[Open] Send Shivers Down Your Spine

[tantailizing]

🧙 WHO: Zidane Tribal and You!
⚔️️ WHAT: Catch-all for October feat. Fighting, Quests, and Stealing... not in that order
🕒 WHEN: Throughout October until the next Event
🗺️ WHERE: New Camelot, Ruins of Celliwig, Forest of the Fallen
⚠️ WARNINGS: Violence in fighting, and blood might pop up. Other than that, not going into gory details I don't think.

I. Don't Lose Your Way Head

He knew some people came back to the Ruins that were once Celliwig, and he did too. While mainly to check up on them, make sure they had their own food or supplies if they intended on staying, he would then stay around to help recover bodies or build grave markers before heading back to New Camelot.

However, subsequent visits were... tense to put it mildly.

It's not the first time people had been scattered by the sound of hooves pounding against the dirt, the disembodied laughing, and blocking the Headless Horseman's swing as he attempted to behead one of the many visitors to Celliwig. Zidane's daggers hold and he managed to redirect the swing - at which, the horse reared and carried its rider away, but they'll be circling around. He never left after one clash.

Zidane took that moment to look back.

"Go! Hide!"

II. Bunker Down

From fixing fences to building up bunk beds, he's becoming a pretty efficient at building things. It was always just whatever set they needed before and then those small repairs around the hideout, but hey, he didn't mind this. It's a repetitive task maybe, but it's keeping him busy and they were going to be used. Really, he was happy to be able to help out.

"Alright..." He wiped he forehead with a wide grin. "This one's all ready! Let's get to the next one!"

III. A Quest from Locksley (mingled with Suns Out, Guns Out)

It made sense why the landlord had been tight-lipped about whatever occurred at his house now. Originally, Zidane had dealt with the gang that came to his new home saying he had to pay some 'protection fee'. Well, he said that hadn't been in the contract, had a fight break out, and left them in the dumpster where they belonged. After what happened in Celliwig and Lestari, he'd let refugees move into his home, completely forgetting about the gang before.

Imagine his surprise to see those two-bit wannabe thugs bothering the family he was housing - and then hearing how they did that to the whole neighborhood.

He's not exactly sure about this new gang forming, but at least they wanted to help the refugees. And hell, if it meant killing two birds with one stone - IE, dealing with that cheapass aristocrat that set up this gang for a little illegal tinder on the side, fine with him. Donning a new black cloak and mask, Zidane was gonna see this aristocrat and all his friends deciding to withhold aid were gonna pay their own dues.

[OOC: Open also to people who might be deciding to hustle refugees for protection fees because Zidane's not having that. And people who are Robin Hoods or trying to stop said Robin Hood types, let's go!]

IV. Forest of the Fachan

The once Forest of the Felled was pretty much just as they'd left it after the encounter with the Stone Giant: too quiet save for the small fauna and wind. And seeing the Giant sit in slumber again just reminded him how they failed, but he digressed. They weren't here about that; they were here about removing wards that were now rendered pretty much useless.

All was going pretty well until the sun started to go down... and then things began to change. He felt the fur on his tail and hair on his neck rise, and eventually had to stop with his group.

Wait, group? But there'd been so many people moment's ago. How'd they get separated?

But he brought a hand to his dagger and prepared himself, the rotted stench of decay and death reaching his nose faster than whatever had started talking minutes before.

... The hell was that thing approaching them!?

V. Wildcard

[OOC: Interested in an unlisted prompt or we planned something else entirely? Then wildcard is for you! And if you would like to plot something else, come message me at demidemonLove]

Comments

I

[luciing]

More than one set of hooves pound upon the broken pavement of Celliwig, and the horse and master responsible for it storms right past Zidane, his warning drowned out by the subsequent swing and clang of steel, dark cloak billowing behind him. It's Somnus who rides against the Horseman, clashing viscously against the feral fae. Combat on horse is always more complicated, but he manages to deflect yet another blow aimed for a volunteer.

As the Horseman regains their bearings from across the once-plaza, Somnus circles back around to Zidane, pulling at the reins to bring his horse to a stop. "To where are you directing the volunteers?"

It seems he's here to assist, or at least stave off the opponent as the others work.

[tantailizing]

Zidane's surprised to see help coming in this soon, but he appreciates the snappy response. Though, maybe who it is doesn't surprise him too much. Was that part of being 'blood related'? He kind of wonders, but wasn't even sure if he's right let. Keeping his daggers at the ready, the other saved volunteer runs passed him.

Looking up, he nods. "They already know where to go. Thing is, I can't tell you right now, and we can't let this guy try following."

There was only one place still standing that could well protect the volunteers. If the Headless Horseman got past them... it could become a massacre. That's the last thing they needed right now.

[luciing]

When he's done speaking, Somnus tears his gaze from the other to watch the Horseman. The conclusion of what must be done is obvious.

"Then, we dispose of this creature."

With the volunteer now exiting the street, it leaves a relatively clear field for more unrestrained combat. Somnus' greatsword remains at his side, and with his other hand, he directs his horse to point towards the Horseman, who seems ready to engage in another joust.

[tantailizing]

"Watch it with this guy. If we could get rid of him, we would've..."

The problem with this guy was he kept managing to live. Even if the horse ran off with him, even if he just faded into nothing, his return was kind of inevitable... and annoying. But any creature probably missing its head gave a good indication to its frustrating resilience.

"We gotta drive him off before any of his friends decide to creep in."

Or, if they could figure out what they actually wanted, maybe he'd finally leave them alone. If only he'd stop lobbing off heads long enough... or could speak.

II

[angelolatry]

I'm sure if I tried to help making something like that I'd probably only end up hurting myself somehow. But this is wonderful that everyone is pitching in to help!

[She could probably at least help in passing things. Maybe. But even then given how clumsy she is she would probably still drop things somehow or other. Zidane and most others here are generally aware of that, given her track record and there being Colette shaped holes in walls occasionally.]

Is there anything you need help with?

[tantailizing]

Hey, I'm sure you could try setting up a lower bunk. But yeah, it's nice to see everyone helping out.

[Cause with those last few post on the network from people who wanted to criticize how things were run... and then not do anything. They were pretty irritating.]

Hmmm, I could use some sandpaper for the edges here. Think you could grab me some?

[angelolatry]

Everyone working together on something mean so much more will get done! It's wonderful!

[Even if she herself is less confident in her crafting expertise. But it is nice that Zidane has more faith in her. Colette gives him the sandpaper, finding it easily enough in reaching for it to hand it over to him, after a moment of glancing around for it. Small things like that, she could do. Even if it might not feel like much. It helps in giving her something to do at least. Something to feel a little useful in all of this.]

[tantailizing]

Yeah!

[And with sandpaper in hand, he begins to smooth out the rough edges. It'll keep people from getting splinters and round corners so if any kids are sleeping on the bed, they're not gonna hurt themselves on sharp edges. Though, on that thought...]

You wanna try painting? I think we're allowed to do that with some of the frames.

ii

[flamekthunder]

[How did he get roped into this again—]

How many do you plan on making?

[tantailizing]

[Because friendship...!]

As many as they need before they get everything up and running! But they asked if I could put together either twenty or twenty-five...? Something around that.

[flamekthunder]

[Sounds like torture.

Also what the hell—]

...That's quite the number. [But, yeah, okay, makes sense with the amount of refugees.

He blows out a small breath as he stares at the wood before them.]

All right, let's continue. Same as before?

[tantailizing]

It is, but there's a lot of people that need them.

[Checking over everything they have, he nods.]

Yup! Ready to do this?

[Because they could take a break, but Zidane felt like they should get through a few more.]

i

[fullgauntlet]

[The destruction of Celliwig and Lestari weigh pretty heavily on Izuku. They had done their best but even with that it just wasn't successful. And that left Izuku feeling a certain sort of failure. He is sure that many people are feeling the same way. Like they failed. Izuku takes it as hard as everyone else.

The only thing they can do is work for a better future from here on out. That is why Izuku is also in what's left of Celliwig trying to do his best to help in the area. The spots of dark magic and dark fae have been tricky to deal with.

When there is a shadow on the broken stone wall and the disembodied laugh echoes through Izuku looks up and braces. The clang of metal and Izuku barely misses getting his own head cut off.]

Tch-!

[He has to rush to the side, hand plastering against the wall to break an opening in it only small enough for them to escape to the other side of the road. And he's not leaving a friend behind!]

Zidane-san! This way! We need to make some distance first!

[tantailizing]

[Geez, Izuku needed to keep his head in the game... no pun really intended, but it's there. Watching the Horseman, tail waving in irritation, Zidane glances back over his shoulder when he hears the wall crumbling - kind of. Looks like Izuku used alchemy to make that opening.]

... Right.

[They needed the distance, and they needed to get the alert out to the other volunteers before they got hit instead. He waits for Izuku to go first before following, his daggers still out if the Horseman caught up.]

[fullgauntlet]

[He's trying his best to keep his head on under all the pressure! But he is used to this sort of thing. As a hero in training this sort of danger kind of comes with the territory. The best course of action is to take stock of their surroundings and make priorities.

Izuku ducks through the rock and they can shuffle down towards the other side of the path through the broken-up building. Here they can take a breath as the shadowy figure starts to stalk about.]

Are you alright? We've have to take priority in getting the volunteers out to safety. Then we can try to deal with... the ghost.

[Is it really a ghost...? How does one deal with a ghost...]

[tantailizing]

[... Was it the best course of action?]

[Crouched with Izuku and watching the figure stalk about, his tail is low and swaying in a way that could almost say pounce. He's already prepared for round two - er, for today anyway.]

Yeah, I'm good. If you wanna get the volunteers anywhere, it'll be the Falls. The caverns are still good underneath them.

[He just needs the right moment to dart out...]

Anyway, this guy's not a ghost, but he likes vanishing like he is.

II Bunker down

[wherethewindtakesme]

[With the need for everyone to pitch in more, Gaius is more committed to concerning himself with this kingdom and not worrying so much about the home he's currently separated from.

Building bunkbeds is something he's never done before but he had practice building a fence so he's getting some skill in woodworking. And he's working with someone he met in passing before.]

That sounds like a good idea. Do you think they'll let us add anything to the design at all?

Not anything over the top. Just something to put people more at ease?

[tantailizing]

[Looking over at Gaius, he nods, smiling.]

I'm sure you could get away with it. Hey, why not ask a few of the kids what they'd like to see? They probably have lots of good carving ideas.

[Also, it'd be fun to give some of these bunks their own little flare. Even if someone said no, they could hide something on a post or at the headboard that a pillow would cover up.]

[wherethewindtakesme]

I wasn't even going to as far as carving. I paint so I could add a few little designs to the children's beds. I'd just need to go get my set so we could get started.

At least that way we could hide the designs easier.

IV

[whirlwindthrust]

[ Failure really isn't something that works well with Adepti. Then there's the fact that Xiao is a Yaksha on top of it. His duty is to protect and while that contract doesn't extend to this world... Xiao still feels it deeply. That a disaster of this magnitude could occur?

He longs for his Vision to be active and to be able to tap into his usual energies.

But then it's Xiao that's pulling out his spear. ]

It would appear that we aren't alone.

[tantailizing]

Yeah, I noticed.

[With that stench, it'd be hard not to.]

[Searching, he finally draws his daggers when the shadow with one leg finally becomes visible, hopping towards them. One arm, one eyes, and a barbed flail... Oh, it was a monster. Okay, they should've expected that.]

[whirlwindthrust]

Why is it that I always seem to find you amidst chaos.

[ Xiao has the spear at the ready. The flail could cause some problems. However - ]

Can you make shields?

IV

[letmewin]

( Zidane isn't the only one to notice the lack of people. It feels like it was only seconds ago that Asriel was talking to someone else who was right beside him. And now...? It was only himself and Zidane.

His own fur bristles when he hears something approaching, Asriel's familiar making rather nervous sounds in response. He himself has no weapon to speak of, but he's done well enough with his elemental magic here that he has no need of one.

He's feeling uneasy now -- fear making his heart race. )

Z... Zidane -- maybe we should find a place to hide.

[tantailizing]

[Asriel... heh, now this really did feel familiar. Zidane takes both daggers out as the silhouette appears. Beside him, Moguo's eyes gleam - the little furball is good at going 0 to 100.]

[Hop, hop, one leg bounding and pounding as the thing draws closer, the rotted stench coming with it.]

Hiding's not gonna help, but stay behind me, Asriel. You got magic covered, right?

[Oh, this guy's got one big eye...]

[letmewin]

( Asriel can't help but make a face at the smell, a hand moving to cover his nose. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't scared right now, really. )

... Y-Yeah. Let's be careful.

I'll do my best to protect you.