Fantasy Code FERAL

[Lioness075]

Luness' heat shield was able to evaporate any snowballs thrown towards herself and Leandra from Zoe, leaving Leandra grinning triumphantly throughout the barrage.


Raising her arms above herself gleefully, Leandra then shouted, "We're invincible!"


Laughing, Leandra glanced over at Zoe, amused to see her sheer determination, as if this was some battle warm-up drill.


Luness chortled and bobbed her head up and down in both glee and amusement, as she felt Leandra's excitement as well.


@DawnAntalios


When Beth exited the plane and her eyes met Manjano's, he felt himself briefly blush before glancing down at his feet to partially bury his face into his heavy jacket. If anything, most people probably would've just thought it was from the cold, not embarrassment. Not that anyone probably was looking at him other than Beth anyways...


Thinking about the smile he'd just gotten from Beth, the corner of Manjano's mouth twitched before he regained his composure and looked up at the sound of Simon shouting in the distance. What was he shouting about?


Soon enough, his question was answered, as a huge barrage of snow was suddenly airborne from a tree in the forest nearby. The snow came flying up before it came raining down on everyone in the vicinity.


Luckily, Manjano was further away from everyone and he only got a small amount that struck him, but he was irritated regardless, as he stood up from the snowmobile and held his arms out to his sides. Feeling the snow soaking his hair, though it was hard to see the snow mixed in with his icy white hair, Manjano shook his arms briefly before swiping at his head and knocking the snow off.


Sighing, and now rather cold, Manjano crossed his arms over his chest before looking sideways and seeing Strong's cat companion rushing off to the nearby chalet.


Deciding he'd like to warm up and avoid anymore of this nonsense, Manjano began shuffling through the snow and following the path the cat had taken, absentmindedly wondering if there would be any hot cocoa in the building as well as a fire to warm up at.


@Flutterby @zCrookedz


Hearing Simon shouting about the snow, Leandra whipped around in time to see the tree and snow flying in the air towards them.


Eyes wide and surprised, Leandra gaped at the incoming snow before ducking and covering herself and trying to cover Luness with her arms before the snow enveloped them and became rain, showering and soaking the pair.


Giggling, Leandra stood up and then suddenly wrapped her arms around herself, as she realized just how cold it was to be wet outside in this cold weather. Teeth chattering, Leandra then said to Luness, "H-hey, mind w-warming us up?"


Shaking herself and then fluffing up her warmed feathers, which were now a bit damp, Luness nodded at Leandra before closing her eyes and focusing in on her fire abilities. Soon enough, Luness was entirely orange, almost red, as she heated up Leandra while drying herself off as well.


Once both were warm and dry once more, Luness let the fire ebb away, as her feathers and body soon were icy white again.


Grinning, Leandra then turned towards Simon and shouted, "Cheater!"


@zCrookedz

 

[SilverFlight]

Alec was hit with full force and laughed even as the wind was knocked out of him. Duik hit the powder too and couldn't stop laughing as he too emerged with snow all over his face. Alec rose and scooped up a ball of snow and tossed it at Xiao who was one of the closest. Just after that he was hit by another wayward snowball, he looked up to glare mischievously at the owl overhead. Just then something else caught his eye: Jimbo climbing a dead tree, laden with fresh snow.


"Ape, don't you do it!" Too late, the pair of them had worked together to pull the tree back and let go. Alec yelled in surprise as the wall of snow came down on top of them.


@crucialstar @zCrookedz @Lioness075


Strong squeaked in an undignified manner as Xiao's snowball connected with her arm. "Oh it is on." She grabbed a handful of snow and tossed it back, dodging sideways and running.


@crucialstar


Calista had made it only part way to the house when the snow Rin threw hit the back of her head. She froze and whipped round.


"Next person to hit me goes on the wanted list in at least 50 countries!!" She barked.turning back it took her a moment to realize that something had blotted out the sun. Next thing she knew a ton of snow came tumbling down and she could only manage a surprised yelp before disappearing under it.


The scene settled into silence about Alec as he fought his way to the surface. Duik followed suit, wriggling until at least his shoulder were free. They looked at each other and then met the eyes of those others who had recovered and then broke out into peels of laughter.


@andujarprime @zCrookedz @everyone


Strong had dove behind the helicopter and was shielded from most of the damage, but she too came back around laughing as she went to hep Calista out of the snow. All that was left of the civet was a bushy tail, waving angrily in a drift.


"Lemme get my claws on that brainless pair!" She squeaked, "I'll mod their records and ship 'em to Antarctica! Then they can have all the snow they want!"


Strong said nothing, only laughed, which made the civet settle into an irritable silence.


@zCrookedz

 

[Flutterby]

((Mental image was too great to not post this))


In preparation for defense, Beth took a few steps back. Bad idea. She must have gone into a deep dip in the real ground. The surface of the snow was even, but suddenly she was plunged almost up to her belly button in snow. The girl let out a surprised squeak, struggling to go back to way she came.


And, as her luck would have it, Simon and Jimbo flung a literal tree load of snow at the party. Closer to the tree than most, she was suddenly almost up to her chin, with a small pile on the top of her head.


"Aw come on, Simon!" Beth complained, but she was laughing happily. To the taller members of the party, 4 and a half feet of snow wasnt as big deal, but that was most of Beth's 5'4" height. It didnt bother her to be stuck, for now, but it did mean she would miss out on the battle until she dug out. Biting her bottom lip in concentration, she shoved one of her arms out and began pushing the snow in front of her to the side, gradually making it possible to move her body again. She was standing straight, with snow packed around her, no way to bend and pop out.. this was going to take a minute.


Totus saw Simon and Jimbo break for the trees, and watched the process of them preparing to slingshot it at everyone. In an effort to not be knocked from the air, he flew upward. When the snow settled, he had lost sight of Beth.


It took a few moments to realize that what appeared to be a moving snow bank was her, stuck in a drift she had stepped into and then been trapped by the snow slingshot. He swooped down, landing on her head, careful to not rip her brand new hood. "I say, where is that Beth? I could have sworn she was right here."


"Totus!" Beth intoned, struggling to keep herself from laughing, drawing out the last syllable. "Get someone to help me, Im gonna miss all the fun!"


"Beth? I can hear you, but Im afraid I cant see you. Did Agent Strong give you some gadget and make you invisible?" Totus, still perching on the top of her head, bobbed his body in his way of laughing.


Beth flopped her arm into the drift around her, giving up and resigning herself to being a glorified owl perch.


"GUYS?" Beth called, hoping for a little help since Totus was enjoying his own joke far too much.


((@anyone lol))

 

[andujarprime]

Rin laughed as he packed another snow ball. His laughter was short lived as a snowball was dropped onto his head with uncanny precision. He looked about confused, only to spot an owl in a vest flying away. He laughed, shaking his head to clear snow out of his hair. He rose his hand to throw the snowball at Totus, but the ball didn't get to leave his hand. A shower of snow and leaves blanketed him. Nearly burying him, he rose up laughing. He slowly started making his way back to his suitcase and Haku who sat watching the whole thing with amusement.


@Flutterby @zCrookedz

 

[Lioness075]

Hearing someone squeal in surprise not too far from him, Manjano turned around to see someone flailing their arms about, half buried in the snow.


Laughter soon followed, leaving Manjano uncertain if whoever it was needed any help. Plus, it wasn't like Manjano was really one to help anyone in general.


Yet, upon seeing Totus glide down and then land on the person's head, Manjano narrowed his eyes and then a look of surprise appeared on his face once he realized that the stuck person was Beth.


Sighing, Manjano began shuffling his way through the snow pile-up, getting closer and closer to the stuck Beth, while hearing Totus teasing her. Seeing the owl bobbing about, Manjano couldn't help but smirk slightly, finding the whole scene rather amusing.


@Flutterby


While Manjano made his way towards Beth, Falarion had popped his head out of the snow only to be buried a second time.


Popping up again by leaping out of the snow, Falarion then landed near Alec and found himself laughing along with Alec and Duik, as he'd had tons of fun with the snow fight.


@SilverFlight


As Manjano neared Beth and Totus, he suddenly realized that Falarion would be much better at digging the girl up than Manjano would be on his own.


Calling out mentally to Falarion, Manjano thought, 'Hey, Falarion, over here! I need your help in digging someone out of the snow.'


Instantly eager to help upon hearing Manjano's request, Falarion disappeared into the snow before jumping out of the deep part and joining Manjano's side with snow clinging to his fur just about everywhere.


Ignoring it for now, Falarion rushed ahead of Manjano and barked a greeting at Beth and Totus, before he began rapidly digging around Beth, sending snow flying behind him.


Alas, Manjano happened to be behind the eager fox-wolf, and so he soon was on his back with snow in his face and clinging to his heavy coat. 'Watch where you're digging, mate!'


Falarion paused upon hearing Manjano's frustration and quickly jumped to the other side of Beth before resuming his digging.


Sighing, Manjano swiped most of the snow of before standing back up.


Walking in front of Beth just as Falarion finished his digging, Manjano then held out his hand for her to take, leaning back slightly to help compensate so he could help her up without falling down on top of her in the process.


Meanwhile, Falarion rushed to Manjano's side, grinning while he thought, 'Aww, look at you helping the damsel in distress...who has an owl sitting on her head. Odd. It's not exactly how I'd imagine it from the movies.'


Scowling at Falarion briefly, Manjano then returned his neutral gaze to Beth before thinking back, 'It's nothing...really. I'm just, uh, helping out a little.'


Chuckling at this, Falarion then thought back, 'Yes, because you just love helping everyone out all the time.'


@Flutterby

 

[zCrookedz]

Simon and Jimbo kicked and thrashed their way out of the blow back of the snow that had covered them and looked out over the field of people. Simon threw his arms into the air and curled them in his usual machoism pose as he laughed harder and harder watching the others trying to dig themselves out of his and Jimbo's retaliation.


"None can stand against the might of the Sinclair strength!!"


It was about that time that a massive ball of snow cam hurtling from behind Simon and nailed him right in the back of his head. The force and his odd posture made him loose his balance, sending him face first into the snow he had just sent flying at the others.


Behind him, Jimbo stood brushing snow from his hands and the dropped back to all fours as he lumbered up beside Simon in the snow.


"Didn't you ever listen to Pop's. Ya don't gloat you muscle headed buffoon."


Simon lifted himself out of the snow glaring at Jimbo before getting back to his feet and looked over the group. He and Jimbo walked past Manjano and Falarion digging Beth out which mad Simon chuckle. As he reached another pair who were chuckling Simon bent over and held out his hand to Alec to help him out of the bank, while Jimbo reached into the snow and lifted the chuckling Hyena out.


As Simon helped Alec out of the snow, he looked up to see a very unhappy Civet who was saying something about Antarctica being helped out of the snow by Strong. He shot the pair of them a playful smile trying to look as innocent as a guilty man possibly could.


@SilverFlight @Lioness075 @Flutterby

 

[DawnAntalios]

The intensity of the "battle" was something Zoe longed for. Although initially she did not like this target practice Eos' idea proved to be very good in the end. Although many of her shots were deflected by Luness she was still able to successfully hit some of her targets which filled her with pride. It was then, just as she landed, when a fast paced ball approached her, from the hands of Beth. Realizing that she was not able to dodge it she readied her hands to hold them up in a deflective position. Fortunately the ball - although accurate - was not harmful given its slow speed. She emerged and nodded.


" Accurate and masterful. But you need more than that to- "


She was cut off by the sound of the slingshot, she turned around to see a literal avalanche unleashed by Simon and Jimbo upon them. Her jaw literally dropped to the ground as she expected many things from others - this one she did not anticipate. The sudden surprise and slight terror vanished from her expression as she folded her arms together, closing her eyes she smiled.


" Well fought. I concede. " she whispered and mere moments after the girl vanished in the massive amount of snow.


@zCrookedz @Flutterby


Eos laughed but soon he was bombarded by Bael's attacks once more and he could not avoid these either. As he tried to regain his balance he felt something obscuring his vision and felt a pull on his antler. No longer able to maintain his balance he fell on his side and directly into a mound of snow. He laughed harder and harder - until he saw the massive amount of snow completely entombing Zoe.


At first he just grinned, waiting for the girl to emerge from the snow triumphantly... but she did not. No longer bothered by the shots fired at him he raised his head, observing the pile of snow from close up.


" Zoe? " he asked silently but there was no answer. The others were busy excavating Beth from the prison and now he was reallyy worried. She did not appear at all so in panic he dashed to the snow mound and started digging with his hooves.


" Zoe! Can you hear me? " he spoke but there was no response. A few moments later he noticed the snow glowing in a strange orange light and shortly after that with a hissing sound it melted away. In the spot stood Zoe, holding up an another magma-infused arrow with which she was able to break free. Looking at Eos she nodded.


" Well now, your target practice idea was good in the end. I found it to be a good sport. "


" What? " Eos asked, forgetting his fear immediately. " What do you mean? "


Zoe raised her eyebrow.


" Well we did this snow fight to hone our skills no? To warm up before the mission. I have to admit it was a good idea. "


" Oh that. " the stag laughed " I just wanted to have fun nothing more. "


Zoe almost started to berate Eos but then instead she sighed and turned towards Bael, nodding in acknowledgement.


" Your aim is impeccable and you are an excellent tactician with your companion, that is good. " she said with a half smile " But be careful not to underestimate your enemy. You gave Eos a good beating but you need to be vigilant in the future not to be overwhelmed. "


With that she decided to join the others, see how they fared after the intense training.


@Sleipnir @everyone

 

[Flutterby]

Beth and Totus were both surprised to find that the person who came to aid was their taciturn friend. He didnt say a word, but soon Falarion was at their side, digging enthusiastically. Totus flew up out of the way, gliding in a tight circle not far above their heads.


A soft, amused grunt left Beth as Falarion began to dig, and it turned into a giggle. Her giggle grew into a laugh as Manjano was pelted with snow. She waited patiently, occasionally moving a limb as it was freed. She spared a moment to glare playfully at Simon and Jimbo as they passed, sticking her tongue out at their backs when they were helping Alec and Duik out. When she was free, she was standing in a wide whole about four feet deep. The girl's green eyes looked up at Manjano, and she cautiously reached out her hand and took his. It seemed odd, to be touching someone who had never spoken to her, but she ignored the feeling.


With his help and weight anchoring her, she climbed up and was soon back on solid ground. Well, snow. It occurred to her that she might have stepped into a spot where, in the summer, there was a worn trail. It would explain the difference in depth.


"Very impressive digging Falarion, thanks!" She said happily, looking down at the maned wolf with a smile. Beth looked back up to Manjano, taking a few steps away from him to avoid invading his personal space. Her voice softened when she added, "Thanks, Manjano." Falarion had introduced them at the meeting, but again, she was struck that it was odd to use the name of someone who had never spoken to her.


Totus landed onto her shoulder and she glared at him. But the amusement in his coal eyes made her smile once more.


Beth glanced around, and noticed that the group was pretty subdued after Simon and Jimbo's massive attack. Everyone would probably head inside after being so thoroughly buried, so Beth started toward the chalet, leaving the hole behind her. She glanced back at Manjano once, with a smile and a nod in the direction she was going, and then continued on toward Agent Strong and her irate civet. "Not a fan?" Totus asked, blinking innocently at Calista. Beth was wondering where her duffle was, thinking that it would be nice to have "team hot chocolate time" after such a rousing snowball fight.


@Lioness075 @SilverFlight

 

[SilverFlight]

"Not a fan." Calista confirmed, still glaring daggers at Simon and Jimbo. Amber shook her head at the man and his gorilla but couldn't help smiling at them too.


@Flutterby @zCrookedz


Alec clasped the offered hand firmly, brushing himself off as he was freed from the drifts.


"Hey Alec, I think I got snow down my suit..." Duik said as Jimbo set him down. Alec turned and had to laugh again as the hyena's collar was packed with it.


"Hold on buddy." Alec proceeded to fix the coat.


"Remind me never to get on your bad side." Alec laughed as he looked up at Simon.


@zCrookedz


Just then a loud CRACK! sounded all about them. It made Alec jump and Duik dive behind Jimbo for protection.


"What the heck was that?"


He scanned the snowy hill for just a moment before he saw the culprits bounding up into view.


"Hit me again Bill! I bet you can't do it harder!"


Two big horned sheep were loping effortlessly through the deep snow banks, the thick muscle in their necks and shoulders making the snow a very small challenge. They lined up before one another and with a rear went hurtling forward to smash their great horns together with another ear-splitting crash.


The muscle and fat on their bodies rippled with the impact. Duik watched them slack-jawed, he couldn't fathom how the pair weren't brain dead.


The sheep caught sight of the snow covered group and came loping over, their sparring match forgotten.


"We-hell! If it isn't our new recruits!" Chuckled one.


"Beauty! A bit snowy tho, usually that happens after they meet us eh!" Laughed the other.


"Bill,"


"and Bam"


"At your service!" The two rams finished together, standing side by side, their thick, winter fur coats gleaming in the fading sunlight.

"Uh, not to interrupt this lovely banter..." Calista interjected with a fragile tone. "But could we maybe continue this inside, where I won't freeze my tail off!"


Strong laughed and went to open the door to the chalet.


"There's a fire already going, come on in everyone, I'll see to the final preparations while you get warm."


She set Calista down who immediately darted inside and sprawled on the rug in front of the fire.


Alec and Duik moved to follow too. As he walked past Zoe Alec nudged her playfully. "Hey, I didn't know you could lighten up. It suits you." he shot her a cheeky grin before going inside.


@DawnAntalios

 

[Sleipnir]

Bael had stood up and gotten out of the snow, approached Eos and Zoe as he dug in the snow. When Zoe addressed him, he looked a little surprised but nodded, grinning as Cedar approached too. "Thanks," he replied cheerfully. "I'll keep it in mind. Uh, I don't think I caught your name...?" He added, putting a hand on Cedar's head. He studied her a moment, curious about the pair. He already knew he was going to like Eos, but the girl — Zoe apparently — he didn't know anything about. "Oh. Sorry. You must be Zoe. I... Did catch your name. That was... Yeah, sorry. I'm Bael," he ended after a slight awkward silence. "...This is Cedar."


Do you think she's pretty? Do you like her?


Cedar.


She's pretty, isn't she?


Cedar. You have done this to me the last seven times I spoke to a female.


I just get excited.


The bear looked sheepishly at Bael when the boy shot him a glare. What he said was true. Bael didn't know this girl and Cedar had done this same thing several times, including regarding agent Strong, a flight attendant, and three different strangers Bael had asked for directions in town.


(lame post is lame. On mobile.)


@DawnAntalios

 

[Lioness075]

Hearing Beth's laughter, Manjano found himself blushing slightly and the corner of his mouth twitched before he suddenly realized how close she was to him once he'd helped her up.


Blushing even harder now, he was pretty sure he was akin to the color of a tomato currently, Manjano was relieved when Beth smartly decided to step back and give him some space. Letting out a breath that he hadn't realized he'd been holding, Manjano was soon joined by Falarion, who grinned up at him.


Falarion grinned at Beth's compliment and shouted after her, "Thanks, Beth!"


Glancing sideways at Manjano, Falarion then gave him a cheeky grin before thinking, 'You like her, don't you?'


'No, I don't. She's just...cute...in a friendly kinda way.'


'Aww, you really do like her!'


'I just said I don't!'


Laughing, Falarion stuck his tongue out at Manjano before thinking back smartly, 'Whatever you say, mate. Your secret's safe with me.'


Scowling at Falarion, Manjano suddenly lunged forward to grab at him, but sorely missed the maned wolf, as he bounded away and soon was at Beth's side...of course.


Narrowing his eyes at Falarion, Manjano then slunk after the group, though he kept his distance like his normal self would.


On the bright side, it appeared everyone, Beth included, was headed towards the chalet now, which meant a chance to warm up after being pelted in snow.


@Flutterby


Yet, before they got close to the chalet, a sudden boom filled the air, which resulted in Manjano instantly landing face first in the snow and wielding a deadly-looking dagger, which had seemingly materialized out of no where.


Upon cautiously raising his head towards the Canadian voices approaching them, Manjano soon was frowning upon seeing the two sheep approaching them. Or where they rams?


Either way, they already irritated Manjano, which wasn't too surprising.


Falarion had courageously stood in front of Beth in a protective manner with his chest puffed up when the boom had first sounded, though he deflated at the sight of the sheep.


Instead, Falarion became excited once more and barked once before sprinting towards the sheep. Halting a few feet away from them, Falarion then ran around them once or twice before dropping down on his forepaws and saying with a grin, "Hi, I'm Falarion and I'm a maned wolf, part fox part wolf! Who and what are you guys?"


Standing back up and brushing the snow off of himself yet again, Manjano tucked away his dagger before heading straight for the chalet and finally leaving the frigid cold behind himself.


'Hey, come on. You can say hello when you're inside and warming up.'


Whining, Falarion then turned on his paws and bounded into the chalet while shouting over his shoulder, "Hurry up, slowpokes!"


@SilverFlight @Flutterby


Luness and Leandra had grown a tad weary after the intense snowball fight, but the minute the boom had sounded, the pair froze in place instead of diving to any kind of cover nearby.


While Luness instantly began scouring the area for wherever the noise had come from, Leandra thought to herself, 'That sounded rather odd for it to have come from any kind of firearm or explosive...'


Sure enough, her thoughts were right, as the sheep came into view, pointed out by Luness.


Grinning, Leandra nodded at their introductions and then waved at them while she headed for the chalet, "I'd love to say hello, but I really hate the cold. Introductions once we're inside sounds far better in my opinion."


@SilverFlight

 

[Flutterby]

As Falarion came to her side, Beth realized how long-legged he was, and tall because of it. As a compulsion, she reached over and gave the wolf a rub on his slim shoulder. It was a friendly gesture, even though it was really quite thoughtless. When a dog-like animal came near her, she automatically wanted to pet it.


@Lioness075


But her hand snapped away at a sudden, concussive sound. It was close, something like a gunshot, but with more resonance. The loud, low sound rang horribly in Totus's sensitive ears, resounding through Beth's head as well. As Falarion stepped in front of her, Beth crumpled momentarily and covered her ears, and Totus made a single downstroke and let loose a screech. As the sound faded, Beth whimpered and looked around. Everyone had stopped, some only freezing, others diving for cover, or in Manjano's case, pulling weapons. But the source of the sound was this: there were two rams, bantering and preparing to smash heads again.


"Totus!" Beth snapped, holding out her arm. Totus landed, and Beth brought him to her chest, blocking his ears for the most part with her body and her other arm wrapped around his head. Even so, it was uncomfortably loud for them both.


It took a moment for them to recover, and when they did, Falarion had bounded off to investigate the rams. Totus took off from her arm, put out by the discomfort, and flew out over the trees for a moment. His wingbeats were silent to others, but he flew far enough away from her that Beth began to lose track of the sound. She frowned, uncertain of what had just happened. The others hadnt been so affected by the sound. It had been outright painful for Beth, more so for Totus.


While waiting for Totus to return, Beth turned and looked at Agent Strong. "Didn't that hurt your ears?" She asked, glancing around as the others began to file into the chalet.


@SilverFlight

 

[zCrookedz]

Simon chuckled as Alec mentioned his bad side. Before he could answer however, Jimbo piped up chuckling a bit at the amount of snow Duik had gotten in his suit.


"He doesn't have a bad side. Just a stupid side."


Simon shot daggers at the ape as Alec walked over to help Duik. That was when Simon heard the first CRACK of the rams. At first he thought the tree he had used had snapped and was falling backwards, but when he saw the sheep, it became clear.


He watched as they ran into each other once more, and Simon's first thought was not That looked like that hurt.....it was I wounder if I could do that.


Jimbo looked up at Simon and could see the gears turning as he looked down at him. Jimbo shook his head and gave him a don't you dare look as the two turned to see the others heading for warmth.


Simon and Jimbo followed the others into the warmth and found a spot by the mantle to lean and chase the chill off of them. Jimbo began to chuckle when he saw Calista flop down onto the floor before the fire.


"To cold for ya fuzz ball?


@SilverFlight

 

[DawnAntalios]

Zoe couldn't help but chuckle for a bit when Bael ended up in an awkward silence after they talked. It seemed that she was not the only one who had difficulties talking to people about things like these. Then again he might have been intimidated by her appearance or something so she could not discard that option either. Regardless which was the case she was glad that he was serious about this.


" I rarely like to admit things like this but you and your bear companion do have potential. " she said, meaning it as a convoluted compliment " I am looking forward to see what you two are capable of. "


It was then when the loud noise echoed across the mountains, immediately causing her to turn around. She reached deep into her quiver, pulling out the best arrow she had and aimed carefully, looking left and right to identify the incoming threat. Eos, however, calmly walked next to her, shaking his head.


" That will not be necessary. They are not the enemies we seek. " he said, glancing over towards the boy and the bear and then back to her " Oh, I see you made a friend already. "


Zoe snapped.


" I told the boy that he has potential. That is all. "


Eos' eyes glinted.


" Is that so? Well, it is rare enough, if I did not know better I would think you - "


" That is enough, Eos. " Zoe said, a slight hue of crimson painting her cheeks momentarily before vanishing into nothingness. She turned her attention towards the two rams - they were the contacts the others were talking about earlier probably. As the group headed back towards the camp she was stopped by Alec for a moment - complimenting how " lightened " she was. Immediately she felt the reddish hue return as she replied.


" I thought it was combat practice! It has nothing to do with having fun! It was a necessity to test our skills and sharpen our reflexes! It... ! "


But Alec was gone and she knew that her words were just carried away by the winds. Sighing ( and blushing ) heavily she decided to follow them into the warm, dry camp so that they could be briefed about the situation. Eos walked behind her, a warm smile sitting on his old face. Perhaps the old Zoe was still in there somewhere... he now had his hopes renewed.


@Sleipnir @SilverFlight @everyone in the camp

 

[andujarprime]

Rin was grinning when he made his way to Haku and his bag. He picked them both up and made his way to the rest of the group. "Well now, it looks like you had a bunch of fun." Haku said to him jokingly. As they got closer to the cabin she hissed at the large crack, and banging sound. Rin merely flinched. "Relax, there's no danger, not yet anyway." He whispered to her as they came upon the two rams introducing themselves. "Hello Master Bill, Master Bam. It is an honor to meet you." He greeted them before heading inside to the fireplace. he set his bag down and found a solitary spot, he looked at everyone else in the room trying to warm themselves up and smiled. A completely different atmosphere from a few hours ago. Even with the uppity girl looking a bit different. He still felt a little reserved about her, considering her insults directed at him. Although he was never one to let personal feelings get in the way of his job, he didn't let insults to his honor go by so easily. "It will resolve itself, holding grudges is not the way of the samurai." Haku whispered to him. She didn't have to ask, she seemed to always know what he was thinking. He sighed, she was right. He had worked so hard on letting that part of him go. Now it seemed he had more work to do still. And now, was not the time to forget his training. "I know, I know. I will work on it, promise." He whispered back as he awaited for everyone to settle in. They all looked like quite the haphazard bunch. Everyone seemed frazzled, and wet. It was quite the comical scene to him.


@SilverFlight @DawnAntalios

 

[Sleipnir]

Bael nodded, taking Zoe's compliment completely honestly. He shot her a sheepish smile before they parted, jumping visibly as soon as the two Rams appeared. He followed them, himself eager to get into a warm camp. The snow had gotten under his coat and dampened his clothes, and the mere thought of warmth made him anxious to get there.


He wondered about the rams, and considered speaking to them, but Cedar broke into his thoughts. "She is pretty, huh?"


"Cedar, we've been through this already. I don't—"


"But she is! And you—"


"Stop!"


"But I—" Cedar tried again.


"Staaaaaaaaahhhhp." Bael pushed the bear, who just pouted.


"...Fine. I can't wait to get warm," he added brightly. Bael nodded.


(Sort of @DawnAntalios ?? Conclusion to their interaction I suppose???)


Bael sat close to the fire, sitting with his feet underneath Cedar's big, furry form. He watched the others as they approached and couldn't help but wonder who would sit where. Back home he had a friend who, through some strange turn, was bonded to a zebra. The zebra had told Bael all about how important positioning in a group was, just how it determined dominance and friendships and this and that.


Now, he didn't believe all of it. Because people are not zebras. But he felt there was a grain of truth to it after watching people for awhile. So, he genuinely wondered who would sit where.

 

[SilverFlight]

Bill looked down at Falarion and inclined his massive horns in greeting.


“Ah, Chrysocyon brachyurus! Gooday eh! Nice to see a rarer animal up in these parts.” Though the rams appeared a little dense at first, it was clear they had been chosen as agents for a reason. They were both as smart as they were loud.


“Slowpokes?” Bam repeated, “Say that again in 60 centimeters of fresh powder!” He ended the comment with a hearty laugh.


Duik grinned at the rams before racing off after Falarion.


@Lioness075


Both rams bowed their heads from the shoulder at Rin's address, trying their best to mimic the formal greeting of Japan.


"Like, the honor's all ours friend."


"Yah, that's mighty formal of ya, just Bill and Bam'll do."


@andujarprime


Alec took a little longer to follow.


“Where are your human partners?” He asked as they walked. Alec gave a quick look about the area to make sure that everyone was headed inside.


“Oh they’re out about 50 kilometers in Avalanche valley doin’ some observation runs. Big storm last night kept ‘em from coming back today. We woulda gone too but for some reason they said it’d be better if we stayed.”


“Wonder why that was?” Bam asked.


“I can’t fathom it.” Bill replied as they bashed their heads together again once more before going inside.


As the great sound echoed into the night Alec could probably guess why they had been excluded from avalanche valley.


Strong smiled kindly at Beth as she ushered her into the warmth.


“When you’ve seen as much action as I have, loud noises tend to lose their impact.”


@Flutterby


It was indeed warm inside. Alec slipped off his coat and hung it up before helping Duik with his. Once free of the outfit the hyena ran to do a baseball slide onto the rug by the fire, careful not to jostle Calista for fear of the civet’s rebuke.


When Simon and Jimbo appeared Calista made an exaggerated effort to look up at the gorilla and glower at him for the offending comment. “Watch it ham hands, I know where they keep the explosives around here.”


@zCrookedz


"Well that was fun." Alec remarked, going to sit by Duik and the blazing hearth. "I can't remember the last time I played in the snow."


"Right?" Duik said, grinning at the others.


"Growing up sucks."


Strong made sure all were in before closing the door and getting to work checking the last of the gear. This was their first mission and she was determined that nothing would go wrong. Nothing like Singapore would ever happen again. She was so intent on her work that she hardly noticed the stone-faced expression that began to form on her delicate features.

 

[Lioness075]

Falarion grinned up at Beth and barked at her before wagging his tail after she'd pet him.


@Flutterby


Manjano ignored Zoe, not wanting to hear whatever nonsense she was saying this time and definitely not wanting to get riled u by anything offensive she may have thought was okay to say.


Whistling to Falarion, who excitedly bounded after him, Manjano then entered the chalet and chose the first corner he saw to lean up against a wall.


@DawnAntalios (Mentioned)


Falarion decided to join those near the fire though, as he sat down on his rump and then began scratching at one of his ears with one of his hind paws.


Hearing the returned greeting from the rams, Falarion grinned at them, though he had no idea what those two fancy and scientific-y words were that they had said. Hearing that he was supposedly a rare animal though, Falarion barked excitedly and soon was standing once more, as he wagged his tail really hard...and hit Calista in the face.


Instantly shrinking and cowering upon feeling his tail thwack someone, Falarion slowly turned around to see that he'd hit Calista, his eyes immediately widening in fear.


Sprinting away from the cat thing, Falarion then halted beside Manjano, whimpering with his ears folded against his head, "I didn't mean to, I swear!"


Sighing, Manjano glanced down at his fearful companion before looking over at Calista and thinking, 'I doubt she's actually going to do anything to you, mate. You're fine.'


@SilverFlight


Leandra overheard Alec's conversation with the rams and found herself giggling after the rams bashed their heads together again.


Her voice dripping with sarcasm, Leandra glanced over at Alec just before she entered the chalet and said with a grin, "I can't possibly imagine why those two weren't allowed to join their human companions in Avalanche Valley."


@SilverFlight


Finding a comfortable seat near the hearth, Leandra sat down while Luness settled down in her lap, her white feathers shimmering against the lighting from the fire.


Hearing Alec's remark and then Duik's response, Leandra grinned at the two before responding, "I don't think I've ever gotten to play in the snow before. We don't get a whole lot of it in Australia."


@SilverFlight

 

[zCrookedz]

Jimbo stuck out his tongue at the feisty little fuzz ball as he sat himself down off to the side of the fireplace.


"I'd like to see you try it fuzz balls. Its hard to use explosives without these babies."


Jimbo rocked back to free his legs and held up for thumbs us towards the civet with a stupid smirk on his face.


Simon chuckled at the sight of Jimbo and Calista before looking up to watch the rest of the group file into the chilet, where he noticed Strong walk in and head for the gear that was piled up. She was being meticulous and her expression was becoming more and more distant from the Strong he had known years ago. The more he got to thinking about it the more he began to realize he missed that Strong, and that this new strong was not natural to him. He sighed and pushed himself off the wall next to the fireplace and made his way over to where she was checking gear.


"So. Recruitment Officer. How long ago did they do that?"


He hadn't meant it to be a question with anything behind it, but after he said it he began to think it might be taken the wrong way so he tried his best to back peddle a bit.


"Not that there is anything wrong with that!! Its just surprising is all."


@SilverFlight

 

[Flutterby]

Beth frowned, ushered in without Totus. He was beginning to return, but not quickly enough to be with her when she stepped inside. The rams were still trying to crack their own skulls, but the noise didnt have its painful edge now.


Beth grabbed her duffle and went in, dropping the snack-filled bag near the kitchen. It was cozy, especially with so many people inside. She walked past Manjano, and said softly, "Youll never get warm this far from the fire."


The girl didnt stop though, and stood just at the edge of the group gathering on the hearth.


"Is there time for hot chocolate?" She asked, intending the question for Strong. But the agent had bustled away, worrying over supplies and preparations, so Beth looked instead to the civet by the fire. There was certainly more than enough instant mix in her bag for the whole group; there was so much they could drink cocoa together four times and still have some left over.


Totus finally swooped in, landing on Beths shoulder with a glare at the rams.

 

[DawnAntalios]

Zoe entered the warm, albeit dark, refuge they were to stay for the duration of the mission. It felt good to be in a place like this for a change, she was feeling cold after being buried by the massive avalanche. As she walked past everyone she still felt venomous looks and distrust permeating their presence. It was as she had done though, she was the one showing no remorse or regret when it came to outright denouncing the entire team, questioning their capabilities. She had brought this on herself.


Still, as she sat down by the fire to warm up she could not help but to think that this was not the end of the world. Mistakes were made, sure, but it wasn't like she was powerless to act. She could remedy the situation somehow - perhaps she needed to talk to people to amend her relationship with them?


As insane as it sounded she pretty much saw no outs from this and thus she looked around to find the one she had hurt probably the most: Rin.


" Thinking about something? " Eos whispered as he sat down next to her.


" As much as this is to my dismay I think I will have to... rectify my actions and amend the severed connections I have. " she looked at the direction of the boy and Eos followed in suite. After realizing what she was talking about he nodded.


" Go my child. I shall be watching from here. "


She nodded as she stood up and took small, tentative steps towards Haku and Rin, thinking about everything she could say... but nothing good came in her mind during that time. Finally she approached them and just stood there silently for a minute, not knowing how to initiate the conversation. Then she remembered what Beth taught her on the plane and spoke.


" Mind if I... take a seat here? " she asked as she gently sat down, sitting in front of Rin. At first she knew not what to say or how to say it, so instead she frowned and looked away. Everyone was having so much fun, they were talking, mingling, overall they had a good time. Yet here she was, petrified, not knowing what she was supposed to do... but eventually she decided to speak up.


" Foolish are those who speak unjustly and even more foolish are the ones who condemn others for deeds unknown. " she finally murmured a strange sentence as she turned her attention to Rin. Her firm expression hardened as she examined the boy and shook her head. " I was pompous. The dark cloud behind which I sought refuge made it impossible to see the truth clearly and thus I made mistakes I should not have. To say that our first introduction was a rocky one is a grave understatement. "


She once again sighed, putting her hands on her knees.


" I expect no forgiveness for I deserve none, nor do I pray for friendship for that is beyond my reach. All I ask is that we start over and properly introduce ourselves so that we may build a better future. "


She raised her right hand and tentatively she reached out with it, offering it for a shake.


" The name is Zoe. I am the Ghost of the North, former and present agent. I am looking forward to working with you. "


@andujarprime @SilverFlight

 

[andujarprime]

Rin watched out of the corner of his eye as Zoe approached him. He raised an eyebrow in response to her request, and merely nodded as she sat. His body had gone tense, but he hadn't realized it until he felt Haku in his mind "Relax, she doesn't mean any harm or insult. Hear her out." He felt her words in his head, pushing him to loosen up. He stood and listened to what she had to say, his expression went from hardened and cautious, to smooth and relaxed. This was far more than he would have expected, considering the first five minutes of their meetings. He even managed to let a small smile, nodding in acceptance of her apology. "One can not expect to be forgiven by others for grievances past, lresent, or future. If they can not first learn to forgive." He recited an old lesson he had learned, for her to hear as much as a reminder to himself. "I am Rin Takeda, Samurai of the Takeda family. And I accept your apology Lady Ghost." He said with a bow of respect to her. He came up with a slight smile. " The honor is mine. Let us hope we can find a way to work together that will prove fruitful for this mission, and perhaps a friendship. I do not hold grudges, only challenges." He said as he decided to sit next to her, he didn't want to stand over her. It was an imposing position. He wanted to show that he believed them to be equals, as it should be. Haku snuggled on his shoulder approving his decision.


@DawnAntalios

 

[SilverFlight]

The civet adopted a haughty smile. "Sure Donkey Kong, I need hands, whatever helps you sleep at night."


"Donkey Kong." Duik snorted with laughter, then quickly covered his snout with his paws looking to see if Jimbo had heard him.


Karmic justice for the civet though seemed to come in short order; as she rose and stretched, finally warmed after her bath in the snow a big, hairy tail slapped her on the nose. She glared at Falarion as he cowered behind his human.


"You, stilt legs, come here. I need help with something." She told the maned wolf, walking over to a high table she pointed with her forepaw just beside it. "Stand there."


Alec looked down at Calista and grinned, "Aw, you talk so tough, I bet you're a big softie under all those insults." He reached down to scratch her ears.


"Try it pal!" She snapped. Alec considered the risk, perhaps later, when he was a little more sure she wouldn't bite him.


@zCrookedz @Lioness075


In the meantime he made a bit more room by the fire. The girl and the tiger he noted looked like a formidable pair. He was intrigued by them both and watched for them as the others settled into the room.


@crucialstar


Strong started when she heard Simon's voice behind her and tried not to react when he had called her 'recruitment officer' the demotion still stung. When he began to stammer she stood up and turned to face him, offering him a regretful smile.


"I'm lucky they didn't dismiss me altogether...it happened a week after we got back from...you now where." She rubbed her arm carefully, something she had begun to do not long ago, a gesture reflecting a lack of self confidence. She hated doubting herself, but lately that was all she seemed to be able to do. It was also the side of herself she had to keep hidden from people. Well, most people.


"This is the brass' idea of a second chance, I can't screw this up." Suddenly she looked worried, and then the look turned to gratitude.


"To be perfectly honest...I'm glad you're here." Strong took a breath and tried to mimic some of her old cocky pride. "Just like old times huh?"


@zCrookedz


At the mention of hot chocolate from Beth her stoic, professional demeanor snapped back into place. "That sounds like a grand idea. There are extra stores on the pantry and a kettle in the kitchenette just around the corner there. I'll come and help as soon as I finish checking the gear."


@Flutterby


Bill and Bam had meanwhile settled into the middle of the room, letting the others have priority at the fireplace. Their woolly coats kept them more than warm in the chilled air. They had begun a heated conversation about the hockey playoffs that season and which team was likely to win.

 

[Sleipnir]

Bael stood up. "I'll help bring some of the stuff in here if you want," he offered readily. The idea of hot chocolate was a great one, and if he was lucky, he thought, there might even be tea. And at that, maybe chai tea — there was nothing better to drink in the biting cold than chai tea mixed with hot chocolate, and that's the truth. The way the chocolate would blend with the cinnamon and ginger and cardamom —there was nothing like that.


He didn't wait for anyone else, and left Cedar at the fire — the bear couldn't carry much of anything anyway — and he headed to the kitchenette Strong had mentioned. He began browsing, and was a bit worried he'd come across a stash of dehydrated trail food. Chances are that's what they'd be eating, he thought — it kept so well — and he'd had that life before. Bael had been on a grueling backpacking trip once before at Pictured Rock, and swore still that the only edible eggs he didn't like we're freeze-dried eggs. Ugh. And he still hadn't taken a liking to peanut butter again.


Well, he reminded himself, that trip had really been lovely, and he lost weight he didn't know he had to lose and gained muscle in the process. And maybe they'd have real frozen meals — they were basically walking in the World's Biggest Freezer to boot.


He found the kettle and some mix, but was still looking for tea. He wasn't ready to give up his dreams of spiced chocolate-chai-goodness just yet.

 

[zCrookedz]

Jimbo's brow furrowed at the sound of being called Donkey Kong. He looked over to Duik, having picked up on his little snicker and couldn't help but crack a smile at the hyena. When he saw Alec trying to be all buddy buddy with the Civet, he couldn't help but offer him a bit of a warning.


"Careful there doc. I've seen that little "softy" rip people apart. There's no soft side to all that fur, its all a rouse."


He smiled to himself as he turned to see Simon over with Strong and then his demeanor turned a bit more serious.


Simon stood listening and watching Amber as she spoke. There were so many differences in her now, barely a sliver of the girl he had met so long ago. Her change to try and become her cocky self again did make Simon feel a little better like she was more like her old self, and the reference to old times made him perk up as he reached for his wallet. He produced another one of his pictures, folded up into a small white square. The picture held a scene from a bar, five individuals sitting in a line at the bar with Simon and Strong sitting at the end with Simon's arm draped over Strong. He smiled before handing the picture to her.


"Not exactly like old times, but that's probably a good thing. We won't make the same mistakes as before."


Simon folded up his wallet and slid it back into his genes before noticing his bag and scooping up the bag by its straps.


"I'm glad I came though, almost turned it down. But ya know how Jim is, persistence and all."


Simon checked the contents of the bag a bit before zipping it back up and throwing it over his shoulder to take with him.


"I'm sure Jim already said something, but what happened wasn't your fault. In all honesty I wouldn't have come back if it weren't for you. I trust YOU, its The Watch I have the problem with. So don't think your going to screw up, cause the Amber Strong I know would kick someones ass for thinking like that, and from what I can tell we are gonna need that Amber Strong."


Simon placed a hand on Amber's shoulder and gave it a light squeeze as he turned away from the gear and head back towards the others and the promise of hot chocolate leaving Amber with the picture, hopping he had said the right words to help.


@SilverFlight