melodiesoflife | The Mysterious Case of the Flowering Cactuar

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The Mysterious Case of the Flowering Cactuar

Characters: Robin, Rukia, Ace, Ventus, and Graham!
Where: Northern reaches of the Esdham region!
When: Morning of October 13th.
Summary: Friendly monsters!
Warning: N/A

[Robin has recruited some help for the simplest of tasks: venturing forth on the morning of the 13th, to have a look at the border of the Esdham region and the Calm Plains. The drier climate is interesting to her, but she wants to have a look at the cactuars. She yawns, as she rides; she has a chocobo under her.]

[But... it has a downside.]

I think... [Robin looks down at her journal, mournfully. The book she's taken notes in is filled with bumpy chicken scratch writing; the side effect of riding instead of walking.] ...some of this will be illegible later.

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[It just so happens that Rukia is in the area. She's following up on a lead she heard about a possible Reaper sighting, so of course she came to Esdham as soon as an airship would allow. Getting back? That's a problem, as the airships don't fly as frequently as she likes.]

[Having gathered what information she could, she departs the village after giving her thanks to start the long walk back to Esdham. It's a happy coincidence, then, that on her way back she spots a couple of familiar faces.]

OI!

[She calls out and waves. Excellent, maybe she can hitch a ride back to town.]</small.

[ The cadet lightly nudges his own Chocobo to quicken the pace so that he's at Robin's side, suppressing a small chuckle upon seeing her struggle. It happens to be an issue he's perfectly familiar with. ]

It's no use, maybe try to memorize it for now-- oh?

[ Rukia... doesn't waste any time making her presence known, but since he hasn't really become acquainted with the girl yet, he first throws other Heroes a quick glance. ]

[Ven's also following along on his Chocobo, keeping pace on Robin's other side. It's not like he can say no to a friend who asks for assistance, but he also figures he can use the opportunity to check around Esdham for any paranormal activity -- in particular, word of the reaper that Rukia mentioned.

Oh -- and speaking of! Looks like she beat him to it. Still, the easy smile Ven's had for the trip thus far breaks into a grin.]

Rukia! Hey!

[Bringing up the rear is Graham, who has been struggling with his chocobo the entire trip. It's not the bird; it's definitely him, with how he can't sit still or be quiet, ever. Anything mechanical Graham can deal with easily, but he just can't get used to dealing with these animals. He really wishes he just took the motorbike from the Observatory again, and has been fairly miserable from trying to deal with this. Luckily most of his usual diatribes keep getting cut off when the chocobo makes a sudden turn or does something he doesn't want it to do.]

Oh, Rukia! What're you--

[A new person! Graham's chocobo plods over to greet to Rukia. Graham tries to stop it, but it's no use.]

I might have to. Oh, well. [She sighs, then she tucks her book into her pocket. She glances at Ace, then at Ventus--blinking, and she recognizes the person approaching just as soon as she sees her.]

Rukia? What are you doing all the way out here?

Following some leads. I believe I might be getting close to discovering the Reaper's primary location.

[And this is quite a little gathering, she notices, looking at all of those riding along. Ace is the only one she doesn't know, so she inclines her head to him. It's nice to see everyone else.]

What of yourselves?

[ The blond returns the gesture with a nod. Truthfully, he knew little of his companions to begin with, having tagged along with the main goal in mind.

... Which would also be why he leaves the initiative of speaking to somebody else, but remains attentive, regardless. ]

[It would probably be more considerate to let the leader speak up there, but Ven's surprise gets the better of him.]

Oh! So they did see it around here!

[Graham struggles with the reins of his chocobo as he attempts to explain.]

Monster hunting! Exciting adventure! I promised I would at least try this Hero nonsense, so here I am. I still don't feel swayed into leading the life of a Hero yet, but we're still early into the trip and have yet to actually encounter anything. I have to be patient. But if being one means continuing to use one of these birds, count me out!

Ah, frightening! I hadn't realized. [She nods, then she looks sideways at Graham. She raises an eyebrow -- blinking once -- and then she tilts her head to the side.] I'm sure we might soon. And, really, the birds aren't... so bad. Besides the smell.

Kweh.

[Her chocobo takes offense to that.]

[But... in the distance, there's something: a cactuar, walking up. Slowly. And yet... it moves with unusual grace, and is slightly... fatter?]

They did.

[She nods to Ventus, about to say more, but suddenly Graham's chocobo loves Rukia, and Rukia loves Graham's chocobo.]

--Ah! What a good bird you are! Greetings to you!

[Pat pat pat pat pat pat pat.]

[Though Graham is complaining, it's understandable. And she appreciates that he's trying.]

You're doing well. I commend your efforts; you'll soon learn how to manage a chocobo.

[And there's one among them she doesn't know, so she sees fit to introduce herself...even as she's still petting the chocobo. Look, she likes chocobos, okay.]

Rukia Kuchiki. Well met. Now, what brings all of you out here--mmm?

[What is that thing? A walking pickle creature?]

Are those normally sentient?

[She points at it.]

[ At Graham's blatant disapproval, Ace can't help shaking his head. It had always been his weak spot, but having grown even more attached to his feathered companions during his stay in Crystallis, he's had a chance to pay closer attention to their behaviour and habits. If only chocobos weren't seen merely as tools to achieve one's goals, perhaps there would be less instances of disobedience. ]

If you don't work on establishing your own trust, don't expect to receive theirs. They happen to pick up on human emotions with ease, and they only react accordingly.

[ Well, yes, if Rukia's affection towards the birds should be an issue, Ace is hardly in a position to judge her. A small smile pulls on his lips. ]

Ace.

[ With that, he goes straight to the point, eyes studying the creature and voice going quieter. ]

It's called Cactuar, and creatures of its kind are normally extremely agile, and just as rare. [ frowning. ] There's... certainly something strange about its appearance and behaviour, though.

[Graham understands machines, but can't predict an animal's behavior. It's lead him to be somewhat uncomfortable around the chocobos, and his personality wasn't too calming for the creatures either. But it seemed to be happy with Rukia's attention for now. Graham's attention is on the cactuar, head tilted in curiosity.]

Mm? A rare monster? Is this the sort of thing we're looking for? [In a flash, he's wielding his large wrench.] What do we do with it?

[Ven's mount has been shifting restlessly during the discussion, eager to keep moving, but both bird and rider go still when they also notice the approaching monster.]

Well -- whoa, hey, hold on. [...he says as one hand's already halfway to the hilt of the Keyblade on his back. Still, when in doubt, appeal to the one in charge.] Robin?

It's worth investigating, I think. Hold your -- er -- blade? [She glances at Graham's wrench. Sure, blade, she'll call it a blade. We'll stick with that.] Ace is right. It's different.

[Indeed, the flowering cactuar has trotted up, and it's circling around, waving its arms. Then, it calls out:]

Water! I need water! Like oh mah gaaaaawsh, you guys, I'm dying of thirst here~!

[Robin's eyebrow twitches. But why.]

Edited 2015-10-19 18:58 (UTC)

Understood.

[BLAM. A sphere of water blasts from Rukia's hand, smashing into the cactuar and bowling it right over. ...At least it was a weak spell.]

[Rukia smiles proudly. Ho ho ho, she's so pleased with her choice to keep the Red Mage job instead of the Ninja one. Her methods might be rough, but it's obvious her intentions are good.]

Is that better? Please notify me if you wish for additional water, I can easily provide.

[ Ace has been watching the encounter visibly surprised, never having heard any of the cactuars speak before, much less request cooperation from humans. Suspecting some kind of trap, he pulls at the reins to force the chocobo to take a step back while paying close attention to the creature's reactions.

The cactuar wobbles on the ground for a while, thrashing its arms around before coming to an abrupt stop - and in that instant, the monster gets up. ]

... Watch out for its needles!

It can talk? [Graham looks confused, still brandishing his wrench.]

That's it? Just water? But you're a cactus! You shouldn't need too much water, right? Or is it different for cactus monsters? I don't know how this works!

[Ven winces when the monster's bowled over like that, but he takes the creature at its word and lets his hand fall away from his weapon.]

Uhh... Does that count?

[That was less "quenching its thirst" and more "punching it in the face," but. Hopefully it's not mad??]

[The Flowering Cactuar waddles. It shifts, and then it looks up -- having been knocked over -- and then stares at them for a moment. Is it mad? Or...]

MORE! MORE! I wanna see it rain, y'all! Gimme all the water!

[Robin sighs and splashes some of her canteen on it. Sure... okay. More water.]

[Rukia just smiles proudly. See? She can handle this. She's awesome. But when it asks for more, she turns back to the monster with a blink of surprise. It really wants more water? She had no idea it was so parched out here.]

Very well.

[BLAM.]

Edited 2015-10-21 02:50 (UTC)

... Oh.

[ This could go on forever at this point, but there's certain relief in how the creature doesn't seem to have taken any offense... yet. Rukia's ways are rather harsh, but Ace lacks the proper spell to do any better. ]

Do you think it's enough?

[Graham's head flops forward, defeated. This is so disappointing.]

How tedious. How utterly, utterly tedious! All this way, and this is what this area has to offer? Talking cacti that want water? I don't even get it! Is someone pulling our leg? I feel like the butt of a joke, here!

[He watches the Cactuar for a moment, head resting against his chocobo's neck. Without moving from his spot, he takes off his canteen and tosses it towards the creature. If it wants a drink, it can get it itself.]

Well, it could've been weirder. [That's Ven's optimistic contribution, anyway -- would you rather be assisting some talking ducklings by figuring out how to use a musical ice cream machine that requires firing ice cream at said ducklings while they dance to music? yeah, see, it can get much weirder.

He also unscrews his canteen to toss some water the cactuar's way, since he's lacking his Red Mage class (for once).]

Oh yeah! That's what I'm talkin' about! All the water!

[The flowering cactuar dances while the water rains down on him. Then, he dips down, picks up Graham's canteen, and... drinks the entire thing in one gulp.]

Refreshing~! Awright. I get it. I'm gonna get out of here now. But think of the next experience you just had!

[It throws a few coins to the ground -- and then scampers off. Robin stares after it; her eyebrow twitches slightly.]

So... ...what the hell was that, anyways?

It paid us. Quite generous!

[Rukia is pleased. As she takes a step forward, she suddenly stops, and puts a hand to her chest. She felt warm. She felt...stronger? Withdrawing her hand, she examines her fingers, flexing them.]

...I think I can cast new spells.

[ His companions' joint effort eventually convinced Ace to contribute as well, chucking some water at the creature from his own canteen. With a mage at their side it would be easy to re-stock, and besides... he was slowly starting to find the monster oddly entertaining.

But then the cactuar's gone, its peculiar farewell still ringing in the cadet's ears as he's hit with a sudden wave that somehow feels familiar. ]

Kweh--!

[ ... It's not just him and Rukia, either, because the chocobo is visibly just as surprised. New Chocobo Knight skill get! ]

Yeah... me too. So, that would be its gift for us, huh?

[As that odd feeling passes over him as well, Graham sits up straight an blinks, confused.]

So... That did something? Just giving it water? I don't even know what to think! That was almost deceptively easy!

Really? [Ven's still not quite used to just "getting" new spells like this -- but he feels the sensation as well, and at this point it's no longer unfamiliar.] Oh -- wow! They can just do that?

[He's impressed!]

Hm! I've experienced something like it before. I think some monsters... well, this is how they teach us?

[Instead of trying to murder them. But she's not quite sure what watering a cactuar teaches them.]

Perhaps they simply want to help.

[She drops her fist into her hand.]

I ran into another such creature that enhanced my abilities. It was a black cat, and it asked for 2,000 gil. Surely there must be others like these.

[And she's kind of considering chasing down the cactuar to douse it with even more water spells... Best not push her luck.]

If any of you are heading back to Aqures Ixen, I would appreciate a ride.

[ I'm afraid getting smacked by thousands of needles would be the safest bet for that kind of solution. ]

Yeah... they do not always mean harm, and some of them grow to be human companions. We had a Tonberry helping out at the Peristylium.

[ And come to think of it, a friendly Cactuar made its sneaky appearance as well.... Suddenly, he feels somewhat guilty about doubting the creature so much in the first place. ]

I was hoping to stick around a while longer in case anything else appears, but I might need to head back in order to make it for my shift, so you're free to join me, if you want. Is the rest of you staying?

[ He looks around. ]

[Graham rests his head against his chocobo's neck, looking despondent.]

I was told that if I wanted to fight people, I should fight monsters instead! And I go to do just that, and it runs away after we give it water. What am I supposed to do? If I can't fight people OR monsters, I'm going to grow static and crumble into dust and blow away!

[Which doesn't answer Ace's question at all.]

[Ven casts a glance between each of the others, finally settling on Robin.]

If you wanna keep looking, I'll stick around until you're done. [If Rukia already checked out Esdham, he has no reason to keep going, but he's in no particular rush to get back to Aqures, either.

The look he gives Graham is equal parts sympathetic and puzzled. Does he seriously think that, or... is he being melodramatic...]

Uh... there are plenty of smaller monsters around the city, and they usually don't run. You don't have to come this far out to find something.

I can give you a ride, Rukia. I should get back soon.

[She glances sideways at Graham and sighs, before she shakes her head.]

There's plenty of monsters to fight. Most aren't like that. Like Ventus said, there's many around Aqures Ixen.

Oi, bashing things with a wrench isn't the only way to fight a monster. We simply opted to use a non-violent tactic.

[She gives his knee a reassuring pat as she moves past him toward Robin. If Ventus and Ace would rather stay, there's no need for them to give up their search just so she can return to Aqures Ixen that much faster.]

Thank you, Robin. I should be glad to join you.

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The Mysterious Case of the Flowering Cactuar

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