genessia | Let's Climb Ship Mountain!

Let's Climb Ship Mountain!

Last week, concerns were expressed in the local newspaper that the weather might be too wet and gloomy for a charm quest. But those concerns were way off.

It was too wet and hellishly windy. Hopefully everyone dressed warm!

At the foot of the mountain, Imelda's tent looked like it was going to be blown away at any moment. The tethers that held it down creaked ominously, and the tent itself leaned hard with the howling winds that whipped at the cheap canvas and gaudy trappings. Even Imelda was starting to get a headache with her little bells and chimes clanging noisily non-stop. But a job was a job, and the fortune teller had to at least look like she'd expected this.

She hadn't, but that was beside the point.

Imelda huddled in front of her crystal ball, her wide shoulders buried in silks and furs. A portable heater was fastened under her table to keep her slipper-clad feet warm as she waited for the participants to approach. Ten men, ten women. It was almost like fate! ~~Except one of the men was technically a robot, but he had 'Man' as part of his name, so it totally counts.~~

"Come come, children, hurry in! One person at a time! --No, not you ladies, stay out there." Bitch. "Come, and I will tell you the name of your soulmate who will guide you unharmed to the top of the mountain!" Or just whoever she decided to secretly ship that person with.

[OOC: Two threads below! One is for getting your partner assigned, one is for actually scaling the mountain. Each pair starts at a different point, and will be warped there after consulting with Imelda. Unless I really am psychic, no one is matched with their soulmate. Imelda sucks. But you have an opportunity to get a charm if you either A. Find your true ship which will result in a clear path and no monsters at all, or B. Fight to the top, defeat all the monsters, and kiss your partner like whoa. Some of you may get a boss fight if you say you're okay with one, but it's not guaranteed. Players can otherwise NPC the monsters and obstacles they face. Those who succeed each get an Everglade charm. Only those who signed up for the quest are allowed to participate, but anyone is welcome to show up and cheer/jeer on their favorite "couples". Those who would rather stay at home and watch the events on TV may do so, as it will be televised.]

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That's okay. It makes things interesting, don't you think? [ Lucy grinned over at him. ... god, did she really just say that? She laughed weakly. ]

... and to think there was a time when I would have rather had the easier route. [ Natsu has RUINED her for hiking! ]

Still if we keep going at this pace, we'll reach the top in no time! [ Well, unless that murder of crows tries to up and murder of them. And ...those are some pretty big crowlike creatures, so that may not be entirely unlikely. In fact... One of them is coming RIGHT FOR YOU. AAAAAAAAA ]

[CROWS?! he's used to dealing with grimm, so of course he has a feeling they're going to attack even before they hit.

well then, if you thought he was cool before check this out now!!

adam grips at his weapon, waiting for the massive creature to come towards him. as soon as the monster is diving in front of him his grip tightens on the hilt of his sword and he swiftly pulls it out of its sheath, slicing the being in two!

HUZZAH! and then adam puts his weapon away again.]

They're coming back around!

[more of the birds are flocking together, and looks like they have their sights set on the two of them. in fact, three of the creatures are dive bombing at lucy!!]

There's just something about birds. They are always, ALWAYS out to get you. Or your snacks. In this case, they think Adam and Lucy are the snacks oh no! She can't fight three at once - not with just her whip, so she reaches towards her keyring. ]

Open, Gate of the Archer! Saggitarius!!

[ She tugged his key free of the ring holder, thusly summoning the spirit. Make no comment about creatures that look like humans that wear horse costumes. Lucy doesn't know why he looks like that either- she thought he'd be a centaur. STILL, she moves back to back with Saggitarius. ]

Saggitarius, on your left!

[ The archer saluted, taking aim with his bow. No normal arrows were those, when the projectiles flew through, they met with deadly pinpoint accuracy, tearing through the wing of one and causing it to spiral and crash into the side of the mountain. The other arrow went right into the eye of the second crow, this one missing narrowly (Lucy has to duck to avoid getting caught in the collision), but it circles around, half blinded to try a second run. RAR! ]

We need to move! [ This from Lucy, as she lashes out with her whip, catching a bird in the chest repeatedly and making it tumble back into the first bird that fell. Like a ten car pile up, only with crows! ]

[...oh. oh what was that she just did?

adam was impressed, honestly, that looked like some interesting magic. maybe he really had been partnered up with someone that would be good for him during this trip. only because he figured she was strong enough, of course. either way, with the creatures coming for them he nodded at her words, turning and running.

since he was a faunus he was much faster than her, so he at least slowed so his pace would match hers as they ran. as they ran he saw another group of them coming for them. of course, he would at least be able to handle several of them at once. he almost found it amusing, honestly, which was why he smirked a little as they came in again.

the second group of creatures dove in and that was when adam picked up his pace to run ahead. he brought out his sword, slicing at them, his quick slashes amounted to four hits. they were too quick to even see, so with the birds were stunned, adam flipped around his sheath, pointing it at them and shot at them with his shotgun of a sword case.]

So- this is how they intend to stop us? How foolish.

[A WALK IN THE PARK.]

[ Lucy might not be fast, but she's got the stamina to make up for it. She has to, to keep up with her teammates. Sprinting after him, she was still glad he adjusted his pace to allow her to keep up with him. Between his slashes, and Saggitarius sprinting along behind them easily, shooting his arrows to further injure them, they were making short work of the creatures quickly. ]

They? You don't think someone is controlling those creatures..?

[adam is scanning the area, looking for a way for them to hide and at least wait this out.]

Honestly? I wouldn't be surprised at all if someone were controlling them.

[another group dove at him and he quickly took care of them, slashing them to bits.

wait... was that a cave?! adam spotted it then turned to lucy.]

In there-!

[ A cave! Perfect! Heck, maybe there's even a tunnel to lead out to the other side? .. let's just hope it doesn't collapse on them too. Eesh. But taking Adam's cue, she nods and makes a break for the cave entrance, with the birds hot on their heels. Saggitarius gets off one more shot, his arrow finding the center of a bird's throat, the poor creature crashing into the ground and causing a heavy rumble in the cavern.

Lucy, when she stops running, glances behind her to see the body of the dead bird blocking the way back. On the plus side, the other birds can't give chase now! ]

[at least they were in this cave now! and it seemed like it did lead somewhere.

adam's gaze went to lucy, looking her over once she was closer.]

Not hurt?

[only because he wouldn't want to deal with a wounded human, it would just be far too annoying.]

[ This damp and cold cave! Still she wasn't going to complain about it. Shaking her head at Adam (Such a naisu gai), she smiled. ]

I'm okay. It takes more than a few winged birds to take me out anyway.

[ She scanned the cavern for a moment. ]

Do you think this will lead out to top of the mountain?

I hope so...

[and he's never a nice guy.

either way, adam is walking on ahead, making sure to take the lead in case anything comes their way. luckily, since he's a faunus he can see perfectly fine in the darkness. he wondered if she needed help to see, however.]

[ LIes, he's being a naisu gai right now. Deny it all you like, the proof is in the pudding! ]

It's kind of creepy in here... and dark. I think if we can get out of here without incid- [ THUNK ] OUCH!

[ ... no, she can't see perfectly fine, thanks for asking. ]

What the heck did I trip over... ow...

[ Oh it's nothing Luce. Nothing at all. Just some skeletal bones. ... see, there goes the head she tripped over, bouncing past Adam's foot. An..and the body that it was connected to is starting to move omg omg omg run adam, run...wait, tell her first, then run. ]

[...typical, she would trip.

adam felt a little irritated at that, and when he turned back to look down at her he noticed those bones. he raised an eyebrow behind that mask of his, watching the head bounce and roll towards him.... only to notice the body begin to move.]

Lucy!

[not like she could have seen anything from where she was, it was so dark and she was a human so he knew she wouldn't notice. he went over to her, grabbing her hand and hoisting her up.]

There are bones on the ground and I don't think they're entirely dead.

[he turned and began to run with her, but he kept on holding her hand.] I can see in the dark, so hold on to me and trust my movements!

[ HEY, she is the female in this party and as such she is required to submit to Party Member Cliche #44. Be glad there isn't a foul villain they have to go up against or she'd have to fall victim to Party Member Cliche #38, the Kidnapping. OR WORSE, Party Member Cliche #8, the Dramatic Sacrifice. ]

I'm fine, I'm fine!

[ Figuring that's why he called out to her, she started to her feet again, wincing a little. Aand then he yoinked her the rest of the way to her feet, earning a squeak of surprise from the girl. ]

Hey!

[ Wait what...? ]

Wha.. where?

[ All around you guys. ALL AROUND YOU. Now that they are aware of people in the tunnels, the clattering of skeletal bones of two more skeletons starting to get up is audible. ]

HIEe-!! Why are there skeletons in here!!?

[ Why not is not a valid answer. But she trusts Adam's words so please don't run her into a wall or something. She scrambles after him as best she is able in any case. Run! Ruuuuuuuuuun! ]

[wow don't ask stupid questions like that!! obviously they were all killed her after trying to get up this wretched mountain previously.

either way adam is running with her, pulling her along and trying to dash around any rocks or skeletons that might be trying to grab at them. never did he think he would be holding hands with a human like this and making their way up the mountain....

as they ran they felt a rumble within the cave. adam glanced around, only to see debris fall from above him. he had to quickly move to the side to even avoid it.]

It's caving in! [skeletons and a cave in?! wow!!]

[ ROOD it was a legitimate question! For all she knew they were on skull mountain and that was totally normal for them to be there. ]

I see a light!

[ The light of JUSTICE! ... or maybe just the way out to the top of the mountain. And cave in is apparently trying to keep them from getting out. Between dodging clawing bony fingers and dodging debris, they have their hands full! ... when not holding hands anyway! ]

Hurry!

[ As if she had to tell him that. ]

[didn't have to tell him twice! as they ran though adam noticed that rocky pillar had started to give. he watched it as it moved back and forth, the rocks all around them coming down too. he was just concerned that pillar would block their exit.

adam clicked his tongue, his grip on her hand tightening as they ran. his other hand he held his weapon, and he was trying to gauge if they could both leave this place. they were so close too....!!

just as they reached the exit the rocky pillar started to topple over. adam pulled lucy so she was in front of him, grabbed her by her waist and pushed her out so she was ahead of him. he might have been quite rough with that move, but it was to get her out and ahead of him. since sure enough, even though he had done that the rocks had fallen and he could barely register what happened either.

...but once the smoke cleared, adam realized that he was on the other side of the cave now, out there with her, but there was a heavy weight on his back.]

Aah.... [he grunted, trying to move but his head felt heavy. he was most certainly under a couple rocks and boulders, but none were crushing him entirely at least.]

[ Almost there, almost there -! It's a mantra she kept repeating in her head as they sprinted to freedom. And then the rock pillar. . oh god, that darn rock pillar. Things on this mountain really wanted to kill them! ]

A- [ A squeak again as she was manhandled so roughly! But considering it was to get her clear of falling rocks she could forgive it. In any case she stumbletumbled to the ground well clear of the rocks, hearing them rumble and fall behind her. Sitting up again after a moment, she glanced around. ]

I...is this the top? [ She didn't see any more paths but... she didn't see a charm either. ] Adam! We made it -

[ She glances over her shoulder and gasps, scrambling to her feet. ]

Adam! Hold on, we'll get you out!

[adam grunts when he starts coming around again. oh... right, they had been in that cave, and he pushed her out of the way. dammit, he was becoming soft after being around these humans. normally he wouldn't have even cared if a human got hurt but... oh well.

either way, adam placed his palms on the ground, pushing himself up and realizing that he was indeed stuck thanks to these rocks. he cursed under his breath, wilt and blush was far away from him too. he might have no choice but to.... rely on lucy. wow.]

This idiotic mountain really wants to kill us.... [at least he could grump about this easily.]

[ Hey now, Lucy has never let down a friend before and she wasn't about to start today! ]

Well it's not going to get its wish! [ She wondered though, how Natsu and the other teams were doing - they hadn't seen anyone else so maybe they had different paths. Just their luck if Lucy and Adam got the more difficult path. ]

Just don't move a second..! [ She reached to the key at her waist. ] Open, Gate of the Golden Bull - Taurus!

[ This is Lucy summoning yet another spirit - this one actually resembling a bull man, wielding a double bladed axe. ]

Taurus, give me a hand with these rocks..! Don't worry Adam, we'll have you out in a moment! [ Even if they can only pry the rocks up enough for Lucy to pull him out. ]

[taurus....

TAURUS?!

well, that's a pleasant surprise. either way, adam watches as the rocks are pried off of him, and with lucy's help he's able to pull himself out as well. once he's out however he's staring at that bull man.

...huh...

he turns to look at lucy.]

Thank you. [really, she has proven to be a valuable partner during all this. but... he's a little curious.]

...To think I'd be assisted by another bull. [yeah he let that slip out.] With the same name as me, even.

[ah yes adam taurus the bull faunus.]

[ This bull man was pretty infatuated with Lucy though, though even she's noticed he hasn't been as overt lately. Strange. She pats the bull man on the arm appreciateively, grinning, and then turned to Adam, curious. ]

I'm just glad you're all right. [ Wait huwah? ] Another bull?

[ Oh, he meant the name? ... ]

It ... is a strange coincidence isn't it? More importantly, look. [ She pointed. ] I think that woman lied.

[ There is nothing on the mountaintop. NOTHING. ]

Another bull, yes.

[he does have his own set of horns.

but......WHAT THE HELL IS THIS.

oh wow. adam huffs in frustration.]

Then... why would they even pair up everyone but have nothing? [WHYYYY?!]

She'd ask about that, but the disappointment from not even getting the reward is more important right now. ]

After all that we went through too.. it makes no sense!

[ She drops on the ground again with a heavy sigh, glancing at her spirit. ]

Thanks for your help Taurus -go on back for now. [ She gave a small wave to the bull spirit as he vanished back to the Spirit world, and then turned to Adam. ]

I don't understand what that woman was thinking at all..!

[oh boy...

adam just looks around at nothing in particular, trying to sort all of this out. what was the point of this then....?

sighing, he went to take a seat beside her. he placed wilt and blush beside him as well, the frown on his features growing.]

Hmm... [adam glanced over at lucy.] Whatever the case, you proved yourself to be valuable. [it... it was a compliment, honestly, but coming from adam it meant something.]

[ Honestly Lucy had no idea. Glancing at Adam as he joined her, she giggled. That compliment. You're not very good at them are you, Adam? ]

Thank you. You're not so bad yourself. [ Leaning back against her hands, she sighed. ] So what are you going to do now?

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