A tiny glimmer of hope

[jadethenecromancer]

Who: Jade, Selphie, Yuri and Flynn
Where: Aqures Tosf
When: Oct 1
What: Rukia's friends set out to see whether they can find any sign of Kaien's doppelganger, whose family may have become shipwrecked while evacuating from Heran territory. The odds of refugees' survival aren't high, but maybe...
Warnings: TBA


A bleak sight greets them as Jade teleports the group one by one to the island of Aqures Tosf. The southern shore of the island has already crystallized. The crystal lands are reaching even into the ruins of the city, adding an eerie look to the already somber landscape. At least it means they have a smaller area left to search...

Jade turns to his companions. Selphie's the only one of the three he knows, but they're all Rukia's friends. For the purpose of this mission, that's good enough.

"With the ruins almost gone, there aren't many places left to take shelter in. The monster population will have moved north, too." As if the chances of finding survivors aren't low enough.

Comments

[boomchucka]

When Jade had contacted her and explained the situation, there was no doubt in Selphie's mind that this was the right thing to do. She'd heard about what happened to the ruined city but seeing it first hand really hits home. She observes the ruins quietly at first, eyes scanning the landscape. To think that one person could cause this much damage to trying and bring help to Crystallis...

Regardless, Crystallis is still hanging on by a thin thread as the perky brunette moves forward at a gingerly pace. Her left hand rests on the kusari of her nunchaku before tightly gripping the chain to pull it out of its holster. She doesn't know what Kaien looks like and knows even less about the doppelganger but regardless, she had agreed to come.

It doesn't mean that Selphie likes the eerie feeling of the city. "Where do we start? We should stick together if there's monsters around though."

She looks up at Jade with a worried look. "How do we get the survivors to Aqures Ixen? I mean... you can't teleport everybody, can you?"

I'm with Beautiful

[dammit_yuri]

"I imagine it may put a strain on Sir Curtiss. We may need to think of another way, such as a makeshift boat or even escorting the survivors by land somehow to a safe haven." Flynn commented, following up after Selphie. From his initial perception and knowledge, everyone present had some sort of military background of some sort, meaning that this should go somewhat smoothly. Maybe.

"We have a small enough group where dividing up our forces seems an unwise strategy, especially if there are monsters we haven't encountered before. I haven't been here before so I'm unfamiliar with the topography or local fauna of the area. How about the rest of you?"

[dammit_flynn]

Yuri approached the scene with the other two and glanced around to see what was offered to them and what they could utilize for the time being. In short there isn't much they could at this point and Yuri doesn't seem like he's pleased with it. Of course, it's a typical dilemma. They'll have to figure out some smart way of getting people to safety without exhausting themselves too much.

"I'd say we can go for pairs. One fighter, one support. There's four of us so if we divide into two groups we'll at least have someone watching our backs. Plus, if we're talking about the unknown, sticking together might be a bad thing if we get surrounded. We can't have the man exhaust himself before we get started. Though for the time being, I suppose we should stick together."

"Creating a boat or something of that sort would be highly useful if we have the means to either make them or find them and I can't say I'm familiar with the terrain either. He Repede, you you think you can pick up traces of people?"

Yuri replied turning to the dog companion that followed the four of them. Having Repede was always helpful since he was capable and well trained.

[jadethenecromancer]

"Depends on how many survivors we can find, if any," Jade responded to the question of teleporting. "It's tedious going back and forth, but I expect I could handle a few trips. Trano Golsaucia is close enough if we end up needing a boat."

He wasn't feeling very hopeful about finding that many survivors. Even if a ship had managed to reach the island all the way from Nabila, the passengers would have been stuck here for quite a while.

"The monsters here are mostly zombies and Dark Elementals -- nothing too difficult. That said, I hear you can run into Malboros and Tonberries as well, so don't let your guard down." He thought back. "I've been here both before and after the city was destroyed. There are no resources left in the ruins after all these years, so even if anyone took shelter here they must have ventured out at some point to gather food."

He turned to Yuri. "Do you suppose your furry friend could find a scent by the city gates?"

[boomchucka]

Selphie's had to deal with a few zombies in the past so she counts herself lucky that she's equipped Red Mage and Warrior for this excursion. The mentions of Tonberries and Malboros on the other hand have her scowling at the ruins on the horizon before them all. She'd rather not have to encounter any of the above but does know a few tactics for taking them out. Having Repede along would hopefully mean that they could also avoid the monsters wherever possible.

"We're gonna need a lot of white magic if there's zombies around. If they're like the ones from my world, fire magic should work too. Malboros are big and nasty like that one at the Arena. Tonberries though... don't let 'em get too close," Selphie confirmed as she patted the first-aid pouch at her waist. "I couldn't bring a lot of items with me but if we run into trouble, we can use this stuff."

Selphie was honestly hoping that they wouldn't have to use the items at all but she couldn't help but be prepared for this kind of excursion. She'd never engaged in an extraction mission before.

[dammit_yuri]

"Magic isn't my strong suit, so I'll work on protecting any casters I'm near," Flynn responded. Kneeling down to pet Repede, Flynn looked at the others as he waited for Yuri to answer Jade's question.

[dammit_flynn]

“We’ll figure it out once we find survivors to take back. Like you said, it’s highly unlikely, but it’s better to go in hoping than not at all.”

Yuri replies with a shrug as he comments on Jade’s reply to everything. It seemed like they will all be together for a short period of time at least. They needed to find survivors one way or another. Hopefully the task will be beneficial to them all.

“I would make sense for them to venture out here. In any case, we should probably be wary in regards to what sort of things are lurking then,” he paused a moment before adding to Jade’s question, “Sure he can. He’s pretty good at tracking—right Repede?”

He replied petting the dog on the head briefly before looking for the direct location of the city gates. Repede was very good at tracking. He knows that much at least. White magic was not something Yuri had at the moment though. He’ll have to make sure he knocks the undead down far enough so a spell caster can do their job, mainly Flynn as he glances over at his friend. He’s sure Flynn has some light based skills. Heck, even Selphie is as well.

“They’re effective right?” he raised a brow at Selphie as she points to her stash.

“That makes the two of us. Flynn what other job is under your belt? Same to you Sunshine, and you—Jade was it? What are you capable of?” Repede leans into the touch for a moment before being more alert when he heard his name.

[jadethenecromancer]

Jade had teleported them near the northern gate to the city, if it could still be called one. The archway that had once loomed over the entrance had come crumbling down at some point, leaving little more than a large pile of rocks. At least the pile wasn't too high for someone to cross.

"I specialize in magic, both offensive and healing. The two of you can take the front while Selphie and I handle the casting." He inclined his head towards the ruined gate. "Well, let's have Repede take a sniff, shall we?"

Repede would indeed be able to find a scent at the city entrance. People had passed through in both directions several times, probably over a long time period. The most recent scent, however, came from outside and headed into the ruins.

sorry for the late tag D:

[boomchucka]

"Red Mage and Warrior," Selphie confirmed in regards to Yuri's question. "I don't know how effective the items will be on monsters but they should help us out if we're in a bind.

"But don't forget," she pressed on as she let the chain on her weapon rattle. "I'm a mid-range fighter but I can definitely handle casting. Just keep in mind that my magic isn't as strong as Jade's but we've got a job to do."

She looked at everybody in the group, including Repede. They had a good balance of skilled fighters and mages as the perky brunette nodded lightly. She'd see this through just like everything else she'd faced so far in her life.

[dammit_yuri]

"My equipped jobs are Magitek Knight and Paladin," Flynn responded, as he scratched behind Repede's ears as an unspoken act of gratitude for coming with them and supporting the team. The rest were doing an excellent job with strategizing, so Flynn was content with being the muscle needed.

Almost on cue, a monster arrived, approaching the battle party. "It's coming from the direction of the city," Flynn noted aloud. Firmly grasping his blade, he went forth to eschew the creature out of their way.

[dammit_flynn]

Yuri nods to Selphie and Flynn as they answer his question. He takes a moment to think on Jade's plan and he it's obviously a good approach. That's the best they can manage right now and he doesn't want to take any risks.

"Sounds like a plan. Flynn, Repede and I can handle the front. You two make sure you're out of the way while casting. Just don't stray too far."

He can't save them if they're too far off for him to.

"Alright Repede, you know what to do."

Yuri replied as he followed after Flynn ahead of the party. Repede followed suit with the swordsman as he walked after his friend. Yuri keeps his hand on his blade as he approaches Flynn.

"Your magic doesn't have to be a strong as Jade's as long as you got yourself grounded, Sunshine."

Yuri replied confidentially with her as Repede made his way ahead of the rest of the party to sniff along the gates. He certainly was good at what he did. At the sound of the monster approaching, Yuri drew his blade and he made his way closer to the other two. Repede was basically making his way towards the ruins as the team was faced with a monster.