June Catch-All

[hundredeyesoni]

Who: Akira and quest partners
What: Quests, more to be added over the month
When: Throughout June
Warnings: Fog effects and Pokemon battles likely. Will add as needed.

Comments

[indifferentinferno]

He glances at Bigby. He knew what an Oni was- or more, he new what an Oni was to him, but he sees the way Bigby's expression changes and that word 'yokai'... it seemed to be of more significance to him than it was to Flamebringer. Oni were strong of course- they had a natural genetic disposition towards strength and height compared to some other races- but not to the extent where he'd be easily impressed.

Still- If Bigby was so sure... Akira's own words were humble if nothing else, he wasn't looking to prove anymore than he had to. Which had its benefits and deficits, but he would take someone honest about their abilities any day over a boaster. But before he could express his final verdict, the Slowpoke is picking up his teammate without warning. Flamebringer blinks- completely caught off guard by the display of a lack of personal boundaries- Bigby obviously isn't happy, not that Flamebringer makes any move to help. He knows the musbeast can defend himself if need be-

And Bigby is right, Flamebringer remains, watching the display- Maybe even having the gall to look slightly amused by the whole ordeal.

"... Fine. This is acceptable." They would make better ground with Akira handling Bigby, and they needed to get moving. Akira was satisfactory enough. "Let's hope you can put those investigation skills to good use." Even if he might still harbor his own doubts about the other's combat skill, and personality, he was interested in seeing if he could, in fact, provide useful information.

... In his own way he'd already proven that he could, with the way he had observed and categorized Flamebringer upon their first meeting. He wouldn't mind pointing that at a common foe.

His expression grows even more amused. Ha, at least Bigby had his priorities enough in order not to cause a fuss. He's sympathetic to the manhandling, but not enough to intercede. "If we're prepared to depart, then lets not waste anymore time."

Flamebringer is taking point in their party. He's the most maneuverable at the moment, since Bigby is indisposed and Akira's general bulk, well, there's a reason he supposes his beast form is called 'slowking'. While Bigby might not like being carried, it does allow him to focus on sensations in a way Flamebringer physically can't. His own senses have changed slightly since arriving- smells are certainly sharper to him than they were normally, but Bigby was clearly in tune with his senses already. Better to leave him too it then.

He doesn't like anything about this already. The forest felt claustrophobic in a way that it shouldn't, the fog clinging to his fur once again, just like it did when he first arrived. So far there's no signs of their quarry, but he stays alert all the same.

[hundredeyesoni]

Already in full agreement that there's no need to worry, getting on with their quest is simple enough to do as Akira happily follows the Absol's lead.

While there may be varying expectations surrounding his own capabilities, they're not what he's most looking forward to testing out, himself. Two of them are youkai in these forms, and he can't help but hope that a certain ability to foretell danger will make an appearance while he can observe. Of course it means that such danger will need to be present, but what's wrong with that? He's already made it this far, after all.


As they travel deeper, Akira's focus constantly shifts between every sight the forest has to offer, the challenge of having to take a more active approach to such basic observation seeming to leave him far more excited than frustrated. Not even the fog deters him, instead providing encouragement that they're closer to their goal.

But if that's the case, it may pose the same risks he'd encountered and largely ignored upon his arrival. It won't just be a matter of losing their way. Rather,

"While we're in range of the forest's effects, don't hesitate to tell me if either of you start feeling ill or confused." There's an eagerness to the warning, despite its sincerity. A suggestion that he'd sure enjoy more patients to treat. "Since you're both feisty as it is, watching for heightened aggression may be beyond even my abilities. As curious as I am about the unique conditions here, I can't have anyone-- dying..?"

For a moment, he manages to settle down, looking almost mournful as he catches sight of a few bones already littering the ground. He'd been prepared for them, the signs of those who'd lost to this creature earlier. Surely they all had. But...

As quickly as that calmness began, it passes, with an enthusiastic effort to pick up his pace instead.

"Wow, so even this far in is dangerous! I wonder if we'll be next?"