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Post by Ruby_Fehu on Feb 20, 2014 17:50:20 GMT
Ruby padded through the abandoned area, her spotted russet fur bristling as she walked, her red eyes were scanning the area warily. It never was a good thing when there was no one and nothing around as far as the eye could see.
She took another step forward and a cool breeze sent the scent of ash and fire towards her, the ground beneath her paws was nothing but dust that kicked up around her as she went.
Ruby continued scanning the area carefully until she eventually decided it was safe and so paused to rest her aching body. Travelling non stop for three days really was exhausting.
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Post by Hypercube on Feb 20, 2014 20:14:54 GMT
(OOC: I will be using Xoren. Just out of curiosity are we using our characters' fantasy abilities as well?) Xoren stalked through the tall grass, intently watching the new arrival to his previously secluded domain. Was she a friend; a foe? Or lost soul wandering through the dusty savanna searching for herself, the same as Xoren was. From her slumped body and perked ears, it was clear that while she was exhausted and relieved to find a place to rest, she was wary of her surroundings and the danger that may lurk just beyond her view. From his grassy solitude, Xoren questioned whether or not to approach the hybrid. It would be best if I didn't interact with her, Xoren thought to himself I don't know her intentions. In a sly motion, Xoren began to back further into the grass, far from the red eyes that scanned the area. As he did so, his paw fell upon a dry branch, snapping it in two. The sound was apparent in the solid silence, and it was clear that the possible enemy had realized she was not alone. |
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Post by Ruby_Fehu on Feb 20, 2014 20:38:55 GMT
(I don't think that is allowed in freestyle unfortunately)
Ruby tensed and whipped her head around when she heard the crack, a low growl ripping through her lips. Steadily she prowled towards where the sound had been heard, lowering her slender frame to the ground, "Who is there?" She demanded, still growling a little as she spoke, her tail flicking with clear irritation.
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Post by Hypercube on Feb 20, 2014 20:57:08 GMT
Xoren froze in place, hoping that his pursuer wouldn't see him in the wind-blown grass. From his hiding place, he saw the piercing red eyes of the hybrid that stood mere yards from him, searching for the obvious company she shared. He saw no means of escape while under surveillance of the enemy and with no cover to flee between. Reluctantly, he readied his back legs in preparation to pounce in reciprocation to an oncoming attack; he would not be the first to strike.
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Post by Ruby_Fehu on Feb 20, 2014 21:36:22 GMT
Ruby spotted the cat before her and growled, stepping backwards as she took him in, "Who are you?" She demanded, bracing herself in case he would lunged, her teeth clenched together as she continued growling.
The hybrid, narrowed her eyes and scanned the area quickly, "Are you alone?" She continued aggressively.
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Post by Hypercube on Feb 20, 2014 21:46:10 GMT
From her defensive moments and clenched teeth it was clear to Xoren that this strange hybrid was possibly more scared then he himself was. Her questions pointed to this fact as well. Xoren relaxed his body, standing to his full stature and rising from the pale grass that was once his solace.
"I am alone." Xoren said in a manner closest to masculine as he knew how to. "If anyone has the right to ask that question it's me, considering I was here first." Xoren slowly stepped from the tall grass, his paws remaining close to the dusty ground in case he had to react quickly. "Who are you?"
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Post by Ruby_Fehu on Feb 21, 2014 0:18:18 GMT
Ruby growled, "I don't have to answer any questions to you." She replied coolly, starting to pace a little, "But if it's so important, I am Ruby, now answer my question, "Who. Are. You?" She snapped rudely. She tensed herself bracing herself, she didn't quite trust this other feline.
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Post by Hypercube on Feb 21, 2014 2:31:16 GMT
Someone startled by this continued hostility, Xoren's mind raced with the routes he could take in this situation. From her obvious frustration and distrust, he knew that fighting or running would get him nowhere, but that was out of the question already. As far as Xoren was concerned, diplomacy was the only option.
Relaxing his body, attempting to display a sense of acceptance, he took a small pace forward and spoke "I am Xoren. These empty planes are my home. What business do you have in these barren parts?" While he had calmed his voice and reverted to his normal non-masculine tone, his legs remained flexed and his eyes alert, staring into the balls of fire that pierced them.
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Post by Ruby_Fehu on Feb 22, 2014 0:12:14 GMT
"I was trying to get away. I was being chased, I got separated from my sister and I thought she might be here, I was mistaken though." Ruby explained, inwardly kicking herself for letting slip about what was going on. However she didn't let this slip and so stood with her head raised, an air of confidence about her. "Why do you live here and have you seen my sister?" She demanded.
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Post by Hypercube on Feb 22, 2014 0:36:05 GMT
(OOC: How am I doing so far?)
"I don't live here, these plains are simply my home, for now that is. I, much like you, have lost someone very dear to me... and I hope to get her back one day. it is for that reason I travel these deserted places, to possibly bring my dreams to fruition." Xoren's heart weighed heavily as he said this as his mind wandered to those scarce memories of his long-lost daughter. He didn't want to see anyone go through what he has suffered through all these years. "I have not had any lions cross my path for many weeks now, but I suppose-"
Xoren's voice cut off, realizing that he was rushing into helping this still-foreign stranger. Before he jumped into helping her, he thought it would be best to be sure that she could be trusted and that her story was genuine. Regaining his demanding tone Xoren interrogated the hybrid, "Wait. Before I can trust you, I need to know something. Who was chasing you and why? Have you done something I should be aware of?"
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Post by Ruby_Fehu on Feb 22, 2014 13:42:03 GMT
(OOC: You're doing great!  ) Ruby rolled her red eyes and sighed impatiently, "Some members of my father's pride. He's the lion. My mother - the cheetah - and he were out hunting. My father's pride don't approve of the 'tainted' blood line that has become of myself and my sister. Iris is younger though because she was my parents second cub. Today was the first day my parents managed to go hunting together without myself or my sister and so the Pride chased us away." Ruby explained bitterly. "I'm worried for Iris, she's still a baby." She continued. "Who are you looking for?" Ruby asked surprisingly calmly |
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Post by Hypercube on Feb 22, 2014 14:18:28 GMT
Xoren's expressions changed to that of solemn sadness. This story seemed akin to his beginnings. "I'm looking for my daughter... I lost her during an attack against my pride many years ago. All of the others were dead but she was missing... I put all of my hope towards believing that she is still out there somewhere, alive and strong." As Xoren told this stranger his story, he unknowingly began to allow small tears to stream from his eyes.
Regaining himself, Xoren explained, "I too am the product of a couple that was not accepted by our pride. In fact, my lineage is the same as yours." Watching for signs of empathy, Xoren was able to deduce that her story was not only genuine, but horrifyingly similar to his own. With no reserves, Xoren extended his help to the hybrid "If you would like, I could assist you in finding your sister."
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Post by Ruby_Fehu on Feb 22, 2014 14:25:19 GMT
Ruby looked at Xoren thoughtfully before nodding slowly, "We can try and find my sister and your daughter. I'm telling you though, if you don't like how I act, then tough. Get used to it." She replied, sliding onto her haunches and looking up at the other hybrid carefully. "My sister is identical to me, except a little smaller - obviously. What does your daughter look like?"
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Post by Hypercube on Feb 22, 2014 14:47:37 GMT
"I... I don't really know. The last time I saw her was when she was only a cub with much developing to do... Xoren's mind attacked him with hatred for the events of that night. He never noticed how much he blamed himself for what happened. "I do remember a few things though. I know that she looked almost completely like a lion, with no discernible cheetah or leopard. I also remember the flare of her tail matching mine and the fur that surrounded her ears being a bright yellow. She may have changed completely in this time though."
Xoren paced about, trying desperately not to let these memories affect him. If he had the chance to help someone with extremely similar circumstances while still furthering his own cause, he couldn't let that opportunity slip from him. "Well then, where should we begin?" he asked, turning to the empty expanse of land before them.
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Post by Ruby_Fehu on Feb 22, 2014 15:08:09 GMT
(OOC: I've just had an idea. I'll run it by you in a PM.)
Ruby scanned the area steadily. "How about heading North? I've just come for the south and saw no one at all. You're the only one I've seen for days." She informed him. Her ear twitched and she inhaled sharply, "Stupid lions." She growled to herself as she felt the sting of the invisible cut, buried deep into her skin, the red of her spot covered any signs of dried blood but she knew it was there.
She waited for the sting to cease before turning to Xoren, "Well, shall we?" She asked.
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Post by Hypercube on Feb 22, 2014 15:18:01 GMT
(OOC: I can't wait =D)
Xoren was somewhat perplexed by her actions while she spoke. From what he knew of her at this point, it was not like her to growl at nothing, and it was even less like her to wait before finishing her thoughts. It was as if she was hiding something that pained her greatly, either physically or mentally. "I came form the West, and so none other than my own shadow. I suppose that means North is our only viable option considering the East is patrolled by bandits." Xoren looked to the sun and then to the North, reluctant, yet eager to begin the search, "Let us go."
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Post by Ruby_Fehu on Feb 22, 2014 16:42:41 GMT
"Bandits?" She repeated, slowly. Ruby bit her lip, "We should go East then. Especially if there's bandits. Iris does know the dangers of humans. Let's go." Ruby said swinging around and leading the way. "We need to be careful though." She continued.
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Post by Hypercube on Feb 22, 2014 23:48:08 GMT
Xoren paced behind her setting out towards the rising morning sun. Through the long hours of foot travel, not much converstation had been held between the two felines, as they had not truly began to trust each other yet. As the sun baked their fur Xoren and Ruby began to feel fatuiged when they stumbled upon an oasis at which they decided to rest for the night, as the sun had nearly touched the horizon and the moon began to climb high into the night sky.
Xoren, allowing his tiredness to overtake his body, lied down on the grassy knoll as Ruby had seconds prior. Exhausted not only from the long trip, but also the lack of discussion he asked "Why haven't your parents come looking for you or Isis?"
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Post by Ruby_Fehu on Feb 23, 2014 13:12:22 GMT
Ruby stood up and padded to a small watering hole and started lapping up the water as the moon cooled her down easily, she listened to Xoren and continued to lap up the water, refusing to reply until she eventually looked around and started gnawing on her lip. "My parents probably are now, they won't have known she was missing until it was too late. Either that or something bad has happened to them." Ruby replied warily. She glanced around the area and started sniffing the air, "How far from the humans are we?" She asked, changing the subject from the lack of her parents. She glanced towards a large tree before shrugging and starting to climb the tree easily, her claws leaving scratches in the trunk. She shuffled along a particularly thick branch and balanced on the edge precariously before staring ahead of her, "Scratch that, they're pretty near." Ruby called down to Xoren, "I can see an orange glow and the air is thick with smoke ahead of us, that will be the humans source of light and warmth. "I think we should go that way early tomorrow, try and reach them before they begin to wake." She said to the fellow hybrid as she jumped down the tree and padded towards him before she lay across from him and resting her head on her crossed paws.
A young cub lay in a cage crying out for her mother, her father, her sister. Anyone. She knew it was futile but Iris was scared and hungry. She couldn't remember fully what happened only that she'd been running and her sister's cries of, "Stay close Iris." Before a lion cut them off and lunged at Ruby who yelled and swerved, "Keep running Iris. I'll find you soon, I promise!" Iris stumbled over her paws and stopped to look at Ruby who was fighting with the lion, she panted heavily and looked around the lands, there was only that one lion and so starting to pant she kept running and running and running until she collapsed from exhaustion and blacked out. Now she'd regained conciousness, she saw that she was nowhere near where her sister and her and got separated, now she was alone in a strange, unknown area surrounded by strange creatures who were furless, they appeared to be conversing with one another with a series of grunts which Iris, try as she might couldn't understand. A small face peeked up at her and she cried in fear as a small furless figure stared at her face. "Kitty." It grunted and Iris looked around with confusion, what was this kitty? Was that the furless' equivilant of a roar or a growl? "Kitty." It repeated starting to poke it's fingers through the bars of the cage; Iris cowered back and began swiping at the weird things that were trying to reach her. "Kitty, stroke." The child said as it reached Iris' fur and began running it's finger along the top of her head. Iris flinched and tensed whilst the human stroked her.
(OOC: Now I've introduced Iris and so you can see how I'm using the two characters. I probably won't use Iris again until you bring Sola into it. But this was just to show you what I was trying to say in the PM I have a word of advice though, some members may see your last post as a bit of a control sort of thing and wouldn't appreciate you controlling their characters. I'm not bothered because your post didn't change drastically and isn't exactly completely controlling Ruby but some members may be a little different, don't worry about your last post though, I'm not fussed but it's just so you know for when you join a main roleplay or other characters. Okay? Also, you're doing really well, for someone who's never roleplayed before you're pretty good hehe; keep it up. ^-^) |
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Post by Hypercube on Feb 23, 2014 21:31:27 GMT
(OOC: Since it's heading into night time it would make sense to stick with the story between Sola and Iris for a bit, so they can have some development too without getting too confusing)
Following the lead of the fellow hybrid, Xoren rest his head upon the ground, allowing his mind to wander. He felt for this stranger as he had never felt for another being in a very long time. It was almost as if he would be willing to do anything to be sure that she would not have to suffer what he has for so long. His imagination continued to fly from place to place, eventually leading to his desperate wish to be reunited with his daughter. Just has he began to let sleep take him, a vivid image of his daughter danced in his head, running playfully as his thoughts finally ceased.
Some NPC's:
Darnuka: Male adult lion, leader of Mirage, Normal lion colors, multiple scars
Pyrex: Male adolescent cheetah, sort of a scatterbrained thief, tan pelt, plentiful beige spots
Luna: Female young adult leopard, Darunka's right hand feline, solid black coat
"When are we going?" Pyrex asked as he jittered about, "I can't wait no longer-" "Quiet!" Darnuka hissed, his eyes staring down the young cheetah, forcing his tail between his legs, "We need to wait until the sun is down and the humans let their guard down." On the outskirts of this rag-tag group of ruffians, Sola stared into the star-littered sky. The twilight was beautiful in these isolated sections of the desert, and it reminded her of the past that she so fondly remembered. "Sola," Luna called from the shade of the newly gained darkness, "It's time to go."
Sola and her companions pawed towards the human camp, silently stalking their target. The plan was simple: Go in, steal what they could, and leave unseen, without problems. Once they reached the furthest tent from the center of the encampment, Darnuka laid out the plan: "Pyrex, you head to the other end of the camp around the outskirts, be swift and nab anything you can find and take easily. Luna, you and I will head towards the center of the group, they must have food stored there." Pyrex and Luna began to stride away and Darnuka turned towards Sola, "You stay back. Do not get us caught." he hissed as he shuffled towards Luna.
Sola, being new to the group of misfits was not surprised that she was not trusted by its leader. This did not bother her though, as she did not want to be a part of this lifestyle in the first place. As she began to let her mind wander, she heard a muffled cry through the silence of the night. As she turned, she saw the red coat of another feline. Silently, Sola pawed towards the obviously scared cheetah trapped in the iron-clad prison. "Hello?" She whispered timidly, "Are you okay?"
(OOC: Thanks for the advice =D)
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Post by Ruby_Fehu on Feb 23, 2014 23:37:27 GMT
(OOC: You're welcome ) Iris backed to the furthest corner of the cage and cowered from the female before her, "Don't hurt me, please." Iris whimpered, "I just want to get out of here. I want my mummy or my sister!" She began to sob quietly as she lay down and hid her face in her paws. "I'm frightened, will you help me?" Iris didn't know whether or not she could trust the cat before her but she didn't care, she just wanted to get out of her and run as far as she could. "Please help me." She begged. |
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Post by Hypercube on Feb 24, 2014 0:00:11 GMT
Sola watched the young being cower in her confinement and felt a as if she too was in a cage. She knew that if she were to give assistance to the helpless cat, Darnuka would surely have her head and most likely that of the child she was trying to help. If she didn't though, it was a great possibility that her coat would be hung from the wall in some diplomat's sitting room. After quickly surveying the area, Sola turned to the frightened feline and told her "Listen to me. I will help you out of here, but I need to know you will listen to me. There are other lions here, lions that could care less about you OR me." Sola gave a pause, noticing her voice had risen with her temper, "You need to stick near me, understood?" As she gave this offer, her mind instantly began to work out how the locking mechanism of the cage worked, and started to go to work on opening the device.
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Post by Ruby_Fehu on Feb 24, 2014 0:15:48 GMT
Iris hesitated before nodding slowly, "I'll stay close." She promised before creeping forward as the other cat began busying herself with the lock, "My name is Iris, I have a sister called Ruby. What's your name?" She asked quietly, watching her intently.
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Post by Hypercube on Feb 24, 2014 0:43:52 GMT
Sola, through the muffled grunting of her work, spoke to Iris "My name is Sola." She continued to fiddle with the lock, finally unlocking it successfully, and allowed the barred door to swing open. She took one final look around, spotting no one in black night, before stepping away from the threshold to the cage. Turning to Iris and looking her commandingly in the eye Sola spoke in a soft voice, "We need to be as quit as possible. We can't let them see us-" "Let who see you?" A voice sneered from the blanket of darkness that engulfed them. As two emerald green eyes made themselves clear, Luna stepped from the shadows, growling and baring her teeth. "Run!"
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Post by Ruby_Fehu on Feb 24, 2014 10:58:17 GMT
Iris panicked and froze on the spot staring up at the leopard, she wanted to run but her paws seemed glued to the ground. "Sola, I can't move!" She cried out in fear.
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Post by Hypercube on Feb 24, 2014 21:45:03 GMT
Sola's instincts took over her body as she quickly turned, picking up Iris by the neck with her teeth, the way she has seen mother lions carry their young. With the extra weight, it was difficult to run at full speed, but the adrenaline coursing through her body was enough to give her that increased energy. Sola, as fast as she was moving, could still hear the leopard's pounding paws lessening the distance. Her only opportunity for escape was to use her small stature to her advantage.
By dodging around many tight corners and through small crevices in the framework of the tent city, she managed to create enough distance between her and Luna to hide, using the darkness as a cover. Breathing heavily but shallowly, Iris now back on her feet, Sola whispered, "Listen. I know you're scared, but you need to be brave-" she silenced herself as Luna raced past them, failing to spot them in the shadow, "If not for me or you, than for your sister. We need to move and get out of here before that leopard lets the others know."
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Post by Ruby_Fehu on Feb 25, 2014 0:00:04 GMT
"I'm scared Sola." Iris whispered, her eyes round with fear, "Shall we go that way if we need to run away." She said pointing West from their position. "It's better than go back through there." She said wisely, gesturing to the tents with a flick of her tail. "I'm really tired though Sola." Iris continued, her eyes drooping. "How long do we have to run for?" She asked.
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Post by Hypercube on Feb 25, 2014 0:44:27 GMT
Sola looked at Iris, an expression of compassion in her face, "Not far Iris," she said with the coolness she always told lies with, "Not far." Sola peeked her head out of their hiding place, watching for any members of Mirage that may be searching for them. Just before she ducked back behind the tent that was their refuge, Sola saw not only Luna, but Darnuka and Pyrex round the corner. Only Pyrex came down their row of tents, while the others continued to unseen directions. As she returned to her position, she looked into Iris's round eyes, attempting to calm her. Leaning in closely, she told her "It's okay to be scared, but you need to believe in yourself. Stay close to me, and if anything happens, run to the West. If you can't run without being seen though, hide. I promise you I will come back, I will NOT leave you."
Hoping her pep-talk had strengthened the young cat, Sola carefully snuck into the open aisle, looking back to Iris, motioning for her to follow.
(OOC: If you want to move Sola around with Iris, that's fine with me since she's sort of leading at this point)
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Post by Ruby_Fehu on Feb 25, 2014 11:05:11 GMT
(OOC: I'll just do it briefly in this post ) Iris followed Sola obediently, watching the older cats ways of edging around areas and duck back if she heard anything that could signal potential danger. Eventually Iris ran through the last section after Sola and ran straight between her paws, nuzzling into them as she did. "Now can we find a cave?" She asked, stifling a yawn. |
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Post by Hypercube on Feb 25, 2014 13:54:42 GMT
Sola looked down to the feline she was now to care for, seeing the obvious fatigue in her body as she yawned largely. Sola was reluctant to stop moving so close to the encampment, but the moon had nearly fallen to its lowest place in the sky; if they did not find cover for the impending daylight, the rogues would surely be upon them in no time.
Closing her eyes as she troded along the dusty ground, Sola envisioned the area around her. She remembered the multiple caves back to the East, an obviously poor choice. She did however spot a small inlet within the rockface just to the Northwest of their current path. That sanctuary was their best, if not only option. "There's a cave not to far from here to the Northwest, we can rest there," she told the cub, forcing herself to hide the fear she held within herself.
Xoren awake just before the sun's light kissed the savanna horizon. Lying in the grass, he thought about the dreams he envisioned the previous night, those that were tormented with images of bring chased, hiding from death itself. He shook his head, hoping to dispel those thoughts, as he awaited Ruby to rise from her slumber.
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Also added Christmassy snow and banner :3
I'm currently getting some uni work done before heading to the post office. What's up with you?