Quest: The Beast's Best Friend

Several weeks had passed since the beast had sent the Gembounds out in search of the remaining pieces of armor. It had taken a long time for them to find the armor, but finally, the last piece was brought to him by a red panda. A pair of gauntlets. Now, all five pieces lay before the beast who had emerged from his dark crevice to revel in the treasures that the Gembounds had found. Clutched in his hands was the serendebite, trembling, as if the beast couldn't decide what next he wanted to do. He knew what he wanted to do. What he had to do. But there were consequences... and risks.

With his back against the wall and the armor settled before him, he sat, waiting and thinking, almost too afraid to carry through with his plan. But he had to. He could not be whole again until he did.

Join This Quest

NOTE: Since the final two threads were never completed, it is assumed that the characters found and brought the armor pieces to the beast.

If you would like to participate in this quest, post with your character in this thread. Completing this quest will require some teamwork, so don't be afraid to roleplay it out! Feel free to request a GM when you feel you may be ready to proceed.

Participants:
Part One: Rohan (x), Makyna, Tamelyn, Saudade, Arkrael, Aza'zel, Adira, Dark (Read Thread)
Finding Serendebite: Aza'zel, Icarus, Amaria, Makyna (Read Thread)
Returning Serendebite: Aza'zel, Bevy, Makyna (Read Thread)
Finding Pauldrons: Clover, Aza'zel (Read Thread)
Finding Boots: Tamelyn, Arkrael (Read Thread)
Finding Gauntlets: Fallah, Sadie, Fisher (Read Thread)
Returning Boots: Tamelyn, Arkrael (Read Thread)

weeping shades of indigo

shed without reason

i'd started to take a liking to exploring, expanding the mind and broadening the horizons. but just because i wanted to be an adventurer did not mean i wasn't still cautious all the same. small limbs advanced minuscule frame at a rather glacial pace, wide jaded lenses observed the walls and the ceilings. black backed ears were attentive as ever, careful to make little to no sound whatsoever. occasionally, i'd take a look back behind me, just to make sure i wasn't being stalked. soon, something monstrous sat in the distance, observing the shiny things that resembled what cancer had strapped to his back. i ceased, watching it intently from my far perch. i wanted them, i wanted to put them on and waltz around like cancer. but i shouldn't just take them, did they belong to that..thing? i wasn't for sure, but i don't think cancer would take too kindly to me stealing. instead, i veered toward the wall, pressing my body against it as much as possible. the transition from mid-tunnel to the wall was rather fluid, silent in my endeavor. mushing against it, i sat to watch from the distance.

while sitting, i crouched low to the rocky flooring. however in this position, i was still ready to dart if i needed to. tassel curled about the seated hind limbs, as my eyes kept upon the target ahead. i made no sounds, only listening and watching as i observed the beastly creature as well as his treasures. i couldn't possibly manage to sneak off with one, even if i were to tell cancer i didn't steal them. but what had he said to me? always be honest? well...that knocks out that option then. could i ask it nicely? maybe if i asked it, it would hand me something to wear. maybe even just borrow, to show cancer i can be like him too. for now, i would wait, mull over my options.

"spoken words."

@tag
xxx.
muse= 10/10
FIRST QUEST HUZZAH.

MADE BY VEL OF GS + ADOX 2.0

The lioness walked through the tunnels, away from Pisces. The trial played over and over again in her mind. Had she been right? Was convicting Cancer the right thing to do? Ever since she'd seen things from his perspective she knew it wasn't all black and white. In the trial she gave her reasoning for wanting to have him banished and she stuck by that decision, he was wrong for having wanting to attack Leon after the fight. It was difficult for him to see, yes, but when Leon hadn't gotten back up and hadn't retaliated shouldn't that have said something to him? The lioness shook her head. Such tough thoughts and all in all, the leopard was still an attempted murderer. There wasn't anger like before because she knew that fear Cancer had but there was a coldness... a coldness she couldn't let go of... Because she couldn't forget nor forgive what he had done.

Now she wandered through the tunnels, pondering on her new thoughts and coming to terms with the fact that she would never be able to forgive him. It went against her grin, she always liked to forgive others... but not this time. She couldn't. Couldn't... Her ears pricked as a sound reached them. Something faint, hardly registered. The lioness trotted forward, trying to leave her thoughts behind as she went to the sound. What she saw had her giving a faint smile. It was a little lion but... what was he stalking? She looked in the direction that he was facing and saw-- BEAST!

The lioness let out a chuff of greeting. It seemed he had found his armor and he had the dark stone as well. Was this youngster afraid of him? There was no need to be. Makyna approached him and gave a reassuring grin. "There's no need to be afraid of Beast, young one. Come, I will show you." With a flick of her tail to indicate that the cub should follow she padded forward and approached the dark creature. "Hello, Beast, I'm glad you found your armor." He seemed to be looking over everything. Was something else wrong? "Are you missing anything else? I'd be happy to help you look."

---

words: 370
tagged: Quest
ooc: ---
muse: 5/10

"Talking looks like this!"
"Thinking is this!"

Tunnel J was one of Usui’s favourite haunts. He loved the ancient words scrawled onto the walls, and the dusty metal bits which lay in disarray across the ground. This place filled him with a sense of awe and fulfilment which he could not quite describe. It was unlike Polaris which teemed with energy. Tunnel J seemed to fill his inner spirit, his unseen being. Thus, the lone traveller was once more deciding to return to this place which was full of his escapades and memories. That wasn’t all though. He’d heard news of the beast although he never did go in search of the armour, for rumours had it that many were busy at work. Thus, he had decided to focus his energy on searching instead for “the creature” as Nemean put it, who might be aware of the crazy rain befalling Cetus as well as the dry spell in Canis. Pale, green eyes held unwavering determination as the lion stalked deeper into Tunnel, and soon came across a curious sight – Makyna, Niru the young ‘un which he’d just met not too long ago, a couple of armour and the strangest, black creature which he’d ever seen, not resembling any of the other gembounds he knew.

Makyna motioned to Niru that it was alright for them to proceed. Taking her cue, he moved forward and gently brushed his tail against her side, a new greeting he’d formulated since he’d turn into a teenager. Usui would flash her an understanding look for all the pain she’d went through for the trial, then cast his eyes upon the creature who cradled a black stone in his hands, as black as his jade gem but of a different quality. This mineral was…rare. Rarer perhaps, then his own rare black jade. "Hello, Beast. Do you need more assistance?” he added on to Makyna’s voice and waited to hear what he had to say.

take me home where the restless go

reckless 'til the day i rest my bones

αριστερά . κέντρο . δεξιά

Kerberos had found Usui's scent once more. The puppy had been exploring more and more of the tunnels out of Orion-- Canis only had the one exit to Orion, but he didn't want to go too far-- and had found a mix of curious smells. Lots of... lions. Probably not eatable, probably lots of teeth... But he could listen. And he could learn. Perhaps he would have something important to say.

Slinking along the strange, marked walls of the unfamiliar tunnels, the massive white dog made his way. Almost silently, for once. His sharp eyes made out the gleam of a feline with metal, strange bits hanging off him. His tail broke out into a wild wag, becoming a brilliant orange blur.

"Usui!" The canine barked, sharply, for the first time seeing the strange, large black beast among the lions. What was this? Was it dangerous? Was it... Like the other Kerberos-- the Batcat? It was certainly a shadow creature of some sort. Concerned and confused, the young gembound crept forward, easily the size of the adult lions there, but lumbering and stumbling like the puppy he still so very much was.

"What is this?" He asked, eyes bright and locked on the strange, large Beast.

Having taken quite a liking to the white boy – was it her special feelings? the youth followed quickly after the walking fur rug’s scent. She was naïve and unashamed in her exploits. Bashful was not a word one could use with a little fennec fox who would never grow past that miniscule height. She had filled in quite nicely now with a little plump body, a plush tail and more fur along her paws, but everything else was the same. Kerberos had this nice scent of food clinging to his pelt probably due to the ginormous amount that he ate and Quix almost felt it was her goal to keep him well-fed, though she didn’t hold such power in her paws. Today she scurried along, sensitive nose and ears picking up the three-headed dog’s footsteps. ”Usui!” his bark sounded. Oh? Quix tilted her head and scampered nearer towards the sound. She recognized that lion from long ago and it seemed a nice place to be if she had friends. Besides…she hadn’t quite gotten to thanking Usui for saving her life.

Skittering on, the girl dashed towards Kerberos and leaned in to nuzzle his sturdy leg with her cheek. It was comfortable. He had grown so big that she had to tilt her head up just to gaze at him. "Hi Kerberos,” she greeted him, light tones tinkling with a peal of sunshine. She grinned at him, then turned to look at the cave. A weird, black, spindly creature with several armour was there. "Uh,” she ventured, and inched forward a little, ears alternating between fear and curiousity, flapping up and down like an automated machines, "Who are you?” she asked, bright-eyed and ready to rumble.

Tamelyn Thunderhoof And I will fear no darkness

It had been some time since she and Arkrael had found the boots that had belonged to the Beast's friend. She hadn't heard or seen anything of him since, assuming that he was still searching for the rest. But as her wanderings took her through the tunnel of carvings, she became aware of the faint burr of conversation up ahead. Curious, she trotted on, wondering what was going on over there.

She was greatly surprised to see the Beast's dark shape lying against the cavern wall, surrounded by Gembounds, some familiar, some not. He seemed so still that at first Tamelyn was worried that he was hurt, or sick. But his eyes were open, though distant and unfocused. At this feet were the other armor pieces. "You found them all," she said, stepping forward. He seemed even more melancholy that before, and Tamelyn wondered why. Didn't he have everything he needed to bring his friend back? "O-or, is there still something missing?" Did they need to go searching again?

"Listen to me."

table by lisa, image and modifications by FennecFyre

weeping shades of indigo

shed without reason

As I looked on in horror and curiosity, the sweet voice if a rather motherly figure caressed my ears, reassuring me that the beast was nothing to fear, despite his looks. I followed her, as she instructed, keeping a short step behind her hind legs. I peered from behind her as she spoke to the creature as though he was her friend. Soon, many many more began to show up, and I crawled my way underneath the lioness, creeping to her forepaws where I observed the armor close up, and the massive creature which surveyed them. Everyone asked the beast if he needed more help. They all spoke to him as if he was their friend. Was he just being devious? In the end, would he eat us all?



Involuntary trembles riddled the fresh sinew within this small frame of mine, as I silently remained where I was. I wasn't about to speak out of turn or expose myself. The amount of creatures that approached were all of different forms, and I could not name any of them - besides lions. Oh, was that usui? I'd met him before. Then the presence of a...three headed thing?! What on earth. I hunkered down even more beneath the lioness, hoping it would not notice me.

"spoken words."

@tag
xxx.
muse= 10/10
Sorry ky if I powerplayed D8

MADE BY VEL OF GS + ADOX 2.0

Indecisiveness and apprehension had left him quaking before his lost relics, gently cradling the serendebite, glancing down at it and then back at the dull armor. A faint reflection glimmered on its rusted surface, a massive, shadowed creature staring back at him. Him. The Beast. Wide green eyes stared, momentarily lost in the pieces of armor. It had been so long. Would it be the same? Would they be the same? They would be back... but in bringing them back, they would renew the chance to be separated once again. Could the Beast stand to lose them a second time?

Eventually, he found that he was not alone. The shuffling of paws betrayed the approach of another Gembound, a young one. The peridot in his chest glowed and dimmed again as vivid, empty green eyes sought out the source of the noise. They were just out of sight, but it only took a couple more seconds for somebody else to arrive, possibly following the first - no, he listened to her words, gentle. A familiar lioness soon stepped into few with the cub scampering between her paws, hiding in the safety of her shadow. The beast's jaws parted, curiously ajar as he scanned the child and then looked to the lioness. His gaze drifted away to acknowledge a third creature, another lion as he too approached and asked if the Beast had everything he needed. Yes. Yes. Everything was in place now.

Soon a few more Gembounds appeared, including a three-headed dog - curious - and a tiny fox. Finally, another familiar face, the white dappled deer that had helped to find the pair of boots sitting in front of him. Their voices had each pushed forward, probing for answers, for information, but the Beast supposed if he was going to do anything he may as well do it now. These Gembounds had helped him more than they'd realized. The Beast said nothing - his gaze passed over the group, and his jaws widened into a crooked, wayward smile, flashing those long black teeth that seemingly merged with the rest of his inky black entirety. The stone, once folded and held so tightly against his chest, was slowly extended outward towards the armor-

In the blink of an eye and the sound of a loud TING, an arrow whizzed past, knocking the stone from his hands and onto the floor.

(Please allow Game Master CJ to post next!)

The sensation was overwhelming. An eerie tingle gripped at her core as the creature ran, and with a body built for stamina and overcoming obstacles, the caves were no match for her. They never had been. She was roughly the shape of a centaur, though was no horse or man. She had four legs and a thin body. At the end of her legs were curious feet, five skinny, webbed toes that could hold a grip anywhere. Her torso was bony, structured oddly with two nimble arms outstretched beside her. While her four powerful legs carried her like the wind, her hands held a weapon. A wooden bow clenched in one hand, and an arrow in the other. The effort of her pace would look tiring to those not trained as she was. She had run distances that no other could best, and as she reared into Orion, her fists clenched. This was the homestretch.

She could smell him. She could smell others all over the caves, but she could smell him. He had been born of ill-intention and he reeked of it. She rounded the corner into the tunnel, sliding only slightly and kicking up dust before getting a good grip and galloping on. The quiver resting on her back bounced every so lightly, strapped tightly to her chest. He was so close she could taste him, and it made her stomach churn. Without pause or warning, she readied her weapon and took a great leap onto the wall before firing quickly at her target - the stone. He had been this close! How did he find the pieces! If she had been a second later, all would have been lost!

Dropping from the wall behind the Gembounds, she gave a great huff. "You dare!" she growled, disgusted by the Beast, the creatures before her, and... the air. Her nose wrinkled now that she had stopped running. She'd almost forgotten how she hated the dampness in the air. Her skin was a flushed peachy color, translucent enough to show the blurry shapes and colors of her organs. Her large lungs grew and shrunk as she took deep breaths, clutching her bow with a firm grip while reaching behind to grab another arrow. The tip was a jagged, glistening peridot. The one she had fired, if any could see it, was brilliant citrine. She docked the arrow and lifted her bow, aimed straight at Beast.

"You would risk destruction?" she demanded, pulling the arrow back. "You would bring doom back into the caves?" she continued, stepping forward, closer to the Gembounds. "You are a fool!" Creatures, back away!" The order wasn't a suggestion, though she didn't release her gaze. She held a firm glare on Beast, lest he try something tricky. Nor was the order meant to be taken as if she would save them. She only wanted a clear area between her and her foe. "A dangerous Beast you are," came the snarl as she contemplated letting loose another arrow, taking another step forward. She motioned to the armor on the floor with her bow, "How ever did you find the pieces?"

Maybe they had been scattered and hidden for a reason. But whatever it was, that didn't matter now.

(Please allow Game Master Madison to post next!)