Once home to the Crystal Cities of the Hunter clans, Craiss Caverns is now a hollow empty shell of its former glory due to a strange misfortune in the past. Man-made tunnels now lead to this place, but tales tell of some never returning. (+3 Defense, +2 Offense)

Moderator: Retired Staff

Return to Craiss Caverns

Token of Loss (CLOSED)

Postby Kallile » 06/20/2008 2:14 PM

Image
Malu


Image
Matrix



One of the many surface tunnels into the caverns. It was poorly lit, just enough so no one knocked themselves out on the occasional stalactite which was forming--triumphant against all modern marvels man could create. Life and the will of nature were often found in such unforgiving places, or so it seemed.

A creature, appearing to be alone, slipped though this tunnel. Its already small body fit easily under the rebellious cavern creations, sleek black and grey skin grimmering from the water droplets that fell from the ceiling. Red rings and patterns adorned her feminine skin, marking her as a Chaos type. The feathered mohawk-mane on top of her head and raised middle toe gave away her species--a Serraptor.

Malu was still wandering why exactly she had come here. Of course, she knew the obvious--to try and collect an Akail for her trainer. Maybe with such a gift, she would be allowed to live upstairs on the comfy plush furniture instead of downstairs as a member of that terrible Tribe. She shivered at the thought. Her secondary question was answered for her. She was here to escape Gambit--her Tribe leader-- and the horrible memories he gave her.

At the mere thought of Gambit, a small Bleeder appeared from within her feathers, soft green Dreamscape marked skin giving off a little light. He peered around, then looked over the Serraptors forehead and into her eyes.

"You rang, M'Lady Malu?" He chided a little playfully, an evil grin playing on his heartshaped face. As deeply as he cared for his creator, the darkness within him got a rush from the very pain which had created him. Now was one of those times.

"We're almost there, just....just stay shushed. This is a sacred place..." The Serraptor replied, looking around the walls. There was less man-made construction here; all slowly faded into the tunnels of yester-year. Soft runes were etched into the walls, and Malu frowned at them. "I wander what they are meant to say, Rix..."

{Malu-1 Rix-1}
"I have been hidden, scorned, adored, worshiped, forsaken, coveted and banished more times than I care to count. But the one thing all those experiences cannot steal from me is the gentle soul I was born with, the kind heart I have molded, and the bright ideals for the future that have lit my way through the darkness of the past."




.::.Pen.::.Sales.::.Wishes.::.
User avatar
Kallile
Ultimate Specialist
Ultimate Specialist
Pets | Items
Keystones: 70
Donate
Joined: 06/16/2008 12:04 PM
Location: In your childhood toybox

[A lv1][1]

Postby Citanul » 06/20/2008 3:40 PM

Image


Hearing others within the cave, the slightly-smaller Gyrraptor was on alert. His blood-red feathers were very dark compared to the pearly white of the others, showing he was an older male... He had seen much within his life.

Oddly alone, the male gave a soft sound as he moved forward, claws clicking against the stone-and-dust floors of the Caverns. He could see the Serraptor after a few steps, his stocky body built differently than her sleeker one. Since this female was smaller though, they were about the same size.

Giving a soft call of welcome the Gyrraptor's blood-red feathers stood up on his head in a mohawk much like the Serraptor's own. In this ancient place, he hoped not to do battle. Ruining the runes and the ancient drawings... It would be a shame to lose such things.
User avatar
Citanul
Ultimate Pet Tamer
Ultimate Pet Tamer
Pets | Items
Keystones: 214
Donate
Joined: 05/09/2008 12:34 PM
Location: Planeswalking

M/M--2.2

Postby Kallile » 06/20/2008 3:57 PM

As Malu studied the ruins, a soft call reached her. She turned slowly, thinking it was surely some baby Carpetfang or some other monster out hunting for its dinner. She found no such monster as she turned, only a maroon and pearl colored Gyrraptor.

His claws clicking as he moved closer, Malu took a few steps back, pushing her side against the wall for at least one angle of defense. She gave a garbled call back nervously. Unknowingly, she was clicking the talons of her raised middle toes rapidly from such nervousness.

Her whole body seemed ready to crumple to the floor at a single harsh word. She raised her mohawk of feathers back, dislodging Matrix. The Bleeder half fell/half leapt to the ground. he stuck his landing, however awkward it might have looked. The pale green runes of his skin illuminated the area around him and glinted off Malu's talons.

"What do you want?" He demanded hotly. He did not like being bothered while he fed off his pain of origin. Malu took a step behind him, giving the impression that somehow she felt this tiny sprite may protect her from one four times his size.

"He doesn't mean it....quite that way..." Malu called to the stranger as she tried desperately to keep tempers cooled. Patience was not one of Rix's virtues, and for all she knew, it could very well not be highly ranked in the mind of the Gyrraptor.
"I have been hidden, scorned, adored, worshiped, forsaken, coveted and banished more times than I care to count. But the one thing all those experiences cannot steal from me is the gentle soul I was born with, the kind heart I have molded, and the bright ideals for the future that have lit my way through the darkness of the past."




.::.Pen.::.Sales.::.Wishes.::.
User avatar
Kallile
Ultimate Specialist
Ultimate Specialist
Pets | Items
Keystones: 70
Donate
Joined: 06/16/2008 12:04 PM
Location: In your childhood toybox

[A lv1][2]

Postby Citanul » 06/22/2008 6:47 PM

Watching the slightly-nervous Serraptor, Argus hid his puzzlement. She could surely outrun this battle-scarred veteran. There was little for the Serraptor to be afraid of, for even if they were the same size she had the manuverability to get away from him.

The Bleeder was certainly a surprise. Argus watched it for a moment before he opened his crimson maw to speak. "I surely know what he meant. I only called to be assured that I was not alone in this sacred place, to warn you of my presence. I mean no harm. These old feathers wish to see no more bloodshed."

Shifting his short arms the feathered soldier remained where he was and made no move closer, just surveying the situation. Hm. This little Bleeder was trying to protect the big Serraptor? It seemed quite an odd relationship, but he supposed that the Bleeder must have something to feed off of as well. "I am Argus Kos - if the name means much to anyone these days."
User avatar
Citanul
Ultimate Pet Tamer
Ultimate Pet Tamer
Pets | Items
Keystones: 214
Donate
Joined: 05/09/2008 12:34 PM
Location: Planeswalking

M/M--3.3

Postby Kallile » 06/22/2008 7:49 PM

Martix lowered himself, preparing for a fight despite the old warriors words. There had been many lies heard in Malu's life, memories which he shared. Though many of those lies had become, in fact, Matrix himself--he still felt the sting. It was hard to be purely evil when such an innocent soul had created you.

"Matrix." He answered bluntly. He did not want to sit on this old missing links' lap and hear old war stories. They were here for an Akail--no more, no less.

Apparently, Malu had different ideas.

"I-it's nice to meet you, Argus," The timid Serraptor said softly, allowing herself to straighten her posture a little. "I'm Malu of the.... There was a pause, a wince running across her jaw line. ", of the Disillusions Clan." At the mention Matrix gave a small hiss, followed by a compulsive giggle of delight. His creators pain sorrowed him as well....but he would be condemned if he said it was not also the best sensation a Bleeder was allowed.

Malu ignored him. It was a common occurance, as much as it bothered her. The stranger, though gentle of speech and demenor, bothered her. The last time she had met a stranger like this....

"What do you seek down here, Old One?" Rix chimed in. Malu gave him a horrified look--what had he just said? And to a proud wearer of war scars!?
"I have been hidden, scorned, adored, worshiped, forsaken, coveted and banished more times than I care to count. But the one thing all those experiences cannot steal from me is the gentle soul I was born with, the kind heart I have molded, and the bright ideals for the future that have lit my way through the darkness of the past."




.::.Pen.::.Sales.::.Wishes.::.
User avatar
Kallile
Ultimate Specialist
Ultimate Specialist
Pets | Items
Keystones: 70
Donate
Joined: 06/16/2008 12:04 PM
Location: In your childhood toybox

[A lv1][3]

Postby Citanul » 06/22/2008 8:42 PM

Quiet, interested amber eyes watched the timid Serraptor's his claws clicked softly in an old battlecry he wasn't even thinking of. It was an old habit, he needed noise to concentrate. Without the sounds of battle to distract him Argus' mind couldn't focus for one moment on anything.

Malu... Interesting name. It sounded like something Citanul might come up with. "It is good to meet you, Malu. What human do you call your own?" He saw no reason not to exchange the information, it wasn't as if they would meet up again. Just more for him to remember, to write down in the battle journals he kept so easily.

"Old one?" He chuckled, softly, at the Dreamscape Bleeder. "Hardly. I have not seen as many years as I have seen Battles." It was something he had heard before however, due to his darker-hued feathers. He was older than this Serraptor, of course, but it did not seem to matter so much.

"I seek knowledge. These runes, I have seen before... I wish to know more of them. What do you seek down here, small one?" He teased right back, giving a soft smile. ...Which in all reality, was not such a gentle-looking expression.
User avatar
Citanul
Ultimate Pet Tamer
Ultimate Pet Tamer
Pets | Items
Keystones: 214
Donate
Joined: 05/09/2008 12:34 PM
Location: Planeswalking

M/M-4.4

Postby Kallile » 06/22/2008 9:21 PM

Malu forced a smile back at him. Perhaps--and only a perhaps--this encounter would not be as tramatic as the last. She took a step forward, though kept her lowered position. Her head now even with Maxtrix's body, she forced her eyes to the ground before she spoke.

" I call Lady Kallile my human." She said softly, though her tone was less shaken now. Her feathered mane pressed down agaisnt her skin tightly, making her look even more juvenile than before. " She is kind of heart, but very caught up in her goals."

She stopped it there. She could mention the Carpetfangs and Serraptor tribe, but that would do little good. She cast her eyes to Rix, looking to him for guidance on what to do next. This was the longest a friendly stranger encounter had ever lasted for her.

Rix took his cue--both from Malu and Argus. With the strange glowing green liquid dribbling from his cracked face, he gave a hiss at Argus. He took a 'menacing' step forward, waving his tail behind him aggressively. He looked like little more than some battle-themed wind up toy.

" We are here for an Akail in order..." Rix began. For the first time, Malu made a sudden movement; sweeping the Bleeder back a few feet. For a moment her wild red eyes swept upwards and met with Argus' amber ones. " In order to win better favor with My Lady..." Malu finished for Rix, snapping her gaze away just as quickly as she had given it.
"I have been hidden, scorned, adored, worshiped, forsaken, coveted and banished more times than I care to count. But the one thing all those experiences cannot steal from me is the gentle soul I was born with, the kind heart I have molded, and the bright ideals for the future that have lit my way through the darkness of the past."




.::.Pen.::.Sales.::.Wishes.::.
User avatar
Kallile
Ultimate Specialist
Ultimate Specialist
Pets | Items
Keystones: 70
Donate
Joined: 06/16/2008 12:04 PM
Location: In your childhood toybox

[A lv1][4]

Postby Citanul » 06/23/2008 11:05 PM

The old Gyrraptor may be battle-hardened but he certainly wasn't malecolent. silencing his claws to listen to the quiet Malu, his short tail waved slightly in an attempt to keep himself balanced, which worked will with his claws firmly holding his stance.

"My human calls himself Citanul... Though I do not know why such a harsh name, for he is a sweet boy. A little melencholy, though, for his path in life."

A quizical tilt of his head was given as she cut the Bleeder off, but he asked not of it. The little one oft had harsh words, maybe she wished to lighten them. "Ah, Akail... They are quite interesting creatures, though somewhat dangerous. Mahkah is off searching for a Mekkyena. I fear for the pup as well, but I know that he can care for himself."

Pausing, he gave a soft smile, eyes meeting hers as he continued to think of how to help. "I could help you, if you wish. Just to bring one back to your Kallile, or knock it out long enough to get it back to her dwellings."
User avatar
Citanul
Ultimate Pet Tamer
Ultimate Pet Tamer
Pets | Items
Keystones: 214
Donate
Joined: 05/09/2008 12:34 PM
Location: Planeswalking

M/M-5.5

Postby Kallile » 06/24/2008 1:27 PM

Matrix untangled himself from Malu's clawed hand and took a few steps in front of her again. This seemed, strangely, to be his typical place. He puffed his chest out in annoyance.

"Then why is he on the path to begin with?" The little Bleeder chided at the older Gyrraptor. He did not like being pushed around, especially in front of strangers.

Malu, however, seemed to be more worried about what he had said about the Akail--in an unconcerned voice at that. Dangerous? No one had ever said the dark-dwellers were dangerous....

"How dangerous would that be--this somewhat?" She asked as calmly as possible. What was she getting herself into? She flashed back to the days of her young adulthood--the thoughts made Rix cackle again. Malu shook her head. No, she would do this. If not to save herself....for him....

"And a pup hunting a Mekkyena? Isn't your Citanul worried about him?" She was one to ask. Her trainer didn't even know she was down here trying to get herself mauled to death. All to live away from her cursed 'tribe'.  

She studied the Gyrraptor carefully. She would have to watch Rix like a hawk--this warrior surely had honor codes. If he found out about her situation...her near enslavement to her tribe leader, she feared the actions he may be willing to take. "I would be deeply honored if you would accompany us."
"I have been hidden, scorned, adored, worshiped, forsaken, coveted and banished more times than I care to count. But the one thing all those experiences cannot steal from me is the gentle soul I was born with, the kind heart I have molded, and the bright ideals for the future that have lit my way through the darkness of the past."




.::.Pen.::.Sales.::.Wishes.::.
User avatar
Kallile
Ultimate Specialist
Ultimate Specialist
Pets | Items
Keystones: 70
Donate
Joined: 06/16/2008 12:04 PM
Location: In your childhood toybox

[A lv1][5]

Postby Citanul » 06/25/2008 9:43 AM

"That much is simple." The Gyrraptor watched Matrix, trying not to be intimidating... But old War veterans just had that aura. Seems the little Bleeder was unaffected however. "He thinks that his fate is set in stone, that he must wander to the ends of his Worlds with no constant companion."

Hm. Thinking of it, he once more tapped his toe-claws against the stone. "Akail... It depends on which you find, what their personality is like. They can be rather dangerous if one is not prepared for a battle." Any creature was dangerous, obviously... Hopefully, they would find a calmer Akail who could be coaxed with words rather than force.

"To my knowledge Citanul knows nothing of the pup trying it on his own. He planned to accompany him, but... Well, unforseen circumstances kept him at home. I am sure that he would be very worried if he knew of Mahkah's wanderings."

...Malu had it right on the dot. The old Gyrraptor would surely march to Kallile's pen and put the Serraptors in their place. One shouldn't underestimate his strength just because of his size. "Then I shall. Are you headed this way?" He asked, turning his head to where he had just come from.
User avatar
Citanul
Ultimate Pet Tamer
Ultimate Pet Tamer
Pets | Items
Keystones: 214
Donate
Joined: 05/09/2008 12:34 PM
Location: Planeswalking

M/M--6.6

Postby Kallile » 06/25/2008 6:56 PM

Rix was, in fact, not very swayed by the Gyrraptors impressive figure (compaired, of course, to his own small stature--something he often overlooked). The Bleeder was born of fears, sorrows, heartbreaks....there was little that seemed could frighten him. In Malu's opinion--this was not just a bad thing--it was a horrible thing.

Rix stepped forward a few more paces, walking a half circle before Argus as he looked the veteran over. "I suppose you can come..." The Bleeder mumbled, seeming a little miffed about the situation. True, if this beast broke Malu's heart he'd have the beginnings of a small army and that fantasy made him grin wildly as he returned to Malu. However, he did not like the company of this 'honorable' creature. Authority was not something he dealt well with, and this creature dripped with it.

Malu gave a weak smile and nodded to Argus. "In fact we were," she said politely. Her voice was still hushed, but now at least it was a volume level above the occasional water droplets hitting the floor. She took a careful step towards him, pausing to allow Matrix to stay at nose level with her.

Up until this point she had not realized the tension she had held in her body. She felt stiff and weakened merely by moving--as if she'd slept in the same position for days. Her muscles ached, but she pressed on just a few steps more. She was going through with this--she was wandering off into the unknown with a stranger yet again. Her heart pounded, and after what seemed hours, she was finally face to face with Argus.

"So...how long have you been down here studying the runes?" She asked, beginning to walk down the path he had already travelled.
"I have been hidden, scorned, adored, worshiped, forsaken, coveted and banished more times than I care to count. But the one thing all those experiences cannot steal from me is the gentle soul I was born with, the kind heart I have molded, and the bright ideals for the future that have lit my way through the darkness of the past."




.::.Pen.::.Sales.::.Wishes.::.
User avatar
Kallile
Ultimate Specialist
Ultimate Specialist
Pets | Items
Keystones: 70
Donate
Joined: 06/16/2008 12:04 PM
Location: In your childhood toybox

[A lv2][6]

Postby Citanul » 06/27/2008 3:58 PM

The Gyrraptor had no real intentions of breaking Malu's heart. Just accompaning her on their journey, helping to make sure that she wasn't killed by any Akail or whatever else might be lurking in these caverns. The runes could have special powers... Possibly.

"I am glad that I have your approval." He replied, nodding to the Bleeder before he looked to Malu. Sure, his Honar was obvious to any of the 'evil' creatures, but he was certainly not without his own evils.

The old Warrior waited for Malu to be level with him before he began onwards. "Only a few minutes, I had only gotten to here." He nodded towards some particularly bright runes a few paces into the cave. "But I have been here before, just coming to watch."

These runes, they spoke to him for some reason... He did not know why, but, he would find out. He had to.
User avatar
Citanul
Ultimate Pet Tamer
Ultimate Pet Tamer
Pets | Items
Keystones: 214
Donate
Joined: 05/09/2008 12:34 PM
Location: Planeswalking

M/M--7.7

Postby Kallile » 06/27/2008 4:16 PM

Matrix stayed a few paces ahead of the others. He had no interest in these shining runes. He had only an interest in these dark and dangerous Akail--it was he who had provoked Malu to come hunt for them specifically. He had, of course, left out the danger factor.

Malu kept falling a pace or two behind the Gyrraptor in submission. She was not used to walking next to someone. Always two steps behind--the lesson Gambit was quick to drill into her head. She looked to the runes he indicated, staring strangely at them.

"Watching?" She repeated curiously. "You mean they change?" She continued to stand there and observe them, but saw no changes other than the intensity of their brilliance. Matrix had yet to notice they had stopped, he was crawling about on the ground.

Long legs holding his tail higher than his head, he crept on all fours to sniff at the ground. Softly glowing green ooze marked the path he travelled as his spade-shaped head barely brushed the ground. Perhaps, if he could trail where the heaviest traffic of top-dwellers went, they could go the opposite. Surely Akail were smart enough to stay clear of the heavily travelled areas.
"I have been hidden, scorned, adored, worshiped, forsaken, coveted and banished more times than I care to count. But the one thing all those experiences cannot steal from me is the gentle soul I was born with, the kind heart I have molded, and the bright ideals for the future that have lit my way through the darkness of the past."




.::.Pen.::.Sales.::.Wishes.::.
User avatar
Kallile
Ultimate Specialist
Ultimate Specialist
Pets | Items
Keystones: 70
Donate
Joined: 06/16/2008 12:04 PM
Location: In your childhood toybox

[A lv2][7]

Postby Citanul » 06/29/2008 4:18 PM

Argus wasn't too disturbed by Malu's slow pace. He was used to leading others around, so her few paces behind was nothing new. He wouldn't have complained if she wanted to walk next to him though.

"That's what I was trying to figure out. I think the intensity of their glow is the only thing changing... But I thought a few of the marks changed. I could be wrong, these eyes have seen a lot." He chuckled, running his claws lightly against the wall.

Matrix was kept within sight, the Gyrraptor knew better than to instantly trust anyone. The little Bleeder, while not a formidable opponent, could still do some damage depending on what abilities he may have.
User avatar
Citanul
Ultimate Pet Tamer
Ultimate Pet Tamer
Pets | Items
Keystones: 214
Donate
Joined: 05/09/2008 12:34 PM
Location: Planeswalking

M/M--8.8

Postby Kallile » 06/29/2008 4:41 PM

Martix, satisfied with his selection on path ways, leaned back on his tail. While not the most comfortable, he doubted Malu would be still long enough for him to hide in her feathers again. He looked around while he waited for the larger reptiles to finish sightseeing. He had no interest in the runes or what knowledge they might hold. His life was not very predictable as far as length--he didn't have time to learn and study. He only had time to plot how to prolong his time here.

Looking over his shoulder at the multitude of splitting paths he let out a few taunting chirps and whistles. If any Akail were watching, he was going to try his hardest to bring them out. The others could worry about whether or not the Akail was in a fighting mood.

Malu watched the glow intensify and fade over and over. She furrowed her eyebrows sadly. "Maybe I haven't seen enough...I can't tell is anything is changing." She said. Her tone made it sound as if she had been left out of some grand joke. Perhaps only wise eyes could read the runes and their meanings. Perhaps she just didn't trust herself enough to believe what she was seeing.

Turning away from the rune covered wall slowly, she looked around her again to regain herself. She could already not remember the way they had come in--her mind had been flooded with too many other thoughts.

At the thump of the Bleeders tail, Malu focused on his location. There was, however, a lack of scent that way. There was a great stream of scent much like Argus' to the far left of Matrix.

"Why not that way?" she asked to neither Argus or Matrix in particular. That way ment well-travelled...probably well lit and safe. The way Matrix was pointing towards looked as if it had not been travelled through in months. The mere thought of 'why' sent a chill down her spine.

"Better Akail hunting territory is visitors aren't mucking about constantly." Matrix answered, trying to convince his creator to follow him. Both creatures turned to look at Argus--Malu silently pleading for a safe journey, and Matrix demanding to be agreed with.
"I have been hidden, scorned, adored, worshiped, forsaken, coveted and banished more times than I care to count. But the one thing all those experiences cannot steal from me is the gentle soul I was born with, the kind heart I have molded, and the bright ideals for the future that have lit my way through the darkness of the past."




.::.Pen.::.Sales.::.Wishes.::.
User avatar
Kallile
Ultimate Specialist
Ultimate Specialist
Pets | Items
Keystones: 70
Donate
Joined: 06/16/2008 12:04 PM
Location: In your childhood toybox

Next

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests