Night Thistles (Quest Thread)

This was going to be challenging. Finally.

It had been sometime since Cecilia acted as a barely noticed supporter of Odin's advance squad in the raid on floor six through seven. Since then, the overambitious noble was spending her time training on her own solo jaunts into floors one and two, dealing with her father's nagging about joining the Orario Swords every night, and attempting to find her god who has been AWOL for a while. The days grinding were okay but nothing very stressful. Her natural skill would overcome stupid goblin scum easily. However things on these floors would be far more interesting. She only hoped she will be able to preform better than on the raid where she was pretty much left watching.

Her partner was a hume bunny named Marzipan. The girl was tough and was a member of the backup squad that ended up facing the ant queen during Odin's raid. Even if her hyperactive nature was a bit annoying. Cecilia could count on her strength. The trip to floor 4 had gone pretty well. Cecilia had a large supply of healing potions in a sack tied to her belt. Marzipan made mincemeat out of the simpler goblins and made Cecilia annoyed by the lack of kills. Still, things would get tough for even her soon.

"I'm fine. You fight well Marzipan. Let us try to get to the floor that the request requires of us as soon as possible. The more we fight here, the weaker we will be for the actual job."

Cecilia kept her hand on her sword hilt as she stepped beside the hume bunny. The danger level was about to steadily rise. Cecilia's sword might need a good wiping off soon.

@Marzipan Loaf @Korra Quinn @Kessler Cole

 

As the couple advanced, Marzipan would likely notice a familiar scene for her, one that she might recognize from another dungeon dive. Things ahead were quiet, perhaps 'too quiet', the reason why could be attributed to the blood stains that painted the walls and floors here and there. Some corpses that hadn't had their soul stones removed remained with gouges in their bodies as if something had ripped them apart. This would continue a short distance until they got to Kessler and his current partner. The Ants weren't particularly devastating for Kessler to fight, largely because his style revolved around fighting large numbers of foes at the same time. Pulling his hand from the head of an ant he turned his back to the creature as the light faded from it's eyes. "This must've been easier with Odin's familia-- We're forced to move at a snail's pace because of these things." He couldn't help complaining with a meek smile.

Despite his frail demeanor though, murderous intent and berserk fury billowed off of his body and violence dripped from every pore on his body. His sleeves and pant legs already stained up to his elbows and shins in green blood of the insects, his armored hands still wet as he shook them trying to get rid of the access fluid. "The back up definitely helps though, I like it better then taking everything myself at least." He couldn't help laughing at his partner's plight a little, it was rare for the woman to be so distressed by something, so finding every chance to get her back for teasing him so often was a good change of pace.

The ears on his head flicked briefly though recognizing a familiar gait. "We've got company-- Someone familiar--" His thoughts darted around trying to pry the leg from one ant to use as a weapon if he had to, he glanced down the tunnel with a measure of anticipation for the group coming. "This'll be getting a little easier with help at least." Getting down to this point hadn't taken a lot of effort, goblins and kobolds to Kessler were easy prey at this point, it was only the ants that could now frustrate him to an extent because of how quickly he'd end up exhausting himself for no movement. It was for this reason he was currently covered in wounds here or there, scratches on his cheeks and over his brow, bruises on his body and chest. His radiant aura kept him from tiring out thanks to his injuries he wouldn't feel exhaustion until he died. "How's the stones coming?" He asked glancing back to his partner with worry.

 

Korra couldn't help a coy grin in response to the question about Odin, it had been easier, she could just relax when it was with Odin's familia. The difference now though was she had to actually do things, collecting stones and supporting the front line as a fighter. She didn't but Kirin did, her majestic summon trotting around stepping on ant corpses as if trying to test them here and there with a childish curiosity. The young Kirin explored the surroundings since it hadn't had a chance with Odin's familia. "It was more laid back I guess, more people dying though I guess. There isn't really anyone with a skill set as convenient as your's to support." She spoke casting a glance at the boy who was still apparently dripping with the fluids of his foes. If she had a weaker stomach her lunch probably would have been gone on an adventure of it's own. Though his teasing was unappreciated, a grimace made her look down at her crossbow again with displeasure.

She wanted to be a princess, not a sharpshooter. She wasn't really qualified to be one either, but the bolts were certainly helping Kessler, she couldn't deny the reality even if she didn't like it. "I'm getting better, but that doesn't mean I have to like it. When Hydra opens up his heart, you'd better believe I'm going to throw this thing away-- If I can convince Jabberwock, I might not even come to the dungeon in person any more." She said liking the idea of not having to do anything strenuous. She just wanted softness in her life but god seemed fit to ruin her dream time and again. Though the talk of help made her brow furrow, she turned towards her summon with a handful of stones trying to slip them into the saddle bag as well.

"Still going to take some time with the stones, we're trying to aim for speed here after all, I'll take half and we can keep moving." She answered back knowing it wouldn't be good to try and horde all of the stones from the things they killed if they wanted to make good time. If Kessler were stronger they might be able to bulldoze their way through a wave if it appears, but they weren't yet at that level. At this time it was good that they could make a wall that wouldn't collapse between Kirin's scale-y hide and Kessler's style. "You don't need to keep ripping their legs off though-- Beating them to death with their own limbs might be funny, but it's not exactly practical." Korra answered back trying to get some revenge for his mocking her shooting. Though she was collecting the stones, she was naturally collecting her fired bolts as well so she wouldn't run out.

 

Cecilia was torn. She did not know whether to be thankful for the new found adventurers, or be disappointed because they seemed even stronger than Marzipan. This was getting ridiculous. Well, learning who the ones who could get to the later floors were was better to know sooner than later. None of these people served Lord Odin which was unfortunate. How anyone could serve another god was beyond her. None matched Odin's majesty.

There was a creature with them that was out of place though. What was that? A... legendary Kirin? Cecilia made a strange look at the one Marzipan called Korra. This girl was one of the strongest people Cecilia ever encountered. Perhaps even rivaling the Prince! How could she tell? Just call it intuition. Cecilia wasn't sure just how strong she was but knew Korra was going to be the... wait. Seeing the blood on Kessler, Cecilia realized that maybe Korra was mere support. Perhaps Cecilia was wrong in her estimation.

Cecilia was even more interested in Kessler though. The young man was covered in blood. The sight made her want to get out her wiping cloth already.

"Nice work. My name's Cecilia. I am grateful to continue to encounter adventurers of such skill. You certainly took care of things here... "

She walked up to the redhead and pulled out a cloth. A friendly smile on her face as she offered it to him. His intensity didn't seem to bother her. As if she herself understood such things.

"I keep a extra one just in case. My weapon needs it often. I think right now though, you might need it more."

 

Kessler couldn't help a wry smile at Marzipan's greeting, the girl was as bubbly as she was when he first met her. Glancing back to Korra though, his gaze grew somewhat accusatory since it seemed she had some history with Korra as well. It was never a good sign to have history with his supporter, how this poor girl must have suffered, Kessler couldn't even find the words to properly describe his pity for her. "A-Ah, It was us. I don't really think there are many others from our generation who can make it this far at least..." He admitted with a dry laugh knowing that it might seem more insulting then observant. The only reason he could make it this far was because of his skillset that prevented him from getting exhausted after all.

Seeing the girl offering him a cloth though, he took a second to glance at it feeling bad in truth. "N-No--" He tried to refuse as politely as possible with a kind hand gesture. His fragile smile brightening happily glad for people's good will but knowing it was wasted on him. "It gets like this every encounter, wiping it off now wouldn't do me much good-- I just have to wash it out at the fountain after I get back like always." He admitted knowing that he would never stay clean in the dungeon no matter how careful he was. If he wanted to try his hardest, he'd always be painted in the colors of his enemy's fluids. "Your cloth would be wasted on someone like me." He admitted again his expression self-depreciating. Despite his ability he had a habit of dropping his own value and ability where ever possible.

"I'm ripping the legs off because I don't have a weapon." He admitted to Korra who still found his method a little bizarre. It was on these lower levels that Kessler needed to do things like this even if it was bizarre. He didn't have weapons outside of his hands and legs, so when he needed to fight against something from far away or with more reach, he'd need to improvise. "It'll at least let me take out one or two ants before leaping into the fray again. As useful as my skills are, I don't really want to be more 'alert' then I have to." He said with a faint wince knowing that he grew more aware and alert with every injury, it stopped him from getting tired, but he still felt the pain even if it didn't effect him like a normal person.

"Nice to meet you though Cecilia, I'm Kessler-- It's nice to meet you." He said a bit sheepishly, not one for introductions or directness, he offered a hand after wiping it on his jacket. The once ominous atmosphere of his fingertips was gradually restrained until it was a simple and normal hand being presented. He couldn't shake someone's hand with Tyrant's Fists without claiming it after all, so in the time he answered Korra he forcefully began restraining his skill to be polite.

 

Korra giggled seeing Marzipan, her smile growing wide and coy at the sight of the girl. Reaching a hand up, she tried to instantly pet her hair and ruffle her ears happily upon meeting the cute girl again. "Why hello there! I missed you so much~" She teased with a happy smile petting the girl idly with the hello, though she nodded with a soft sigh even as she continued stroking her hair and ears like she were petting an animal. "It was us though! Though it would probably be a bit better if I could heal him up completely, if I do he'll start getting tired." She explained with a 'what can you do' kind of sigh. She'd made that mistake of healing him too much before after all, she'd learned how to balance things out a bit more these days.

When Cecilia looked to Kirin though, the creature's red gaze focused on her as well, the Majestic steed was indeed something of legend, it was Korra's summon and while she might indeed be a supporter, that didn't take away from the creature's ability that was reinforced with her magical prowess that was staggering at this point. The Kirin might still be a child, but it was an S rank magical creature at this point. With a huff, the creature snorted, turning it's attention away from Cecilia first losing interest in the girl quickly. The girl simply wasn't worthy of being on it's radar it felt, the noble and magnificent creature it was wasn't someone who's focus could be earned so easily by mortals. Korra only happened to earn it because of her music and magical power that was quite refreshing for it.

"If he doesn't want it, I'll take it?" She offered, trying to stretch a hand out towards Cecilia with a wide grin trying to receive the cloth in Kessler's place since he didn't seem to want to take it. It wasn't panties or a bra, but Korra wouldn't say no to a fabric kept close to a nice girl no matter what their personality was like, there were ways to fix that. "I keep telling you to get some throwing knives or something though, you keep insisting on doing things like this." Korra couldn't help sighing some at Kessler's methodology. While she couldn't really argue with his results the bizarre tactics were something she would never adapt to.

Folding her crossbow up though, she fied it to her waist by her armored quivers as she looked to the pair again a bit more serious though. "What brings you two down this low though? I didn't think I'd see Marzipan coming down to such a level let alone someone I don't know." She said hanging her head to one side curious over what might be bringing this pair down so far.

 

Kessler's reaction to her was not quite what she expected. Shaking his hand, she almost felt like insisting because his awkwardness was kind of cute in a way. Korra interrupted that unfortunately. Pulling the cloth away from the magic user and returning it to to her supplies. Cecilia shook her head. The girl wasn't all that bloody if at all. She fought with a crossbow after all. Backing away from her with a strange sense of dread. Cecilia somehow felt that this girl had less than pure intentions. Cecilia was not interested in such things, which may be unfortunate for the slowly growing harem of Korra Quinn. Not that the noble knew about it.

"I-I'm sorry but I do not see any need to give it to you. Perhaps if you were wounded or in need of removing lots of blood like Kessler. Until then, I think I'll keep hold of it. I only have two and things will get messier soon enough."

Unlike Marzipan, Cecilia did place her hand on her hilt. Looking further down into the dungeon she wanted to be ready if monsters attempted a ambush. Looking back at the group she commented on Kessler's strategy.

"Targeting the legs is effective against many enemies I would imagine. Demobilize first, then slay. It is how I intend to handle the ants once we reach floor six. Rather not get covered in acid by reckless attacks."

Hearing Marzipan's suggestion to have them all join up. Cecilia had to agree. It was the smart choice.

"Yes, please assist us. Chances of survival grow with numbers."

 

Kessler couldn't help a weary laugh at being told to buy knives again, this wasn't the first time it was brought up, but Kessler simply didn't like having things busy his hands if he didn't have to. "If I have knives I'll be tempted to keep using them. That'll make it harder for me to fight." He explained knowing that weapons might become a crutch for him if he kept relying on them. Instead, focusing on being fast with his hands had always been his style, that said, Tyrant's Fist wouldn't be as useful with knives as a weapon either. He'd much rather improvise weapons when necessary so he doesn't grow too dependent.

Though the request to join made him scratch his head a little, his ear flicking as he tried scratching his head with uncertainty. They weren't exactly down here for anything too important besides mapping, there was no real reason to refuse he thought. "I wouldn't mind helping out. Night Thristles though... I've never heard of them." Kessler admitted, flora wasn't exactly his area of expertise after all, he knew fighting and weapons, but other things, particularly women were lost on the young man. "If you know what you're looking for I could just focus on clearing the way." He admitted with a dry laugh knowing he wouldn't be much help locating anything in the dungeon like that.

Hearing Cecilia talk about targetting the legs though, Kessler couldn't help a wry smile. "Not quite targeting, I've been using them as projectiles down here." He admitted a bit sheepishly knowing that was probably a stupid thing to say. Using the creature's parts as weapons or ripping chunks out of the floor or wall were typical for him. It only happened that the creatures' legs didn't melt from their own acid and were sharp on the ends making them useful. "I'll try my best to help out though... Hopefully we can help that person who needs them." He added worried more about that girl then his chances of survival. He held onto his small collection of ant legs under arm just in case so he could reach them easily.

 

Korra giggled happily seeing Marzipan blushing, it was always a treat to have a place to tease someone so sweetly. Moistening her lips from the girl's reaction her gaze narrowed with glee and delight. Teasing Marzi was just too fun! "Now now, no need to be so upset, it's just a gentle pet right?~" She said happily spinning on her heel to return to Kirin, gently climbing up it with the help of it's mane she settled on the rear end of Kirin's back contented with what she got out of Marzipan.

Not having the chance to get the cloth though made her a little sad at heart, it wasn't a big loss like panties might have been after all, but it was still a loss that made her sigh softly, fortunately her smile didn't drop even an inch as she shrugged back. "I see I see, so unfortunate, but I won't push~" She said not wanting to pressure the new girl for anything less then underwear. "For Kessler though, he'll end up a lot messier then that by the time we're done. I still remember back when we were saving Eliah you were practically covered in red." She explained with a sigh knowing that this wasn't the worst her partner could get. Shelving that story though, she reached out a hand for Kessler's lapel to try and pull him towards Kirin.

"If Kessler wants to help though, I wouldn't oppose joining two cute girls. Do you know where you're going though?" She asked trying to sit Kessler at the creature's front so she could recline behind him at the back. Their usual position, it was one kept for a reason, a reason that Marzipan would probably remember since she was also used as a human missile once during their first dungeon dive. "If we don't have an idea of where we're headed, then we'll have to wander a bit and hope we get lucky?" She asked with a bright grin unsure if the pair had a plan or not, but that mattered little to Korra who was more interested in time together.

 

Throwing ant legs? That was a bit too disgusting to continue to think about. Cecilia would let the man do whatever he wanted though. The young noble was not against doing things a bit different if it resulted in a positive outcome. She was just thankful she fought with a sword. Nodding in understanding to Korra. Her impression of the girl was fluctuating. She'd keep her at arms length for now.

Marzipan's question honestly disappointed Cecilia. Seriously? She did not take the time to remember the quest she took up? Even if it's with a partner you never know if you may become separated and have to accomplish the task alone. For being stronger than Cecilia, the hume bunny was certainly irresponsible. Comes with the species maybe.

"A fountain. Yes we need to reach the sixth floor and find the thistles that only grow there after dark. So we might have to wait around some if it's still day outside."

With a shifting of her sheath she added "Shall we go?"

She decided to get things rolling while effectively hiding her overeagerness to proceed by saying it with a calm non pushy tone.

 

Kessler hesitated a second before taking Korra's hand to make it back onto Kirin, he'd ridden the creature a lot in the past, it wasn't hard for him to climb aboard but he was worried about the others this time. There were more people to protect this time around he wasn't sure just how hard he should fight. He wasn't sure how to feel about this job he was given either, it seemed far too lax which made him worry internally, practically breaking out in a cold sweat, if it weren't for his skills he'd be feeling a great deal more pressure from it all.

Hearing about water though, Kessler's expression grew grim, water was somewhat rare in the dungeon, though the prospect of it growing only at night time wasn't exactly promising either. Rubbing a hand through his hair, he had no idea where exactly to start this search but it wouldn't go anywhere if they didn't move. "Well, let's just get moving at the very least, we won't make any progress waiting around and debating things right? Let's get moving before the trouble crops up again, Korra-- Guys, let's try to keep the pace reasonable." He spoke giving Kirin's side a pat to try and urge it forward. He knew his efforts wouldn't really change anything, but it was better then simply waiting for Korra to give the order, he wanted to at least feel like he had some measure of control over this situation even if he didn't really.

It was while they advanced that Kessler made use of the ant legs, every time the dungeon walls opened to try to release one or two, he would turn his body and with a sharp jerking motion that started from his hips and rolled up his body, he would throw a leg through the body of the ant to pin it to the dungeon wall before trying to urge everyone to continue on. He didn't have many to keep doing such a thing, but it was better then being held back as the others arrive. No matter how many he threw though, he'd always keep at least one under his arm just in case, not wanting to use his armor against the ants as much as he could, he would use them as an improvised weapon whenever possible

 

Korra happily teased Marzipan, but knew she couldn't just pass the day like that, as much as she wanted to keep going, she'd have to stop eventually so they could keep going. "Silly girl, you're still not looking into your quests very well? You're getting to be as strong as us and you're not paying attention to that sort of thing yet?" She playfully teased gesturing to Marzipan's ears as if threatening to pet her more and longer if she kept making these cute mistakes. Korra certainly had it in her to spend hours simply petting the girl, she didn't need to work hard to survive after all, she wasn't in a rush to earn or fight like others were. Her threat was a very real one though as she turned forward to continue on their adventure as Cecilia and Kessler insisted.

Though Kirin wouldn't move from Kessler's efforts, when Korra patted it's side it would begin to trot along, careful not to lose the new pair as it went careful of the ants that were occasionally coming from the walls that Kessler was trying to pin down. Seeing him immobilizing them so flippantly made her sigh heavily knowing that he was taking this as seriously as always as well. Too serious or too relaxed, Korra couldn't seem to escape these extremes. "Can you guys take care of finishing them off?" She asked slipping off of the ants to try and collect the legs again for Kessler if she could. Her knife wasn't exactly built for cutting the limbs from the ants and it was weak to the acid so she tried not to use it at all. Instead, trying to twist the legs from the ants where she could while Marzipan and Cecilia were given the role of finishing them off by her. She tried to focus on keeping Kessler well equipped.

"They're already injured, so don't hold back!" She tried to assert knowing that if they didn't die, they'd try calling for help. Slipping off of Kirin's back, she'd support everyone the best she could while Kirin kept carrying Kessler forward to absorb blows from the ants as they began coming out of the walls more frantically as the others were being cut down. "Try not to linger after cutting them, you'll damage your weapons." She offered with high hopes for their group since they didn't need to kill one at a time any more.

 

With Kessler's strategy going smoothly. Cecilia was basically.... being fed kills. It was rather embarrassing. The young noble was not disdainful of help but she was not begging for it either. As she focused on killing the ants that were pinned up against the wall by their own legs. Although Merzipan was doing pretty good at handling the extras herself. As Cecilia expected, this quest just became a walk in the park.

Her mind took a moment to wander to her father and his ranting for her to join the military. He was a high ranked officer and joined at a younger age then she was now. Cecilia had been sure that dungeon expeditions were the key to growing stronger physically and to face the hazards of the dungeon. Maybe she was wrong. Those that were ahead of her in the dungeon were not slowing down. Odin would not see her as worthier than they. Cecilia wanted to be something far greater than a mere adventurer or a noble.... she felt that somewhere within the dungeon may be a clue to the divine answers she seeks. Maybe she needed to find a better training regimen. Or maybe all her worries were foolish since she had not still not had any recent meetings with Odin. He could have returned to Asgard for all she knew.

During a lull of ant attacks. Cecillia added a liquid to her cloth before wiping the acid from her sword. The solution was good at preventing the cloth from falling apart while cleaning the acidic fluids. Placing the sword away she could not help but ask out loud.

"Any sign of this fountain?"

 

Kessler continued moving, his efforts to slow or stall the ants was proceeding rather smoothly. They were dangerous creatures that came in massive waves, a never ending flood, but Kessler tried not to leave them any time to pour out from the dungeon walls stopping the line by immobilizing the first one to slip free. The extra and legs used to pin them up were incredibly useful as well, though this was the teamwork he'd come to expect but he was glad things were proceeding smoothly. If they were missing even one cog, he probably wouldn't be able to keep up the pressure of pinning them down for the follow up kills. He tried to keep his attacks smooth and strong, but there were naturally hiccups he had to rely on others to fix while he focused on slowing the tide of ants overflowing.

The flow was trying to increase, the ants waiting to pour out from the walls being restrained by the ones pinned in front of them. "Flow around your blows to avoid the spray." Kessler tried to lecture, it was how he could be stained with so much gore without there being any acid; blood and such was nothing new to him, but being burned alive from using his armor to slay wasn't something he was interested in. Instead he killed the first ant with grappling and avoided the following spray the best he could before using legs to kill the followings. "Let it all drain out downward." He tried his best to give them advice, or explain how he managed to survive fighting these critters thus far, but without fighting alongside them, he wasn't sure if his words would be useful.

Hearing Cecilia talk about the fountain though, Kessler couldn't help flashing a weary smile, this girl must have misunderstood. "The fountain? The one from the surface I was talking about?" He asked somewhat concerned, after all, water was scarce down in the dungeon, though it wasn't impossible to find. "N-No, if we're looking for a water source it would have to be a small stream or a break in the craigs... If we're unlucky, a raging tide or ravine?" He explained knowing the dungeon's layout was rather dangerous and treacherous, if they were looking for water sources, there were a lot that were unsafe while others that were calm were common landmarks in the floors above, here in uncharted waters though, it was a great deal harder to find.

 

Korra watched Marzipan's injury closely evaluating whether or not it needed healing. Risking Mind Down in such a low level was dangerous after all, if there was no need to heal, it would be best to wait until absolutely necessary in case she needed to move Kirin quickly instead. "Keeping this rhythm will be hard, if anyone gets tired you need to say something quickly." She tried to assert firmly thinking that something bad would happen if someone got tired and didn't perform a killing blow as they wanted. It would be bad if things began spiralling once more. There were more hands after all, but they were hands that were vulnerable to exhaustion.

She kept the bolt of her crossbow drawn ready to loose just in case, but she didn't want to have to rely on her own ability, instead she hoped to continue collecting soul stones and ant legs for Kessler. Occasionally she'd try, discarding a bolt she knew she wouldn't be able to retrieve from the Ant's bodies as that Cecilia and Marzipan were fighting. Unlike Marzipan, Korra was collecting stones in Kirin's saddle bag as she usually did, able to focus on that a lot more thanks to the help. Though she hastily tried to collect what she could from the corpses that became ash from blows to their cores. Though the ant legs were adding up which she was thankful for since that meant there was more Kessler could do from Kirin's back, it also meant it was clear the ants were coming in larger numbers. Biting her lip, she glanced back towards Kirin considering stuffing her bags full of legs for the man, but she disregarded that idea quickly knowing the acid would cause damage to the bag more.

Though the steed didn't falter even with someone on it's back whipping limbs around like spears. The Kirin looked around cautious as ever, like a tank or a jeep carrying a soldier firing from the back, it was the armored vehicle that paved the way for everyone behind it at this stage. Occasional flares of electrical discharge would strike from it's hooves as they touched the ground from how alert it was to the monsters coming, but none had gotten close enough for it to really make a definitive move against. Though it could strike the ants, dealing with the acid that would be splashed on it in response was irritating, it could only rely on the discharge from it's body to evaporate what it could before it had a chance to touch it's scales.