [u]Total EXP[/u]: 139/70[/color] [color=2e2c2c]------[/color] [color=BC8DBF][u]Level[/u]: [b]4[/b] - [u]Total EXP[/u]: 54/40[/color]
[color=gray]𝙱𝙿[/color] [color=gold]●[/color][color=gray]●●●●[/color] [color=2e2c2c]----------------------------[/color] [color=gray]𝙱𝙿[/color] [color=gold]●[/color][color=gray]●●●●[/color]
[color=lightgray]Word Count: 3564 (+4 exp)
[b]Location[/b]: The Land of Adventure - Twilight Town[/color][/center]
After the meet and greet, the mob of Seekers made their way into the heart of town. From their they split up, each with their own tasks, wants, or needs. Primrose had already been down Market Street a couple times at that point and had already made a personal purchase, so instead of window shopping she volunteered to help procure some food for the group. Therion kept an eye out for any treasure chests he wouldn't have been able to see from the race track, but didn't mind any. He thought about finding some kind of appraiser, or at the very least a pawn shop to exchange the gems he had into leaves - or gold or whatever currency was widely accepted here. Then again, if a princess was footing people's bills, there wasn't any pressing need for that. 

And just like that, the Seekers were laid out on a grassy hill, eating and chatting like they weren't the would-be saviors of the world.

As the entire group went on to discuss the mysteries other groups out in the world as well as their next move, Primrose recalled the conversation she'd had with the Master of Masters before she set off with the Yellow Team. [i]"There is someone in the Under who can deal with lingering regrets. A Confessor. For the right price, she can summon lost spirits."[/i] That was what he'd told her, right before chuckling and adding, [i]"At least, that’s what I hear."[/i] Primrose liked to think that she was a good judge of character, and although the Master of Masters had been hard to pin down, she was not inclined to think he was a liar after all this time. So when the time came to vote on what to do and where to go, the dancer put forth her opinion: the Under. 

She didn't explain why to the group at large. It wasn't like the information she'd been given was a secret, but... she felt more comfortable keeping it to herself. Even after fighting side by side with new friends and fusing with spirits, Primrose still kept some things close to her chest.  

Once that was sorted out she leaned back and propped herself up on her elbows, just enjoying the view and the loud, but comfortable, peace before they all had to head back to the subway. Unsurprisingly, Therion was sat next to her with his legs crossed in front of him. He wasn't shy, he just wasn't the type that made friends easily. Or at all, given he'd only become Primrose and the other Travelers' friend by both coincidence and convenience. At some point he had wrangled an entire fruit platter into his lap and was picking at it, and he'd deigned not to join in the conversation about which areas to go to. He was wholly unfamiliar with the new world after all, and even if he wasn't he didn't really care which spot they tackled next. He did glance over at Primrose though, curious as to her reason for choosing the Under.

[color=BC8DBF]"Any reason you picked that place?"[/color]

When she answered him it was in a slightly hushed tone, and though mostly drowned by the voices of other Seekers it was not soft enough that she couldn't be overheard. [color=D34C25]"Do you know what a necromancer is?"[/color]

[color=BC8DBF]"Yeah. I think."[/color] Therion closed his eyes, searching his memory. [color=BC8DBF]"After the stuff in Quarrycrest, Cyrus mentioned them and some other kinds of forbidden magic."[/color] He cracked his eyes open again, giving the dancer a sidelong look. [color=BC8DBF]"...why?"[/color]

[color=D34C25]"I'm told there is a necromancer of sorts there, somewhere in the Under. Someone that can call spirits back from the other side. I want to meet such a person. That kind of power, here in this kind of world..."[/color] she let her head fall back, facing the sky. [color=D34C25]"It feels too important to ignore."[/color]

[color=BC8DBF]"Hm."[/color] He supposed she was right. He didn't know much about that kind of magic, but from what he recalled from the professor's long winded and jargon heavy explanations, necromancy mostly ended in shambling bones and animated corpses. But in this messed up world where you could hold someone's very spirit in the palm of your hand? Maybe it would be like true resurrection. [color=BC8DBF]"Under works for me. Rather be under a mountain than on top of one again."[/color]

With the two Orsterrans decided on their path, they spent the rest of the time trying to relax and privately thinking about the other Seekers. The two groups had mingled and now the composition of each was different. As for the group headed for the Under alongside Primrose and Therion... 

"The Ace Cadet" came off not as capable as he wanted himself to sound, though Therion thought [i]the more bodies between some monster and me, the better.[/i] The "Koopa Troop" were a lot, and they certainly made an impression. Whether it was a good or a bad one remained to be seen. Primrose thought the father and son dynamic was rather cute, and that Junior's diverse skill set would certainly be useful. Therion was sure that Bowser was a blowhard and did not take a single word the king had said seriously. He was more interested in the weird little granny, who actually seemed like she had the most information out of any of the Seekers. She was one to keep an eye on and an ear out for. Rika was a mystery to them both - a human arsenal seemingly only born a few days ago. She did seem about as capable as most of the other Seekers though, so she did have that going for her. As skeptical as they might have been about the Troop, Omori's introduction had them even more so. He appeared to be just a boy in loose pajamas, and he explained his abilities worked based on emotions. [i]What about fear? Love? Loathing?[/i] Primrose thought, while Therion wrote the whole thing off more or less. [i]These guys really do take anyone, huh?[/i] The reptilian looking sorcerer was an enigma.

Besides Band, the only others from the desert team going underground were Sectonia and Jesse. Primrose had gotten used to the insect queen's eccentricities already, and Therion was only beginning to catch on to the fact she considered herself a literal lord over the rest of the Seekers. He would have to try very hard to stop himself from doing things to spite her, and most likely he would fail and do them anyway. By contrast Jesse was more or less a regular person, save for the psychic powers. At times she was insightful, and at others so blase it was shocking. Therion didn't know what to think of her, but Primrose had liked her almost immediately - it was why she had invited the woman to join the Seekers after investigating the museum in Al Mamoon together. The admission that people that she knew were in danger was a surprising one. They'd have to make that their next stop after conquering the Under.

The other Seekers they probably wouldn't see for a few days. More of the Yellow team were headed to the Dystopiascape than the Under. Bede they'd only met this morning, so Therion held no real opinion of him other than that the kid could stand to get a reality check. Primrose hoped that he'd be alright going forward, and that his Pokémon were enough to protect him. Once an enemy saw through his link with the Pokémon as she had during their earlier battle, it would be dangerous for him. Midna was an intense ball of energy, who had strong emotions and opinions - and she was one of the Seekers that Primrose felt closest to, given that they set out together and everything that had happened. She was looking forward to seeing her again and what new changes she went through.

The others they would have to get to know more another time, as they were strangers headed off in another direction. Of those, the ones that made the biggest impression were Karin and Blazermate. The former, with her many accolades and confident nature, drew opposite reactions out of the Travelers. Primrose could not bring herself to dislike a woman who knew what she was about, while Therion thought that she was exactly the type of person he loved robbing. [i]Wonder what her mansion looks like,[/i] he commented to himself with a smirk. The latter had a bubbly personality and boasted of some impressive healing abilities, which would always be useful. After them, a robot that was also a businesswoman (who made others of herself? The Travelers couldn't really tell), and a nervous brunette who claimed to be good at fighting. On these two Seekers, Primrose and Therion's thoughts were almost the same. For the both of them, Tressa came to mind. It would be interesting to introduce her to everyone, but especially to Susie and Sakura. Primrose was glad that Sakura and Karin had each other, too. Finally, another monster hunter and an angel. Between the two hunters, Geralt looked much more experienced and actually could use magic. He apparently also had a wife, which made Primrose giggled when he mentioned it so nonchalantly. As for Pit, a winged boy wasn't so strange when compared to the rest of the Seekers. If he actually was an angel in a traditional sense, then they supposed it wasn't far-fetched that he actually did have "world-saving" experience. He didn't mention any divine powers, which was... surprising, to say the least. It would be pretty sad (or pathetic, as Therion would say) if his version of Aelfric didn't bestow any, when even humans in Orsterra had the ability to gain a god's favor with enough hard work.

Overall, the Seekers were a varied and interesting bunch. As a group their members ranged from small to huge, from the martially inclined to the magical, human, not-so-human, and everything in between. Primrose was looking forward to getting to know them all just a little better and, begrudgingly, Therion was too.
[hr]
Soon enough it was time to get going. On the way back to the station Primrose put some thought into the single spirit she still had in her possession, that of the battle nun. She considered fusing with it, but even with the Snacktivator it didn't seem worth it. She decided just to itemize it and move on, though with Rosaria's spirit being a part of her now she wouldn't be able to completely put that abbey on the mountain behind her.

[center][hider=For Primrose]New item obtained:
[b][url=https://i.imgur.com/lWQIB0F.png]Night Maiden Twin Crown[/url][/b]
A fanciful piece of protective headwear that incorporates elements of both nobility and asceticism into an understated whole. Much better than nothing or purely decorative headwear for physical defense, but stronger against magic, particularly sorcery and incantation. Boosts resistance to poison as well[/hider][/center]
Throughout the walk to and through the Metro, the Travelers did not stick close to each other. While Therion hovered around the outside of the pack of people, Primrose walked with the Phantom Thieves. They were headed out on their own, and though the dancer knew they were capable she couldn't help but worry for the teenagers. She wanted to bid them a proper [i]farewell, until next time.[/i]

[color=D34C25]"Keep an eye on the boys, they'll be completely lost without you,"[/color] she told Panther, giving the girl a warm smile. If Primrose was one for hugging she may have offered the girl one, but she was not, so after a few encouraging words and a wave to Alibaba, she moved off to find Therion and prepare to depart on the Purple Line. 

It was only a matter of time until the afternoon peace came to an end, but that it happened so soon and in the Metro of all places came as a surprise. The unsettling voices that echoed throughout the area, and the sudden disappearance of the subway's patrons signaled something nefarious was beginning. It all fell into place when Ms. Fortune exclaimed that there was a hit out on them.

[i]Gods damn it,[/i] Therion thought, he and Primrose pressing in toward the group and preparing for the unexpected. What were they expected to face [i]now?[/i] The dancer had steeled her expression into one of indifferent determination, getting ready to battle... only to met with hundreds of enemies, so many that their steps shook the Metro itself.

With the swarm coming in, there really was only one thing to do: run. As the Purple Line was the path he, Raz, and Jesse had taken earlier Therion knew exactly how to get there, so he wasted no further time standing around.

[color=BC8DBF][i][b]"This way!"[/b][/i][/color] he shouted, bolting in the direction of the Purple Station. Therion was quick, and garbed in clothing matching the station's color he made a good guide for the others headed to the Under to follow - as long as they were fast enough. He wasn't about to wait around risking his life for any slowpokes. Primrose ran after him, and though she could feel a new found distaste for fleeing bubbling in her gut, she knew the right move here was to run. Unfortunately she couldn't exactly dance in this situation to raise the Seekers' speeds, but if nothing else she could help clear a path if it came down to it. Her magic began to pool in her hands as she followed her friend, his poncho billowing like a signal flag ahead of her.

The metro cats surged, not only chasing after Seekers but trying to get ahead of them and block their escape routes. Therion's eyes flickered up, but the balconies and walkways above were also littered with cats. Seeing two crashing waves of black fur rushing in from the left and right ahead of him, the thief drew his dagger. It was more for security than anything else, he did not intend to fight his way through. As the two waves met in the middle and began flooding the area leading to the Purple Line, Therion ran straight for them. Then he leapt, pushing with both of his feet right off a cat's head. Packed as tight as they were, even the most lightweight cats were supported by their brethren around them, making it possible for the thief to literally travel over them. He kicked off of their heads, backs, and continued straight towards his destination. The felines underfoot swiped at him with their claws or blades of their own, and some pulled themselves from the flood to lunge at him, but all were fended off with the sting of his dagger. 

[color=BC8DBF]"It's not too much farther down!"[/color] he called back as he continued hopping from head to head, avoiding sharp claws. 

Primrose had taken a similar, though fundamentally different approach. She could sail over the mass of metro cats thanks to her scarf's floating magic, putting her out of harm's way - for the most part. While the cats on the ground focused on the other Seekers, tumbling over themselves to get at anyone they could, the ones that waited on the levels above peeked over the edge and brandished their weapons in anticipation. 

[color=D34C25]"Beware,"[/color] she warned her teammates, opening a circle for her Night Ode spell in the middle of the seething group of cats. Sensing danger, the cats parted and left an open spot for people to rush through. The spell erupted afterward taking out any felines that weren't able to get out of it's way fast enough, and the remains of the magic left the opening for a few more moments before the swell of cats was too great and closed the gap as they continued trying to catch the Seekers.

At that point the cats above put their plan into action. They began flinging themselves at the flying Seekers, including Primrose. Their aim wasn't anywhere near perfect, but they only had to get lucky a few times. If a couple of cats could drag them down into the thick of waiting fur and claws, their prey would be in for a horrible time. Whenever a cat managed to land on her, she grabbed it and flung it as far as she could. Only a few managed to scratch her before being thrown.

True to Therion's word, the lighting began taking on a more purple color the closer they got to the station. He knew it was only a matter of seconds until it came into view. They wouldn't be home free until they were as far away from the Nyakuza Metro as possible, but when he caught sight of that ticket booth the first hints of relief began to form.

Then, a blur of orange and blue to his left. Therion snapped his attention toward it just in time to see an [url=https://i.ibb.co/vD1DVy4/ranulf-friend-of-nations-slide02.png]attacker[/url] swing down from the level above, and feet first the man used the swing's momentum to deliver a harsh kick into the thief's side. Therion went crashing from atop the river of cats into a wall, feeling his bones rattle as he connected with the brick. He lifted his head, seeing the cat-earred man standing in the throng of metro cats - just before the masked furballs all rushed toward him at once. Therion pushed himself off of the wall and dove out of the way, rolling and coming up crouched as the cats smashed into the spot he'd just been. 

He didn't stay in place for long, as the feral little animals turned and gave chase. They forced Therion to back away down an adjacent corridor where he disappeared from the other Seeker's eyesight, breaking off from the main horde of kitties to corner him. Before they could overwhelm him, the thief lashed out with blade in hand. Swipes and stabs deterred them from getting too close, for now at least. 

[color=BC8DBF]"Do you mind? I'm gonna miss my train,"[/color] Therion said, raising his blade defensively. His words may have been light, but his heart was starting to really hammer in his chest as he realized the cats were trying to isolate him and make him into easier prey. 

"Sorry, nothing personal," came the stranger's voice. It was relaxed, unhurried, and the man even smiled at Therion as he spoke. Unsurprisingly, the red glow of Galeem's light covered the cat man's mismatched eyes. "You know how it is. You heard the boss lady, right? So, prepare yourself..."

He stalked toward Therion, a powerful aura beginning to surround him as he appeared to [url=https://i.ibb.co/Y3cXS1q/e54eebbde9a551c3365df1fa7b8c6d370efa2911v2-hq.jpg]transform.[/url] "I'm gonna bring you down."

Meanwhile, the Purple Station was in sight at that point in all of it's neon glory. Beyond it were the cat-pulled trains that would bring them to safety. Primrose didn't even want to entertain the thought that those cats, too, would be out for their lives. Here the mass of enemies wasn't as thick, though that was sure to change soon. Primrose alighted to let her scarf recharge it's magic, running on foot with some of her allies.

She'd seen a group of the metro cats break off and chase Therion off of the path, so she needed to take a detour to collect him. [color=D34C25]"Go ahead,"[/color] he said to the other Seekers, letting them know that she and her fellow Traveler would catch up. Then she darted off.

It had been no more than a minute, but then Primrose rounded the corner she found a scene of ash and blood. In the corridor Therion was locked in desperate battle with a [url=https://i.ibb.co/WckGGPm/Ranulf-cat.png]feline beast[/url] about the size of a tiger. Teeth and claw marks dripping red marred his arms, and from beneath the hair covering one side of his face blood ran from his temple to his chin. The laguz sported wounds of his own, including a cracked fang where it had bit down on the thief's metal bracelet, but most were shallow cuts and the poison laced in Therion's dagger only slowed it down instead of debilitating it. Around the both of them were the remnants of metro cats, their ashes scattered over the ground and their spirits floating. Some metro cats still lived, tense and waiting to jump into the fray at a moment's notice, but Primrose would make sure they didn't get the chance.

At the moment that Therion managed to put even a little distance between himself and the wild cat, Primrose moved in with Ravaging Confession. She appeared in the blink of an eye behind the beast, sinking her own dagger into the skin just in front of it's haunch. From the impact point, dark magic bloomed. The cat roared out in pain, turning on her as the second stab fell short, becoming a slash instead across it's side. She stepped away, preparing for a fight, but with the cat's back to Therion the thief took his chance to end things. He lunged at it, and straddling the beast he fisted one hand in it's fur and raised his blade high in the other.

[color=BC8DBF][i]"Gotcha,"[/i][/color] Therion hissed, bringing the dagger down at the base of the cat's skull. It was a critical blow, and the laguz could do no more than mewl before it's body crumbled. 

The metro cats, at first stunned at what had happened, grew restless again and prepared to pounce - though the Travelers were already on the move again. There was no time to exchange words, together they just booked it back toward the Purple Station. It was only by habit at this point that Primrose scooped spirits up as she ran. The dancer's longer strides and Therion's overall speed saw them back at the station quickly, and they hurtled toward the train - ducking, dodging, shoving, and flat out sprinting through the mad furry obstacles.