[Open] February Catch-All

[feralhumanity]

🧙 WHO: Nanaki (Red XIII) and YOU!
⚔️️ WHAT: Arriving, getting settled, quests
🕒 WHEN: All throughout February
🗺️ WHERE: Around here and there
⚠️ WARNINGS: None atm, will update accordingly!

Arrival - Caravans
[[At first glance, it might seem as though the strange, lion-like beast is a familiar of some sort. And that would be a fair assessment to make given his animalistic appearance, but for any who are sharing a cart with the beast they’ll see that he, too, has been given the same starting items as everyone else. What's more, he even seems to understand what a phone is! However, he seems to be having a little trouble with the smartphone itself. He prods at the device with his paws, ears flicking in annoyance as he tries to get the little device working with little success. Perched on a railing nearby is a gold-feathered phoenix, who is watching with rapt attention.]

[Eventually, Nanaki sighs, looking at the nearest person with an annoyed look on his face.]

Could I bother you to get some help with this? I’m having a little trouble.

The Red Spring - Training
[If Nanaki is grateful for one thing upon arriving here, it's the promise of a dedicated training ground. Learning how to use the magic of this strange world will definitely be an asset, so Nanaki wastes little time going to check out the training grounds. He's used to magic cast with materia, but Nanaki knows that to thrive in a new environment you have to be adaptable.]

[His phoenix familiar flutters nearby, perched on a nearby perch and watches as Nanaki focuses on following the instructions of the trainers and putting his magic into practice. He’s managed to create a couple small sparks of flame, but they are quick to flicker out. After some practice he huffs, sitting down with a swish of his tail.]

This is a lot harder than it looks…

Camelot - Exploring the City
[Once he's gotten himself settled, Nanaki takes some time to explore the city proper, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of a new area. A few people look at him strangely, but he seems unbothered by the odd looks; or, at the very least, has made the decision to ignore them for the most part.]

[Still, just because he has made the decision to ignore people's stares doesn't mean others are willing to ignore him. Several times if he approaches a business or pauses to glance around a shop, he'll often be stopped and asked about his bonded partner. It gets to the point where, most of the time, Nanaki's answer is the same deadpan statement.]

I'm afraid you're mistaken. I'm not someone's familiar, I'm a customer. And I need assistance.

Quest - The Libryinth
[Strange how a task such as sneaking into a library after hours can be considered a quest, but Nanaki can't help but be curious as to what he might find. And prowling quietly as he hunts for secrets is a skill he is very adept at, the very notion making his tail twitch in anticipation. A game like this could be fun, and a good test of his skills.]

[Nanaki is able to put his feline grace to use as he quietly prowls the bookshelves, hopping up on top of the shelves with ease. But for how simple he finds it, he can't say it'll be the same for his two-legged partner for the evening. He turns back to who he's with, his lone eye glinting in the dark.]

This will no doubt be difficult. Think you're up to the task?

Wildcard
[Got something you'd like to thread out with Red XIII? Feel free to DM me with an idea or come up with something on the fly!]

Comments

Exploring the city

[theskyaccepts]

[Tsuna likes to think he has a decent threshold for weird. Certainly, that bar was raised rapidly the instant that Reborn came into his life and has really only managed to continue doing that, but Tsuna likes to think he's been able to adjust, more or less. He handled a baby becoming his tutor, he handled being sent ten years into the future, he's handling being in a completely different world with magical powers, (he's resisting handling being a mafia boss). Life likes throwing curve balls at Tsunayoshi Sawada, but Tsuna likes to think he's getting better at dodging them.

He helps out at this particular shop a few times a week. It's nothing glamorous, mostly just stocking the shelves for a bit of extra money. The kind of job he probably would have gotten back home had Reborn not come calling.]

And what can I help you with?

[He asks in a friendly tone, turning to the customer, and freezing. Almost as if his brain cannot quite comprehend what he is seeing right now. And so he's stuck with a friendly smile on his face.

Tsuna.exe has stopped working.]

[feralhumanity]

[Nanaki tilts his head at the way Tsuna stares at him, but he decides to pay it no heed. He's used to the stares, and well, at least this one is polite to him rather than dismissive.]

I was wondering if you had any meat-based food products that's a little more... on the fresh side. Preferably with the bone in them.

[He can hunt, but it's good to have some food stored away just in case.]

training

[souris_keteer]

[ Nanaki's not the only one struggling to use their magic. Mickey, coming from a world without it, is still stumped. He glances over, slightly surprised to see an animal talking - the irony's not lost on him, after a moment's thought - he begins to walk over, hoping to lend a friendly ear. ]

I know whatcha' mean, pal. I feel like everyone else is gettin' the hang of this stuff a lot faster than I am.

[feralhumanity]

[Nanaki looks up at the newcomer, one ear flicking briefly, and-- oh. Well, this is definitely something new. He's used to talking with humans, but it's not everyday he sees another talking animal. Huh... Kinda reminds him of Cait Sith in a way. He's momentarily surprised as well, but he's able to brush it off quickly.]

Magic is not a new concept to me, but usually it comes with the assistance of materia; a substance from my world. [And boy, isn't the idea of other worlds something to get used to.] Without it, it's... a lot harder than I remember.

quest: the libryrinth

[fullgauntlet]

[On the other hand Izuku thought going to the library would be a key component in learning about this place. Pick up a few books, do a little studying? What could go wrong? Of course- that means getting roped into his first quest ever.

When Nanaki turns to address him he practically jumps on the spot.]

Eh??! ... Yeah- I think I'll be fine.

[He thinks. Honestly, he's never been the most stealthy person in the world. Maybe he can use this as an opportunity to train for that.]

[feralhumanity]

[Red hums a bit, tilting his head at Izuku. He was surprised to see a familiar face when he arrived to do this quest, but he's not sure about how prepared for it the kid is. Especially with how he reacted at the inn... but maybe he'll prove to be capable here.]

If you want, I can go first. I can see better in the dark than most humans.

[mithrarin]

[Dust watches the brief demonstration without much expression, which is very easy to accomplish when one refuses to embrace the concept of 'eye contact'. Hmm. This one might be tricky.]

This might be a stupid question, but are there any weapons or tools you're used to using?

[feralhumanity]

[Red looks up at the newcomer and-- oh, now that's a new one. It's not often that Nanaki himself is surprised by someone's appearance. But he does his best to not be too taken aback by it and instead nods his head.]

Where I am from, magic is used with the assistance of items called materia. I've channelled magic through materia before, but never without.

Arrival

[wherethewindtakesme]

Oh, sure...

[He does trail off when he realizes who the question is coming from. Apparently people from different worlds could be quite different. So he sits down to be more eye level.]

I just learned how to use something like this myself.

[feralhumanity]

[Fortunately, Nanaki is used to these kinds of reactions. He knows he's a strange one among humans.]

Thank you. I'm familiar with how to use a phone, but they are difficult to use without fingers or thumbs.

Exploring

[whirlwindthrust]

[ Xiao has been watching for a little while now. It is a bit insulting even from where he is standing. To assume anything about anyone arriving here just seems naïve to him. Or ignorant. Surely not everyone that falls into that lake is human or has a human form. ]

How disrespectful judging one's status purely based on their form.

[ His harsh tongue and tone definitely makes the shopkeeper cringe and bow their head. ]

[feralhumanity]

[The new voice makes Nanaki's ear flick, and he looks over at who spoke up. It's a harsh tone, but he can't help but feel a bit of validation for the shopkeeper cringing and looking away.]

It's not anything I'm not used to hearing. Humans only care about appearances, anyway.

caravans

[feisticuffs]

[Jade has been so intent on observing the people around her that when she turns towards the source of the voice, she keeps her gaze at her own eye-level to start— but a glimpse of bright orange fur quickly draws her attention downwards towards the voice's owner. There's a brief moment where her dark eyebrows arch upwards in surprise, but a faint smile soon follows as she drops down onto one knee, arm propped against the other as she leans in to get a better look at the device in front of him.]

I don't know much about them, myself, but I would be happy to help if I can. What's the trouble?

[Is it not having thumbs? She thinks that would be pretty tough.]

[feralhumanity]

[Fortunately, Jade's reaction doesn't draw much of one from Nanaki himself; he knows he's an anomaly, and he's used to people giving him strange looks. He's just grateful to have someone willing to help him out with this darn telephone.]

Any help is appreciated. I'm familiar with how phones work from my own world. [And isn't that a concept, the idea of multiple worlds? Something to ponder on later, though.] It's just the act of using them is hard without fingers or thumbs.

exploring the city!

[fearlessly]

[ HE SAID NO PICKLES!! ]

Honestly, have you never served anyone on four legs?

[ alisaie calls, from just behind him in queue. a short young elezen woman stands with her arms crossed and her shoulders squared, a look on her face so sharp it could cut glass. the clerk begins to stammer, but she just sighs and waves her hand dismissively. it's far past lunch and she is hangry, the faster this clerk gets their shit together, the faster they will both be served.

though her expression was quite severe, it softens when she shoots nanaki a glance. ]

My apologies, you must be frustrated.

[feralhumanity]

[Nanaki can understand the hangriness; he's also quite hungry, and the clerk had been getting on his nerves. But the extra call behind him does cause him to look back at her, his tail swishing.]

Clearly not, by the looks of things.

[But that additional outburst does the trick; Nanaki's order is processed, and he's finally able to step aside to wait for his food. When Allsaie steps up, he shakes his head.]

It's alright. I'm used to two-legged things having a hard time with me. [Though, he does let out a little snort.]

Though, it would be nice to be properly assisted on a regular basis. Just because I look different doesn't make me any less hungry.

Exploring the City

[gundhamster]

[While Gundham was out running errands, he chanced to happen upon Nanaki in passing. Of course, being who he is, everything he was supposed to be doing went out the window as Gundham became fascinated with this new breed of what he supposed was an animal. He followed and watched for a while from a distance, trying to discern just what Nanaki was. Of course, once he hears Nanaki speak, he realizes how rude he'd been and approaches.]

[As he does, he pulls out his wallet and buys whatever item it was Nanaki was looking at, offering it as a peace offering.]

I am afraid I owe you an apology. When I saw you, I let my curiosity get the better of myself. I thought you a simple animal, but I see now I was wrong.

[feralhumanity]

[Nanaki had been dealing with a none-too-understanding shop employee for the last few minutes, and so his patience was running thin when Gundham steps forward. He turns to the strange human and lets out a huff, his flame-tipped tail swishing in annoyance.]

Clearly so. Most humans are all the same, only caring about appearances. Shall I stand on two legs and wear a uniform to be taken seriously?

[Is he a little salty after dealing with the shop employee? A tad.]

dora the city explora;

[omnistriker]

[ A simple shopping trip turns out to be far more adventurous than Tifa was expecting when she spots a familiar fur-covered friend. At first, Tifa can hardly believe it, close to simply dismissing it as someone's companion like many others -certainly that can't be Red XIII here of all places. However, that voice. It's unmistakable. Who could really forget the novelty of hearing a dog speak with all the grizzled wisdom of a middle-aged man?

Her steps draw close as she tries to interfere and placate the shop owner quickly before Red XIII can grow any more impatient. ]

It's all right. He's a friend. I can take care of whatever he needs.

[ She offers a small, reassuring smile, letting Red XIII know it's fine. She's been here longer, and her tournament winnings have left her pockets rather heavy for once. More importantly- ]

...I can't believe it's really you. How did you- when did you get here? I searched New Camelot top to bottom for more survivors.

[ Which had been a dilemma in itself. Those who didn't show up here with her and Aerith -she still doesn't know if they're safe, if they're home, if they're in some kind of stasis, if they drowned. The questions had been slowly eating at her since she woke up here. ]

\o/!

[feralhumanity]

[Nanaki is about to actually flash his fangs in annoyance at the shop owner, but suddenly someone intervenes. He lets out a huff, but any trace of anger dissipates when he realizes the person before him is a familiar face.]

Tifa! I had no idea you were here as well.

[His tail swishes, his expression lightening despite not actually smiling; he doesn't want to just bare his fangs.]

I arrived here just several days ago. Did you arrive at the same time?

Training (Arriving late with Starbucks Meme Inserted Here)

[inemeraldfaith]

[A familiar face is a welcome one, regardless. She might not know him terribly well, but Red is unforgettable.

After taking some time to watch him with his attempts, she watches her drake move to join his phoenix, deciding it's her cue to probably join him in particular. Carefully approaching as to not catch him entirely off guard, she finally clears her throat before she chooses to plop down right beside him.]

Just practise, right?

[She smiles, tilting her head.] A lot of people are experiencing the same difficulty. Just keep at it. You'll get it eventually. There's not really a rush, right?

[Hopefully. Even people sans combative skills have their purpose.]

\o/!!

[feralhumanity]

[Nanaki is briefly distracted by the drake approaching his familiar, and as such he isn't paying attention when a familiar voice speaks up. He actually looks up very sharply, his face falling as his good eye widens.]

A-Aerith..?

[For a few seconds, he gapes at her, all attempts at practicing his magic gone as he stares in disbelief. When he does finally speak, his voice is small and shocked.]

B-But how are you here? Didn't you..?

Camelot (kinda)

[minifilia]

[ Ryne's eyes are quite wide when she spots Red. She doesn't mean to stare, but it's a little hard not to when you see a talking animal. Though, when she really thinks about it, it's not much different from all the kind of fae she's met, but the fae never quite get this large. Is he a fae? Or something else? It seems rude to just ask that, so she's hesitating approaching him.

Her familiar, though, seems much more excited to meet Red than she is. He flies on over, floating around happily like a bug. In his full form, he'd be even bigger than Red, but right now he's the size of a house cat.

With a sigh, Ryne hurries to catch up. ]

Ah I'm so sorry! He's very friendly I promise!

[feralhumanity]

[Oh geez, what is going on. Nanaki, admittedly, wasn't expecting the strange winged.... lion-cat? The strange creature to fly over and float around him. He doesn't jump too high, but he is clearly taken aback by the strange creature.]

What the--?!

[The second voice catches his attention, and he turns to see Ryne approaching.]

What is this? [He's still a little on edge from dealing with the last shopkeeper, and it probably tells in his voice.]

Exploring

[reresurrected]

[It's hard not notice the commotion being raised near the front of the shop, especially given that one of the participants involved is... well, decidedly not human. And that seems to be the source of the problem, from what Baldr catches of the conversation, which is giving him an idea...

A moment later, Red will hear a voice in his mind:]

Please forgive my forwardness. Could I ask you to play along for a moment?

[His eyes are wide as he walks up to the pair, feigning shock.]

Sir! [he addresses the shopkeeper] Please, you must be respectful! This creature is a sacred being from my homeland. To treat him with such disrespect... I cannot stand for it. I must ask that you assist him with whatever he requires.

[Glancing over his shoulder at Nanaki, he flashes him a brief, conspiratorial wink.]

[feralhumanity]

[Nanaki is about to say something else to the shopkeeper, when he pauses at the voice in his mind.]

Wha--?

[He pauses, briefly confused by the words, but then his ears swivel as someone begins talking behind him. He turns to look at the person, and catches the wink. Ah... So that's how it is. He turns to the shopkeeper.]

You heard him.

[The shopkeeper looks befuddled, looking between Nanaki and Baldr.]

I-Is that so? I do not mean to be disrespectful, but we have clearly established rules...