Flower Picking

Flower Picking
Date of Scene:	16 November 2012
Location:	Golmore Jungle
Synopsis:	A rare item hunter is looking for a blossom from Gran Pulse's 'Blind Ochu' plant, supposedly now found in the Golmore Jungle. With a warning to watch out for the monsters found nearby called 'Picochus', some Shard Seekers and VALKYRI accompanied by two Archadian Judges, a Player, and a chainsaw-wielding winged matron head into the humid rainforest...
Cast of Characters:	Ivo Galvan, Reize Seatlan, Sarafina Carenze, Sassaral, Maira, Minerva, Cirra Constantine, Beat, Zargabaath

---

Ivo Galvan has posed:
The heat and humidity are as much a blanket as the thick canopy above is a shroud, shafts of light cutting through the mass of broad leaves and vines above as the air itself weighs down upon those who venture through the Golmore Jungle. The rainforest is vibrant with diverse forms of life, all the more so since the fusion of worlds has left displaced flora and fauna with nowhere else to dwell, and at times it's impossible to tell whether the strange plants and creatures which somehow exist side by side always did so or have simply been jumbled together.

To that which thrives here, the question is irrelevant, but to hunters and alchemists, the new vastness of the jungle has become a fabled treasure trove still yet to be fully explored. A seeker of rare items has heard tell of a so-called 'Blind Ochu' which now resides here and has offered an impressive reward for the distinct yellow flower atop its head to be plucked and brought to them. Supposedly, the Ochu need not be slain to accomplish this, but even unusual subspecies of Ochus -- if that /is/ what it is -- may be escorted by a vanguard of smaller monsters. Details are scarce, so not too many Clans have jumped at this offer despite the possible gain.

Of course, Ivo Galvan always has an ulterior motive.

"From what I've gathered," the knight-errant is saying, even as he wipes the sweat from his brow, hiking over tangled roots and thick underbrush, "the clearing up ahead in which this 'Blind Ochu' typically dwells is abundant with many rare plants and herbs. The fibrous leaves of the 'red toyon' are said to be highly fire-resistant." He looks over at Maira, smiling. "There may not be much of it, but that should be fine."

His smile turns slightly mysterious as he looks off into the brush.

"We won't need a lot of material in any case."

Rather than dwell on that, he looks over toward Reize, his smile broadening into a grin. "It's been a while since we were able to venture together, chief," he adds with a hint of mirth. "How's our heading? Are we on the right track?"

In fact, Ivo knows perfectly well where they're going, having studied the map very closely and possessing a compass of his own. But asking Reize directional questions never stops being entertaining.

Reize Seatlan has posed:
"Whew! I think we're making good heading. We are definitely on the right track!"

A grin.

"I can feel it."

Unfortunately, relying on Reize for directions is like relying on a blind bat to lead you out of the cave. It is something that is not pretty, painful, and will result in lots of bruises. Thankfully, Ivo had been leading the group onward. This helps for the times that the boy feels that he is in the right direction(but will lead them into peril).

The adventurous boy is wandering along the heat of the jungle, sweat perspiring along his face. The young teenager pulls his waterjug and uncorks it, taking a swig before wiping a brow. He is already feeling musty thanks to the humidity. Eeesh.

!

However, Reize is turning his head over towards the set of herbs and plants, "Oooh! Let me check over here! I think I may have found something!" He kneels along the field, already rummaging around. "We will find that plant in no time!" He muses, "It has honestly been a long time since I've done activities out in the forest."

Reize excels, believe it or not, within the forest. The young ranger feels more than not at home out in the forest, capable of tracking and discerning what is good and bad. However, this is a jungle, so the elements are a bit different. Hopefully, the environment should not be too different.

Sassaral has posed:
Time and care has seen to the full recovery of the little wolf who had been fished out of the Dalmascan sands. Sassaral hadn't much of an idea exactly how exhausted she had been, after doggedly wandering a fraction of this world. Portal-hopping, so to speak. But 'lo and behold, her 'dogged' stubborness had set her up to be quite a case upon her arrival into Fluorgis and into what had been days of rest. Of recuperation. And when she became brave and well enough, Sassaral had come to know this new corner of her world.

Fast-forward now to the girl actually tagging along to one such excursion as this. Outfitted in her typical preference of a loose 'bohemian'-style dress of taupe and forest green, with her shock of hair pulled up and coiled around her head beneath a bandana, Sassaral allows her golden gaze to rove in and around the surroundings as the group presses on. Like a good omega she is keeping to the back, and it is there that she can sample the scents of the jungle with the very same relish that a connoisseur might lend to food or wine.

Though on occasion, for all of the 'nice' scents, something causes the girl's pert nostrils to flare and the bridge of her nose to wrinkle. For the most part, this place is a /buffet/... and at the hem of the girl's dress, if one really squints, the tip of her tail may be seen wagging softly.

Maira has posed:
Luckily (for Ivo any way) Maira is pretty oblivious of his double meaning. She's simply happy that they are willing to help her get materials for some clothing she will not burn! These ulterior motives go un-sensed but the young mage, who walks beside Ivo with a pleased smile on her face as she scans the area, awed by the vast and dense jungle around her. "I've never seen a place like this before...its so lush!" she says, doing a happy little spin.

Zargabaath has posed:
Of all the least welcome people in the Golmore jungle, members of the Archadian military may be one of the highest on their list. They usually fly over the jungle and pay little heed to it because of the viera's legendary ability to defend it.

However, one person doesn't really care, and isn't here to invade, despite the multitude of small airships outside of the jungle.

Despite being in heavy armor, Judge Magister Zargabaath trudges his way through the jungle as well, however, he comes with very very scant others, since the jungle is so thick. Maybe a judge or two to join him, but otherwise, he has come alone. Mostly, to escort these people from Rabanastre into the jungle to meet this 'Blind Ochu' and get the herbs they needed. Why a Judge magister was on this particular mission, however, was a mystery.

Minerva has posed:
Maria is not alone Minerva is here and she's not sure at the monsters name so long as it's not a Marboro she'd not take a job for that. At least knowingly, if this turns into a plant tentacle monster fest there will be speaking with fists upon Ivo of a Master Asia level. She keeps up with Maria looking about "So lush, yet so humbid not a place fit for man to be lon term!"

Beat has posed:
Beat's role here is essentially as dumb muscle, and he's eager to prove his worth to Shiki's friends after yesterday's shocking incident. Who knew water and electricity didn't mix? It's like some kinda conspiracy, I tells ya!

This is, of course, all part of Beat self-imposed rehabilitation schedule. When he both became a Reaper and renounced that title in the space of a week he needed to prove to himself that he was, in a real way, still the person he was before the Reaper's game. Still Daisukenojo Bito.

"I a'int built to walk in the forest," he complains lightly, hopping once or twice to kick off some vines that had wrapped around his sneakers. "So we're looking for a plant, yeah? I thought we were just punching some jelly thing... is that not happening anymore?"

Beat groans, having just stepped in some deep mud. "...I could really do with punching something right now."

Sarafina Carenze has posed:
It's pretty darn hard to land an airship in a jungle even for Sarafina, so she has joined the expedition on foot. She is dubious at the idea of a Blind Ochu. Do Ochus even have eyes to begin with? She's pretty sure they're like 90 percent mouth, 9 percent tentacle, and 1 percent flower tutu.

Still, she suspects her chainsaw would work well against it just fine, if there happened to be one. And if it couldn't see, so much the better, though hopefully it's not like a blind ninja ochu because, what, would it have a black tutu??

"Maira. Sassaral. be cautious. Ochus are not to be taken lightly." She says. She's less worried about Reize since he seems specifically trained for this environment.

Cirra Constantine has posed:
The Judge Magister walks through the Jungle. Followed by .... a regular Judge!

Well 'regular' Judge in air quotes. Cirra Constantine trails behind Zargabaath by only a few paces, her own heavy armor doesn't seem to be bothing her in this heat and humidity very much, but she pauses to occasionally look around.

"I don't think we should put all our faith in that boy Reize. His sense of direction is..."

"...Woefully tragic."

Ivo Galvan has posed:
"Lush indeed," Ivo says mildly, the young swordsman's eyes on the twirling Maira as the corners of his lips quirk up in amusement. "Its vibrant beauty serves as a suitable backdrop for you." But he doesn't let his teasing go too far today; diverting banter is one thing, and distraction from the mission is another. Besides, Minerva is here, sticking close to Maira and maybe looking just a little suspicious. Has Avira been spreading bad rumors about him? "With your help, I'm sure we won't be here any longer than we have to be. Thanks for your help, Minerva." It's nice to be teamed up with members of VALKYRI this time.

Despite his playful tone, Ivo's gaze tends to calm rove about their surroundings, staying focused. Still, generally perceptive though he may, it's Reize who has experience with forests, and the boy is the first to spot some useful flora. "We must be close," the knight-errant remarks, placing a hand on his hip as he grins. "This is promising." His grin shifts to Sassaral. He's seen her about Shard Seekers HQ, one of their many errant guests, but while she was recovering from her injuries he never had much chance to converse with her. "I'm glad you could join us, Sassaral," he says. "Any friend of Reize's is a friend of mine. Smell anything interesting?" His eyes flicker to her wagging tail, which seems to delight him a little, if the sparkle in his eye is any indication.

Still, distracting though it is, it's hard to ignore the two armored judges crunching their way through the jungle. Even Sarafina's striking wings can't divert Ivo from what seems to him the sheer absurdity of the vision, for all Zargabaath's stoic solemnity. "No need for alarm, Judge Constantine," he says lightly. "Our last mission went well, yes?" Of course, Reize wasn't there. His gaze strays curiously to Zargabaath, who hasn't said much. "I see you've brought a friend this time." He doesn't quite understand what these judges are about; he doesn't want to get on their bad side, but he's too curious to not ask /any/ questions.

The trees are beginning to thin. The clearing should be just ahead, and though nothing yet can be seen or heard, Sassaral may begin to smell something /quite/ distinctive -- and not altogether pleasant.

Maira has posed:
Maira falls back to speak with Sarafina and Minerva, smiling and nodding at Saraf's warning. "I'll be careful! Do you know much about this monster? I don't suppose its ah....sensitive to fire?" she asks, hopeful, her amber eyes shining.

When she catches back up to Ivo, she is crashed into once more by his flattery, causing her to blush a deep red, while simutaneously causing the air around the knight-errant to become quite a bit colder with the ire of Uist's presence. Indeed, Ivo might find that very suddenly, he trips over seemingly nothing.

"Uist!" Maira hisses, scolding.

Grumbling, Maira crosses her arms and glares at her ghostly companion. "Scout ahead will you?" she asks him, then looks back to everyone there, showing a shy smile to any who happen to be looking at her funny as she talked to Mr. Invisible.

Sarafina Carenze has posed:
Sarafina doesn't recognize either of the Judges and elects to not say anything to them. They are clearly knights of some sort though in what capacity they act is uncertain. the term of 'Judge' is confusing. Judges generally are at home in the courthouse by her understanding, not the jungle, nor are they typically heavily armored.

She does say however, "We can handle ourselves. The question is merely a matter of how ... smooth the operation will be." She tells the Judge.

She is distracted from posturing for the moment however by Maira who asks a question. "Mm--I have heard that they are harbingers of disease and pestilence. That their breath alone can wipe out a regiment." She pauses for a moment, glancing over to Ivo who seems to be in charge of this expedition. "--As for its weaknesses I cannot say, but I would be careful with fire in a forest that we happen to be inhabiting. I can only carry one out of here."

The ghost again! Sarafina bites her tongue. She has learned there is a lot she doesn't understand and that speaking unneccessarily is just pure trouble. Did he just--no, Ivo must surely have just tripped. Unfortunately this sort of undercuts the image she was trying to project of the group being rather professional and not-insane.

She rubs her face with her hand in mild frustration.

On that front Beat isn't helping either, calling ochus jellies and whatever the hell. Who is this guy? Why is he wearing that funny hat? What's with his dialogue?? Sarafina is glad she has learned to only think of these things and not say them lest someone realize she is not as on top of matters as she'd really like to be. Image is part of being a commander.

Reize Seatlan has posed:
"It's good that you're finally able to join us, Sassaral!" He brightens to a grin, tilting his head over, "I am hoping that you stay with us!" The young man grins wider. He is in a cheerful mood.

Beat is addressed as well, "Hehehe! Don't worry, it takes some time to get used to! Shiki was not used to traveling herself! After a while, I am certain that you will get used to traveling!"

As the leader of the Shard Seekers, Reize has to act as such. "...I want to thank all of you for joining this expedition. I promise that this will be a great adventure for us all!" His antenna hair perks, Reize's eyes brighten as he finally sees what is likely the blind Ochu's yello flower. Reize is leaning his body very low...

Reaching for it...

... And then Cirra's comment.

Reize creens his head towards the judge, his eyes narrowed at her. "Ooooii! That's mean to say! My directions are not all bad! I do get us in the right direction at times! And I can track very well!" His cheeks puff up indignantly. This made him lose his train of thought.

Meanwile..

Through the field that Reize had been searching for, the blind ochu is waddling around. It gives off a low growl, its feelers peeling out for food.

One of the Picochu approach it. The dialogue exchanged is in subtitles.

Picochu: 'Grandpa! Grandpa! We caught dinner!'
Blind Ochu: 'Excellent! I'll join with the pack! Keep the good work! ...Do I go right or left, kiddo?'
Picochu: 'Ummm, the right, grand---'

Suddenly...

"Where was I---oh! FOUND IT!!!"

A hand grabs the Picochu.

The Picochu panics.

Reize lifts his hands into the air, giving a satisfied smile while holding his hands up high. He triumphantly holds up the Picochu.

"I found the Blind Ochu!"

Beam.

Meanwhile, the Picochu squeals. Subtitles:

'I NEED AN ADULTTTTTTT!!!!!'

Suddenly, behind Reize, many... many... oh god so many Picochus are popping up, glowering behind Reize and the gang.

Sarafina Carenze has posed:
Sarafina Carenze is quiet for a moment as Reize dooms the team again, but for Sarafina this is the first time being in a party with Reize.

"Nevermind." She tells the Judges. "We could use your assistance."

Sassaral has posed:
The werewolf would be hard-pressed to know what an 'Ochu' consists of. Which is the reason why Sassaral, who is not at all a cocky sort, does not shirk Sarafina's advice. Golden eyes will no doubt seek out the winged woman with a rather warm, knowing look as the girl bows her head once. "I will be careful, I promise." Pledges Sassaral in a sweet, sing-song timbre. And though she has been wrapped up in casing out the surroundings with her sniffer, Sassaral is not oblivious to those with whom she travels. Ivo and Reize are kept in sight almost always, as she girl has deigned the two as 'leaders' in this soiree.

Minerva and Maira, too, are met with curiousity. To have gone from solitude to this --- a crew of variable individuals -- has perhaps shocked the little wolf a bit. But like any pack animal, Sassaral falls into form with no complaint whatsoever.... deep instinct gives her a degree of contentment, even, to be part of a group. If she can be useful in any manner, it will liiiiikely be that fine-tuned sense of smell. Which, in fact, raises a yellow flag...

Something does smell pretty manky. Sassaral is so distracted by it that she very nearly misses Ivo's acknowledgement of her, but she quickly turns her head to look upon the knight-errant. Indeed she has seen him around and about during her recovery but, as it stands, boasts of little interaction. The sparkle in his eye -- the mirth at her invountary display of intrigue -- causes the girl to tilt her head in question. Her tail stills as she offers up her next tid-bit of information. "I'm pinpointing something... kinda foul, actually."

Turning again toward the sight of an emerging clearing, the werewolf tilts her chin up atop the slender talk of her neck and gives the air another deep whiff. Her lips pull back into a grimace, brow furrowing. "Like rot. Like..." It's so nasty that even Reize's spirited reception of her -- that which would make Sassaral glow with happiness -- is shoved aside. "Plant rot... its right ahead---"

.... well then. THAT... the Picochu squeals. The call has been made. Sassaral's lips move in a whispered oath.. no doubt some gruff werewolf curse that girls like herself should never utter. ~.~;

Zargabaath has posed:
Zargabaath looks towards Cirra as Ivomentions they've been on a mission before. It was an interesting look from her commander, even if they couldn't see his face. "This 'friend' is her superior. I am Judge Magister Zargabaath. It is customary to address us as 'your honor', Galvan." However, his helmeted head turns back towards Cirra. "Sometimes luck plays as much a key factor as skill, Judge Constantine." And then there was that girl who constantly talked to herself. How interesting that she always talked to this 'Vist' person, though he wasn't there.

Then Reize finds the Piochu and.....Zargabaath reaches for his sword. "Judge Constantine, I do believe we have a problem."

Minerva has posed:
Minerva could also be a distraction who knows however she makes no signs if Avira has said a thing about Ivo to her one way or the other. She smiles and says "It's not a problem. I needed to depart Tranverse town for a time and see some more of the worlds. Prehaps I'll find some part of my St. Ajora willing. We should be wary though." She pauses at the judge sizing the woman up after a moment she gets a bit of a nod as does the other. They were new to her at the very least or prehaps harked to some old legends from her world. Curious...

Cirra Constantine has posed:
Cirra starts to emit a deep sense that Ivo's made a faux pas in regards to her 'friend' and she straights up into a very formal stance. "This is His Honour Judge Magister Zargabaath, commander of Archadia's airship fleet."

She pauses, looking at Zargabaraath "It was coincidental Your Honuor. They were on the same objective I was already assigned."

Then Reize attracts every adult Picochu for a hundred meters.

"...I tried to warn you..." She steps forward with a grimace under her helmet as she reaches over her shoulder to draw out the scythe and holds it in both hands. "Don't...move..." she says to Reize.

Beat has posed:
You should also be glad Beat says only half of what he thinks, and thinks less than half of what could be said. He unsticks himself and continues on, catching up with Reize enough in fact to give him a hearty slap on the back. "S'alright. Don't worry about it yo - I've got your back, Reize!"

Whether or not being slapped on the back when you're attempting something delicate will be a hinderance or a help remains to be seen.

"I'm used to being told where to go," Beat admits, hand raising to the back of his head in embarrassment. "Shibuya was also a kinda easy city to navigate... getting lost in the forest's cool though. Don't think I've ever been in one this big before," he glances down at his mud-soaked sneaker. "...that a'int a bad thing though I guess."

All of a sudden the group get surrounded by Picohu. Beat goes pale, eyes flashing to Reize in a half-accusatory way. "Well," he says slowly. "I guess I spoke too soon, huh?"

Ivo Galvan has posed:
Ivo appears nonchalant about his supposed faux pas, if not blithe. This Judge Magister character seems like a tough one to get talking, and more importantly, crossing the line just a little struck him as the best way to get a read on him. As it turns out, Zargabaath, while far from easygoing, does not seem like such a bad sort. Now, time to heal the rift with a witty comment. Go, Galvan cleverness! "Does that--"

His sentence is promptly cut off by a face full of dirt.

Managing to both hide his bewilderment -- what the hell did he just trip on? he was watching out for roots -- and somewhat preposterously keeping an even expression even as he gets up, brushing leaves out of his hair. "Pardon me, Your Honor," is all he says, staring straight ahead, not making eye contact with anyone. "I was unaware."

Brilliant as always.

Ivo's only consolation is that his best buddy almost immediately outdoes him in epic fail, the knight-errant watching on bemusedly as Reize activates the, uh, alarm system just as Sassaral's about to warn them about upcoming danger. "I don't think that's it, Reize," Ivo says pointlessly, his tone deliberately much too calm for the situation, even as the Picochu wails incessantly. "The Ochu is said to be... quite... large..."

The growing mass of Picochus is bad enough. What crashes through the trees is worse: an enormous Ochu, its crowning yellow flower huge and heavy, having grown long without wilting, fading, or being plucked. The many vines trailing from it whip through the air, rending the surrounding plant life asunder, and its vast maw widens and chomps at nothing. Emitting an ear-piercing shriek, it charges forward--

*CRASH*

--past the party and into a tree.

An Ochu possesses a row of small eyes above its far more noticable jaws and beneath its flower. All of this ancient Ochu's eyes are a milky white, some of them hidden by an old scar. It seems that this 'Blind Ochu' is, indeed, just a very old Ochu. But that sure is a big flower.

The Picochus pause, and begin emitting helpful peeps, until the Ochu has rotated properly and is now facing the correct direction, toward the party, whereupon it shrieks again. Take two.

"Those petals must be heavy for you," Ivo remarks idly as he draws Hauteclare, though his eyes are sharper than his tone would suggest. "Why don't we relieve you of your burden? Everyone, we'd better spread out. As Sarafina said, the Ochu can--"

Amidst a cacophonous chorus of supportive peeps from the Picochus, the Ochu promptly belches hugely, a horrible pungent smog emerging from its maw -- in the correct direction.

Maira has posed:
Perhaps on some level Maira is aware that any attempts to remain professional and at least give the appearance of competence are in vain. Thus, she is never disappointed when they fail! Defense mechanism, right? After all, Maira has been known for chaos and collateral damage. She's none to judge.

When they stumble like bumbling idiots, alerting all the creatures to their presence, Maira just sighs a little. "Oh dear..." she begins, her materia beginning to glow.

When the Ochu appears however, Maira's eye fly open in shock. That is by far the most terrifying monster she has ever seen! Teeth and vines and-and-and-and.....Awwwww the poor thing really is blind! "The poor thing! Do we have to kill it? That seems--" she is cut off when the thing belches horribly, spewing noxious gas. Maira quickly begins to cast some protective spells as she pulls her shirt up to cover her nose and mouth. Her incantations are muffled, but no less effective as a circle of fire erupts around her and Sarafina, who is generally there and willing to put herself in harm's way for Maira's sake, and Minerva who is also a member of VALKYRI.

Reize Seatlan has posed:
Blink.

"What is wrong, everyone?" Reize is unaware of the course of the situation. Considering that he feels that he is succesful, well... Tht incessant wailing does get him to look up.

"Eh?! I could had sworn I saw it a moment ag--..."

And that is when the enormous Ochu shows up. He blinks several times, looking rather confused and just dumbfounded. "I could had sworn I saw that thing a moment ago."

And the picochu, badtouched by Reize, finally leans out of its grip and...

*CHOMP!*
r It bites onto his ahoge.

"ARGHGETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFF!" Reize is flailing around like mad.

The horrid smell of its belch has Reize collapse on his back, "GACK!" He twists around and he collapses with a thud.
Wincing, Reize, still having the creature gnaw at him... He shouts, "Everyone, we can do this!" He fist pumps.

Of course, Reize's cheerful energy tends to bleed off on others....

Zargabaath has posed:
And trouble they have.

Zargabaath makes a bit of a face (not that anyone can see it) at the larger ochu as it comes barreling towards the group. And when it tries to 'gas' them with it's bad breath, Zargabaath wades his way through it, taking it on the chin, metaphorically, and slashing it to open a rather nasty and festering wound. "Judge COnstantine! Bring this larger fiend down with all of your strength! We can't allow the little ones to rally around this one!"

Sassaral has posed:
No tangible weaponry here, save for that which lingers deeper in her own soul. The pocket-mirror rests warmly against her thigh but Sassaral is, for a moment, at a loss. Not Good, Not Good. The people here are still too unfamiliar to Sassaral for her to unleash that other side... that, and she does not wish to unleash her inner wolf's favored campaign of 'smash smash SMASH' while the clearing is rife with beasts.

Then, all hell really does break loose. Big ol' Papa Ochu is mobilizing in a charge----*WHAM* .. okay, into a tree. That's well, that's /good/. Sassaral breaks out of her reverie and, despite being /more/ than a little aware of the stench she knows that she must act. The stink only increases.. intensifies---

Granted, the little wolf knows naught of Bad Breath and what it entails, but judging by how that funk seems to increase... Ochu is building up to something.

And /how/. What a grotesque smog! The little werewolf is mercifully out of range of /that/ mess but she is meanwhile in proximity to the Picochu and the boy adventurer who triggered their wrath! Without thinking, Sassaral draws on her desperation and with a trilling cry, casts forth the spell that comes immediately to mind..! By way of her will, she attempts to toss forth one enchantment in particular.. to shore up her allies!

Minerva has posed:
Minerva is a bit suprised at the monster it's a bit like one from her world but well? It could be worse right? the breatch however? Well ya she's just over there away from the group as it starts to spray it's breath all over them. Ivo's warning came just in time for them. She does however seem to be eyeing the flower they didn't need to kill this thing but it could be worse she launches herself at teh best and yes she's going to start punching the darn thing a lot!

Beat has posed:
"Aha!" Beat exclaims, finally finding himself on familiar ground. Wandering over a forest? Boring, but tolerable. A whole bunch of weird, vaguely malevolent critters out for blood? A bigger one that sorely needs to be punched in the face? Now we're talking! Beat fumbles in his pocket for his Player Pin for a few moments while the egregious stink passes over the group, which causes him to drop to a knee.

"Ugh!" says Beat, covering his nose with the crook of his other arm while still fumbling for the right pin. "Who was tha-- oh, the big thing. I thought it was a jelly?"

Finally pulling out the right pin he starts to take evasive action early while spying out somebody to make a pact with. "Alright guys, I'm guessing Shiki's told you the drill. Somebody want to make a Pact with me?"

Sarafina Carenze has posed:
Sarafina takes another moment, as noxious gas is spewed into her face, to consider how far she has fallen in life. Maira is so nice she even thinks of the poor family of ochus. Sarafina does not. Instead, as Maira empowers her defenses, Sarafina grits her teeth and draws up her chainsaw.

"A pact?" Sarafina is distracted by Beat. "...If it will help, certainly, for now. Tell me what I have to do, and I will try to assist you." He is also a kid who seems to need some parental guidance. Sarafina doesn't fret it much--but she dashes forward, with the jetpack, lashing out at ochus with aerial strikes!

Cirra Constantine has posed:
The giant Blind Ochu comes charging through the clearing "Wha-" Cirra's head snaps around to look at the behemoth and then steps back as it charges through, slamming into a tree. "It really is blind-" the belch gags the Judge through the armor and she stumbles backwards a second while she searches for fresh air to breath, uhg terrible.

Then Zargabaath commands her. "Yes, your honour!" Cirra takes off at a run, circling sideays around the monster, dodging around the smaller creatures and jumps. She slams hte butt of her scythe at the Ochu and uses it as hte pivot point to jump higher where she slices quickly across it's side and follows through by spinning the scythe overhead and dropping down to try and drag it with her.

Beat has posed:
Beat skids over to Sarafina, creating a little calm in the unfolding chaos to provide some condensed exposition. "So okay -- I need to form a pact with somebody to use my psyches, and YOU are the lucky person apparently!" he holds up the Player Pin, a black pin with an ornate white symbol on it. "Just tough this and stay close please! I /knew/ if I hung around with you guys I'd get a chance to hit something - today seems to be my lucky day!"

Sarafina Carenze has posed:
Sarafina Carenze pauses as she is frozen into expositionspace. It is clear from her expression that while the gist sunk in, the details totally flew right past her. "So you are saying you require me to touch this in order to use your true power?" Seems harmless enough. "But does that device you are utilizing really provide the maneuverability neccessary in a situation like this? It seems sturdy enough for a board with wheels--I take it you are a budding machinist of some sort?--But I am worried one tentacle may knock you out of the air, but even so I must admire the simplicity of the design, over redundancy in a machine usually causes problems inthe heat of battle...Even so, I must admit I am baffled at how easily you seem to ride it." She pauses. "Oh, right, yes--the pin."

touchu.

Ivo Galvan has posed:
"We don't need to kill it," Ivo calls to Maira from behind the trunk of a thick tree, shielding him from the Ochu's noxious smog. It's true: the monster may be huge and terrifying, but its age and awkwardness are somehow, bizarrely, rather endearing. "We just need that flower!"

And to not get killed ourselves, he doesn't bother to add.

Under usual circumstances, battle finds Ivo calm, highly focused, and -- in contrast to his usual persona -- sometimes grimly serious, even when provoking his foes. But Reize's infectious enthusiasm, unabated despite the state of ruin he's put their plans in, soon results in a grin from the blue-cloaked knight-errant, shifting his grip on his sword. "I've got your back, Fearless Leader," he replies. "Keep up the pressure on the big guy, okay? I'll see if shaking up the little guys throws off these 'directions' they seem to be giving."

As the Judges rush in, showing the rabble just how professionals do it, Ivo blinks as he feels a wave of empowerment wash over him, causing him to glance over to Sassaral and offer her a casual salute, grin broadening again. "Thanks, Sass." Did he just give her a nickname? "You're a sweetheart." Maybe if he compliments her, her tail will wag more. He can't get enough of that.

Whereupon he swordsman plunges into the fray, dancing amidst the jungle greenery with blade flashing, weaving his way through a mass of Picochus. "Hey, come on!" he exclaims. "Better save yourself before helping your big friend!"

Meanwhile, the Blind Ochu is gnashing its teeth, lashing about heedlessly with its vines. While it clearly cannot see and has difficult navigating unmoving objects when in a rush, it appears sensitive to motion, even vibration through the air, feelers on its vines quivering in response. It's thus able to repel Sarafina's strikes, driving her away with vines upon vines, and is able to brace its huge body against Cirra's attempt to drag it about, though her scythe tears at its body and Minerva's swift punches smash against it.

"Guuuooohhhhhh~!"

It may be old, but it's got some fight in it. Vines lash out every which way, attempting to seize as many of the surrounding party members as possible. Its range and swiftness may be surprising. It seems rather hapless the way it flails about, but as it does so, drawing attention to itself, it is sneaking its longer vines about the perimeter, some of which it will employ in attempting to bind the heroes. Those who are ensnared may be hefted off the ground and squeezed with crushing force for their troubles!

Beat has posed:
Beat looks at Sarafina.
Sarafina looks back.

You probably lost him at the word 'machinist'.

"You're talking about my skateboard?" Beat asks blankly, withdrawing it from the strap on his back where it was all along. ALL ALONG. He glances at it then sidelong at Sarafina again, shaking his head. "Yeah, anyway, just touch the pin to forge the pact," he repeats with an odd sort of look on his face. A white light spreads from the pin and over the pair for an overlong moment before resolving. He breathes, energy thrumming from him in a semitransparent prismatic glow. "Ah! Now -- let's too this, huh?"

Dashing forwards, skateboard in hand, Beat taps his Respect pin to activate the Shockwave psych. His skateboard is now a deadly weapon, which he uses to smash, hop and leap from the tiny PicoChus one by one to slap them back into the dirt. "I," Thwack! "Seriously," Bop! "Missed," Slam! "This!" CRUNCH!

Sarafina Carenze has posed:
"Skateboard..." Sarafina murmurs. "Fascinating..."

And quite potent by appearances. It's only missing one thing, Sarafina realizes.

Rockets. And she already knows a test pilot! :D :D :D :D

Maira has posed:
Maira most certainly does not know the drill, or anything about Beat for that matter, so when he says something about a pact she gives him an appropriate confused look.

Unsurprisingly, no one seems to respond to her question on if they really have to kill it because they are too busy /trying to kill it/.

Except Ivo. Ivo noticed! Maira looks over toward him and shines her brightest smile, nodding. "Okay, I'll try to get the flower!" she says, then begins to walk toward the Ochu.

"Hey there..." she starts to coo. "We really need that flower there you have. We'd leave you all alone if you would kindly considering making it a gift to us..." she says, soothing and nice, her voice taking on a somewhat musical quality that always seems to calm animals.

Fail.

"EEEEEEEEEEE!!!" Maira shrieks then as the vine/tentacles reach out and grap her, constricting and flinging her willy nilly through the air like some kind of amusement park ride.

Really, if not for being in fear for her life, she might just enjoy this!

Being flung around like a ragdoll is pretty distracting, but Maira manages to cast a spell anyway, via Uist. Such a useful ghost!

Minerva and Sass (who got hit quite hard, it registers to Maira) receive a little bit of help via a cold, ghostly touch that seems to provide both healing and a bit of protection.

Sassaral has posed:
That done, the girl dances back a step or two and observes the chaos. The Ochu; the Picochus.... cases out the field, basically. Enough people may choose to take on the big ol' Ochu.. it is in her intention to whittle away at the smaller threats that see fit to cause a ruckus. That, and they prove to be the most immediate threat to Reize who, many days prior, saved Sassaral from harm! The girl is about to launch into further action until----huurk!

Her small form is immediately ensnared by all manner of vines as they shoot forth to wrangle opponents!

How could she have been so.... so oblivious?!

The girl feels a couple of vines wrapping around her midsection and before she can lurch forth to escape, the pressure increases immediately and Sassaral is suddenly aware of her body bearing an incredible force. "H--hng..!" Sassaral exhales abruptly, the air forced from her lungs.

To make matters worse, she feels the soles of her feet leave the earth. One sandal falls, and then the other.. but the pressure is not so intense so as to hinder Sassaral's voice (ie. Silence). Pain does many things to a werewolf.. and adrenaline fuels the girl's next attack. With a cry she thrashes backwards against the vines, her pain fuelling her efforts. White-hot light erupts within the confines of the tightly-bound vines..

Zargabaath has posed:
Thankfully Zargabaath had his sword out. The vines grab him, but good and squeeze quite hard. Despite all of this, Zargabaath still has his sword free. He uses his sword to try and hack his way out of the vines and set himself free. Chop chop

Minerva has posed:
It might not be the same beast she'd fear but it's disturbingly like the creatures she knows of. Then comes the tentacles, then comes the damn tentaclers she's not happy she's not happy at all. They start to grab Minerva pulling her off the ground, she lts out a shout as it's starting to crush her and she's attemping to break free. This might take her some time to do this.

"FOUL BEAST YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS OUT RAGE!" Oh god it's so tight it's crushing her and she's trying to well get free. Maria had been of help at least with some magical protection and now some physical protection for herself She struggles to break free and when she finally does she's leaping at the beast her fists now on fire! No she's not happy at all!

Reize Seatlan has posed:
Reize is gagging, coughing, choking, and tears. God, that is a pain. However, through Sassaral's cry, the spell gives the young adventurer a rejuvinating spiritual energ. Reize can feel his body becoming quicker. The boy charges straight towards hte large Ochu under Ivo's instructions, "Gotcha, Ivo!"

Wait, vines trying to ensnare his friends?! And Sassaral?! No one ensnares one of his love interests--errr friends and gets away with it!"Oi!"

As the vines are moving towards his friends, Reize charges straight into the fray, springing up while bringing his boomerang out. "Hyaaa!" Reize lunges forward to grab towards one of its vines as they seek to seize his friends.

"Hyaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!" Reize charges forward with both heels striking at the Ochu, then he springs forth to spin around with three mid-air spinning kicks at the creature's face.

Meanwhile...

The Picochu are assaulted by the aerial strikes from Sarafina as she lashes at them. The little critters release cry of pain as they fly about. Further complicating the matter is Beat wailing at them. As he essentially leap from one to the other, they all bat against the groun. And then Ivo gets their attention as he hacks against them.

Bad move, Ivo.

Beat, Sarafina, and Ivo get this from the critters: >:(

And they all charge, moving like a tidal wave as they seek to bite and otherwise harm the group.

Cirra Constantine has posed:
Cirra lands her blow, but the Ochu remains standing, "Tch." just as she alights on the ground, one of the viens grabs her by the ankle and lifts her up, flipping her upside down. Damn, why does her armor have to include a miniskirt? "Hgh!" she grunts and slashes the vines that come into squeeze her, cutting them back for a moment until one gets through and socks her right in the stomach.

Thats about when Cirra has enough. She swings forward hard enough that the vine has no choice but to permit her o get above it and jabs the spear point of her scythe down, forcing it to release her.

The Judge then runs down the entire length of the wine, spinning the scythe in one hand to slash the offending tendril as she runs.

Beat has posed:
There are few situations where the difference between victory and defeat lies with your skills as a skater, and fewer still where you can look like an awesome badass doing it. Beat has seen such an opening now and makes every effort to take advantage of it.

Literally surfing on the wave of critters surging towards the group, Beat effortlessly avoids their counterattack and flips over when he finds himself in the middle of the throng. Placing his hand on one he pushes himself high into the air and, just as he's perfectly silhouetted by the sun, begins to descend. Activating his Cosmic Pull pins, Beat spirals through the air and begins to fall just as meteorites fizzle into existence from all around Beat and rain down on their opponents.

"Booyeah!"

Ivo Galvan has posed:
With roars of agony and fury, the Blind Ochu begins to retreat slowly toward the verdant clearing behind it, shaking those it has ensnared about through the air if they cannot break free through their own power, but at last releasing them through the combined brunt of everyone's assaults. It withdraws its vines to shield itself as strikes hammer home from all directions. For a moment, it seems as though the great beast may freeze in place, and offer an opportunity to grab its flower--

"Gwwooooooaahhhh~~!"

But not so much.

Maddened with rage and, frankly, rather frustrated that it can't fight as it used to -- why, back in the old days, when it still had its sight, parties of nine or ten adventurers were nothing to the dashing Ochu King -- it unleashes its ultimate technique.

*BRAAAAAAAP*

Deep within its bowels, these noxious fumes have been churning, possibly for decades. The breath that washes through the area would be enough to cripple a normal mortal. It is a truly brutal stench. And maybe it will keep the heroes off its vegetative back for a little bit... long enough for the great monster to retaliate against its reeling foes.

For Ivo's part, he's just satisfied that the Picochus seem to be ganging up on him and some of his nearby allies, allowing his teammates to focus their attacks on the big boss. That satisfaction is denting somewhat when the Picochus begin to pile in, but he slashes out with the quick-draw Raiya-sensei has been refining with him, knocking several of the monsters back, and with a flash of light detaches Hauteclare's blade from its hilt, sending the floating sword whirling up and down, attempting to harry as many of the little creatures as possible, sweat beading on his brow as much from effort as from the heat.

"Damn...! Maira, Sassaral, you two alright...!?"

He'd love to look cool and catch Maira as she falls again, as the retreating Ochu releases her, but now isn't really the time. ...Shucks.

Minerva has posed:
Minerva is just beating the heck out of the beast that tentacled her but it doesn't catch fire. Nothing she can do about that however she's not not quick enough to pull back even with the horrible beast coming at her. The breath the nightmarish old breath, older than Minerva herself it strieks her world becomes a terrible acid trip, her body is in agony her spirit is unbalanced and she attempts to purge her self of the infulence before she fully loses it. Also the nagging fear of creatures very much like it and what they can do to their victems...

Reize Seatlan has posed:
Reize is swinging over along the vines that the large creature has. Why? Well, he is about to reach over..

/_\: Rescue Teammate

Reize is swinging off to grab off towards the currently squeezed Sassaral.

 !!!

His eyes widen as he rolls over while keeping her in his arms. "Whooaaa!" They roll through the marshes and....

Sassaral has fallen on top of Reize.

Awkward silence.

Not good! Not good!

The old age Ochu is not doing so well. This is where all of the Picochu turn to see the condition and their eyes widen.

They all cry and peep.

Subtitle: 'GRANDPAPA! WE WILL NOT FAIL YOU!!'
Subtitle: 'WE BELIEVE IN YOU, PAPA!'
Subtitle: 'TAKE DOWN THE TALL DEVILS!'

In their resolve, they seek to fight back against the tall devils. As Beat brings down the meteorites, all of the creatures charge past the meteors, explosions rupturing the earth around them. It looks like a war zone as they trudge through the explosions, making their way towards their grandfather.

And then....

Ivo happens.

The little creatures are harried, hacked, and slashed as the detatched blade of Hauteclare tears against them. However, many manage to tear through the battlefield to get to the wounded Ochu.

All of them gather together and they let their powers combine. They used the most powerful element known to man.

Heart.

Oh, and Curaga. Lots of deicious healing energy of curaga. That essence trinkles down along their massive grandpa.

Sarafina Carenze has posed:
A swarm of adorable mini ochus swar for Sarafina. Unperturbe, she clenches her fist and swwwiings it back and thne just ploughs through them with her fist, flying on through. This sends her flying through the ultimate horrible barf breath ever devised! It's truly, truly the worst.

Sarafina slides down her visorplate, the flame burning odour around her, which probably only makes things worse.

It's times like these that she thinks back to when she was a member of Baron's military, a commanding officer even. They had a slogan for situations like this.

'It's time to make some orphans!' She recalls. Come to think of it, maybe that was one of the signs that maybe sticking with Baron wasn't the greatest of ideas, but she finds the wording apt in this instance.
She launches herself for poor old Grampa Ochu, using her jetpack to propel herself in the area before she attempts to, quite troublingly, cleave through tentacles, cut through planty flesh, an otherwise be quite abusive with her chainsaw on the elderly.

"This is how we do it in the Baron Engineering Corps!" She shouts.

She kicks the light puck back to Beat.

Zargabaath has posed:
Zargabaath is so going to need a filter in his helmet.

Ugh.

To say Zargabaath has a bad breath problem right now is a serious understatement. However, what the big ochu might not realize is that Zargabaath thrives on getting hit....by any attack. His sword glows white and he directs a strong slash to the larger ochu's body. This may hurt.

Maira has posed:
Just as Maira was starting to giggle at being flung about, she is tossed from the tentacle-vine's grip high into the air. Weeee! Flying!

NUUU FALLING!

Indeed, Maira is pretty sure everyone is too busy to go about trying to catch her sorry ass, so it is time for a plan of her own. Aeroa! Quickly Maira casts, thanking god she had the sense to pick up an air materia.

Just before she hits the ground, a burst of air comes to cradle her........

And blast her right up into the sky again, further than before. "DAAAAAAMN IIIIIIIIIT!" she screams, her voice becoming further away. Obviously, she can't answer Ivo's now incredibly stupid question.

"Oh for the love of--" Uist curses, not that there were any around to hear it. He needs to do something! Maira will fall to her death! Or Ivo will rescue her again! Those are almost equally bad things!

Several rounds later, Maira begins to fall once more.

But there, in the air, there is....something. Like a cloud of smoke and ember a winged form appears flying upward toward Maira as she falls, grabbing onto her to slow her descent before once more dissolving.

Maira, now pissed, stands up and ignites. This is not a metaphor. The girl becomes a human torch as she turns her eyes toward the big Ochu, now being cured. WELL NOW. "HEY! I ASKED NICELY! NOW I'M GONNA ASK....LESS NICE!" she yells, then leans forward and breaths a poisonous flame. HAH! Eat THAT!

Then she begins an incantation and the earth beneath the Ochu and the little ones begins to shake violently.

Cirra Constantine has posed:
Cirra is getting a sense of when and how the Ochu attacks, when it pauses and rumbles, Cirra leaps sideways off the vine and into a jungle tree, leaping from branch to branch as the mass of gas goes past her. "You're flailing against the inevitable!" She shouts at the Ochu and leaps off hte branch, angling her descent right infront of hte blind monster.

Cirra brings the Scythe down like a guillotine, aiming to sever vines and tendrils as she lands from hte 20 foot drop and immediatly goes into a spin, holding the scyth up to slice through the air as she fights like a mad ballarina trying to dig out the center of the monster.

Slaming her foot down she coems to a sudden stop and hodsl the scythe out with both hands, and swings it as hard as she can through the creature's leg in one powerfull stroke.

Beat has posed:
Beat lands to find... nothing has happened! Awesome! He really needs to work on his aim when indiscriminately dropping meteors on people. He kicks his skateboard up and groans loudly. "Oh great," he grumbles. "If they just keep healing each other that a'int good, is it?"

Charging up his psyches again, Beat aims some explosive charges over at the critters to disperse and distract them long enough to stop healing the bigger one. He throws Sarafina a thumbs up as the light puck sails his way too, since these things can only help.

Ivo Galvan has posed:
Alas, Grampa Ochu.

Though revived by its faithful Picochus, or at those of them which remain, Maira rains fire from above and causes the Blind Ochu to flinch back in pain and confusion, giving Sarafina just the opportunity she needs to dart in and tear away, severed vines falling all about it as it recoils. Huddling down, attempting to form a bulwark to protect its beloved grandchildren (?), the great and aged monster stumbles, weakened, struggling to retain its defenses.

"Gwwaaahhh~!"

But the magnificent combined assault of the two Judges is too much. Cirra descends with a savage cleave just as Zargabaath cuts upward with a glowing blade, and time seems to freeze briefly as the huge beast stops, paralyzed between the opposite forces of each slash, before toppling to the side with a resounding crash, shaking the trees about them, leaves falling in an earthy downpour.

The Ochu being blind does not seem to prevent it from having squiggly circles for eyes. @_@ While it still appears to be alive, it is stunned and unconscious, and incapable of fighting back. Now may be the time to seize its flower, if there's going to be any chance at all -- and if the Pirochus will allow it.

"Reize, or someone, get that flower, won't you?" Ivo shouts, even as he kicks one of the massing Pirochus away. "Don't forget about me, now!" he then quips at his little adversaries, Hauteclare's blade still dancing. "The sooner we get away from the big one, the sooner they'll leave us be!"

Shucks, and he needs to find that red toyon, too. After all, Maira's clothes are burning off as we speak. Th-- wait, what? "Maira," Ivo then manages, shooting glances over to the lady mage, "are you... are you alright like that?" He's just concerned. That's why he keeps looking over.

I mean, who knows what might happen.

Reize Seatlan has posed:
There is a cry. The poisonous flames erupt along the Picochu. While they are resistant, they are not immune. Their cries send all of themsliding back and then the roearing earth bring them down to their knees.

But then...

One can see the collective faces of all of the ochus turn to see their grandpa, the elder Ochu, struck by the sheer power of the Judges.

In slow motion, the collective picochu squeal.

Subtitle: 'Grandpa! Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!'

In that slow motion, the blind Ochu topples. A somber song plays, the violin gives that slow, slow tune of dispair. And it crashes...

Subtitle: 'GRRRAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNDDDDDDPPPPPAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!'

Wait. Why are all of the Picochu glowing with that ominous energy?


Reize, slowly getting up, realizes the mess that is going on. He settles Sassaral against the tree, making sure that she is alright. Then, he breaks away from the Picochu. "I better do so!"

Reize is running towards the large Ochu while he picochu are busy with the others. He is leaping up into the air.

"BEAT! SARAFINA! Gimmie a lift!"

Reize is running towards Beat, he is going to need a lift to get a good spring towards the fallen body. Otherwise, those picochu will tear him a new one.



Speaking of which...

In their indignant cries, the picochu wail and they charge. They become a storm as they tear through the path to reach their grandpa's 'killers'. As the explosive charge gives off, they race through, with full determination, to charge to the judges.

BOOM!

Beat's explosion is avoided as the picochus roll and 'low crawl' out of the blast site.

Hauteclare hacks and slashes along the smaller ochu gang. Many of tem are sliced and repelled. However, one of the brave Picochu charges towards Ivo, springing up towards him, "RAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWRRRRR!!!!"

And the others are all charging towards the Judges, seeking to drown them in the barrage of their assault. Biting, kicking, headbutting. Especially the brave Spartan-like picochu.

Maira has posed:
Panting, Maira watches as the old Ochu falls, unconscious but not dead. Well, that's good! That flower is ripe for the picking!
.
SHUT UP IVO

Maira begins to scramble toward the Ochu to try to get that flower. Reize is also heading toward it, and Maira knows he has a much better chance of actually reaching it than she does. Alright, yeah, how about she just helps out the Judges who are quickly being swarmed...

Minerva has posed:
It they are there for the flower it's time to get it and flee this tentacled infested place. Minerva may have nightmares for years about this place. She has to agree with Ivo's comments. "We need to bring this to a close and depart before anymore of the beasts show up! There's still one left. She's also concerned for Maria's modestly to some degree her hand starts to glow quite brightly with holy magic? Wait what's this monk doing? She just throwe herself at the last beast and attemps to grab hold of it sending said energy violently into it's body!

Zargabaath has posed:
Zargabaath is bowled over by a few of the Picochus. However, He takes it stoically and quietly stands. However, a few of them are a bit too close for comfort....and a couple of slashes from his sword will go out to meet with them....and they will probably hurt.

Sarafina Carenze has posed:
Sarafina Carenze lands near Ivo after her assault, landing near Ivo for a moment to avoid the rocket from overheating, just a few seconds oughta do it. "Sir--" She pauses, and then notices that Ivo isn't really paying attention and is instead looking over to--

Sarafina gasps! everybody wth a proper mother has heard a gasp just like this before. "Maira!" She says, scandalized, then looks back to Ivo who is staring and--

"Ivo!" She says, her eyes narrowing. "I'm surprised in you!" And she consequentially abandons him to getting swarmed by Pikochus.

Instead she is called over by Reize, whom she is also tempted to abandon but getting that flower means they can make like a tree and leaf sooner rather than later.

She blasts by Reize, grabbing him by the scruff of the neck and pulling him into the air with her. She is cogent enough to not accidentally swing Reize into the flames, instead dangling him underneath the rocket as she passes by the flower, likely intending for him to catch it as they pass by rather than dropping him down on the flower so that he can be TOTALLY DESTROYED.
5rWhich wouldn't be nice of Sarafina to do. So it's really more a flyby than a drop off.

Cirra Constantine has posed:
Cirra helps bring down the Ochu with Zargabaath, knocking hte monster silly. "Target down..." She turns on the Picochus just as one slams into her face, "Nnf!" she shakes her head, sending the little creature flying, and jumps to the side evading the rest of their attack. "Your Honour!" she see Zar nearly swarmed and holds out a hand, palm upwards as she chants arcane words under her breath. Fields of force gathering around hte Judge MAgister

Ivo Galvan has posed:
Ivo briefly pauses in his careful assessment of Maira's condition -- I mean, what if she starts getting burned? who knows, right? right -- to glance over at Sarafina as she lands next to him. Whereupon he blinks at the chainsaw-wielding winged matron, seemingly startled.

"You're /surprised/ at me?" he replies, sounding equally surprised.

But when she takes off, he smiles slightly. Good; it seems as though Reize and Sarafina have the flower situation handled. Now he'd better make sure these Picochus don't-- whoa, the flames are just /barely/ covering Maira now. He can almost see her--

'RAAAAAAAAWWWRR!!!'

"Hm?"

Ivo turns his head just in time for the Picochu to smash broad forehead-first directly into his face, sending the young swordsman sprawling. Grunting, he throws the little creature off bodily, lurching back to his feet, slightly dazed, a little blood trickling from his nose. "...Just as anticipated," he says, to no one in particular, before kicking the spartan Picochu away, slashing out at it, and turning to see Zargabaath knocked over by a little horde of the remaining foes. "Your Honor!" he almost choruses with Cirra. Looks like the erstwhile aristocrat can take some things seriously after all, as he launches Hauteclare's blade at those little monsters which still dare pester him.

That done, Ivo, holding only his hilt for now, can heave a sigh, wiping the sweat from his brow, and step forward-- only to hear a little click as Reize's abandoned water jug rolls slightly by his foot. Ivo glances down. Ivo pauses.

Ivo thinks very carefully for a few moments.

Whereupon his serious, thoughtful expression vanishes, abruptly and improbably (if anyone were watching to see) replaced with a look of great alarm as he seizes the water jug. "Maira!" he calls to the young woman still wreathed in flame. "Are you alright!? You're burning!" And he rushes over, unstoppering the jug--

"Here!"

And douses her body with the remainder of its contents, before stopping, putting a hand on his hip, and smiling slightly with the satisfaction of a job well done. "There," he remarks. "Now you're fine."

Yeah she is.

Reize Seatlan has posed:
What?! Abandon the Fearless Leader?! The one who is the good natured one? Sure, he almost got everyone killed and is likely the one responsible for all of the violence but... All unintentional!

As she does blast by him, he is caught by the scruff of the neck.

Underneath the rocket, the boy is reaching for the flower. One outstretched hand.

Suddenly, a stray picochu jumps out of its pack. It lunges upward, trying to bite Reize's ahoge.

Thankfully, they graze the boy as he grabs the flower. "WE GOT THE FLOWER! EVERYONE! PULL BACK! PULL BACK!"

Zargabaath is dealing with the picochus that are coming in. As hard as he tries to slash at them, those critters are playing hop-scotch over his slashes. Many of them are dancing, making peep noises.

With the monk throwing herself into the beast, the creatures quickly jump back away from the woman as she tries to grab a hold of them.

And as Ivo tries slashing at them all, he will find that they have studied his maneuvers LONG enough to finally start avoiding his movements. They all crowd around until they can gather around their fallen elder.

They squeal. The squeal is so loud that it resonates through the entire jungle.

...Movements are being made. In fact, large movements are being made. Many of the Ochu pack are starting to come into the vicinity of the area.

They heard papa was harmed.

....Perhaps it's time for a TACTICAL RETREAT!

Maira has posed:
Oh come on, they have had this conversation! Her skin or hair doesn't burn because it is part of her, but her clothes--Oh right. Stop trying to rationalize this. This is Ivo. He knows exactly what he is doing.

Maira holds up her hands in a vain attempt to shield herself from the water that splashes her and extinguishes her modesty-flames. And thus, Maira stood in the middle of the jungle, naked, dripping, and now glaring at Ivo.

Maira sort of ducks behind a bush as Uist manifests specifically to try to throttle Ivo, wrapping ghostly cold hands around the knights neck before shaking him vigorously.

Tactical Retreat!? Oh, right, running!

Maira runs. SIIIIIIIIIIGH.

Zargabaath has posed:
Lowering his sword as Reize yells that he has the flower, Zargabaath looks to Judge Constantine. "As annoying as these little ochus are, I don't believe wiping them out would benefit any of us." He then starts to back away. "We have what we came for." he says before he stops at the larger ochu's unconcious form. He tugs out a hi-potion and dumps it's entire contents onto it's body, then stands up and begins the long march back to the Alexander. It was actually good to stretch his legs for once.

Cirra Constantine has posed:
%Cirra nods, "Understood, Your Honor." she turns with the Magister and begins retreating, leaving the areas thats about to be overwhelmed by the Picochus.

Ivo Galvan has posed:
"Don't look so mad," Ivo says casually as Maira dodges behind a bush, though not /quite/ quickly enough for the alleged knight to fail to enjoy this mission's true reward. "I have to save damsels in distress. It's in the job description. Besides," he adds, as he doffs his cloak and tosses it to her before she begins her Tactical Retreat, "even amidst a battle, how could I not appreciate the natural beau-- gh-- hkk--"

Coughing, staggering, Ivo's eyes widen as he's physically shaken back and forth by an unseen force before he's finally released as the lady mage flees, the swordsman collapsing to his knees, eyes watering, coughing. Man, why does stuff like this /keep happening/? It's getting worse, even!

It is a mystery.

Upon looking up, however, Ivo finds himself conveniently right in front of a rather familiar tree -- familiar at least from the sketches he's examined and descriptions he's heard. "The red toyon," he rasps to himself, before glancing out of the corner of his eye as the Picochus begin to mass and wail. "Damn, if only there were more time..." There are so many strange forms of plant life here that he'd love to peruse. It will have to be some other day. Maybe when Reize doesn't accompany them. For now, he contents himself with summoning Hauteclare's blade and sending it shooting up to the tree, quickly severing an armful of the largest leaves and gathering them up.

"Good going, Reize, Sarafina!" Ivo calls to his friends. "Now let's retreat..." Casting one last glance back at the rapidly increasing number of Picochus. "...while we still can!"

Minerva has posed:
The Wise Brave Sir Robin once said RUN AWAY!

This is one of those times. There's more of them coming a whole lot more is coming. Well it's really time to get going isn't it? The Flower has been pluged the old father of these monstes is still in the breeding game. It's really time to get the hell out of here Minerva turns to start running one of teh beast sbnack one her. She's able to break free but with a very loud rip. Her shorts well yes it's a bad end for them and she keeps running not quite aware of this...

Sarafina Carenze has posed:
"Ugh." Sarafina says. "never get the smell out of the armor." Even the horrible demon eyes that never sleep are watering.%rSarafina spins the pack around and jets on outta there with Reize and the flower. She endeavours to make the ride as bumpy as possible without actually carshing into anything. No less than 3 bugs fly into Reize's mouth and/or eyes.

Reize Seatlan has posed:
The good. Everyone is fleeing. In fact, Sassaral is up and ready to flee with the group. This is a good thing for Reize. All of the traveling party members finally start leaving.

And unfortunately, Reize is getting a face full of bugs in his mouth.

Argh arg why?!


Meanwhile...

In the midst of the jungle, all of the picochu and the ochu start cheering. The triumphant song plays over the scene as all of the little picochu hop happily.

The potion, used by Zargabaath, has the Elder Ochu rise again.

This is a small victory for the Golmore Ochu tribe.

Cirra Constantine has posed:
Somewhere along the way, Cirra turns to look at Reize and points at him. "Strike two."