middleofsomewhere | Wings of Wonder: Finale

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Wings of Wonder: Finale

THE DAYS have been long and tiring, always a job to be done. If it hasn't been taking out the birds that continued to come over the days, it's been fixing and repair; if it hasn't been that, it's been working with the crystals, offering energies, searching for a way to make powers work on a world that refuses them.

The Voidtreckers know the sali's plan, and have been working with them to achieve it, as well as to add their own ideas. Both groups are to make a team to head to the West Island where the birds gather their numbers, singing a song that calls more to them. Taking an airship and craft carriers, they will blow at the Red Storm being generated by the birds, and then take out their numbers before it can be amassed to any dangerous amounts.

And for the Voidtreckers not going West, they're asked to go South. The East will be protected by the sali and the Forever Ones there, and Enshala will need any extra aid in taking out the birds by disorienting them, making them easier pickings for both sali and Voidtreckers.

Finally, 11 Nebula arrives. People who wish to risk going to the heart of the problem are to meet either to the North, or at the Centre island. Hemla is coming with them, along with the Shrinlo, to closely connect the powers of the Forever Ones in the battle to come.

Over the SCAs, a call goes out - and a voice comes through: young, perhaps around 20s in terms of human age, androgynous in tone. Small yet driven, clear to any who hears them:

"Help from skies far, this is Hemla. I thank you deeply for joining us. For coming to help, for working with us despite the struggles it has taken, the pain.

I want to speak to many of you so much, but now is not the time. Through the tools you call S-C-As, we Forevers will sync with its energies and meld them to ours. We will trick the world into seeing your powers as ours. There will be limitations, so be safe - use the crystals made by our crafters and yours too. Speak to each other, learn how they work. The sali - and your people who helped - know.

I...will be doing my best to protect those who go West. Everyone I have spoken to, you are in my thoughts. Reach for me in your minds if you need my strength, and I will do my best.

Thank you... thank you."

With those words, there is some time before everything is set into motion. Until finally, the airship rises and starts its travel to the West Island. Until finally, both Voidtreckers South and West-bound feel their body lighten, the first proper relief they've had for days. As the Southern skies start to show approaching wings from a distance waning...

WINGS OF WONDER: FINALE

A TL;DR notes version of event/prompts: (click to show)

EVENT BASICS:

West Island

Boss Battle

boss battle

TO THE WEST

The sound of music sings inside the airship, powering its speed, and winds that repel the Red Storm. It resonates with the surrounding air, offering protection to the smaller crafts following at the sides. "It is time!" A sali declares, and two come to stand by what looks like a mix of a megaphone-cannon, pointed out from the front. Sali and Voidtreckers have smaller versions, and are directed to prepare their places - take to the sides of the ship, be ready for combat.

Already the birds are coming for them, covered in red, but their united power pushes them away. The White Forest is under them, and the cannon-phone starts powering. Another signal is given as a hand is raised, counting down from three. The instruction is simple: At zero, shout.

And indeed, when the fist is made, a great chorus of screams join, and the weapon at the front glows, and blasts a magnificent whirlwind of air that encompasses the mountain the birds have been nesting at. Many are blown away, every which where. The Red Storm thinning out, the airship flying close to the mountain peak, usually a crater.

Except a bird emerges with large red wings and rocks the ship as it ascends from their roosting spot, filling the air with its shrieks and presence.

The fight begins.

ATTACK FROM DECK. Some of the Sali are on the deck, armed with their blowhorns and any voidtreckers who feel they would be most use fighting the birds at range can join them in the skies. Those with magic, music, bows or guns join forces with the Sali to fight off the swarms of birds.

GROUNDED. Not all the fighting is in the air. The blast from the air ship has sent many of the birds tumbling to the ground where more Sali and those Voidtreckers whose fighting skills are best served when on solid ground are waiting for them.

The birds try and recover, but most remain at least low to the ground, attacking those they see.

KING OF THE AIR. Through the chaos of snow, red mist and birds comes a beating of wings as another threat appears.

TO THE SOUTH

Those that do not go West will be asked to go South, to defend island and the Sali who are too old or too young to fight..

PAINT IT RED. The Sali have an area for those who cannot fight, protected as best as it can be by geography and Enshala's power. However with the birds swarming everywhere there is need of defenders to make sure that it remains a safe space.

Though before it seemed that certain birds had flocked to certain islands now the swarms were more varied, any of the different kinds of birds; swift wings, red wings and steel wings all dive down to attack.

SENDING HOPE. Of course the Forever Ones hold the key to all of this, helping the Voidtreckers be able to use their power better than before, helping hold back the birds from strategic places and creating a web of power across the islands that connects all the Sali and their allies in the Voidtreckers.

Enshala welcomes any who needs to rest and of course anyone who wishes to help by lending energy, or anything else they feel they can contribute in a spiritual sense. Her area is one of peace and rest.

It is also where those Sali who cannot fight are sheltering and though they are resilient, those who can help with food or persuading small Sali that they cannot fight birds, is also a task worth doing.

DIVEBOMB. Despite the attempts at shielding the area a swarm of birds has broken through to where the herds of woolies and headbutters are. Any Voidtreckers who can be spared to fight are asked to assist fighting the birds off. They arrive to scenes of chaos.

OOC NOTES

NOTES: OOC info is here, info about powers/magic here. Ask questions here, submit shenanigans here, submit rewards here.

ABOUT POWERS: Powers are available around 40-50% percent. People can teleport easier if they stick around the area, but will still need to watch how often they do it. Manipulating the environment is still greatly difficult (the air, plants, gravity) etc, but anything that relies on one's own inner power (magic, chi/ki/qi) works easier.

ENERGY/ETC BEINGS: No longer feeling so much a drain. Will be able to run around and fight without being completely drained.

ABOUT USING STONES/SALI WEAPONS: During the battles, the Voidtreckers will be able to tap into some special weapons and elemental stones. These are:

BLOWHORN:

will

SLINGSHOTS, BOW AND ARROWS:

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS:

banjo

AIRNADO:

FLASH BANG:

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

The initial wave of exhaustion recedes a little. Elidibus lifts his head to assess their surroundings and for a moment Kiyoiri might catch the barest sign of relief before the emotion is hidden. The Ascian turns most of his attention to her and the rummaging through the bag.

Chocolate as a healing item in itself is not necessarily outside the realm of his experience. Literal healing, perhaps not. But bolstering? Absolutely. This particular chocolate bar might not work exactly the same way. But he wouldn't reject its offer.

The Ascian remains still under Kiyoiri's efforts and won't flinch as any treatment is given to his borrowed vessel. Elidibus's gaze remains following the flow of the battle and in on the surroundings to watch for signs of a second wave. He'll eat the chocolate willingly if it is offered and find with some interest that it does seem to take a small edge off the fatigue.

Takechirou was ordered to perform an action by his Master and may even be preparing it. But the ride up to the airship has possibly delayed its execution or there was need to gather power for it. Regardless of the matter, the massive king of the skies is now descending. Their time is up.

"Quickly child, finish your work. Our foe returns." Elidibus will give what time he feels he can before beginning to push himself to his feet again. There are still things he can do. Ones he will do. If Kiyoiri protests, she'll receive a simple response.

"I'm not so easily defeated. I've chosen to see aid my fellow passengers and I will see this duty through."

And this time, rather than sword, the Ascian turns to a moment of sorcery. The philosophy of his world's law calls for Wind to oppose Fire. And thus it is conjured, wrapped around the bird as a cutting storm with a precision that leaves even Takechirou untouched. Elidibus does not need to limit himself to one school of combat it seems.

And a simple yet potent mimicry of the Aero spell is far less taxing at the moment.

Of course she protests. Of course! She's managed to patch up the worst and nothing more, because that blasted Fire Bird took off leaving Takaechirou to charge on after it.

(And of course, whether he reached the bird or whether he has to make contact as it streaks down, the fact remains that the ultimate melee of blows from the Noble Phantasm is not yet fully delivered. She would be able to heal otherwise.)

So Kiyoiri, as with any other time, is left to chew her lip. To stand behind Elidibus as she would stand behind any summoned heroic spirit, and simply prepare to take any action she can.

Curufin has been working with the ground team, but adding his own music to whatever is sent towards the birds. He has a banjo and he has figured out how to adapt his guitar technique to this bang-y, twang-y instrument. He settles on a tune that sounds like a weapon of war and smacks the birds with it.

When the birds start to get blasted out of the air by music, shouts, or weapons, he is there on the ground to attack them with his sword. This sword is razor sharp and will not break, having been forged in his own world out of meteoric iron with the help of Elvish forging spells. It will cut through anything.

Any divebombing, disabled, or recovering bird he reaches is in for a treat! Slash, slash, slash!

Edited 2021-09-24 17:32 (UTC)

Jingyi, with some birds drawing blood successfully by having mired themselves in his tail fur, finds them an irritation he continues to try and whip off his tail, while likewise keeping an eye on the airship. If anyone goes overboard, he'll be there to catch them, but also:

Hope everyone's doing okay with Big Bird heading back down at them. He holds off on sending any other compressed wind blades after, largely to save energy for now.

Picking up the flute again, Wei Wuxian keeps an eye on Xue Yang in addition to Buttercup as he plays, directing a burst of music at the red wing following Buttercup's water shot.

Past that, he also shifts to the side, catching an eye of what's going on down below, and the abortive flight of the larger bird as it switches direction to dive for those on the ground yet again.

“KAIOKEN!“

Seeing the fire bird dive bombing the ground team, Goku sat the two he rescued down and flew down to the ground, using the technique and give himself a boost.

Landing on the ground, Goku looked up at the bird coming down before holding his hands out in a cupping form.

“Ka… me… ha… me…”

Gathering ki in his hands as he pulled his arms back, letting it gather before thrusting them forward, unleashing the ki as a torrent of energy at the bird.

“HA!”

Fire bird, meet the Kamehameha.

Back on the ground, Lea too readied himself for the large firebird's attack, but in a different way than Goku. Running a bit off to one side, he threw one of his chakrams its way as a feint, hoping to distract it and give Goku an especially good shot. "Hey, you big turkey!", he shouted at it. "How about playing with some real fire?"

Edited 2021-09-25 02:02 (UTC)

Lan Wangji doesn't like being the one that is unequipped to deal with the current problem, but for this issue there is little he can do except try to make sure there isn't anyone in the vicinity of the incoming bird. He is starting to tire, not that he would ever let that show.

He readies himself once he is sure most people have vacated the area. Ready to attack if the thing gets close enough or tries to land.

The fire bird plummets down, Takechirou riding on its back as it dove down to the group below. Takechirou began his attack as Goku launched himself at the bird and Lea threw his chakrams and Elidibus his spell. Added to the music of Curufin and Lan Wangji there is a flurry of violence and the bird, Takechirou still clinging on, crashes to the ground, smouldering.

A smouldering that is getting worse as the whole bird seems to be vibrating, feathers lighting on fire. Everyone may wish to move...

Up in the air the Sali call out, "Brace!" As the ship lurches, further onto the mountain. Everything is red for a moment before their magic starts, a wind strong enough to knock people off their feet if they are not holding on as the storm is blasted further, praticals of red bursting away in a crackling of sound. The song intensifies, protecting the ship and those on it as the last few birds try and fly at them, their flight paths thrown off by music and their attacks less than useful as they try and grab at those on the ship.

Still gripping his sword, Curufin runs to the site of the firebird's crash into the ground. Takechirou is still clinging to the bird, and Curufin is a bit worried about him. Lea, Goku, and Elidibus have aimed magical weapons or spells at the smoldering bird, and still the firebird is lighting up with fire. At least it isn't still diving at the ground team.

Curufin does not have much fear of fire, having a great deal of experience with it in his own world. He dashes near to the bird, lifts his sword and aims it with the intent of stabbing the firebird in the chest, and then he strikes.

Edited 2021-09-25 09:58 (UTC)

There is much occurring. Spells and weapons clash with the monstrous bird and Takechirou rends his foe by Kiyoiri's order. Goku unleashes a beam of concentrated aether that is impressive indeed even outside of their current environment's restructions. Anewcomer comes into focus and Elidibus is prepared to once again offer a point of distraction after having fired off his spell.

But the bird begins to light up with true fire of its own making. Few people would not be familiar with the signs and the Ascian does not need to read its aether to understand what's about to occur. He bellows a commanding warning.

"Get clear! It plans to self destruct!"

Curufin especially should hear this warning as he attempts to go in for that killing blow. "Don't waste time attempting its demise!" There is no way of knowing if killing the beast would stop the chain reaction. In fact it might trigger it earlier. Best to be safe than sorry.

"Kiyoiri, recall Takechirou now," Elidibus then demands to his companion. It would be obvious he is serious for he uses her name, something he is was simply not prone to doing at any other time during the mission. She will receive a brief window of time to do as he says before the Ascian has sheathed his blade and reached to literally pick her up. The last of his reserves will be used to simply whisk himself and Kiyoiri away a painfully short distance by way of a billowing cloud of darkness that manifests at his point of departure, closes and reappears to release them in a spot that places a very thick and wide boulder between the bird and themselves.

Crouching and guiding Kiyoiri to the ground but not releasing her by any means, his shield arm is raised over their heads, than any unfortunate shrapnel that would result from an exploding bird raining from above might be deflected.

Takechirou comes to the end of the Noble Phantasm's dance- from dinosaur to woman, to 'demon', but instead of the kimono the true Spirit would wear, the dino-'demon' with horns is garbed in black professional cloth...and the flowers that Hemla gifted them. Their blade sinks deep into the firebird-

And then the firebird begins to glow.

"Already done," Kiyoiri replies when Elidibus gives his command, her own voice tense but confident. The final command spell she can use for the mission dissolves into dust, and back at the bird, Takechirou creates a string-

A rope of life, snapping back to the girl's hand and pulling the now-'person' to her at lightening speed. Pulling to join the pair behind shield and stone, before adding its protection in the form of that glowing cable around them. Wounds heal somewhat. The air is easier to breathe, as calmness comes.

The Countdown begins now.

[[OOC - Takechirou's made use of Kijyo Kojo's final skill here; defined in lore as `An incantation bringing about the protection of Izuna Gongen, banishing disease and illness while calling forth longevity in life.`, it essentially heals a little, debuffs a little, and more importantly prevents a sudden death blow.]]

Curufin turns his head at the sound of that commanding voice, sees the sense in what Elidibus is saying, and draws back his sword. He stands gazing at the firebird for only a second, considering that growing fiery glow and what he knows about fire demons. And then, with a grin and a salute to Elidibus, he springs away and dives for cover.

Jake's contributions have been sporadic. That's perhaps better for the others still onboard. But they're nearly there, that bird went down most spectacularly and he wants to see, dangit! But also the red cloud. Kinda thick, kinda dangerous, gotta get rid of it.

He topples over in a gust of wind and slides across the deck, but still has the reflexes to latch onto a rail and pull himself up. He's fine, no worries here! Just gonna stare danger in the face and...a few last defiant strums, in tune with the Sali and the others as best as he can manage

Birdnado, zero out of ten
Birdnado, blastin' off again
Yeah you thought you were fun
But it turns out you're done-zo...oh yeeeeah!

Edited 2021-09-26 00:37 (UTC)

Self destruct...that is not a good thing and Lan Wangji is quick to get away, making sure to collect anyone else that might be lingering around. It doesn't matter if they are voidtreker, native or whatever...no one needs to be around a bird that is going to explode.

He is going with the belief that those more used to dealing with such things know that this is truly going to happen. Because he would much rather be dealing some final blows to make sure things end. But he wants to live through this encounter so he will find some sort of cover behind a large rock and hope it is enough.

Ryu knows self destructing enemies. He flaps and darts away from the bird with a fair amount of speed. He can probably take a hit, but he doesn't want to in this condition. That seems more than a little unwise.

As he flies, he looks for anyone who might not be able to be clear of the blast and attempts to scoop them up and drag them back.

"Uh-oh! Better get moving!"

Goku's never met one, but he knows of plenty of them and they aren't good at all! He'll turn tail and fly off, trying to get as far away as possible.

Wei Wuxian focusses on snipping at any of the birds managing to get past the overall song with his own playing, having had to brace himself on cue. Wings tumble and one bird veers directly into another, sending both falling toward the large bird (time bomb) beneath, on the ground, where he hopes everyone is watching each other's backs.

He keeps an eye out for Buttercup, Xue Yang, and then Jake when he first goes over in a gust--ready to move to catch and pull any of those three back on board, should the winds catch them off guard or the ship lurch in a way that sends one of them flying.

For his part, Jingyi fell back when the airship called to brace, staying out of its forward path but low enough to handle any birds which recovered as it passed, though there were few in number. He has half an eye on the vibrating giant bird below, and the other eye on the airship, on standby if anyone goes tumbling off and requires a last minute rescue.

Please, sali or Voidtrecker, let the dragon practise his rescue maneuvers—

Lea had already somewhat guessed what was about to happen when he heard the shout to get clear. He wasn't sure who had yelled, but whoever it was, he wasn't about to argue with them. He caught his chakram as it returned to him, dismissed them both, then turned and ran, heading for cover. He wasn't worried about heat or fire; he was immune to those. But an explosion like this one promised to be also meant a massive shockwave, and likely shrapnel. And he definitely wasn't immune to those.

He made for another rocky outcropping and all but threw himself behind it to put a barrier between himself and the bird. It had a very slight overhang, and he pressed himself as close as possible to the rock under it, but was still prepared to summon his chakrams for extra protection if needed.

Edited 2021-09-26 04:00 (UTC)

Birds were taken down by those on the airship with song and sword. The final moments of fighting are intense but soon there are no more birds coming from the storm and indeed the storm is nothing but dust, floating away in the air.

Below the fire bird vibrates with greater intensity before there is a loud boom! An explosion of fire and heat, rocking the ground, flaming feathers burst out, as sharp as those from the steel wing as they fly out and upwards.

The air ship lurches again with the blast. One of the younger fighting Sali is thrown clear off the side, to be rescued by a dragon to the relief of his fighting companions.

All is quiet as the smoke clears, a few smouldering feathers floating to the ground.

There was only the wait for an explosion.

When the shockwave passes and there is no longer the sound of sharp feathers ricocheting off the other side of the rock face- and questionable bits of embers and sharpnel pinging against the top of his shield- Elidibus cocks his head as if listening then looks around before nodding in satisfaction. The defensive shield and healing spell that was cast had taken care of the rest of their protection.

He lets go of Kiyoiri and begins to rise. Slowly mind, as there is still a great deal of fatigue threatening his physical form. But not so much the injuries. To this credit he nods at both the young girl and the demon-girl Takechirou became. "My thanks. Be cautious, but I believe the battle has come to an end."

He turns and looks over the battlefield, seeking any who might not have escaped the explosion. Toward the airship in the sky. And the heights around it, now clear of the storm's red haze.

For a second there's a complicated emotion on his features. But it passes and he turns his attention to assessing the state of what injuries on his person the aura had not been able to heal.

Curufin, sheltering behind a rock, flings an arm over his head as the firebird explodes. The blast is partly absorbed by the rock in front of him, but not entirely. It sends him tumbling and knocks him on his ass. Luckily the flaming feathers mostly miss him. He gets up, jerks a feather out of his arm and flings it away. Luckily for him, he inherits his father's affinity for fire and therefore can fend off heat and flame. He ties a bandana around the mildly injured arm, brushes the dust and soot off his clothing, and looks around for anyone who might not have escaped the blast or might have been seriously wounded by the feathers. He has no magical healing powers, but he was one helluva good firefighter and emergency worker in the last world he lived in before he came to the Voidtrecker Express. If he has to, he can lift a person up, sling them over his shoulders, and carry them to whoever does the healing. With luck, nobody on the ground is that badly injured.

It seems the battle is ended, and the red storm has dissipated. He smiles.

Edited 2021-09-26 12:23 (UTC)

Once the ripples from the blast have settled and it has become clear that the birds have been defeated and the storm blown away the air ship turns to land and pick up any of the ground group who wish to travel back to the village with them and then, as the process of healing and patching up injuries begins, flies slowly back home.

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Wings of Wonder: Finale

Oh right. Food buff.

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Ground

in air

airship

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ROUND

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Sorry, second tag

airship

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airship

in air

On the ground

ROUND

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END~ Thank you all