[Action in Fayren]

[kalmaleader]

[On one hand, it helped that Weiss had already told Qubine about these spirits. On the other hand, it didn't help, because he knew just how big a threat it was. Even if he hadn't heard about the spirits before, this was too similar to the tales of the Shade in Sornieth to take this threat lightly.]

[But Qubine was ready for battle, as he always was, steeling himself with a mighty roar that echoed all throughout Fayren, either to intimidate his foes, or to warn innocents to gtfo. Thankfully, he had also heard David Haller's warning to not let the things touch him. Which was another trait that was all too similar to the Shade. This meant that Qubine would have to alter his strategy slightly, relying more on his elemental abilities rather than the old tooth and claw. Unfortunately, this would also exhaust him much more quickly, so it wouldn't be long before he was forced to accept help...]

Comments

[chicken_kun]

[the next round of spirits flying straight at the dragon never make it to him. With several ringing smacks they flatten themselves against a translucent dome that suddenly appears, much like bugs on a windshield. How 'bout that, Qubine?

A moment later a seven-foot-tall shadow melts out from between the trees, one hand in his pants pocket, the other at his side with his fingers clearly crossed.]

Looks like you could use a bit of a hand, dragon-dude.

[kalmaleader]

[Qubine looks up, surprised as the dome suddenly appears to repel the spirits coming at him. While this sort of ability is familiar to him, he certainly didn't expect it to come from this person of all.]

[Unfortunately, he's in no position to refuse help from anyone, even this guy who can't seem to remember his name. He'll start with a sigh, breathing heavily to regain his stamina.]

I probably could...

[chicken_kun]

Well, it looks like my barrier works against these things... [waving his crossed fingers idly at the creatures peeling themselves off it and trying to find a different route] ...so I got your back.

Other people are saying you can't fight 'em, though, or they don't go down like normal. So what do you wanna do about it?

[kalmaleader]

It's true... [Qubine watches the creatures carefully, his stance lowered and ready to pounce in case any of them broke through the barrier.] They only keep returning after I take them down. I'm only fighting to defend myself at this point...

[He pauses, trying to think of the best course of action. Unfortunately, he would have no choice but to flee.]

I heard a message about a safe house for people to take shelter in. We might have to go there. I'm a warrior, but...in extreme cases like these, you can't survive by fighting...

[chicken_kun]

[Barty looks more than disgruntled by the idea, but at the same time, he's not as much of an idiot as he looks]

Yeah, s'what the guy said on the phone. Fighting would be more fun but there's no sense fighting this shit. Oh well. As long as my barrier holds, I can keep it up to get you there.

['you,' not 'us.' Either the barrier is all Bartolomeo needs to keep himself safe anywhere he wants to be, or he doesn't care to hide in a shelter. Probably both.]

[kalmaleader]

All right then...lead the way.

[Though Qubine is definitely loathe to accept help from some pirate person who could be arguably worse than Malus in some ways. But Barty's wording doesn't go unnoticed.]

Just me? What do you plan to do?

[chicken_kun]

[as he takes a few steps, Bartolomeo morphs the barrier slightly, so that it covers both of them fully and moves with them, a translucent blob inching across the ground. Spirits keep smacking into it with dull thuds and then go howling away]

Eh, figure with a useful ability like this I'm better off wandering around.

[implied, that he could help people, but he can't just go and say so because helping people isn't generally what pirates do, right? He's also feeling reckless but no need to go into that.]

[kalmaleader]

[Qubine walks beside him, still cautiously watching the beasts slam against the barrier as they went.]

Just wandering around, huh? You might be able to help other people with that ability of yours.

On that note, why are you helping me?

[chicken_kun]

Mhm. [idly, like he don't even care] Why? Why not? I mean, if you'd rather I just left you out here to fend for yourself, that's fine by me. Just sorta figured if I could do it, I would.

[kalmaleader]

...That is not what I mean. I'm simply asking, that's all.

[With an exhausted huff.]

[chicken_kun]

[cackling!]

Ain't gotta look for some kinda deep reason, man. I'm just doing it because I can. Don't got anybody but me to look out for, anymore, so what the hell.

[kalmaleader]

[Why you gotta cackle, man? That's just rude.]

Right...well, I certainly hadn't expected you to be so...noble.

[chicken_kun]

[it's just how he laughs! Maybe it's a little snide, but he can't help it. There are a lot of feelings going on here and he has to bluff over all of them]

Psh, me, noble? Nah, it ain't like that. Take it how you want but don't forget what I said about being a pirate. Among other things.

[honestly, if Qubine wins guardianship, he's going to have to actually deal with Bartolomeo's underground criminal enterprise. Might as well be a decent guy while it lasts, because it won't last.]