Bounty hunter was as good a job as any. It was reliable, after all, and reliability attracted others, which meant that Sephiroth would not be tackling this by his lonesome. And indeed, there was a small team now of himself and a handful of interested takers. The odds looked good.
Still: Sephiroth had to wonder, not for the first or last time, whether this was truly a wise choice for his very first bounty mission.
Mammoth Aberration, he reviewed silently, running his fingers along the sheath of his borrowed sword. Intelligent. Vicious. Blends well into the snow. So it’ll have the size, camouflage, and terrain advantage… Not ideal, but perhaps if it’s based on scent…? How well can it see to operate during a blizzard? So, perhaps we kill its sense of smell. Gas, smoke perhaps… We could trade beforehand, maybe ask around if there are any incendiary—
He sighed quietly. No. He was thinking too heavy-handedly. What would be the point of taking up this bounty for its hefty pay, only to have decided the best way to complete it was by spending would-be reward money on unnecessarily violent solutions? He looked down at his sword. His toothpick, as a certain someone had called it. He could use it fine, but he couldn’t shake off the sense that something about the blade’s size—the blade’s length—wasn’t right in his hands.
Well, no matter. It will do. As they say, the bigger they are…
The thought then cut off once Sephiroth realized he was being approached. He turned to face the newcomer, and sunlight in his eyes thinned his catlike pupils to needles. He smiled, though, and tilted his head. A friendly gesture.
“Hello,” he said, simply. “Here for the mammoth bounty as well?”
Still: Sephiroth had to wonder, not for the first or last time, whether this was truly a wise choice for his very first bounty mission.
Mammoth Aberration, he reviewed silently, running his fingers along the sheath of his borrowed sword. Intelligent. Vicious. Blends well into the snow. So it’ll have the size, camouflage, and terrain advantage… Not ideal, but perhaps if it’s based on scent…? How well can it see to operate during a blizzard? So, perhaps we kill its sense of smell. Gas, smoke perhaps… We could trade beforehand, maybe ask around if there are any incendiary—
He sighed quietly. No. He was thinking too heavy-handedly. What would be the point of taking up this bounty for its hefty pay, only to have decided the best way to complete it was by spending would-be reward money on unnecessarily violent solutions? He looked down at his sword. His toothpick, as a certain someone had called it. He could use it fine, but he couldn’t shake off the sense that something about the blade’s size—the blade’s length—wasn’t right in his hands.
Well, no matter. It will do. As they say, the bigger they are…
The thought then cut off once Sephiroth realized he was being approached. He turned to face the newcomer, and sunlight in his eyes thinned his catlike pupils to needles. He smiled, though, and tilted his head. A friendly gesture.
“Hello,” he said, simply. “Here for the mammoth bounty as well?”
"If you mean I'm here to make sure a little less people die today, you also wouldn't be wrong."
Black, digitigrade feet padded onto the floor as the humanoid, donning a thick coat and a fur collar, appeared to walk on his toes. His balance was impeccably assisted by the four vulpine tails that bloomed from his backside, no doubt. As much as he liked taking on other appearances for the fun of it, as well as for convenience, his usual form was enough for him. People didn't judge him so much on it, as less people had the knowledge of the typical kitsune stereotype; selfish fox spirits constantly up to no good. Sure, Fuyuki wasn't always an angel, but here, it was a little different. He was definitely still not an angel though.
"I admit, while getting fifty gold's worth of supplies is a great motivator, I find I care more for maintaining the lives of people than causing the death of some poor creature." Above narrow eyes, the inner corners of his brows furrowed. "Not that I can't fight, of course. It's just a pity, the situation at hand. It was probably some beast minding its own business."
Then, his black hands raised as he shrugged. That seemed to be the final answer for his pity.
"Alas, so are we. Beasts in - or, outside of - our own habitats. It's within every living creature's right to fight back when threatened, don't you agree?"
His tone seemed more amiable than sullen now. In spite of - or perhaps because of - the inherent danger. Though a spirit, he could be destroyed as well, and he liked to get to know people beforehand. In the recesses of his mind, he believed it made everyone fight that much harder.
"I'm Fuyuki, by the way," he said, bowing his head once. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Say, you can be healed with magic, can you? I know traditional medicine, but I find magic always works in clutch when on the battlefield. Provided others' anatomies are receptive to it, of course."
This fox was particularly chatty, oftentimes saying the unnecessary. However, his question was more practical in nature this time around. To add to his thought, he glanced around. It was snowing gently, resting on the ground and structures with a powder that was more ice than anything else. They could enjoy it for now.
"We have others joining us as well, don't we? I wonder when they'll show up."
Black, digitigrade feet padded onto the floor as the humanoid, donning a thick coat and a fur collar, appeared to walk on his toes. His balance was impeccably assisted by the four vulpine tails that bloomed from his backside, no doubt. As much as he liked taking on other appearances for the fun of it, as well as for convenience, his usual form was enough for him. People didn't judge him so much on it, as less people had the knowledge of the typical kitsune stereotype; selfish fox spirits constantly up to no good. Sure, Fuyuki wasn't always an angel, but here, it was a little different. He was definitely still not an angel though.
"I admit, while getting fifty gold's worth of supplies is a great motivator, I find I care more for maintaining the lives of people than causing the death of some poor creature." Above narrow eyes, the inner corners of his brows furrowed. "Not that I can't fight, of course. It's just a pity, the situation at hand. It was probably some beast minding its own business."
Then, his black hands raised as he shrugged. That seemed to be the final answer for his pity.
"Alas, so are we. Beasts in - or, outside of - our own habitats. It's within every living creature's right to fight back when threatened, don't you agree?"
His tone seemed more amiable than sullen now. In spite of - or perhaps because of - the inherent danger. Though a spirit, he could be destroyed as well, and he liked to get to know people beforehand. In the recesses of his mind, he believed it made everyone fight that much harder.
"I'm Fuyuki, by the way," he said, bowing his head once. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Say, you can be healed with magic, can you? I know traditional medicine, but I find magic always works in clutch when on the battlefield. Provided others' anatomies are receptive to it, of course."
This fox was particularly chatty, oftentimes saying the unnecessary. However, his question was more practical in nature this time around. To add to his thought, he glanced around. It was snowing gently, resting on the ground and structures with a powder that was more ice than anything else. They could enjoy it for now.
"We have others joining us as well, don't we? I wonder when they'll show up."
"How many weapons do you think they'll let us bring?" Eclipse asks, her arm tight around Isaiah's, a blindfold around her eyes, and a sniper rifle strapped to her back, with two daggers hanging from a belt around her waist, as she lets him lead her towards their rendezvous point.
Isaiah chuckles, "You mean besides the amount we have right now? I don't think we need much of anything else except a rocket launcher but if this thing can ambush during blizzards, having one of those might not be the best idea. Not to mention the fact that it's taken up residence in a barn. I'd rather avoid property damage in case we have to pay for it if we fuck up." He says, stopping in his tracks for a moment, noticing that there were two other people standing at the edge of town already.
"I guess you're right. I wonder how big this monster even is, did we get a height? Do you think it's as big as the barn? Because those are pretty big." Eclipse says, sighing softly. "Hopefully I'll be able to hear it. Do you think it smells like snow?" She asks curiously.
"All we know so far is that it's large bull mammoth that's angry, and way too smart for it's own good because of a Crackle Storm. Don't worry, we'll figure something out. We're not alone so we should be fine, hopefully." Isaiah says, patting Eclipse's arm before waving at the two waiting for them.
Standing before the two other team members is a young woman who stands at four feet, nine inches tall with light brown skin and a chubby frame. Her rosy brown hair is long enough to reach her shoulders, and slightly curly to almost look fluffy. Almost. She's wearing a colorful sweater, some long black pants, and brown leather boots with a winter jacket.
The monster beside her is tall, standing at seven feet, adorned in nothing but a dark blue and purple body suit. Around him and the woman is a pair of large, black, leathery wings with dark brown membranes. His form is that of an Anubian Jackal with brown fur covered in black and gold scales that cover all of the most vulnerable parts of his body, and a long brown tail to match.
Upon his head is a long, golden brown mane and two, long ivory colored horns jutting from his head with two, perky, jackal-like ears. If someone would look at his hands, they would notice the sharp, dragon-like claws. His feet on the other hand, also look jackal-like with a pair of sharp, pointed claws.
"Hey! We're not late are we?" Isaiah asks, standing close enough to them but not too close. "I'm guessing you two are the ones who we'll be teaming up with?" He says, looking the two of them over. "Name's Isaiah, this is my partner Eclipse." He greeted, amber colored eyes glancing at Eclipse.
"Hello. It's nice to meet you! I'll be your designated sniper today, and Isaiah will be your tank." She says, standing at attention and saluting them before relaxing her stance. "I'll be sure to do my best but, please take care of me!" She added, bowing politely, a large smile spreading across her face.
"What are you guys' names? I'm pretty sure we were told but, I would rather hear it from you so I can recognize your voices better." Eclipse says, nodding firmly as she wraps her arm around Isaiah's again.
Isaiah chuckles, "You mean besides the amount we have right now? I don't think we need much of anything else except a rocket launcher but if this thing can ambush during blizzards, having one of those might not be the best idea. Not to mention the fact that it's taken up residence in a barn. I'd rather avoid property damage in case we have to pay for it if we fuck up." He says, stopping in his tracks for a moment, noticing that there were two other people standing at the edge of town already.
"I guess you're right. I wonder how big this monster even is, did we get a height? Do you think it's as big as the barn? Because those are pretty big." Eclipse says, sighing softly. "Hopefully I'll be able to hear it. Do you think it smells like snow?" She asks curiously.
"All we know so far is that it's large bull mammoth that's angry, and way too smart for it's own good because of a Crackle Storm. Don't worry, we'll figure something out. We're not alone so we should be fine, hopefully." Isaiah says, patting Eclipse's arm before waving at the two waiting for them.
Standing before the two other team members is a young woman who stands at four feet, nine inches tall with light brown skin and a chubby frame. Her rosy brown hair is long enough to reach her shoulders, and slightly curly to almost look fluffy. Almost. She's wearing a colorful sweater, some long black pants, and brown leather boots with a winter jacket.
The monster beside her is tall, standing at seven feet, adorned in nothing but a dark blue and purple body suit. Around him and the woman is a pair of large, black, leathery wings with dark brown membranes. His form is that of an Anubian Jackal with brown fur covered in black and gold scales that cover all of the most vulnerable parts of his body, and a long brown tail to match.
Upon his head is a long, golden brown mane and two, long ivory colored horns jutting from his head with two, perky, jackal-like ears. If someone would look at his hands, they would notice the sharp, dragon-like claws. His feet on the other hand, also look jackal-like with a pair of sharp, pointed claws.
"Hey! We're not late are we?" Isaiah asks, standing close enough to them but not too close. "I'm guessing you two are the ones who we'll be teaming up with?" He says, looking the two of them over. "Name's Isaiah, this is my partner Eclipse." He greeted, amber colored eyes glancing at Eclipse.
"Hello. It's nice to meet you! I'll be your designated sniper today, and Isaiah will be your tank." She says, standing at attention and saluting them before relaxing her stance. "I'll be sure to do my best but, please take care of me!" She added, bowing politely, a large smile spreading across her face.
"What are you guys' names? I'm pretty sure we were told but, I would rather hear it from you so I can recognize your voices better." Eclipse says, nodding firmly as she wraps her arm around Isaiah's again.
Despite Sephiroth's small and polite smile, there appeared a certain gleam in his eyes as he gazed at his new companion, pupils thin and sharp. How truly curious! A walking, humanlike fox—or a foxlike human, perhaps? Sephiroth bowed his head in greeting and replied, "Ahh, the team medic. I shall certainly be in your hands, then! And you're right, it's a shame, but there are times when the beasts of the wild can't be left to their own devices. After all, even wolves will band together to take down a rabid animal coming too close to their dens, won't they?" Then he cocked his head. "Hm. Maybe that analogy is too much, considering that we live in very close proximity to strange wolves, indeed..."
But when Fuyuki bowed, Sephiroth smiled and cupped a gloved hand over his chest to nod back. Dressed in a heavy coat himself, his long hair spilled around his collar and down his back. "The pleasure is all mine, Fuyuki," he said, lightly. "But...hmm...magic? Ah. I am afraid that I can't answer that. I actually can't recall."
He laughed, a rueful little smile on his face. An interesting notion, though. Magic... He did have to wonder whether this body would be receptive to something such as that. Sephiroth couldn't shake the sense, though, that Fuyuki had nothing to fear. So he said as much: "But I'm confident that you will do me no harm, so don't worry. As for our other companions..."
He squinted good-naturedly at two figures coming up behind Fuyuki.
"It would appear that they have just arrived."
Ahh, truly... Such a fascinating group this is.
A woman and a— Ah. Sephiroth couldn't help the brief spike of alarm that shot up his brain stem, but he managed to keep his hands still rather than grabbing for his sword like a nervous cadet. Instead, he smiled at them, noting their proximity to each other, the woman's blindfold, and then bowed his head.
"I am Sephiroth," he offered his name to everyone present this time. "I look forward to working with you all." He turned in the direction of the forest, then. The light layer of snow on the ground crunched beneath his boots. "Shall we head out, then? It would likely be best if we get there before dark. No need to lose more visibility than we probably already will, you see."
But when Fuyuki bowed, Sephiroth smiled and cupped a gloved hand over his chest to nod back. Dressed in a heavy coat himself, his long hair spilled around his collar and down his back. "The pleasure is all mine, Fuyuki," he said, lightly. "But...hmm...magic? Ah. I am afraid that I can't answer that. I actually can't recall."
He laughed, a rueful little smile on his face. An interesting notion, though. Magic... He did have to wonder whether this body would be receptive to something such as that. Sephiroth couldn't shake the sense, though, that Fuyuki had nothing to fear. So he said as much: "But I'm confident that you will do me no harm, so don't worry. As for our other companions..."
He squinted good-naturedly at two figures coming up behind Fuyuki.
"It would appear that they have just arrived."
Ahh, truly... Such a fascinating group this is.
A woman and a— Ah. Sephiroth couldn't help the brief spike of alarm that shot up his brain stem, but he managed to keep his hands still rather than grabbing for his sword like a nervous cadet. Instead, he smiled at them, noting their proximity to each other, the woman's blindfold, and then bowed his head.
"I am Sephiroth," he offered his name to everyone present this time. "I look forward to working with you all." He turned in the direction of the forest, then. The light layer of snow on the ground crunched beneath his boots. "Shall we head out, then? It would likely be best if we get there before dark. No need to lose more visibility than we probably already will, you see."
The kitsune didn't seem too nonplussed about this, raising a hand to wave nonchalantly. He must have been new folk. Or maybe he's just never been exposed to it before. Hopefully, that wouldn't get in the way of their task. He looked and sounded familiar with danger.
"It's a bridge we'll cross when we get there," Fuyuki said. "Do you remember what species you are? As long as you're not undead, it shouldn't harm you, at least."
Compared to the hurt he could be doing - he had one sickle-saber at each side. If he were to be struck, or do the striking himself, he wouldn't go down easily.
As a new duo approached, his nose twitched briefly before he turned. Taking in both new scents and new faces, he dipped his head, content now that the party was all here.
"Fuyuki." His black hand moved to his chest. Four tails flourished behind him. "Worry not, I'll ensure you're all in the best of the health. I much intend to have you all return in one piece. Or one piece each. Not. . . amalgamated together, obviously. You get my point! In any case, I'm ready to depart."
A brief grin bore a flash of sharp canines that was gone after just a couple of seconds. His expression turned pensive as he crossed one arm over his chest, the other raising a hand to his chin.
"Let's walk and talk. If we have a sniper, do we intend to trap this thing or keep it still first, so she's not taking pot-shots? I have a spell or two that could be useful on that front, if it decides to leave the barn. If it doesn't leave, it might make it even easier, but that also means we're trapped in the barn with it as well. Save for, perhaps, our sniper shooting from outside, if she has a clear view of where everyone is." Curious, he turned to Eclipse and canted his head, one vulpine ear going lopsided. "How exactly does shooting work if you're blindfolded? Do you also use magic?"
"It's a bridge we'll cross when we get there," Fuyuki said. "Do you remember what species you are? As long as you're not undead, it shouldn't harm you, at least."
Compared to the hurt he could be doing - he had one sickle-saber at each side. If he were to be struck, or do the striking himself, he wouldn't go down easily.
As a new duo approached, his nose twitched briefly before he turned. Taking in both new scents and new faces, he dipped his head, content now that the party was all here.
"Fuyuki." His black hand moved to his chest. Four tails flourished behind him. "Worry not, I'll ensure you're all in the best of the health. I much intend to have you all return in one piece. Or one piece each. Not. . . amalgamated together, obviously. You get my point! In any case, I'm ready to depart."
A brief grin bore a flash of sharp canines that was gone after just a couple of seconds. His expression turned pensive as he crossed one arm over his chest, the other raising a hand to his chin.
"Let's walk and talk. If we have a sniper, do we intend to trap this thing or keep it still first, so she's not taking pot-shots? I have a spell or two that could be useful on that front, if it decides to leave the barn. If it doesn't leave, it might make it even easier, but that also means we're trapped in the barn with it as well. Save for, perhaps, our sniper shooting from outside, if she has a clear view of where everyone is." Curious, he turned to Eclipse and canted his head, one vulpine ear going lopsided. "How exactly does shooting work if you're blindfolded? Do you also use magic?"
"Nice to meet you Sephiroth, Fuyuki." Eclipse says, smiling softly as she began to walk with them, listening to them talk amongst themselves as she stayed close to Isaiah, her arms still around his own.
When Fuyuki asked how she can see, she tapped her chin then patted Isaiah's arm. "Mmm, I don't know if I would call it magic persay, it's more of a uhm... I guess a weird innate sense?" She replied, tilting her head in thought.
"Isaiah kind of also helps me see and I'm really good and hearing things around me. Also, the scents help if they have one." She wasn't sure if that made sense but she wasn't really sure how else to describe it.
"I can tell her where the target is as well." Isaiah says, tapping his forehead. "We can communicate telepathically with each other which helps immensely." He added, tail flicking behind him, his wing wrapping around Eclipse, a soft chuckle escaping him as he noticed the quick reaction of Sephiroth when he first saw him.
"As for what we can do with our target, both are an option I believe. Eclipse's reaction times are pretty quick unless the target is quicker than her. She can indeed miss however." He says, rubbing his chin. "Fighting in the barn depends how big that mammoth is going to be. If it's too big and takes up space then we'll have to lead it outside so we can have space and not get squashed." He says.
"I think that would probably work. We'll probably need a back up plan if it doesn't though." Eclipse says, tapping her chin. "By the way, is there anything else about you guys that we should be aware of? Isaiah and I can list off all of our abilities if you'd like. There's kind of alot between us though." She says, laughing nervously. "But, I think it would be best to let you guys know so we can plan even better strategies."
When Fuyuki asked how she can see, she tapped her chin then patted Isaiah's arm. "Mmm, I don't know if I would call it magic persay, it's more of a uhm... I guess a weird innate sense?" She replied, tilting her head in thought.
"Isaiah kind of also helps me see and I'm really good and hearing things around me. Also, the scents help if they have one." She wasn't sure if that made sense but she wasn't really sure how else to describe it.
"I can tell her where the target is as well." Isaiah says, tapping his forehead. "We can communicate telepathically with each other which helps immensely." He added, tail flicking behind him, his wing wrapping around Eclipse, a soft chuckle escaping him as he noticed the quick reaction of Sephiroth when he first saw him.
"As for what we can do with our target, both are an option I believe. Eclipse's reaction times are pretty quick unless the target is quicker than her. She can indeed miss however." He says, rubbing his chin. "Fighting in the barn depends how big that mammoth is going to be. If it's too big and takes up space then we'll have to lead it outside so we can have space and not get squashed." He says.
"I think that would probably work. We'll probably need a back up plan if it doesn't though." Eclipse says, tapping her chin. "By the way, is there anything else about you guys that we should be aware of? Isaiah and I can list off all of our abilities if you'd like. There's kind of alot between us though." She says, laughing nervously. "But, I think it would be best to let you guys know so we can plan even better strategies."
"Ah... Unfortunately, I am a mere human," Sephiroth said to Fuyuki, his tone almost bashful. (Despite his unsettling eyes: a blatant contradiction to such a statement.) Then he laughed, very quietly. "Yes, nowhere near as interesting as any of you, it seems. But I'll do my best to keep up nonetheless."
He couldn't resist glancing back at the duo, Eclipse and Isaiah. The clear trust between them was... Charming. Yes. Something else, too—but Sephiroth didn't think he liked that feeling much at all, faint as it was. So he pushed it aside and just smiled, warmly.
"Ah, telepathy...! How fortuitous. An immense help indeed, that is sure to come in handy one way or another. Regarding our method of attack... I should think that it would be best to get the creature out in the open."
Sephiroth hummed. He motioned his hand through the air as he thought aloud, as if drawing out what he was imagining. "Isaiah is correct. Fighting inside the barn itself will be too close-quarters, I think. Outdoors will give the mammoth better room to fight against us as well, it's true... But indoors, we'd stand the greater risk of being crushed by it, or trapped by debris from combat. Better that we fighters try to lure it out, then—give our long-range unit her chance from afar."
At Eclipse's question, Sephiroth raised his eyebrows and nodded at once. "That's a good call. It would be best if we know how to play all our strengths together." He then gave a wry smile, and lifted his little borrowed sword. "I know I am good with a blade," he said. "And I am good at withstanding pain, if need be. I also know I can be quick, and I'm somewhat stronger than I may look. Otherwise... Perhaps a spell or two, although I haven't tried that too much. I am much more martial than magical, it would seem."
He couldn't resist glancing back at the duo, Eclipse and Isaiah. The clear trust between them was... Charming. Yes. Something else, too—but Sephiroth didn't think he liked that feeling much at all, faint as it was. So he pushed it aside and just smiled, warmly.
"Ah, telepathy...! How fortuitous. An immense help indeed, that is sure to come in handy one way or another. Regarding our method of attack... I should think that it would be best to get the creature out in the open."
Sephiroth hummed. He motioned his hand through the air as he thought aloud, as if drawing out what he was imagining. "Isaiah is correct. Fighting inside the barn itself will be too close-quarters, I think. Outdoors will give the mammoth better room to fight against us as well, it's true... But indoors, we'd stand the greater risk of being crushed by it, or trapped by debris from combat. Better that we fighters try to lure it out, then—give our long-range unit her chance from afar."
At Eclipse's question, Sephiroth raised his eyebrows and nodded at once. "That's a good call. It would be best if we know how to play all our strengths together." He then gave a wry smile, and lifted his little borrowed sword. "I know I am good with a blade," he said. "And I am good at withstanding pain, if need be. I also know I can be quick, and I'm somewhat stronger than I may look. Otherwise... Perhaps a spell or two, although I haven't tried that too much. I am much more martial than magical, it would seem."
"Oh, don't say that. Humans are plentiful interesting, what with their endearingly round ears and clawless little fingers. And their penchant for trouble, too. It's something any kitsune can appreciate."
Fuyuki chuffed in a canid way, content with his own observation. Though, he noted those eyes Sephiroth possessed might have belied a nature that wasn't entirely mundane. Even still, if he was just a human, it would seem to Fuyuki that his magic would work just fine. He would just have to find a way to careen the truth of Sephiroth's nature out of him some other time. A shame, it was.
"Telepathy is quite a gift, isn't it? But if I gave away all the spells in my book, it wouldn't let me keep any secrets, would it?" He seemed a bit smug about this, but he relented with a tone of faux reluctance. "I guess I can tell you three, at least. In that case, I happen to be a druid. Communing with the wild is something we're naturals at. However, I've never tried to connect with an Aberration before. When I do command the wild, my domain is usually that of the earth and plants. It is in my heritage, after all. I can heal by both touch, long distances, and through soil or clay. You'll. . . just have to deal with that one yourself, if it comes to that.
"That said, I can also control and create growths of plants and fungi. There might not be a lot out there, but being in the woods, I have more. . . let's say 'tools' at my disposal. Not that I need them. Most of my spells work on their own in any location. That's what makes them good assets for my repertoire, I like to think."
His hands briefly brushed the sickle-sabers at his side, looking more like they were built to cut down people than plants.
"I can attack from a distance, but if that fails and something gets in my face, I'm still prepared. Though, for my sake and everyone else's, I'd rather not be on the front lines. I don't mind dirtying my hands, but it's probably better that I'm not so busy with that that I can't heal and produce shields." Stepping through the snow with the ease of a predator familiar with it, he crossed his arms. "Why don't I stay in the back with you, Eclipse? I can keep an eye out on everyone that way."
Fuyuki chuffed in a canid way, content with his own observation. Though, he noted those eyes Sephiroth possessed might have belied a nature that wasn't entirely mundane. Even still, if he was just a human, it would seem to Fuyuki that his magic would work just fine. He would just have to find a way to careen the truth of Sephiroth's nature out of him some other time. A shame, it was.
"Telepathy is quite a gift, isn't it? But if I gave away all the spells in my book, it wouldn't let me keep any secrets, would it?" He seemed a bit smug about this, but he relented with a tone of faux reluctance. "I guess I can tell you three, at least. In that case, I happen to be a druid. Communing with the wild is something we're naturals at. However, I've never tried to connect with an Aberration before. When I do command the wild, my domain is usually that of the earth and plants. It is in my heritage, after all. I can heal by both touch, long distances, and through soil or clay. You'll. . . just have to deal with that one yourself, if it comes to that.
"That said, I can also control and create growths of plants and fungi. There might not be a lot out there, but being in the woods, I have more. . . let's say 'tools' at my disposal. Not that I need them. Most of my spells work on their own in any location. That's what makes them good assets for my repertoire, I like to think."
His hands briefly brushed the sickle-sabers at his side, looking more like they were built to cut down people than plants.
"I can attack from a distance, but if that fails and something gets in my face, I'm still prepared. Though, for my sake and everyone else's, I'd rather not be on the front lines. I don't mind dirtying my hands, but it's probably better that I'm not so busy with that that I can't heal and produce shields." Stepping through the snow with the ease of a predator familiar with it, he crossed his arms. "Why don't I stay in the back with you, Eclipse? I can keep an eye out on everyone that way."
Eclipse nodded, listening to everything everybody was talking about. "When we have the mammoth outdoors we have to be sure to watch out for sudden blizzards too. We're not sure if the target can control them itself or they just happen at an opportune time for it to strike. The weather seems fine right now though." She says, thinking about it and tapping her chin.
Isaiah listened to Sephiroth and Fuyuki, thoughts and plans going through his head as possibilities that could happen with the mammoth that they could use to their advantage. "Fuyuki and Eclipse staying back is fine with me. However, how long is your attack range, Fuyuki?" He asked curiously.
"Can you attack while moving or do you have to stand still? I'm guessing you would have to stand still?" He added. "If that's the case we're going to have to find some high area for both of you that's close enough but dangerously close. Hopefully we have time to survey the area before the mammoth shows itself."
"Hopefully." Eclipse says, sighing softly. "But let's see, I guess I'll start with my skills? I can take a few hits unless it's fatal and I can shoot fast! I'm also hard to track down." She says, laughing nervously and rubbing the back of her head.
"As for me, I can harden my scales and my claws." He says, holding his paw up and showing off his claws. "I'm also able to cloak myself, see pretty far, and take a few hits before I need healing. I can also fly." Isaiah adds.
Isaiah listened to Sephiroth and Fuyuki, thoughts and plans going through his head as possibilities that could happen with the mammoth that they could use to their advantage. "Fuyuki and Eclipse staying back is fine with me. However, how long is your attack range, Fuyuki?" He asked curiously.
"Can you attack while moving or do you have to stand still? I'm guessing you would have to stand still?" He added. "If that's the case we're going to have to find some high area for both of you that's close enough but dangerously close. Hopefully we have time to survey the area before the mammoth shows itself."
"Hopefully." Eclipse says, sighing softly. "But let's see, I guess I'll start with my skills? I can take a few hits unless it's fatal and I can shoot fast! I'm also hard to track down." She says, laughing nervously and rubbing the back of her head.
"As for me, I can harden my scales and my claws." He says, holding his paw up and showing off his claws. "I'm also able to cloak myself, see pretty far, and take a few hits before I need healing. I can also fly." Isaiah adds.
Sephiroth's first instinct was to glance down at his hands—his clawless little fingers, ah—like a surprised child, but he resisted the urge and simply glanced back and forth between his new companions as they listed off their abilities and began to talk strategy as well. He was admittedly rather pleased. Perhaps it was premature to say so, but this felt like a good, competent group. Pro-active, well-rounded, willing to coordinate efforts beforehand. He tried to keep expectations low, just in case, but Sephiroth let his shoulders ease from their soldier-straight rigidity.
"Communion with nature... It may be snowing, but it's not an impossibility that we might have need of such a skill," he mused aloud. "I am a mobile fighter—by necessity, perhaps." He gave his borrowed sword a look. "But, hm, I think that Isaiah brings up an excellent point. Perhaps if we are quiet, and do not startle the Aberration, we can scout the area first. See what we might have for advantages, however small. Although the two of you certainly seem like you'll be just fine— Ah."
He blinked his catlike eyes, then ducked his head, mien a bit embarrassed now.
"That is... What I mean is... You both seem to have very useful skills. Being hard to track, hard to pin down with flight and cloaking, your claws... These are, ah. Very good."
Hmm. Maybe they could start walking faster. Sephiroth was good at getting things done—but the longer he was around people, the more glaringly obvious it became that he was shockingly very bad at all the things that were apparently required between Task A and Task B. Conversation, for example. Niceties. Talking. He took a deep breath, and the sharp scent of ice and snow stung in his nose, enough that he tugged the scarf around his neck higher.
"Communion with nature... It may be snowing, but it's not an impossibility that we might have need of such a skill," he mused aloud. "I am a mobile fighter—by necessity, perhaps." He gave his borrowed sword a look. "But, hm, I think that Isaiah brings up an excellent point. Perhaps if we are quiet, and do not startle the Aberration, we can scout the area first. See what we might have for advantages, however small. Although the two of you certainly seem like you'll be just fine— Ah."
He blinked his catlike eyes, then ducked his head, mien a bit embarrassed now.
"That is... What I mean is... You both seem to have very useful skills. Being hard to track, hard to pin down with flight and cloaking, your claws... These are, ah. Very good."
Hmm. Maybe they could start walking faster. Sephiroth was good at getting things done—but the longer he was around people, the more glaringly obvious it became that he was shockingly very bad at all the things that were apparently required between Task A and Task B. Conversation, for example. Niceties. Talking. He took a deep breath, and the sharp scent of ice and snow stung in his nose, enough that he tugged the scarf around his neck higher.
"Thank you, Sephiroth. I appreciate your words. I am more durable than I look." A clawed finger raised, a smirk upon his features. "Nothing's tougher than the wild, after all. Even plants return from dormancy someday. As for me, well, I'm a lot more mobile than you'd first think. Sure, a lot of casters need to hold still, but not this fox."
A hum escaped Fuyuki. He crossed his arms, seeming to consider the question of his range honestly. Though he knew his limits, he'd never considered things in such mathematical terms. These two might be military, he pondered. While he didn't care much for soldiers, or any branch of guard or authority involving combat, they had quite a practical way of thinking. It'd be handy for sure.
"They usually range from anywhere from. . . let me think. Thirty to sixty feet? It depends on the spell. Some are more long-ranged than others. I'd suggest a wall of thorns to tangle it up in, but it's about five-feet thick. It'd only be useful for ranged attacks. It also takes about a minute to summon, but I'd be easily distracted." His ears went lopsided, but then he snapped. "I can form tree roots around its legs, has it any, before or during our strike. I guess it depends on whom finds whom first. . . but that's not to say it can't be a helpful reinforcement during combat."
A hum escaped Fuyuki. He crossed his arms, seeming to consider the question of his range honestly. Though he knew his limits, he'd never considered things in such mathematical terms. These two might be military, he pondered. While he didn't care much for soldiers, or any branch of guard or authority involving combat, they had quite a practical way of thinking. It'd be handy for sure.
"They usually range from anywhere from. . . let me think. Thirty to sixty feet? It depends on the spell. Some are more long-ranged than others. I'd suggest a wall of thorns to tangle it up in, but it's about five-feet thick. It'd only be useful for ranged attacks. It also takes about a minute to summon, but I'd be easily distracted." His ears went lopsided, but then he snapped. "I can form tree roots around its legs, has it any, before or during our strike. I guess it depends on whom finds whom first. . . but that's not to say it can't be a helpful reinforcement during combat."
Isaiah and Eclipse nod, listening to the abilities listed off. "Alright, I'll be sure to keep that in mind then." He says.
"If we get to scout, maybe we could check the barn first. I think that'd be the best way to get enough range from the monster. Unless there's a large hill somewhere for us to park ourselves onto." Eclipse says.
Soon enough the group reaches their destination and already, the wind is howling with the sound of a large blizzard having already been started. The air itself smells cold, and there's no signs of any other wildlife in the area.
"It's too quiet..." Isaiah says, his ears twitching as he lifts his head and sniffs the air. "I can't smell anything but cold air and there's too much snow to see." He says, instincts telling him to be on high alert.
As the group continued to try and make their way through the storm, the ground began to shake, as the sound of the blizzard grew even louder and their field of vision got worse.
Before anybody could react, Isaiah and Eclipse were both tossed aside, with only the glimpse of something long and brown being seen for only a second, followed by the loud sound of a trumpet and a strong smell of iron wafting pass the others.
"If we get to scout, maybe we could check the barn first. I think that'd be the best way to get enough range from the monster. Unless there's a large hill somewhere for us to park ourselves onto." Eclipse says.
Soon enough the group reaches their destination and already, the wind is howling with the sound of a large blizzard having already been started. The air itself smells cold, and there's no signs of any other wildlife in the area.
"It's too quiet..." Isaiah says, his ears twitching as he lifts his head and sniffs the air. "I can't smell anything but cold air and there's too much snow to see." He says, instincts telling him to be on high alert.
As the group continued to try and make their way through the storm, the ground began to shake, as the sound of the blizzard grew even louder and their field of vision got worse.
Before anybody could react, Isaiah and Eclipse were both tossed aside, with only the glimpse of something long and brown being seen for only a second, followed by the loud sound of a trumpet and a strong smell of iron wafting pass the others.
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