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[b]//Abyss - First Layer[/b]

Sebi and Sumiye had opted to relegate themselves to observers for much of their foray into the Abyss. Though "into" still felt a tad exaggerated for how little they plunged thus far. On the First Layer, Sebi could still make out the rim of Oratorio's proper civilization, and questioned at multiple points how it was that anyone would deign to live so precariously close to a nature reserve of flying creatures perfectly capable of ascending up to the levels of buildings above.

The two kitsune followed just behind their more experience trio of adventurers, focusing on taking in the sights. Sumiye leveled no end of questions to Allen, Gam, and Millie about the First Layer, curious of its dangers and curiosities. Despite being surrounded by sheer cliffside and a gray stain of mankind, it felt miraculous that such a place as this 'Abyss' could remain in pristine condition -as wild as any other nowhere Sebi knew of.

The gang of five followed along already worn paths; sometimes upon established stony roads that death-wishing masoners decided was worth their time laying, and others upon not-quite deerpaths long trodden down into dense dirt by the countless adventurers before them. Things appeared to be going well -a chance Sebi and Sumiye continually relished in given their newness- minus infrequent moments that Millie cautioned silence and meekness as dark shapes swooped high overhead. Trouble granted them mercy, but showed no such favor to other divers nearby.

The kitsunes' first true taste of what the Abyss was made of came in the form of a tumult up from a winding cliffside path below their gazes. Their compatriots demeanor shifted to one of caution, and then combativeness as the noise drew closer. What sprinted into their visions first was not a crash of ugly creatures, but a dark-haired girl, frantic, fleeing something else unseen in the trees.

The young lady relayed to them her pursuer's number: eight beasts in all, and accompanied by a 'rider'. Sebi hummed at that word. Were there intelligent things down here in the Abyss? She and her daughter stood cautious of Ananta even as they surmised she was being truthful about her predicament -the shaking in her hands seemed genuine- unsure of what they could trust in this unfamiliar place. There was nothing stopping banditry from flourishing in this place, after all.

What's more, Sebi felt a pang of something familiar in the dark-haired girl.

"I don't suppose they're the sorts of beasts one could outrun or outwit?" Sebi asked Ananta, still hopeful they could avoid falling into combat. Her eyes glanced to the trio she'd originally arrived with, searching for false optimism in their expressions -whatever came out of their mouths, be it bravery or pragmatism, she had no intention on outright trusting.

[sub][@ERode][@Kero][/sub]