thenearshore | 32 - Blow Your Top

Entry tags:

32 - Blow Your Top

Who: Everyone!
What: A volcano eruption threatens the Western District
When: Jan 14 - 16
Where: The Western District of the Heavens
Summary: The Western District volcano is erupting again, endangering nearby temples and sending ash sprinkling down across the Heavens. Is it natural, or another attack? Those who dare climb the volcano can find out.

Earthquake Warning

Falling Rock

Swamp Gas

Confusion
Intense emotions
Anger and irritability
Impulsive behavior, loss of emotional control
Hallucinations
Unusually clear insight into other people and situations
Coughing, eye and throat irritation, difficulty breathing
Irresistible impulses to speak in poetry

Mountain Climbing

OOC:

talk to the mysterious figure

battle the mysterious figure

In Summary:

Don't get rattled
Help out the Western District with their volcano problem
Watch out for volcanic gases
Find out who's behind the eruption
Have fun~

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Caster observes the gesture, the dance, and the lacing of their fingers- her hand so much smaller compared to his, elegant and gentle. And at the same time commanding such tremendous force.

The thrum of magic getting stronger as if following her words- or is it his imagination? But he can tap on the surface of it, drain just a little of that golden light that feels like life itself. ]

Thank you. [ He says with utmost seriousness. It's not a time to argue indeed, besides rejecting such generous offer would be insulting. ] I'll make the best use of your gift.

[ He gives her hand another tight squeeze, and drains a bit again- but sadly it's time to stop hand-holding. Terrible and awful indeed, but- he summons his staff with one hand, other falling on Zelda's waist and suddenly keeping her close to his body. No time wasted he hits the ground underneath them, and it responds ]

Hold on tight-- [ Is the only warning he gives before the roots and wood start forming beneath their feet.

Timber giant, eaten away by fire-" ]

[It's barely even a trickle, akin to a few drops at best, yet still, it's-- bizarre, to feel her magic pulled out of her with so little input on her part. But far more importantly, it's not nearly as difficult as it had been in the cultists' forest. If this truly is a less than natural occurrence as she suspects it is, then whatever suppressing spell that had been active then and there clearly hasn't been put in place here and now.

Their mistake.

Zelda wastes little time when she feels the earth rumble and shift under their feet; she throws her arms around Caster's torso as he holds her close and, indeed, holds on with everything she's got as they begin to ascend even higher. Her stomach lurches with the sudden change in altitude, and she buries her face in Caster's cloak to both protect her eyes from the smoke and wind and keep herself from getting too sick.

A shame that everything is on fire because the view of Heaven would probably be quite nice otherwise.]

[ Caster keeps holding onto the structure that made head of the giant only until it was fully standing- completed and beginning to move. Its first instinct is to burn the enemies down, or seek a sacrifice- neither of which are around here. ]

Go! [ The verbal command not really needed, the magic at work really being what transfers unusual orders to the construct. Caster relaxes a bit, and as he finds more comfortable footing, he brushes the golden strands of Zelda's hair in a comforting gesture.

I got you ]

It's going to be a steady travel from now on. [ The view is kind of amazing, even if it is on fire. ] At least until the digging starts

[ And given the construct long steps it might be sooner than later. ]

Never thought it could be used that way- [ Praise be, his little royal girlfriend is an absolute genius ]

[Their ascent gradually slows and evens out, and she can feel the shift in momentum as the giant begins taking its long, lumbering journey towards the lava flow. This, combined with the soothing brush of Caster's hand through her hair convinces her to peek out from her hiding spot, breathing a soft exaltation as she does.]

Hylia's grace...

[The haze of smoke and gas obscures much past a certain point, but if she squints she can almost see the shape of Amaterasu's palace far off in the distance. In closer range, she can spot various people running around, evacuating and investigating and so on, seeming as small as ants. It is quite the perspective change, but she's distracted from thinking about it for too long by Caster's commentary.]

... Let us reserve celebrations until after the lava flow is diverted.

[Her plans never work out exactly the way she envisions them, alright. She still hasn't convinced herself that something terrible won't happen the moment the wicker giant decides to start digging.]

[ Questions to ask when they are not on fire - Hylia and how graceful she really is? Okay, no, just Hylia. It's not the first time he hears that name uttered, and he is- curious. He wants to know her better, okay? Learn more, but since her past is such a painful trip gotta thread carefully with questions.

But right now it's not the time. Also, he has to focus to make sure not to stomp at anyone accidentally. ]

Ooh? What kind of celebrations you have in mind? [ He asks, his tone purposely light, although the strain of keeping up the construct and focus on directing it starts to show on his face. Distraction, distraction. They're almost there. ]

[That question earns him a poke to the ribs.]

Focus.

[Because yes, she can see the strain and effort this whole undertaking is putting him through, even if he's trying to hide it. She knows him well enough by know to tell that much, and that's one of the reasons she's worried about this plan not working out. If just walking the construct over is taking this much energy, can they really make it dig?

She risks lightening her hold around him a bit, taking one arm away from his torso and finding his free hand with it.]

[ Ow, it is very effective poke. He even bends a little, that's how effective it was. ]

On it, princess.

[ And here he thought he's good at hiding things. If he just was a fully powered Servant, this would be a walk in the park. But he's still a lot better than he was last time- for reasons unknown. Maybe it's princess' blessing, maybe he's getting used to this new form, maybe it's the strength of the faith of his followers - maybe all of it together.

The handholding sure works, but it's really just a surface tap. As the wicker giant reach their destination and proceeds to lean down to reach the ground, standing on it might not be the best idea. ]

It's our cue to leave- [ Caster says, letting go of the construct and gathering Zelda in his arms. Then he jumps off- warps in the middle of the fall and lands on a boulder that is just close enough to allow full control and also gives them good view what the construct is doing. But he doesn't just let Zelda go, instead, he still holds her close and presses hand to her cheek in tender gesture ]

Princess, would you be okay with me taking a little bit more?

[ Ah yes, and the history made a full circle. Now he's using this dumb excuse to steal a kiss. At least he's asking for permission though. ]

[The princess is quick to react when she's suddenly literally swept up off her feet, wrapping her arms around Caster's shoulders and holding on tight as he leaps away from the wicker giant. Again, her stomach churns a little with the sudden movement and warping, but now is hardly the time to complain about something as inconsequential as that.

Just as it's hardly the time to complain about Caster's request. Oh, there's a part of her that's tempted to, certainly - the thought that this is not the time for such foolish dalliances sits on the tip of her tongue, as does the slight hypocrisy of it all when compared to the unfortunate experience that taught her of a Servant's need for an energy source beyond themselves. But ultimately those thoughts go unvoiced. Even if she's fairly certain that, yes, he's just using this as an excuse, the risk to this whole crazy plan if he isn't is simply too great to ignore. And... And maybe, just as there's a stern, responsible part of her that wants to demand equal seriousness from him, maybe there's a girlish part of her that's still a little excited and thrilled by the prospect of him wanting to kiss her, even in circumstances like these.

She stares up at him with wide blue eyes, and perhaps outwardly seems a little nervous, but she tilts her chin up regardless and answers--]

I... I told you to take whatever you needed, did I not?

[Perhaps the logical, rational thing to do would be to scale back on her word a bit there, but... she doesn't really want to. And how many lectures has she had about not ignoring what she wants...?]

[ It is perhaps not a time for it. Or maybe the best moment in the world. Hard to say.

The question makes it something a little more than "necessary procedure to keep going on with their plan."

Caster caresses her cheek, clearly enjoying the look she gives him. That chin tilt, those blue eyes showing determination, and- yeah she is kind of calling him out on his opportunistic bullshit, while at the same time standing her ground. ]

You did indeed, my bad- [ He grins and leans closer. Maybe it is inappropriate given they are in the middle of freaking volcano crisis, but wants to give her moments like that to remember and to cherish, all the need for mana aside. The kiss he catches her in soft and slow at first- testing grounds, someone is new at this. But even as he's attentive and looking for any sign of discomfort- for any sign of "okay this is enough" he allows himself to become a bit bolder.

At least the Noble Phantasm in the distance is doing a good job at the whole digging thing. See? It's working- you guys... keep it up, or something. ]

[It is very inappropriate, and she feels more than a little hypocritical hiding behind the mana thing as an excuse. But, indeed, someone is very new at this, and maybe the distance from the act that the excuse offers is so small as to be insignificant at this point, but still - it ensures the sudden fluttering in her chest as Caster runs his thumb over her cheekbone and leans in is more from anticipation than anxiety.

And it feels good. The warmth of his hand on her cheek, the strength of his arm at her back, the soft pressure of his lips on hers. She's astounded by that fact every time. For so long, she has treated her body essentially as a machine, a tool with which she can fulfill the roles expected of her, a thing that must be maintained in order to continue performing those roles. Most pleasurable sensations are incidental, usually, and never as strong as this. It amazes her, that she's capable of feeling this way at all.

Is it the same for him, she wonders? Certainly she's not as experienced as him, doesn't quite know the ideal way to move in response, but she finds herself wanting to try, anyway. He's always holding her face like it's something precious, so she tries doing the same, one hand sliding down from its place caught around his shoulders to slip up towards his cheek, her fingers brushing past his ear. She's soft and pliant under him, very much following his lead even though it chafes her pride a bit, and while a hum of surprise escapes her when he presses against her a bit more insistently, it's definitely not a displeased sounding thing.

Just so long as hands are staying in decent places and a tongue isn't suddenly shoved down her throat she should be fine. Hopefully. Again, learning experience.

Ganbatte Wicker-kun you are doing your best--]

[ In the end, what works - works. And it’s not like it’s entirely a pure bullshit either, while he’s better with the whole mana capacity than months before, the regain rate is still nowhere near enough to keep up the exhaustive spells for long.

So maybe they’re both being dumb, and a bit inappropriate, but at least they’re both onto that little secret and all the fluttering in the stomach. Having Zelda joined his side in this little game a month ago would feel like an utter impossibility, something he wouldn’t even dream of- yet that’s where they are.

A shiver runs up his spine when her hand travels to his cheek and he leans into the touch, smile curling on his lips even as they kiss. It’s like he was when young and alive, when each touch, each kiss meant a world- but, right the world. They got Heavens to save- or at least few temples, so his thoughts run back to commanding the construct that might have frozen awkwardly for a few seconds.

The truth is, Wicker-kun never asked for this, but it’s too simple to be actively judging.

With a clear reluctance, and disappointment Caster finally breaks their kiss, but he doesn’t move away, keeping his princess close. ]

We make a good team, you and I-- [ He says with that smile still playing on his lips. If Minako was here, a joke could be made about power of love saving everyone - or just those few temples from the incoming lava flow - but no jokes for now, only appreciation. There will be other moments to ruin with a laugh. ]

[Honestly, it still doesn't feel entirely real, sometimes. Usually in the deepest, darkest parts of the night when everything is quiet and she's left alone with her thoughts; that's when her doubts have always liked to haunt her the most. It's easier to believe them then when they say it's all meaningless, just another silly game - with one side destined to leave and the other flanked by multiple lovers to start with, it's not the kind of relationship the poets sing songs about, after all. Not unless everyone ends up dead at the end due to some tragic misunderstanding.

But right now the sun is shining high above her head, and Caster is smiling against her lips. Or she thinks he is, anyway. That's not the easiest thing to tell when you're new at this, but at least the way he leans into her palm tells her with certainty that she's doing something he likes. That realization warms her, but is also a little dizzying, her skin tingling more intensely with every sensation and a rush of impulse to do more, to feel more--

So while Caster is reluctant and disappointed upon breaking the kiss, Zelda is a bit more dazed, her face flushed with a rosy hue that contrasts blue, bright eyes. She should probably be more focused, more alert as to what's going on around them, but her mind feels like syrup, sugary and gushing, completely devoid of the doubts that plague her as she takes in Caster's expression of utter adoration.

Belatedly, she parts her lips to speak, takes in the breath that's been stolen from her--]

[--and promptly coughs right in Caster's face because guys you are on an active volcano and there is smoke and gas everywhere.]

S-- Sorry! [WHEEZE] I... I'm s-sorry...!

[this is it this is how she dies

not from fighting some great evil

but from mortification at hacking up a lung in her boyfriend's face]

Edited 2018-10-20 15:07 (UTC)

[ That's a sight to commit to memory, put it into a mental safe so it can never be forgotten (or accessed by someone with brain-digging skills that is). His initial disappointment over breaking the kiss fades away by just seeing Zelda's starry-reaction. That might even him a bit starry-eyed- any shoujo sparkles though are cut short because-

Right, volcano. Ash. Hot air. Violent coughs it produces. After initial startle, he catches her with the fabric of his cape, and hood. A layer of protection, seriously! ]

Shhh- no need to apologize. [ He says with a slight chuckle at the end of his words. Gotta find way to ease that mortification he sees. It's normal! It happens! Dorking out a serious romantic scene, or falling victim to the sudden attack of weather conditions. What makes him concerned is actually how bad the probable ash and dust could have affected her- He takes one more look at the construct, still digging successfully, and wonders if they could do a quick blink to get some clear air-

Yeah, screw this, they're gods, of course, they can. And so they suddenly appear on the familiar sea shore that once witnessed Caster being attacked by hungry birds. That was dorking out a good moment, yes. ]

The air here should be better. [ Just for a minute before they have to return. A few deep breaths of clean air. And also a good chance to see if everything is okay. Was there something in the mountain air that could affect her badly? For a second he remembers that not only they are of kind of different origin and species, and that might mean different resistances to different things. ]

[With her hands covering her nose and mouth in an attempt to control her coughs, she doesn't get much in the way of protest before she's whisked away again. The sea air is indeed much clearer and less arid, even if it's a great deal colder than it was on the volcano. Instinctively, Zelda curls into Caster to shield herself from the sudden chill as her coughing fit slowly subsides.]

B-- But you... You can't control the g-giant from here, can you?

[Her eyes are a bit red and teary as she glances back up, and her voice definitely sounds pretty worn and scratchy. But she seems well enough aside from the physical ailments associated with smoke inhalation, and of course her priorities are on everything but herself, just as they always are.]

I can. [ Comes a surprising answer- but when Caster reaches out, he finds he has no problem keeping the wicker giant going. It's powered with his energy, manifested through his will - not legend, there was never a thing like that there - and the connection is as clear as ever despite the difference being literal Heaven and Earth.

But there is a downside of not being able to see what's going on. Not being able to supervise it- for all the things that the construct can do, it can't really see with eyes it doesn't possess. A tiny useful detail he would have normally left out, Servant habit, don't let the holes in your offense or defense be known. ]

It still heeds my command. But I can't see what's going on. [ Not this time. He strokes her head, noticing her reaction o the chill in the air and pulling her closer for warmth. No runestones to protect against the cold on him right now. ] Take a deep breath, clear your lungs. We'll get back when you're ready, okay?

[ Fortunately, they were not in the middle of the fight, the giant is digging, that's what it should continue doing. In the meantime he thinks and ponders if there is another way he could use the runes to protect her against the smoke and ash. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

32 - Blow Your Top

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sorry for disappearing for, like, a year. I went on a quest for kissy icon and didn't complete it

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1/2

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