deercountry | June Catch All - We all fall down sometimes

[A lazy wind carries a soft pleasant breeze that gently caresses any exposed skin it comes in contact with. The forest is quiet, but brimming with life. Sweet singing song birds fill the air as exotic vibrant plants make their home, decorating the floor of the woods. With idyllic temperatures pushing 75 degrees at most, it’s the perfect day to relax and just maybe enjoy being alive??.

Sure tremors have been rocking through the Trench all month long, but today, not a single sound. The only thing out of the ordinary is how calm and still, the picturesque summer day feels. Embracing his urge to be more adventurous this month, Megumi invites two of his friends to a lazy day of fishing.

Previously made agreements suggest that the three will be fishing at a tributary that feeds into the farther Shores, but is located in the actual woods. Kage’s ears flicker backwards as the teens make their way lazily through the forest. There’s no sign of notable distress, leaving Megumi to believe that it’s nothing more than the canine’s curiosity. Just as the crystal clean river comes into view, a jolting punch from the ground rocks and quakes the entire woodland area. Large trees bend and sway as if they were nothing more than saplings. Violent shakes thrash everyone, ripping apart the very earth from beneath the trio, swallowing them in one quick fluid movement.

Upon landing, it's cold, dark and damp with the smell of moist dirt lingering heavily in the air. It’s hard to tell just how far they’ve fallen, but being that the light no longer reaches them, going back the way they came may doesn't seem like a viable option.

What’s that? One last roar from the Earth sends more dangerous debris tumbling down, solidifying any hope of using the entrance as the exit. Now there's only right or left.

Left: Veering towards the left, it appears that the tunnel is getting lower and lower. You feel like you're growing, as the top of your head inches closer to the ceiling with each step you take. Just before it feels like you're going to hit your head, it never happens. Looking to the right or left inside this particular tunnel is very disorentating as the walls are out of reach in this short yet wide pathway. Each wall lined with a shiny mirror-like texture, casting warped reflections of you and your teammates. If you can stomach it, you may even get the sense that this burrow feels artificially constructed.

Right : A marching sound echoes throughout this wider passage. You feel as though you are descending further down into the Earth as you walk or maybe climb on a rapidly declining slope. It's steepest point reaching 40 degrees. Looking down is like looking into the belly of a beast, nothing but darkness. That sound you heard earlier, becomes louder and louder the deeper you dive down. ]

Edited 2022-06-18 15:25 (UTC)

[ The earth splits open, and the three of them tumble down into the chasm below. A sheet of ice hits the ground within seconds creating a slide to the bottom even as the top of the opening collapses under its own weight triggering a massive avalanche that sends down a tsunami of earth, rock, and ice on top of them.

Shouto calls out for his companions, aiming his ice above them to trap the tumbling mass in an avalanche of ice so massive it blocks out the light. Fire licks up his left arm a second later, illuminating the cavern while melting the frost covering his arms and neck. ]

Did everyone make it?

[ He stands and goes in search of his companions. ]

Edited 2022-06-18 23:40 (UTC)

[ Why does this always have to happen. Just once, it'd be nice if a normal sort of outing was just that. Normal. But were they allowed that? No, of course not. Rude. A pox on karma or whatever it is.

It might be why Allen's expression is more lightly bitter than truly shocked when he glances down at the tremors. ]

Eh? [ earthquake? ]

[ The moment the group opens up underneath them and he feels himself start to drop into freefall, there's an eruption of snowy white feathers that gleam in the sudden dark, a glittering like light itself and the sudden, calming yet riveting sort of scent of clean snow and something mildly electric. Wreathed suddenly in a large, tattered and feathery ethereal cloak that blooms around them in a moment of weightlessness and leave his left hand transformed into equally gleaming claws.

He's let go of his crutches in the process because honestly those are going to be more of a liability, and as he hears more than sees Shouto's ice he twists and reaches to grab Megumi on instinct if he's close enough. Tucking around protectively with that cloak, it's a pretty fast and rough sort of way to slide to the bottom. No promises about not tipping end over end for a moment when they do finally shoot off the ramp... oof. At least his cloak offers a nice soft buffer.

He huffs lightly, pressing both hands to the stone floor for a moment and getting his bearings (can he stand? crap) until he hears Shouto call out. Sitting up a little unsteadily, ribbons from his cloak wind out and bind around his legs, making the process easier if a little jerky. ]

I'm alright. [ A little bruised and dirty but that's nothing for him. With the soft glow of his invoked cloak he sticks out like a literal beacon in the night, and Timcanpy who's followed down as well far more unscathed begins to glow a faint gold in his entirety as well.

Why his entirety, as an Omen? Well... he is essentially one giant eyeball. ]

Edited 2022-06-19 01:11 (UTC)

[Pissed. He should've realized Kage was uneasy, and trusted her senses, but no, he got carried away in the thought, that maybe the day could be uneventful, and relaxing. ~~This is what happens when he thinks optimistically.~~

As the ground opens its mouth, instinctual hands clasped together to make a sign, however he's stopped by an abrupt tug followed by a familiar aura. The light scent of snow and ice meld together all around him, as he essentially goes on a rough sleigh ride down into the abyss. Making sure to hit every bump along the way before being ejected just short of crashing into the Earth's solid wall.

An audible grunt.

I'm fine. [Turning towards Allen.] Thank you. [ Bowing his head quickly. He hadn't expected the help but he does very much appreciate it.

A moment later, Kage slides down the crystal ramp made by Shouto. Her paws go further outward as she descends while trying to maintain her balance. She too is thrown into the air, but manages to stick a landing with much more finesse. Prancing over- eyes glowing in the alien landscape.

Fuck. Looking up, the interesting sculpture of ice and rock is very much blocking the entrance. Worry washes over him. Although the makeshift structure is steady for now, he's not sure staying below it, with literal tons of weight just dangling above their heads is the smart move. Pointing upward. ]

We can't stand underneath this, it's too unstable, especially if another earthquake hits.

I agree.

[ Firelight announces his approach with Kizu nowhere in sight. He stops a little ways away from them, unwilling to come closer with fire licking up his left arm and over his shoulder, flickering through his hair. Dual-colored eyes check them over for injuries, lingering on Allen's legs for a moment before Megumi's assessment has him moving on to more pressing matters. ]

I can reinforce the ice but it'll be difficult to get through without triggering another avalanche. If you look at the walls [ he points with a burning index finger, the blaze growing in intensity for a moment to light up the walls of the large cavern ] they're smooth from water erosion which means this was already down here.

[ He drops his hand and the heat recedes, no longer so bright. ]

The earthquake dropped us in here, it didn't create this place. It looks like one of the caverns in the catacombs from a few months back. They might even be connected. We should look for an exit out of this cavern and find another way out.

Edited 2022-06-19 20:59 (UTC)

[ Both of their assessments are solid, if worrisome. The implication they may have fallen back through into the upper tiers of the catacombs is especially unsettling, but Allen dusts himself off momentarily before standing as well. A touch uncomfortably and stiffly, legs braced by those ribbons, but he'll be fine. It's a strain but Crown Clown can make sure he's up to the task.

After all, there's not much other choice is there? His crutches are probably buried beneath what rubble did fall... ]

I don't like it, but I think you're both probably right. Whatever we do we can't stay here. [ Unfortunately... It's sobering enough that his features school, measuring out the likelihood of it being an intentional thing or not. But his attention is diverted as if hearing someone call out, and he glances off to the side where Timcanpy had been before but is notably absent now. ]

Tim's found something. [ Indeed, the little golem has drifted over to the smoothed walls, lighting them up faintly with his candlelight luminescence. He hovers in front of an open maw that seems to lead deeper, also smoothed in such a way that it's been here for far longer than them. ]

It looks like a tunnel. [ One of them. ]

Edited 2022-06-20 00:45 (UTC)

[ Getting to his feet, his eyes easily land on the tiny ball of light hovering in front of a large channel.

Still close enough to Allen's cloak, Megumi turns his head, spotting his own shadow. Reaching into the liquid oily pool he pulls out a roll of tape. It's strong, reflective and sturdy- able to cling to most surfaces even partially wet.

Normally used for hunting, this tape can also be used for trail blazing. It was a gift from an elderly man who's taught him more than a trick or two about tracking. ]

If this place is anything like the catacombs, we should mark the passages so we don't end up going in circles.

[ Although Kage has an excellent sense of smell, the general dampness and sheer expansion of an underground network is too daunting for her to keep up with.

Walking closer to where Tim is floating, and marking the smooth wall with a red X just about eye level. This way it can't be missed.

Two moon beam eyes of light, reveal more tunnel routes. The image of a spider's web comes to mind. So many options.]

It looks like there are a few more down this way as well. Let's agree to pick one and stay together.

[ Offering more light to Tim's efforts, Shouto moves away from the group in search of an exit. He'll switch off his fire if they can't find one soon for fear of using up their limited oxygen, but their search soon bears fruit and he turns to look at the two catching Megumi dipping his hand into... his shadow? Dark-Shadow? Tokoyami's quirk comes to mind, but the tape he pulls out it reminds him of Sero's tape quirk. Allen speaks up while he tries to make sense of Megumi's quirk. Not a quirk. Kizu chimes in. Right. An exorcist, not like Allen, and not a priest either, but a sorcerer of some kind which still throws him off.

He steps through the exit as Megumi approaches and looks around. Two exits. He concentrates the blaze to his left hand and crouches near the opening, releasing a gentle stream of fire to his left. The tunnel narrows in height and widens in width, but the mirror-like texture of the walls is disturbing. It reflects the light of his blaze making it easier to see from a distance. Cutting off the stream, the tunnel soon fades to black as he turns to his right, releasing another gentle stream of light to illuminate the passage. Right away the width of the tunnel is revealed. The ceiling doesn't seem to narrow this time. A point in its favor. The light starts to descend and soon it's a faint glow in the distance cut off by the downward slope. It looks like a regular tunnel at least. Kizu hums in agreement. ]

We have two ways out.

To the left, an odd substance on the walls reflects the light from my fire making it easier to see, but without knowing what it is I can't tell if it's dangerous or not. The ceiling also starts to come down. At one point, we'll have to crawl and in Allen's condition, I don't recommend it.

To the right, the tunnel slopes down so I couldn't see much. It looks like a regular tunnel, wide enough for the three of us to walk through side by side and the ceiling doesn't seem to come down, so my vote is for the right.

[ Turning his back to the opening, he looks to his companions expectantly, fire still concentrated in his hand, and waits for their input. ]

[ The tape gets a blink from Allen, peering lightly closer for a moment with a faintly quipped, "Ooh, that's a really good idea." +1 to Megumi. Nice survival skills. Though how he had reached into... his own shadow? to do so has Allen blinking for a moment. Exorcist powers in his world could manifest in strange, reality-defying ways... but that still surprises him a little. Shaman, he had called himself after all. Not that that seems like a "shaman" sort of move either.

Mention of his own "condition" gets a conflicted, guilty sort of flicker of an expression for a moment from Allen, glancing between the two and realizing that of the three of them... he's the one most likely to hold them back or be a liability. Damn. ]

It's fine, Crown Clown will let me move for now. [ For how long? He's not going to think about that, but he wasn't able to maintain his invocation long in the catacombs after all, it taxed him faster than normal. It's going to be a matter of endurance. ] But I agree. I don't like going down one where it seems likely we could get stuck.

[ That... is something he's had to do before, crawl through claustrophobic tunnels, and it's not something he's keen on repeating. Timcanpy comes closer, and he brings his right hand up to give the little omen a palm to rest on. ]

Tim can act as a guide and keep a map of the place. It should help keep us from getting lost, as long as there's nothing too unexpected that might effect him... [ Could there be magical interference that would mess with Timcanpy? Honestly, if life has taught him anything it's that anything (often terrible) is possible. ]

He can go ahead of us and help light the way. [ omnidirectional omen lighting ]

Edited 2022-06-23 04:50 (UTC)

[Nodding in agreement. Kage sniffs the entrance marking it to memory. No one expects to get lost or even split up, it just happens accidentally, so better to be prepared. Being independent while simultaneously working as a team covers as many unpredictable factors as possible .

Heading down the seemingly less dangerous tunnel feels like a false sense of security. Everything is normal, and that's just it. What's ever normal in this place? And what's that insistent sound? Annoying.

Feeling a light tug from his shadow isn't cause for alarm, but the deeper they traverse the harsher the pull backwards becomes. Stopping abruptly he crouches toward the Earth noticing the humming sound increasing in volume. Thousands of small holes line the ground. Picking up a rock and giving it a toss.]
Watch
[The stone doesn't immediately land, rather it's carried forward, being pulled by gravity into the darkness. ]

The slopes become steeper the deeper we go. At this rate we're going to be climbing to get to the bottom. [ Still low to ground his hand runs over the tiny open pores. ]

These look like termite burrows-[ Kage instinctually flashes her eyes up the hill, as tiny black creatures skitter across the rocky surface, before ducking in and out of the micro tunnels. ]

[ Shouto steps forward and ice forms at the bed of his feet. ]

I'll check it out.

[ A wave of ice plummets down into the underworld, disappearing from view. He crouches down, setting a hand on the ground, feeling the way the ice moves. Concentrating on his task, waiting for the moment the ice hit the bottom, Shouto leaves the termite situation to Megumi and Allen. ]

Edited 2022-06-26 02:21 (UTC)

[ Listening for a moment to the receding sound of Shouto's ice as well to get a feel for the depth, Allen comes closer to where Megumi is inspecting the ground. ]

Termites? [ That causes Allen to blink, peering closer with Timcanpy to help illuminate before glancing around at them. Noticing the movement when Kage turns quickly and illuminates a different patch (definitely something, but bugs aren't exactly unexpected), and he looks into the darkness around them instead, trying to let his eyes adjust. His cloak isn't helping much with that, though.

He toes at the holes in the ground for a moment, tapping it with the steel toe and loathe to touch it like Megumi had. ]

Aren't those usually in wood instead of stone?

[ What kind of bugs could burrow through stone... ]

[ Head low to the ground, picking up the sound of Shouto's ice muffles the beating frequency for a moment. Turning towards Allen]

Usually. [ Although some termites can eat through sheetrock, but this seems more unlikely given the density difference in materials.]

These burrows look like their colonies but whatever made this has much stronger mandibles.

[ Kage's head flicks around once more illuminating more patches.
Getting to his feet pointing towards the drilled- hole ridden surface. ] There's a lot more of them than us. Let's try not to disturb them. [ Had he not felt his shadow weighing him down, he would have never stopped to look so intently.]

I don't know how extensive whatever's been making these holes colony is, but we should be careful. We don't know if the integrity of the ground has been compromised. As the porosity of a rock increases the strength of the rock decreases. It's something people who look to mine have to watch out for-- any additional weight can be enough to trigger a collapse. [As the words come out, he turns towards the direction Shouto ran off into.]
We need to tell Todoroki.

[ The ice abruptly crashes into something. Another tunnel? He's not sure, but he stops generating it as a precaution. When he stands, he shakes his hand to dislodge the frost creeping up his arm as he heads back to the group. ]

Tell me what?

[ That is... extremely analytical and intelligent, but he blinks and takes it in stride. Not stupid, just ignorant, and starting to realize that's another facet of Megumi. He glances over to Shouto as he approaches again on cue. ]

That we should be careful where the stone's porous. We can't know the extent of it and it could collapse if too much weight is put on it. [ It shouldn't be a problem? None of them are particularly heavy, but if they fought near it they shouldn't do anything that would put too much force on it. Clustering up probably isn't a good idea either. ]

How far does that slope go down?

That's right.

[ Nodding in agreement both with Allen's explanation and question. As long as the mysterious insects stay reclusive, and the chances for battle remain low, their weight shouldn't be enough to cause any detrimental issues.

-How far does that slope go down?

Green eyes focus on Shouto. He heard some kind of noise, but it was difficult to make out?? Unable to make any reliable guesses for himself, he wanders where and how far this pathway leads.]

Wouldn't it be better to test how much weight it can handle before we go on it? That way, if it collapses, we can check the extent of the damage and decide if we should proceed or take the other tunnel instead.

[ As for the length of the tunnel, he did a rough calculation in his head which took concentration. ] It's only an estimate, but considering the time it took my ice to hit the bottom and the rate of generation, it's around 2 kilometers down.

[ Shining a high intensity flashlight around, green eyes catch a glimmering refraction of light bouncing off something inside what appears to be a cave. Not recalling seeing this tunnel before, it must be new. This is quite tempting. Viktor’s book on pthumerians was found in a similar place. The moment he laid eyes on it, he began wondering if replicas exist. Foolish. Traveling alone? That wouldn’t be a wise decision considering what happened last time. Not giving into temptation and curiosity, he turns the light towards the woodlands.

Back to the task at hand. Snowshoe hare are not the easiest targets, regardless of the time of year. Interestingly, as the weather continues to heat up, Megumi finds that these animals come to the woods in search of food, before retreating back home to the cold barren burrows of the Shiver. Just as dusk takes over the sky, they begin to cross the threshold of the forest, where they must first, cross an open channel. It is here, Megumi and Kage stalk, waiting for just the right moment.

The wind howls and is unseasonably cool to any exposed skin, sending a chill down your spine. The ground jerks as tiny pebbles jump, but nothing like some of the more massive earthquakes that have been plaguing town.

Listening intently something is wrong. Usually on high alert, the neurotic creatures travel quickly towards their home, making a faint scatter. Right now they seem to be traveling in bursts, before darting out of sight. Predators hunt the woods often ignoring the Shiver, making the location the ideal spot for vulnerable prey animals to nest. But strangely enough, Kage seems fixated on the rabbits, not in the least bit concerned of their change in behavior. Her lack of concern puts Megumi on edge, as he begins to feel, he's not the only hunter in this section of the woods tonight. ]

Edited 2022-06-20 22:13 (UTC)

[ The divide between environments is stark. A demon wanders from the comfortable temperature of his familiar forest, to a frigid terrain. Yet, the discomfort will soon be at ease with a rabbit in hand.

Chin Yisou's vision provides an excellent aim, whether by day or by the late hours. He smiles with his haul and walks towards his home. On the other hand, a familiar sight in the distance catches the demon's eyes. The Ranger? Chin Yisou has his doubts, thinking that the one ahead is nothing but an illusion. However, curiosity wins and prompts the demon into another direction. ]

Well, it looks like my eyes didn't play tricks on me.

[ The demon calls out from a few yards. As he approaches his friend, Chin Yisou feels a shift down bellow. Yet, his excitement glides over the incident and the demon surmises the occurrence to simply be one of Trench's oddities. ]

Long time no see Ranger.

[ The demon smiles, eager to know how the other fares in this strange world. ]

[ Ranger. Only one person refers to him with that name. As the thin figure approaches, the demon's elder face comes into view. Kage, still poised and ready to alert at any whiff of hare, doesn't meet Chin the normal way she greets friendly faces. But this doesn't stop Megumi from sending him a head nod and silent hello.]

It seems you've got a good haul. [ Eyes glancing towards Chin's hand. Although he hasn't trapped anything tonight, he still has some meat back at the campsite. But this doesn't stop Kage from actively hunting.

Two beams of light catch a rabbit dashing towards the new passageway. Sending Kage into an instinctual frenzy racing towards her prey.

Kage!
[ He motions his hand towards the running canine. Never has she blatantly ignored a command. This behavior is very unusual and a tad concerning. Taking off in a full sprint after her as she chases the rabbit towards the dark entrance, stopping short at cave's mouth. ]

[ Curiosity compulses Chin Yisou to follow. Despite having little regard for his kill, the demon hangs his catch over his shoulder. With a grin, he follows the Ranger. ]

Looks like your little friend is determined to do her job.

[ The demon chuckles. While standing in the mouth of the unfamiliar cavern, he brings his hand to his mouth--a typical expression of thought. Where does this lead to? ]

This is an awful large tunnel for a hare.

[ The demon readjusts his eyes to the dim cavern. He looks towards the Ranger while hiding a wicked smile. ]

Shall we?

[ Kage's eyes ignite, illuminating the entrance with two solid beams of light. The mouth of the cave is wet, with a slick looking floor. Black ice. Icicles the size of children dangle from the ceiling.

Putting his hand out in an attempt to stop his old companion from walking forward.

It's dangerous, I've been in tunnels very similar to this. [ His tone is dead serious. However, wasn't finding another copy of the pthumerian book or further information a top priority? Eyes locked on the darkness and unknown. Indecisive yet his mind tries to override his curiosity with facts.]

I was with three people and we almost didn't make it out. [ Green eyes glance down at Kage before looking to his old friend.]

Have you now?

[ Chin Yisou can hear the other's concern. Yet, the prospect of answering to his curiosity becomes a scratch that he must itch. The demon repressed himself for a moment, just to see how long the Ranger will still refuse. ]

Similar tunnels...Despite the devastating experience, we're you and your party able to uncover some secrets ?

[ Chin Yisou tries to sound casual. Perhaps the Ranger has known him long enough to realize that peculiar gleam in his eyes- the one that says: "I'm ready to explore."

[ Secrets. That's one way to put it. ] Do you remember the catacombs a few months back? This place might be connected to it somehow. It's riddled with traps and creatures. [ A flash of teeth and fire enter his mind, but are quickly pushed aside. Eyes look to Chin, who seems all too curious to just leave. A small exhale. ]

But I did find an item from home, and a friend found an interesting history books. [ If Chin's looking for treasure, it's definitely down there. It's less a matter of if and more a matter of cost. Piquing one's interest, can come at a steep price. ]

How much your willing to risk with the chance of possibly finding something of value? [ Tone neutral but with a hint of warning. Reiterating what he's already told himself but this time for his curious friend.

Kage's large head turns towards the old demon, zeroing in on the fresh kill. A kind of magnetic pulse connects her to Megumi, who immediately recognizes her concerns. ]
If you're planning on heading in, I wouldn't bring [ hand gestures to the rabbit ] that in there. It could attract a predator... [ or worse if it's blood gets somewhere it shouldn't, the consequences could be any where from minute to disastrous. ]

Oh, how fascinating!

[ Since his last investigation for treasure, the demon is even more eager to discover more. The Ranger's statement regarding interdimensional goods only increases the other's curiosity. ]

So, you might be able to find a trinket beyond the Trench in there? That's a worthy find I would say!

[ The demon takes notice of his friend's concerns. Yet, where to hide the rabbit? Chin Yisou doesn't simply want his kill to go to waste. However: ]

If I toss this here rabbit, would you be more inclined to investigate? What's death when you can come back- though I would hope to not loose more memories!

[ The demon chuckles. ]

Otherwise, I'd be as good as a child!

[ Regardless of what The Ranger would say, Chin Yisou is rearing to head inside. After a, he does have a new companion that he didn't introduce The Ranger to yet...]

No. [His tone shifts to a more serious note.]

That rabbit doesn't just come back, and she's already been killed. [Motioning Chin to hand him the hare.

Chin can choose whether or not he trusts Megumi:

A. Chin will feel cool hands as he gives Megumi the animal. A thick layer of ice will overcome the corpse. ] I can hold on to this for you in my shadow. [Slowly leaning down, his shadow becomes almost liquid, as the frozen chunk disappears into the dark.] When we leave the cave I'll return her.

[B. Megumi turns away from the tunnel and all the unknowns. Staring back into the woods.] It's too dangerous and enough life has been lost today. [Feeling uneasy, with the thought that his friend may not be trusting him, is enough for him to feel mutually concerned.

Either option leaves Megumi commenting this way:

Looking directly into Chin Yisou's eyes.]
"Tossing" her to the side would be a waste and disrespectful. You said your memories haven’t been intact, the price of death is different for everyone.

A.

Oh?

[ The demon is taken aback. Although he knows of The Ranger's blunt mannerisms, this emtotion is different. Is he scolding me...did I do something wrong? Inside of Chin Yisou, it appears that a shred of his original self has been conflicting with the change he experiences in Trench. Yet, to make FAMILY upset was never his goal. ]

Very well, here.

[ Chin Yisou hands over the rabbit. He doesn't recall seeing The Ranger conjure ice before, neither did he know the extent of the other's shadow abilities. Chin Yisou looks on with intrigue. Upon the final statement, the demon's eyes appear...sad. ]

I will...keep that in mind.

[ Chin Yisou provides a bow. ]

Shall we embark then?

[ Looking at Chin's eyes he notices some sort of emotion. Maybe regret? A sigh. Letting go of his own mixed feelings. Nodding his head in agreement. ]

We can, but at any point it becomes clear that the risk is greater than the reward, I'm leaving.

[ Turning towards the open mouth of the cave, he reaches back into his shadow grabbing red reflective tape. Taking a step forward into the entrance way, he is hit by a gust of icy air and the smell of wet earth. It's familiar and unsettling.

Cautiously approaching the wall, he places a red X at about eye level. Kage trails behind him taking in the scent and committing it to memory for later.]

Where's your omen? It's capable of being a light source like Kage.

Edited 2022-06-30 18:23 (UTC)

[ The demon's eyes brim with delight. ]

That sounds like an agreeable condition.

[ With his gaze towards the cavern, Chin Yisou cannot hide a wicked grin. The thrill of adventure leaves him feeling elated. He watches The Ranger prepare a mark of their initial step. With the inquiry of his Omen, Chin Yisou looks surprised. I didn't realize that about the creatures. He thinks to himself. Regardless, he is ready to summon a new companion for the trail. ]

Very well. Let me know anytime you need another centipede.

[ The demon smiles and places his hands to the cold ground. Out from the dirt rises his Omen. ]

Splendid! Let's investigate!

[ The demon studies his steps and carefully leads the way. His excitement may be alarming. Yet, he realizes... ]

You've been here before, so maybe you would like to lead?

I haven't been in this cave specifically, I was in an underground tunnel similar to this.
[ He thinks. He's about 85% sure. Taking the lead, another artic blast whips throughout the cavern, stinging his cheeks and staining them a light pink color.

Looking around, the cave has rigid rocky walls that stay parallel with the ceiling. As the two go deeper into the abyss a strange whooshing sound reverberates throughout the tunnel. The ice on the floor remains in a thin layer, and any quick movements could result in a fall.

Kage's eyes glance towards a peculiar looking orb. Unlike the icicles which hang from above, these ballon-size circles cling to the ground. What's unusual is the manner in which they appear. It looks as if someone assembled them next to each other in a neat row?? Almost as if lining both sides of the cave's pathway.]

Kage's found something.

Oh I see now.

[ The demon nods. His eyes scan across the cavern with intrigue. Even so, his ears pick up the vibrations pulsing through the cavern. His thoughts are interrupted as The Ranger's Omen comes across a peculiar object. ]

She is something isn't she?

[ Chin Yisou responds. He squats next to the orbs. His yellow eyes brimming with curiosity. ]

It appears as though we're not the only ones who ventured here.

[ The demon rises and glances at his fellow explorer. ]

Did you see any of these in the other tunnels?

[Crouching down the crystal- ball like orb has a perfect circular shaped body. Besides the fact that they look placed, the smooth texture and precise roundness, feel artificially made. It's too perfect

Kage's muzzle eagerly pokes at the alien crystal. Showing no signs of danger or hesitation.

You're right, maybe they were marking the trail with these. [ Gesturing for Chin to come over. Feeling adventurous from the effects of the month, he picks up one of the mystical rocks.] It feels like a delicate glass shell, with a hollow bodied interior. [Rotating the orb a full 360 degrees.] Almost as if it were to store something, but there's no opening to put liquid in? [ A pause. His brows furrow in thought.]

What do you think this is?
[ Had Kage not approached it with such fervor, he would have thought them no more than a decorative trailblazer, but up close, he's not too sure. The other cave had signs of humaniod presence, and this feels deliberate and maybe even significant. ]

Edited 2022-07-02 14:56 (UTC)

[ The demon draws his hand closer to his face in thought. hollow? The intricacy of the orbs is intriguing. Especially given The Ranger's input. ]

Perhaps they pour blood inside of them. With certain magic, I'm sure they can create an unfamiliar form of light.

[ Chin Yisou has practiced some blood ministry. Yet, hasn't the patience with the general group of ministers. The demon faces the lit path with interest. If people were here before, then I wonder how deep into the cavern they have gone. He studies the path ahead. It appears to lead straight into the cavern. ]

Let's see how much contact this tunnel has received. Maybe we may learn more of the previous folks intentions as well.

[ The demon walks forward, careful of the icy patches. As the two reach deeper in the cave, his ears pick up that trembling sound. ]

Do you hear anything?

[ Chin Yisou's question may be for Kage. After all, he isn't sure about The Ranger's hearing being more human. ]

I don't see how the blood could be poured inside? [ But the bit about the light makes him very curious. ] Have you worked in blood ministry? [ It's not something Megumi would personally dabble in, but he's read about it here and there.

Before leaving Megumi places two gingerly inside of his shadow. Further study is needed, but if they can illuminate somehow, their versatility could be beneficial. He also takes the time to mark the wall with another X.

As they continue down the path the familiar whooshing sound's volume rises.]

I think it might be water. Last time there was a large subterranean lake. [A pause ] Ice cave walls tend to be wet because water gets trapped where the sunlight has a hard time reaching. [ This combined with air drafts leads to hazardous conditions.]

I studied some blood ministry.

[ The demon smiles. His expression drops to a serious gaze. ]

The ministers were...strange. I failed to uphold my studies but know that they enjoy creating structures to store blood. With a bit of magic, these vessels can produce strange effects.

[ He raises a finger. ]

Which some can include creating artificial lights. Though perhaps you have a point.

[ The demon's impish curiosity returns. He enjoys The Ranger's input. I wonder if there will be a body of water ahead? He wonders.

As the two continue down the cavern. A split in the road emerges. Chin Yisou casts a gaze both left and right. One road seems less traveled- hence having more icy patches. On the other path, the rocks are kicked across as though worn down from multiple feet. The demon turns towards his fellow investigator. ]

What path strikes your fancy-

[ The demon smiles at a new idea. ]

What if we took both of them?

June Catch All - We all fall down sometimes

For Allen and Shouto-Just their luck- Cave Adventures!

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I DIDN'T REALIZE IT WAS MY TURN I'm so sorry...

No worries!

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For Chin Yisou Ice Cavern Exploration

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