Lugubrious

Heroes of Beacon - the Next Chapter

One month into missions, we are. I get the feeling that everyone is making good progress. The two I'm antagonizing are going well, and so is the one Abel's participating in. As enjoyable as missions are, however, we cannot linger forever. I would like everyone to have their missions climax pretty soon (like, within the next two two major posts) and begin the resolution, so we can move on as an RP.

Heroes of Beacon - the Next Chapter

The Chorus of the Deep - Part the First

Welcome to Trawl

Sapphire folded her arms over her chest and watched the map as the police chief explained the situation to everyone. Of course while it was good to have some of the specifics that McDougal provided most of the information he gave them had been included in the mission briefing. The most important tactical information that he provided was the location of previous abduction sites and the fact that each victim was being lured into a cave that apparently opened up onto an underground lake. Sapphire was rather glad that the Sheriff clarified the fact that collapsing the cavern wasn’t an option as she had the distinctive impression that was going to be Gren’s first suggestion.

When Shiro started speaking Sapphire rolled her eyes. His suggestions as usual were well intentioned but misplaced. While his questions entirely failed to hit the correct mark. “Curiosity is never a bad attribute but having some common sense to go with it wouldn’t hurt. You can’t simply classify all Grimm as ‘beasts’” Sapphire said with disdain. “That’s the kind of thinking that leads people to go in shooting and ask questions later. It gets people killed. Sirens are weak, as far as Grimm classifications in strength go Sirens are more of an annoyance than a threat. Their strength comes from their hypnotic voice which means that they’re not going to do anything out in the open unless they have other Grimm to protect them. They lure people into a cave because it’s secluded and it keeps them isolated. Their mesmerizing powers are the only defense they have. If someone came along with say noise cancelling headphones the Sirens would be near defenseless. So they lure their prey and kill them away from the public eye. If there are any remains to be found they’ll be in that cave the Sheriff was talking about. Sirens aren’t stupid cause if they ever are they are shortly thereafter dead.

With regards to searching the sites of the previous abductions I think it is a foolish idea to send someone with augmented hearing to a site frequented by a creature that attacks with sound. Especially since you don’t have any sort of hearing protection. No our best bet would be to gather as much information on their method of attack and any sort of pattern they display from the locals and if we’re lucky find some means of mapping the cave system before we go in. Also Shiro unless you can find some way to protect your ears it might be better that you stay outside. That semblance of yours will only magnify the effect the Siren’s power has on everyone.” Sapphire didn’t mention the fact that she didn’t like the idea of Shiro’s semblance acting on her in the first place. Besides the fact that it literally altered the way her mind processed data Sapphire had seen the effect it had on the tiger faunus and was not particularly eager to end up a forgetful airhead with no memory of her past.

“Shall we talk to the witness?”

Nodding, Captain McDougal addressed the questions presented to him in order, leaving the team's internal communications alone. "As far as we're aware, there is only one other potential victim, but...well, we've little to no evidence of what happened to him. After Daisy went missing and we got our bearings, we figured the same had happened to him, but we can't be sure. Guess we never really will be."

Turning to Shiro, the Captain nodded a few times. "Approximately....two dozen folks or so. I could get a basic list if you need it, but it wouldn't be perfect. One member of our force here is a Meerkat Faunus. As for the Siren...well, the lady is right. They tend to fall on the smarter side of Grimm. By necessity, due to their fragile nature. Hell, in terms of direct combat, an Ursa is generally tougher, but with an Ursa, you don't gotta worry about having your eardrums ruptured by the screeching."

"As for taking your time to gather the facts, I can appreciate that approach. I'd listen to your friend there, though. Treat that beach with care. If y'all don't have noise-cancelling gear, you'd better get it, because in that cave, you'll be sitting ducks for a Siren. Frankly, that was why we called for you folks. We were hoping for a more professional touch, but if you need me to, I'm willing to come in there with you. I've at least got a little Aura, after all."

Sapphire nodded as the Captain continued to talk. "We appriciate that Captain but it's probably best that we handle this ourselves. We don't want to risk lives unnecessarily."

Shiro's ears lowered and his tail did its usual lazy sweeping whenever he went through a drop in his mood, which was often whenever he was around Sapphire. A sour look on his face, he sighed and crossed his arms. From the way Sapphire explained it to him, Shiro was essentially useless for this mission other than his swimming ability. Hell, not just useless but he alone potentially made the mission more difficult and dangerous. So, what was he to do? Build sandcastles on the beach? Fish in the ocean? Exasperated and not in any mood for Sapphire's lovely demeanour, Shiro just shook his head and walked out of the police station. Fishing sounded nice. Maybe a nap on the beach too. With possibly a full belly and more rest, he'd feel more up to the mission at hand. But right now he could feel himself on the verge of losing his shit on Sapphire. Muttering, he wondered if he should pick up a new fishing rod from the local store here as a souvenir. If it came down to it, he could just fish with his claws.

Walking out seemed like a great idea to Abel. He'd turned slightly deaf to Gren and Sapphire after his attempt to share in the tactical discussion went completely ignored, and hankered for action rather than further deliberation. As far as the guardian was concerned, the team knew where the hunt would begin, what they faced, and what a Siren could do. Now, armed with earplugs, a rebreather, and an excess of pent-up electricity, Abel bemoaned the idea of walking around and talking to people. Sure, getting more information might be advantageous, but it seemed so incredibly boring. When his feline teammate departed, Abel was on his literal tail.

Outside, he sidled up to the bemused faunus, and prodded him gently in the side with an elbow. "Sounds like we'll be fightin' for oxygen before long if we stay with those two. Buck up, Shiro. Let's find something to do while they detectivize. Detectivate? Detect. You think I'd be any good spear-fishing with this thing?" He held up his Ampere, examining the fine point on the polearm's end. "Not really streamlined. But fishing must be good in Trawl, huh?" Abel hoped his attempt to distract Shiro from the others didn't seem to obvious; fish struck him as an obvious potential solution given Shiro's race, but he didn't want to bring it up. "Feel like having a go at one of the wharfs?"

Surprised that Abel decided to accompany him, Shiro felt a little better having the large human tag along. Really, if anyone came with him he'd feel better if it weren't Sapphire. Smiling slightly, he grunted when elbowed and prodded by Abel. "Yeah, I'll say. It's always so suffocating around her." Shiro shook his head and looked at Ampere as Abel raised it. "Sure, we can give it a shot. Ah, you'll have to aim a little off if you sight a fish though. Light diffraction and everything because of the waters." Shiro chuckled a little and shrugged, "Even if you miss a quick shock will get 'em floatin' up to the surface real quick anyways." Sighing as he walked around, looking for a pier or something to fish from, Shiro suddenly shifted gears. "I'm going to take it from her, Abel. If neither you or Gren do, I'm going to take her position first chance I get." Shiro stopped in his walk and turned to lock eye contact with Abel. A look of serious determination burned within his irises. "What do you think? Would you support me?" Was he joking? Or did he fully intend what he said? Shiro never was a good liar or actor.

A few minutes into the dynamic duo's expedition across the wharfs, Abel found himself blindsided by a serious question from his friend. "Um..." The guardian couldn't think of what to say, which the ambiguity of Shiro's true intentions certainly did not abet. Scratching the side of his head with his free hand, Abel broke eye contact with the faunus to stare into the shimmering water. "Depends, I guess. Never really struck me as the leader type. Uh, hey, listen, man. You're cool and hilarious and a great fighter, but you're also kinda goofy at times. If Saph's so serious her edginess cuts us, then you're the opposite extreme. Girl pisses me off, but I can work with her. Can't honestly say I'd support you as leader...sorry. I'd like you more, but we do get stuff done under Saph -shut up, you know what I mean- so I guess she does her job. Sorry again. Don't want you to feel bad."

Suddenly, he hefted the Ampere and threw it into the water, trying to compensate for the refraction just as Shiro advised him. Unfortunately, the small fry scattered way before the blade could reach them. Clearly, the targets were too little and the weapon too bulky to make this happen. Laying down on the pier a third of the way over the edge, Abel carefully summoned his weapon back to his hands. While there, a thought occurred to him. "Um...I guess if push comes to shove, I could do some leading. I'm not really smart, or creative, and I really just kinda hate that kind of responsibility, but I might be able to do stuff. Give it a try, you know." He stood back up, searching Shiro's face for any sign that he wasn't mad at him for telling the truth.

Shiro stopped in his little stroll with Abel when the young man offered his honest words. Like a sponge, he just absorbed all that was said without giving away the slightest hint of emotion. His eyes just watched carefully with his tail swaying normally, his ears still. It was clear he caught Abel off guard, that much he knew. But, it was a little disheartening to know that even his friend didn't trust him with a leadership position. Truthfully, learning of Abel's lack of faith and confidence in him damaged their relationship a little. Even more so when Shiro realized that Abel entertained thoughts of taking up the mantle of command for himself. Shiro resumed eye contact the moment Abel turned to look at him, probably for any signs that he had upset him. All Shiro could say in return was a cryptic, "Hm." No more than that. The simple sound implying many things while in the same paradoxical turn implied nothing.

Walking over to the edge of the pier, Shiro squatted low and focused his eyesight on the waters below him. Locking onto an unfortunate fish about to meet its demise, Shiro quickly plunged his claws into the waters to clutch at the slippery body of the aquatic creature before pulling it from its home to smack its body against the wooden planks of the pier's walkways. With his other hand he ripped free Kladenets from his back and beheaded the fish in a single fluid motion instantly killing it. Sheathing his sword, he used his claws to tear open the fish's belly to gut and descale it. Once done, Shiro filleted the dead seafood with the very same claws and chowed down. Fresh fish was the best. Who cares about it being a little bloody or raw? Fresh is best.

As he ate, Shiro gave Abel another bit of advice on spear fishing. His cheeks bulging slightly with his food as he chewed. "You were too far away when you threw your spear. Get closer to the waters. You have to be in close for the kill. Take them by surprise." Munch munch. Chew chew.

Thinking that he should have lied, Abel moved uncomfortably to the water's edge and glanced through the sparkling water. Beneath the surface the fish slowly filtered back through the area in which one of their brethren had abruptly bitten the dust. The guardian hefted the Ampere again and brought it into position, kneeling so as to comply with Shiro's advice. Before throwing, however, he paused. Whatever subliminal messages had passed between him and his teammate had sapped a remarkable amount of his enthusiasm for wasting time fishing. Above all else, Abel felt as if he screwed up. He knew pretty keenly how badly Shiro needed support, but he allowed an empty principle to dictate his response. It made him feel terrible...and angry.

Abel pulled his lips back in a grimace, his muscles suddenly tense. Employing strength rather than dexterity, he hurled his weapon into the water, where it lodged in the sandy bed. A surge of electricity spread through the water like a flickering web, blowing out the eyes and overloading the tissues of every fish within a few feet. From minnow to crappie, they died instantly and floated to the surface. When Abel stretched out his hand, the Ampere returned to it obediently. He glanced back at Shiro, wondering with a twinge of bitterness who deserved more pity. "Direct approach." Did the faunus think that Abel had no problems? The guardian considered the stories of Shiro and Gren, told to him in the past. "My turn for a tough question. What do you know about me, Shiro?"

Shiro tilted his head curiously as his ears twitched. Looking down at the half-eaten fish carcass in his hands, he swallowed and wiped at his mouth with the side of his gloved hand.

"Well, to be honest not much. But, I know enough. That you're a pretty swell guy yourself and that you're my friend. You haven't really told any one of us much about yourself, but in my opinion you're kind of like a rock in a stream. Unmovable, yet you allow things to flow around you. Y'know?"

Shiro grinned brightly before returning to take another chomp on his food. His mood suddenly changing and becoming more positive. It seemed sincere enough, if a bit out of place with its timing and feeling a little unnatural.

Peering over the edge from where he sat, he whistled as he eyed all of the now fried fish that floated dead on the water's surface. "Boy, you might've overdone it a little boss."

After looking over Shiro's shoulder, Abel shrugged. "Plenty more fish in the sea." A moment passed before his face spontaneously developed a reluctant smile. "Hah...I didn't mean to make a joke." He sat down on the edge of the wharf, his legs dangling, and considered what his teammate told him. "Not as much. I'm not really interesting or likable, which I don't care too much about, but the thing is I've got no faith. Believing in...well, anything is hard for me. But, um, I don't mean to be sappy." With his free hand he brushed some water droplets from his sublime blue jacket, before he returned his gaze to Shiro. "You suppose the others are done yet?

Shiro's smile only grew brighter and bigger when Abel returned one in kind. "Aww, don't be like that. I think you're plenty interesting and likable. Why do you say believing in anything is hard for you? Why do you have no faith? Now the reasons better be good. And you're not being sappy, you're just being you."

Turning to look over at the Police Station, he had yet to see anyone from his team exit. He figured they were still formulating some sort of plan. Or something like that. Shrugging, he had an idea. "Maybe we should just go collect information out in the field ourselves and report any findings? I don't really want to sit and wait around any longer doing nothing. I want to contribute some sort of productivity, y'know? What do you think?"

The hands of Abel rose into the air to signify that he didn't have much of an idea. "Should be done in a minute or two. Before we go off and do anything, let me give your my answer really quick." Finding a trunk to sit on, he laid his weapon at his feet and without reluctance or ceremony started to speak. "For generations the people in my family have worked as guardians on the edge of the kingdom of Vale. Natural geography is a fine barrier in some parts, but in others there are real walls, and we protect them. Keep watch, make repairs, repel attacks, occasionally rescue small towns. It's..." he paused, searching for a good way to phrase what he thought. "It's a job that hurts your soul. Bleak, simple, dangerous, and sometimes trau...traumatic." Abel swallowed inadvertently. "A lot of people live happy lives by pretending Vale is impregnable. It's not. I've seen so many Grimm...it's like the water on rock, washing and eroding it slowly. Looking at all that, it becomes hard to think that people, leaders, armies, kingdoms, or anything can stand forever. 'All the kingdoms, mere bonfires flickering in a dark and cold world, sooner or later to run out of fuel.'"

A look of depression had itched itself onto Abel's face, replacing the usual blank expression typical to the area. His voice, already deep and slow, seemed a touch deeper and slower as he said. "That, um, wasn't me. Not poetic at all. My brother said that. He died." Blunt, certainly, but Abel had no interest in angling for pity or sympathy. Long ago he'd come to terms with Cain's death, and he detested the ideas of trying to make his past seem dramatic. Shiro asked, and Abel answered. An eye wandered toward the Police Station, hoping to see Gren and Sapphire on their way.

Shiro tilted his head and oddly enough, he managed to keep his smile as he listened to Abel. Sure, it was sad that his brother had died. But it was an empty and hollow sadness to him. After all, Shiro couldn't really empathize with loss of a loved one's life. He never had anyone to begin with. Even still, it was better to keep one's head high and have a brighter outlook on things. Forever naive and 'sappy', Shiro roughly patted Abel's back when he was done speaking. "Well, I'm gonna be sappy some more. You want to know somefin'? All of the Kingdoms may eventually fall, candles with their flames about to die and all that. But, you know what their fuel is? People like you and I. People like the students at Beacon. We're the fuel that keeps those flames strong and roaring. As long as we continue to march on and do our jobs as Huntsmen, it'll be a long time coming before those monsters can do anything to bring down the Kingdoms. If you let the weight of the world bear down on you and force you to think badly, then you let them win. From what I know of you Abel, I doubt you're the kind of person to take a couple of licks and just lay down. When the Kingdoms do fall, I'd like to think that you and I would already be nice and comfortable sleeping in the ground. But I feel that for generations to come the Kingdoms will continue to stand even after our legacies have faded into obscurity."

Abel shrugged. No doubt the powerfully affirmative words of Shiro required some sort of concurrence on Abel's part, but they received instead the steady lap of water against wood and the perennial coastal breeze. A subtle lack of candor held firm on the guardian's face, but neither did he brashly give voice to his inner thoughts.

Ears twitching, Shiro's head turned towards the Police Station. Sighing and deciding to take a bit of his own positive advice, he stood up and tossed aside the butchered fish carcass he had been working on. Wiping his gloved hands onto the front of his shirt, he turned to Abel and offered his hand to the seated guardian. "Come on, boss. Let's go see what our wonderful teammates have come up with and see what progress they made standing around talking about things. " Shiro grinned brightly, not looking forward to having lay eyes on Sapphire again but he got over himself for the moment.

Pursuit of Knowledge

-=-=Meanwhile=-=-

Gren didn't need a special semblance to tell Shiro was feeling down about what Sapphire said. Abel too left, and Gren could guess his reasons (Not that he'd be correct). He'd talk to them later, but right now he needed to focus on the mission. "We could use whatever supplies you can spare. We're willing to pay for it of course, or at least I am. I have gear to protect me against a Siren's song, but if it dives underwater my weapons aren't suited to fight against it." Gren motioned towards The God Eater, which covered most of his back and was big enough to serve as soft cover. "I won't ask for much. If you have a harpoon gun, or even just a harpoon and some scrap you don't mind me using, I'll make due." Preferably boat mounted. Normally not the sort of weapon you'd give a hunter, but Gren was big enough to handle it.

"There's still the matter of the witness. We'd like to talk to her, if you know where she might be at."

The captain cocked an eyebrow as half of Team SASG made an exit, seeming to have decided that they weren't needed here. Captain McDougall wasn't going to make it an issue if it wasn't one, though. "Alright. As for supplies, raid the Armory. Just bring it back when you're done. Long as nothing gets ruined, I couldn't care less about a little wear and tear if you manage to kill this thing. And the witness is right outside." Pointing to a small bench outside the makeshift war room, Gren and Sapphire would notice a woman sitting there, her face morose and tired-looking.

Nodding his head Gren tipped the edge of his helmet towards McDougall. "Thanks captain. I promise that your town would be safe and sound before too long." Gren took one more quick look at the map to locate the armory before finally turning to Sapphire. "Miss Rookwood is just outside. You want to talk to her, or should I?" If it were anyone else Gren wouldn't have asked that question. While he likes to think of himself as a nice guy and that the world is very progressive, he couldn't change the fact he was a seven foot tall green-skinned boar faunus with a gun bigger than a commercial motorcycle. He tends to scare people. "Shiro could be helpful if he uses his semblance to help enhance Miss Rookwood's hearing. Side effects aside.".

"Best both of us go," Sapphire responded. "We both have different ideas of what useful intelligence is and I don't want to go into the field and discover that your concept was more useful and we didn't ask the right questions. Besides I figure a woman living this far to the edge of Vale has likely seen a lot worse than you in her time."

Gren decided not to comment on that. Sapphire can judge for herself what the "Worse" thing he's ever saw is, if she ever gets around to knowing that much about him. Eventually the two stepped out of the war room to confront Miss Rookwood. Sure enough she seemed like a feeble old woman, mindlessly staring out into the open space. With a firm and gentle tone, Gren called out to her. "Excuse me, Miss Rookwood? We are hunters from Beacon. We would like to ask you some questions, if you have the time." Gren bowed his head towards the elderly woman, giving her a polite, but closed-mouth smile. his tusk jutting out from the corners of his mouth.

As the hulking Faunus introduced himself Miss Rookwood gave a small smile and nodded. "Yes, that's me. What would you like to know?"

Clearing his throat so that the older woman would hear him the first time, Gren asked his questions. "My team and I are looking into the disappearance of Daisy, as well as others around this area. We were told that you were the last person to be with Daisy before her disappearance. Where exactly were you two, and what did you notice before, during, and after Daisy was gone?"

The memory of her missing friend clearly weighing heavily on her, Ms. Rookwood nodded slowly before replying. "We were on the beach, near the rockier section, just taking a stroll. At some point, Daisy must have heard something that my aides couldn't. She started talking about finding some...some beautiful thing. She kept walking faster, and I tried to catch up to her, but she...she just climbed over the boulders and she was gone. I tried to look for her, but...I couldn't find her." Tears were streaming down her face as she spoke, but the woman was resolute. "It was the Grimm. It always is in these parts. The last time something happened, we almost lost one of the police officers. He hasn't been the same since he lost his leg."

Looking between the two in front of her, Miss Rookwood seemed to deflate. "How could this have happened? Why do they just keep coming...?"

Nodding his head, Gren made a mental note about Miss Rookwood's hearing aid. He didn't know much about the Sirens, but it seemed like their song only affect organic hearing, if Miss Rookwood's hearing aid couldn't pick it up. That would be helpful for Gren since he could adjust the sound dampeners in his helmet to accommodate normal sound through a sort of filter, hopefully allowing him to continue to listen to his surroundings while ignoring the siren's song.

But putting that thought aside for a moment Gren latched onto word about this police officer. "Someone else survived? Please, Miss Rookwood, what can you tell us about this police officer?"

Sapphire listened to what Miss Rookwood was saying. For the most part it was devoid of any sort of tactical information but Sapphire had expected that. The old woman was traumatized having watched one of her friends disappear likely never to be seen again. She wouldn't be thinking about what information would be relevant to a hunter's team. At this moment her guilt was to prevalent to allow that.

When Gren asked about the officer Sapphire was mildly surprised. She'd assumed at the mention of him losing his leg that it was the result of some other Grimm attack in these parts. After all the Siren was a relatively recent threat and being so close to the outskirts of Vale this town couldn't have gone without its share of Grimm attacks. Still it wouldn't do to tell Gren that. It was only serve to make him feel foolish, paint her as condescending and damage there already frayed working relationship. It was best Sapphire let Miss Rookwood explain that the injuries suffered by the cop had nothing to do with the Siren. Of course if Sapphire was incorrect then it was also better for her credibility that she not say anything.

"If you please Miss Rookwood can you recall anything specific your friend Daisy said about the sounds she heard? It could be helpful."

"Well, that was...that was Lenny." At the mention of what was apparently his name, a uniform-clad officer rolled away from a desk with his hand raised high.

"That's me! Officer Lenny Bradford, at your service." Pointing down to his leg, which ended prematurely above the knee, he shrugged. "Megaladeus. Captain, myself and a few others went into the water on a boat with as much hunting gear as we could grab. Harpoon guns, weighted nets, rifles, you name it. Damn thing knocked me off the boat and got a hold of me, but it didn't manage to get away for long. Hooked a harpoon in its eye socket while it had me. I'm just glad they had enough fire Dust to sear the wound." Shivering a bit at the thought of having his leg cauterized, Lenny nodded a few times before looking back to his computer. "Yeah, it was lucky, honestly. Now I don't have to go on patrols." Winking at the two students, Lenny started rolling his chair back with his remaining leg.

"Lenny serves as a...sort of assistant and makeshift counselor for the folks here. He's always been an optimistic fellow, really." Standing at the edge of the War Room, Captain McDougall smiled at Gren and Sapphire. "Good man. We need more people like him in this world."

"Yes...I agree with you, Captain McDougall." Miss Rookwood had a small smile on her face, her mood lightened somewhat by Lenny's good humor. Tears still stained her cheeks, but she gave Sapphire a nod and furrowed her brow in thought. "She...she said that it was the most beautiful thing she'd ever heard. I thought that maybe somebody was singing and it was too soft for my hearing aides, but...it wasn't. Nobody was singing, not any person...I'm sorry, it all just happened so quickly, I barely remember anything. All I know is where she disappeared, really."

Just as Sapphire had thought the near loss of the officer had nothing to do with the Siren's though it was good to know that the police force in this area was capable enough to take on a Megaladeus.

"You couldn't hear the Siren's song at all?" Sapphire asked "Even muffled or deadened? Everything was silent?" Something else occurred to her and while Sapphire didn't really want to be insensitive to an old woman the situation didn't allow for much tact. "I'm sorry to ask this but how bad is your hearing without your aides?"

Chuckling slightly, Miss Rookwood shook her head softly. "That's quite alright. It has to do with...what happened, after all. Without my hearing aides, I would barely be able to hear anything short of shouting, and even then, it's not particularly loud. It's safe to say that I need them quite a bit."

"Interesting." Sapphire mused. Perhaps that meant that the Siren's song could only be detected by organic hearing. If she had time and some equipment Sapphire would have been able to construct a hearing filter not dissimilar to the hearing aids that Miss Rookwood used but unless it became absolutely necessary the earplugs would function well enough.

"Miss Rookwood, could you direct us to the locations that this happened at? Some investigation of the area may produce some important information. Though if we're going to a known abduction site we should make sure that our sound dampening equipment is operating."

"I...suppose we could allow Miss Rookwood into the area again if she had your team as an escort. However, I'll have to go with you. If anything happens, somebody needs to be there to bring her back to town. We're not losing anybody else." Determination burning in his eyes, Captain McDougall looked at the two students from Beacon. "As I said before, feel free to take anything you may want or need from the Armory. Ammo, Dust, protective gear, anything. I'll be gearing up, so I suggest you get your teammates if we're going ahead with this plan."

"Captain..." Sapphire started but he was already gone. Sapphire sighed. She hadn't meant to suggest they bring Miss Rookwood back to the site of the Siren attack and it was the last thing that she consider a good idea. Sapphire had simply wanted some geographical description of the area and a location. She sighed. Well of all of them Miss Rookwood with her hearing aides was the most protected against the Siren and perhaps having Captain McDougall along would help in some manner though at the first sign of engagement Sapphire would sent the pair of them out of harm's way.

"Gren I suppose we should gather the rest of the team. You wouldn't happen to have anything Shiro could use to block out his hearing would you? I don't want to bring him to one of the Siren's possible hunting grounds if he doesn't have ear protection." I fight his impulses enough, I don't need him under Grimm control too. The subtext to her words was evident to anyone who knew Swansong's team dynamic.

Mentally keeping a record of the information he was getting Gren turned to Sapphire. "Not at the moment. Give me an hour and I could, at best, make him something that would dampen his hearing all together. But if time is of the essence, I have nothing right now"

Gren wondered just how intelligent the Siren was. What its possible motivations where. It was no mere beast led by hunger, or at least if it was it certainly had more cunning then your average animal. It was purposely putting itself near the shore where people would walk, which told Gren that if they could get the drop on it, it'd be at a disadvantage in terms of terrain. But if it was smart, and knew that the townspeople were at least skilled enough to take on the likes of a Megaladeus, it may have it's own counters in store. Namely whatever other abilities it's song can produce.

"Captain, if you have any means to protect yourself from the Siren's song, you're more then welcome to come. But if you don't, you may become a liability. Plus if we all came as a group, and the Siren isn't a complete fool, it may not even show up or set up it's hunting ground elsewhere."

Gren took out his Scroll and set Abel and Shiro a text message calling them over. Gren had an idea what they could do, utilizing their unique talents to the best of their abilities. "Sapphire, if I may suggest: You and Abel should investigate the location Miss Rookwood and Daisy were at. Your semblance should allow you to scout undetected, and Abel should stay near by to provide assistance if you run into trouble. I'll need to take Shiro to the armory to either make him some sound-dampening head gear and/or get ourselves geared up to take on the Siren."

Gren then handed his Scroll over to Miss Rookwood. "It also wouldn't do us any good risking the townsfolk, though your hearts in the right place. If you do want to point out things we need to see, use my Scroll. It's linked to my helmet's on board camera, allowing you to see anything I see. And if I happen to look across something important, you can use my Scroll to contract me."

Sapphire nodded. "You take Shiro the armory, He's more susceptible to the Siren's song than anyone given his augmented hearing so he needs sound dampeners. Me and Abel will scout the site." She didn't really like following someone else' strategic advice but if she was being honest with herself it wasn't that much different from what she was planning on suggesting.

Looking between one another, Miss Rookwood and Captain McDougall shrugged. The Captain had a confused look on his face for a moment, but quickly replaced it with one of pleasure. "Well, I'm not so sure about taking care of your friend's ears, but if any of you need... standard ear protection, we've got some over in the Armory. Other than that, I suppose the two of us can consult through your Scroll while you go about yer business."

A New World of Gods (closed go to chapter 2)

Even with the knowledge at Aforgomon's disposal, the exact time during which it invaded Thalios' dream escaped it. Several minutes after its emergence into the waking world, the Great One became too aware of the difference in the very air. It could not help but feel as if something was different, akin to a doctor reentering his office to find that a mischievous colleague rearranged all of his personal effects. When it came, the conclusion did not ultimately rattle Aforgomon. Metaphorically speaking, it existed solely within the greater scheme of things, and in this significant realm a single month mattered not at all. What could a few weeks take away from the span of a being perhaps as infinite as the cosmos itself?

Thanks to some divine telepathy, Aforgomon was able to give meaning to its eternal, toothy smirk. Sympathetic in spirit, the shambler relished the gratitude of Thalios nearly as much as it delighted in the idea of a debt. Debt demands service, service elicits covenant, and covenant requires oath. Nothing struck Aforgomon as more fitting than a god of nightmares taking an oath to a sojourner of dreams.

Olympus, home of the gods, seemed oddly devoid. Only minor godlings moved about it now. Aforgomon materialized in front of the first one that piqued its interest. Walking to the tune of the steady clunk of his armor, Crater, a descendant of the Ganymede, cupbearer to Zeus, traversed the distance between storeroom and dining hall. Not all Olympians chose to sup on nectar all the time, and whenever a special request was made, this metal-shelled servant would respond. More than a simple cupbearer, however, Crater held faith with the ideas of classic adventure and heroism, fighting with gusto alongside any greater god that allowed him to accompany them into battle. Before this individual the Great One appeared, only a head and the upper-left half of its body poking from a ripple of light. Amazed but not terrified by the sight, Crater ceased his brisk walk, and upon the steel handle of his jug his gloved fingers tightened. It craves my insight, the servant knight knew. Wants to know where the others have gone. “Er, invites appeared earlier today for a number of the Merged. A casual picnic in Asgard. Childish, perhaps, but no less comfortable for it. I'm sure even you would be welcome?” Crater winced, hoping that Aforgomon wouldn't take offense. Fortunately, the phantom vanished before it could, and the cupbearer let out his breath in a long, slow stream from the slit in his helmet. “Whew.”

-=-=-

'Welcome' embodied a concept that did not really concern Aforgomon. On what basis might some being brand it unwelcome? Security? Other entities flitted across the planes more subtly and with more malice than the shambler, but they aroused no such scrutiny. If only the other gods could rouse themselves to realize the greater purpose that Aforgomon served for posterity.

In Asgard, not too far from the tree under which the young, carefree gods picnicked, the light warped and ripped apart. Aforgomon arrived in only the most cursory respect, manifest little more than a bright and vague outline. Even to the Merged, it would be difficult to spy. In this barely-present form, the Great One walked quietly and serenely among them, younger and yet somehow older than the others whose lesser heights might have made them seem like children by comparison if only there were eyes to see. Thalios' announcement only interested Aforgomon until it realized that by the 'old gods', Thalios meant the previous Olympians. In that, the shambler had no stake. Come what may, its quest would persevere.

A New World of Gods (closed go to chapter 2)

WELP! The party was crashed. By Sheogorath, and let me remind you all for those of you who didn't look at his CS closely, HE IS NOT FROM EARTH

@Cuccoruler

Not from earth is the new sexy. Everybody digs it.

In Hunting Beasts and Monsters

http://daemonstar.deviantart.com/art/Bloodborne-Fanart-Weapon-ideas-580175014

@harinezumikouken

Phoenix Wing (A Fairy Tail RP-Always Open, Open)

Joakim Fortinbras – Frenzy Camp

@raijinslayer@liferusher

Having left a moment ago, Ange returned with a blouse in hand. She discreetly handed it to Isla, for whom it would practically serve as a dress, being a couple sizes too large. Joakim, meanwhile, found himself confronted with more protests from Argus. He considered what the demon mentioned about the members of the dark guild that tortured him having connections to Zeref. When Argus mentioned the gruesome death of his last would-be exorcist, Joakim grew visibly less motivated.
”For the sake of having much of a rest of your life, I hope you are wrong.”

Argus bowing to him took him a little by surprise. The offered hand received a long stare from Joakim. ”Useless formality, with a possible risk to my health. Forgive me if I do not risk disintegration. But my name is Joakim, third son of Baron Fortinbras of the northern tribes. Your willingness to try and be good for a time is appreciated, but remember: your punishment is already decided. If you are redeemed, that will be punishment enough. If you cannot, that is the final crime for which your life will be forfeit. Your demon's days are numbered, Argus. The question is whether or not you die with it. I am convinced that is your choice. Ange, if you please.” He raised his ribcage staff, to which Ange raised her wand in reply, and the two makers worked together to create a single, vast cage, as big as a master bedroom, that surrounded Argus, Isla, and the Lovers, who despite the power suffusing the air around them had yet to wake from their magically-induced slumber.

He gave a little bow. ”Please, do not disappoint us.” Then Joakim left in the direction of the medical tent, seeking aid for the burning wounds inflicted by Argus' aura, of which he had remained stolidly silent. Ange remained nearby as a guard.

Leixia Wuiwomi – In the Little Wood

@oblivion666

Though Leixia's arrow salvo hit its mark, is overall effectiveness did not appear to outweigh Riona's enthusiasm. Now sore and less than convinced of victory, the archer tiredly readied her bow for another shot. Her opponent's wild charge abruptly turned into flight, upward rather than forward this time, and Leixia watched Riona's viridian flames transform into a bow. Hmph. Did this punk chick think to beat her at her own game. Leixia lined up her shot, noting by Riona's technique that she was in truth no more than an amateur. While somewhat of a red flag, Leixia ignored it, and when her foe fired she returned the favor. By the soldier's judgment, her arrow would collide with Riona's in midair and send both flying off to the side—a remarkable display of her prowess with the bow.

She did not expect Riona's arrow to burst into a dozen or more copies, with only the original being deflected. Not pausing long enough to even groan, Leixia turned tail and sprinted away at top speed, barely outdistancing the arrow swarm. After turning back, she quickly calculated where Riona's trajectory would land her and strung three arrows to her bow. Like lightning she loosed them, nearly guaranteed to hit.

Nero the Genie – Arena Stands

@rivaan@lunarlors34@shikaru

The moment a devilish grin appeared on Jessica's face, Nero not only knew he had her, but that her desire might entail no small amount of fun for him, as well. Crossing his arms, he beamed at Arthur's unease, anticipating a grand shenanigan, and when Jessica made her wish, Nero broke out into a fit of giggles. ”Neheheheheh!” He managed to compose himself, the perennial squint behind his glasses more giddy than usual. The only betterment the dark mage could have asked for would have been for stick-in-the-mud James to be the wish's target. Throughout this, Janna's inquiries went ignored, up until the moment she mentioned that fulfilling Jessica's wish would elicit one of Janna's own. ”Why, I'm doin' this because it makes people happy. Includin' me. Law of Atavism!”

For a fraction of a second, a green and purple magic circle appeared behind the head of both Nero and Arthur. The very next, however, Arthur had gone. In his place sat a tiny creature, wrinkled and gray and downright adorable, despite how pissed off it seemed to be. Where Arthur had stood a moment before now lay a rather endearing bulldog puppy. He looked around, doubtlessly confounded by the alteration in perspective, as Nero laughed. ”D'aww! What a precious puppy ya make, mister Arthur! Isn't he, Aya?” In high spirits the Genie looked around for his little companion, only to find himself completely alone. Like a flicked switch his mood changed instantly. ”Ayame? Uh oh.” Unfortunately, he could not rush off just yet, what with the client and all. Where could she have gone?”

A New World of Gods (closed go to chapter 2)

The fearsome visage of Thalios stood defiant but alone in the center of a vast, unending chamber of darkness, the pit at the bottom of some bottomless chasm. After his challenge pierced the gloom, the only sounds resonating through the pitch were the faint laps and burbles of his tempestuous mantle. Ultimately Thalios did not have long to wait, though, for a slow and steady slap of feet upon ebony heralded the approach of the consumer. Though the ethereal, mad emanations from Thalios could not have been light, they cast a wavering luminescence onto the face of the skinless walker as it came close. Every inch of the nightmare god's impressive height turned useless as he was forced to look upward to see the grotesque, indelible grin of the Great One who now invaded his dreamscape.

I am who I am.

No uncanny noise slithered from between those jagged, angled teeth. Aforgomon uttered nothing, but still Thalios knew the macabre abomination's response. In the space of a preternatural moment, the nightmare god knew also that this dimensional emissary held no responsibility for the creation of the nightmare in which he found himself snared. You remind me of the grave lord. You cried out in despair, and I, only I, answered your call. Doubtlessly Thalios understood how bizarre that this blind phantom, rather than all of his supposed allies of the Merged pantheon, would be the sole being to sympathize with the terrors that assailed him.

Your nightmare, while insightful, is pungent. Though it plagues you, it has outlived itself, and grows stale like oats. The chaos wanes, its only legacy a thankless void. No eternity recalls a dreamless slumber. Where even gods ignore you, I deign to tread, and to turn you loose.

All this Thalios could swear Aforgomon said, if only a single word actually fled its jagged maw. Around them the dark loomed, oppressive, but a dream loses its sting when the dreamer becomes aware. The dimensional shambler traced a perfect curve through the Stygian blackness with an outstretched, loathsome finger, and the shadows tore apart to bleed light. Through this brilliant, nonsensical rip in space, Thalios could escape its torment. Aforgomon itself disappeared like a memory, its last fleeting glimpse its bald skull and an unspoken urge: be free from the night.

Soul Eater: Generation of Meisters- Time to get to work?

Yeah, sure.

Thing is, I can't take the reins of a carriage if there's no carriage. I would recommend posting, people.

A New World of Gods (closed go to chapter 2)

@Ace of flames01answer the question!
Is kissing with multiple faces/mouths not pg. It is only a kiss between a 'man' and an eldritch horror from beyond dimensions and time

@Zelosse

Such foolishness.

Name: Aforgomon, the Dimensional Shambler

Gender: Useless

me

Gender: Useless

me

USELESS

still me

The Horde of Evil - Tresspassing through treacherous tribes' territory! (RP closed)

Following the attack on the dwarven outpost, Clotho dwelt exclusively in the region of the dungeon converted into hive. The hatcheries worked around the clock of replenish and then surpass the raid's casualties, reinforcing the Overlord's army. Her alchemist worked to the best of his ability, aided by his assistant and even his captor, and in exchange for his labor enjoyed short hours and real food. When not overseeing her troops, practicing swordplay, or reading, Clotho experimented with new chemicals to try and tease a greater ability to manipulate life out of her stinger. One by one she incorporated new toxins, serums, and mutagens into her venom system, and just as quickly the flawed ones were expunged. Several of her insects gave samples for study, which Cloth broke down into their constituent components with acids before examining under a looking glass. Clotho's chief aim was to improve, be it her forces, her self, or her allies. The attitude of her alchemist and assistant gradually improved thanks to a steady dosage of special chemicals hidden in their food. Slight physical changes accompanied them, but they did not seem to notice. Progress was good.

The grotesque rituals occurring elsewhere did not phase her or her horde. Practically a dungeon in and of itself, the hive's activity continued until its queen was summoned. Upon hearing the call, Clotho flitted into the lab. ”I am called for,” she announced. ”Proceed without me. By my estimation, we should be able to fabricate a type-IV mutagen this very day.” She noticed with smug satisfaction that the assistant girl appeared to have unknowingly grown mandibles.

She zoomed into the gathering chamber and awaited the Overlord's appearance. To his announcements she listened attentively, believing his plan to crush both enemies to be plausible now that her own insect forces would be bolstered by the ranks of demonic warriors newly summoned. Dutifully she hovered above his scrying spell, examining in only a few seconds the significance of the image shown to her. All the while, she considered all she knew of ogres. Unlike the orcs, blindly aggressive and strong, and the trolls, renowned for their ability to wreck havoc not only physically but psychologically, the ogres always struck her as a surprisingly complex breed. Each individual had layers, the first one most often that of a brainless brute. An ogre as the commander of a rival horde of evil did not bode well in her mind.

Scheming and strategizing already, Clotho made a beeline back to her hive to begin preparations.