The Ark Termina, commonly referred to simply as the Ark, is a room located at the very top of the Den of Golden Lions where members of the guild are teleported throughout various planes of Vescrutia to accomplish their missions. The interdimensional abilities were fueled from Erigor's own personal weapon Aadihra- a broadsword infused with his temporal manipulation arbiter that acted as a key for the Ark. With his permission, members of the guild are allowed access to the room as a means of instant transportation to the realms affiliated with Helidor. All they needed to do was touch the blade and envision their desired location.
After her conversation with Erigor and Kamari, Okoye wasted no time making her way to Ark so that she could embark to Hojoku. Once she walked to the middle platform of the enormous room Okoye took a breath, envisioned her desired location and took hold of the broadsword with both hands. Reflexively, she opted to shut her eyes while she braced herself for the inevitable disorientation of teleportation. When she opened them again, she found herself standing on unfamiliar ground, surrounded by a landscape unlike any she had ever seen.
-
Before her stretched a panorama of breathtaking beauty – towering cliffs draped in verdant foliage, their emerald hues kissed by the golden rays of the sun, cascading waterfalls that shimmered like liquid diamonds in the sunlight, and a cerulean sea that stretched to the horizon, its surface dancing with the reflection of the sky above. The air was filled with the intoxicating scent of exotic blooms and the gentle melody of an exotic birdsong, a symphony of nature's finest offerings.
But even amidst the splendor of her surroundings, there was an unmistakable sense of foreboding that hung heavy in the air. The vibrant colors of the landscape seemed muted somehow, as if tainted by the shadows that lurked at the edges of her vision. And looming in the distance, barely visible through the swirling mists, she caught sight of a dark and foreboding monument.
Its twisted spires reached towards the sky like the gnarled fingers of some ancient titan, their jagged edges casting long shadows across the landscape. The stone of the shrine was black as midnight, its surface marred by strange runes that seemed to pulse with an otherworldly light. Even at this distance, Okoye could sense the malevolent presence that emanated from its depths; a darkness that seemed to into her very bones and send shivers down her spine. ”..no shaking now.”
Without a doubt in her mind, she knew that was the nervous system of the Cult haunting the realm of Hojoku- The Munda Abundi.
She steeled herself for the task ahead. Okoye knew that her mission to exterminate them would not be easy. But as the wind whispered secrets of darkness and despair, she squared her shoulders and set forth into the unknown, determined to confront her targets. She didn't exactly have a plan, but she didn't think she needed one. Her goal was simple- Locate any demons, ghouls, spirits or oni being controlled by the cult and add them to her ranks. Attached around her back was a scroll detailing information that the Gilded Fangs gathered on the area. She took this opportunity to prepare herself.
The Realm Of Hojuku- [End]
Re: The Realm Of Hojuku
Okoye took her time familiarizing herself with the knowledge of Hojuku and its beastary, but she spent far more effort studying the pertinent details the scholars and spies of the Gilded Fangs gathered about the cult. Starting with the infrastructure of the malevolent shrine glaring at her in the horizon, their apparent base of operation.
The illustrations of the Munda Abundi Shrine captured a marvel of dark architecture; its twisted spires and jagged edges stood as a testament to the cult's mastery over the arcane, as well as its ownership of the territory itself. Built upon the largest concentrations of natural energy within Hojuku, the shrine serves as a conduit for the mystical energies that flow through the island like a river of power.
Perched upon a towering outcropping of obsidian rock, the shrine commands a domineering view of the surrounding landscape, its dark visage silhouetted against the backdrop of the ever-shifting mists. At its highest point, a massive stone archway looms, its twisted form reminiscent of a gaping maw hungry for souls. "At least they aren't hiding." She thought to herself, but this meant she would have little luck mounting a full frontal attack, and sneaking up on them would prove next to impossible should they have a full rotation of guards.
At the center of the shrine stands the Altar of Nii’or; a massive monolith of obsidian adorned with runes of ancient power. Black flames dance and flicker upon its surface, casting a pall of darkness over the chamber as the cultists gather to enact their occult rituals. It is there that the members of the Abundi are said to sacrifice the individuals they “procure” during their harvest. Be it kidnapping, trafficking, or pillaging their methods were both immoral and unrelenting. Okoye could feel herself getting more and more furious as she continued to read.
But perhaps the most striking feature of the shrine was its location – nestled amidst the swirling mists and towering cliffs of Hojuku, it is a place both beautiful and terrifying, a monument to the raw power of the island's natural energies. But it was then, as she examined its surrounding geography that Okoye discerned an optimal attack route.
”There..” she thought as her finger traced the outer linings of the Shrine. Her gaze fixated near the apical region of the shrine. From what she could infer, the shrine lacked any sort of gate or exterior protection and relied on their extensive vantage of the area to compensate for this. While the exact headcount of the cult was unknown, she couldn't imagine too many of them would be too powerful. The true strength of the cult relied in their possession of that mysterious artifact. She theorized that was how they were able manipulate the natural energies of the land, figured if she could get her hands on it, then the rest of the machine would crumble. It made sense that it would be held within or near the alter, so that was where she would focus her assault.
With a nod of her head, she folded up the scroll and vanquished the parchment in her palm with a powerful blister of naten. She didn't want anything to be able to trace back to Helidor should she be compromised, but she didn't see herself failing. This task was more of a stepping stone in her eyes. In the last year or so, Okoye had drastically grown from the woman who dreamed of one day ruling the same country that exiled. And today marked the prime of her life. She needed a proper whetting stone in which to test the extent of her new found strengths and abilities. She had only recently gotten a handle over her Demon Art, this time she planned to exercise Ashura's Crown.
As she prepared to head out, she noticed the time of day. Both of Vescrutia's Suns were nearing the horizon and Bako and Kairen were starting their ascent to the heavens. A blanket of darkness would help her avoid foot soldiers and conventional recon.. she would wait until nightfall until she moved forward.
The illustrations of the Munda Abundi Shrine captured a marvel of dark architecture; its twisted spires and jagged edges stood as a testament to the cult's mastery over the arcane, as well as its ownership of the territory itself. Built upon the largest concentrations of natural energy within Hojuku, the shrine serves as a conduit for the mystical energies that flow through the island like a river of power.
Perched upon a towering outcropping of obsidian rock, the shrine commands a domineering view of the surrounding landscape, its dark visage silhouetted against the backdrop of the ever-shifting mists. At its highest point, a massive stone archway looms, its twisted form reminiscent of a gaping maw hungry for souls. "At least they aren't hiding." She thought to herself, but this meant she would have little luck mounting a full frontal attack, and sneaking up on them would prove next to impossible should they have a full rotation of guards.
At the center of the shrine stands the Altar of Nii’or; a massive monolith of obsidian adorned with runes of ancient power. Black flames dance and flicker upon its surface, casting a pall of darkness over the chamber as the cultists gather to enact their occult rituals. It is there that the members of the Abundi are said to sacrifice the individuals they “procure” during their harvest. Be it kidnapping, trafficking, or pillaging their methods were both immoral and unrelenting. Okoye could feel herself getting more and more furious as she continued to read.
But perhaps the most striking feature of the shrine was its location – nestled amidst the swirling mists and towering cliffs of Hojuku, it is a place both beautiful and terrifying, a monument to the raw power of the island's natural energies. But it was then, as she examined its surrounding geography that Okoye discerned an optimal attack route.
”There..” she thought as her finger traced the outer linings of the Shrine. Her gaze fixated near the apical region of the shrine. From what she could infer, the shrine lacked any sort of gate or exterior protection and relied on their extensive vantage of the area to compensate for this. While the exact headcount of the cult was unknown, she couldn't imagine too many of them would be too powerful. The true strength of the cult relied in their possession of that mysterious artifact. She theorized that was how they were able manipulate the natural energies of the land, figured if she could get her hands on it, then the rest of the machine would crumble. It made sense that it would be held within or near the alter, so that was where she would focus her assault.
With a nod of her head, she folded up the scroll and vanquished the parchment in her palm with a powerful blister of naten. She didn't want anything to be able to trace back to Helidor should she be compromised, but she didn't see herself failing. This task was more of a stepping stone in her eyes. In the last year or so, Okoye had drastically grown from the woman who dreamed of one day ruling the same country that exiled. And today marked the prime of her life. She needed a proper whetting stone in which to test the extent of her new found strengths and abilities. She had only recently gotten a handle over her Demon Art, this time she planned to exercise Ashura's Crown.
As she prepared to head out, she noticed the time of day. Both of Vescrutia's Suns were nearing the horizon and Bako and Kairen were starting their ascent to the heavens. A blanket of darkness would help her avoid foot soldiers and conventional recon.. she would wait until nightfall until she moved forward.
-
Zolgarious Gilden
- Drifter
- Posts: 60
- Joined: Sun Jun 23, 2019 11:40 pm
Re: The Realm Of Hojuku
By the time Zol opened his eyes, they were no longer saturated in the azure light of the Ark, and instead, they lay on the stunning view of the Island. The crisp, refreshing coolness and thunderous roar of crashing waterfalls were like a salve to his spirit. Its foliage was lush and full, filling the island with an air that betrayed the horrors it was experiencing. There was indeed malignant energy pulsing through the earth. The moment his feet touched the soil of Hojuku, he felt the weight of their task. The soil was rich with vengeful emotions and hateful curses; it was as if the same land was tied in its battle of light versus dark, and the light was fading fast. Still, the curvature of the massive stone articles was an awe-inspiring sight. It only furthered his resolve to see this land and its inhabitants free of the cult's tyranny. Zol would find himself trailing his eyes over the sun-bathed horn, his skin feeling warmly embraced. A menacing chill soon devoured warmth when he saw the towering Ebon monument in the distance. It emitted an almost maddening hum of rancorous spite.
Many had died here.
And if they did nothing, many more would perish. Now, it made sense to him why, despite such fervent botany, there was an odd lack of animal life. As he glared down the obsidian moment, he also noticed the shrine. Meru would also manifest from the Ark's light, ruffling his fur free of its lingering aftereffects. As he trailed the landscape, his eyes could not help but feel the tingle of watering. He could only imagine what Hojuku looked like before its pillage, how the people and animals must've felt such pride in a place so abundantly bustling with life. This artifact in the cult may be much more powerful than he initially grasped.
Meru also manifested from the Ark's light, ruffling himself free of its lingering aftereffects. His companion shivered a bit. His instincts were all telling him that there was something horrible brewing here. Just as he went to speak, his nose twitched a few times, catching a somewhat familiar scent. As Meru turned, he found the lady he saw leaving Erigor's Sanctum, who had just finished lighting a blaze. He nudged Zol, whose tranced enamor was broken. He turned to face Meru and noticed the person Erigor mentioned. They were still several meters away from her, who probably had seen them before they had seen her.
"It's her..."
He said as he caught sight of her. Like a hawk, she focused on Munda Abundi's base and was poised to strike immediately. Zol could do little to fight against how foreboding yet captivating her presence was. She was...bewitching with an aura unlike any he'd ever met. He could see why they both held her in high esteem. The strength of her soul oscillated around her. Erigor's warning to exercise caution felt more than a warning about the cult, implying he shouldn't be too strong towards their "guest."
"Achem. You must be the person the guild master spoke of."
He said in a tone that hopefully assuaged any unrest his sudden appearance may have caused. Now that he thought about it, Kamari noted that another from the guild was meeting them here for this mission.
" Names Zolgarious, Zolgarious Gilden, Zol for short. This here's Meru. You?"
They never even told him her name; he forgot to ask in all the translations.
Many had died here.
And if they did nothing, many more would perish. Now, it made sense to him why, despite such fervent botany, there was an odd lack of animal life. As he glared down the obsidian moment, he also noticed the shrine. Meru would also manifest from the Ark's light, ruffling his fur free of its lingering aftereffects. As he trailed the landscape, his eyes could not help but feel the tingle of watering. He could only imagine what Hojuku looked like before its pillage, how the people and animals must've felt such pride in a place so abundantly bustling with life. This artifact in the cult may be much more powerful than he initially grasped.
Meru also manifested from the Ark's light, ruffling himself free of its lingering aftereffects. His companion shivered a bit. His instincts were all telling him that there was something horrible brewing here. Just as he went to speak, his nose twitched a few times, catching a somewhat familiar scent. As Meru turned, he found the lady he saw leaving Erigor's Sanctum, who had just finished lighting a blaze. He nudged Zol, whose tranced enamor was broken. He turned to face Meru and noticed the person Erigor mentioned. They were still several meters away from her, who probably had seen them before they had seen her.
"It's her..."
He said as he caught sight of her. Like a hawk, she focused on Munda Abundi's base and was poised to strike immediately. Zol could do little to fight against how foreboding yet captivating her presence was. She was...bewitching with an aura unlike any he'd ever met. He could see why they both held her in high esteem. The strength of her soul oscillated around her. Erigor's warning to exercise caution felt more than a warning about the cult, implying he shouldn't be too strong towards their "guest."
"Achem. You must be the person the guild master spoke of."
He said in a tone that hopefully assuaged any unrest his sudden appearance may have caused. Now that he thought about it, Kamari noted that another from the guild was meeting them here for this mission.
" Names Zolgarious, Zolgarious Gilden, Zol for short. This here's Meru. You?"
They never even told him her name; he forgot to ask in all the translations.
Re: The Realm Of Hojuku
Cyrus teleported unto the scene seconds after Zolgarious , and the expression on his face when he materialized was retrained and composed. The sensation of utilizing the Ark always left him with a twisted stomach. He was a tough man, and seasoned warrior, but nothing about being warped across space and time settled well with him
"..that's it. Next time, I'm walking." He grumbled as he stepped forth, adjusting his armor and fastening his gauntlets around his wrists. Cyrus was an older member of the guild, and was far more seasoned than a vast majority of his contemporaries. He tallied a mission count over three hundred and has amassed enough wealth along his quests to sequester his own bevvy of land within Helidor for himself. As a polymorph, his skills and identity were well known as respected among the Gilded Fangs, and his leadership qualities made him an exemplary ally.
When he wasn't angry that is..
"Zolgarious!!" He roared, as if he furious at the young man. But that was simply his way of speaking. He was a large man. nearly 6'4, and weighed almost half a ton whenever he donned his MoonScar armor. He had seen Zol before and was comfortable enough with his mission track record to respect him as warrior. Granted.. the polymorph didn't believe anyone to be his equal in terms of combat. Kamari aside, Cyrus has never lost a battle, a spar, a challenge, hell he never even lost a race for as long as he's been alive. His pride and ego almost exist as separate entities than himself.
Those who quest with Cyrus take exception to his attitude, but he has never once lost a comrade to the battlefield.
"You're with me." His armor cranked with every step as he approached his comrade. "My name is Cyrus. We've yet to work together before, but I've heard good things. Don't make this a chore for me."
He said as he glared over to the young woman he noticed sitting not to far away from them. Her back was turned so Cyrus couldn't see her face, but he inferred that this was the woman he was told about during his briefing. "Same goes for you!" , Cyrus initiated, his tone pointed and raw. "Our weapons may share a target, but I know nothing else about you. The Primal and Spectral Fang have give you grace, know that I will not be so easy to please."
Cyrus' voice projected naturally. Like he was covering his mouth with his hands, but that was simply a gift her had. His baritone was as commanding as his spirit. His magenta colored eyes, sentinels of pride. This was the face of a man a charged with the lives of those around him; a burden he was used to, a burden he welcomed. But not one he would take lightly.
"..that's it. Next time, I'm walking." He grumbled as he stepped forth, adjusting his armor and fastening his gauntlets around his wrists. Cyrus was an older member of the guild, and was far more seasoned than a vast majority of his contemporaries. He tallied a mission count over three hundred and has amassed enough wealth along his quests to sequester his own bevvy of land within Helidor for himself. As a polymorph, his skills and identity were well known as respected among the Gilded Fangs, and his leadership qualities made him an exemplary ally.
When he wasn't angry that is..
"Zolgarious!!" He roared, as if he furious at the young man. But that was simply his way of speaking. He was a large man. nearly 6'4, and weighed almost half a ton whenever he donned his MoonScar armor. He had seen Zol before and was comfortable enough with his mission track record to respect him as warrior. Granted.. the polymorph didn't believe anyone to be his equal in terms of combat. Kamari aside, Cyrus has never lost a battle, a spar, a challenge, hell he never even lost a race for as long as he's been alive. His pride and ego almost exist as separate entities than himself.
Those who quest with Cyrus take exception to his attitude, but he has never once lost a comrade to the battlefield.
"You're with me." His armor cranked with every step as he approached his comrade. "My name is Cyrus. We've yet to work together before, but I've heard good things. Don't make this a chore for me."
He said as he glared over to the young woman he noticed sitting not to far away from them. Her back was turned so Cyrus couldn't see her face, but he inferred that this was the woman he was told about during his briefing. "Same goes for you!" , Cyrus initiated, his tone pointed and raw. "Our weapons may share a target, but I know nothing else about you. The Primal and Spectral Fang have give you grace, know that I will not be so easy to please."
Cyrus' voice projected naturally. Like he was covering his mouth with his hands, but that was simply a gift her had. His baritone was as commanding as his spirit. His magenta colored eyes, sentinels of pride. This was the face of a man a charged with the lives of those around him; a burden he was used to, a burden he welcomed. But not one he would take lightly.
Re: The Realm Of Hojuku
She certainly did. Okoye was sitting down with her legs crossed as she watched the azure beam of energy materialize both Zol and Meru. She recognized the stream of temporal light and her face immediately grew long and tight with contempt. Erigor undermined her.. and she just knew Kamari was laughing over his shoulder.By the time Zol opened his eyes, they were no longer saturated in the azure light of the Ark, and instead, they lay on the stunning view of the Island
Meru also manifested from the Ark's light, ruffling himself free of its lingering aftereffects. His companion shivered a bit. His instincts were all telling him that there was something horrible brewing here. Just as he went to speak, his nose twitched a few times, catching a somewhat familiar scent. As Meru turned, he found the lady he saw leaving Erigor's Sanctum, who had just finished lighting a blaze. He nudged Zol, whose tranced enamor was broken. He turned to face Meru and noticed the person Erigor mentioned. They were still several meters away from her, who probably had seen them before they had seen her.
”..fuckers.” She thought to herself. Her eyes sharpened into daggers as zol approached her from afar.
She noticed some things about him- other than the golden vine like markings tracing his flesh or that they shared the same eye color. He bore a unique spiritual energy, one that felt at least a million times older than the face staring down at her. From being around him for less than a second, she felt as if she knew him- like his spiritual energy wore his heart on his sleeve. There was a valiant glow to him- she found it oddly polarizing, despite being a hardened introvert at heart. However, before she decided whether or not he wanted to respond--"Ahem. You must be the person the guild master spoke of."
He said in a tone that hopefully assuaged any unrest his sudden appearance may have caused.
"Names Zolgarious, Zolgarious Gilden, Zol for short. This here's Meru. You?”
Okoye gleaned over her shoulder to the second pillar of light, and watched as another Fang materialized from the Ark. This man was the complete opposite of Zol- a crusty scab of combat and ego from what she could infer.Cyrus teleported onto the scene seconds after Zolgarious , and the expression on his face when he materialized was retrained and composed..
"Zolgarious!!" He belted, as if he was furious at the young man. But that was simply his way of speaking. He was a large man. nearly 6'4, and weighed almost half a ton whenever he donned his MoonScar armor.
"You're with me." His armor cranked with every step as he approached his comrade. "My name is Cyrus. We've yet to work together before, but I've heard good things. Don't make this a chore for me."
Okoye did not respond. She did not move. She instead returned her attention to the visage of Abundi Shrine in the distance. Her emotions were high, and she didn't want to say or do anything that could have either compromised her mission or her relationship with Erigor. She didn't ask for a team for a reason. Okoye's abilities were not exactly built for synergy. She could already see herself having to hold back as a means to avoid friendly fire. She huffed a heavy sigh.. Maybe they would just move ahead without her?"Same goes for you!" Cyrus initiated, his tone pointed and raw. "Our weapons may share a target, but I know nothing else about you. The Primal and Spectral Fang have give you grace, know that I will not be so easy to please.”
-
Zolgarious Gilden
- Drifter
- Posts: 60
- Joined: Sun Jun 23, 2019 11:40 pm
Re: The Realm Of Hojuku
Their eyes met for the second time; this time, Zol found his stomach more settled, though her somber glare seemed to drain strength from his knees a little. Readjusting his stance and realigning his temperament, a long breeze carrying the symphony of birds' song broke the silence. She observed him; he wondered what she could've been devising. Just as it looked like she might be inclined to respond, another configuration of blue light appeared and, with it, a barbaric roar of his name.
"Who in the hell?"
When he turned to see who could've possibly been yelling his name with such dogma, he was met with a man who dwarfed him in stature. Seeing beefy boneheads like these sometimes made him lament his lean stature. Though he never let it bother him too much. After all, the nature of the thing mattered, not its form.
"Oh, yeah, heard a lot about yo--"
"With all due respect, Cyrus, she is not a member of the guild. We are defenders of the realm. Not her..."
He retorted with Erigor's warning of how to view Okoye. Though pointed at the same foe, their blades were not raised for the same purpose. He had no intention of getting in her way...
He had no intention of letting her come to harm either. Regardless of how strong everyone said she was, there was no telling what awaited them in the confines of the shrine.
"Perhaps there is a compromise... whether we like it or not, we are all a part of this somehow and if we aren't careful, might end up stepping on each other's toes...or cutting them off "
He protested as he moved to Cyrus's right, who was still giving Okoye space. He was sure the joke would fall on deaf ears, but the sentiments behind it were what mattered. Like it or not, they were all here now, and if they were going to be successful, some medium would have to be made. Zol would not leave well enough alone until they had at least some kind of understanding.
"Who in the hell?"
When he turned to see who could've possibly been yelling his name with such dogma, he was met with a man who dwarfed him in stature. Seeing beefy boneheads like these sometimes made him lament his lean stature. Though he never let it bother him too much. After all, the nature of the thing mattered, not its form.
He didn't get the memo about their guest not playing well with others, or maybe he blatantly had no regard for her quips. Either way, his boisterous nature marauded through what might've been a triumphant greeting that was out the door."You're with me." His armor cranked with every step as he approached his comrade. "My name is Cyrus. We've yet to work together before, but I've heard good things. Don't make this a chore for me."
"Oh, yeah, heard a lot about yo--"
Before he even could respond, he had already made his way to Okoye, bearing on her with an arrogant tone. Just before Cyrus arrived, her energy was solid, focused. His brazen decrees had usurped that. For some reason, Zol felt they needed to back off.Okoye did not respond. She did not move. She instead returned her attention to the visage of Abundi Shrine in the distance. Her emotions were high, and she didn't want to say or do anything that could have either compromised her mission or her relationship with Erigor. She didn't ask for a team for a reason. Okoye's abilities were not exactly built for synergy. She could already see herself having to hold back as a means to avoid friendly fire. She huffed a heavy sigh.. Maybe they would just move ahead without her?
"With all due respect, Cyrus, she is not a member of the guild. We are defenders of the realm. Not her..."
He retorted with Erigor's warning of how to view Okoye. Though pointed at the same foe, their blades were not raised for the same purpose. He had no intention of getting in her way...
He had no intention of letting her come to harm either. Regardless of how strong everyone said she was, there was no telling what awaited them in the confines of the shrine.
"Perhaps there is a compromise... whether we like it or not, we are all a part of this somehow and if we aren't careful, might end up stepping on each other's toes...or cutting them off "
He protested as he moved to Cyrus's right, who was still giving Okoye space. He was sure the joke would fall on deaf ears, but the sentiments behind it were what mattered. Like it or not, they were all here now, and if they were going to be successful, some medium would have to be made. Zol would not leave well enough alone until they had at least some kind of understanding.
Re: The Realm Of Hojuku
Zol's words diffused the storm brewing behind Cyrus’ glare."With all due respect, Cyrus, she is not a member of the guild. We are defenders of the realm. Not her..."
He retorted with Erigor's warning of how to view Okoye. Though pointed at the same foe, their blades were not raised for the same purpose. He had no intention of getting in her way…
"Perhaps there is a compromise... whether we like it or not, we are all a part of this somehow and if we aren't careful, might end up stepping on each other's toes...or cutting them off "
“Well said, Zol.” He commented as he tore his gaze away from Okoye. Nonplussed by her dismissive attitude and not at all impressed by what his eyes could see. She looked less than ordinary, she practically looked human. Delicate features and a sour face. Cyrus almost wanted to laugh after taking her all in. “Let's move. I’ve been given the layout of the territory, as well as a detailed blueprint of the shrine.”
He gestured in the direction of the shadowy monolith towering in the horizon. "That's our target. Lucky us, the whole pack of zealots are probably all in one place. I don't want to waste any time." He said with a sense of excitement spurred on from years of combat. Cyrus loved little else than a good battle, and Kamari all but promised him this mission would give him the fight of his life. However before he began his stride, he glanced at Okoye from the corner of his eyes. He wanted to give the dismissive woman a small token of wisdom. "Try not to get in our way.” He wasted no time after that. He needn't hear her response, if she could in fact speak at all. He immediately began toward the Abundi Shrine, assuming Zol would be at his side in.
Re: The Realm Of Hojuku
Okoye never said a word. Though she was grateful enough for Zol's diffusion of the situation, she didn't care enough to thank him. Okoye was less of a talker.. Zol seemed well mannered enough when compared the towering baboon, but she wasn't going to reward him for the bare minimum. He clearly exhibited respect, and he would get the same from her.However before he began his stride, he glanced at Okoye from the corner of his eyes. He wanted to give the dismissive woman a small token of wisdom. "Try not to get in our way.” He wasted no time after that. He needn't hear her response, if she could in fact speak at all. He immediately began toward the Abundi Shrine, assuming Zol would be at his side in.
But their prescence didn't alter her plans at all; this was by no means a cooperative effort in her eyes. Okoye intended to sit and wait until dark before she begun her plan. If Cyrus truly understood the geographic advantages of the Abundi Shrine, he may have second guessed a full frontal assault. But then again, he seemed less cerebral than she was giving him credit. He may have been strong, but she knew full well that the strong usually die without a plan. She sorta felt bad for Zol, but trusted he must have been capable enough if Erigor saw fit to deploy him in her aid.. despite her reservations.
-
Zolgarious Gilden
- Drifter
- Posts: 60
- Joined: Sun Jun 23, 2019 11:40 pm
Re: The Realm Of Hojuku
He heaved a sigh of his own. However, he was relieved because this could've turned out worse. If Okoye hadn't been a team player before, she must have loathed the notion so he wouldn't have wasted her time pleading for her to join forces. As Cyrus descended the mountainside for the brief moment they were alone, Zol would watch how her hair, like blackened silk, swayed ever so coyly in the wind. As beautiful as he found Okoye to be, her aura mysteriously magnetized his focus, almost as if there was something kindred about their souls, something he just understood in her.
Meru watched Zol with his head tilted to the side. He'd never seen him so entranced. He licked his hand, snapping him back to reality as Cyrus gained distance. Zol's hand would alight with a soft glow as his verdant aura coalesced within his palm, congealing into a small amber stone. He imbued his spiritual energy within it. With her back turned and irritation high, he doubted she'd turn in his direction.
"Hey! I think you dropped this"
He said, flinging the amber stone in Okoye's direction. If she caught it, she would feel the subtle hum of mana flowing through it.
"Should you find yourself in a bind? Shatter that thing. Know that I will appear."
He said before hopping down the mountainside, his bare feet gluing him down with Meru trailing beside him. He caused the rock beneath him to smooth, helping him increase his sliding speed, catching up to Cyrus in no time. She might never need to use that stone, but he felt better knowing he offered her some assistance.
"What was all that about Zol? You got a soft spot for a woman who didn't even dare to tell you her name?
Shut up, it's not even like that. There's this... lioness in her soul, a fierce power, a grand ambition, and yet an even deeper sense of loneliness. I wanted her to know that, at least here. She wasn't alone. We both know what that's like"
Meru's mocking demeanor faded, and soon they were beside Cryus, who just about beat them to the bottom. From his observation earlier, he worried about the efficacy of a front door assault as neither Erigor nor Kamari bothered to share any accurate details with him. It must be because they had already done so with Cyrus, who was leading this extermination.
" Cyrus, did the Guild Master and Primal Fang share any pertinent information about this cultist or anything else I should know?"
He could only hope Okoye would be ok; his focus now had to be on saving as many lives as possible. She was strong, but the victims of Hojuku were in dire need.
Meru watched Zol with his head tilted to the side. He'd never seen him so entranced. He licked his hand, snapping him back to reality as Cyrus gained distance. Zol's hand would alight with a soft glow as his verdant aura coalesced within his palm, congealing into a small amber stone. He imbued his spiritual energy within it. With her back turned and irritation high, he doubted she'd turn in his direction.
"Hey! I think you dropped this"
He said, flinging the amber stone in Okoye's direction. If she caught it, she would feel the subtle hum of mana flowing through it.
"Should you find yourself in a bind? Shatter that thing. Know that I will appear."
He said before hopping down the mountainside, his bare feet gluing him down with Meru trailing beside him. He caused the rock beneath him to smooth, helping him increase his sliding speed, catching up to Cyrus in no time. She might never need to use that stone, but he felt better knowing he offered her some assistance.
"What was all that about Zol? You got a soft spot for a woman who didn't even dare to tell you her name?
Shut up, it's not even like that. There's this... lioness in her soul, a fierce power, a grand ambition, and yet an even deeper sense of loneliness. I wanted her to know that, at least here. She wasn't alone. We both know what that's like"
Meru's mocking demeanor faded, and soon they were beside Cryus, who just about beat them to the bottom. From his observation earlier, he worried about the efficacy of a front door assault as neither Erigor nor Kamari bothered to share any accurate details with him. It must be because they had already done so with Cyrus, who was leading this extermination.
" Cyrus, did the Guild Master and Primal Fang share any pertinent information about this cultist or anything else I should know?"
He could only hope Okoye would be ok; his focus now had to be on saving as many lives as possible. She was strong, but the victims of Hojuku were in dire need.
Re: The Realm Of Hojuku
"Hm? Did you not take the time to address the mission dossier ?" Cyrus asked, genuinely confused that Zol would forgo such pertinent information concerning their quest. Knowing who your enemy is and what they are capable of was paramount to success and survival in this line or work." Cyrus, did the Guild Master and Primal Fang share any pertinent information about this cultist or anything else I should know?"
"I noticed you also didn't attend the briefing. I assumed it was because you had conducted your own research but.." Cyrus couldn't help but let slip his disappointment, but he handed Zol the scroll containing the nuances of the Munda Abundi. It contained the same information that Okoye's offered, with extra annotations made by Cyrus. He highlighted details surrounding the cultists primary methods of combat and defenses. Empirical evidence gathered from Helidor espionage emphasized the cultists use of elemental spells, binding rituals and a domineering array of soul rendering magic. It was one of the reasons Cyrus chose to don his MoonScar armor- in particular, its provision of resilience against spiritual based phenomenon.
"The cult boasts a proficiency in the dark arts; spells capable of tearing the Naten from the threads of your soul." He said with his eyes fixated on the tower of darkness in the distance. "They are experienced in wizardry, and may be in possession of an ancient and powerful weapon but their physical skills are hardly noteworthy." His foreboding tone carried scars of experience. “Many of them lack actual fighting experience, let alone tactical strategies against foreign infantry. For this reason, I intend to bring the battle to them." He rammed his fist into his palm as a means to emphasize the weight of his words.
"-Which reminds me, Zol- while you do possess your own plateau of respect among the Guild, I am non familiar with your hunting abilities. I have no idea how you fight or your method of approach." He said, suddenly stopping in his tracks and folding his arms. "You've heard my plan- as a polymorph, my abilities allow me to alter my physiological integrity to mimic anything I've eaten within my lifetime. With them, I prioritize overwhelming and unrelenting techniques. I'm up front. I'm in their faces. And if I wanted to, I could probably wrestle this cult until the suns sets next week."
He sounded as if he was bragging, and he may have been a little bit. Cyrus took pride in his abilities, of course. But he took greater pride in the confidence his strength placed in those around him. Not only did Cyrus want Zol to be comfortable with fighting alongside him, he wanted him to feel protected. No less than if he were fighting alongside the Primal Fang himself. It wasn't extrinsically stated by Erigor, but during his briefing Cyrus could feel a certain level of trepidation in his GuildMaster's voice when he told him Zol would be accompanying him. There was no way in hell Cyrus would allow Zol to be harmed during this mission, but in order to do that he needed to know as much about his ally as he could.
“I believe this is as best a time as any for you to tell me as much about your fighting style as you can.”