darkSpyro

Huntress wanted to show the letter, but she didn't want to risk anybody being a double agent on this place and secretly working against Dex, so she maintained a neutral expression about the matter.
"He's someone I met before, and I have reason to believe he has returned." Huntress explained, being purposely vague. Whoever this individual was, he could be against Dex, but she didn't care. She didn't care about the fox or anyone else for that matter. It was his fault she was in this mess. She just wanted to gather as much info as she could to find a solution to her life threatening problem and finally be left alone.

Latnok didn't ease up just then, still on high alert between recnt events and the earlier discussion with Darkheart. "Why now? he questioned, pressing on incessantly as his bow stayed primed for use. "What other fancy tricks do you have? What else aren't you telling us?! Are you friends with that thing that looked almost just like you? I want to know! We deserve to know!"

Ilasi and Leoquin winded their way up the gangplank - a tricky feat without legs, but one the two were more than capable of managing. The carnage on the deck was something either were a stranger to.
And so came one of the most dreadful moments in Ilasi's work; triage. Determining who was worth trying to save, and who was hopeless and had to be left to die for the good of the others. She saw that the men had generally gotten a good head start on the sorting; some casualties sorting themselves, others who were incapacitated and possibly dead being sorted by their comrades. It was time for Ilasi to focus on her work...

Mischief whimpered and pulled away, fear apparent in her eyes. "I'm as confused as you... Why are you turning against me?!" Fear shifted to anger. "So I'm a monster to you as well?! Is that it?!" Slowly rising to her feet, her expression going from terror to a death glare, she grabbed her bag and her staff. Putting the bag on, she slotted her staff into it. "If I'm going to just be considered a monster here too, I see little reason to stay. Maybe I should just leave. That way you don't have to deal with the monster in front of you." Her tone was vicious. Years of frustration at being feared and hated had pent up, and now she'd hit her limit. "I thought I'd at least be able to stay until the contract I signed was up, but since you so adamantly believe I'm the enemy I've clearly overstayed my welcome." She turned away emphatically. "Drop me off where you will. I don't have what answers you seek and don't know what you're holding against me, but I do know I've tried to be an obedient pup, and now I see my reward. Rejection, yet again. I hoped I could have a family of sorts, but as always such a thing is hopeless. Only two of you have any faith in me, and you don't have any in them. Drop me at the nearest island if you want. I'll forge my own path with Choco, like always."
Choco had a somewhat sad expression now.
Digi was stunned, barely able to respond. "Wow, she... Really had a lot of frustration, under the surface."

"Wait Latnok--," Raclaw said reading both his human counterpart and the newly transformed Mischief closely. "I.. I don't think she knew. This transformation caught her entirely by surprise.," the fur dragon then said explaining his immediate interpretation of the Zoroark's surface thoughts.

Quote: Felines

Huntress wanted to show the letter, but she didn't want to risk anybody being a double agent on this place and secretly working against Dex, so she maintained a neutral expression about the matter.
"He's someone I met before, and I have reason to believe he has returned." Huntress explained, being purposely vague. Whoever this individual was, he could be against Dex, but she didn't care. She didn't care about the fox or anyone else for that matter. It was his fault she was in this mess. She just wanted to gather as much info as she could to find a solution to her life threatening problem and finally be left alone.

The way Huntress spoke was weird to the man. Returned..... he never went anywhere. So this person clearly was not a member of the guild.

”I see. I can not tell you very much, but I can show you to someone who can if you want that” the man said

Huntress nodded.
"Yes. Of course." she replied, trying not to sound rash. She was in quite a hurry, but she wanted to dissimulate it or else the man may refuse to help her. Dex had so much explaining to do. Once she encountered him, Huntress knew she had to resist the need to strange him for involving her in whatever war his people had against these assasins.

Quote: A Guy

Ilasi and Leoquin winded their way up the gangplank - a tricky feat without legs, but one the two were more than capable of managing. The carnage on the deck was something either were a stranger to.
And so came one of the most dreadful moments in Ilasi's work; triage. Determining who was worth trying to save, and who was hopeless and had to be left to die for the good of the others. She saw that the men had generally gotten a good head start on the sorting; some casualties sorting themselves, others who were incapacitated and possibly dead being sorted by their comrades. It was time for Ilasi to focus on her work...

Maverick saw his girlfriend's struggle, but his hands were too busy. He soon received help though, in the form of certain former pirates.
"Sand Dune. Opium." he said happily, glad to see them. The men were very friendly, and they had an adorable friendship with Angora, something that he was eternally grateful for. Plus they were once pirates like himself, so they had a lot in common.
"Mavi dude. Things got ugly here, huh? Oof, not even in my days as a pirate have I seen something like this. Go help your lady my friend. Random is in the infirmary preparing everything necessary to cure our people. Opium and I got this, and your dragon friend can help too." Sand Dune assured, having much appreciation for Shade ever since he saved him during that storm. The dragon was simply terribly misunderstood, and he hoped the rest could see that.

With Sand Dune and Opium taking care of the injured, Maverick went to Ilasi to help her. He knew she could drag herself around, but that took more time and energy.
"Here Ilasi. Let me carry you. Just tell me where to go so I can take you there." he said, willing to be her feet until her tail could turn into legs again.

Quote: darknessdawn

Mischief whimpered and pulled away, fear apparent in her eyes. "I'm as confused as you... Why are you turning against me?!" Fear shifted to anger. "So I'm a monster to you as well?! Is that it?!" Slowly rising to her feet, her expression going from terror to a death glare, she grabbed her bag and her staff. Putting the bag on, she slotted her staff into it. "If I'm going to just be considered a monster here too, I see little reason to stay. Maybe I should just leave. That way you don't have to deal with the monster in front of you." Her tone was vicious. Years of frustration at being feared and hated had pent up, and now she'd hit her limit. "I thought I'd at least be able to stay until the contract I signed was up, but since you so adamantly believe I'm the enemy I've clearly overstayed my welcome." She turned away emphatically. "Drop me off where you will. I don't have what answers you seek and don't know what you're holding against me, but I do know I've tried to be an obedient pup, and now I see my reward. Rejection, yet again. I hoped I could have a family of sorts, but as always such a thing is hopeless. Only two of you have any faith in me, and you don't have any in them. Drop me at the nearest island if you want. I'll forge my own path with Choco, like always."
Choco had a somewhat sad expression now.
Digi was stunned, barely able to respond. "Wow, she... Really had a lot of frustration, under the surface."

While Angora knew Mischief's frustration was justified, given she was being judged by appearance and bad memory alone, she knew better than to be this hostile to Latnok. He was the only one with a problem so far, so there was no need for her to leave, particularly because the captain hasn't stated his own opinion.
"Easy Mischief! Just calm down! Nobody is asking you to leave. This change of yours clearly has you stressed. You just need a place where you can have some peace and cope with what just happened." Angora said meekly, wanting Mischief to calm down but not wanting to be against Latnok either. He was angry enough as it was, so even if Mischief's reaction was understandable, getting him even more upset was like mixing up gunpowder with fire.

Raclaw's own corroboration put Latnok's mind more at ease about the situation involving Mischief - though not enough to actually change his stance, especially given Mischief's demonstrated volatility. "We're right here. If you can't control yourself or show respect, then get off our ship," he ordered brusquely. "We need people who are fully in control of themselves and their faculties, and who know their own place, and you are a liability if you are not." Latnok's harshness was, in no small part, driven by his misgivings about Mischief in regard to his best friend and the powerful collar.
There would soon be other things demanding his attention, however. Hearing the dragolet's request for taking Shade for healing, Latnok took a look at the bony projectiles which had managed to sink their way in. "Just pull them out. He'll regenerate," he suggested, not immediately accepting the request. "He's had worse."

"Th... thank you," Ilasi said, still trying to process everything happening in the environment. She extended her arms to enable Maverick to get a hold of and carry her. SHe would wrap her tail around as best she could in order to have a more solid grip and make it easier for Maverick to carry her.
Some of the men could not be saved. Despite this, the fatalities were relatively low for how many enemies they had come across. The more pressing issue was all of the injured. Those with life-threatening injuries could probably be taken care of - but Ilasi would have her hands full for a while, as would anyone assisting her.

Angora looked at Mischief almost beggingly, not wanting her changed companion to do anything rash. She wanted her to understand that Latnok was always like this, and that his hostility was nothing but a result of a bad memory. Angora was used to dealing with a constantly hostile Latnok, and wanted Mischief to at least try to do the same...

As Maverick carried Ilasi around carefully, it made him sad to know some didn't survive. He knew it was too much to hope for after an attack like that, and even though the casualties were low, it was still depressing to know he couldn't help save all.

Mischief glowered at Latnok a bit more. "Are you willing, or even able, to trust me? If not, there will be problems regardless. Without trust, there isn't much point in my presence. If you can't trust me, just say so, because even though I will respect your power and authority, if you don't trust me I may as well leave. I'm sick of everyone distrusting me on principle. And what's all the talk about being in control of one's faculties?" She managed to stop short of demanding how Latnok knew, since he might not know. Finally having said what had weighed her down for a while now, she settled a bit. Noticing Raclaw she tilts her head. Finally she could focus on him, not the glowing Mana beacon. Looking at her claws, she remarks to herself "I FEEL stronger. I can tell my Mana supply is far greater. I can even ignore that weird Mana filled collar. But what exactly is this evolution thing? ... And why can't I feel my tail anymore?" The swirl of emotions had been overwhelmed for a time with anger, but with her new strength came confidence, and a curiosity. Remembering Latnok, she informed him "It's you decision if I stay or go. On this ship you outrank me. If you want me to stay, I need you to trust me. If you don't, tell me now and I'll leave and be out of your hair." Her tone was calmer now, her outburst apparently having relieved a bit of strain. Nevertheless she remained serious.
Digi gave an electronic sigh. "She calmed down... Mister Latnok, please, give her a chance. As far as I can tell, this started on a misunderstanding, just as Darkheart nearly died from a misunderstanding with Sere. I'm sure she hasn't actually done any wrong. According to my knowledge, she's been obedient and friendly to the Guardians, including you. Please, I implore you to have another chance."

"That will not be happening," Latnok said firmly and resolutely. "You will have to manage whatever you can do with the collar on. That is non-negotiable, and I am getting sick of you guys trying to force it. Figure it out." To Latnok, Shade was still a dangerous beast to be managed - and he would not be derelict in his duties.
With the short exchange with the dragolets done, he returned his attention to Mischief. She seemed calmer now, at least... and Digi had a good point, with Raclaw's information helping relieve the idea of Mischief being a threat. "You're staying with us for now," he said, with a hint of wariness - but acceptance nevertheless. "Keep up the practice."

As triage was conducted, Sere took count of the status of all of the men. The fallen would receive a burial at sea, with what they had earned being given to any family they had noted down - which, for most, was no one, with them being the more adventurous, mobile type. Their earnings would instead be split among the rest of the crew when everything else was counted.
Despite the casualties and the few fatalities, the men would keep pressing on, happy to have survived another battle - not a man on board did not know what sort of danger he was agreeing to when taking such a mission to a place like Falcon's Beak.

Mischief visibly relaxed. "Thank you, sir." Looking herself over she wondered where she could replace her clothes. And where her tail was. "Where'd my tail go?"
Digi also seemed relieved. Of course, the question was one he'd heard countless times. "Every Zoroark ever has asked that question at least once. Now, your Illusion should be able to be activated at the drop of a hat. It will also be capable of creating entire illusionary landscapes. Don't misuse your power."
Mischief shrugged. "As I told my instructors at the Academy, I don't intend to misuse my powers. Speaking of hats..." She puts hers back on, but, disappointingly, it's too small. "Great, none of my clothes fit anymore. That's real nice. I'll have to find replacements." She sighed before looking around. "Those Ishulgites really ARE a major threat. One I promise to be prepared for."

Angora was very relieved to have someone like Digi on their side. Being a machine, it was very analytical, but also sounded like a being with emotion. And Mischief defended herself quite splendidly, although she doubted Latnok would be convinced. He was too annoyingly stubborn to see other views, but even if it came to that, Sere was the only one who could help them. He had more power, and so far, he was more gentle and level headed than he was before, especially with her. He was the only chance if things escalated...

Latnok had a moment of uncharacteristic hesitation before answering the dragolet. "I'll come with you," he decided. "But Shade dies as soon as I do. Don't try anything funny."
Still, the dragolet ship was a rather odd sight to look at - unnerving, in a way. Latnok once again gave a look over to the wounded Shade and the bony projectiles sticking out of him. Similar to the make of that spear he got... that he couldn't remember getting. "Well, we don't have all day. Let's get moving.

Angora had been so concerned about Mischief's predicament that she didn't noticed until now that Shade had an even worse one. The color of her skin changed with the shock.
"Sh... Sha..." she began to say, almost going to him, but Latnok was there, and knowing him, if she approached Shade or talked to him when she was once again forbidden from interacting with him would give Latnok leverage to punish him again. After the way he kept treating her, Angora firmly believed Latnok was always waiting for the perfect excuse to punish her, so she wasn't going to give him the pleasure. So she instead addressed to the healing dragolet.
"Please take care of him." she said, despising Latnok's constant hostility to everyone, but she wanted to believe life was eventually going to make him pay.

With Shade about to be cured and Veris having a feast with the enemies' corpses, there was only one thing left to do.
"Come on Mischief. Let's go to the cabin. You need a place to calm yourself." she suggested, the cabin being silent and remote, a perfect place for when one needed sometime alone. People never visited hers and Maverick's cabin unless someone urgent,y needed to talk to them, but with the current circumstances, Angora was certain Mischief wasn't going to be disturbed while she was there, and with Latnok accompanying Shade to the ship, he would be busy.

Mischief nodded, remaining silent until she got into the cabin, where she lay on her belly on the floor and crossed her arms for a headrest. "Ugh, being so much bigger is disorienting... I'll be honest, I'm relieved to stay. There's so much more to learn, and not just in magick. I need to learn about myself... And about those Ishulgites." Her expression showed an uncharacteristic hate at the word Ishulgites. "I can't put my claws on it, but something about them makes my skin crawl, and my other side agrees. Apparently they're a mutual enemy, though I'm not sure why." She forced herself to breathe normally again. "I also want to learn weaponry, so I can fight more effectively without Mana. Leave my spells to a last resort situation. Maybe take up swords, or perhaps the bow. Or spear, or... There's a lot to choose from weapons wise..." Her voice trailed off, eyes slowly sliding shut. She'd soon be dreaming again.
Digi was audibly relieved. "I'm so glad that didn't escalate further. I've grown fond of you both." He played a brief triumphant tune. "Mischief should rest before doing anything too strenuous, exhaustion will only serve to cause more problems. But after that, training sounds good."
Darkheart noted to Raclaw "She was looking at YOU there for a minute. Not your collar, YOU. Looks like the power boost helped reduce her desire for that collar. But such an impressive transformation! She's clearly stronger." Then she looked at Raclaw. "I'm glad that got better. Things could've been so much worse."

Angora listened, but she wasn't too enthusiastic about training or even interact with Mischief. She let Digi talk to Raclaw and took him to the cabin as well.
"Well, with your new body, you can do those things and more." she said, after noticing her paws were more like hands now.
"For now, jut stay here. Take a nap if you need it. Give yourself time to adapt to your new body. In the drawer, there's a map of the ship if you need to head to the kitchen." she instructed, hoping that with the metamorphosis, some maturity and control would come. She did see the way Mischief looked at Raclaw, and she didn't seem like the magic obsessive little fox back at the storage.

Now that she was calmer, Angora decided to leave Mischief with some space of her own.
"I'll go back to the main deck. Digi, stay with Mischief." she instructed, leaving them both in the cabin while she helped the wounded. But as she started to leave, she suddenly remembered something vitally important; the orb was below her bed. She entered the cabin again and went below the bed, with the usual i forgot something excuse, and then left again, leaving the orb in a thicker pocket so that when it spoke, she wouldn't listen to it. Mischief was in a very delicate state, and she didn't want to risk her being manipulated as well, so it was truly lucky she could remember the orb was still there.

Quote:

Darkheart noted to Raclaw "She was looking at YOU there for a minute. Not your collar, YOU. Looks like the power boost helped reduce her desire for that collar. But such an impressive transformation! She's clearly stronger." Then she looked at Raclaw. "I'm glad that got better. Things could've been so much worse."

Raclaw briefly looked to the departing Latnok and the so-called space ship before responding. "You're right my love-- she really did look at me, the actual ME. And agreed, things could've gone much much worse. Latnok, Star-- they didn't end on the best of terms and Mischief's new form is well.. more than uncanny. I'm glad things didn't get any worse.," the Fur Dragon then said concluding with a gentle smile. Chester remained nearby, but didn't interupt the two lovebirds-- erm love dragons. Elsewhere on deck, Risar kept an eye on things and helped direct any injured to the infirmary.

Mischief nodded and stretched a bit before returning to her position of resting her head on her arms. A wide yawn... When Angora returned Mischief opened one eye and caught a hint of the troll picking something up. She made note of what she saw, she'd ask later... But between stress and exhaustion she needed a nap. She adjusted position slightly and fell asleep. Dreams of wandering through a beautiful forest. A pond... And the return of her reflection, which only matched her appearance half the time. Peering in, she saw the same as last time, but now she recognized the form. But a purple mane and yellow eyes were distinctly her other sides. To her surprise, the reflection started shifting to match her actual appearance. She heard her other personality tell her they'd cooperate for now, since the Ishulgites were a great threat to both of them. The dream shifted after, and as she explored a great forest with hints of something else inside she tried to think over what she knew. Her dreams were always unusually clear if either her other side or this forest showed up. Outside of her dream she twitched a little.
Darkheart nodded. "Maybe it's just how the species looks. Whatever the reason... I wonder what happened to Star? Maybe he made it to the mainland? ... Seems unlikely, he went the absolute wrong direction. Well, at least I'm here, and you're here..." She less than subtly nuzzled Raclaw. "I love you, my fluffy... Um... Okay, pretend I said something romantic. I'm not good at poetry, so I'll say it simply. I love you, always will, and I'll protect you. Forever. Or until... Yeah, I'll stop while I'm ahead." She nuzzled him again, blushing.

Latnok took in the surrounding environment of the ship as he was brought i - nothing at all like what he was used to, with many devices unlike anything he knew to compare them to. It wasn't just about appreciating the beauty, however - a general layout of the place in mind would come in handy in the case of any unforeseen events.
With the status update, Latnok gave a shrug and a grunt. "I don't have much of a choice, do I?" Shade would be out for a while - there was no helping it. All Latnok could do is wait around and make sure nothing untoward happened.

Leoquin continued to help out on the deck as best he could, even if his usefulness was limited. The battle was over - but there was undoubtedly more to come, and they couldn't afford to dwell on their losses. Whoever the Ishulgites were, they were clearly opposed to everyone on the ship; finding Audax would be a trickyk business after all...

Veris did his own part to help clean up by devouring the corpses of some of the enemies left on the deck. Though he kept at it for awhile, it seemed even he would be sated after some time - with his belly more than full, Veris crawled back into his pen, ready to sleep and begin recovering from the injuries and wear of the battle.

Quote:

Darkheart nodded. "Maybe it's just how the species looks. Whatever the reason... I wonder what happened to Star? Maybe he made it to the mainland? ... Seems unlikely, he went the absolute wrong direction. Well, at least I'm here, and you're here..." She less than subtly nuzzled Raclaw. "I love you, my fluffy... Um... Okay, pretend I said something romantic. I'm not good at poetry, so I'll say it simply. I love you, always will, and I'll protect you. Forever. Or until... Yeah, I'll stop while I'm ahead." She nuzzled him again, blushing.

"That's alright-- it's the thought that counts. I.. I can't say I'm very poetic myself, given well you know.," Raclaw said briefly gesturing towards himself and the collar that served as a permanent symbol of his very much domesticated past. Despite his dependicies, he was proud of his past and of his collar; it was his pride and joy. And that pride only increased as it now stood to represent his bond with Latnok and others such as the lovable adorable Chester.

Angora returned to the main deck shortly before catching up to the bloated Veris leaving. The deck was clearly cleaner than before, courtesy of him. She gave him a little smile before retreating, although he didn't seem to notice. Clearly too tired after a battle and meal like that. She was about to escort him when she remembered Veris knew his way around the pen. The only thing was locking it up, but she knew she didn't need to worry about that for a while if he wa too tired to even notice her.

With both Mischief and Veris resting, Angora proceeded to help everyone with their injuries.
"Well Neo, I need help with the healing magic again. I know you said I can do it myself, but I haven't practiced." she asked, wanting to be useful and save much time and medical equipment. She looked around and couldn't see Shade anywhere, but she correctly assumed he was in the ship. She was so curious to see that thing inside, but there were more pressing matters to attend to first...

Down underground, the Ishulgites began an assembly - in light of recent circumstances. Icestorm was one of the many called to the meeting.
At the Hall of Mortals, the Isulgites came together, in thes ame manner they did when Icestorm first arrived. At the head of the assembly was Shepherd, elevated for all to see. His hooded cloak hid many of his features, still. "Let us pray," he ordered the Ishulgites, and every one of them bowed their head.
"Ishulgu, praise be to you for this day! It appears the Demon has sought to rally allies to his cause, by framing the truth in a manner to suit him. He is a relic of the past - and he insists on impeding the progress of every sapient being into a new age of prosperity. Our world cannot afford to remain static - we must keep moving forward. And that is why we are here, brothers and sisters! Each and every one of us is here because we are tired of the old ways, tired of a world which would carelessly discard us or our loved ones for one reason or another. We will put an end to those things - and we have the dedication and the foresight needed to make the sacrifices to do such a thing. We cannot afford to keep living as we are, at the whim of others more powerful than us, with every person fending for themselves. Unity and selflessness is the way forward. Ishulgu, give us the strength and willpower to keep pressing on, even as adversity against us grows, from those who are either misled or foolish. We know you will take care of us - just as you have so far, curing us of diseases, providing creatures to fight in our stead in order to preserve as many of your believers as possible. Please continue to grant us your guidance and watch over us."
Shepherd rose his head, having finished, and so did the rest of the Ishulgites. "Our enemies have been misled into thinking they can stop us. That is an idea that is sorely mistaken, and we will correct their thinking. We are almost ready to make the next step to securing the future. There will be an upheaval - and when the dust settles, we will come out on top. We are not talking years anymore - Ishulgites, we are mere months away from this great victory! Within the next few days, you will see our plans begin to unfold before your very eyes..."

Latnok gave a nod in response to Zera's deference, not sure how to respond himself. He wasn't expecting such an act from the presumed leader of the dragolets. "It's not a big deal," he finally decided on, "provided that you are on our side, of course, and Shade doesn't kill any other innocent people."

Mischief shuddered, the simple beauty of her dream shattering. A moment later she woke with a shriek. Looking around she shook herself and rose to her feet. "Ugh, I hate waking up like that." Stretching, she looked herself over, wondering how to replace her clothes. "Do we have a tailor or something on board? ... Right, just me and Digi."
Digi was seemingly offended. "You don't have to act like I'm not here..."
"Sorry Digi..." Mischief yawned as she stretched back. "Ohhhh man! I feel a bit stiff... Maybe... A quick walk... Will loosen me up!" She adjusted her gear and stumbled out the door. "Besides, I could use a snack..."
Darkheart nodded softly. "I understand. Between you bring essentially domesticated and me having been feral, we're not exactly poets. I'm glad the collar is your choice."

Angora thanked Neo, glad that he obliged very quickly. Angora healed the ones whose wounds were very severe, although she couldn't close them completely, it still was enough for the healed sailors to walk on their own to the infirmary so that whatever her magic couldn!t catch would be treated there. It was a nice strategy for a while, and Neo assisting her meant that she didn't need to focus too much on doing a great job. Her powers were still small though, and she couldn't heal wounds completely, but it was still progress. Soon however, the magic was taking too much of her. It was too much use in so little time, and she was really out of practice. While Latnok tasked her to train Mischief she will never know, but she still firmly believed it was to exhaust her and have her as a babysitter.

By this time, Maverick and Ilasi have helped around a dozen of the sailors, though it really pained him when his girlfriend told him some of them were beyond saving. But it was then that he remembered about Angora's healing magic.
"Angorita... she may be able to help." he said to Ilasi, trying to see if she was among the crowd. Thanks to Veris, the view was better, but he couldn't spot her yet. Maybe traditional medicine wasn't enough for the severely wounded sailors, but perhaps some magic could do the trick...

Ilasi wouldn't be one to turn down the opportunity to save a life where there was otherwise no hope - Maverick's suggestion provided her with some comfort, if only slight. "It's... worth a try," she said hesitantly, as she attended to one of the more wounded sailors. "I can try to keep the worst cases alive a bit longer, but they won't last more than an hour or two."

Maverick was glad as well, and looking around, he finally spotted Angora less than a minute later. To his surprise and delight, she was already using her healing magic, with much success. The wounds weren't cured completely, but it seemed like it was enough to save lives.
"Angorita. If you could por favor come here. We need some assist." Maverick called, with Angora coming immediately. She looked drained.
"Oh... um, I was wondering if... you could help us here. At least, try to help those who are at the most risk of death." Maverick said with much concerned, wondering if that severely tired look was a result of the magic.
"Sure. Of course. We have to help. And don't worry. I'm fine." she assured, reading his face. She attended to the most wounded, sometimes using one hand for different sailors, including one whose chest seemed like it was about to be ripped open. She could tell the creatures were in the verge of devouring him, starting with the chest. Maverick continued carrying Ilasi and assisting her with the medicine, but he looked visibly concerned with Angora, though he wanted to believe it was normal exhaustion rather than the result of using so much magic. That was harder to recover from.

Angora's efforts in treating the terminally wounded were paying off; though the worst of the wounded would undoubtedly need follow-up treatment, they were stable enough and had gotten enough more time to make such a thing feasible in the long run. The days ahead would be busy indeed for Ilasi and her helpers; but Angora's miraculous treatment ensured that even the worst of the injured had a chance, when they had already been counted as fatalities prior by Sere (who was already trying to sort out the matter of handling the pay they had earned up until then.)
Though Ilasi was rather tired the sight of so many wounded always being rather draining - she had a very hopeful smile. These people had a chance now - and that mattered more than anything else.

When Maverick saw how successful Angora was being with the magic, he smiled widely. Clearly, this was just what was needed for her to finally be appreciated. Sere was already warming up to her a little bit given the great job she has done with Veris, so if he found out about what she was doing right now, it'll win major points with him. Angora however, was more interested in Latnok seeing what she was doing, but he was nowhere to be found, so she immediately believed he disappeared because he couldn't stand the fact that she was doing something good and right. The wounds may not be healing completely, but it gave soldiers with the worst injuries a better chance of survival.

She continued with the task for about half an hour, until the color of her skin started to turn from a greenish gray to a more pale one, something that didn't go unnoticed by Maverick.
"If you need a rest Angorita, we can take it from here. You've done more than enough." Maverick said, being tired himself, particularly for having to carry Ilasi around, but knew Angora was even more with such fatiguing feat of magic. She looked pale and malnourished, almost as if some giant leech sucked out much of her blood. But the little troll simply gave a weak smile and assured him she'll be fine, though Maverick not worrying was impossible. Angora wanted to stop, but certain echo tortured her; the world's of the orb. And how it wanted to break her 'ties' with everyone. Was that really the reason why the ship was attacked? To kill everyone so that Angora wouldn't have anyone to protect? No emotional attachments? No... it couldn't be. She was instructed to bring Maverick as well... but not Shade. That little detail still bothered her. Why do these being dreaming of peace resorted to something as horrible as this? She couldn't stop feeling guilty for what happened, so whenever that echo beat her up, she continued healing as many sailors as she could, no matter the toll it took on her...

Mischief made her way to the kitchen and hunted down a bowlful of sweet fruits, then sat down to munch contentedly. Now having actual distinct digits, her dexterity had improved significantly. Such long thin claws were ideal for gripping berries, and she so loved berries, and the other fruits. Peeling an orange was infinitely easier when you could simply slice the skin. Same for other fruits, but she wasn't super fond of strongly sour flavors, like lemons and limes. Softly making an odd churring noise, she was clearly enjoying her meal. She fastidiously ensured she didn't leave a mess, either on the floor or on herself.

Angora continued, giving priority to those with the worst of wounds and giving them a surviving chance. Luckily, there weren't as many injured as the last battle, though some of them were likewise very injured. One man lying face down Angora tried to cure, but it didn't work, and she feared he was dead, cementing her guilt. But it wasn't time to dwell on emotions. She had to get it right. She managed to cure at least three dozen sailors, but then she collapsed. Her body couldn't take it anymore, so Angora fainted in the middle of curing a sailor with an open arm wound.
"Hey boy! Hey!" the sailor called Maverick, not knowing what to call Angora. Many usually referred to her as the little troll or the tiny beast, but given the great service she was giving to all of them, it would be wrong to use such rude nicknames.

Maverick continued carrying Ilasi around when he heard the man. He almost dropped her when he saw Angora.
"Angorita! Oh, Angorita! Oh the poor thing! She did too much!" he said teary eyes, having known what the magic was doing to her but he didn't stop her. Upon closer inspection though, he could see that Angora wasn't injured, just terribly exhausted, prompting the body collapse.
"Ilasi, um, where can I... can you still move? Perdón, I... I need to leave Angorita in her cabin. She needs the rest. It won't be long, lo prometo." Maverick assured, feeling terrible for having to leave Ilasi to drag herself around, but he couldn't leave Angora collapsed there on the floor.

Quote:

Darkheart nodded softly. "I understand. Between you bring essentially domesticated and me having been feral, we're not exactly poets. I'm glad the collar is your choice."

"And to think-- a domesticated and a wild dragon, becoming one.," Raclaw gently said as he began to nuzzle Darkheart. "As a dragon of my background, I would've never imagined someone like you ever becoming interested in someone like me. And yet here we are; having found each other and together again despite the odds. I couldn't have asked for anything more.," he then said briefly ignoring the world around him.

"Shehpher's attention turned to Icestorm, as did the attention of many in the assembly. "My child," Shepherd explained, "there is always a cost - but this is a cost worth paying. How many have died to fulfill the selfishness of another in the world we currently have? Throughout history, people have had to make sacrifices for the sake of creating a better future for those who would follow. The concept is the same - but when we are done, we will not need more to die in a hundred years' time when some tyrant or another gains control. The world we create will be stable - it will be peaceful - and it will be one in which people will never want for the very basic necessities of life, while being forced to surrender them in order to enrich another more powerful than themselves."

It didn't take a meticulous medical examination to determine that Angora had pushed herself to her limit. "I'll be fine," ilasi said, as she prepared to attend to some more of the sailors in Maverick's absence. "Just make sure she gets the rest she needs. She's done so many a great service today."

Maverick nodded, gently putting Ilasi on the floor so that she could crawl around. He tried to hurry, since he knew she was embarrased by the method, although some time has already passed with her away from the water, so he hoped her legs could grow again. He then picked Angora up, feeling lighter than other times. The magic was useful, but it took too much out of her, even with Neo's help.
"Ilasi, if el capitán asks, explain why Angora isn't here anymore." he asked of her, not wanting Sere to believe Angora stopped helping willingly.

When he reached the cabin, he was taken a bit back to see Mischief there. He still hasn't grown used to her miraculous transformation.
"Oh... hola Mischief. Angorita... well she is very tired. I'm going to leave her here to rest." he explained to the changed creature, knowing Mischief truly cared for Angora in the little interactions he has seen, but he was a little bit afraid that with the new, feral looking change would cause her to be too wild and cause some harm to the weak troll.

Shepherd's figure remained difficult as ever to read, though his voice and intent were unmistakable. "You speak blasphemy. If you are not willing to make the sacrifice for a better future, then you will be the sacrifice," he said ominously as he pointed to Icestorm. "Capture this heretic," he ordered, and those near Icestorm soon bore their weapons in compliance. "We will use him as an example to those who betray their fellow brothers and sisters. We are too close to our goals to allow doubts to slow us down. We will keep pushing forward."

Ilasi nodded. "I can do that," she said, before Maverick went off to help out his troll friend. The captain was likely occupied with other matters, but he would undoubtedly be back up soon to see how the aftermath was looking.

Angora remained on the bed without any indication of waking up anytime sooner. She stood still, in complete and hopeless exhaustion, her breathing being the only sign of her still being alive. In her sleep, it was blackness, nothing to see. Nothing to feel... yet... something to hear.
"It's all your fault." she kept hearing, but it wasn't her voice, nor Shepherd's. Not even the Guardians. It was a child's voice. Very similar to Alya's, but it wasn't her voice. It was another child. It kept repeating that same sentence, but while her mind continued torturing her, her body was too tired to react to her current feeling. No twitching, no movement whatsoever...

Returning to the main deck, Maverick continued helping others, though thanks to Angora and the combined efforts of Ilasi, Leoquin and the sailors who could still walk, everyone was getting the treatment they needed, though Maverick still feared casualties. As he passed on certain sailors, he could hear some of them talk about Angora, which made him smile. After so much time, it looks like her dear friend was going to get a better treatment at last.

Darkheart blushed more, her voice steadily getting smaller as she felt suddenly... Was she shy? "You know what they say... Opposites attract..."
Mischief squirmed and watched the motionless Angora, sitting like a sentinel beside Angora's bed. "Miss Angora? Are... Are you okay?" A flash of sensation caused the vixen to shudder. She'd always had strange, half remembered visions. But this... She gently nosed Angora, a tiny worried whimper indicating her fear for the troll's health.

Maverick continued to help, wondering how Shade was doing, and also still worried about Angora and leaving her alone with the feral looking Mischief...

Quote: darknessdawn

Mischief squirmed and watched the motionless Angora, sitting like a sentinel beside Angora's bed. "Miss Angora? Are... Are you okay?" A flash of sensation caused the vixen to shudder. She'd always had strange, half remembered visions. But this... She gently nosed Angora, a tiny worried whimper indicating her fear for the troll's health.

Angora didn't move, nor did she felt Mischief's touch. The voice stopped echoing for a while, but it would ocasionally returned to torment her. But in the while it was gone, she recalled with vivid imagery the conversation she had with Banewood. She didn't want to believe him, but so many things that happened pointed to him being right. The insult to Veris, wanting to kill her friends by sending that attack, the intense interest in her happiness, it was all too much. But did they really want her as a vessel? If that was the case, why didn't Shepherd captured her when he had her right there in his home? Or when Maverick was captured, why wasn't he used as ransom? All that kindness... for what Banewood said? Even in her sleep, Angora couldn't stop thinking about it...

Unfortunately, there was nowhere for Icestorm to go; the passageways were closed with heavy stone doors. Ishulgite archers and mages aimed their shots at him in an effort to bring him down.
"Keep him alive," Shepherd ordered. "We will have a group educational session with him, as a lesson to those who would betray us in our finest hour."

Latnok gave a shrug. "A few days... we'll see how much time those damn things give us." There was a burning feeling at the back of his mind that these creatures were terrible, monstrous, not to be trusted... Shade the murderer. Hundreds of innocent people. Just issue the command once we're out of here, put this thing down...
Where were these thoughts coming from? What do you really want? Was this what he wanted? To be a tool to fulfill Sere's own ambitions? That's all he ever was - a tool. Why should he have to settle for that? What if... the Ishulgites had a point?
No. Why was he thinking these thoughts? Latnok did his best to shove them out of his mind, despite their persistence. He still had a job to do...

Mischief shivered and briefly pawed at Angora. Gently stroking the smaller troll with those scarlet claws, the vixen whimpered, clearly distressed. Seeing no response the vixen rose up and exited the cabin, leaning beside the door with her head down. She appointed herself as a bodyguard of sorts for now. She wouldn't let ANYONE hurt Angora! Her mind wandered as she remembered the earlier incident. Latnok had started treating her as a monster because she looked like someone else. At that moment, she lost respect for him. A significant amount, at that. Now she feared Sere and the other Ardent Guardians were also like that. Briefly rage overwhelmed her vision with red, her Illusion activation without being called on and briefly surrounding her in a shadowy mist before she regained her composure. On top of all this stress, Angora was helpless, and she was one of only a few she'd trust anymore. She noted with amusement that not one of them was human. Ilasi, a merfolk healer. Mermaid, more specifically. Maverick, a half faun, whose name somehow felt familiar, and possibly too gentle for his own good. Angora, a miniature troll, who was gruff but kind at heart. And Shade, a dragolet from another world with Mana indicative of the difference, and who was a big softie at heart. Mischief flexed her digits, long sharp claws clearly useful. She admired those a moment. Not only was she more dextrous, but those giant claws made her more dangerous in combat. And instinct told her how to wield them for the greatest effect. She mused on these things and more as she crossed her arms and leaned against the wall. Angora's issue returned to mind and she watched everyone who came near quite closely.