[Closed]

[justiceisdue]

Characters: aiursfavoredson, justiceisdue, soulparadox, dungenessmaster

Location: Romania

Rating: PG-13

Time: December 8th

Description: Team Three Aliens and a Clone head to Romania to take care of a fire breathing dragon.

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[soulparadox]

Kneeling down, Nataku picked up the snow in his hand. It was cold in Death City but it had yet to snow. He wondered if it would at all. Would it be as white as this? Little thoughts that he realized were not particularly helpful to the mission, but he was yet in the mode where he was going to focus completely upon it. He formed the snow into a ball, rolling it around a few times before dropping it back down into where it came, and watched how it sank.

"Will it be a real dragon?" The clone asked as he looked up between the two. "Or is it that the people are confusing a Kishin Egg for a dragon?" It was interesting that he would be fighting such a creature. He was once given the title of a Dragon of Earth, one of the Seven Angels. But then again, was this interesting? Nataku wondered if this could be likened to killing a bit more of his connection with that world.

He still was wondering what he felt of people, if he cared enough to be doing this so that so many others would be safe. If the people he cared for were safe, was that all that mattered? He wondered what it would mean if everyone else were to die and the city that they wished to stay in remained. Would they be happy that they lived? Sad? He did not know. But he also did not know if he could care enough for everyone in the world. He promised to keep people safe as part of the Watch, but the two thoughts seemed mutually exclusive.

"Look, Karkat, Tassadar, Selendis, snow." Taking more in his hand, he showed it off to the others.

[aiursfavoredson]

Tassadar had remained mostly quiet as they left the mirror. He didn't mind whenever the others conversed between each other, and continued to track their target. There were moments that he was reminded of his time on Char as they made their way through the ash and burnt areas. It was a thought that put him on edge, but he had to remind himself that it was any place but that planet.

'Our target will undoubtedly be a Kishin Egg, Nataku.' He came to a stop when the others did. Hearing his Weapon in the back of his mind, the templar took a few steps forward to stand where the crossroads was. Closing his eyes, Nataku's voice was a welcomed hum in his mind as his Weapon spoke of the snow before he focused his attention on the area around surrounding them.

The breeze brushed over his skin. Centering his thoughts on the sensation, Tassadar's brows furrowed as he attempted to deduce the scents on the air. There was ash, the scent of smoke, and a hint of sap and pollen from the native trees. He could catch the scent of the mammals and other lifeforms in the area, but he couldn't catch the scent of the Kishin Egg they sought.

Opening his eyes, the blue gaze momentarily flashed yellow as he regarded the terrain. There were considerable scorch marks all along the rocks and fauna remains while he dirt was a mixture of browns and blacks, but something wasn't sitting right with him.

'What we seek will be found in this direction,' Tassadar said as he pointed to the direction away from the scorched earth. If this battle went well for them, then perhaps they would have the time to allow for Nataku to see proper snow.

[justiceisdue]

Selendis didn't respond to the look he gave her, idly hoping he was going to get used to it. At this point she knew he wasn't going to wander off, but she had to know where he was at all times in a situation like this. It kept them both safer, and it was how she was used to fighting. With her own people, she knew exactly where everyone was and what they were doing, and that's what made them so efficient. Respecting Karkat's mental boundaries, though, meant physically checking on him. Often.

She spared a glance to Nataku when he said her name, her eyes flicking down to the snow in his hand for a moment before turning back to Tassadar. Having visited planets that were nothing but snow, she didn't find it very interesting at all. Now was not the time to indulge Nataku's curiosity, either, though her thoughts were similar to Tassadar's. Maybe later, when the threat of getting burned alive wasn't so urgent.

"It cannot have gone too far," she said, starting forward towards the trail Tassadar indicated. She yielded to his expertise, but she kept a sharp eye out for anything else, on the path itself or up ahead. Where the snow had melted was turning to mud, but it wasn't impossible to walk.

[dungenessmaster]

Karkat, being from a culture where anyone invading your mind usually meant you were about to be killed or seriously injured, would prefer Selendis checking up on him to having her in his head. But without the context of whatever Selendis is used to doing among her own people, it just seemed like she didn't trust him to be there when she needed him.

But since they seemed to have reached a sort of unspoken tolerance of the other's behavior, Karkat hadn't brought it up.

He frowns at Nataku as the clone starts wandering through the snow. He still doesn't fully understand that guy, either. But then, they're not partners, so he hasn't made much effort.

"Who cares, it's just crystallized water. Put that shit down before you give yourself frostbite; we don't know how long we're going to be out here, and I doubt you thought to bring gloves."

Seeing Selendis move, Karkat turned to walk with her. You never knew when there'd be an ambush, and he was going to be ready.

[soulparadox]

Dropping the snow once more, he ceased with his interest in it. Frostbite would not be appreciated. This he felt he did not have to say aloud as he walked toward Tassadar. His hand rested on the Protoss's arm before his form shifted to his Weapon form, wrapping around as tight as he could.

One of the ribbon's end unwrapped so that he could speak to the other two. "I do not know how far it is, but I am worried about my Meister." He felt that he should explain his actions, though he wondered if this was something that he should. "I will protect you two as well, because you are friends."

This he felt that he should have said regardless if it was or was not. They should know that with them, they would be as safe as possible. "I wonder what the Kishin Egg has against the landscape." He turned to stare at the scorched ground. But then, it did not seem as though they had much sense to their actions. The ribbon end returned to wrapping around Tassadar's arm.

[aiursfavoredson]

Tassadar pressed on ahead not long after his words. He could sense Nataku coming up behind him, and moved to offer his arm the moment his Weapon touched against it. The gesture was well known between them, and the templar always felt some level of comfort from it. The moment that he felt Nataku's ribbon wrapping around him, Tassadar silently sent his Weapon a feeling of comfort and encouragement for what was to come after the battle.

His attention remained largely fixated on the area around him though. 'I doubt that it cares much either way for the land,' Tassadar murmured as they continued to press forward. Each movement he made was carefully placed, and despite his large size, the templar managed to move without sound.

Tracking came relatively easy to him, and Tassadar knew well that this would be a patient game. They would continue the hunt until they'd found their prey. 'We need to remain down-wind of the beast if we are to remain at an advantage,' Tassadar unnecessarily warned his companions. He wasn't certain how much knowledge Selendis had offered Karkat about their people, but he was in no mood to explain if she hadn't either.

If the beast could fly, it could be as problematic as the mutalisks he'd faced on Char. The Kishin Egg wouldn't pose as much of a risk, and while he did not have Zeratul and his Dark Templar here, Tassadar had three that he trusted without any shadow of a doubt.

[justiceisdue]

"There is little reason to worry for your Meister, Nataku," Selendis said, keeping pace with the other protoss. "Just the same, thank you for your concern. We will protect you as well."

The best way to protect one another, after all, was to fight and win. Even if the beast didn't fly, the fire was going to be a problem, and more destructive to everything around them than a mutalisk. The terrans, on the other hand, relied quite a bit on fire to do their work for them. A dragon may be just the right combination of zerg and human to slow them down, but they would overcome it.

Selendis made no move for Karkat when Nataku transformed, letting her weapon have the freedom of doing so when he wished. Just when she was beginning to think it was going to be a long walk, the wind shifted and brought with it new scents from the mountain. She stopped dead, certain Tassadar smelled it at the same moment she did. All of these monsters had a unique scent, but there was always something familiar about each Kishin that gave them away.

She said nothing, but opened her right hand for Karkat.

[dungenessmaster]

Muddy terrain or no, Karkat still preferred being his own damn troll to being carried around by his partner. He stubbornly kept up with the long-legged Protoss, at least until the wind shift brought the sharp tang of something unpleasant and definitely not human.

He grabbed Selendis's hand as she reached for him and transformed, and immediately he wondered why he hadn't just done that in the first place. Freedom to move around as he wanted was good, but in this form he had more awareness of their surroundings. At least he was sure if it'd been there, Nataku would've spoken up.

[soulparadox]

"Is it hiding?" Nataku wondered if something that was like a dragon would fear anything. Then, again, it seemed like it would be foolish of such a creature to stand before the two Protoss armed with that which could kill it. But, that is saying that it has some sense of self preservation. Most Kishin Eggs do not seem to exhibit such thoughts. "So this is the form that you are, Karkat."

It was an added, almost awkwardly so, aside. The ribbon came over to hover a little over the Weapon before returning to wrap around Tassadar's arm. He had yet to discover the reason that he was able to move was that he was taking the energy of his Meister to do so. Nataku only knew that he felt "more energetic" when he was attached to the Protoss. "A dragon. It is interesting. I wonder how we should kill it."

A plan might be prudent in this situation, seeing as the mission itself already seemed like it would be difficult. Difficult enough that it could not be completed on one's own. "Suggestions?" The ribbon turned its end toward both Selendis and Tassadar, asking the Meisters first as they were the ones that were immediately in danger. But, Karkat and I will not let them shed any blood. I believe in this.

[aiursfavoredson]

Tassadar had caught the scent on the air, and turned his attention towards the direction the wind blew in. If they were fortunate enough, the Kishin Egg was not yet aware of their presence. There was always the possibility that it had and was using the direction of the wind to lure them in, but given that they typically ate the souls of humans, that theory didn't seem to fit the situation. Humans, after all, could not catch the scent of others unless it was one strong enough for their weak sense of smell.

'It may not yet be aware that we are here,' Tassadar offered his Weapon while Nataku curiously peered at Karkat. One advantage to their retained abilities is that they did not need to speak verbally, and thus could keep their tactics purely between those they wished. It was that link that would make them strong, and as he took a step over to begin climbing up the side of the mountain, Tassadar murmured, 'If it has yet to discover our presence, then we would do best to close in on either side of the beast.'

That would also keep the fire hitting them both down to a minimum as well, but he didn't need to tell Selendis that. Heading off in one direction, he spoke to the Executor, 'Remain in sight, for I have not yet tested the limitations in regards to distance.'

Moving as quietly as he could, he focused his thoughts inwards towards his Weapon. You will need to be careful, Nataku. If we chance on the creature's head, I will get us in close enough for you to wrap around and close the Kishin Egg's mouth closed and prevent any further fire from being spilt.

[justiceisdue]

Following the scent took them off the burnt path, which was likely to wind and twist the whole way up. They might be taking a shortcut, or they might be walking into something they'd rather avoid. Times like these, Selendis sorely missed the security of air power.

Going without it, and walking into the trees, though, reminded her of the Asari Hunting Grounds on Aiur. There they relied on themselves and their senses for the hunt, and if it were not so cold she might pretend they were there now. What was left of the Grounds, anyways.

Selendis watched Nataku for a moment, considering she'd always been curious about the effectiveness of a ribbon in combat. It seemed almost absurd that the great Tassadar would arm himself with that, but she never doubted they were successful. She didn't verbally respond to Tassadar's command, as a simple thought of acknowledgement would brush his mind. While she split off from his path, they were not that far apart. It was not long before the faint scent became a stench, and it began to smell more like burned flesh than wood.

She gripped the axe handle with both hands, focusing more on resonation than speaking with her weapon. Their thoughts were all the same, though: if Tassadar and Nataku could catch the beast's mouth, she and Karkat could sever its neck without so much as a wisp of smoke.

It was only a dozen or so more steps before Selendis stopped again, tensing as movement caught her eye. The silver-blue scales blended well against the rock and snow, but they had caught the Kishin off guard this time. Finding it asleep was a good stroke of luck, so long as they didn't waste the opportunity. Again, she said nothing to Tassadar, but he would know when to move, and she would be ready.

[dungenessmaster]

Karkat's weapon form wasn't flexible, but his image could still be seen in the axe blade, leaning away as Nataku hovered near. "Yeah, this is my weird-ass form that doesn't make much sense. But whatever, as long as I can ruin a kinshin egg's face like this, who cares?"

He fell into surly silence as they broke from Tassadar and Nataku. The plan was a simple one, effective if they could pull it off, but Karkat has his reservations. Maybe it was different here, but dragons on Alternia were rare, powerful, and highly intelligent. This one had been scorching its path, making its location fairly obvious, which meant it was either stupid or had little reason to fear hunters.

Even given Terezi's annoying dragonsprite, he wasn't willing to assume this thing had lived this long causing this much damage without repercussions through dumb luck.

Without even thinking about it, he spoke to Selendis through resonation: "Watch yourself. Dragons aren't supposed to be easy kills."

[soulparadox]

I will carry out this action. Nataku mentally nodded at the plan. He would wrap himself around the dragon's mouth and the two with him shall carry out the killing blow. It was now that he was realizing that this was the first time that he would put his faith in those that were neither family nor his Meister. The first time that he would trust in those that were his friends. They will not let us down.

It was an odd sort of statement to make. He did not know if they could or could not, but he supposed that he should not go into a battle without confidence in those that he was fighting with. But I suppose I always fought alone. It is only recently that I fought with others.

The ribbon end turned to look toward Tassadar. He wondered if this too was considered growing that despite what could be called concerns, he was already dismissing them. Tassadar trusted in Selendis. He trusted in Selendis. Selendis trusted in Karkat. He trusted in Karkat. Was it because those two did so first, or was it his own decision? He did not know, but those niggling issues in his mind faded. Still, he wondered what their feelings were toward everyone -- if they wanted to safe them all or merely doing it for some other reason.

Dragons are meant to be strong. Nataku commented on something other than his thoughts to his Meister. It is why they are given their names. You be careful as well, Tassadar.

[aiursfavoredson]

Tassadar listened quietly to his Weapon as Nataku worked through his thoughts. He was pleased to see such growth when it came to his young companion, and when the talk of fighting alone was spoken, the templar murmured, The only way you ever truly fight alone is when you do not have companions in your life, he thoughtfully offered while continuing up the make-shift path he was creating.

He could feel the weight of Nataku's curiosity on him, but remained quiet while allowing his Weapon to work through his thoughts. While there was still some way to go, Tassadar had seen how much this world had changed Nataku for the better and had allowed him to grow. If nothing else, Tassadar was more than pleased to have been here to have experienced that.

I will do what I can to remain out of harms way, Tassadar offered in return moments before they rounded the rocky crop to come across the sleeping dragon in question. It appeared as though fortune was on their side, even if he and Nataku had happened on the tail end of the beast. That just meant that they needed to move quickly before the Kishin Egg caught their scent.

He didn't need to glance over to know that Selendis was on the other side. While they weren't in the ideal positions, they would simply have to make do. If they were fortunate, they could still catch the dragon off guard enough to give them time to maneuver.

The dragon in question twitched lightly as its large front claw stretched out during its sleep. The first head, one of three, yawned during its sleep before it settled back into the pleasant slumber it was currently in. The second ground its teeth together, while the third seemed to be sniffing at the air while it dreamt.

Waiting just a moment to see if it would settle, Tassadar glanced up to regard the creature's back. If he could bring Nataku as close as possible to the beast, then he'd be close enough to wrap around most, if not all of the necks before the creature could re-orientate itself. That was a plan he shared with his weapon while he regarded the dragon.

His large feet kicked off of the ground in the next moment. Rapidly closing the distance, Tassadar crouched down as he neared the Kishin Egg before he suddenly leapt up and over towards his target. His large form effortlessly cleared the tail and back legs as he landed on the creature's back. That instantly got a reaction from the beast, and even as it roared awake and began to rise, Tassadar kept his balance as he ran his way up to bring him close enough to allow for Nataku to wrap around the creature's throats.

[justiceisdue]

"We may not have had dragons on Aiur, but I do not lack experience in dealing with foes that are larger than I am." Her home planet had been a dangerous place, but the zerg were more of the threat she meant. Still, she appreciated his concern and he would know it through their resonation.

Staying low, Selendis approached the head - or rather, heads - while Tassadar was on the other side. If he and Nataku could catch all three heads at once, they should make short work of the monster. If not, well, at least she knew she was fast enough to dodge acidic spines from hydralisks. Fire would just make things more challenging, and she welcomed that distinction.

When Tassadar jumped into action, she wasn't far behind. Selendis ran forward, straight into the kishin's line of sight in order to get the attention of at least one of the heads. They had the advantage of surprise right now, and distracting it gave the other pair time to do their part. The beast was fully alert now, voicing its displeasure loud enough to scare off what little wildlife was left. Two of the heads were looking down its back, but it was doubtful it'd breath fire on itself. The third head turned on Selendis and Karkat.

Selendis planted her feet on the ground, ready to spring at a moment's notice. Either they'd be ducking fire, or running in for a quick kill.

[dungenessmaster]

Luck seemed to be on their side -- only one of the three heads was looking where it was supposed to. It wasn't enough to save them if Selendis didn't start taking this thing down quickly, but Karkat liked this situation better than what they were facing before Tassadar and Nataku jumped in. And he had fought alongside Selendis long enough by now to know he could trust her judgment. She was smart, fast, and a damn good fighter. He growled, adrenaline rushing, and focused on resonation and watching the beast's actions. If more heads swung around, or if it brought its claws or tail into this, he had to be ready.

Once again it occurred to him that being the weapon was kind of a raw deal, but hey, too late to cry about that now.