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Post by P h o b i a;|| on Apr 18, 2010 16:21:08 GMT -5
“Sahara…” for a long moment, he was entirely certain that staying in the celestial corner was a perfect idea. The feeling he felt now was something he never wanted to go away. It overwhelmed him. But he knew. He knew that it would not be real, and though he would be happy here with Sahara, with no more pain, that it would not be a real life.
“I want to continue on with the trials. Staying here would be perfect.” He let himself turn to her and gaze at her and her beauty. “I can’t give up on this, on everyone waiting for you and me.” Wolfgang closed his eyes regrettably. “I won’t fail you.”
So, he had both Sahara’s and his own fate in his hands. Instead of the idea making him falter, it seemed to only inspire him more. He wouldn’t let anything bad happen. He couldn’t.
“You’re beautiful, you know that?” He tried to make it sound as nonchalant as possible, he shrugged, “Even with a robotic leg and a scarred eye.” Who knows, it might have been the last time he would see her again. He cleared his throat awkwardly. “Anyways… please. Continue.
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Post by ∴♪WolfurChickϗ on Apr 18, 2010 17:10:50 GMT -5
Sahara smiled when he told her to go on. "I was hoping you would say that." She said enthusiastically. The beautiful remark caught her off guard, and she looked over at him. Her face left a blank look on it. She opened her mouth to say something, but stopped herself and just smiled softly instead.
She closed her eyes and muttered something under her lips. As she completed it, the wind picked up to almost violent speeds. She grabbed a hold of his arm and pulled him in. "Lets kick some ass." She said, just as she stepped into the portal, pulling him in with her.
Sahara felt every muscle pulling and scratching at her, but she didn't let go of Wolfgang. She was the only key for the trials, and the portals. If she lost him, it would be all over. She wasn't exactly sure what would happen... but she figured that he would become stuck in his mind for eternity, and she wasn't going to let that happen.
Finally, the portal spat them out onto a much darker area. 'The first trial.' Sahara tried to speak, finally letting go of Wolfgang's arm. The ground beneath them was rock, and the sky above them continually flashed lightning. 'Kagirinai Arashi...' She suddently realized. 'Each trial is based in a different city, but without the buildings; without the people. Just the landscaping...'
She tried to send the messages as emotion to Wolfgang. Everytime she opened her mouth to speak, she felt like she would begin to sufficate, and she had to close her mouth again. If they were to complete the trials, they had to find another way to work together, to think together.
The lightning was extremly distracting to the eye, as well as pure dangerous. Every few seconds, a lightning bolt would reach the ground and shake the earth. 'This is the trial of strength.' she thought to herself.. One foot infront of the other, she began her steps towards a dark, shadowy mass.
She kept wondering what it meant. Were they going to have to lift something? fight something? She tried to see into the shadowy mass, but it was no use. She looked at Wolfgang with a look that said "be careful" and continued her slow pace towards the shadow.
It was so silent... despite the lightning. There was no thunder, and even their footsteps were quiet. She tried to listen for a throb in her brain, or a beat in her heart, but all the sound here was gone.
She stopped infront of the shadow, putting her hands out infront of her. The darkness swirled around her hands like a mist, and she tried to shoo it away, but it was no use. It only seemed to make things darker. 'so I guess... we go through it?' She asked herself, seeing no other logical thing to do. She took a step into the dark cloud, and the sound suddently snapped back into the realm.
Lightning struck just feet away, and the clap of the thunder was ear shattering. Sahara could feel the heat against her skin, and she looked back to see where Wolfgang was, but the darkness was surrounding them.
She couldn't hear him, and she couldn't see him. They weren't bonded yet... but perhaps the fact that they were the only two living being here could help them communicate somehow... they had to if they wanted to pass this trial. What was the trial anyway?
She turned and saw it. Like a dim lit beacon in the middle of the night, she noticed a small orb on the ground a few yards away. She tried to listen for Wolfgang's footsteps, but the thunder was drowning all other sound out. She took a step towards the orb...
And completly lost her footing. Rocks crumbled beneath her feet, hitting what sounded like the wall of a deep pit. She flailed out her arms, trying to regain her balance... but she was quickly falling towards the edge.
She was failing already... but she couldn't do that, she couldn't just lose that easily. Her foot slipped off the edge, and she fell. Reaching out for anything, she grabbed hold of the ledge. She tried to pull herself up, but she could already feel the rocks start to lose purchase on the stone.
She opened her mouth to cry out, but shut it again as the air started to leave her. Her feet swung dangerously below her. There was no wall to this hole... it was just a hole... a hole that was certain to leave her to her death. She could only hope that Wolfgang wouldn't step on her fingers... or worse, fall into the same pit.
She held on tight with one hand, flailing the other around above herself in hopes to get his attention. Her heart was beating quickly, loudly. She knew Wolfgang could hear it beating, if only the thunder wasn't so bad... if only all other distractions could just be tuned out...
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Post by P h o b i a;|| on Apr 18, 2010 17:27:54 GMT -5
As Wolfgang and Sahara had landed in the village, he was easily distracted by the lightning, he had heard tales from people living in Kagirinai Arashi that people were struck down everyday just walking in the streets. He tried to speak, but like Sahara it was an impossible task. His mind seemed to echo her and his thoughts though, but only at certain times, like it was a radar or something very slight. He followed Sahara into the shadows, but hesitantly so. Soon, it was all black, but the sound of the thunder and the heat from the lightning kept him all too aware. He whipped his head in every direction, trying to call out Sahara’s name.
Suddenly, his eye caught something. It was the orb Sahara ahs made her way too. He walked slowly and ever-so cautiously over to it, though his instinct told him to run. He stopped short, mind ringing. It was a feeling of falling, but still barley holding on. Was it Sahara’s feelings?
He looked around, straining his eyes in hope for adjusting to the pure darkness. He knew it would do no good, and slowly closed his eyes. Sahara, where are you… He thought, heart beating rapidly in his chest, the thunder so loud… Wolfgang gritted his teeth irritably, he longed for the silence once again.
He took a deep breath, remembering the moments before the trial begun. Slowly, the darkness seemed to just be a haze, and the thunder a low rumble in the background. Something told him to kneel. Go lower. He obeyed whatever instinct or feeling came over him, and slowly, he could feel Sahara’s distress in his own veins.
He fell to his knees, desperately groping around the ground for something. Anything. His fingers brushed over something. Wolfgang bit his mouth shut, He was mere inches away from a massive hole. Luckily, he had stopped at the right time, and his fingers brushed over her own hands again. Without hesitation he grasped her wrist with all of his might and pulled her out of the hole with one tug. The force caused him to fall backwards onto his butt. ‘Are you alright?’ he wanted to ask, he was still trying to get used to the surreal feeling overcoming him.
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Post by ∴♪WolfurChickϗ on Apr 18, 2010 17:50:54 GMT -5
Sahara was slipping... and then she was quickly grabbed and pulled upward. By who? A monster, an enemy? no... She could feel the blood flowing through his hands, that it was not alarming or scary. As he fell to the ground, dragging her along with him, she quickly reached her arms around him. Though she couldn't speak, she hugged him to show how thankful she was for saving her.
It was weird... while she was hugging him... it was as if she could feel his heart beating, could sense his mind thinking. She let go of him and stood up. Around them, the dense darkness began to slowly fade away. It only let in some of the light, and though it was still very much dark; she could see so much easier. Even the lightning seemed less scary.
Then she spotted it. A bridge. A small, wooden bridge across the put. It lead to the other side, to the orb... to the next portal. So that was what they had to do? Get to the next portals... survive the round and make it to the next level.
She turned around and looked at Wolfgang. She could barely see him, but she was extremly glad that she could. It was odd... she felt like she was slowly becoming closer to him. It was as if their minds and hearts were thinking together, without having the bond. It made Sahara hopeful. Maybe they could do it.
No,she was certain they could. She could feel the strength eminating from Wolfgang. The test of strength... He passed it with flying colors. She turned back around and took a step on the bridge. It held, quite strong. As she made her way across it, an outside thought travelled into her mind.
'Strength in a bond is the bridge that helps cross the minds of the two being bonded... once established, it can not be broken.'
It was time for the next trial. She grabbed Wolfgang's hand and stepped into the small orb of light. Emmediately, the thunder plains began swirling around them, and she could feel the tugging and pulling through her body as they warped to the next trial...
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Post by P h o b i a;|| on Apr 18, 2010 18:21:18 GMT -5
Wolfgang as relieved to step over the bridge into the next portal, though where they went next was an entirely new danger. Which village would be next? What trial would they have to face? As they stepped through the portal and exited out of it, Wolfgang looked around ,the scene seemed peaceful enough. There were evergreen trees surrounding them, and they stood in the grass below. The valley was beautiful, and judging by the snow-capped mountains in the background, it must have been Shikon Kenstume.
Wolfgang took a few steps forward, though didn’t let go of Sahara’s hand, in case she fell once again. It was peaceful, but the silence that once seemed so beautiful was now eerie. It was as if there was no life, even with all the plants around them.
He could see it, another orb at the top of the mountain, here the village would of originally resided. They had to climb all the way up there?! Wolfgang had been to Shikon Kenstume once, for the same reason he had first come to Shifuto Hiru. But he was escorted there. He barley remembered the road to the top. It was one of the most exhausting trop he had ever went on, and the way down was no easier. He glanced at Sahara. He had to try to remember, or else they would stay in that field forever. Slowly, he made his way towards the thick and rocky forest that seemed to go vertically upward.
Wasn’t there a tunnel that ran through the mountain? Wolfgang wracked his brain, until it finally occurred to him that there was. It was dangerous and a dark tunnel, but it was their best option. He turned to Sahara with confidence in his eyes. It was near a lake, that was something he remembered. Now that he listened, he could hear cascading water, which meant they weren’t far.
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Post by ∴♪WolfurChickϗ on Apr 18, 2010 18:43:59 GMT -5
The ball of light they were looking for was much bigger than the one before. Good thing too, since it would have been hard to see so far up. She looked over at Wolfgang, not minding that he still had a grip on her hand. He seemed to know the place... atleast alot better than she had. She had never been outside the desert before, except to go to Shifuto Aisu.
'The test of endurance...' the words raced through her mind. It would be a test of endurance, heading up the mountain. Hopefully that was all it would be... walking. If that was the case, she knew it would be easy...or atleast toleratable. But at the same time... she knew it wouldn't be easy.
She had heard of the animals that Shikon Kentsume held... and if they were on this mountain as well, then they would have to watch their step. Every wolf, every bear, every critter with teeth and claws would be watching their every move, drooling at the one chance they would strike...
Sahara pulled out her long sword. Before, she hadn't even realized that they had their weapons. Infact, she knew that they didn't. Apparently, they thought you should be aimed with one for this test. Atleast that was a good hint to whether something was trying to kill you or not.
She walked with Wolfgang, trusting his sense of direction while she scanned the grasses and the trees. The sun was bright, which was a good thing. But the silence was almost scary. She literally felt like there were animals stalking them, and so she made sure she would be ready for anything.
She squeezed Wolfgang's hand, giving him a heads up to get ready to fight if the need arises. This was going to be a long hike...
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Post by P h o b i a;|| on Apr 19, 2010 0:17:56 GMT -5
Wolfgang turned to her and nodded lightly. He watched as she pulled out her blade, and was surprised to see his own weapon on him. It felt good to hold his father’s weapon again, though he knew the only reason he held it was because e was going to use it soon.
Wolfgang began to walk towards the massive mountain, he knew near the base of the mountain there was a hidden lake, in which there would be a waterfall of some type… was that the one with the tunnel? He stopped in his tracks and let out an irritated sigh. He was surprised he could even make a noise, but he ignored it all the same.
As he continued walking, his thoughts wandered. If the trial was endurance, than it would be harder than he remembered when he first visited. He wished he could break the silence between him and Sahara, but it seemed something was going to do that for them. The first sound came from the trees above, heavy rustling and shifting, Wolfgang narrowed his eyes (oh, how wonderful it was to see with both eyes) as he kept them to the trees. Eventually, the rustling stopped.
He began to walk again, faster this time. Whatever the thing was, it began to follow them, through the trees and the grass. It was, however, too fast to see.
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Post by ∴♪WolfurChickϗ on Apr 19, 2010 1:02:03 GMT -5
The sound that broke the silence startled Sahara. It sounded large. In all honesty, she was hoping to have to fight something small with teeth... not a monster. She could hear the sounds from above her, and beside her in the grass. Her eyes caught a glimpse of black fur and wings.
Some kind of bat? She paused, hoping Wolfgang would stop too. She could feel an ambush coming on. If they kept walking, they would walk into a trap. She pulled him back and let go of his hand, grabbing onto a small dagger hanging from the other side of her sword harness. The rustling sounded random, confused... and then they attacked.
The only thing Sahara could think of to descripe it was a huge black cat with demonish features. It looked like some sort of freak hybrid between a monsterous bat and a panther, to be exact. There were five of them all together, hunting like a pack. Sahara had never seen such creatures, but for some reason, she knew what they were called.
'Haeki.' She thought to herself. The haeki stopped short and began to circle them. As much as Sahara wanted to just charge them and remember that they were just stupid animals, she thought about how smart the sabbia were back at home. Dumb animals or not... these creatures were hunting like a pack. They had a prey, and they were going to do all they could to take it down.
Then, suddently, when it looked like they had gotten bored of circling them, they attacked. Two of the haeki leapt at Sahara. She was suprised to see the enourmous fangs and sharp claws, and the leathery wings made them only more frightening. One decided to attack from the air, while the other decided to attack from the ground.
It was a perfect combination, if Sahara didn't have two weapons. With a quick, skillful swing of her long sword, she knocked the flying one to the ground, bleeding and whimpering. Simultaneously, she jabbed with her dagger, stabbing the other Haeki in the neck, just as it was about to grab her with its fangs.
She kicked the bleeding Haeki, and turned to check on Wolfgang. Unfortunately, the other three had decided to try their way at Wolfgang, and three against one was not good odds, even against dumb flying, walking, fanged, clawed, and winged bat panther creatures.
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Post by P h o b i a;|| on Apr 19, 2010 1:53:38 GMT -5
Once the Haeki had shown themselves to Sahara and Wolfgang, he knew they both had no choice but to fight. He watched from the corner of his eye as Sahara fought the beasts. He turned to his own three enemies before him.
Finally, one of the three haeki striker. He leapt at him in a full-frontal assault. He just managed to put his weapon in front of him, but the force of the beast had him on his back. He tried to push away from the animal, luckily his staff had blocked it's snapping jaws long enough for him to push it back.
Wolfgang jumped up, not at all shaken from his first attacker's attempt. He thought quickly, and hit his staff onto the ground. The impact caused the bell attached to it to ring loudly and in a small flash the useless-looking artifact became a full-length spear.
He bent his knees a bit as they crept closer. One of them even took flight and tried their luck from above. Wolfgang quickly batted it out of the sky and managed to stab at one trying to charge when he least expected it. With his foot he pushed the twitching creature off the sharp end of the weapon. One more.
It paced back and fourth, eyes burning and livid. With a speed faster than his, it leapt through the air, using it's wings as elevation and sunk it's teeth into his forearm. He ripped the beast off of him and swung wildly until the haeki was nothing but a broken pile.
With wide eyes and heaving chest, he turned to Sahara. Then back to the haeki he had killed. He thought there was no living being besides them, was this part of the trial? What would be next? Wolfgang walked over to Sahara and motioned for the mountain. They had to hurry before anything else found them.
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Post by ∴♪WolfurChickϗ on Apr 19, 2010 2:06:04 GMT -5
Sahara looked at Wolfgang's arm. It was bleeding... should it have been bleeding? Things had changed since the last trials were performed... A thought crossed her mind, but she quickly pushed it away. She had no time for worrysome thoughts. They had to get through the trials.
Sahara pushed on ahead. It was as if she already knew where Wolfgang wanted to go, and she made sure to listen for any other movement. For quite some time, there was nothing, and Sahara was very thankful for this.
Sahara peered out over the lake. It was so mirror like in the way that it reflected everything off of its still waters. There were no fish biting at the top of the water, it was completly still. She started wondering where they were headed. Was there some sort of secret that Wolfgang knew? As far as she could tell, they were far away from any of the trails by now.
Still, she trusted Wolfgang's sense of direction. She fell back beside him while he led once more.
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Post by P h o b i a;|| on Apr 19, 2010 2:30:48 GMT -5
It took a few long minute of searching around the lake before Wolfgang finally began to reconize everything. He was an outsider to the village, but because of the kindness of a fellow guard, she had showed him the way through the tunnel.
Now was much harder, but he still could feel himself almost being pulled in the right direction. He wandered around the side of the lake until he reached the massive waterfall beside it. For some particular reason, the water slamming against the lake did not make the water ripple or even shudder. This trial world was becoming odder with everything they did.
There was a gap between the rocky wall and the waterfall itself, large enough to fit through. The water helped Wolfgang's arm, though the bite was hardly noticiable to him in the first place. He was just releived the blood was washed away now. Heotioned for Sahara to follow Jim behind the waterfall as he disapeared behind.
He was correct! The opening to the tunnel stood a few yards away, the massive mouth to the cave was hidden just behind the waterfall the whole time? Wolfgang was excited at first, but there was a very unnerving sound echoing off the walls and over powering the roar of the water. It sounded like... Breathing.
Once his eyes adjusted to the darkness, he could see it's origins. It looked lile a large hill of fur. It was massive. Whatever it was, it owned claws and teeth more than half the size of the haeki's. Luckily for them, it was sleeping...
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Post by ∴♪WolfurChickϗ on Apr 19, 2010 23:45:06 GMT -5
Sahara gazed upon the giant that blocked their way. She looked at Wolfgang. Maybe they should go around... it would be a long way... She paused and thought about the possibilities while the creature was still sleeping...
If they went around, it would mean a longer hike. At the same time, they would be able to see better. All though it also probably meant being attacked by even more animals, and the long hike would probably wear them out too tired.
If they went through the tunnels, it would mean possibly facing the gigantic beast that slept before them. They wouldn't have much light to see, and they had no idea what awaited them, although she had a feeling it meant that even if they got passed the monster awaiting them, they would have alot of climbing to do.
Lots of creatures... or one big one? Light, or no light? Walking, or climbing?
One thing good about Sahara was that she was VERY quick at adapting to any situation. The longer she fought something, the easier it came to her. It also meant that she would learn which rocks to climb on, which to avoid, and how to climb faster without using up much energy. She was a fast learner, and so she was decided. She wanted to go through the tunnel.
She wanted to communicate that with Wolfgang, and she wondered what his choice would have been, although she took notice that this was the route he picked in the first place. She nudged him, as if to say lets move forward... and watch your step.
Just as the situation was planted in her mind, the creature awoken from its sleep. It was as if it was waiting for them to make their decision, and now that the decision was made, it was time to fight.
The sun shone into the tunnel just enough to illuminate the beast, probably to show off its best features. It was massive... that was easy to tell. It had a long snout, full of teeth. Its nose was star shaped, like a mole, with massive, almost needle sharp whiskers twitching about above them. It had small eyes relative to its body, but it could still obviously see, probably better than they could in the dark tunnel.
Sahara spotted two small ears on its large head, which seemed not to be able to hear very well. That was one note she would remember... it couldn't hear. Another thing she couldn't help but notice, were the gigantic front paws... which looked more like giant bear arms topped off with claws as large as the two humans themselves. The fur on the creature was wirey, and tangles, matted and wet.
At first, Sahara thought maybe it was from the lake outside... but a second glance revieled the slippary goo dripping from the creature's mouth. The beast stared Sahara down for a moment. She could feel the name slipping into her head, Myoukouten. A rush of feelings floated through her mind. Myoukouten... protector of life. Was that what they called the hideous creature? A protector of life? If it were up to her, she would have named it Molebadgerslothbear.
Suddenly, the creature let out a terrifying, low pitched growl which rumbled through the tunnels. She clentched her long sword tight and put away her dagger. Such a small weapon would have no effect on the thickness of the creature's flesh, and she needed a free hand to manouver if the need arised.
The Myoukouten made its move first, lifting one of its massive arms. Sahara grabbed Wolfgang and pushed him out of the way, just as the paw came crashing down, the weight of its claws crushing the rocks below them. Sahara was amazed by the speed of the arms, but she was sure the creature couldn't menouver very fast. Its hind legs were small... If they could get behind it, they would have a better chance...
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Post by P h o b i a;|| on Apr 20, 2010 0:34:06 GMT -5
Wolfgang was more than lucky to have Sahara push him out of the way in time, because the massive arms on the beast was something he could only gawk at. He had seen odd creatures before in Taikai Ueki, but something this massive was for the books. As both he and Sahara landed to the side, he grabbed his weapon once again, though it had returned to it’s original form. Wolfgang knelt low, the words “Myoukouten” seemed to slip into his own mind, just like Sahara. He wanted to chuckle at the irony; a protector of life, ready to take their’s.
Wolfgang looked to Sahara and nodded to her, he had spotted its weak spot while the arms crashed down at the ground below them. It’s small legs would be an easy target, especially since the creature’s upper body was so massive. They needed to get behind it without it noticing them, which meant they needed a distraction. He gave Sahara a long stare, trying to motion to her what his plan was. However, he had no time to be shot down. Wolfgang stood and ran at the beast.
Instead of attack it full on, he knew confusing it would do him much better. It took him a moment of thinking, but something in his head seemed to whisper something about sound… He looked up at the Myoukouten’s ears, they were so tiny, it would have been impossible to hear anything properly. And because of the darkness in the cave, it must of relied mostly on its hearing. But with the silence around them, how could he possibly distract it?
It then occurred to him. The bell on his weapon seemed to be chiming more loudly than before. Perhaps it was because of the silence that enveloped them since the trial began, but he knew if he struck it hard enough, it would make a loud sound. Without another moment’s hesitation, he whacked his weapon against the large rock wall, the contact with the staff and the wall made the bell chime and reverberate off the walls. If he could distract it for just a few moments, Sahara would have an advantage.
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Post by ∴♪WolfurChickϗ on Apr 21, 2010 21:06:02 GMT -5
The myoukouten raised its massive paw again, but this time, the loud chiming confused it. Its small ears twitched, and it turned its maw towards Wolfgang. Taking its focus off of Sahara, it aimed its goal at Wolfgang instead.
Sahara could feel his plan, as if it were her own. She took advantage of the situation, grasping her weapon tightly and charging the beast. She had to be quick enough... If she got up just enough speed, she could get behind the beast and attack it from the rear. There was no way it could attack with its back legs, and it would be too slow to turn around, or atleast she hoped.
She was suprised at how much speed she could generate with her old legs back. She found a large gap to run through between the myoukouten and the wall. It would be perfect, if she could get through there, and then attack it before it got to Wolfgang...
Just as she was passing the Myoukouten, one of its sharp whiskers jabbed her in the arm, and knocked her off balance. She fell to the floor, her arm bleeding. And the weird thing was... it hurt. She clutched at her arm, feeling it get weaker as she lost blood. What did this mean? Did it mean that if they died in these trials...
Sahara didn't have time to think about what would happen. The Myoukouten snapped its head quickly back to Sahara, and opened its wide jaws. It was almost enough to swallow her whole. It snapped at her, and she rolled out of the way in time, and jumped back up to her feet. So that was how the Myoukouten got around and detected things... she could tell it probably had poor sight, and poor hearing... so being able to fit your whiskers in a hole to see if its big enough for you to get through would be an easy answer.
The problem was, the whiskers waved around with incredible speed, and that they were sharp as knives. They could distract it all they wanted, but with those whiskers in the way, it would catch them, and it would hurt in the proccess.
They needed to get rid of the whiskers all together.. and if they were so sensitive, so thick... maybe they would injure the beast as well. It was a new change of plans, and she could only hope that Wolfgang understood it too. Cut off the whiskers, THEN distract it with sound, and THEN get behind it and attack it from the rear.
She jumped out of the way as the Myoukouten's face came slamming back, just missing her and crushing the rock beneath them. Just as it went to raise its head again, Sahara caught one of the flailing whiskers with the blade of the sword.
She was suprised how hard it was to cut.. almost like a small tree. then she noticed that the whiskers were actually made of flesh, bone, and muscle... and blood was pouring out of the new wound. The Myoukouten wailed.
Sahara stopped. Something wasn't right. She watched the creature cover its face and back away further into the tunnel. She wanted to go after it, to kill it while it was injured... but something was telling her not to. Something was telling her that she had not done the right thing.
Sahara looked into the beasts eyes, just as it began backing away deeper into the tunnel. There was something in its eyes that she had not noticed earlier. Something that was non exsistant in every other creature in the trial lands. A little glimmer in its eyes... a spark of life.
Was it possible that the creature was truly alive? Was it stuck in the trial world? Before, she thought it was like the bat freaks they had fought earlier... just an illusion created to make a challange. But now, now she was thinking something else.
She put her sword away and ran over to Wolfgang. Every bone in her body was telling her to kill the creature before it could kill them... but there was a tiny ounce of feeling that told her that it was the wrong thing to do. She grabbed Wolfgang's arm and lowered it. There was no way to tell him what she was feeling, but she hoped he would understand.
And then she remembered something; something her mother had told her a long time ago, before Sahara became a shamin.
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"Mommy, what is en... end... endurance?" The tiny Sahara asked her mother. The woman smiled and knealed down to her level. "Sweetie, I am going to let you in on a little Shifuto Aisu secret that your father taught me. You see, most people think that endurance is when you try to keep going until you are too tired to go on, like running a mile, or swimming a mile. But infact, Endurance is something else..."
The little girl listened intently to her mother talk. "To have endurance, is to be patient. Sometimes, sweetie, you will see others that nobody else can see. Its in your blood. You have to be patient with what you see, and with those who don't see it. Even if somebody else wants you to do something else... you must follow what your heart sees. Be patient with them, but also be patient with yourself. Endurance sweetie... Real endurance... it is a tiring process that your mind goes through."
"Sometimes, it wont make sense... but be patient with your heart, and your mind. You may need to know this some time Sahara, so remember this." Young Sahara smiled. "Ok mommy, but now can you tell me what Patience is?"
--
The memory faded away. This is what she was talking about. Being patient with your own mind... Wolfgang was going to have to learn how to be patient with her while she gathered her thoughts. Myoukouten... Defender of life... Sahara remembered hearing stories about the mountain swallowing people whole to save its citizens... was the true guardian the Myoukouten?
They had after all stumbled upon its home, its lair. The tunnels, where it slept. If intruders found the short cut to the mountain, to its citizens... it only made sense that the Myoukouten would try to defend them.
Sahara slowly began to approach the creature, which let out an angry roar and swatted at her. Luckily, it missed. Sahara's mind kept flying wildly... should she attack it... should she run... was she doing the right thing? Trying to get her thoughts together was a very tiring process... endurance. Her mind was experiencing endurance. This was her test, and Wolfgang's too.
Sahara looked back at Wolfgang. Did he understand? They couldn't kill the creature. If they killed it... the tunnel would probably be impossible to climb. If they turned back, the road would be too dangerous, and they would tire too quickly. There was only one choice... They needed help getting up to the top of the mountain.
Sahara pulled off her weapon completly and threw it to the side, then she started approaching the Myoukouten once more, holding her hand out as sort of a peace offering. She closed her eyes and kept the approach, afraid that it would attack her. Finally, her hand collided with a long, jagged, slippary surface. Sahara opened her eyes to find out that it was a tooth from the beast.
The myoukouten sat there, waiting for Sahara to make its next move. She moved her hand and began to pet the thick fur around its nose, careful to avoid the twitching whiskers. Slowly, the whiskers retreated into the creature's face, like worms going back into an apple.
Sahara looked into its eyes once more. A guardian of life... The myoukouten was sort of like a guardian angel. It protected people, and she felt ashamed for harming it. She turned around to Wolfgang and held out her hand, urging him to come.
Now it was time for his test of endurance. After all, the Myoukouten could be leading them into a trap. Or it could be the only way out of the tunnels and to the top of the mountain.
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Post by P h o b i a;|| on Apr 22, 2010 1:28:33 GMT -5
Wolfgangs blood boiled as the monster took swings and swats at Sahara. His distraction had worked for only a few seconds, and now by the looks of it he had razor-wired fur to avoid too. It came to no surprise that when Sahara stopped, Wolfgang took a few hastened steps towards the beast. He caught her glance though, and stopped in his tracks.
She looked confused, and for the moment calm and not fiery as she had been mere seconds before. His eyes searched her face, confused. Why had she stopped?
When she walked towards it and tossed her sword, he could feel his breath leave his chest. He wanted to call out her name and tell her to come back, but he instead could only watch. He was utterly confused when she placed a hand on the beast and it did not flinch. It had to of been a trap, there was no other way! Their test was endurance, testing them to push themselves until they couldn't move, until they would sweat blood. What was her concept of endurance?!
Wolfgang's weapon was still held tightly in his grasp. His father had taught him endurance. But... What if it meant something else? His adreneline screamed to hold on to his weapon, but with a calm breath, he let it drop to the ground.
He had to trust Sahara. Even if it was a trap, she knew much more than him. He was raised learning the brutality and pure instinct of human beings, while within her resided much more knowledge. He approached the beast with a protective and sharp glare at the beast. Once he was close enough to it he looked at Sahara. I hope you know what you're doing... He thought with a sigh, and placed his hand on the matted and course hair of the ancient protector. He could feel it's warmth and it's blood pulsing, perhaps it was real and not some trial illusion?
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Post by ∴♪WolfurChickϗ on Apr 22, 2010 11:21:00 GMT -5
It was the freakiest thing Sahara had ever experienced. She almost felt a little faint, and she put her hand on Wolfgang's shoulder to support herself. And then she felt it... the beginning to something... just plain crazy. What was it that she was feeling? Not only with Wolfgang, but with the creature.
Was it a bond? Was this what being partially bonded was like? To understand something, to feel its pain in your own heart... it was not the bonding that the shamin was later to perform, but it was still a bond, no doubt. A bond that maybe all things living could share... A bond Sahara wish everybody could feel. It was a good feeling.
She let go of Wolfgang and ran her hands along the Myoukouten's side, and it bowed in respect. Sahara grabbed a hunk of its fur and pulled herself onto its back, swinging her feet over. She looked at Wolfgang and held her hand out for him to do the same.
They were going to get out of here, and the protector of life was going to help them to the top of the mountain. Sahara felt her heart beat matching the others that beat within the tunnels. It was no doubt a bond, but one possible with everyone. If she ever made it out of these trials, she was going to make sure that she taught that bond to everyone she knew.
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Post by P h o b i a;|| on Apr 24, 2010 11:02:45 GMT -5
Wolfgang shrunk away from her hand. His eyes downcast to the beast, watching it breath heavily, up and down. It was hard for him to swallow, but he knew he had to trust her. Still... it was so damn difficult! Then he felt it. His hand must of been resting against an artery or something else. He could feel the beast's heart thumping like a strong drum. It was such an eerie feeling, but the sensation was one that seemed to fill whatever in him was missing. Hestitantly, he rested his other hand over his own heart. They were beating the same. Slowly, but strongly. He could feel Sahara's too, even though they were no where near contact. Wolfgang shuddered and looked up at her.
His conflicted look ceased, at least a bit, and he grabbed her hand, hoisting himself up as he did so. He wasn't sure how fast the beast was, and how much he had to hold on. But for some reason.. he knew it would be alright. Was he bonding right now? It was the only thing he could use to describe such an odd feeling.
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Post by ∴♪WolfurChickϗ on Apr 26, 2010 22:58:00 GMT -5
Sahara gripped the creature's fur. It was strong and wirey... uncomfortable to hug, but good for holding onto while riding, she supposed. The creature began to make its way through the tunnels, climbing much quicker than she expected. It didn't move very fast, but its size made them go through the tunnels fairly quick.
It was odd. Even though they were in a dark tunnel, she could see. It was as if small traces of light were managing to get in through the mountain walls. Sahara turned her head and looked at Wolfgang and smiled. These trials were very... trying... but atleast she wasn't alone. Atleast Wolfgang was here with her, helping her along the way. That was how it was going to be for the rest of their lives if this worked... they would be helping each other.
She used to be scared of the idea, but now, it seemed stupid not to share that bond with anyone. It made her feel safer, but also stronger.
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Post by P h o b i a;|| on Apr 26, 2010 23:35:49 GMT -5
Wolfgang was taken back by Sahara’s smile, but welcomed it anyways. He himself was trying to stay on the giant creature, though grasping the fur was a harder task than it would seem. It was definitely convenient though, he could see the dark walls of the cave pass by them, it wouldn’t be too much longer until they reached the top. His mind seemed to slink to the same thought as Sahara’s. Being linked together, it was a bigger commitment than he had thought before. If she died, he died, and vice versa. It was lucky they were both warriors, though the thought still concerned him. Though these thoughts clouded his mind, he knew that it was the right decision. Besides, it was Sahara. She could take care of herself, even when he wasn’t around and she returned to Shifuto Hiru and him to Taikai Ueki. …or would he stay?
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Raasaha’s hut had fallen silent after the departure of Wolfgang and Sahara’s consciousness. It had remained so for quite some time, that when the softest bit of shuddering occurred through the entire foundation of the hut, it would have been quite a shock. The shuddering didn’t last long, though the floorboards began to creek, as if a massive entity was walking towards the shamaness. Whatever she had been doing, was now being intently watched by the invisible force. Just as quickly as the aura had arrived, it became completely visible. He, or -- whatever it was, stood at least seven feet (if not more). His legs and arms especially long. The creature looked like a male, his face handsome if not sharp and incredibly devious. He had large smirk, almost inhuman painted on his face. He wore very nice and proper black clothes, and a hat on top of his head. His skin looked like it had been drained of all blood, though his eyes were as red as the liquid he lacked. He leaned far over Wolfgang’s still body, examining it with the love a father would have for a son. He smiled wider. “Oh, just so cute when you’re sleeping, aren’t you?” His voice was so fluid and calm that it would of given a chill to anyone. Almost anyone.
“Forgive me, talking to a sleeping man.“ He said this without moving his eyes from Wolfgang, though he was quite obviously talking to Raasha. Finally, he turned his face towards her, blood red eyes gleamed for a moment. “Ah, you’re beautiful!” He stood straight again, looming over every being in the room. He took off his hat, slicking back his black hair as he did so. He bowed. “Let me introduce myself. My name is Kione. Of course that isn’t my real name though, I’d be in trouble if I gave you that.” He looked up and winked. “But I couldn’t just have you calling me ‘sir’ or ‘Mr.’ or ‘mysteriously handsome man that appeared through your floor’, no, that wouldn’t be proper at all!”
The man calling himself Kione took a few strides along the room before standing in front of a seat. “I truly am sorry for the intrusion, but as you can see, I am without my vessel. I need him to be conscious if I’m to actually… well...” he laughed at this, a sickening, twisted sound. “But I did not come here for him. Or her.” a quick nod to her sister, “I came here…” his eyes drifted across the room, until finally falling on her. “For you, Raasha.”
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Post by ∴♪WolfurChickϗ on Apr 27, 2010 0:33:26 GMT -5
The artificial sunlight poured into the tunnels as they neared the surface. The light was a welcoming sight, as it meant they were getting closer to finishing this trial. The Myoukouten crawled out of its tunnel and onto the surface of the mountain. Sahara was amazed by the beauty of the mountain. The trees, the trails... all could be seen from their height, and it was amazing to watch.
However, she knew that they needed to hurry, for any time that they spent playing around, more animals could be attacking. She slid off of the Myoukouten's fur and down its shoulders as it bowed to let them off. Before leaving, she turned to the protecter of life and pet its maw. 'I'll see you again, sometime.' She thought to herself, though she knew that the Myoukouten knew what she was trying to say.
Looking over, she could see that the ball of light was massive, and bright. It had been acting as the sun, lighting up from the top of the mountain. Now, however, it would be used as a portal into the next trial. Two down... five to go... And some how, Sahara just knew that they would be getting harder. ----------- As Sahara would be continuing her trials, it seemed Raasha was beginning her own trial.
Raasha had been sitting upon her chair, until the presence entered the room. Raasha felt the aura envelope the hut, and as soon as it did, she could sense its purpose. She opened her dark blue eyes and gazed at the form as it began to take shape.
Finally, she stood to her feet, shaking out her hair a bit. "As I had been expecting Wolfgang... I expected you as well." Her soft gaze did not fear the presence. Her gaze did not weaken or falter. Instead, she stood up strong to the dark presence.
"Ofcourse... you have not returned for Wolfgang. Now that you have witnessed a new kind of power... I can sense your hunger." A cool, mysterious breeze blew through the hut, lighting some of the candles in the same blue light as earlier; an earie, cold blue illumintation. "But you do not wish for my sister instead? She is strong. Much stronger than me."
She began pacing around the presence, circling around the couch that now held both Sahara and Wolfgang, trapped inside their minds. "No, she is much too strong for you, and you can feel it too. She would over power you, and return you to where you belong. But I, I am vulnerable. You can sense my weakness... and my power. You wish to use me."
She grinned. She was as creepy as anyone, speaking in a soft, beautiful tone. "Thanks for the beautiful compliment. I must say, you have a certain appeal yourself, but ofcourse, you don't need me to tell you that." Her gaze locked on the presence as the blue light became stronger, choking out any other lighting in the hut.
"All though, I must admit... you have come earlier than I expected."
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