PrankFox

Clans of the Coast

Hawkshadow purred in amusement at Smokestep's words and nodded in agreement, "That's probably why Coyotestar picked him, they're like two rabbits in a warren with their matching serious stares." The larger tom kept his eyes ahead, in the direction of the BreezeClan border, and tightened his jaw as the salty scents crept over the air. The shadows were easy to see and these days BreezeClan meant trouble.

The constant stream of chatter coming from Oakpaw distracted Stormstrike from the teasing that was going on behind him. His whiskers twitched slightly, "Very good Oakpaw, you've got a sharp nose." He would have to check in and make sure that she could focus in on the prey scents as well as other cats more so than the smells of the area, though that could come in handy too. He kept an eye on the opposite side of the border, though his attention was more focused on his apprentice. He came to a stop the moment he heard the angry voice come across the scent line.

He bit back a sigh as he turned his attention to the gray and black tom, "Greetings Cloudstorm," he fought to keep his irritation at bay as the warrior insulted him. He managed well enough, but his brother had always had more of a temper than him. He rested his tail over Smokestep's shoulders in a calming gesture, "We aren't on your territory," it was always difficult to tell exactly where the border was given the constantly shifting sands, but he was always careful not to cross it and today was no exception. "In fact I believe you're closer to the border line than we are."

Another growl came from the BreezeClan patrol as a reddish tom stepped up to stand next to Cloudstorm. "I think we know where our own border is rabbit-breath," Redtalon hissed back at them his own long claws digging into the sand.

Stormstrike's eyes shifted slightly to the rest of the patrol. He recognized the long black pelt and disinterested expression of Nightwater and the pale pelt of Cranesong. Though the shrinking form of a large golden tom he was unfamiliar with. Probably a new apprentice then. He turned his attention back to the two toms, "We're on our side of the border unless BreezeClan has decided to encroach on our territory," his tail flicked irritably, "If that's the case I can tell you Coyotestar will not stand for it."

He didn't want this to devolve into a border skirmish, and Dawnstar herself had said they weren't looking to start a war. It seemed her warriors thought differently as Redtalon let our another angry growl and lunged at him with claws extended. He felt the wind leave his lungs as he was bowled onto the ground and screeched in pain as Redtalon's hind claws batted at his stomach. The weight was quickly removed though as Hawkshadow's massive form grabbed the other tom and threw him to the side. He had enough time to roll onto his feet and see Nightwater slam into his brother with a yowl. So much for that.

Wings of Fire: Clouded Visions

As Maroon's smile grew larger Aether let his own nervous one cross his face. He was glad to see that he had said something right and the nerves were beginning to give way to excitement as the prince offered for Aether to join him at a festival in the valley. His eyes went slightly wide at the thought of attending a festival, and with Maroon of all dragons. Great skies to think he would be lucky enough to catch the eye of such a noble dragon to the point he wanted to go flying with him.

"Well," he hated to leave Finch with all the work, but Maroon did make a good point. No one would be able to contest him being with the prince. "I certainly haven't gone flying in a while." he hadn't been to a festival in ages either, he was always cooped up trying to get all his work done. He let Maroon lead him back out into the corridor without any resistance and gave the crimson dragon a grin when he asked for his final decision. "I think that sounds great!"

He doubted that Solstice would mind even though she was usually the one that was supposed to tail after the prince. He would at least, technically, have an escort even though Aether wasn't a fighter. He still had his sister's bulk and that would probably be enough. He followed after Maroon with a bounce to his step since he didn't know exactly where this festival was. He just hoped that they didn't run into any of those hybrids that had escaped.

AS they stepped outside he glanced up to the sky. They were blue and dusted with wisps of white clouds that floated lazily in the air. He could feel the wind calling to him and he grinned at Maroon before he stretched his wings and quickly took off. He let the sounds of the great expanse drown out the troubles and work that he had constantly flitting through his mind, taking a few loops around before he came to a hover to let Maroon lead the way.

Pokemon: Ascendancy

Mentions: All present, Bianca @Majoras End

Well, the fact that Ryker's pokemon were missing as well was as good an indication as any that something was wrong. Or Ryker had decided he was sick of the limelight and up and left, but given how fired up he'd been the night before that seemed unlikely. The backlash that Hyacinth got from some of the other gym leaders was fully expected though. He highly doubted that a number of them would listen to the fact that he wanted them to keep their noses out of the police's investigation. It was like he'd never met most of them. He had no intention of jumping into the thick of things unless he absolutely had to, if only to keep the others from doing something too stupid.

Instead he let his eyes flick lazily from person to person as they all leapt to refute what the chairman said. Hestia and Astrid were no surprise, but Mika's usually friendly demeanor being upended by the situation was certainly something. Sure they could all go running around like chickens with their heads cut off trying to figure out where Ryker was, or they could sit around with their thumbs up their asses. Neither option was particularly appealing.

When some of the other gym leaders started to step out he figured that was the cue that the meeting was as over as it was going to get. If the others wanted to continue to fight with Hyacinth that was their prerogative. Nordrin was on the right track, he had his own business to run and the gears would keep turning with or without Ryker there. For now at least. He gave Hyacinth a nod, "I'll be headed back to the clinic then should someone need something of me."

He pushed out the door and noted Bianca leaned up against the wall. He stepped out of the way of the door to lean against the wall next to her. "You alright?" He kept his eyes fixed on the wall across from him, but there was some genuine concern trapped somewhere in his voice.

Wings of Fire: Clouded Visions

Aether watched his sister push past them with general disinterest. He had gotten used to her brusque exits, especially when it came to Maroon being around. He didn't think it would be so bad, to have another dragon that cared as much about you as Maroon seemed to care about Solstice. His sister was just stubborn and he did think the prince was inclined to lay it on a bit thick. Not that he would tell him that, he wanted to keep all of his limbs in place thank you very much.

He was too wrapped up in his own thoughts, he really needed to get better about that, that he didn't notice the wing until it wrapped around his shoulders. He jumped ever so slightly as he was snapped free of his thoughts and gave the prince a tentative grin. "I am well thank you," he tried to keep his voice as even as possible despite the buzzing in his head that told him that the Crown Prince was touching him. He considered Maroon a friend, but he had no idea if the other dragon thought of him that way. He hoped he did, that would be neat to be able to say that he was friends with a royal.

"I was planning on going to finish scribing scrolls for Finch," he shuffled his talons slightly at how boring it sounded. He liked his job, it made him happy and he got to meet all kinds of dragons in the infirmary who were grateful to him and his work. Compared to what Solstice or Maroon did though it sounded dull in comparison.

He had no idea what Maroon wanted, but he wasn't going to pass up the opportunity, "Of course if you had something else in mind, or wanted some company I'm already well ahead of where I need to be." He tried to keep the excitement out of his voice, though he wasn't sure he was doing a very good job. Keep the zeal under wraps Aether. He didn't want to make a fool of himself, "Only if you want though, of course, your highness."

Clans of the Coast

Stormstrike's whiskers twitched in faint amusement as he watched his apprentice lay into his brother. She was a bit of a spitfire at times that was certain, but he enjoyed mentoring Oakpaw. She was a challenge and a fun young cat to be around. He was just glad that he didn't get stuck with Barkpaw. The tom meant well, but he was a stubborn as the sun was set to rise. He had to wonder what Smokestep's kits would be like when they were apprentices, it was amusing to think about. He would love to mentor one of them, but he wasn't sure Coyotestar would allow it.

He returned his brother's greeting with a faint grin and Hawkshadow nodded his broad head in response. "Alright, let's go." He turned and pushed his way through the woven fronds and gorse that made up the entrance to camp and lifted his head to wind that raced across the open fields. "We're checking the BreezeClan border. Coyotestar wants to make sure they don't get any ideas."

They kept a decent pace and once they crested over one of the rises of the plains he looked down to where the grasses gave way to the beach. If he squinted hard enough he almost thought he could see BreezeClan's camp nestled away in the rocks and driftwood that made up the shore. How they could stand to live so close to the ocean was beyond him. He was pretty sure some of them even dove into the rough waters to try and fish. The thought made him shudder.

As they stepped over and down the hill he turned to Oakpaw, "What can you smell on the wind?" They were on patrol and he wanted to keep her senses sharp.

With the two other cats on patrol distracted Hawkshadow turned to Smokestep. His large paws cut through the grass with ease as he kept up with the others. "Congrats on all three kits opening their eyes," his green eyes were warm, "Always great to have new little ones in the camp. Won't be long before they're tumbling over and under everyone's paws." A purr rumbled his chest, but he kept his eyes trained towards the beach as the approached the border.

The smell of BreezeClan was strong on the wind and given the flat land they were on it was easy to see the border patrol on the opposite side. Stormstrike had hoped that they would miss the other clans dawn patrol and he bit back a sigh as he realized that they were probably going to have an encounter. He just hoped that it would be a civil one.

Wings of Fire: Clouded Visions

An angry hiss and a spark of fire met Aether's teasing statement as his sister finished securing her armor and grabbing the standard spear for the guards. He couldn't help the creeping grin along his muzzle as she muttered under her breath about one thing or another. His best guess was about how annoying himself and the lofty prince were.

He was about to excuse himself to get back to his own work, he had a number of scrolls that he needed to transcribe for Finch before the day was out, but both himself and Solstice could hear the familiar clicking talons on the stone outside the barracks. It wasn't that he disliked Prince Maroon, he rather liked the crimson dragon actually, it was just that he was absolutely terrified of saying something wrong in the royals presence.

"Good morning your highness," he greeted him quickly in return though he figured that Maroon didn't particularly care if he responded or not. He knew the prince only had eyes for his sister, which was both incredibly amusing and somewhat terrifying. What about Solstice had every caught Maroon's eye was unknown to him, maybe that was because she was his sister or maybe the prince was just crazy. Maybe both, probably both. He did have to clamp his jaw firmly shut so that he didn't laugh as he watched the distaste on Solstice's face.

Dark brown eyes rolled hard at the greeting from Maroon and Aether was glad that he was able to easily read Solstice's expressions underneath the heated disinterest. The endearment wasn't lost on either of them and it was likely only the fact that Maroon was royalty that he didn't get cuffed upside the head or whacked with a spear.

"Morning, your highness," Solstice's voice was surprisingly cool despite the fact it looked like she wanted to blow smoke from her nostrils, "I slept fine thank you." Her eyes flickered to Aether for a moment before they returned to the prince, "I was just about to start my rounds. Apparently the SandWings had a security breach in one of the their little battle pits," Word travelled quickly through the guards, "Some rogue hybrids on the loose and last seen heading this way."

That was the first Aether had heard of this and his head perked up in curiosity, "Pit fighters? That sounds exciting." His tail waved across the ground. He wondered if they were scarred and vicious, coming to the SkyWing Kingdom with hopes of refuge. Maybe lulling them into a false sense of security so they could strike and take over from Queen Emerald. That would be very exciting and he might be able to put his newly acquired medical training to use.

Solstice rolled her eyes again, "Sure, but we don't know anything about them other than they were able to take out a large number of well trained SandWing guards. The last thing we need is for them to come around here." Her gaze returned to Maroon and she dipped her long neck to him, "If you'll excuse me your highness," her voice was polite as she slipped past the two males and out of the barracks.

Clans of the Coast

A snort of amusement pulled itself free as Stormstrike heard the hiss from his brother. He had been up for a bit at this point figuring out who would go on patrol, and it didn't seem like Smokestep was particularly happy to be chosen. He wanted to get the other tom out and about though given that his niece and nephews were all doing well. They were only a little more than a quarter moon old, but getting bigger and more explorative every day. It made him happy to see Smokestep settling into fatherhood so well.

He pushed his way back out of the warrior's den and scanned around for the cats that he'd want on patrol. He wanted to go out himself with Oakpaw and he planned on dragging his brother out with him. He'd still need someone extra though, and his eyes snagged on the black and white pelt of the leader's brother.

"Hawkshadow!" He padded over to the tom who perked up at his approach, "You want to come on dawn patrol with me? We need to check the Breezeclan border. Coyotestar doesn't trust that they won't try to start something." He was sure that all of them were still reeling from what happened at the last Gathering, but he was doing his best to keep everything moving. He was fairly young for deputy, and he knew that Coyotestar relied on him for that. He didn't want to let her down.

The larger tom pushed himself to his paws with a grunt, "Sure. When do we leave?"

"As soon as Smokestep and Oakpaw join us and I assign the other patrols." He heard Sorrelwing call out to Smokestep so he at least knew the tom was awake and moving. He padded to the apprentice den on the far side of the clearing that made up camp and stuck his head in to wake up Oakpaw, and hopefully the other apprentices along with her. StarClan knew they would sleep as long as they could get away with.

He was pleased to see everyone up and moving, calling to the clan to gather round so he could give out assignments. "Crowstorm, I want you to take Barkpaw, Stoatleap, and Dewfall hunting." Once he saw them get moving he checked who was left, "Tornsnout, Sorrelwing, and Duskstripe you take the Darkclan border." They weren't having issues with Spiderstar so three warriors should be fine there. "I'm taking Oakpaw, Smokestep, and Hawkshadow with me to the Breezeclan border."

Everyone else was free to go about their business as they saw fit until he assigned the sun high patrols, and he nodded to himself as the clan collected to do as he said. There was a flash of pride and pleasure through him at being followed so easily by his clanmates. He padded, along with Hawkshadow, to the entrance of camp and waited for Smokestep and Oakpaw to join them so they could get on their way.

Pokemon: Ascendancy

Mentions: All present

It was a mercy that Isaiah was used to waking up early in the morning to go to the clinic. Even if he'd wanted to sleep in later, enjoy the mostly quiet hotel room, before the chaos of the opening ceremony his body clock wouldn't allow it. Despite the late hour he finally got out of the Dahlia after helping Mason clean the place up a bit, and haul the gym leaders that were more drunk than the rest out to their rides or rooms. He still managed to catch a reasonable amount of sleep to his surprise. At the very least he was glad he made the decision not to get drunk so he could actually function for the opening ceremony.

At least, that was the plan. The TV was playing in the background, giving him some noise to help focus, as he worked on the charts for the clinic. Normally he would take the time before the ceremony to prepare for the fact he had to deal with a large number of people, but the distraction worked just as well. At least there hadn't been any urgent calls from the folks he left in charge.

He leaned back in the mostly uncomfortable hotel chair with a sigh, running his hands down his face in a bid to wake up further. Apollo on the other hand was sprawled on his back on the bed, horned head dangling nearly over the side as he watched the news reels flick by. Isaiah occasionally shot him a glance to make sure that nothing had caught fire, but mostly let the dark Pokémon lounge. The large canine got fidgety if he was left to his own devices too long, but the short woofs and sound of shuffling bedsheets were enough to grab his attention anyway.

"What now Apollo?" He turned a raised eyebrow to where the news was playing at Apollo's insistent stare. He didn't need to hear what the reporter was saying, the headline that the opening ceremony had be cancelled was enough to send him scrambling for his phone. He hadn't been paying attention to it, but the text from the chairman was enough for him to slam his laptop shut, thankful that he was already dressed for the day. He pulled Apollo into his ball before turning off the TV and hastily exiting the hotel to make for Hyacinth Tower.

He was, unsurprisingly, early compared to a number of the others who had gotten hammered the previous night. He sat in one of the chairs in the meeting room, scrolling through the news to see if there was any other information about what had happened. Unfortunately there was nothing that he could see and that sent nervous thoughts wriggling through his brain. The chairman wouldn't cancel the ceremony without good reason, it was just concerning what that reason might be. He sent the occasional wave or greeting to those who came in after him before turning his attention to the chairman as the man walked in at 10:30 sharp.

The news the chairman had was...not what he'd been expecting. Ryker of all people, abducted from his own house? That didn't seem to add all the way up. Everyone else seemed to be expressing the same thoughts and concerns. Where were the champion's Pokémon? What were they going to do? Despite Fiona's crass way of expressing it she did have a point. It seemed a bit hasty to jump to the most dramatic conclusion before they'd heard anything else.

"Have the police said anything concrete?" Usually there was more that went into it than just declaring someone abducted from his understanding. He was a doctor though, not law enforcement, so he didn't know how much had already been done. At the very least they could keep level heads and not go running to something stupid.

Pokemon: Ascendancy

Mentions: Bianca @Majoras End, Sebastien @King Cosmos, All present

It seemed like his own arrival heralded the rest of the gym leaders flooding in at a quicker pace. Isaiah didn't recognize the stern faced looking man that stepped in after him, but recalled they had a new leader joining the ranks this season. Water type he was pretty sure. He'd meet him later as Astrid entered and took a seat next to him. He gave her a nod of greeting, the same to Holly as the other woman walked in. There were already far too many people present for his tastes, but he figured it was about time to get used to it for the season. He'd have to deal with the PR as well.

He didn't necessarily appreciate being lumped in with the 'circus' as Nordrin so called them, but he couldn't exactly contest it given the company. It was only further reinforced when the last of the rabble walked in. Mika with his new Snom that grabbed damn near everyone's attention, and Sawyer with his Glameow. He rolled his eyes with a faint shake of his head as the shouting immediately began between the Normal type leader and Fiona. He was going to have a raging headache by the end of the night; and not from the alcohol.

Of course the chairman wasn't actually going to show his face. Probably too much going on getting ready for the season. Or he just couldn't be bothered. The latter was more likely in his opinion. In the lieu of the chairman giving a speech though, Ryker gave one well enough. He couldn't stop the faint twitch of his lips at the optimistic idealism in the younger man's choice of words. Maybe it'd be the year one of them beat him, Hestia certainly seemed determined enough. Still no one had beaten him yet, so maybe he had every right to be optimistic. Not that Isaiah particularly cared. He'd give it a shot, but it was no skin off his back if he didn't make champion. He already had a hell of a workload as it stood. No need to add more.

"I'm not so much worried about whether or not they mean it," he mumbled towards Bianca once he finally got the chance, "Just the aftermath of it." He gave her a bemused smile and crooked eyebrow at the latter half of her statement, but chose not to comment on it. He knew she could be just as vicious as the rest of them despite her demeanor.

As Bianca leapt from her seat he finally just leaned back against the chair he to listen to the chaos around him. Listening to the conversation going on between Fiona and the new guy he leaned forward to rest his arms against the bar to address Sebastien, "You're going to have to wait in line on that one. I think Hestia would call first dibs on kicking Ryker to the curb."

Wings of Fire: Clouded Visions

Name:
Solstice

Gender:
Female

Age:
Adult

Species:
SkyWing

Appearance:

Looks

Personality:
Hot-headed, irritable, intelligent, blunt, confident, good with strategy, impulsive when angry (which is often)

Other:
Serves as one of the royal guard, often to Prince Maroon
Sister to Aether