Only the strong survive

[wickedone]

Who: Albel, Fayt, Vincent, Terra, and Meredy
What: Monster Hunting! Training for Kalki's arrival.
Where: Calm Plains and Aqurean Forest area
When: July 11 - July 23
Warnings: None!

Once the majority of the civilians had been evacuated from Aqures Ixen, and Albel's general duties for maintaining a calm and orderly pace to the airship had ended, the real work began. Training was required, training with these new "jobs," these new "skills," before the Empire's forces arrived.

Now Albel might be new to this world, and he might have very little personally invested in it. But Fayt was here, Nel's crystal was here, and dammit, as long as he was stuck here he would defend his existence.

To the death, if need be.

But, since that was not the ideal outcome...

On the morning of July 11, several letters went out personally delivered by Mogdelina. There was no decoration, no courtesy of greeting (but for however the young Moogle approached the recipients). But to Fayt, Vincent, and Meredy, a simple invitation was sent.

The Empire is coming. Until then, we prepare. Meet me outside the city.
-- Albel Nox

Comments

Mandragora

[wickedone]

The first creature Albel spied was some sort of... strange... living plant thing.

Well, there was hardly anything so threatening about plants, right?

"Our first target!" he decided, gesturing with his blade. "Try to keep up, maggots!"

This was going to be easy, like picking a harmless flower or tearing up grass. A plant! It couldn't possibly be any match for his katana -- just laughable, really. With a wolfish grin, Albel charged forward.

Which was all fine and good until the mandragora started screaming.

Re: Mandragora

[bloodypast]

Vincent was familiar with how plants could be deadly. Glad he had stayed to the rear, as the scream was still piercing. Calmly he took aim, absently tracking Albel as he charged. Waiting, calling on skills from his new job.

Firing, the crack of the gunshot a counterpoint to the scream of the Mandragora. The charged bullet flew through the air with a status effect; Vincent was hoping for Sleep or Silence; the latter would be the most useful.

Mandragora

[greenmagick]

Terra had also stayed back from the plant. She held her staff loosely in her hands with her sword belted to her hip. She could use both but for now she had given herself the role of healer.

As Albel charged she started casting her spell. Magic always had come easy to Terra however, the cries distracted her making it take a little longer but she would be ready the moment that her spell was needed.

[wickedone]

Albel clutched his head and stumbled, totally unprepared for the mandragora's shrill cries. "Augh! What is that infernal racket? Make it stop!"

Good thing Vincent had come. The crack of the gunshot pierced the air and the mandragora was knocked back with the blow. The screaming stopped. And, thankfully, it appeared it would stop rather more permanently as the Silence spell took effect. The creature flailed about, but no sound emerged.

[bloodypast]

"Legends say there was a plant that used a piercing scream when uprooted to kill those who took it." Vincent replied, watching the area around the mandragora too. Granted--the ones he'd encountered on Gaia hadn't screamed before.

But they did often attack in packs, which is why he was watching around them now, in case there were more.

[greenmagick]

"Should I attack as well?" Her voice was soft but Vincent could no doubt hear her over the crying root. She had her white magic abilities and it would take time to switch jobs but she was willing to go on the offensive to help the pair better and then fall back should they need a healer.

Tactics weren't Terra's specialty though.

he'll probably ask for some healing next turn

[wickedone]

Albel shook his head as if to clear it, the loud screeching almost leaving him dizzy. He looked over his shoulder to nod at Vincent in thanks.

Now that that was finally over...

Albel hefted his katana once more, quickly making his way over to the flailing plant. He brought the blade up high then, with a strong slash, chopped deep into leafy flesh.

[bloodypast]

"Not necessary, Miss Terra." Vincent responded, eyes focused still on the plant and his team-mate. Careful aim, waiting to be sure Albel wouldn't be caught in the cross fire. Then another loud crack of gunfire, no special bullet this time just a careful aim.

[greenmagick]

Terra nodded and stepped back as Vincent took aim. She trusted the tall hero more than most and his words shook away any uncertainty she had. With his shoot echoing through the small clearing she begins to cast. Her target is Albel.

White mage and warmth flow from her spell and into Albel. She hoped it helped though the hero didn't seem the type to want to show weakness.

[wickedone]

Albel had yanked his blade out and was about to chop down again when Vincent's shot whizzed by him and sank deep into the plant. The mandragora stopped moving.

"That was a close one," Albel murmured, glancing at Vincent. Still, it hadn't hit him... and he had done something similar to Fayt before. He supposed he trusted the other man not to actually shoot him.

He stiffened, though, as the sudden warmth washed over him. He hadn't asked for any healing! Didn't need... ! But the ringing in his ears was dissipating. And he was able to hear better now. "... Thanks," he offered Terra after a begrudging hesitation.