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Post by Smokey Feather on Mar 13, 2019 17:48:53 GMT -5
Zeta shrugged. "It has kept this place alive since before the time the light bulb, though it was much much smaller of course." He studied Aldnoa's armor. It could take some damage for a while from the looks of it, likely able to withstand all typical dragon attacks, and no typical human weapon could dare even dent it. Ma'ait would benefit from that material quite nicely once she came in contact with it. Turning away, he just settled for looking out across the massive city. "But I'm afraid you won't get to see such a collection for quite some time still, as you are still strangers to us, and it is not my place to take you there. It is Mysha and Drake's decision." A click sounded as he blinked. "You are good souls though... as if you were not, even that metal of yours would not save you from the dogs. The big ones anyway." He gestured to the massive statues standing watch on either side of the gate, similar to the smaller ones set all around the city, staring down stiffly at the two and any who walked past. Huge, seemingly unmoving giants, but not colossal or anything. They looked to be simple stone, but the energy radiating from the stationary works of art gave way they were more than just chunks of stone. "And these aren't even the largest ones. You will find those if you get to see the prison you have come to know of."
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Post by Samandriel on Mar 13, 2019 17:54:02 GMT -5
Aldnoa leaned in towards Zeta, eyes filled with curiosity. "The massive stone sculptures, are those what you reference when you say 'the dogs?'" Aldnoa would fancy himself a scholar and a master manipulator, but sometimes he was a child surrounded by that which intrigued him. His gaze leaped from an intense stare of the columned beasts to observe movement, then back to Zeta for what he hoped would be answers.
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Post by Smokey Feather on Mar 13, 2019 18:06:19 GMT -5
Zeta nodded once. "They are a major component of the culture here." And just like he learned from the people, he told Aldnoa the story that was passed down from generation to generation. "A long ways back, far back, demons plagued the land, terrorizing the people, but they seemed to hate dogs for whatever reason. A man, to try and protect his house without getting a dog his family couldn't afford, as people captured, bred and sold them for high trades at the time, made a dog out of stone and set it in front of his house to keep demons away. However, one day, a demon arrived that saw through the trick. Just as it moved to attack though, the statue sprang to life and protect the man and his family." The automaton paused for a moment, just thinking. "And after this, a tribe developed that revolved around this practice, and the dogs even started to send visions instructing the people how to better defend themselves as well, and the practice of Branding, which is something you will never see unless it was placed by the dogs upon the skin or eye of the person." Those were the only organs visible to the eye in most cases after all.
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Post by Samandriel on Mar 13, 2019 18:11:13 GMT -5
Aldnoa listened intently, ignoring the passerby and only sparing a glance away to the dog statues guarding the city once again. "A folktale, surely..?" He murmured, shifting in his seat. The idea of massive dogs coming alive to protect humans was a wonderful thought, but was it true? "Have you witnessed it yourself?"
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Post by Smokey Feather on Mar 13, 2019 18:34:11 GMT -5
Zeta hummed in acknowledgement of the question. "... yes and no." He tilted his head. "After Mysha and Drake were officially accepted as leaders, they were taken to meet with the First Dog. They touched a hand to the statue, and in turn recieved a guardian. There are a total of seventy-nine life-sized statues in that room, one for each human organ and an additional one that is said to be the same dog the man in the legends sculpted himself. First Dog. Upon touching the First Dog, two of the other seventy-eight statues moved. One representing the organ of the bone, which was the location of Mysha's chosen brand, her entire skeleton. And another representing the organ of the stomach, where Drake recieved his brand. The statues moved from their spot, but the stone fell away to reveal actual dogs. A boxer for Drake and an Irish Wolfhound for Mysha. Those seventy-nine dogs are a little different from the rest, as the rest remain stone upon moving from what I have heard."
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Post by Samandriel on Mar 13, 2019 18:43:03 GMT -5
Aldnoa could hardly believe it. "Incredibly. Stone and clay, fashioned into likeness and then filled with life. And now you tell me they were like shells, giving birth to living, breathing dogs? Canis domesticus?" Science was another memory he loved indulging. Learning of the experiments humans used to prove the existence of the impossible, and the math behind every living and nonliving thing, simply excited him as much as seeing it in person.
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Post by Smokey Feather on Mar 13, 2019 18:48:45 GMT -5
Zeta nodded. "Just those dogs crafted specifically for the reigning forces of these people though, yes. The rest remain as stone while moving from what the people say. And no one used magic or experimentation upon not one statue. They move on their own accord." So it seemed that some kind entities had decided to ally with the humans of the kingdom. "So it is likely that if anyone just went and made one across the other end of the world, or had ill-intent, it would be a simple statue." Unless animated with magic, but that wasn't as interesting in Zeta's opinion.
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Post by Samandriel on Mar 13, 2019 18:52:28 GMT -5
Aldnoa nodded. "Without a lick of magic these statues animated themselves. Hmph." His gaze directed away, to the horizon. "It makes you contemplate if there really is a force within every single thing within our world. Something undetectable, but reactive to thoughts and emotions. Otherwise, how can we reconcile the existence of these things with our sciences and magics?"
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Post by Smokey Feather on Mar 13, 2019 19:00:21 GMT -5
Zeta shrugged. "Some things are best left to themselves, left alone. And it is when we don't experiment or tamper with said things that they do their best or decide to interact with us." In most cases. Creatures like Aldnoa are one of the most advanced entities made by man, but there were simply some things that humans could not replicate. "I would invite you to look around where you are actually allowed, but I believe it would be best that you be here when your human returns." Plus, Mysha probably didn't want strangers sniffing around anywhere really.
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Post by AshLightning on Mar 13, 2019 19:22:01 GMT -5
((Wow you two were busy 🤣. Anything I should know about or has anything major happened?))
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Post by Smokey Feather on Mar 13, 2019 19:23:34 GMT -5
(Nah, Zeta was just telling Aldnoa about the dog statues and a bit about the culture around them. Basically what Mysha told Drake when he was first learning :3)
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Post by AshLightning on Mar 13, 2019 19:35:02 GMT -5
((Ok thank you!))
“The.... statues?” Larkes said softly, looking back behind him for a moment. He then shook off his thoughts and looked back to Mysha. “Sounds good here. I’m very interested in the trap. Could Aldnoa come too?” He asked.
“Magna!” Pyre hollered, watching as his sister flew down. He looked to Xandrite and warbled nervously. “Should we go rescue her?”
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Post by Smokey Feather on Mar 13, 2019 19:45:24 GMT -5
Mysha gave no further detail about the statues, simply gesturing for Larkes to follow after her and Drake. Ligach seemed friendlier than her though, trotting up to Larkes and sniffing at him curiously before moving on ahead. Upon getting outside, she called to Ma'ait, who was still settled against Shard in a doze. The dragoness nuzzled her mate's neck before walking over to the group.
Zeta looked up as he heard voices. Ah, the others were arriving. "It seems the meeting is done." The gates opened to reveal the group, allowing Larkes to go to his dragon.
Hei Lung tsked. "No, she should be fine. You three aren't much to fight. No attemtion would come from beating you cause you're just a little too young." Magna used her tiny paws to try and get the dragon up, but to no avail. The older dragon huffed in annoyance, saying "Just move him!" He grabbed the brown dragon by the neck and practically dragged him to the exit, where his scared friends helped him the rest of the way out. The bully glared down at Magna, and she squeaked before flying back up to her siblings. "Weak," the dragon snorted.
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Post by AshLightning on Mar 13, 2019 19:56:59 GMT -5
Drake followed his wife out, hugging her lightly as they walked outside and chuckled as Shard drowsily lifted his head when his mate nuzzled him but he wuickly got up. The proud father walked over and sniffed at Larkes a little bit before settling next to Drake as they watched Zeta and Aldno.
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Post by Smokey Feather on Mar 13, 2019 20:09:42 GMT -5
Mysha waited for Larkes to get on his dragon before telling Ma'ait where they were going. Once everyone was ready, her dragon was up in the air with a few clean sweeps, leading the way to the blackened forest. After making the short trip, Ma'ait touched down near soundlessly. The area was as same as always. The huge, flaming hole surrounded by six massive statues facing inward, chains leaving their mouths and descending into the hole to chain whatever was down there. However, there was blood everywhere, and the bodies of the guards that had been posted there. Getting off of Ma'ait, Mysha immediately began to look for any living bodies. That was when she looked to see one, but it wasn't one of her people. Not really. With the black fur and bones, staring over at them as he scooted a body into the flames, which grew excited for a few moments before dying down. "Long time, no see you two. And you have new friends?"
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Post by AshLightning on Mar 13, 2019 20:18:43 GMT -5
Drake hopped off his dragon as they arrived and he gazed at the person and he growled loudly. “What are you doing here? And why have you killed all of the guards?” He asked, drawing his sword and flames covered him as the armor formed.
Shard was growling loudly, black flames forming in his mouth. ((I’m guessing it’s Ghio?))
Pyre growled softly as the larger dragon walked by and he nuzzled his sister softly. “You did good, Magna.” He said, while Scaws nodded in agreement from beside his big sister.
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Post by Smokey Feather on Mar 13, 2019 20:31:08 GMT -5
(Yeah)
Ghio tsked. "Wasn't just me. There's more in the trees, just watching. Waiting." He straightened up, dusting himself off. "You know, you two really should stop trying to postpone this. There's a dragon down there too, and I thought you wanted to welcome them into the world, hm?" Mysha snorted, spear in hand as she growled "That's a demon down there and you know it." Ghio rolled his eyes before turning back to the hole, saying "Either way, it's coming up sooner than you think. Look." He pointed up to the dogs. Usually, their mouths were wide open, but it was then that Mysha noticed their mouths were clamped shut on the chains, as if wanting a firmer grip.
Magna smiled at Pyre before looking at Xandrite. "Can we just go now? We saw a fight, and Scaws is scared." The white sibling looked annoyed, glancing over at Hei Lung before huffing. "You wanted more freedom, and this is it. Just toughen up a little. You too, Scaws. You might be fighting one day too, so this is just a chance to see it before you all end up doing it."
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Post by AshLightning on Mar 13, 2019 20:54:37 GMT -5
Drake watched as Ghio continued his tirade and pointed out that the trap appeared to be wearing. “That’s not good...” he murmured. “But Ghio is Here.” He whispered to Mysha. “Want to take him out? I’m sure if we explain to Larkes he’ll help.”
Pyre glared at his big sister. “Hey we aren’t as old as you, Xandy.” He said, walking over to defend his brother. “Plus don’t forget that some dragon’s prefer not to fight. Being tough and strong isn’t everything. Scaws is very smart and his inner strength is greater than all of ours.” He said.
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Post by Smokey Feather on Mar 13, 2019 21:03:05 GMT -5
Mysha shook her head slowly, answering softly "No, him being out here, just him, is odd. For all we know, fighting him could be what he wants. That, and we have bigger problems right now." Turning to Larkes, she was about to speak but stopped when the ground shook some. Even Ghio looked surprised, looking to the trap as breathing could be heard, groggy and dry, like the crackle of the flames.
Xandrite sniffed. "If you all want to go, then-" Magna yelped as her big sister froze up, little eyes widening as she watched her left foreleg start to blacken and become dry, crackly like brittle rock. Xandrite and Hei Lung both looked down as the color crept up her leg, stopping just past her shoulder. She shook her leg, trying to see if it would come of. "U-um," Magna said, stepping back. "What happened?"
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Post by Smokey Feather on Mar 13, 2019 21:15:26 GMT -5
(Oof, we actually are already at the place, if you wanna read the last few posts)
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Post by Samandriel on Mar 13, 2019 21:16:14 GMT -5
(Ah, I wasn't sure if we followed! Will repost-)
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Post by Samandriel on Mar 13, 2019 21:17:58 GMT -5
Aldnoa took in the scene, instinctively using his wings to shield Larkes on his back slightly. "The dogs. They look... strained." Pointing out the obvious, for he had no idea what it meant. Whatever was locked away must be incredibly strong to give them such a hard time. His programmed instincts howled at him to just take Larkes and run.
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Post by AshLightning on Mar 13, 2019 21:25:02 GMT -5
Drake growled loudly in conjunction with Shard, but looked dazed as the dark power increased and the rumblings occurred. "This isn't good." He said. "What should we do?" he asked Mysha.
Larkes watched as Aldnoa shielded him then he walked back to Mysha and Drake. "We need to find a way to prevent whatever is down there from coming up." He said worriedly.
Pyre and Scaws wobbled as the rumblings passed through and they watched as the color crept up Xandrite's leg. Scaws' eyes widened as he remembered something his mother told him a while back. "Wait, could this have something to do with the Dark Trap? Remember, mom told us about how they saved Xandrite as an egg, but only after she was exposed to the Dark Trap for a few moments."
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Post by Smokey Feather on Mar 13, 2019 21:37:04 GMT -5
Mysha looked gravely over at Drake. "Hope that the dogs can keep it down." And then there was the next moment. It was so sudden that the humans wouldn't have been able to escape it on their own. Something shot up from the trap, like something was spit out. It looked like... lava? But before it could splatter all over Mysha and Drake, they were shielded. One of the massive dogs had moved and simply stood over them, allowing the molten material cover its back, yet it made no noise, simply looking down. Looking around Mysha herded the others put from under the side that wasn't dripping, watching as the dog went back to its spot, grabbing the chain and pulling. One would think that pulling would bring the creature up, but no. It kept it anchored down somehow, Mysha jumping at a low growl that sounded. That was when more of Ghio's followers came out. "Get the dogs to let go of the chains," he instructed.
Xandrite shook her head, not knowing if Scaws was right. Maybe he was? Hei Lung then pointed a paw, saying "Look!" He scooted Scaws away as bright substance began seeping out of the cracks in the blackened area, heat booming out. Magna shuffled back too. It looked like lava, from what she had seen in one of her mother's forms. Gritting her teeth, she shut her eyes. After a long moment, the substance dried up, and the blackness began to fall off. Xandrite looked scared though, or shaken at least.
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Post by Samandriel on Mar 13, 2019 21:47:05 GMT -5
Aldnoa shook his head. "Larkes, stay close. I know we want to be heroes and all, but this is supremely dangerous." He murmured. Larkes wouldnt listen- he might even retort. But Aldnos knew he would simply grab the man and fly off with him if things went south fast.
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Post by AshLightning on Mar 13, 2019 21:55:48 GMT -5
"Aldnoa we need to help!" Larkes said, looking up at his partner. "Help Mysha and Drake in whatever they do." He instructed.
Drake stepped up. "Defend the Dogs. Make sure whatever is down there stays down!" He said, vanishing in black flame and appearing outside the ring of the dogs and started throwing flame.
Pyre whined a little as he watched everything happen. Once it was over he ran up to his older sister and licked her repeatedly to try and calm her down. "Xandy it's okay! You're okay!"
Scaws was cowering behind everyone possible, quivering wildly from everything scary happening.
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Post by Smokey Feather on Mar 13, 2019 22:06:04 GMT -5
Ghio's followers ran forward, ready to attack the group. Mysha also moved forward to help Drake, and it seemed that Larkes wanted to help too. Good, they would need all the help they could get. Ghio vanished in a burst of light, reappearing as a large white tiger, skull mask closed over his face. He charged right for the group, but reared back when one of the dead bodies tried grabbing at him. Mysha's doing, but not necromancy. Literally just moving the bones, but the movement was stiff due to the bodies already going cold. Growling, Ghio shuffled back and cut around, going straight for Ma'ait and Shard.
Xandrite just let Pyre comfort her, still shaking. There hadn't been any signs before. Shaking her head, she questioned "What if something is happening?" She was sure their parents would be checking it out with their riders. "What if mama and papa are in trouble?" They needed to go help!
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Post by Samandriel on Mar 13, 2019 22:09:05 GMT -5
(I'm confused as to what's happening rn. Sleepy ^^")
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Post by AshLightning on Mar 13, 2019 22:10:40 GMT -5
Basically they’re starting to fight against the enemy while the dragon kids are in town. I’m tired too so I need to sign off))
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Post by Samandriel on Mar 13, 2019 22:11:40 GMT -5
(Alrighty, gn!
But what enemy? )
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