[CLOSED] Bounty: Ringing Risk

[truthdecided]

Who: Akechi, Ren, Noelle
What: Bounty: Ringing Risk
Where: Northern Forest
When: Early February
Warnings: Possible Northern Forest spooky vibes, violence, and whatever else the mods throw our way!

Akechi is not the fondest of the Northern Forest, due to past experiences, but he has since grown more competent as an explorer. Unlike his first trek into these woods, he comes equipped with his Safety Goggles and a satchel full of supplies, fully aware of the dangers within. With two grass types beside him, any powder-based moves from the enemies should be easily dealt with.

With that in mind, he leisurely hovers over the two, scanning from above for any signs of danger.

"The exact description of our target is... confusing. Bells are more evocative of a large steel type, such as Bronzong, but streamers bring fairy types to mind. Both Chimecho and Chingling do have chime or bell motifs, but neither strikes me as especially threatening, let alone so... colorful."

He heaves a small sigh. "But these are just possibilities. It's possible we're dealing with an undiscovered species altogether, which is all the more reason to tread carefully."

Comments

[truthdecided]

"If we're going to get through this, we need to be careful." Fishing through his Satchel, Akechi passes a Lum Berry to Noell, before perching atop Ren and giving him a light prod with his beak. "I need you both to keep your eyes out for—"

There, draped over some branches... streamers. Colorful streamers, just as the Quest Board mentioned.

"Those. Colored streamers. They can mark our path. That is far more pertinent than the ringing."

Perhaps they ought to have brought earplugs, but it is what it is. At least Akechi's in his right mind.

[colorsflyinghigh]

Distracted as he is, he takes Noelle's Hidden Power in full, hissing in surprise at the sudden stream of cold. It hurts, yes, but it has the side effect of snapping him out of his confusion, out of the controlling presence, ears lowering. There's a moment where he says nothing, lost in thought, when his face smooths out in determination, nodding as he accepts the Oran Berry with a small thanks.

"Good catch," he tells Akechi, before turning to Noelle.

"Do we have anything we can use to muffle the ringing?" he asks, already digging through their bag, before he fishes something out- a bandana he got a while ago. He offers it to Noelle. "Here. Wrap it around your ears."

His voice is more commanding than usual. Leaderly. Noelle can disagree if she wants, but there's a certainty behind his voice that yes, this is a good idea.

[holidaygirl1225]

As she chews over the Lum Berry, things fade back into normalcy. She murmurs another apology to Ren.

Unfortunately, she either ate or lost several of her quest supplies in the confusion-- Akechi might notice the useless remains of Oran Berries or seeds along the trail. Nothing to be done about it now.

Ren's leaderly nature reassures her. Maybe it's second nature for her to take orders, or maybe she's just glad someone seems to be confident after all that confusion. Noelle does her best to get the bandana on and around her ears, but out of all the powerful Grass-type moves she unlocked, Vine Whip is not one of them. "Um... Akechi, could you help me tie this on, please?"

Not that talons are much better, but maybe they're more maneuverable than hooves.

"If I won't be able to hear you, maybe we could use signals. One tap for stop, two taps for go, something like that?" She'll likely default to following Akechi, since he's the least confused out of all of them. "Another idea, um... if the bandana doesn't block all the noise, maybe I could... drown it out? By... singing. Like, carols or something."

It's either an idea stupid enough to work or just stupid. The enemy would definitely hear them coming, for one.

[truthdecided]

"Very well." The good news is, Akechi's honed his dexterity with both talons and his wings. Obviously, the former is more suitable when he's in the air, so he flutters over to help with tying it on, though not before responding to Noelle's question.

"If you need to sing as an added measure, I see no fault in that. Any steps necessary to ensure we reach our target in time."

But it's troubling. Is their target really still in the Northern Forest? It all feels so... calm, ringing aside.

[colorsflyinghigh]

He briefly softens his gaze at Noelle. "Hey. It's fine, don't worry about it."

His face quickly becomes neutrally cool again while Akechi helps Noelle, though, tilting his head to listen to their ideas and comments. He nods in agreement.

"It's a good idea. If nothing else, we'll know you need some help if you stop singing," he nods at Akechi. "I don't plan on letting it catch me off guard again, but just in case, be ready." Things may seem calm now aside from the ringing, but Ren's ears are swiveling around, listening, his nose twitching, eyes slightly narrowed in focus. Behind his mask, it looks a little eerie.

"Everyone ready? Let's follow the streamers."

He waits just long enough for both Akechi and Noelle to follow, then goes on, leading the team through the forest and the streamers.