Who: Everyone! Where: One more city wide event, for good measure! When: December 20th-22nd Summary: The winter festivities get interrupted, with animated and angry snowmen on the prowl. Warnings: Snowmen violence.
It's been a (relatively) calm few days of snowfall and winter celebration. The snow has settled over Saeng Seong like a fluffy white blanket, with more and more snowmen popping up as the days go by. It all looks quiet and serene.
Naturally, this can't last forever. And that stillness is fractured in the afternoon, with the appearance of odd dark stones placed on those snowmen that have been showing up. The peace breaks completely at sundown, when the snowmen lurch into motion, with moans and growls that sound a lot more at home in a zombie movie than a winter wonderland. Then again, these certainly don't LOOK like cheery snowmen, either. In fact, they look down right hostile. Especially when they pack more snow into themselves, and the cold air twists them into more sinister looking forms.
In fact, the only thing that gives them pause are some green eyes, peering out of different parts of the city, along with some mewing sounds. (And mewing that might be familiar, to some of the residents!) It's an odd contrast and thing for them to avoid, but avoid it they do. Which only serves to make them that much more violent when they DO find someone in the streets.
[It was a question he wasn't expecting and so caught him off guard for a moment. As much as he wanted to say that he was doing this for the people of Saeng Seong, he knew that wasn't the truth of it at all. The smirk on his face falters as his tone becomes rather more serious.]
Unless they can promise me a way back home, saving these people won't do anything to help me. On the other hand, letting the city fall won't help either. Where else would we go?
[He pauses, before adding.]
Besides, I found someone I know in this place. I might be insensitive but I'm not about to let a friend die.
[There's a tinge of hurt in his eyes at those words, as if he had almost witnessed such a thing already.]
[And just like with his cocky grin, Ramza was quick to echo his sentiments at the mention of loss... if only he could have been so decisive in not staying his hand when he needed. The snow only added insult to injury.
He nodded.]
...So much the better that you found the strength to aid him. Gods know you can't hope to save everyone on your own, fool some of us may be to try it still.
[His gaze turned to one of the medium-sized snowmen that began to cross their path... and it was soon return by stony coal eyes.]
...But twice the fool if we did nothing. [Ramza motioned to the snow-fiend with his head, and ran out to put himself at the vanguard as the thing began lurching forward, sweeping away the debris on the ground with its twisted wooden limbs...]
[...those words strike a chord with him more than Ramza likely knows and Jack can't help but feel a twinge of guilt inside him. Saving everyone on his own... he had once thought that it was simple, that it could be done. But even she had told him that his notion of courage was wrong.
Now wasn't the time to dwell on the past though. He could still do something here and something about Ramza's own words and determination help to keep him focused. There was enemy ahead that needed felling and whatever reason it might be for, Jack still felt the need, the desire to get stronger.
No more words. Ramza was rushing into action and Jack was quick to follow, keeping an eye on those great sweeping limbs as he closed the distance between himself and his target. Luckily the creature's size didn't lend itself very well to speed and agility and that was something Jack had plenty of. Darting away from an arm as it crashed down, breaking warped fingers into splinters, the swordsman kept his eyes on the snowman's body, searching for that black stone. His hand remained on his sword, but he didn't draw it yet.]
[So Jack knew well enough how to flank... perhaps he was more accustomed to working in teams than his loner persona would have suggested. Ramza, in the meantime, went straightaway to face the fiend, and was surprisingly content in using his fists to rip into the beast from below. Setting it off balance was the fastest way to slow it down, after all, and to cover Jack's move if he was going in from aside or afar...]
Gh... Not from here. They're never so close to--
[But another swing from the snowman had him strain to catch and knock away the limb with his bare hands. The bark did not make it any easier, but he'd endured worse and wasn't too worse for a few scratches, and he could at least help keep the thing pinned down in the meantime...]
[Perhaps... a long time ago. It seemed that instinct was still within him though, and he was still capable of working in a team when the moment called for it. Besides, Ramza had shown himself to be pretty nimble and strong already. Jack knew they would have a good chance of winning if they worked together.
Seeing that snowman's arm take a wild swing towards Ramza, the two connecting with the sound of wood straining against pressure, caused Jack to hesitate a moment, however. The snow obscured Jack's vision with the force of it and for a moment he had to wonder if the guy was even still standing, but once it settled he could see the two locked in place. He'd got him, knocked the monster off balance. Now was their chance!]
All right. Hang in there!
[He called in acknowledgment of Ramza's advice, and with that he drew closer to the beast, using its wooden limb to climb his way up onto the thing's shoulder. Luckily with how slow and cumbersome it was, he managed to get up there before it decided to take another swing, yet footing was slippery and it was only a matter of time before it made to shake him off, he was sure of it. Still, only when he reached that vantage point did he notice the black stone right on the top of its head.]
I found it! Now we just need the damned thing to sit still.
[A straight stab to the centre should do it. Jack prepares to make the move, just hoping the snowman behaves...]
[Ramza could only keep the damned thing still for so long, however... and as its arm began to pull up off the ground, the last thing either of them needed was for it to get another swing off on them- ESPECIALLY against the one who was a hair's breadth from being able to fell it! Ramza shouted out as his grip waned-]
Hang on!
[And he was literal in his meaning as well; a wrenching heave from his shoulder brought the lower half of the arm splintering off as the snowman finally pulled what remained of its limb free... and Jack's footing may have suddenly grown all the more shaky, but at least he didn't have to worry about that arm moving to strike him down... and Ramza breathed a sigh of relief as it proved unable to reach Jack's position on its shoulder with what remained.
But there was still the matter of how he could try and distract the snowman from going after Jack... and Ramza hoped that his fists driving against the fiend's lower section- tearing out chunks it would otherwise use to support itself in turning- coupled with keeping position right beneath its other arm would be enough to keep its focus.
And Ramza was soon forced to dive out of the way of a swipe from its unbroken arm, thankful that his ruse was working well enough. Now it was just a matter of Jack dealing that finishing blow before the snowman decided it would swat the one closer to its head...]
[The breaking of the arm and the force of the snowman reeling away from the damage happened just at the moment Jack was about to plunge his blade into the stone, instead causing him to lose his balance, his feet slipping back as his sword stabbed deep into the packed snow of the monster's shoulder. If it wasn't for that, he would no doubt have fallen off the thing by now, but as it was, he kept a firm grip on his only hand-hold, trying to get his feet against solid... snow, so he could pull himself back up again!
...he could still hear Ramza working away below, chunks flying off in all directions. He certainly had the thing's attention, if he could just get it to lean the right way he was sure they could end this.
Luckily the moment soon came when the snowman took another swing with its good arm, causing it to lean towards the ground. Jack's feet connected with its body and he hauled himself up onto whatever solid ground he could find, despite the blade now slipping and slicing through the snow. No more struggling. Just as he thought the monster might be reacting to his movements on his shoulders again, Jack raises his sword once more and plunges it right into the black stone, causing it to shatter.
[Fortunately, Jack had a firm hold on the snowman in his current position- or, at least, firm enough to not have him fall off. And soon enough, Ramza's distraction paid off... in spite of the fiend's wrenching blows- the last of which was a sloppy enough dodge to catch Ramza and knock him off his feet- the snowman couldn't avoid Jack's blow to its wardstone, and fell inanimate only moments later.
And Ramza felt a bit shortsighted for taking all that snow from its bottom section, because without the foul magic to hold it together, it began collapsing from beneath as soon as the wards faded.
But Ramza would at least find some comfort in knowing that falling into a collapsed snowdrift would be far less painful- and far less injurious- than to take a blow from the damned thing's arms. And Ramza would be the first to offer his hand to Jack as he lay- or stood- on the powdery pile left in their enemy's wake.]
[Jack was pretty well-balanced on his feet, but with the ground beneath him quickly crumbling away, even he couldn't make a perfect landing, ending up half buried in a sudden snow-pile instead. While he knew he could have gotten himself out of there easily enough, he was grateful for Ramza's support and grabbed hold of his hand, pulling himself out of the cold remains of the snowman and promptly dusting himself off once he was up again.]
I'm fine, don't worry. It's not the first time I've been waist deep in snow.
[Coming from a continent that was covered in the stuff, he couldn't exactly escape it. He turns to Ramza once they'd had a chance to settle.]
You handled yourself pretty well out there. Where did you learn to use your fists like that?
[Thank the Gods, Jack didn't suffer any more than a moment's indignity for his fall. Ramza aided him onto his feet and gave a last, lingering glance at the snowman to ensure its defeat... but its dissipation into piles of powder didn't leave much room for doubt. He gave another cursory look to Jack just to make sure there was nothing obvious in the way of wounds...
...but his question pulled Ramza to other thoughts. He fetched his gloves from his pocket and donned them.]
It wasn't uncommon in my homeworld to learn to fight bare-handed... I only ever learned the basics.
[Well, mindful of the fact that expert monks could throw waves of energy and split the earth... but Ramza digressed.]
What of yours? That was no untrained swordplay you put to use.
[Either Ramza was just being modest or people in his world could throw some pretty powerful punches. In Filgaia, Jack was sure 'the basics' would amount to nothing more than the lucky swings in a tavern brawl.
...then his own question was being thrown back at him, causing the swordsman to grow a little tense. His gaze falls back on the fallen snowman.]
There are monsters roaming all over my world. A wanderer like me can't afford to travel unarmed or let their skills go untempered.
[A world covered by monsters... Ramza was starting to think his own was the only one. Well, other than those guests who spoke of 'pokemon', but that was clearly a different sort of monster and a different sort of world. And, besides which, he'd met others in Saeng Seong who were 'self-taught' yet showed incredible prowess.
Then again, was Ramza- a dropout from a knight's academy- in any position to criticize?]
You must have held your share of allies in your travels, then. Most would not know to take position as you did.
[To speak of such...]
That friend you were seeking... might you describe him? Better that two should see to his safety than just yourself.
I've had a few. [Words that bit, considering where the majority of his closest comrades lied right now. And those who taught him most everything he knew about how to fight.
His companion though... he was something easier to talk about. It would do him good to have someone else looking out for him, even if the little guy might end up protesting that fact.]
If you're talking about my partner, he's a little blue mouse with a smart mouth and a smarter mind. Big ears, long tail, short legs... he runs like the wind. I'm sure he'll do just fine on his own, but if you see him around I'd appreciate it if you could let me know.
[Well, that was a new one. He looked up at the falling snow trying to even envision it in his mind... it cleared the raging snowmen from his thoughts, at least.
But, suffice to say, Ramza would have known if he'd seen such a thing.]
...I've not seen him. I've seen a rat, yes, but she's graceful and taller than myself; and the only soul I've come across with blue hair was that quiet boy with the pistol. I am sorry.
I will make certain to find you should I come across him.
[Jack can't help but smirk at that, looking back to Ramza and noting that look of concentration on his face as he tries to imagine it. Honestly it was no wonder people thought of Hanpan as some kind of monster sometimes, or at least a highly trained pet.]
His name's Hanpan. He's been around a lot longer than any of us so he's invaluable when you want to go diving into ancient ruins. Besides that... it's kind of quiet without him around.
[He missed their banter honestly and the two had been together for so long now it seemed strange to be on his own again. Putting that thought to one side for now, the man suddenly looks interested at the mention of that boy however.]
I can't say I've met any rats yet, especially not any tall and graceful kinds, but that kid... It sounds like you might have run into Rudy.
[It sounded like something out of a fairy tale... but, then again, magic was the same for most and his world had its share of it. Thankfully, someone so small and deft could no doubt tend to themselves in a mess such as this; the larger snowmen would trip over themselves trying to strike him down.
But his concern turned to curiosity at the mention of said blue-haired boy's name.]
...Rudy? Rudy Roughnight, perchance? [The blue-haired boy he'd been seeing around was the one he was speaking to on the terminals, then... but it was far more interesting to hear of the two of them being from the same world.] You two know each other?
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rekindleme2013-12-20 03:58 pm
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Unless they can promise me a way back home, saving these people won't do anything to help me. On the other hand, letting the city fall won't help either. Where else would we go?
[He pauses, before adding.]
Besides, I found someone I know in this place. I might be insensitive but I'm not about to let a friend die.
[There's a tinge of hurt in his eyes at those words, as if he had almost witnessed such a thing already.]
no subject
[And just like with his cocky grin, Ramza was quick to echo his sentiments at the mention of loss... if only he could have been so decisive in not staying his hand when he needed. The snow only added insult to injury.
He nodded.]
...So much the better that you found the strength to aid him. Gods know you can't hope to save everyone on your own, fool some of us may be to try it still.
[His gaze turned to one of the medium-sized snowmen that began to cross their path... and it was soon return by stony coal eyes.]
...But twice the fool if we did nothing. [Ramza motioned to the snow-fiend with his head, and ran out to put himself at the vanguard as the thing began lurching forward, sweeping away the debris on the ground with its twisted wooden limbs...]
no subject
Now wasn't the time to dwell on the past though. He could still do something here and something about Ramza's own words and determination help to keep him focused. There was enemy ahead that needed felling and whatever reason it might be for, Jack still felt the need, the desire to get stronger.
No more words. Ramza was rushing into action and Jack was quick to follow, keeping an eye on those great sweeping limbs as he closed the distance between himself and his target. Luckily the creature's size didn't lend itself very well to speed and agility and that was something Jack had plenty of. Darting away from an arm as it crashed down, breaking warped fingers into splinters, the swordsman kept his eyes on the snowman's body, searching for that black stone. His hand remained on his sword, but he didn't draw it yet.]
Do you see anything?
no subject
Gh... Not from here. They're never so close to--
[But another swing from the snowman had him strain to catch and knock away the limb with his bare hands. The bark did not make it any easier, but he'd endured worse and wasn't too worse for a few scratches, and he could at least help keep the thing pinned down in the meantime...]
Look high! They're oft about the head or chest!
/punches this sickness in the face to tag
Seeing that snowman's arm take a wild swing towards Ramza, the two connecting with the sound of wood straining against pressure, caused Jack to hesitate a moment, however. The snow obscured Jack's vision with the force of it and for a moment he had to wonder if the guy was even still standing, but once it settled he could see the two locked in place. He'd got him, knocked the monster off balance. Now was their chance!]
All right. Hang in there!
[He called in acknowledgment of Ramza's advice, and with that he drew closer to the beast, using its wooden limb to climb his way up onto the thing's shoulder. Luckily with how slow and cumbersome it was, he managed to get up there before it decided to take another swing, yet footing was slippery and it was only a matter of time before it made to shake him off, he was sure of it. Still, only when he reached that vantage point did he notice the black stone right on the top of its head.]
I found it! Now we just need the damned thing to sit still.
[A straight stab to the centre should do it. Jack prepares to make the move, just hoping the snowman behaves...]
KICK THE SICK TO THE CURB
Hang on!
[And he was literal in his meaning as well; a wrenching heave from his shoulder brought the lower half of the arm splintering off as the snowman finally pulled what remained of its limb free... and Jack's footing may have suddenly grown all the more shaky, but at least he didn't have to worry about that arm moving to strike him down... and Ramza breathed a sigh of relief as it proved unable to reach Jack's position on its shoulder with what remained.
But there was still the matter of how he could try and distract the snowman from going after Jack... and Ramza hoped that his fists driving against the fiend's lower section- tearing out chunks it would otherwise use to support itself in turning- coupled with keeping position right beneath its other arm would be enough to keep its focus.
And Ramza was soon forced to dive out of the way of a swipe from its unbroken arm, thankful that his ruse was working well enough. Now it was just a matter of Jack dealing that finishing blow before the snowman decided it would swat the one closer to its head...]
no subject
[The breaking of the arm and the force of the snowman reeling away from the damage happened just at the moment Jack was about to plunge his blade into the stone, instead causing him to lose his balance, his feet slipping back as his sword stabbed deep into the packed snow of the monster's shoulder. If it wasn't for that, he would no doubt have fallen off the thing by now, but as it was, he kept a firm grip on his only hand-hold, trying to get his feet against solid... snow, so he could pull himself back up again!
...he could still hear Ramza working away below, chunks flying off in all directions. He certainly had the thing's attention, if he could just get it to lean the right way he was sure they could end this.
Luckily the moment soon came when the snowman took another swing with its good arm, causing it to lean towards the ground. Jack's feet connected with its body and he hauled himself up onto whatever solid ground he could find, despite the blade now slipping and slicing through the snow. No more struggling. Just as he thought the monster might be reacting to his movements on his shoulders again, Jack raises his sword once more and plunges it right into the black stone, causing it to shatter.
...now how was he going to get off this thing?]
no subject
And Ramza felt a bit shortsighted for taking all that snow from its bottom section, because without the foul magic to hold it together, it began collapsing from beneath as soon as the wards faded.
But Ramza would at least find some comfort in knowing that falling into a collapsed snowdrift would be far less painful- and far less injurious- than to take a blow from the damned thing's arms. And Ramza would be the first to offer his hand to Jack as he lay- or stood- on the powdery pile left in their enemy's wake.]
Well done. You're not hurt, are you?
no subject
I'm fine, don't worry. It's not the first time I've been waist deep in snow.
[Coming from a continent that was covered in the stuff, he couldn't exactly escape it. He turns to Ramza once they'd had a chance to settle.]
You handled yourself pretty well out there. Where did you learn to use your fists like that?
[Come on Ramza, tell Jack all your secrets~]
no subject
...but his question pulled Ramza to other thoughts. He fetched his gloves from his pocket and donned them.]
It wasn't uncommon in my homeworld to learn to fight bare-handed... I only ever learned the basics.
[Well, mindful of the fact that expert monks could throw waves of energy and split the earth... but Ramza digressed.]
What of yours? That was no untrained swordplay you put to use.
no subject
...then his own question was being thrown back at him, causing the swordsman to grow a little tense. His gaze falls back on the fallen snowman.]
There are monsters roaming all over my world. A wanderer like me can't afford to travel unarmed or let their skills go untempered.
no subject
Then again, was Ramza- a dropout from a knight's academy- in any position to criticize?]
You must have held your share of allies in your travels, then. Most would not know to take position as you did.
[To speak of such...]
That friend you were seeking... might you describe him? Better that two should see to his safety than just yourself.
no subject
His companion though... he was something easier to talk about. It would do him good to have someone else looking out for him, even if the little guy might end up protesting that fact.]
If you're talking about my partner, he's a little blue mouse with a smart mouth and a smarter mind. Big ears, long tail, short legs... he runs like the wind. I'm sure he'll do just fine on his own, but if you see him around I'd appreciate it if you could let me know.
no subject
[Well, that was a new one. He looked up at the falling snow trying to even envision it in his mind... it cleared the raging snowmen from his thoughts, at least.
But, suffice to say, Ramza would have known if he'd seen such a thing.]
...I've not seen him. I've seen a rat, yes, but she's graceful and taller than myself; and the only soul I've come across with blue hair was that quiet boy with the pistol. I am sorry.
I will make certain to find you should I come across him.
no subject
[Jack can't help but smirk at that, looking back to Ramza and noting that look of concentration on his face as he tries to imagine it. Honestly it was no wonder people thought of Hanpan as some kind of monster sometimes, or at least a highly trained pet.]
His name's Hanpan. He's been around a lot longer than any of us so he's invaluable when you want to go diving into ancient ruins. Besides that... it's kind of quiet without him around.
[He missed their banter honestly and the two had been together for so long now it seemed strange to be on his own again. Putting that thought to one side for now, the man suddenly looks interested at the mention of that boy however.]
I can't say I've met any rats yet, especially not any tall and graceful kinds, but that kid... It sounds like you might have run into Rudy.
no subject
But his concern turned to curiosity at the mention of said blue-haired boy's name.]
...Rudy? Rudy Roughnight, perchance? [The blue-haired boy he'd been seeing around was the one he was speaking to on the terminals, then... but it was far more interesting to hear of the two of them being from the same world.] You two know each other?