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Post by P h o b i a;|| on May 26, 2010 23:39:40 GMT -5
Wolfgang had sat for what seemed a lonely eternity before hearing a reply back, a fainter clap than his own. He shot up from his spot, he didn’t care if it was a trick or a trap, he was already alone. He began to walk briskly towards the sound‘s origin, though it was now barley even reverberating off the walls, he could still remember where it had come from.
A feeling surged over him, maybe realisation, perhaps even stupidity, but his mind told him to stop. It reminded him of their first test, and like he had the first time, he knelt down and groped about the muddy floor. After shuffling through the thick mud, he locked fingers, then hands with Sahara’s. He could only let out a breath of relief, but what a breath it was. He had never felt so happy to feel someone’s hand.
He wasn’t sure if she had become stuck as he had earlier, and had just not slid down through the earth yet, but he wouldn’t let that happen to her… at least not alone. He tugged and pulled, but she seemed to sink further with every attempt.
Finally Wolfgang let go of her hands, though it was the last thing he wanted to do. He began to dig beside her, hopefully loosening her enough so she could pull herself out. ‘This just seems like the first trial, it doesn’t make sense…’ he thought to himself as he continued to dig.
“STOP.” the voice was so loud and sudden, Wolfgang fell backward in reply. He looked around with wide eyes, but knew he wouldn’t be able to see a thing. The worst part was, it was familiar. Again, the shudders and the shifting around the cavern resumed, but now all seemed to be growing closer. Instinctively Wolfgang knelt in front of Sahara, since she would have no means of defending herself. Still, she was being pulled further down.
The sounds were everywhere. It was becoming overwhelming, that was, until it attacked. He could feel something cold and slimy wrap around his neck, tugging him backwards with enough force to throw him against the dirt wall. He grunted and tried to break free from the force binding him, but another quickly wrapped around his ankle and threw him to the other wall. He grunted painfully as his face met the mud.
“You will never escape this trial.” The voice spat; it kept changing, some voices familiar to him, others not. At one point, he could swear one of the echoes sounded like Patrick’s voice. “Wolfgang. Leave now, leave her here.” The voice stopped on a calm, warm voice. She sounded helpful, almost pleading him.
“You alone can survive, but you will never both leave alive. Go, go now.” The tentacles about the cavern now wrapped around Sahara’s hands, keeping her bound but stopped her from sinking further. Similar to the floor he had slipped through earlier, the wall he had been thrown against seemed to melt away, revealing just down the path a brilliant light, the orb.
The light made it so he could see Sahara faintly, and the being within the cavern. “She is your ally, but isn’t your life worth more than one friend? You can leave without her, steal her life, and whatever ails you will disappear. I’ll make sure of it.” The tentacles seemed to had disappeared entirely, as if they were the shadows themselves. The being took a step closer to Wolfgang, one hand against her chest, the other outstretched to him. “Those horrors, the dreams, the pain… you want them to stop, right love?”
The ex guard swayed on his spot, unable to speak, move, or even blink as he gazed upon the beautiful figure. He pained look on his face was unforgettable as he mouthed a word, but it only tumbled from his mute lips and made no sound. The tentacles appeared again, but this time from the ground. Dark and black, they seemed almost more like branches or spider legs than slimy tentacles now, truly a sight seen only in a nightmare. They wrapped around his arms and neck loosely as his entire body stiffened. He was terrified.
“Yes, you know what this feeling is. And if you stay, it will stay too. You could hurt others, like you have in the past.” The voice slowly deepened from a beautiful and melodic voice into and eerie and chilling tone. “So, Wolfgang, what’s your decision? I cannot make it for you, I am simply a mirror of whom you have hurt. Telling you what is wise.” The now disgusting and cloaked being craned it’s long neck towards the mute Sahara and smiled widely. “Such a strong power with her, she will become one with the trials, she will live on to test others like you.” Ever so slowly, the long neck turned around back to Wolfgang and tilted slightly. “So? What do you say?”
Wolfgang felt his breath return to him as he managed to cough out a sound. The tentacles dispersed again, and he was left to collapse onto his knees. “My answer…” He muttered, still getting used to his voice. It shook as his skin seemed more pale than before.
He looked over to Sahara. Perhaps he had failed his test after all. He wasn’t brave, nor loyal. There were things that he could fight and kill and not even blink an eye, but he could never ignore the fear that ran through him as he felt himself slip away into the darkness. And loyalty? Wolfgang had been loyal to his village, but even that wasn’t enough. He tried to blink a few tears away from his eyes. There were no words he could say to her, no apology he could muster. He let his eyes burn into Sahara for another long minute before looking up at the figure.
“M-my answer is… fuck you.”
Another long silence broke out as the hideous creature twitched, then shuddered. “Fuck.. You?” the voices began to rapidly change, “Fuck… You??!?!” The orb he was originally lead to began to flicker, and burn out. They were engulfed in darkness again. Wolfgang used this opportunity to run to Sahara as the creature repeated his phrase over and over. Now that the tentacles were gone, he managed to tug her out with much ease. Had it been the tentacles pulling her down as well?
“Sahara, we--” his voice cut out again, and he was left speaking air. However, it was quite obvious what they had to do. The creature was still thrashing in the dark, but small flashes of light began to illuminate inside it’s gaunt ribcage, and it screamed in pain. It’s eyes caught Wolfgang’s for one last instant, squinting in pain before slowly collapsing. It’s body curled and burned, until only a large orb remained.
Without staying seated for an instant longer, Wolfgang quickly yanked Sahara from her spot and stepped towards the orb. He didn’t want to stay for a second more.
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Post by ∴♪WolfurChickϗ on May 27, 2010 0:17:31 GMT -5
Sahara had never felt so much fear in her life. It wasn't a fear of the dark, or of slipping, or even of dying. As the voice continued to speak, it engulfed her mind in a very different conversation. The words she was hearing were directed only at herself.
"He doesn't care for you. He cares only for himself!" The sickening voice belowed, in almost a voice too familiar. Then she recognized it as the old village elder... the one she failed to save. It made her shudder, and with each different voice, she felt more and more confused, more vulnerable. She was half way sunken into the mud, the only thing holding her out of it was pressure around her arms and neck, choking the air out of her. She couldn't see Wolfgang, she couldn't see the light, and all she could hear was the voice in her head. Why had Wolfgang stopped pulling her out? Why had he stopped holding her hand?
"He has left you!" The voice seemed to answer. "Atleast, he will. What are you to him? A way to ease his pain, and nothing more. See how you are surrounded in mud, up to your chin with filth. It is the life that you have led! This man should mean nothing to you!" The voice was so hateful, so corrupt. She tried to think straight, tried to think of other possibilities, but how could she?
"You will die. Your fate is in his hands. What do you think he would rather accept? You, or complete ease from all of his pains? His decision will be your demise." Sahara began to cry. She tried to think with her heart, but the voice in her head was over powering her. A new voice spoke in her head.
"You are worth nothing. You have never been worth anything. You have failed your whole life. What matters if you die now?" Sahara found herself feeling weeker, and weeker. Then she realized that the newest voice in her head was her own. She believed that her whole life. She had hurt so many people... had so many secrets. Why would Wolfgang choose to save her? Why did she matter? She couldn't matter. She was sure of it. Wolfgang would make his decision, and Sahara would die...
The voice returned to her head, ready to finish her off. It was Patrick's voice. Almost soothing. "Its going to be ok. You wont be able to hurt anyone after this. You can finally rest." Sahara felt herself going weak... slipping back into the mud... disapearing slowly, the grip on her neck tightened, and she was no longer breathing...
She tried to spit out some last words. She tried to tell Wolfgang that it was ok, that she wasn't afraid of his decision. She tried to tell him that she would forgive him...
And then..
“M-my answer is… fuck you.”
The voice shattered the air, and emmediately, Sahara felt her breath return to her. She had lost so much hope... and yet, he had chosen her. Why? It didn't matter, not right now. She felt herself being pulled out quickly from the mud, and rushed towards a dark glob... It didn't matter what was happening. Tears streamed down her face. All her fear was wiped away as they were rushing towards the orb...
It was all happening so fast. She pulled Wolfgang to herself, and locked her arms around him, throwing herself into the light of the orb with him. Just as she began to feel the tugging at her muscles, she planted her lips on his. Such a happy flow of emotions... it didn't matter what would happen in the next trial, she had said all she needed to say to him. She could feel the portal trying to rip them apart, but she wasn't going to let go anytime soon.
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Post by P h o b i a;|| on May 27, 2010 0:36:03 GMT -5
Wolfgang felt his back hit the ground heavily, the weight was even more so now with Sahara wrapped around him, on top of him. His eyes widened as she pressed her lips against his, it was such a shock, compared with the terror he had just felt, and now… what could he call this feeling?
“S-Sahara--” he murmured, not cluing in he was able to talk, he only knew what he was saying that moment. He only broke apart so that their noses still touched, his heart beat rapidly against his chest, his only reaction was to pull her close and return the gesture. He let one of his hands brush and cup one of her cheeks, the other pinned and useless under her body. The kiss was much more passionate, though he stopped it suddenly. “Wait-- no.” He propped himself up with an elbow, still holding her. He shook his head to rid the sand from it. His cheeks were a burnt, rosy hue as he thought about his sudden realisation. “We can’t stop, we have to finish these trials if we want to--” he felt himself connect his lips with hers again, but he pulled away. Damn him and his testosterone. This time he quickly stood up, and helped her up as well. He could see why Sahara would have kissed him, perhaps she was just thankful, showing a bit of gratitude, Yet there he was, kissing her like he actually liked her. A lot. Did he?
“Shifuto Hiru? It seems so.. Empty now.” He realised, and appreciated the voice he had now. Still the trial from before lingered in the back of his mind, the woman’s image he would never forget. He placed a hand against his forehead, exhaling. He didn’t want to look at Sahara, now he was just embarrassed for himself.
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Post by ∴♪WolfurChickϗ on May 27, 2010 0:59:12 GMT -5
Sahara's sudden reaction actually suprised herself. She had meant to hug him... but she had kissed him Why had she kissed him? For a moment, she was worried that he would take it wrong... but then he kissed her back. And then he stopped and turned away. She could see the pink of his cheeks, and it made her almost want to laugh, but also cry. Why had he been embarrassed?
She remembered back to the time when she and Patrick had shared their first kiss. It was sweet, innocent... and if she remembered right, completly akward. It was almost emmediately after that that they realized they were only friends. If she started feeling like this with Wolfgang... false feelings of love.. or like...
She turned away from him as well, her cheeks turning a slightly pinker tan. What a foolish mistake, kissing him. And yet, it had all been instinct... she hadn't thought about it. Maybe it was just because she was thankful that he had saved her.
Or maybe it was something more. She was ready to die. It would have been easier, and yet Wolfgang saved her, and now they were being thrown into even more danger. So what was she thanking him for? For choosing her... for showing that somebody did care for her.
She glanced over to Wolfgang, just to notice that he still wasn't looking back at her. Her heart beated softly in her chest, comfortable and calm. She felt safe. It was weird. Never before had she depended on anybody but herself, and here she was... feeling like she couldn't get along in the world without him. Maybe she couldnt?
"The trial of... the trial of..." She couldn't hear the voice in her head explaining the trial. So what was this about? There was no orb that she could see, except for the bright sun in the sky. What was this trial about? Was this even a trial? Maybe they had gotten mixed up...
Caw!
The noise behind her nearly made her faint. She turned quickly around to see a bird. An Oiseau. Two Oiseau. Both were fully equipt with riding gear. Another thing Sahara noticed was that she was wearing a sword and dagger at her side...
Great. She thought to herself. What kind of battle have we gotten ourselves into this time?" "Come on Wolfgang." She said, cheeks still pink as she grabbed hold of the reigns and swung her legs up and over the bird.
"To be honest with you Wolfgang... you have had more experience riding one of these beasts than I have... Lets hope this isn't some kind of race." She strapped her feet in and looked out to the horizon. Something was calling her west. But what?
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Post by P h o b i a;|| on May 27, 2010 1:19:23 GMT -5
Wolfgang turned at the familiar caw. He was surprised to see the Oieseau, but at the same time half expected them. This time they would have weapons as well, last time they seemeed like they needed to be used... But all he did was end up attacking a massive guardian. He glanced at his selections, it was not his weapon, but simply a normal lance. He would have to make due.
He turned to Sahara, she was now acting as if the entire incident hadn't even occured, yet he could see her dark cheeks. He nervously grabbed the reigns of the Oiesau, racking his brain for words.
"Yeah, with Sven. It's not hard, but it is different from a sabbia. Bumpier." he quickly got onto the massive, flightless bird. It seemed to wait for his command, which wasn't too conveniant. "Keep your knees strong, and you should stay on."
Now, where to go? he could feel himself being pulled to the west as well, and without a word the bird rocketed in the direction he was thinking. He had forgotten what it was like, though it had only been weeks, if not days before when the wind danced through his hair at such a high speed.
He looked behind him in hopes Sahara was close behind. Maybe it was good they were a bit apart, because the urge to kiss her again was rising. And though that feeling wasn't new, the one dictating his actions before was. He would have to blame his rapid heartbeat on the adrenaline.
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Post by ∴♪WolfurChickϗ on May 27, 2010 1:31:33 GMT -5
Sahara nodded to Wolfgang, pressing her knees close to the bird. The was amazed to notice that its bones felt stronger than a regular bird... even though she had been around oiseau her whole life, she was always too afraid to get too close to one. Even this was out of her comfort zone, and it wasn't even real.
Wasn't even real... to some extent, it was real. It was really a trial. It was really happening. But at the same time, everything that did happen to them... it was all fake. It wasn't ACTUALLY happening. That made her think about the kisses... were they fake too? Just like everything else?
She kept her head down, but her oiseau seemed to follow Wolfgang. The bird was very fast, unlike anything she imagined. Sure, she had flown this fast, if not faster... but flying fast was much different from this. She felt ever hole that the bird stepped into, and she was glad that she had a padded seat.
She tried to keep her mind on the trial, but it almost seemed as if this trial was meant for something else. She couldn't stop thinking about the past trial, and about what happened at the end of it. It appeared as though they still had a long way to go. Maybe this was supposed to be for discussion... it was something Sahara dreaded.
Finally, she caught up with Wolfgang, and began riding just behind him. Without them talking, it was quiet. Sure, the wind was blowing, and the sound of claws beating against waves of sand was apparent... but it was akward without them talking. She needed to say something, anything.
"I'm.. sorry." She told him. It was odd. How different she had become while on this journey. She barely ever said sorry to anybody before, and now, she was constantly saying sorry to Wolfgang. It felt as if everything she did just... wasn't good enough, and she felt like she had to apologize for it.
"I wasn't thinking... I just... acted. You don't know the things the voices were telling me in the last trial. It was... painful." She glanced down. Was she really sorry about how she acted? No, not really. Infact, she felt like she should have been sorry for not doing it sooner. "I thought... I thought that you were going to let me die."
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Post by P h o b i a;|| on May 27, 2010 1:54:22 GMT -5
It was nice being on the back of an ouiseau again, it reminded him of the very beginning, before Connor's deaath, and everything else that seemed to catch up with him. Sahara managed to catch up quickly, and though he wasn't sure what to say to her yet, her apology made his eyes turn to her.
"Sahara, the truth is... I considered it. Not because I wanted to live and you to die, but... Whatever that thing was.. I could feel it in my head. Even the voices and forms it took were just to convince me. It was a moment of weakness." He looked down at his hands as they clutched the reigns, a feeling of guilt wash over him. He looked up to her again. "But even if that...beast was the real thing, I would of never left you alone. I owe you too much." he smirked at his pathetic line, it sounded more like a thanks than a confession. "you know, when I first saw you, I wanted to just punch you. But now.."
He looked at the horizon. Wherever they were going to, he could feel it was closer with each stride. "everything has changed. Everything."
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Post by ∴♪WolfurChickϗ on May 27, 2010 2:03:10 GMT -5
Sahara frowned. His confessions didn't make her feel any better, but she knew what he must have been going through in the last trial, just like she had been. "I guess I have changed a whole lot too... Looking back, I would want to punch myself too. I was a complete jerk. But you..." She looked down. She wouldnt allow the tears to come.
"You owe me nothing." She looked down, her eyes catching each new wave and dune in the sand as the oiseau ran. "You could have left me alone. I wouldn't have minded, Wolfgang. I would have been OK with it. With... dying." She looked back up to him.
"Before, I was reacting... I wasn't thinking. But even now, now that I am thinking... I have no regret. I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable... but I had to tell you everything. And that was the only way I knew how."
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Post by P h o b i a;|| on May 31, 2010 23:42:16 GMT -5
Wolfgang’s forest green eyes didn’t tear away from Sahara, even as he could feel the Oieseau picking up speed. It was almost like they were still in Shifuto Hiru, as if nothing before had happened. The trials were all so realistic, it was like he had really visited all the villages (or, sights where the villages would have been.)
He couldn’t find the proper words, or at least ones that wouldn’t make him sound completely mushy. “You don’t have to apologize. It took me by surprise… but that was it. I don’t regret my actions either.” He couldn’t believe it, but with that said, he smirked. “But you are wrong. I owe you everything. Not just for risking your life to save me more than once.. But for all you‘ve done to wake me up, make me realise I‘m not this freak I thought I was… I guess I really just mean thank you.”
With that, he turned to his oieseau. He thought saying that would make his pulse slow down a bit, but he was still gasping for breath. He had just thought the feeling was one any comrade or friend would have, the need to protect that person, to keep them safe (even if they could defend themselves.)
“I… care about you, alright? So just make sure you have some faith in me for the rest of these trials.”
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Post by ∴♪WolfurChickϗ on May 31, 2010 23:56:55 GMT -5
Sahara couldn't help but show a small smile. She kicked at the bird's sides, and it sped up so that she was riding right next to Wolfgang, hardly a foot away. She looked over at him, new found hope rising with in her heart. "You know, Wolfgang... There is something you ought to know."
She grasped the reigns, then flipped her right leg over to the other side, so that she was sitting on the oiseau side saddled, that way to give him her full attention. "Back in the rogue jintori nests... the leader of the jintori... He asked me to stay with him. He said that he couldn't see something in me, and that.... he really liked me."
She could feel her cheeks turn pink as she tried to continue. "But I turned him down. I told him that there was someone else I was keeping my eye on. I said that it could never work between us. I wasn't talking about Patrick."
She felt her heart leap in her chest, wanting to finish the words, but somehow, she didn't think she needed to. Instead, she looked forward. They were heading towards a large, rocky formation. Something told her that they were going to have to fight hard this time. She looked over at Wolfgang. "I have a feeling that we are about to face the same thing that Connor and Patrick went through. Prepare yourself."
She swung her leg back over, and the oiseau emmediately began to speed up. She no longer had any control over it, but apparently, the bird knew exactly where they were headed to.
"The trial of Burdens." She spat out. A lump caught in her throat when she spoke it though. A deep shiver went down her spine. Something told her that this was no going to be fun... or easy.
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Post by P h o b i a;|| on Jun 1, 2010 0:10:24 GMT -5
Wolfgang smiled back at her, he remembered Bonzo, he also remembered Sahara telling him that he had kissed her. Now, it was something almost amusing, and flattering to think back upon. His thoughts were quickly disturbed as Sahara announced the trial. Burdens, this already sounded hard.
Wolfgang gripped his reigns. He felt a sudden feeling rush over him, almost as if he was being watched. “I don’t have a good feeling about this place… and I don’t see an orb anywhere…”
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Post by ∴♪WolfurChickϗ on Jun 1, 2010 0:33:05 GMT -5
Sahara could feel it too. The feeling that she was being watched. She glanced around up at the rocky formation. She could see large shadows shifting around. They looked... kinda like sabbia? She looked over at Wolfgang. "Whatever happens, whatever this trial is about... We do this together. We don't quit."
She wasn't saying this just for Wolfgang. She needed him to be there for her to. If she froze up, if she tried to quit, she needed him to get her started back up again. They needed to feed off of each other. They needed to share each other's strengths if they wanted to make this work.
Suddenly, the oiseau stopped. Wary of getting off the bird, Sahara just sat there for a moment, looking around to see if she could find the orb, but she couldn't see a thing. Just then, a creature landed infront of them. It was a hideous looking creature... feathered like a bird, but scaled like a snake. It had long, curving claws, a splitted tail the length of its massive body, huge drooping black wings, a long, leathery neck, and a very powerful, crooked beak.
Sahara grabbed at her sword, then the beast spoke. "I am Niffutonia." Its voice was very feminine, and almost beautiful. At first, Sahara looked around, searching for the voice, until she realized that it was the hideous beast infront of her talking. "You are looking for the portal." The beast took a step forward, and Sahara grabbed hold of her weapon.
"Do not draw your weapon on me." The beast spoke, is voice giving Sahara the willies. "It will only be wasted. The portal is on the other side of this formation, but so is something very terrible. You will not wish to see it, but if you want to move on... you must. You will both be tried... the both of you will be brought back into reality. This... will hurt. But first, you must get the other side, and you must get there alive."
And as quickly as she landed, the beast unfurled its ghostly wings and was gone. However, she was replaced by the alarming screams of similar beasts.. about three, each headed for Sahara and Wolfgang, all ready to kill. Sahara pulled the weapon from its sheath. "This wont be easy." Sahara admitted.
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Post by P h o b i a;|| on Jun 1, 2010 0:52:30 GMT -5
Wolfgang grabbed his weapon as the hideous creature dropped in front of them. He wavered as she demanded they not draw their weapons on her, but disobeyed after she had disappeared. The sword he wielded was light, he knew he would have to get used to it and not his original weapon. He coughed out a laugh as Sahara spoke, “No kidding.” he murmured, bending his knees lightly, waiting for them to come just a bit closer.
In a flash, Wolfgang struck at one of the beasts, hitting it hard against the beak. Both stopped, pressure building between them. The creature, more disgusting than the first glared down at him would have been smirking if it had lips. He could feel his hands shake against the pressure, but he wouldn’t back down from the bird.
He finally managed to push the Sunahane away, and charged forward again, swiping furiously. He could feel the wind from the Sunahane’s wings against his face, then damp drops splashing over one of his eyes. Wolfgang had managed to stab the beast, but by the way it swung at him, it wouldn’t be enough. Only allowing himself to rip his eyes away from the wavering beast for a moment, he turned to Sahara. “Under their wings are sensitive! You might be able to hit the heart if you stab deep.”
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Post by ∴♪WolfurChickϗ on Jun 1, 2010 11:04:21 GMT -5
" Gotcha!" Sahara called back at Wolfgang, swinging her sword above her head just as one of the monstrous creatures dove in, just barely missing her scalp. Two of the Sunahane had gone after her, swooping in to attack Sahara. Luckily, one of the beasts had been preoccupied with the Oiseau, since the bird had apparently tried to make the battle even, and decided to distract one of the Sunahanes.
Sahara had never fought flying beasts from the ground. In all honesty, it was a challenge, like being a snake, trying to defend itself from an owl. The smallest sunahane flew down, spiraling towards her. Sahara hit the ground and rolled out of the way, then quickly jumped to her feet and swung her sword, catching the beast in the back of the leg. It roared out in pain, and turned to Sahara.
"You bitch!" It hollered, and it caught Sahara off guard. These... things were intellagent. They weren't just beasts, they were... people. Sahara almost felt bad for it, until it snapped at her with its beak, then with a quick motion, swung the sword down as hard as she could on its neck, and severed its head. The beast flopped around wildly for another moment before falling to the ground and emitting a foul stench, almost unbearable to Sahara.
She then turned her attention to the second sunahane, its gaze now focused on her, only it looked shocked, and appalled rather than angry. "Brother!" The sunahane called in an almost childlike voice. Sahara was confused. What were they killing? They looked like beasts, but they talked and acted like people. Were they doing the right thing in fighting them? Just before she could think of an answer, the second sunahane spun, crashing its tail hard into the area infront of Sahara.
It landed, and looked Sahara in the eye. "You are human." It seemed to want to make her understand. "But what makes us any less than that?" It seemed to cry. "We can not eat anything but human... You killed my brother, now you will be my dinner." Sahara cringed. Eat humans? That was the answer she needed to take the beast down.
The sunahane swung its tail at her again, this time coming in contact with her side and throwing her to the ground. Sahara layed there for a moment, grasping at her aching side, the wind completly knocked out of her. Sahara quickly looked around. The oiseau was gone. So much for that.
Sahara waited until the Sunahane charged at her, then just as it went for her, beak open, teeth inside its hideous beak ready, Sahara thrust her sword into the air, catching the bird freak by its head. The beast wriggled and screetched, managing to get a few long, deep scratches into Sahara, until at last, it collapsed on top of her. Disguisted, Sahara pushed the heavy beast off of herself, and pulled her sword from its face. She wiped it clean on the ground and turned to Wolfgang.
"Need any assistance?" She asked cockily.
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Post by P h o b i a;|| on Jun 2, 2010 9:59:54 GMT -5
The largest of the three lashed it’s tail and managed to whip Wolfgang’s neck. He grunted from the minor wound, standing is ground as it turned to him. It eat it’s wings, trying to make it look bigger. “You will die here, human.” Wolfgang stumbled back, not expecting the beast to actually speak. However, he had enough scrapes and bruises to know it wouldn’t be talked out of killing him. He ran straight towards it, breaking to the left just before it stabbed it‘s beak downwards. He waited until it flared it’s wings up again (in surprise this time) and plunged his sword under the wing. It let out a human and beastly cry, muscular legs buckling under it. Wolfgang fell was the wing closed over top of him, but continued to stab nonetheless.
After the beast lay silent for what seemed forever, Wolfgang shoved and hoisted the wing away and rolled out from under it. He lay on the ground, trying to grasp what exactly he had just killed, and why he felt so sad.
“I’m good.” He murmured, though when he got up to look at Sahara, he frowned. “Are you alright?” He knew already what her answer would be, so he turned to the stone formation. “…We have to cross it.”
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Post by ∴♪WolfurChickϗ on Jun 3, 2010 12:58:30 GMT -5
Sahara nodded, then looked at the large pile of rocks. It was a little intimidating. She had never gone rock climbing before, outside of what they trained for back in the city. She was almost wishing she had her robotic leg at this time, since it could easily have carried more wight and give her more footing.
She started up, grabbing a hold of any rocks which wer sticking out from the walls, and finding her feet room to climb up. She climbed up just a little before calling out back at Wolfgang. "Be careful, these rocks are sharp, and hot." She said, noticing that not only did they seem to be burning her hands, but also cutting them more with each amount of pressure she pushed on her body.
She made it to a flat surface of the rock formation fairly quickly, and there she saw a ten foot long stake jutting out of the rock. She hoped that this was all they had to climb to, because rock climbing in the desert was agonizing work. She took a step forward before something long and scaley grabbed her from behind, wrapping itself around her arms and mouth, to keep her from screaming or attacking.
"Silence." The same female voice from earlier hissed, pulling her behind a rock. The creature's second tail went for Wolfgang, to pull him in too. "There is something you need to see before running off to your certain doom." Sahara fought the bird like monster, beforefinally giving up. Her strength was no match for this beast.
Finally, the bird creature allowed her to peak over the rock that they were hiding behind, and gently released its tail from her mouth, though did not let go of her arms. Sahara watched, in horror as something increasingly uncomfortable unravelled before her eyes. The wooden stake wasn't alone. There was somebody tied to it, and there was a fire. A hideously placed human being barely breathing next to its warmth.
She recognized the man tied to the stake first. It was Patrick. Sahara made a move to run up and untie him, but she was held back by the large, female sunahane, and her mouth was once again covered by the scaled tail. Her eyes travelled to the man on the ground. Sudden disguist filled her heart, and she would have hurled, had her mouth not been covered. It was Connor. He was barely breathing, and it appeared as though his skin was rotting. For a moment, she thought she could smell him, but it turned out to be just the beast that was holding her captive.
"These are the men you left behind." The female beast spoke to Sahara. "This is your fault." It spoke to Wolfgang. "Your friend Connor... you will watch him struggle for his life, and then you will watch him die." Sahara struggled, finally freeing her mouth. "But they get away! Patrick survives!" The sunahane laughed. "Yes, that he does. But where is he now? While you two are taking your time with these trials, Patrick is waiting in a chamber. When the sun arises, which is very soon, he will be discovered, and killed. And what of your little Jintori friend? Frozen to death with the birds you left outside!"
Sahara's eyes widened. Was it true? Was all this really happening? Fear shot down her limbs, paralyzing her. It is true that they had been tied up for quite a while... it would be easy for Patrick to be discovered and attacked, and as for Inori... to sty all night out in the freezing cold? There is no way any jintori could last that long...wAs therE?
Sahara watched in horror as the huge sunahane, the leader, paced around Patrick, whipping him occasionally with his hideous tail. This was what they went through? It was horrifying... She watched slowly as Patrick and Connor were nearly killed, until Inori saved them, and then they were gone. It was all Inori... the reason that Patrick was still alive. Sahara had been useless. She dropped her head, feeling herself go limp.
"Thats right." The female Sunahane whispered. "Connor died. Patrick and Inori will die. And it is all your fault. The both of you. I hope your bond is worth more than the lives of your friends!"
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Post by P h o b i a;|| on Jun 4, 2010 10:02:05 GMT -5
“Shut up!” Wolfgang barked to the hideous creature. He had watched only in horror and silence as they watched the past unfold in front of them. He had already felt the guilt Connor’s death had left him, and to see him and Patrick in this state now simply made him sick.
He spoke again, more quietly. “They will survive. Sahara--” he turned to her, struggling to keep his bonded body turned to her and mouth free, “Don’t listen to this-- thing. It was like before, all just lies to destroy our hope.” Wolfgang tried to mask his shivering voice as he struggled. He wanted to believe what he said, he truly did. But he only said those things truly so Sahara wouldn’t give up hope.
“Connor.. His death could have been avoided, but there’s nothing we can do to reverse it. Connor’s death would be in vain if we stop now, and everything Patrick went through!“ Wolfgang then turned his head to watch Inori leave with the two men in tow.
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Post by ∴♪WolfurChickϗ on Jun 4, 2010 17:35:58 GMT -5
Sahara dropped her eyes. "Wolfgang... listen..." There was sadness painted on her face, a feeling of guilt and hopelessness in her eyes. "The truth is, I did blame you for what happened to Connor... but it isn't your fault. I know that now." She took in a deep, painful gasp, her ribs still hurting from the fight before.
"I was too weak. Look at how many times you have had to rescue me in these trails alone! If they had been paired with someone stronger, someone with more experience... then this probably wouldn't have happened. I don't blame you, because I blame myself."
She looked up at Wolfgang, her eyes sad and hollow. "But if I hadn't gone, I would never have met you, we wouldn't be here..." She gave him a pathetic smile. "Going through these trials with you has been worth it... But I'm not worth the pain to my friends. What good am I, if my friends die?"
She thought back to Patrick and Inori. How close were they to death? "Wolfgang, its OK. If we give up the trials, then you still have enough time to save Patrick and Inori. Otherwise, they might die. I can't lose my friends... not anymore. It hurt terribly when Connor passed. If that were to happen to Patrick, or Inori, or... you..." She frowned, not allowing herself to think about the kind of pain she would feel then.
"My point is, I need my friends to be safe. If I live, and my friends do not, then what point do I have for living? But if I die, and you save my friends, then my death will have been worth it." She felt herself giving up. She didn't even want to hear Wolfgang protest. She just wanted to give up, and free her friends. She felt the sunahane's grasp loosen on her, until the sunahane completely let go of them both, and seemed to slip away. Sahara thought it was just letting them go, but that was not the case.
"Shut up human!" A familiar man's voice echoed behind them. Sahara twirled around, ready to defend Wolfgang, but who she saw, wasn't somebody that she expected. "Bonzo?"
The jintori leader didn't look happy. Infact, he looked totally pissed. The body of the female sunahane lay beside him, his sword bloody. He tossed it aside and crossed his arms. "You are not Sahara Nickshaw. You are an imposter!" Sahara scoffed, regaining some bit of her attitude. "What are you talking about Bonzo? I am Sahara! You are the imposter! You are not the real Bonzo!"
The jintori walked up to Sahara, crossing his wings behind him. "No?" He grabbed her chin, pulled her in and kissed her with the same familiarity he had before. She pushed him back, a look of disgust on her face. Bonzo looked at Wolfgang. "I'm sorry." He apologized for making the move, then turned back to Sahara.
"I am as real as you are, Sahara. Or more so." Sahara was confused. "Sahara, you once had such a fiery, burning spirit. Now it seems that torch is nothing but a match." He spat on the ground, then continued talking. "You can't be the real Sahara, because she would have never given up. She would know that her friends are not weak, that they know the dangers they are in, and that they will fight. The real Sahara knows they can take care of themselves."
"But this.. this Sahara cannot be real. You wish to give up so easily? You stand before the man you turned down a kiss from me for, yet you show him how weak you really are. The real Sahara would never show her weaknesses, never. Because she doesn't have any. The real Sahara may not be as beautiful as you, but she was much more inspiring."
Sahara stood there, listening to the jintori speak. There was no doubt about it. This was Bonzo, but how? He wasn't an image, or a mirage. He was Bonzo, nd everything he had said... actually made.. sense.
She stood there with her mouth agape, unbelieving of what she was seeing. Bonzo finally spoke up again, this time turning to Wolfgang. "And how dare you! That kiss she gave you was no mistake! Nor was it just a thank you. I would KILL for that kiss. I don't understand. I am obviously more handsome, stronger, better than you, and yet, she chose you. Even when she wasn't sure about you. And when she kisses you, you act like it was nothing!"
Sahara blushed embarrassingly. "Bonzo, please explain to us why you are here." Bonzo shook his head. "Not until you pass these trials, and you come to visit us. Your friends will be fine. More important is that you pass these trials, becoming bonded with Wolfgang. The world is in turmoil Sahara, and you are our one chance to prevent its complete crumbling." And with that, he turned, unfurled his wings, and lifted into the air, his flying so fast that he was gone in seconds.
Sahara stood there, unsure what to think. She looked down, too ashamed to look Wolfgang in the eye. Then she caught a light. Looking up, she could see that the fire that had been infront of the stake had died down, yet the light was still shining. It was the light of something else... a portal. An orb. This was it... but... was this what was best?
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Post by P h o b i a;|| on Jun 5, 2010 11:09:40 GMT -5
Wolfgang watched as Bonzo soared away, both utterly confused and completely grateful. Though his words had shaken him a bit, he still nodded as he left, mumbling an incoherent thank you.
Bonzo was a far more passionate man then him, acting on his instinct, speaking what he felt in his heart… Wolfgang felt a bit jealous, though he would never admit it.
He turned to Sahara, unsure what to say, but noticed her eyes were on something else; he turned them to the orb. “Bonzo is right.” His eyes still stayed on the orb. It was mere feet away, yet it seemed like the hardest orb they would be obtaining.
“About everything. You‘re friends mean everything to you, but without finishing these trials, so much more could be on the line. I believe in you, that we can finish these trials, no matter what happens.
"Do you remember before we started the trials? We were in the Celestial corner. You gave me a choice to stay there forever, with no pain or loneliness, or to continue on with the trials. I wanted to stay, but I knew I couldn’t let you down, especially after everything.”
He winced as he dropped his sword, blood beginning to dry on it. He knew he wouldn’t need it for the next trial, and if he did, another would appear. “Patrick, you and Connor. You’re my saviours, willing to risk everything for a stranger. I would have never of gotten this far without them. And you.”
Wolfgang took a few steps over to her, though weary from their battle before. “I won’t finish these trials without you… Because Bonzo was right about me too.”
Though he felt his face go red, and his head told him to stop and run with her for the orb, Wolfgang brushed a hand against her cheek and pressed his lips against hers. He could feel his heart in his throat as he finally broke away, waiting for a response.
“Two trials left. It’s your choice, Sahara Nickshaw.”
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Post by ∴♪WolfurChickϗ on Jun 6, 2010 3:54:33 GMT -5
Sahara broke away from his kiss in a new light. She felt as if she had gotten stronger. Maybe it was because Bonzo had shown up and knew the right things to say, or maybe it was because the light from the orb gave her hope, or maybe it was because Wolfgang had kissed her. It didn't matter. She was ready. She was really, really ready. Bonzo was right. Sahara knew Patrick, and she knew that he would not let anything happen while she was away, not to him, or to Inori.
Sahara grabbed Wolfgang's hand and began to walk towards the orb. This time, she held on gratefully, intertwining her fingers with his. "Only two. Which villages are left?" She thought about it. "Taikai Ueki... And Shifuto Aisu." She looked over at Wolfgang. "Taikai Ueki is your village." She said, as if realizing. She stopped before walking into the orb.
"Because I doubt that we will be able to talk in the next two trials, I want to ask you something. And you don't have to answer me now, just... think about it." She looked up into his eyes. It was weird not seeing his eyepatch or scars... she actually kind of missed them. "Wolfgang, I..." She glanced down, trying to find the right words, but not sure what exactly to say.
"Wolfgang, you have friends now, in Shifuto Hiru. I... What I wanted to ask you, is... if you will stay." This was the second time she asked him, although the first time she did so, he had been aleep, and was unable to hear her. Now though, he was awake, and more alert than ever, so it was a good time to ask.
"You don't have to answer right away. But I want you to know, that if you say no, then it will be alright." She looked forward at the light that was right infront of them, it shine beckoned her forward, but she waited. "If Taikai Ueki means more to you... then I wont make you stay in Shifuto Hiru." She looked over at him, a smile taking over her facial features. "I'll just have to come with you."
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