Complete 18+ Private Natural Touch

[Crimson Ruby]

When Vina told Ruby to wait, the crimson cat gave her a moment, and as soon as the vixen got a hold on her shoulders- "Hold on tight-" Ruby didn't hesitate to rush at full speed, with the jungle around them becoming but a blur, phasing through their sights in such a way that it was hard to keep up unless you had a supernatural reflex and senses.

It wasn't hard, however, to slowly notice the green blurs turning redder and gray-ish, with the smell of smoke and the unhealthy warmth engulfed the girls skins and lungs.

Ruby tried to hold a breath, but it didn't take long for her to slow down, noticing a silhouette from afar, along with the dryad that kept a respectable distance, unsure of how to approach the figure that had simply turned the surrounding jungle into a true inferno.

"You... Flamebearer!" The dryad called.

Rushing in, the flames that surrounded the silhouette grew abruptly, swirling like a tornado and nearly catching the dryad, that was forced to retreat while watching the raising flames devouring even more of the nearby vegetation, making the dryad shriek.

"Not again... My children... My cousins... Why?!" The dryad scowled at the figure.

Slowly, the figure turned around, with the flames liting her face, making it clear for the girls.

"There we are... The queen is finally here~" Her face turned for a playful look at the dryad, though her eyes soon trailed to the two newcomers, with her eyes narrowing.

"And like a good queen, she brought her jesters." Her expression grew cold, rather than playful.

"Who is the jester? You are the pyromancer of the circus, you goddamn-" Ruby gritted her teeth, taking a forceful step forward, having a firm grip on the hilt of her blade before she was interrupted by a raising index of the other red haired, that clicked her tongue thrice, shaking her finger just as many times.

"I would think twice if I were you." Her other hand finally drew out from behind her back, revealing a weakened pixie wrapped in her merciless grasp. "I don't need fire to break all of this thing's bones." She said, threatening by tightening her grip for a bit, which was enough to bring a weakened groan from the small creature.

"STOP!" She yelled, with her voice edging more in fear than anger.

Ruby halted her steps, with her grip tightening on the hilt of her jian once again, but with her stance becoming more hesitant, having her ears flattening against her head as she leaned a bit closer to Vina.

"... That's not fair..." Her lips pursed, looking at the suffering pixie.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina did have some experience with moving at high speeds herself thanks to her mastery of Aeromancy, but it still was nothing compared to the sensation of being dragged along by Ruby once the dancer began to run at full speed. If it wasn't for her sharp senses and augmented reflexes she would have been left unable to do anything but hold on for dear life as the two of them zipped through the forest. As it was she managed to create a protective bubble of air around the two of them once they reached the part of the forest that was on fire, preventing any smoke from entering their lungs.

The sight that greeted them once they caught up with the dryad was one which made Vina's breath halt in her throat, the vixen letting go of Ruby even as her air magic continued to keep her aloft, her winds pushing away the flames to keep the three of them safe.

Under different circumstances she might have cracked a joke as the person opposing them called herself and her friend jesters, but watching the forest around them get consumed by flames even as the red-haired menace was threatening a fairy to keep them at bay quickly ruined her mood. To keep Ruby from rushing in she placed a hand on her friend's shoulder, her other hand going to Ivis's shoulder as a comforting gesture.

It looks like you've got us where you want us, so what is it you want~?

As she spoke she listened not only to the words of the others but also to the winds around them. The fire was causing the air to flow erratically, but already the floating vixen was beginning to get a grip on the patterns. Just like with the vines before a soft humming arose from her throat, barely audible as she sought to resonate with the rhythm of the winds.

Of course, she couldn't just ignore the destruction the flames were wreaking in the meantime. She couldn't afford to exhaust herself trying to put them all out when they still had the instigator to deal with, but as the winds flowed past the trees and the other plants Vina's magic would pass from the air to the green, strengthening it and allowing it to withstand the fire for longer.

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

The hold of the vixen on Ruby's shoulder was the second thing that halted the crimson cat from charging at full strength at the pyromancer, with the first being the well being of the poor fairy. If anything, there was the vaguest of the comforts on that touch, at least reminding Ruby that her friend was there for her.

Vina's question, however, make the Flamebearer's eyes narrow, making it clear that she was smiling widely under her mask, as wicked as it was in this occasion.

"You are a smart doggie. And you better continue to be one, so keep holding your little pet tight, alright? We don't want this poor thing to die~" She loosened the grip on the pixie, making it breath heavily as it hang on her hand before it flailed around while being played with the pyromancer's fingers, as if it was a fidgeting toy.

Ruby's eyes teared up in anger, seeing how the other disdained of the fairy's life, but before she could muster any word-

"Let her go already..." The dryad whimpered, taking a step forward, no longer fearing for the fire. "Why are you doing this? What have we done to you? Just tell what you want and let us be!"

Her smile faded, and her gaze locked on the dryad and on the vixen. "Don't take it personally, it isn't vengeance, pure cruelty or anything, I swear!" She clasped her hands. "I just couldn't afford to convince any lovely dryad or arch fey to help me with my plans. After all, apparently burning the roots of Alfather Tree is a big sin." Her eyes rolled.

"But see... The truth is-" She pointed upwards, which would reveal for them, above the tree tops there were flying drones sucking the eerie smoke from the inferno that was being caused. "Apparently the Alfather Tree's roots, when burned, it releases a very powerful fuel in gas form. But I'm not a silly girl, anyone that has studied a bit knows that it is only a matter of time before the source will be gone if we burn everything down."

She shrugged. "This is why I tried a diplomatic approach, but... Your sisters didn't really want it... But don't worry... We won't ever need to worry about them again." Her eyes brimmed with a devious hint in them.

"Wh... What did... My sisters? What did you do?!"

"You don't need to worry about it... But well, depending on the answer you will give to me, you will find out what happened with them with your own eyes and skin." Her grip tightened around the pixie again, this time without mercy, even making the poor thing shriek in pain.

"You will produce these roots for me. You can make them grow, can't you?" Her gaze hardened, now focused solely on the dryad.

Ruby couldn't believe what she was witnessing, with breath barely escaping her lungs even if Vina was protecting them from the harm of the smoke and fire. "V-Vina... This girl is a megalomaniac, what are we gonna do?" She turned, whispering to her friend, with her Primal Aura growing with worry and anger.
@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Under different circumstances Vina might have corrected the Flamebearer, but a hostage situation was not a good time to explain the difference between a dog and a fox. Especially if the odds were good that the red-haired menace had made the mistake intentionally.

Instead she merely nodded, more focused on attuning herself with the winds while letting the Flamebearer do her thing for now. Her malice was blatant, but at least she was willing to talk for now: the vixen just hoped that they could resolve this incident without unnecessary violence. Even if watching the pixie squirm and hearing Ivis's pleading was making her ears droop in sympathy.

Please, there's no need to torment her.

She squeezed Ivis's shoulder softly, shaping the air within her mouth before letting it escape past her lips, carrying her words to Ivis's ears while ensuring that the Flamebearer wouldn't be able to overhear.

We'll do everything we can to help. I swear it.

If Ivis lost her cool completely and did something reckless it'd probably make the situation worse. By the Flamebearer's own words she'd managed to take care of several dryads already, in which case they couldn't be too reckless. The songstress looked up as the arsonist indicated her flying drones, which were collecting the gases the burning roots were releasing. It wasn't too surprising that others would also have an interest in the Allfather Tree's roots, even if it saddened Vina that this person would go so far to get what she wanted, hurting so many others in the process.

Stop it!

She cried out when she heard the pixie cry out in pain, the air all around them stirring for a moment. The druidess took a deep breath, then sent out another whisper wind towards both Ivis and Ruby.

I'll create an opening. Use it to rescue our friend. Please stay calm until then, and don't look up~

Letting go of Ivis's shoulder she spoke up, this time out loud so the Flamebearer could hear her clearly.

Are the gases the roots produce really worth all of this? So much pain and destruction? (She gestured towards their surroundings with her free hand.) There are plenty of power sources in this world you could use, why choose this one where others pay the price?

As she spoke she silently cast her magic, guiding the winds to support Ruby until the feline would feel almost weightless. The songstress also matched the rhythm of Ruby's heartbeat by squeezing her shoulder, making her blood flow faster and heightening her awareness. She knew that Ruby was blindingly fast even without help, but she wanted to make sure that when the opportunity came her friend would be on top of the Flamebearer before the female human had time to react.

Not to mention that it must take a lot of effort to gather all the gas with all the trees in the way. I mean, just look at how high up those drones of yours have to fly~

She'd been accentuating her words with hand gestures this entire time, using the subtle manipulative effects of Harmonic Magic to help ensure the Flamebearer's attention. So when she pointed up at the drones it was inevitable that, however briefly, the Flamebearer's eyes would follow... which was all Vina really needed.

When people heard of Aeromancy they almost always thought of air magic. Not unsurprising, given that was what the name implied, and also how it was primarily used by most Aeromancers. But Aeromancy was a two-sided magic, granting control over both air and lightning.

The moment the Flamebearer looked up a lightning bolt would manifest, a jagged line of brilliant plasma connecting Vina's finger to one of the drones. The lightning ignited the concentrated gas the drone was collecting, and in a display both loud and bright the drone exploded, the shockwave powerful enough for those on the ground to feel it as a downward wind, for a brief moment suppressing the flames.

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

The Flamebearer's gaze locked on Vina for most of part, with her attention trailing off as she kept fidgeting with her hostage between her fingers.

Ruby could feel her heart throbbing at the sight of the suffering, and the fear of the Dryad, but she believed in the vixen wholeheartily, waiting for the right time to act... And it was when the distraction came, sparkling the skies, destroying one of the many magitech drones the Flamebearer had.

The crimson cat then felt the speed running in her veins, the air brushing on her skin and urging her to rush, to erupt in an ungodly speed.

In a fraction of a second, her hand was on the pommel of her jian, and she blasted off like a lightning bolt, crackling at the same time as Vina's thunder echoed, with Ruby's blade slashing through just as she picked up the fairy.

When the red blur halted, she was braking a handful of feet away from the Flamebearer, that no longer could keep the fairy in her deadly grasp.

"M... My hand... I can't feel it, I..."

They could hear a whimpering, a weak and fragile one. The pyromancer that minutes ago overflowed with confidence and imponence almost seemed to shrink, with tears forming in her eyes, only faltering to continue because of the heat that burned her eyes as she looked at the severed edge, laying on the ground near the one who had rescued the hostage.

She turned, to look at every single one of her enemies.

"You, and all of this forest are goint to be eaten by hell." Her words no longer held the jest of before, with a mix of fear and anger hinting in her breaking voice.

Before they could immediately react, a sudden sound of trampling followed by a large magitech drake, that breathed and 'spread' fire like a flamethrower, eating away leaves, grass, wood, and anything before it, barely giving time for Ruby to roll away from the fire that crackled and roared, while the crimson cat tucked the weak fairy protectively against her chest, covering her with her arm and hand before she stumbled closer to Vina and Ivis.

INFERNOTECH DRAKE
[ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ]
RANK S ENEMY​

"That can't keep going-" Ruby guarded them with the blade on a hand, while using her other to hand the small fairy to the Dryad, that carefully took the small creature in a protective craddle.

"This metal beast, is this that is causing such a chaos, we need to-"

"I think it is better for you to stay behind and protect the others..." She spoke to the Dryad, then glanced at Vina, smiling, a bit worriedly, but taking her hand with a soft squeeze. "I think we can take this thing down, right?"

Her eyes trailed to the fire breathing construct, that seemed to be charging up for its combat setup, covering its master that was still trying to recover from the trauma.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina knew that letting Ruby be the one to rescue the pixie could have unpleasant consequences. She loved her friend, of course, but she was also aware that the dancer was a lot more willing to resort to violence to resolve such situations. Which she couldn't blame Ruby for either: when you were dealing with someone who was willing to take innocents hostage and torment them just to prove a point the right thing to do was to secure the safety of the hostages, even if that meant hurting the hostage taker.

But that didn't mean that the sight of Ruby removing the Flamebearer's hand didn't make Vina wince. Her plan had worked perfectly, the vixen distracting the fire-haired female by shooting down one of the drones so Ruby could safe the pixie. Lowering her hand Vina's gaze went towards where the removed hand was now lying on the ground, her azure eyes sympathetic as she took a step forward.

I'm really sorry. I can reattach it, but-

She was forced to stop talking when the Flamebearer looked at them with eyes filled with such raw emotions that it made Vina shudder. As confident as the Flamebearer might have been, losing her hand so abruptly had taken all the wind out of her sails.

What is-

Once again she was interrupted, this time by the arrival of the Flamebearer's minion. Watching the metal monster marching straight through the jungle, torching everything in its path, Vina quickly dashed backwards while calling out to the winds. A short but powerful gale came to life, helping push Ruby out of the way while also picking up the severed hand, tossing it close to where Vina was standing.

We'll have to disable it yes, but it'd be better if you kept your distance.

Vina agreed with Ruby's assessment. With how liberally that mechanical menace was spreading its fire someone like Ivis would be in too much danger if she got close. Not to mention how her children would be consumed if she tried to use them in the upcoming fight.

Taking Ruby's hand Vina squeezed it and smiled back, pulling out her staff with her other hand.

Of course~ Mind you, I'm not very good at fighting, so you'll have to show us how it's done Ruby. (A downwards gale pushed the flames away from them, creating some space.) Don't worry, I'll do my part as the support~

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

The dryad looked at the beastfolk girls, holding the fairy protectively as they told her to keep a safe distance. A frown crossed the tree woman, but her eyes lowered at the suffering fairy.

"You... are right..." She looked at Vina, swallowing and taking a few steps back. "Be careful... Please..." The dryad muttered while merging into a nearby tree, becoming one with the forest and disappearing from the harm's sight.

Ruby smiled faintly at the dryad, then peeked at Vina, her only comfort in that occasion. "Seems like she doesn't hate us that much anymore." She said, soon having her attention caught by the angered Flamebearer.

"Hold your attaching spells for your little pet's head. She will need." Her gaze, cold that contrasted with the suffocating inferno that surrounded them, was deadly set on the crimson cat.

Her eyes trailed to the girl, showing a smirk. "I don't remember you taking my place." She said, with a bit of jest as she swayed her blade, feeling the refreshing gush relieving the heat, while pushing away the burning obstacles.

"Together." She said, confidently before erupting into speed.

She didn't aim for the drake, nor for the drones, making a straight line to the woman- Yet, this time she was aware of the girl's powers, and the Infernotech construct intercepted the advance, sending a wide wall of flames to try to engulf Ruby.

The girl's eyes widened, and she rolled under the flames, dodging for inches but still being close enough to sting her skin.

Following up, the drones that were above the treetops lowered, sending a volley of sharp metallic bolts, nothing short of actual bullets, that pierced through wood and ground, trying to strike both Ruby and Vina, with the former rushing and stumbling to take some cover behind the nearest gigantic root.

"If you hide, you won't be able to save your owner, kitty." She provoked, using the magitech drake as a cover to aim her gauntlet at the silvery vixen, blasting a beam of fire at her direction.

Ruby's eyes opened widely. "Vina!"

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina gave Ivis a reassuring smile as the dryad considered her options, the vixen nodding when the plant maiden decided to heed their advice and disappear for now, leaving it up to the two of them to deal with the rampaging Flamebearer.

Don't worry, I always try not to get hurt~ (She nodded at Ruby.) First impressions aren't everything, after all~

It was unfortunate that their opponent couldn't share their positive attitude. Vina frowned at the pyromaniac's threat, azure eyes flickering between Ruby and the Flamebearer.

I'm usually the pet, you know?

It was a minor complaint, completely irrelevant to the current situation, and yet Vina almost pouted as the Flamebearer declared Ruby to be her pet rather than the other way around. As it was she could only sigh before bringing up her staff, the tip glowing with crackling energy this time as she waited for an opportunity to assist Ruby. A short upwards gust helped keep the wall of flames from frying her friend.

As the drones descended and began to spray a hail of bullets out across the area Vina was forced to back off, nimbly floating backwards as the bullets embedded themselves into the scorched and cracked soil. A quick look around told her that for now the fire wasn't spreading, the tall and healthy trees serving as barriers. However, they still needed to wrap this up before the fire got any bigger...

The Flamebearer's words warned Vina of what would come next. Gripping her staff with both hands the songstress spun it around even as the beam of flames shot straight towards her, the air around her spinning along with her staff. Her nostrils flared as the strong scent of ozone mixed with that of the burning forest, the tip of her staff glowing even brighter.

A quick forward swing created a concentrated stream of ionised air, intercepting the flame beam and redirecting it to follow the path that Vina laid out using the movements of her staff. Spinning around her own axis the flames formed a brief circle around the vixen before she released the winds and sent them straight towards the Infernotech construct.

Lightning danced alongside the flames even as the winds pushed them all towards the firebreathing machine, and upon reaching its target the mixture of lightning and flame exploded, releasing a smaller shockwave that nevertheless made all the flames in the area dance for a brief moment.

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Vina's protests only gained gained a scowl from the Flamebearer, that was already having her patience running short on the silvery vixen and the crimson cat.

Ruby's attention, however, was locked on Vina and the attacks that were thrown at her, in which she thankfully dodged with all expertise and nimbleness she had on her. The safety of her friend gave the relief Ruby needed- And along with the helpful gushes of wind that opened her way, and the powerful spell that retaliated the flames of the construct, the crimson's cat morale went high up once again.

Her grip on the blade tightened, and she leaped out of her hidings.

The explosion temporarily disrupted the magitech construct, that gave her time opening she needed to chage in at full speed, throwing herself in a bodyslam against the magitech beast, swirling around it and striking it with a flurry of slashes that attempted to sneak past the gaps of its thick armor, sending sparkles when the metal surfaces conflicted with each other.

Staggering, the construct was forced to back off for a moment, giving another opening, in which Ruby took opportunity to rush through and slash her blade against the Flamebearer once again, opening a wound on her sides as she yelped in pain, coughing and gesturing for the drones to attack Ruby, that was taking all the advantage of Vina's winds to rush herself out of danger.

"You fucking bitch, BURN HER DOWN ALREADY!" She roared, completely losing her cool.

The few drones that still focused on Vina suddenly shifted their target, trying to hit Ruby with a barrage of bullets, and the Inferno Drake followed up with a breath of fire that tried to engulf her.

Rolls

Mastery Check
1d100 (69) + 25 = 94
Dynamism | Crimson Ruby | Natural Touch

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

As the drones hadn't stopped shooting Vina couldn't waste her time enjoying the sight of the explosion pushing the Infernotech construct back. Even as Ruby took the opportunity to press the attack Vina kept moving about, her lithe form carried by the winds as the rain of bullets followed closely behind her. As she passed by the flames that were eating away at their surroundings she pushed them away, creating new pathways to move through.

Sweeping her staff upwards she summoned a gust of wind that threw the drones off-balance, their bullets flying in every direction as they tried to correct their flight paths. With the brief moment she had Vina moved closer to where Ruby was attacking the Flamebearer, positioning herself to the side so she had a clear view of everything that was going on.

Her eyes went wide as the Flamebearer told all of her machines to focus on Ruby at the same time, nervously humming as she saw that the draconic construct was preparing to spit out another wave of flames.

No you don't!

Spinning her staff between her fingers she once again made an upwards sweeping motion with it at the same time as the Infernotech Drake released its breath. The cone of flames that was meant to engulf Ruby instead was pushed up into the air, a brief blazing column that quickly dispersed as the fire found nothing to burn. A convenient side effect of this was that the drones were left unable to target Ruby as the flames blocked their sensors.

Are you all right Ruby?

Rolls

Mastery Check
1d100 (25) + 25 = 50
Aeromancy | Vina Skysong | Natural Touch

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Bullets spat against the ground, with a couple of them eventually piercing Ruby's legs, stinging her and forcing her to her knees, making her unable to react quickly enough to the Infernodrake, that soon sparkled flames that reflected in Ruby's eyes, with a wince crossing her face as she braced herself for an impact, pushing her blade forward to attempt any protection she could muster... However, the flames never came.

The familiar voice, calling and caring for her washed Ruby with relief, loosening her muscles and making her look gratefully to her friend, even as the pain in her leg made her stagger. "I... I am alright, just got a bit hit..." She said, forcing herself to stand, mustering it with adrenaline and ignoring the pain... The perks of being a 'super being' inside of a game.

"Vina... I don't think destroying this robot will be the way..." Her eyes narrowed at the direction of the insane Flamebearer, swaying her blade and trying to deflect the flames with harmonical flows, while their common enemy attempted to recover the control of the fire.

"Do you think you can distract that thing away from that bastard? I will get done with her-" Ruby scowled.

"As quickly as possible-"

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina winced as she saw how the drones managed to strike Ruby's legs with their bullets, slowing her feline friend down and preventing her from dodging the Infernodrake's breath. It made her all the more determined to prevent that by using her winds to blow the flames away, the vixen's breathing growing heavier as the construct's flames threatened to distort the airflow entirely. The relationship between fire and wind was a complex one, and while the druidess was doing her best she was forced to handle a lot at the same time here.

Hold still, I'll heal you!

No matter how fast Ruby was, if her legs didn't work properly she wouldn't be able to keep dodging. Now that the Infernodrake had relented after its breath attack had failed the vixen rushed over to where Ruby was, guiding the winds to swirl around them to create a spherical barrier for the moment. It wouldn't stand up to an actual attack, but together with the flames obscuring everyone's vision it would buy them a few precious seconds.

Drumming her fingers along the length of her staff Vina hummed a rejuvenating rhythm, summoning gentler winds which gently ran across Ruby's skin, channelling Vina's healing magic into her body. Within moments the bullets got pushed out of her legs and the wounds got healed to a point where they at least wouldn't slow her down too much.

Agreed. I think we have to-

Unfortunately, before Vina could finish the healing process the Infernodrake stormed towards them, apparently planning to trample them with sheer mechanical force this time. The vixen raised her staff and released a weak burst of electricity, aiming for the glowing nozzle inside the construct's mouth.

I'll do what I can, so try to subdue her without going overboard!

Even now Vina didn't want to resort to lethal means if possible, but she couldn't ask Ruby to avoid killing at all cost. She could only hope that Ruby was given the opportunity to bring this fight to an end non-lethally, and that she would take that opportunity.

But for that opportunity to exist she'd have to risk herself in the process. The Infernodrake seemed more focused on her than Ruby right now: the Flamebearer had noticed that Vina would just keep helping Ruby as long as she was ignored. She summoned more winds to carry her away, separating herself from Ruby and hopefully giving her some time to try and deal with the Flamebearer while the Infernodrake was distracted.

Her thoughts were interrupted when glowing hot metal pierced her skin, the songstress letting out a shocked cry. The drones had relented for as long as the flames were making it impossible for them to lock onto their target, but now that Vina was moving away and the flames were clearing up they had a clear line of sight, and her lack of awareness meant that she now had several small but deep wounds to deal with. Thankfully none of them had hit her head, but blood was streaming down her arms and one bullet had embedded itself into her side, making every breath painful.

Rolls

Mastery Check
1d100 (7) + 25 = 32
Aeromancy | Vina Skysong | Natural Touch

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Ruby tried to resist the pain, feeling the sting and burn crawling through her leg and even extending to her feet and hips. Thankfully, Vina was there for her aid, and the crimson cat's ears flattened against her head, with the double-tails swaying as the gentle hum soothed both her wounds and emotions.

"Thank you, Vina..." Ruby muttered, leaning in and nuzzling her friend softly, though even with the wind barrier being put up, their enemy charged in, merciless and not giving them breathing room.

Vina's electricity hindered the charge, buying them the time necessary for them to recover their stances.

"No lovey dovey time for you... Actually..." She scowled, "Perhaps I should kill the owner, not the pet... The latter I can make it my own."

Ruby gritted her teeth. "Alright, we can do it." She huffed, charging in and taking advantage of the winds that pushed her forward to try and slip past the construct and the flames, with the latter growing wider despite the flames, engulfing ans catching Ruby, burning skin and scorching her clothes for a moment.

Wincing, she swirled, using her Dynamism to enhance the speed of her beloved friend's winds, making the air too erratic for the fire to keep up and creating the opening necessary for her to charge in.

Thrusting her blade, Ruby aimed for the Flamebearer's abdomen, but her target was quick to deflect it with her gauntlet, followed by a counter punch that made the crimson cat's face avert with the impact. The gaze the Flamebearer had was matched with a smug smirk, as if taunting the blade dancer.

She was genuinely surprised, but turned out a melee fight wasn't going to be as simple as she expected.

Ruby recovered, swaying her jian and flourishing it, sending a flurry of blades at the direction of the Flamebearer, making the bells and coins that still lingered on her burned dress tingle and echo, vibrating the eardrums of the malicious girl and making her ears ring.

A small distraction that proved useful, disrupting the Flamebearer's attention enough to get Ruby to pierce her target's flesh a couple times, one on the shoulder and another on the arm she had severed the hand of, just out of spite. There was a deflect and a counter, but it died short with the agility and speed of the crimson cat, that slashed with expetise and gave no room for recovery.

The Flamebearer was done for, and she felt the pressure closing her throat in fear for her fate- Until the scream of the vixen reaped all of cat's fighting spirit for a moment.

Her last attack swung weak, and the brief worried glance she took to the side was what gave the Flamebearer the room to throw everything she had in a single punch- A gambit for her life, throwing the hardened surface of her magitech prothesis against Ruby's face and forcing her neck to twist in a nerve-wrecking way, sending her down to the ground along with her blade, and making her head hit a firm rock.

Was it in real life, Ruby would've been dead. But this was TerraSphere, and her superhuman body could resist it... Which in this case, was probably for the worse.

Groaning, Ruby tried to stand, feeling her head and neck throbbing. But her enemy wasn't done yet.

Stumbling, she took a grasp of Ruby's hair and scalp with her magitech arm, making the cat slip a yelp before her head was repeatedly slammed against the rock, between groans and struggles until they weakened, making her body shaky and partially limp.

The Flamebearer chuckled exhaspered and devilishly, trying to reach for a dagger on her belt, only to realize once again her hand was gone.

The reminder costed Ruby another slam, this time face first on the rock.

"You are gonna pay." She hissed, then whistled for a drone to approach.

Standing, the Flamebearer dragged a limp and coughing Ruby by the hair, pulling her up to expose her neck, while a drone approached with a sharp blade dangerously close to it.

"HEY, DOG!" She called, shaking Ruby abruptly to force her weakened whimper out. "Let's talk a bit, shall we~?"

Halting, the Infernodrake ceased its chase.

The Flamebearer was far from good conditions herself. Aside from the severed hand, blood ran across her body on several cuts and wounds the crimson cat had brought upon her. Shaky legs made it clear even standing was an effort, but her pride didn't allow her to knee down.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina whimpered as she pressed one hand against the wound on her side, doing her best to avoid being hit by any more bullets. The spray of bullets had mostly been focused on her upper body, so while there was also blood flowing down her thighs at least it wasn't like she couldn't move. It did hurt a lot, however, and her breathing became both more pained and ragged as she realised that the drones would hit her with another spray if she didn't do anything. Lightning might take them out, but she'd be exhausting herself as well, and the Infernodrake was still up and running...

Before it came to that, however, the constructs all halted their actions, leaving Vina confused until she realised what was going on. The sight of Ruby held up by the Flamebearer, bloody and battered, made the blood in her veins freeze, especially with the threat of the drone's blade against her beloved friend's neck.

RUBY!

Her cry was desperate, followed by a wince as pain shot through her body. She wanted to rush over and help the dancer, but the Flamebearer's threat made it clear that if Vina made any unwanted movements Ruby would pay the price. The vixen's ears went back and her tail was tucked between her legs as she dropped her staff and raised her hands, signalling her surrender.

D-don't hurt her!

Tears formed in the corners of her eyes, both because of the pain she herself was experiencing and at the sight of her beloved friend in such a state. It was truly a horrible sensation, forcing Vina to take long, deep breaths to avoid hyperventilating. Given how fast and strong Ruby was the Flamebearer must have exploited an opportunity... was it Vina's first cry of pain which was to blame?

S-sure, let's talk. But... it-it won't hurt her without your say-so?

She shot a nervous glance towards the drone. Those machines were advanced enough that she wouldn't put it past the drone to suddenly do something tragic while the two of them were talking.

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Vina's voice calling for Ruby made the crimson cat open her eyes, coughing and letting blood escape from her throat, with her chest heaving as she tried to recover... Something that the Flamebearer didn't allow her to, at least not without a reminder of her current condition.

"Without my say-so?" The Flamebearer wore a scowl on her face, forcing Ruby's head foward by tugging her hair.

The blade of the drone, that remained still, prickled the crimson cat's neck, making a thin trail of blood escape as she winced weakly, trembling and struggling to not make any abrupt movement, hoping to not get herself cut by the drone that threatened her.

"It will hurt her if I say so, yes. And it will hurt her if you or her try anything funny." She said, frowning and leaning Ruby away from the blade.

With a bit more of breathing room, Ruby relaxed for a moment, and she tried to muster with a roarse and faint voice: "V-Vina... Please..." She looked at her friend, with her tears matching her beloved friend's, and her Primal Aura urging her friend to run away, to let her be and save herself.

The Flamebearer didn't understand Ruby's words or gaze, but she shook her, forcing a groan out of her and hissing-

"Shut up, will you?" She rolled her eyes, focusing on Vina, looking her up and down. "I must say, doggie. I like what I see, too bad you are too rebellious for my type." She smirked devilishly.

The Infernodrake approached Vina's staff, standing near it, as if guarding the vixen's magical foci, while the drones kept her at gunpoint.

"There are a couple of things: The first, I want you to get me that stupid dryad. Surrendered. If you can't, your friend is dead." She said, then showing her other arm, bloodied and handless. "Second. I want my hand back, but not only that..." Her eyes shifted between Ruby and Vina.

"... I also want someone to give me a hand."

She chuckled at her wordplay, and at the direness of her words.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina didn't move, but as the Flamebearer threatened Ruby's neck with the drone's blade she couldn't keep herself from calling out again, fear clear in her voice as she saw the blood form on Ruby's neck.

Don't!

But the warning was clear. If Vina messed up then the drone would strike. The vixen trembled as she considered her options. She couldn't just let the Flamebearer burn this forest down, but she couldn't callously throw away Ruby's life either. The two of them had entered this place to go on an adventure together, not to have some pyromaniac kill them for daring to oppose her.

She could feel Ruby trying to urge her to run away, but the songstress shook her head slightly. She wasn't going to abandon Ruby. Her eyes stayed on the Flamebearer even as her ears swivelled towards the approaching Infernodrake, noting how it guarded her fallen staff while the red-haired human talked. Now that the Flamebearer had regained control of the situation she seemed as confident as before... which might present an opportunity.

While the Flamebearer explained what she wanted Vina took slow, deep breaths, gathering as much energy as she could muster in her current state. Taking such deep breaths made the wound in her side hurt, the vixen wincing slightly but forcing herself to inhale anyway.

Once the list of demands was concluded Vina took several seconds to gather herself, then slowly replied.

I-I can heal your hand, but bringing Ivis back... I'm sorry...

She made it sound like she was apologising for not being able to do as the Flamebearer wanted. However, her azure eyes were focused on Ruby as she said that, as she knew that what came next wouldn't be pleasant for her beloved friend either. It was a risk, and it might not work out, but it was the only idea Vina had left at this point.

The Flamebearer may be acting like she was completely in control now, but it was clear that Ruby had done a number on her. Perhaps it was those fierce emotions of hers that allowed her to remain standing. But if that was the case then a good shock was all it would take to finish what Ruby started.

Taking another deep breath Vina opened her mouth as if to continue talking, but instead of words what came out of her mouth was a high-pitched sonic wave, rippling across the scorched clearing as a light blue haze, passing through everyone in the clearing within a blink.

Vina had very sensitive hearing and well-developed control over sound and vibrations. She knew exactly how to create pleasant sounds that soothed and invigorated... and how to create sounds that would wreak havoc upon the brain and the ears. Furthermore, she could add an electromagnetic charge to ensure that electronic devices didn't escape unscathed either.

It was a gamble: if she judged the Flamebearer's current state correctly she wouldn't be able to handle the shock and faint, and the machines would be hindered sufficiently that Vina had the time to grab Ruby and escape. But if she judged incorrectly...

Rolls

Mastery Check
1d100 (28) + 25 = 53
Aeromancy | Vina Skysong | Natural Touch

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Ruby's expressions shifted into shame, seeing the situation completely out of her control, which only panged an even more overwhelming and suffocating feeling of impotence. She wished she could scream for her beloved friend to run away, seeing that her aura didn't seem to be enough.

But her throat burned and felt so dry with all the flames, despite the wind protection. Her body was too weak at the moment and it was a miracle she was still awake. Perhaps it waas better if she wasn't, then Vina would think she was dead and maybe would've ran away.

... On second thoughts, however, she probably wouldn't, and Ruby could only admire while lamenting about it.

"I don't want apologies. I want her." The remote devious smile and laugh she had on her faded.

But it seemed like there was no way on convincing these 'heroic' figures, something that filled her tastebuds with disgust, but perhaps a bit more of motivation would help the vixen to think another time.

"Wrong answer... Puppy..." She scowled, forcing Ruby's head forward, prickling the crimson cat's neck.

Ruby's eyes teared up and closed, with the girl barely having strength to grit her teeth as she braced herself before a sudden burst of sonic wave erupted through the area, exploding into Ruby and the Flamebearer's ears, piercing into their skulls and sending the two of them abruptly backward along with a flailing drone that crashed against the ground.

She barely could move, with her body quivering as she vaguely side glanced to see an unconscious Flamebearer. She tried to groan and take a breath, but... Something interrupted, and she began coughing, feeling a warmth escaping from her mouth and some covering her neck.

An accidental cut had crossed her neck, making breathing hard and deadly.

Meanwhile, the magitech constructs seemed to stagger and then simply halting, without moving an inch after their owner had fallen. Perhaps something about her words were nothing beyond a bluff.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina was terrified even as she released her attack, worrying that it wouldn't be as effective as she hoped and instead she'd just have brought about Ruby's death. Maybe it wouldn't immediately incapacitate the Flamebearer, in which case she could command her machines to execute the two of them. Maybe the machines would jump into action even without their master's instructions and Vina's desperate attempt at disrupting them failed to affect their inner workings.

And perhaps the worst possibility of all: maybe her scream ended up hurting Ruby more than it hurt the Flamebearer. Ruby did have sensitive ears, so a sonic attack was not something Vina wanted to expose her to if possible. If it wasn't for the fact that this might be the only way to save Ruby's life without sacrificing Ivis in the process Vina wouldn't have resorted to this.

So when she saw both the Flamebearer and Ruby fall down Vina didn't waste any time seeing just how effective her attack had been. Diving towards her staff she grabbed it from underneath where the Infernodrake was behaving oddly and ran straight towards Ruby. She wanted to cry out from the pain as moving so quickly made her wounds feel like hot pokers were shoved into them. She had to hold her breath to avoid breathing in any smoke as by this point she didn't have the focus to keep the air breathable.

When she reached Ruby she did so by almost falling over, landing on all fours and dropping her staff as she instead cradled Ruby's head with her hands and looked her in the eyes.

I'm sorry!

Seeing the wound on Ruby's neck and the blood leaking past her lips Vina closed her eyes and pressed her forehead against Ruby's. Licking her lips she took a shuddering breath, then began to hum a soothing melody, for the moment ignoring everything else as her entire being was focused on the beloved felis lying beneath her.

Sound flowed from her together with her magic, most of it swaddling Ruby's form and sinking into her flesh to restore her as best as the songstress was able to in her current form. Naturally her primary objective was to heal Ruby's neck before she bled out, but by this point the vixen was going to keep pouring her magic into her friend until either there was nothing left to heal or something made her stop.

A small amount of Vina's magic spread out around them, undoing at least some of the damage done by the Flamebearer and her minions.

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Ruby tried, to no avail, to breath. Desperate and in pain, her body eventually felt numb, with the weakness taking over it making her certain that her death was approaching... Though one thing made her avoid giving in, which was Vina, stumbling and cradling her head. It was one remote comfort in a moment of fear and nightmare.

Her teary eyes focused on Vina's, and as much as her friend spoke, Ruby couldn't listen to a word, with her hearing being long gone by now, forcing her to rely on trying to feel the vixen's aura, and attempting to read her lips with her blurry sight. The crimson cat tried to shake her head, but even for that she lacked the strength to, having once again to rely on her Primal Aura, not only to reassure Vina that it wasn't her fault, but also to show gratefulness for the vixen to be there for her.

When the beautiful humming came through, even Ruby's impaired hearing could listen to it, albeit muffled... Until her wounds began reverting, along with other severe damages such as the one in her drums and the cut on her neck, that allowed the felis to listen to the wonderful voice of her friend, and gasp for air while her chest once again heaved calmly, rather than erratically and desperately.

The healing didn't recover much of Ruby's strength, which was shown by her body relaxing even more after the magical care, but soon the cat's body and general good health was returned, allowing her to finally speak again.

"V-Vina..." Ruby muttered, with tears rolling down her cheeks. "You are dumb, Vina... Y-You should've ran, look how much you got hurt..." She scolded, struggling, but forcing her arms to wrap around her beloved, closing her eyes as she sobbed quietly.

"Th-Thank you..."

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina took in the gratefulness Ruby expressed through her Primal Aura, but rather than accepting it she poured that into her song as well, recklessly pouring her entire being into making sure that her beloved friend wouldn't perish here, wouldn't have to suffer any longer. Even as she kept humming she could feel Ruby's body relax, but she didn't relent until she was absolutely confident that the felis was safe.

She couldn't stand seeing Ruby in pain, hearing her gasp desperately for air as blood filled her throat. Vina didn't like pain, but the pain of others was yet worse than her own. Even as her the bullet wounds she endured flared with burning pain her focus was still on the redhead she cradled so tenderly.

Only once Ruby had recovered enough that she could speak again did Vina finally stop humming, the vixen taking a deep breath as she opened her eyes and looked straight into her friend's. Tears were making a mess of her face, but now that she could see that Ruby was no longer in danger she smiled, a smile filled with relief.

I'll be the world's biggest fool before I leave you alone~

Wrapping her arms around Ruby in answer to the dancer's hug Vina embraced her beloved tightly, doing her best to express everything she was feeling without going too far and hurting the weakened swordswoman. Fortunately Vina wasn't a physical powerhouse even under the best of circumstances, so that wasn't too difficult.

I'm really sorry Ruby. I should've been more careful so you didn't have to get distracted worrying about me.

@Crimson Ruby