Search Party (Open)

[Volkin]

Volkin wasn't sure how long he'd scrambled through the aftermath of the earthquake and landslides before he managed to get enough control over himself to call for help. Closing his eyes, Volkin touched the stone that he wore under his shirt and put out an open distress call to his crew, hoping that even one of them were close to this area.

"Mother! Father!" He called out as loudly as he could although his voice was starting to grow hoarse from all of his yelling. Thankfully he'd managed to cover his face when the dust had flown so he did not have to deal with that.

Volkin allowed himself a small bit of relief when he heard a response over the network. Two sets of eyes were always better than one and the fact that the responder had wings made it even better. He closed his eyes and sent the man the most accurate coordinates he could manage with the changes in the landscape and sat down, waiting for him to arrive and doing everything in his power to not get up and keep looking.

[Caramon Zero]

As I finally reach the wreckage and ruins, I spot Volkin, yet try to not make my presence known until I'm able to give him good news, and sadly, I can't find any, but I do see movement near a fallen pillar, yet I can't make out what's moving from this height.

I return to where I found him and touch down near him.

...Volkin, I'm sorry, but I couldn't find them...
I searched the wreckage, and I saw something from the sky about half a click from here, maybe that could be them.
It's worth a shot to look over there, right?
If you need a lift, I can carry you over there so it'll be faster and easier to search for them, sound like a plan?[/b]

[Volkin]

'Caramon, thank you for coming.' He stood back up and made a face. In forcing himself to stop he had managed to calm down and in calming down he now remembered the two broken arrows in his back. He'd been shot twice during the fight next to the lake and had yet to stop and take care of them.

Volkin tilted his head back and looked up to Caramon with a nod. I think a lift would be better. If it is them and they're hurt then I'd like to get there as soon as possible. With as calm as he was now compared to the frantic nature of his original distress call, one might wonder if he had gone into shock.

[Caramon Zero]

Seeing an odd tinge of pain in Volkin's eyes, I walk around him and see what is bothering him.

Before we go, we need to take care of your wounds first.
This is gonna hurt, a lot.

I grab the broken ends of the arrows and yank them out.
I guess it didn't really phase him, as all he did was flinch a bit as I pulled them free.

I expected better of you, V, getting skewered isn't what you're famous for.
Hold on a sec while I patch you up...
There we go, this ought to do until we can get you to a doctor.

After tending to his wounds, I grab him and fly to the fallen pillars.
As I set him down, I see something moving in my peripheral vision, but I don't say anything, instead, I start digging through the rubble to find any signs of life.

[Volkin]

[sorry for the delay, I wasn't expecting it to take so long to get internet at my new place]

"No, I'm fine. We need to hurry." Volkin tried to pull away but before he could get out of reach one of the arrows was yanked from his back. He managed to keep himself at least somewhat composed as they were yanked, knowing that if he made a scene then this would just take longer.

"There, it's taken care of, now lets get over there." While they were flying, Volkin kept his eyes out for any signs of life. "I was fighting myself." He said, as a delayed answer to Caramon's statement about his skewered position.

Almost as soon as they landed, Volkin sprinted over to the movement. It was there that he found one of his old playmates with his leg trapped under some of the rubble. "Hang on, I'll get this off." Volkin said in as comforting a tone as he could manage before throwing his weight against the rock. "Have you seen my parents?"

The rat minish lay back, grabbing onto his leg and pulling free as Volkin shifted the rubble. "They were heading that way last I saw, but then everything started shaking." He said, pointing toward the other side of the rubble before checking his leg.

[Caramon Zero]

[I'm sorry it took so long to post back up, I've had computer troubles, both from my sisters and from viruses, so I haven't been on lately... And when I was finally able to get back on, I had to fix my site, Mechs and Monsters, so I lost track of time... I'm so sorry for the delay...]

The trip to the site had taken us nearly til nightfall to reach, making it harder to see much without the help of the sun, and am surprised that Volkin had been able to spot the Minish.
I look in the direction he's pointing, trying to make out what's in that general direction, before I speak up, my hands on the hilts of my swords.

I have the feeling we're being watched...
And I don't think it's the good kind...[/color][/i][/b]

As I say those words, many pairs of glowing eyes start to appear in the quickly spreading darkness.

Well my friend, it seems to me that we're just in time for dinner, and it looks to me that we're the main course.[/color][/i][/b]

I turn to him and smile a wicked, yet overjoyed smile.


You're too worn out to fight, so I guess I'd better take care of this then. ...Right?[/color][/i][/b]

[Volkin]

Volkin gave a grim smile at Caramon's joke, showing only a fraction of the energy that he normally would in such a situation. "Sorry, my friend, but I will not let you fight this battle alone." Volkin went to draw his bow but decided better of it. The piece of crap would not help as much as his sword.

He stood as tall as he could and turned so that between Caramon and himself they had a full range of sight. "If they're edible, how about we cook one?" Although he was exhausted and emotionally drained, having a lead on his parents and knowing that his friend, who had escaped into a gopher hole, was okay he seemed to be in somewhat better spirits.

[Caramon Zero]

I draw my swords, to see if I can use their combined light make out what these things are, yet even in the light of my Swords of Heaven, the creatures' forms are not able to be fully seen.
All I'm able to see are large forms with dark fur, their eyes glowing brighter from the light of my swords.

Hey V, it looks like we're gonna have plenty to eat, there're quite a few of these things...
Anyway, let's eat~![/b][/i][/size]

I swing at one, but it nimbly dodges my swords as if I was moving in slow motion, then it kicks me in the chest with its massive foot, causing me to fly back as it knocks the air out of me.
I stand up and flip my swords around so that the tips of the blades extend past my elbows and charge the creature again, only to experience the same thing that had happened previously.

Th-they're fast!
V, What the heck are these things?![/b][/i][/size]

[Volkin]

He drew his sword and dagger, ignoring his wounds for now. What room there was in his mind for the aches and soreness of them was now replaced by the alertness brought on by the prospect of serious combat.

As soon as Caramon fell, Volkin lunged forward and sliced at the thing that attacked him. Although he managed to make a small cut in its hindquarters, he was quickly knocked off balance by another one of them. This doesn't look good. I can cover our exit long enough for us to get into the air if things start looking too bad. I'd rather hold here if possible, I think my parents are close.

He scrambled to his feet, glad for the silent communication offered by the stones that he and Caramon both wore. This way if these things were intelligent, they could still discuss a plan. Then again, there's always the option of one of us being bait and drawing their attention while the other takes them out from behind.

[Caramon Zero]

I respond through the stone:
Vee, I have an idea, it's risky, but I suppose it's worth a shot...
As soon as you see me strike my swords together, fire in my direction, if they turn to go after you, I'll run 'em through, but if they keep focused on me, you can shoot 'em in the head.
[/i][/b][/size]

I run towards the creatures and maneuver around them so that they turn their backs to Volkin.
I grab the energy chain attached to the end of Light's handle and swing him around to make them move away from me a bit then I collide my swords together before charging towards them again.

[Volkin]

'I do not mind the plan except for one thing. My bow would not do enough damage to kill.' This was something that he knew personally now, having taken two arrows from it and still being able to fight. Granted he was far from undamaged and would likely be in a good bit of pain once the fight was over.

Volkin was not sure why he needed to fire at Caramon but he quickly swapped out his sword and dagger for his bow, plunging the blades into the ground so that he could easily reach them again when he was done. As soon as his bow was in his hands he quickly drew and waited for the signal before firing.

As soon as the arrow was released he dropped the bow and grabbed his swords, slashing at two of the beasts that had their backs turned.

[Caramon Zero]

As the arrow comes my way, the creatures move to the side as it flies past them.
I sheath Light, then reach my hand out and grab it.

Just as I thought...
These things can only dodge an attack if they can see it coming.
Which means...[/b][/i][/size]

I stab the arrow into one of the nearby creatures' eyes and it howls in pain before it bites down on my arm.
I turn Blaze at a slight angle and run the thing through.
I then I hold him upright and transfer a bit of energy into him to change him into a set of gauntlets and greaves, then i grab Light and stab him into my chest.
He sinks into my chest, causing it to give off a faint light in the darkness.
I strike one of the creatures with my gauntlet and I can feel it's life force go into me, as the wounds on my arm begin to heal.
I rush the next one near me, and punch it in the face, causing it to lose its balance and fall onto another one of them as I roundhouse kick two more, each foe I strike causing my chest to glow brighter and brighter.
I run past the things, but just as I get near Vee, two bite down onto each of my legs, and another another one grabs hold of my left arm and tries to pull me back.
Him being just within reach, I reach out my right hand and the light on my chest moves into my hand as I set it on his shoulder.

You know I hate asking for help, but the only way I can beat these things is with your help, and now I need it more than ever.
Here, be healed my friend.[/b][/i][/size]

As soon as I say these words, the light from my hand jolts into Vee's body, healing his wounds as it passes through him.
Light then returns to my chest after he has served his purpose for the moment.
I release my grip on Vee's shoulder and the things pull me into the shadows, the faint light from my chest the only way to see where I am.

[Volkin]

Volkin continued to slash his way through the beasts and was doing quite well for himself until he was caught off guard by Caramon beginning to glow. He'd not noticed when Caramon stabbed himself, having been too busy shaking one of those things off of his leg, but now he could not help but notice the glowing.

Having been caught off guard by this, he left himself open for only a second. A second was all it took for one of the things to pounce on him, knocking him to the ground and causing him to lose his sword and dagger. Volkin cursed loudly as he twisted his torso around in a manner that should have been impossible for most people. His legs soon followed suit and he managed to get his arm up to block the jaws heading for his throat before pulling down his face covering and biting into the thing's neck as it tore into his arm. Using his free hand, he reached up and clawed at its eyes before using his claws to rip at the flesh along its back.

After what seemed like minutes but was in reality no more than a few seconds, Volkin managed to shove the wounded animal off of him and stagger to his feet. 'I don't know if I can...hey...wait what are you..? He tried to step away as Caramon reached out with a glowing hand but stopped when his friend mentioned healing. A look of surprise came over him as he felt the wounds on his arm and back closing.

"Caramon!" Volkin flinched as he realized he'd yelled aloud and bent backwards out of the way of a lunging creature before charging forward, grabbing his sword and dagger as he sprinted past them. He'd lost too many people today, he did not want to lose the one who had come to help him find those missing too.

[Caramon Zero]

As I become overwhelmed by the creatures, I hear Volkin's cry, just before the creatures cover me so much that I can't even see the light of the moon.
I change Blaze back into a sword and run myself through with him, causing a pool of blood to flow out from under the great mass of creatures as my body undergoes dramatic changes as I absorb Blaze into the same place as Light, transforming me into a white Lizalfos with black coloring that resembles armor on most of my torso and legs.
I kick off some of the creatures, but more replace them.
I slash the creatures with my claws and bite them with my fangs, but to no avail, as more replace the ones I strike down.
I finally tear through enough of them to reach my arm through the bodies of the creatures I'd killed to wave my hand in the air as I shout out in a reptilian voice.

Hey Vee!
I'm in here!
There's to many of 'em, I can't get out!
I got some of 'em, but they keep coming back for more!
Can you help me outta here?[/i][/b][/size]

[Volkin]

Volkin's face twisted into a bit of a snarl as he saw them ganging up on his friend. Though he did not normally seem the threatening type, the look on his face was purely predatory. Then again, it didn't help that his face was uncovered, revealing sharp fangs that were currently still red with the blood from his earlier kill. It had been a roller coaster of a day for Volkin, he'd had greater fear and despair than he'd ever felt but now all of those gave way to something he did not often feel. He could feel the rage bubbling up inside of him and it took everything he had to swallow it down.

'Caramon, the second you are able to I want you to start flying. Do not worry about me, do not come back for me until I tell you to. No matter what you hear or see, do not come back. I will be fine. I have a plan.' And with those words spoken through the stone that they both wore, Volkin disappeared from sight.

It was only seconds until the creatures started falling off of him as quickly as he could cut them down. Because they depended largely on sight to avoid incoming attacks, Volkin's invisibility would make it near impossible for them to dodge in time within such close combat. And he had to work quickly, because the invisibility did not last for very long but while it did he was far more deadly than at any other point.

Once Caramon was freed up enough to be able to take off, Volkin spoke to him again. 'Go, start flying. And whatever happens, do not come back. I will meet with you.' It was then that he had a doubt as to whether Caramon knew about his illusion power but he did not have time to explain his plan. He would just have to trust Caramon to go along with it.

[Caramon Zero]

As soon as I break free of the rest of the creatures pulling on me, I unfurl my wings and fly high into the air.

Vee use this, it's just an extra precaution, but it hurts 'em quite a bit more than your run of the mill blade.[/i][/b][/color]

As I yell this into the stone, I remove Light from my chest and toss him in front of the crowd of creatures, so that Vee can have better access to him.

He may seem a bit heavy, but you should be able to use him effectively.
Oh, I almost forgot, if you strike an enemy with him, any wounds you are inflicted with will be healed as soon as you land a blow.
Sadly, I don't have enough control yet to continually heal, but I know you've got enough power to do so.[/i][/b][/color]

I go against what Vee said about leaving, as i stay above, watching, waiting, so I can make sure all goes well for my comrade.

I accidentally think into the stone as I try to think to myself while I'm waiting for my friend (which I rarely ever do anyway, as i usually talk into the stone, or think out loud):
This may be my last mission...
I suppose I should trust Vee with my medallion after all this is over with...
He's a great friend so I know I can trust him.
I've heard rumors that I'm to be replaced, and not allowed to set foot aboard the Defiant ever again...
It's probably for the best, after all I've done...
I suppose helping my friend is the first step on my way towards atonement for all I've done in my life...

[Volkin]

Volkin reappeared just as he grabbed the sword, his other two coming into view a few feet away from his current location. As soon as he grabbed the sword he swung it at the nearest creature before ducking out of the way of another creature's attack. Volkin muttered a curse as he swung to hit that one. It went that way for the first few attacks with him dodging and attacking them as they went past until two of them decided to attack at once.

While he was swinging at the one who had tried to attack and missed, another one pounced on him from behind, causing him to fall forward and the sword to fly out of his hands. Volkin turned under the creature and went to block its bite with his arm as he had done before but this one was faster than most of the others and beat him to it. With it's jaws clamped around Volkins throat, it bit down, puncturing through the skin and cutting off air flow. Volkin struggled beneath him, his claws scratching at the creature's eyes. All struggling stopped, however, as the thing bit down harder, tearing through Volkin's throat.

The smell of blood filled the air and it was not long until all of the creatures descended upon him, taking from him what they could before getting pushed out of the way by another looking for a meal.

At least that's what seemed to happen. While all of this was going on, the real Volkin sat up at the top of a tree, laying flat on one of the branches. Had he not needed all of his concentration to keep the illusion up while climbing at the same time he would have questioned Caramon on his words, and he would do so when the chance came up. For now all he could do was focus on keeping the illusion going and hope that Caramon understood what was going on.

[Caramon Zero]

I stare in horror and disbelief as my companion is torn apart before me, and I float there speechless.
I think that the creatures got him, yet i remember something from some time ago when we were on the ship and he and I were sparring.
I thought I'd cut off his head, but in fact, it had all been an illusion.
Could this be the same type of trick?
I look around my surroundings and spot someone climbing the tree.
I smile in disbelief as I see Vee laying in the tree just a ways from me.
I decide to pretend to not know that it's just an illusion and i force myself to cry.

[Volkin]

Eventually the illusion faded and the creatures looked around in confusion and anger. Volkin glanced upward to Caramon and gave a little smirk behind his mask. He'd put it back up in place once he'd gotten to the top of the tree. 'The tears are a nice touch. Glad you realized what I was up to, didn't have time to explain it. Volkin turned over on the branch and rested his head against the tree while staring upwards through the leaves.

'There isn't anything we can do until morning with those things running around, go ahead and find somewhere to rest. I'll be fine here and we can meet back here at first light. Though it was only telepathy, Caramon would likely gain a sense of the weight that he felt now that things had calmed down. His parents were still out there somewhere and he had yet to find them. That on top of everything else had him broken down and exhausted.

'And what is this about you leaving the Defiant? Not sure if you meant for me to hear that but you think loud, I couldn't help but hear.'

[Caramon Zero]

I'm sorry Vee, but I'm not even sure what happened, or what will become of me...
I slept on the way here, so I think I can at least search a bit more while you're asleep, and if I do get tired, I've subconsciously memorized your location, so I can get here in my sleep anyway.
Have a nice nap my friend, I'll see you when I get back.[/i][/b][/size]

I fly off in the direction Volkin's friend pointed us in before we were so rudely interrupted by those creatures, but I fall asleep halfway on my plotted course, and end up back were I started when I awaken to the purple sunrise.
As the sun rises, the creatures flee in terror, digging deep, deep underground.
I find myself over the tree Vee's sleeping in, and decide to hover above it and take a nap until he awakens.