Complete Comms Challenge Once Upon a Whistle

[Ueno Mizuki]

Cycle 4

The howl was meant to serve as a warning towards all those who might otherwise consider disturbing the travelling group, but it could also attract those who weren't easily dissuaded. Mizuki doubted there were many of the latter: the Ascent was dangerous, sure, but the environment was a greater threat than most of the creatures that lived here.

Nevertheless, even as she howled and her packmates joined her in her performance she kept her ears sharp in case their harmonised song would be answered, either by other wolves in the distance or something else altogether. So when a figure showed up at the edge of the forest and made their displeasure apparent through their Primal Aura Mizuki reacted quickly.

Bringing her howl to a quick end, the last tone one of warning, she lowered her head and snapped her gaze onto the figure in the shadows, heterochromatic eyes glowing faintly in the night as she studied him.

Pushing herself onto all fours she sent her own Primal Aura towards him, a mixture of caution and curiosity, her posture alert but not hostile.

Friend or foe?

Her two packmates who had been enjoying their meal quickly got up and moved towards where Mizuki was, their dark shapes sliding through the night before they formed up behind Mizuki, their gazes joining hers as they spread out far enough that if any one of them got targeted by this stranger the other two would have an easy time surrounding him.

 

[Chanlye]

Defiant
Cycle 4 Interjection

The sudden appearance of the silhouette startled the two caenis kids, and @Ueno Mizuki's reaction was returned with another Primal response.

"..."

Neither.

He stepped in, with his Primal Aura flurring, and Luna's eyes opening widely.

"You... You are here!"

Luna perked up, surprised.

"She. He. Let them go."

A slender Moonfang spoke as his eyes trailed on the two kids, and his the aura released a not so friendly intent. The feeling was enough to make the kids shudder, and Diego leaned closer to Luna.

"A friend of yours?" Diego asked, curious.

"A-A friend? N-Not exactly, but... Wait, it is fine, you don't need to fight!"

 

[Ueno Mizuki]

Cycle 4

The stranger's response failed to make Mizuki loosen up, her stance remaining cautious as she held him within her vision even as the two younger caenes joined her. One of her packmates did turn his head to look at the two of them, a low growl warning them that the stranger might be dangerous before quickly returning his attention to the potential threat.

The request... the demand for them to let the two kids go was answered with a narrowing of Mizuki's eyes.

Free.

She couldn't release people who weren't held captive. One of her ears turned towards Diego and Luna, listening in as the villager confirmed that this was the mysterious "friendly" Moon Fang. Of course, friendly was relative...

That depends on him.

Raising her voice she addressed the stranger next.

We're protecting these two. If you want to talk to them you can do it in front of us.

Her aura was lacking in hostility, but it was as immovable as the mountain they all resided on as Mizuki's stubborn streak flared up.

@Chanlye

 

[Lune]

Cycle 4

"Wait."

As soon as the mysterious silhouette showed himself, Lune quickly positioned herself in front of Luna and Diego, while trying to identify the unknown person. She scanned.

"White-haired, blue eyes, limited vocabulary. That's Ataru's friend."

Her right hand went into her pocket, taking out a talisman that the big caenis guy entrusted to her. She showed it to this new Moonfang guy, while walking slowly in his direction.

"From Ataru, for you. Be safe, be back soon, he said."

Lune tried to explain it simply, hoping he understood her words.

@Chanlye

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

Cycle 4

The problem arised mid-cooking. In fact, it was almost time for boar meat to be unskewered and left for the party to chop chop and get their own servings. Basic and simple meat, nothing too special beyond it's quality and a skilled hand.

Mizuki and her pack was the first to react and take measures, as expected. The second being the redhead rock lover, Lune. Interrupting her before a meal was, and still is, one of the most despicable things one can do to her, but Fiora stood back up and disregarded the culinary arts, if only for a little longer.

Threatening energy came all from this slim boy, and with Mizuki setting the boundaries while Lune exposed herself for a knife to the throat via proximity, Fiora's hand gestured over to the caenis for a moment.

You should listen to her. You don't want this fight.

It was only a fact that he wouldn't want to fight this many people on his own and risk death or worse, less so when he seemed keen on 'saving' the kids. The odds were not in his favour, yet her eye lingered less on the boy and moreso on their surroundings and the treelines in search of other surprises.

 

[Chanlye]

Defiant
Cycle 4 Interjection

@Ueno Mizuki's message was returned with a squint, and Luna's words added to it made him pause.

"... Protect?"

He echoed the other caenis' words, and as soon as Luna spoke up, he approached a bit more when Mizuki 'allowed it', watching and listening to the girl's plea to avoid breaking out a fight.

"Yes, they are just protecting me... I wanted to... See the Keeper."

A frown crossed his face, and when he was about to speak, @Lune's words and the talisman caught his attention.

"Ataru?"

He looked at the talisman, reaching for it and looking at it for a moment before averting his face.

"Idiot. He worry Luna. No me."

"Ugh, you guys with that again. You don't need to worry about her that much, keep being overprotective of her and she will never learn how to deal with danger!" Diego huffed.

The Moonfang looked at Diego for a long moment, raising a finger to point at him after two silent seconds.

"Lost sassy pup?"

"Yeah. I don't like him." Diego looked at @Fiora Di Angelo. "Green Devil, I kinda want this fight."

"S-Stop that, Diego! You too, Moonfang. There... There is no sassy child here..."

"Thanks Luna!"

"M-Maybe a silly one, but..."

"You are on who's side?!"

The exchange puzzled the Moonfang young man, that crossed his arms and finally seemed to relax his body, before finally released an apologetic Primal Aura to everyone.

"Was worried. Careful. Fangs are big. Too many, even for you."

He looked at the group as a whole.

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

Cycle 4

On one hand, she could understand Diego's thoughts about Luna. On the other... He's being unreasonable about it the way only a kid can, and possibly hotheaded given his own thirst for a fight, which in turn had her look at Diego straight in the eye.

Luna was taken from her village by a group of strangers tagging along with a moonfang-looking caenis. Anyone would be worried sick if they knew her.

Fiora's shoulder dropped, and so did she back to the small trunk she decided to use as a seat, as her stomach spoke louder this time around.

Save that energy for tomorrow.

No sooner than that an 'apology' came through from their intruder-turned-guest, and the sudden change in attitude made her ear perk, glancing over to Mizuki then back to the Moonfang boy. If they were truly here for Luna, then perhaps a chit chat would work better to earn his trust. Even if she would rather see her taken back to the safety of her village and her caretaker.

You can join us if you want. There is food already served.

She pointed out to the... Whatever Yugam cooked. Given the fact she took all of the boar for herself, the only thing she could imagine was left for him to work with were certainly nothing she wanted to partake in, but perhaps the moonfang's palette was fit to appreciate it.

 

[Ueno Mizuki]

Cycle 5a

We could wait a couple of hours and see if the weather clears up. I'd prefer not to risk a cave which goes who knows where.

If we do take the cave we'll need light and a dedicated map maker.

@Chanlye @Fiora Di Angelo @Lune @Luthien @Yugam

 

[Lune]

Cycle 5A

"As much as I love sticking to the plan, climbing up high in this weather is very dangerous.

We have kids with us, and only a few of us could fly in case something happens. That is assuming we could even fly in this rain.

Anything in the cave, we could take on. All of us are seasoned combatants by now."

@Chanlye @Fiora Di Angelo @Ueno Mizuki @Yugam @Luthien

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

Cycle 5A

"We should prepare ourselves for whatever's inside. We can't wait around until the rain's over. It could be many hours until then, and that's time we lose for the way back."

If they even got to make it to the stones before the sun dropped, that is.

"I have a few spare torches in my inventory that we can use for the time being. I don't have much in the way of magic to create a light source."

@Ueno Mizuki @Lune

 

[Lune]

Cycle 5B

As they approached the cave, Lune deliberately slowed her pace, joining Luthien at the back of the group. She began to whisper, making sure the others wouldn't hear her.

"Not my place to talk about this kind thing, nor it was my business, but..."

She motioned towards the general position of the rest of the group.

"It doesn't take a genius to know that something feels sour. No banter, no small talks, nothing."

Of course, she was talking about Fiora, Yugam, and the blonde elf herself. With genuine concern on her face, she asked.

"What happened?"

@Luthien

 

[Luthien]

Cycle 5B

It wasn’t surprising that Lune had picked up on the way the relationship between the two elves had changed, especially considering the time they’d all spent together in Hawaii. She remains silent as the redhead slows down her pace to match the ranger, her gaze shifting to gaze at Fiora’s back as they walk quietly.

”… Szofrit happened.”

Her words are quiet, barely above a whisper as the two walk side by side, and they only come after she can see the concern in the older woman’s face.

”Ronja fell under her mind control back in Finweald,” She’s unsure as to how much Dayeon knows, so she decided to offer some context for her. ”It took a lot of effort, but we managed to bring her back to us...”

Small telltale signs are easy to see for someone that knows her the way the redhead does; the thin line as her lips press together and the way her hands ball into tight fists at her side as Lúthien walks saying what her voice can’t seem to put into words.

”… she told us to kill Szofrit in her stead before taking Ronja somewhere safe.”

@Lune

 

[Lune]

Cycle 5B

She remembered the rogue magia. While she lethally dispatched the attackers, they found a way to reverse the hijacking.

"Ah."

And they didn't kill Szofrit, obviously. She remembered that Luthien was among those who stopped her from executing the mother of magia in that very spot. It's understandable that Fiora would be very upset, especially after telling them to.

"Of course,"

She let out a long exhale.

"Szofrit has the power to manipulate the only person Fiora cares about. If there's even the slightest chance that it could happen again,"

Because of Szofrit's survival, of course.

"Any lover would go insane."

She was not going to bring up the spare-or-kill debate, because shit already happened and she was already beyond anger and revenge. Now she knows that if she wants something, she will have to do it herself.

"You have seen things through my eyes,"

How they killed Kenji. How they assimilated him. How he pleaded with her to kill him. She would never bestow that fate of seeing their loved one like that, even to her worst enemies.

Would her stance be different, if Yugam was in that position?

"Just—just let time heal the wounds," She suggested, keeping the thoughts she had in her head. "Some things might never heal, but there's nothing more you can do for now."

You can tape together a broken vase, but it'll be always cracked.


@Luthien

 

[Luthien]

Cycle 5B

"Ah."

The monosyllabic sound of understanding was all Lúthien needed to know the redhead caught up and understood the reasons behind the change in dynamics for the trio. She had lost count of how many times her thoughts had strayed back to that time, an uncharacteristic silence hanging around the ranger as she always arrived to the same crossroads.

"You have seen things through my eyes."

”Yeah, I remember…”

It was one of the many memories that Lúthien possessed despite them not belonging to the girl, and eventually the elf had come to understand that her “gift” was a double-edge sword. Each one was vivid and raw, as fresh as the day they’d first come to pass… and impossible to forget.

”Mmm… you’re right.” A faint smile is given to Dayeon, appreciative of the woman’s attempt, though it lacks the usual vibrancy… Lúthien knows that some wounds never heal, even if given a lifetime and more to do so, and she fears that might be the case here. ”What’s done is done, and I can’t do anything to change it.”

She can’t rewind the past like The Emperor, and even if she could that doesn’t mean her actions back then would’ve been any different. Instead she opts to focus on what can be done now as a mental link is established among the current party members, her gaze lingering on the back of the greenette before she finally turns back to Lune with a message that only the redhead can hear.

{ Thanks, Dee. }

@Lune

 

[Luthien]

Cycle 9

She couldn't help the chuckle that escapes her lips as the two pups banter back and forth, and it's clear that Luna is not the shy and reserved pup they'd met on the first day anymore. "No, you are a trouble magnet." A familiar voice causes Lúthien to look just in time, watching as a younger looking version of Lune knocks the blonde on the back of his head.

"The votes are in and, I'm sorry to say this—" She feigns sadness as she looks at Diego, her hand over her chest as if lamenting the results. "—the consensus is that you are a trouble magnet~"

A moment passes before Lune turns towards the Sunclaw next, and while the blonde agrees with her assessment of Luna its still weird to see her friend match Luna's height right now. "She's right Luna, I'm sure quite a few things would've gone worse had you not been there with us." Granted, perhaps they should've cleared her sudden adventure with her parents... but all's well that ends well, right?

{ Just remember Diego, not everyone here has the luxury of second and even third chances. } Quietly a mental link is established between the two soon to be promoted red whistles. She doesn't doubt the capabilities of the pair, but even the most prepared party can be caught off-guard by the many surprises still hidden within this world. { ... be sure to look out for her when you adventure, alright?}

The basilisk around her necks croons inquisitively as the woman shifts closer, tugging lightly at her hand. It's enough for the elf to look away from the two caenis and towards her friend, offering an awkward smile in Lune's direction. "H-Hey... what an adventure, huh?" The look on her face probably said more than words ever could, and Lune's assessment of it was right on the mark.

"Honestly there's so many I wouldn't even know where to start... and that's if I manage to untangle them all." A faint chuckle accompanies the tailend of her words, her gaze shifting momentarily to a trio of harpies and their liveliness.

"Freya's right. You don't owe explanations to anyone... not even me." She still hated how things had continued to change between all of them, but that wasn't something Lúthien could stop or control. Her hand reaches for the top of Lune's head, unable to resist the temptation to pat the older woman as a genuine smile crosses her lips. "I'll always be here if you want to talk about it though, unnie."

@Chanlye | @Lune

 

[Ueno Mizuki]

Mizuki frowned at the one who reacted with such venom, but before she had the chance to respond one of the others beat her to it. From what Mizuki had heard so far the brown-haired one had been the most loyal to Iron Moon, whereas the black-haired one was more critical of their former alpha who'd been taken down by the combined might of the Travellers.

Wrath's response that she wasn't willing to eat the meat straight from the plate left Mizuki with little choice but to shake her head and let it go. They'd get hungry enough to change their mind eventually, and she doubted that they'd get their hands unbound before then.

The meat will remain here in case you change your mind.

The next question was one which Mizuki didn't immediately answer, instead looking towards where Wrath was pointing with her chin. The villagers, the Sun Claws, were all happy that one of their own had returned safely, the harpies were no longer out for blood, and the Moon Fangs had been subdued. She imagined that some of them also cared about the Moon Keeper's well-being, although that one seemed like too much of a recluse to have many real companions. The rest of the expedition was also happy that they'd all returned with the moonstones, with their mood only slightly dampened by Luthien's accident. Overall it really was a lot like a celebration for everyone but the Moon Fangs.

If you want to know his motivations you'll have to ask him. I only speak for myself. (She indicated Azure and Shining with a short head movement and the flick of an ear.) But I'll try to clear up your misunderstandings.

My companions and I didn't join up with the Sun Claws. We came here to collect some blessed moonstones. (She touched her necklace were two such stones now closed in a large fang.) However, they are familiar with the area and the youngling wanted to join us, so we let her come along. And even then if it had just been me and my pack I might just have avoided this village entirely.

The villagers had made it clear upon first arrival that they were cautious of her, given that she looked like a Moon Fang even if she didn't fully act like one.

But as long as the Sun Claws don't start any trouble I don't have any reason to pick a fight either. That's more or less it. If your alpha hadn't been causing trouble I wouldn't have killed him either.

@Chanlye

 

[Chanlye]

"You can eat it, if you want."

Wrath rose an eyebrow, still not fond to the idea of eating like that. Meanwhile, Vengeance took a sharp turn at @Ueno Mizuki, leaning forward abruptly, only being held back by the ropes that kept her bound.

"They may not be starting any trouble, but they are on our way. How do you expect Uene to respect us, if we don't show our strength to her? As long as these Sun Claws keep playing and fooling around, we will never be respected!"

"How long do you plan to pretend their existence isn't a shame for us? That they aren't holding us back?!"

Thunder sighed, glancing away.

"I understand where she is coming from, it isn't like a Sun Claw or another is an obstacle..."

"But at some point, they will be. We can't ignore we failed, though. We are just as much of a shame as they are."

The other two Moon Fangs winced at the response, but eventually, Wrath looked up at Mizuki and her necklace.

"So you wanted these moonstones just like Alpha."

"That is curious. Why did you seek for it? Alpha wanted it, because..."

---

"... Those who are worthy, and hold the blessed moonstones, shall be blessed by Uene herself."

"The Hylands is a wonderful place, yet, it holds dangers and a ferocity no other place holds. Those that prove to have the heart necessary to survive and thrive in Hylands, are worth of her blessings... And Iron Fang, thought he had such a heart. Or at least... On outside he tried to show the facade of someone like that. But neither him, or his lackeys were worth of it. Him, for having shallow reasons, them for falling for his tricks."

The Moon Keeper locked his gaze on Lune as he explained, and Ataru looked at her with a laughter.

"Kinda. But for him, it is just a joke, for you it is the real deal."

He winked, which prompted an incoming paw slamming against his nape and throwing him on the ground again.

"Idiot."

"... Anyway. I see you, and your friends are worth of it. But my vision is limited compared to the goddess. What I know is that, at that very moment, you all showed to be worth, and the goddess gave you the touch you needed to overcome the unworth."

His eyes remained on Lune, a moment before turning to Luna, who was far away, having a fond expression.

"Hehe... Look at you, being all swee- GACK-?!"

And Ataru was stepped on, once again.

---

"Th-Thanks..."

Luna responded, smiling to the songstress while Diego seemed surprised by her state.

"How are you still this small?!"

Diego frowned, looking at @Lune, who had just appeared, crossing his arms and rolling his eyes when he was declared to be a Trouble Magnet once again, with @Luthien giving the confirmation.

"I've tried my best, but I am sure I still have a lot to learn... Y-You have all protected me, and I can only be grateful for it..."

She said with a fond smile, to both the older girls and Diego.

Her words, and Luthien's mental reminder, brought a smile to Diego, who looked back at Luthien and grinned widely.

"I will always have your back, Luna, don't worry about it... I mean, if I don't, I think I will get a ear pull..."

 

[Ueno Mizuki]

Mizuki shook her head. Even if she were hungry she had more food sources available than these captive Moon Fangs. That, and she was curious how long they'd let pride get in the way of not starving to death.

Vengeful's aggression was answered with a sharp glare from the moon-eyed caenis this time, along with her Primal Aura flaring up to communicate a sense of danger which clearly was intended as a warning, like the low growling of a large wolf. While she wished to speak with her blood-kin on amiable terms she would have to make it clear that Vengeful wasn't in any position to act tough.

If the brown-maned Moon Fang refused to heed her warning she might even have to get physical. While her understanding of Moon Fang culture was still ruefully lacking she did know that they were more receptive towards confidence and strength than pleas for cooperation.

As was also demonstrated by how Thunder at least seemed rather hung up over the fact that they'd been defeated.

That does touch upon something else I want to talk about, but I'll first explain a bit about myself.

She turned her attention towards Wrath, who seemed more interested in Mizuki's motivations than the other two.

While I carry the same blood as you I wasn't raised here in the Hylands. I still need to learn many things that you would consider common knowledge. That is one of the reasons why I'm here. (She indicated her necklace again.) I do know that our patron is the moon goddess Uene and that we prove our worth to her through our hunts. I believe that acquiring these blessed moon stones will help me better understand our bond with Uene and strengthen that bond.

Mizuki wasn't exactly looking to become a priest or something, but if Uene's patronage was an important part of being a caenis she wished to learn about it.

My origins are also part of why I don't share your aggression towards the Sun Claw.

Her gaze was aimed at Vengeful with that last part of her explanation, eyes narrowed slightly. Hopefully Vengeful would understand that more ranting wouldn't get her anywhere, if Mizuki simply didn't know why Moon Fang and Sun Claw were at such extreme odds.

@Chanlye

 

[Chanlye]

"The same blood? Now I see. Don't mix me up with your type... Yes. You are one of those 'Starcalled'."

She scoffed.

"To think I was trying to understand your intentions. It isn't that they are a shame for you, it is that you are part of the shame yourself."

Thunder squinted at Vengeful, baring his fangs momentarily.

"You are the one that needs to stop pretending you are worth anything."

The two Moonfangs bared fangs and headbutted each other in a stare down confront, but the remaining one huffed, looking up at @Ueno Mizuki.

"I get what you mean. I thought I would be able to do the same. Alpha said that these Moonstones were the key for us to find the strength necessary to do as the goddess commanded. But no matter how much we tried to use them, it didn't work out."

 

[Ueno Mizuki]

Mizuki's right eye twitched as Vengeful took her explanation of herself as an excuse to dismiss her. It wasn't surprising that a Moon Fang would be hesitant to accept a Traveler as one of their own, but frankly Vengeful's attitude had been rankling her already and she'd already given the brunette a warning to watch herself.

Her fur bristled and her lip curled up to expose her fangs, the moon-eyed caenis considering her options even as she watched Thunder butt heads with Vengeful. A part of her thought that it would be better to just ignore the annoying one and focus on Wrath, but she recalled what she knew about Moon Fang: they only cared about displays of strength.

Turning towards Wrath she raised a hand, ignoring for a moment that her claws were larger than usual.

Excuse me for a moment.

Walking up to Vengeful and Thunder she ignored the latter as she grabbed the former by the arm. Without wasting a second on explaining herself she used her physical strength to bodily lift the brunette from the ground like a sack of potatoes, then turned towards a spot where there wasn't anybody else.

Go cool your head.

Tensing her muscles she threw the hostile Moon Fang with enough force to make her fly several meters through the air before hitting the ground, most likely bouncing once before rolling to a stop. Mizuki shook her head before turning back towards the others.

Don't worry, I'll heal her later.

Angry as she was she'd controlled her throw to make sure that Vengeful wouldn't land on her head or any other potentially dangerous body part. Ideally the Moon Fang would be bruised but overall intact.

But I see this as a long-term project. There's no guarantee that these stones will work but they might help guide us in the right direction. I would like to know what you've tried so far. More important than that, however, I want to strike a deal. (She pointed with her thumb towards the celebrating villagers and the other members of the expedition.) Many of them will be against letting you go. I'll bring you back to Moonfall and in return you'll teach me about the things I should have learned when I was young.

@Chanlye