bottlecaplogs | Noelle's September Quest Ho-ho-home [Catch-All]

[ Venturing beyond the borders of Death Blood Murder Skull Town — god, what a fucking mouthful that turned out to be — he makes sure to take it slow with Noelle following close by. A bit further in, he considers eating a seed or two before the fighting inevitably begins, until he remembers his company. No, he can wait on that, actually. ]

You’re fine, Noelle. [ He means it, but the disgruntled sigh that follows might come across as otherwise. Whoever was in charge of assigning quests clearly needs a quote-unquote talk after this is all said and done. ] Just think of it as another lesson. It’ll be—wait.

[ He puts his arm out to stop, motioning with his other hand to keep quiet. He glances around them with ears on alert. Pack hunters. Right.

A Howl erupts before three Hondours jump from hiding, though one is just unlucky enough to land face first on a Thunder Punch. While it tries to get back on its feet, the other two move in closer with low growls. Bigby gives a few of his own until he glances back up at Noelle, his brows furrowing slightly. ]

... You, uh. You ready? [ Because those Houndours sure are charging in for a few Bites. ]

E--eeek! [She freezes up completely when the Hondour come out. But then... she takes a breath, steadies herself. These are enemies like any other. She can beat them.]

I... I'm ready.

[She starts with Grassy Terrain. The forest's natural earthy scent gets amplified. The grass around them grows taller. A faint healing energy runs through the battlefield. Grass-type moves are boosted in power, too, for what it's worth...

... but Noelle doesn't know any of those yet, other than this one.

Instead, she resorts to kicking up dirt with Sand Attack. It goes straight into the eyes of a Houndour, who lets out a yelp of surprise and anger. It retaliates by leaping blindly forward.

Noelle somehow manages to stumble out of the way, the Houndour's jaws snapping an inch shy of her head. She's shaking like a leaf. All of this is beyond her! She's just a normal high school girl! She shouldn't be fighting monsters out here!

... And yet, something about it feels familiar. Almost... good.]

[ That yelp makes his confidence waver just a bit more, but his nose twitches as the grassy scent fills the air. It's oddly calming, and for whatever reason, his mind wanders to his damn seeds again. Just pushing that thought aside one more time.

As Noelle deals with her Houndour, the other rushes at Bigby, and while he lets off a Thunder Shock, it's not enough to stop it completely. He presses against its jaw as it tries to gnash at him, unable to focus enough to charge another attack.

Instead, he looks over at the Deerling, and between grunts, he manages to shout out: ] Hit it, Noelle. With a Tackle or— [ What do deer even do except run? ] —ram it! [ Wrong animal. Whatever. ] Hey, hey, hey, where the hell are you going?

[ The Houndour pulls away from him, intent on helping its packmate, until Bigby launches himself right on it. He's pulling on its ears to redirect its attention, but he might as well be holding on for his own sake as it starts jumping around like a mechanical bull. Fun. ]

["Hit it, Noelle."
"Hit it."
"Hit it."

Her face frozen in shock, her body reacts nonetheless. She braces herself and slams her back hooves into the Houndour's face just as it's preparing to strike. She hears a yelp, which she cuts short with a second kick. The Houndour goes completely silent, and then there's a thump of a body falling to the grass.

She's pulled off a super effective Double Kick. When she looks, the Houndour is still breathing- thank the Angel- but it's unconscious.]

I... I did it.

[Their victory is short-lived. More Houndour have encircled them. One of them spits an Ember at her, almost just to test her. She screams-- then bites her tongue and cuts it short, almost not wanting to worry Bigby.]

[ Bigby Bites down hard to stay holding on. Less than effective, even as his teeth break skin, but he follows up with another Thunder Shock. He can feel its body begin to tense, paralysis setting in, but not before it manages to send him off with one last kick. Next thing he knows, he's tumbling right up against the other Houndour. Immediately, he turns to keep fighting, only —

Yeah, that guy's knocked out cold. ] ... No kidding. [ He nudges against it for good measure, just to make sure, but no. Noelle sure did do it. Good job crosses his mind, until he's too distracted to get the words out. She might be able to muffle her scream, but there's no hiding the smell of burnt fur from him. ] How bad is it? Be honest.

[ Speaking quietly, he moves closer to her, but with no healing moves and body that can barely shield half her size, there's not much for him to offer. Frustrating. With the Houndours moving in, he finally goes for his last resort: Seed Bomb. He's not expecting much, just enough to keep them from pouncing right away, but to his surprise it's hitting a lot harder than expected. Huh. ] When I run out of seeds, get ready to move, alright? Don't want another one of those to hit.

[ He's already down to his last few, without realizing he might be forgetting his usual hunger management precautions. ]

I-it's not that bad. [Already, the Grassy Terrain numbs the pain to a dull ache. Or maybe it's the adrenaline coursing through her-- there's just so many of them. She doesn't even comment on the cuteness of a hamster attacking with seeds.

Noelle takes a moment to check on the Hondour she just kicked. To her relief- and maybe Bigby's irritation- the Grassy Terrain is slightly healing them as well.

With nothing else to do, Noelle prepares to run.]

[ It's a relief to hear, but they're not quite out of the woods yet. His ears flick, eyes glancing back over at the downed Houndour starting to come to as the pack growls amongst itself, ready to give chase the moment any sudden movements set them all off. The more he thinks about it, the more fucked it seems to send a deer to fight these things, conveniently forgetting he's not exactly an apex predator himself anymore.

But, he has to give credit where credit is due. ] Take off right when I land these, got it? And don't make it easy for them. Zig-zag. Use the trees for cover. Any that catch up to you, just kick 'em off your tail, same as before.

[ Funny, giving this sort of advice. He takes in one last breath, the Houndours beginning to rush in. ] And don't worry. I'll be right behind you. [ Attention back on the pack, he fires his last few Seed Bombs, not at them, but some of the heavier branches above. With a stronger impact, they break just as intended, falling right on target. That takes care of some of them for now. As for the rest, he's too busy booking it himself to take a headcount.

He tries not to steer too close toward Noelle at first, if only to try to divert them, but seems they're too intent on prioritizing the Grass-type. ] —damn it.

[ Best he can do is Leer while he tries to catch up. Surely she's got this a second time. ]

[Noelle runs.

She's gotten faster on all fours, but it's hard to outpace them while running in zigzags and avoiding raised roots and weeds. Despite her and Bigby's efforts, she can feel them right on her heels. She barely avoids a Bite, and another Ember singes her again-- better her than lighting the entire forest on fire.

But Angel, it hurts. She thought she could handle it, but her vision is starting to cloud. In that moment, Noelle realizes it's her or them.

And for once, it's not going to be her.

She kicks. Tremors reverberate up her leg as hoof strikes bone. It feels good. She kicks again, and again, aiming wildly at the pack. She knocks a few out and scares a few off. A laugh bubbles out of her throat involuntarily. She feels strong.]

Fahaha-- ha... Bigby, I'm beating them! I'm--

[She goes completely silent. It seems to play out in slow motion: a battered Hondour rears its head back and opens its jaws wide, releasing searing flames that get closer and closer, about to consume her. She begs herself to escape, but her legs won't work, and she can't bring herself to move. Noelle stares down the Flamethrower helplessly.

She knew it was going to be her.]

[ What he lacks in size, he makes up for in speed, but even then, catching up and keeping pace brings its own toll. Eyes red, heart racing, he can feel his energy start to deplete faster than it should be. The few stray Thunder Shocks he lands from the sidelines do nominal damage at best, with the Houndours seemingly able to shake it off each and every time. There's only so much he can do before it becomes too much. They're bound to reach her, and then—

—and then, she laughs. His eyes go wide, watching as she's able to knock them down while they nip at her heels. The scent of singed fur in the air still puts him on edge, but she's holding her own, just like before. There's a hint of pride welling, maybe, like a teacher watching his student finally come into her own in spite of all worries.

She can pull through, until she can't. ]

Noelle!

[ He calls after her, desperation in his voice pleading for her to move. But she's frozen in the face of absolute danger, leaving only one option. Mustering what strength he can, he dashes forward with a Quick Attack, sliding in between them both before pivoting to launch right at the Houndour. The Flamethrower hits him head on.

He doesn't cry out in pain, not even as they tumble over each other on the ground trying to assert dominance. Instead, he snarls, deep, guttural, feral. There's nothing but him and this beast twice his size, ready to make a meal of him as his body begs to seize altogether. Eventually, he loses the fight. It pins him down, even as he continues to struggle, but it doesn't make its final blow, not yet. Instead, it simply stares with a strange curiosity, as if in sympathetic recognition. ]

BIGBY!!!!

[Noelle takes the opportunity to deliver one last kick to the Houndour's head, knocking it out. Her legs feel like cracking glass-- she can't imagine delivering one more kick, not even to save her life. She collapses to her side, panting.

But there's no time to recuperate. Bigby saved her life. She remembers...

A dream. One she had more recently, this time. She was in the hospital with her dad. She was able to heal him with magic. This time, in her dream, it worked. He got better. Both of them were so happy. She remembers him wrapping his strong arms around her in a big hug that made her feel like a kid again.

And then she woke up alone.

Noelle still remembers how it felt-- summoning all of her will, her determination, and extending it outward. It bubbles up in her now, desperate to save Bigby.

She manages to use her first Heal Pulse. It won't fully heal the burns, and it's no subtitute for actual medical attention... but it might give Bigby the burst he needs to keep going.]

Please, please... please be okay, please don't die...

[ His eyes start to widen once the realization finally dawns on him: this is really it. Of all the ways he could go, it had to be to a pack of wild dogs licking their chops ready to have a taste. The Fates must be laughing at their most perfect of ends for the lonely Big Bad Wolf.

Except, he's not alone. Not this time.

He lets out a deep breath, watching the Houndour fly off him with the solid kick. But it's still too painful to move, even when he hears her collapse beside him. There's more dogs coming in, the last of the group from the sound of it, and all he can do is close his eyes and angrily wait for the inevitable. Then, a sudden warmth runs through him, soothing, gentle. It's enough. It's more than enough.

Though feeble, he stands, turning toward the Houndours. He can't bring himself to rush in, can't build up enough electricity, but he stomps in place as a warning, heavier and heavier, until it cracks the ground beneath him and sends a flurry of rocks right at them. Cutting their losses against another super effective attack, they finally back off for now. Bigby looks over at Noelle. ]

I'm... I'm okay... [ His whole body is trembling now. The shock of the burn is finally taking effect, the last of his adrenaline now completely gone. Against the pain, he's struggling to stand tall, for her sake, if only to keep her from worrying.

He falls face first. ]

... Noelle.

I can't move.

[She manages to bite her tongue at the cute little hamster stomp, but this finally breaks the ice. She bursts out laughing-- at how funny that was, at how cute he is, and with overwhelming relief that they're both still alive. It doesn't take long for tears to to roll down her cheeks, but she's still laughing.]

I... I'll, um... I'll call for help. [Ironic, now, that they're going to be depending on the clinic staff to help them when they met over Bigby warning her about them. Regardless, Noelle takes out her Grumpearl. Maybe they could trudge back to town if they rested here, but she doesn't want to take the chance that the Houndour will decide to decide to come back for revenge.]

[ He might react differently to her laughter in another circumstance, but it’s a genuine to relief for him to hear this time around. She’ll be okay, even if he can’t see the tears running down her face.

(Also, what the hell was that? Stomping the ground like some rabbit? As if he couldn’t get any more ridiculous like this.) ]

My hearing’s still fine, by the way. [ He manages to at least lift his head up, so he’s no longer talking into the ground. As much as he’s grumbling about calling in the paramedics, there’s not much he can do. ] ... Training’s been going well, huh? Really knocked them around good.

[ Not to mention the healing, but honestly, the power behind those Double Kicks was far more unexpected. ]

[She... actually doesn't know how she did that.] I mean... it's not that special. I just kicked them. I guess I'm just lucky I have strong legs...? Fahaha.

... Mostly, I didn't want to slow you down, and you said to hit them, so... I just kind of... moved automatically.

[Her legs are aching, and she feels bad still about hurting those Houndour... but she saved him. She was useful! She stood up for them!

... but her joy is tempered by the knowledge that she maybe enjoyed it a little too much, and it felt familiar in a way she doesn't understand.]

Umm, I thought you were the real hero of the hour, haha. You actually fought really well! [She backpedals on that immediately.] Not that I thought you wouldn't!

Lucky or not, I probably wouldn’t be here talking if it wasn’t for you. [ Even if she did need a quick reminder in the moment. Still, he gives her a half-smile, tired but appreciative. ] ... You knew exactly what to do. That’s what — nngh... that’s what matters.

[ He really wants to sit up while he’s at it, if they’re going to be here wating, but even the smallest of movements just make him wince in pain. His nose twitches in resignation instead as he listens.

Hero? That gets a rather amused huff. ] Eh. You just get used to it. I’ve dealt with scarier, anyway. [ A bit of a brag, but in all fairness, probably true. His tone is a lot lighter than usual anyway, not expecting her to take it too seriously.

But then, a possible realization. His expression falls flat again. ] ... Uh-huh. So... why did— [ Another wince. ] —ugh. Wh-why did you sign up for this, anyway?

[Uh-oh... now she's done it. Noelle isn't the best liar, but she scrambles for a half-truth anyway.] I, um... I saw you were the only one signed up, and I was scared you were gonna have to go all by yourself. And I wanted to be, you know... stronger. You know?

[That probably wasn't very convincing. It's true that she thought that, even with his rugged voice and apparent confidence, Bigby would get eaten alive out there. She knows she was wrong, now. Even though he did get badly injured, it was protecting her... and those Houndour were outnumbering them several times over.]

[ That sure would be a kick to the ego if it wasn't practically hitting rock bottom already. Even with Noelle trying to talk around it, he can read between the lines well enough. Hard to forget their first interaction, after all.

He grumbles to himself, before eventually ending with a resounding sigh. As frustrated as he wants to be with her, Bigby also can't blame her when he's literally a fucking hamster. ]

... Yeah, yeah. I know. [ That probably comes across a lot harsher than intended. ] Next time just ask, okay? We could've practiced first. Or something.

[ Who is he kidding. Like he wouldn't have rushed into this with or without Noelle wanting to tag along for his sake. Just let him bury his head back into the ground. ]

... You're right. I'm sorry. [At least he mentioned the possibility of a 'next time'-- that means she didn't completely ruin everything. At least not yet.

By the time their rescue arrives, ready to take them to the clinic, Noelle decides she can walk again. Maybe it's the Grassy Terrain, maybe it's just her wanting to push through.]

[ Yet another reminder that his tone could still use some work. As if making her feel bad about wanting to help does anything for either of them. ]

... You're fine. As long as you feel stronger, right?

[ It's more rhetorical than anything, considering he already saw it firsthand, but better to shift the conversation back toward that direction than not.

When their rescue team arrives, he's greeted by a familiar face from the clinic. Their expression is entirely deadpan as they hoist him up, completely unsurprised that he's managed to get himself to this point yet again. Bigby's lucky they have some Rawst berries to tide him over until they all make it back, safe and (mostly) sound.

Maybe this time he'll remember to take it easy during the recovery period, but probably not, much to the eventual chagrin of whoever happens to be his nurse (and knowing his luck, that'll be Anasui). ]

Noelle's September Quest Ho-ho-home [Catch-All]

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this is contextualizing noelle's AC reward

(1/2) oh noelle, top of the nice list for you

(2/2)

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ready to wrap?

let's wrap!