DESERT ROSE THIRTY-FIVE
how quickly the hawk becomes a dove
when faced with the barrel of a gun

Desert had to put his mind to it when he thought about the various caves. There were nearly too many changes- time had weathered the tunnels, and many had disappeared entirely from memory. The only reason he remembered Pisces, was- well. He didn't remember it. But, at least he probably got it right.

"Ehm- yes, the waterfall one." His coat shook at the thought of all that water, especially after travelling there for-- why was he there? He hated his amnesia- seemed like it had been affecting much more than his far past.

An ear of his flickered, rubbing his gem across worn down scales as he thought back over past betrayals. "Hm- yeah," came the distant answer. That smoke- wasn't it from the garnet itself? It's not like he could be mad; sure, it ended up facilitating other betrayals, but what else could Garnet do? Sit around and leave itself in harm? No- they all did what was best for them, and there was no one to blame. Except the people who put us through it, came across Desert's mind, veiled by a minor mental wince. No- they did what was best for all. They had no part in what they had to do.

Shuffling in place, Desert's ears flicked forward as the brief stint of thought from the garnet. "Yes," he bent his head forward in a languid nod, straightening his stance. Though, this time, he couldn't prevent the physical wince from escaping his brain. As much as he wanted to find the two- he really didn't want to go back to Pisces. Though, with a clear of his throat, he tightened his muscles across his spine and held his head high. "Mm- yes." The confirmation was more for himself than for the garnet. "Even if he isn't looking for us, it's best to get everyone caught up- for, uh, lack of a better term." He cleared his throat and glanced away, a claw raising to his neck. "Do you know if the Quartz and- Mm, I can't remember the particular designation- The cockatrice-" His mind did mental gymnastics, his face scrunching up. "Agate? Ah- anyways, do you know if they ended up surviving? You were a bit far ahead in that last trial."

There was that lizard that attacked him and his brother, as well. Were they a past champion they hadn't known about? Where were they now- if they didn't still want to kill them? Desert knew they put a bad taste in his mouth, but they would be a valuable ally if they proved to have a shared mindset.

Desert had it in his mind to tell Vargas what they were up to, at least; but, who was he to let Vargas know without others along with the idea? Just two- or three, if Vargas was on board- wouldn't be nearly enough for restoring trials to the caves. Plus, there was the possibility that some of the non-champions would be on board for restoring the old ways, just as they should be.

Though, his wings flared as he rounded the end of his thoughts, flapping ever so slightly in their half-folded state. He should go as soon as the conversation was over; the sooner he was in Pisces, the less time he had to spend in there, really. He had it in his mind to start, perhaps, assessing the rest of the gembound. Some interaction barely got him used to who actually inhabited these old caves now. Even if it was hoping against hope, perhaps some other older beings had awoken from slumber just as they had.

He just had to get out there and see for himself.

@Garnet Five-Seven-Nine

Pisces would be a fairly long haul, but the champion had faith in its old ally - he could handle himself well against the trials and tribulations, thus he would against whatever lay in the caves. Scanning up and down the fox-dragon, Garnet thought he might need to take a trip, too; stretch out the wings, go in search of his kin and another old acquaintance. There was some degree of gratification to be found in the search. A purpose, however fleeting. Masters knew the odd hybrid needed something to keep its paws busy, lest it fall to neurotic prey-animal ways and become little more than a Lesser with some magic usage. At least Desert and it would be seeking familiar faces.

Before they seemed to go off in their separate ways, Desert moved through hoops of consciousness - oh, he clearly needed to get out more, use that brain of his. Keep the body sharp, and the mind sharper. It was integral to survival. Reflexes and instinct could only get a Gembound so far. At least he was buckling up and sucking it up. That was good. In regards to the Quartz and Agate, Garnet scratched with a hind leg. Kicking off a few downy neck-feathers from its claws, the champion shrugged, "I'm not sure of the fates of either quartzes or agates. I would presume that all of us survive - aside from that one in the beginning. The loud one."

If that one hadn't died so soon into the run, it most certainly would have been snatched from the sky by the Eyehooks.

"They - and other champions - may be waiting at the entrance, still." It was obvious to each of the champions that they were not meant to be awakened so soon. It was strange.

So strange. For what purpose? To what end?

Wings moving, somewhat mimicking Desert, Garnet stood. No point in making further, useless conversation. They could discuss a further course of action once they were together - however many they ended up being.

@Desert Rose Thirty-Five

DESERT ROSE THIRTY-FIVE
how quickly the hawk becomes a dove
when faced with the barrel of a gun

The loud one. Desert had to rake through his memories- there was a younger one, a flying creature that flew that he remembered- an unwise voice of caution. Ah, but it was one of the few to die in the beginning, yes? Was it the only death of the trial? All of the champions had survived, as far as he remembered-

But, he could organize his thoughts in his travels. For now, he had bigger things to worry about, particularly the whereabouts of the rest of them. Flexing his claws, he let his wings fold loosely as he turned his body. "I see," he offered to both answers, his back curling in a second minute stretch.

No use in dragging this out. Desert took one last look over Garnet, committing their vision to memory before taking a step towards Canis. "I suppose you'll find out soon. I'll gather up the others, send them to the Orion forum." His tail flickered in thought, ears swiveling back. "If you need me, leave a message there."

In truth, he'd rather direct everyone to this abode, but he didn't want to hear complaints of heat and travels. The tunnel just wasn't big enough- not yet- to house even a few champions. Besides, he may end up gathering up a few like-minded youngsters with them, too. Might as well start them off right. Who knew what the general consensus was that was imprinted on them. And, besides, would it really be a lie if he told them their purpose was to join them? Even an uneasy life with purpose was better than walking aimlessly in these caves.

Not waiting around for a response, all he could muster was a simple "good luck" before he rocked back on his haunches, wiggling like a cat preparing to pounce. In the next few moments, he sprung to life, bounding forward on unused muscles and leaping into the air, heavy wingbeats carrying him up to a comfortable elevation in the cramped tunnel.

Time would tell what would come of this plan.

@Garnet Five-Seven-Nine
exit Desert Rose

Garnet wondered idly if there had been another death in the Trial. Was it mis-remembering the loud one? Hadn't there been one before it - oh. That limbless little creature. That was the one that never returned from the sands. The champion rolled its shoulder in a shrug; no point in correcting itself - the snake hadn't been memorable enough for either of those present.

The forum in Orion seemed well-enough a meeting place. Central, easily accessible. It nodded, wings stretching to their full length - about five feet across. "Alright," it chirped simply, and watched Desert go with a quick, "you too." Then, the garnet turned and continued to cut through the tunnel's wild winds.

Luck was just about all they had, sometimes.

;exit garnet