awashlogs | [CLOSED] November quests + catch-all!

[So here's the reason why Ignis and Akechi are wandering the woods right now, unwittingly drawing nearer and nearer to the Sphinx: it's because Ignis's chocobo Aurorean is apparently only dignified 99% of the time, and the remaining 1% he's a little bit of a punkass. Maybe he's jealous that so much of Ignis's time has been preoccupied with the kittens lately. Maybe he's straight up just a punkass.

But whatever the case may be, he sure had decided to make a nuisance of himself after Ignis rode him over to Ruga to drop off some must-haves for the impending kitten, and just as Ignis was heading back down to where Aurorean was waiting after dropping them off, his lovely darling chocobo had proceeded to SNATCH HIS GLASSES and take off running for the woods with them.

Why this keeps happening to him, the world may never know.

Suffice to say, he'd quickly enlisted Akechi's help in taking off after them, and luckily chocobo tracks are pretty easy to follow, all things considered. Now it's just a matter of trying to catch up with his horrendously stupid bird ride, and —

...Hey, those sure don't look like chocobo tracks.]

[ Well!! That sure had been an unexpected turn of events!!

Akechi didn't mind lending a hand retrieving the elusive Chocobo -- he was actually rather curious about these creatures, too! -- considering this daring escapade had only happened because Ignis had taken the time to drop off a starter pack for new kitty owners, so it's only fair to help him out, though not before locking up said kitten in his room, of course. Safety first!

So he keeps mostly to himself, just following Ignis's lead and trusting him to know more about Chocobos than he possibly could. However, he does recognize that look on his face, and it's... not very reassuring, really. ]

Is something the matter, Scientia-san?

[You know, it's a good thing he can still see without his glasses, even if it's not necessarily the clearest. It means he's got vision enough to pick out the Distinctly Not Chocobo Tracks down there in the dirt alongside the more garden-variety chicken scratch.]

Have a look there.

[He motions in indication.]

Do those look like paw prints to you?

[ As prompted, Akechi leans over to take a closer look and, even though his expertise in the area is severely lacking, he can still come to one right conclusion: ]

They... look like paw prints of some sort, but not quite like a Chocobo's, I believe. In fact, they seem to belong to something... larger.

[ Maybe more dangerous, too? So he inspects it further, tries to browse his mental compendium of creatures he's met in the woods before in hopes to find a possible match, but all his reasoning goes out the window when a different thought crosses his mind. ]

Whatever it is, do you think Aurorean-san might be chasing it?

[ Or... maybe the other way around. ]

I'm not much for wilderness tracking, but those paw prints seem fairly feline in nature. And Aurorean is in fact a rather large bird.

[Which makes it only sort of natural to put two and two together.]

I don't know that he's chasing it, but wherever they are, I'd bet we'll find them both in the same place.

[ ... yeah, that's what he thought. ]

In that case, there's no time to be wasted. We must make haste in order to rescue Aurorean-san.

[ That said, his whole figure is engulfed in light for a moment; once it dissipates, Akechi has changed into his Crow gear, complete with the princely suit and the red mask. Next, he turns to Ignis, a look of strong resolve in his eyes. ]

Lead the way; if there's danger to be found, I'll handle it.

[ He's probably skipping over some vital information like 1. the outfit and 2. the whole Persona deal, but all that matters right now is that he's very serious about saving cute pets!! ]

[Did he just —

...You know, he's really not one for magical girl shows but he's pretty sure he saw something like that in a TV series once.

Regardless, there's something patently amusing about Akechi's insistence that he'll unilaterally handle any difficulties that they might get into, but Ignis conceals it well, more than happy to let him do exactly as he offers without voicing an opinion to the contrary.]

Of course. If we come across trouble, I'll leave it to you.

[...Sure he will.]

They seem to head this way — let's be off.

[And indeed, after another few minutes of walking, they will soon come across a sun-dappled clearing in the midst of the forest, currently populated by one (1) chocobo and one (1) Rather Large Sphinx.]

[ Hey, leave his edgy magical girl outfit alone, okay, he's got enough flack for it already! Besides, assuming Ignis can't fight is a fairly logical conclusion to make, considering he had to ask for help just to retrieve his overgrown chicken!

Who is, by the way, just casually hanging out with the Sphinx, it seems. Just chilling, like two good buddies. How... peculiar. ]

Well, that's a little more than we set out to look for...

[ A LITTLE... And, since Akechi is still his Pleasant and equally Cautious self, he's going to turn back to Ignis to ask: ]

How do you wish to proceed? If we approach them further, the Sphinx might not let us go without a challenge.

That's true. A notorious riddler, isn't it?

[He hums under his breath, taking stock of the surroundings as best he can without his glasses, which is still fairly well, but lacking in a certain clarity that he would much prefer to have.]

Well, it seems as though luring Aurorean away from his new...friend...is out of the question. Are you opposed to confronting the Sphinx and trying our hand at its riddle?

Not at all. In fact, I'm fairly confident in my ability to handle whatever it might challenge us with.

[ Riddles, sure, but in the (unlikely) event Akechi can't solve it, there's always the option to physically fight it. So he gives Aurorean another look just to make sure it really isn't joining them so easily, and decides to jump into action. ]

Let us proceed.

[ He moves with light, cautious steps, hoping to come off as non threatening despite his gaudy outfit, and it's hard to tell exactly how well that's working, but the fact of the matter remains that the Sphinx does rise from its resting spot, tall and majestic, craning its neck with the cold precision and elegance one might expect from a feline. ]

"Ah, two more flightless birds..." [ The sphinx starts, slow and languid. ] "Do you wish to retrieve your friendly fowl? Then part with it I shall, if only you can rise to the challenge..."

[ Akechi turns to Ignis and nods his consent yet again, readying himself for what's to come. ]

[Likewise, Ignis's approach is steady and even, confident but unthreatening. No one need know that his spelldaggers are just a quick-draw away in the Armiger, and that he's poised and ready to pull them even as he settles to a standstill at Akechi's side.]

Very well. The two of us stand ready to meet your challenge.

[Hopefully. Probably. Confidence is a virtue.]

[ The creature cranes its neck and moves it around as though mildly bothered, but doesn't otherwise leave its spot. ]

"It cannot be seen, it cannot be felt,
Cannot be heard, cannot be smelt."

[ The words are melodious, chanted like in a song, though as the beast's eyes zoom in on the pair of challengers, they are far from inviting. ]

"It lies behind stars and under hills,
and empty holes it fills.
Comes first follows after,
Ends life kills laughter."

[ ... well, that surely ended on a morbid tone, and Akechi has to wonder if the riddle is meant to have special significance to either of them. To him, at least, the answer couldn't be clearer. ]

I'm fairly confident I know the answer, but I would like to hear your thoughts first, Scientia-san.

[ Teamwork, yadda yadda. ]

[It may just be that it's a riddle whose answer is significant to both of them, even. He's careful a minute, parsing out each clause of the rhyme in its turn, silently testing answers in his mind until he arrives at one he's reasonably confident about, too.]

Mmm. From the first four parts of the description, it's clear we're not dealing with something tangible. An idea, perhaps, or a phenomenon. Not a concrete object.

[He's careful not to sound as though he's making a guess aloud, lest the sphinx take the wrong idea; this is all hypotheticals, the whole way down.]

The answer you're thinking of — is the strongest giveaway of it the part about how it fills empty holes?

[ Akechi nods along as Ignis does his exposition, but especially at that last bit. It really does seem like they're on to the same idea here. ]

Precisely. Even when taking into consideration these holes can be metaphorical, the word still fits.

[ It is what fills the many holes in Akechi's heart, after all. ]

Do you wish to give it a try? Or should I do the honors?

Please do. I think the both of us are on the same wavelength; I'll support you in the answer you feel is right.

[And be ready to defend the both of them, if it's not.]

[ Another nod, and Akechi turns to face the Sphinx again, solemn and confident. He takes a deep breath, not because he doesn't know the answer, but because it's a burden on his shoulders, and holds unfathomable meaning. It is the weight of the world, of his real self, and the laughter he's killed.

But when he parts his lips, it's only a single work, light with syllables, but so heavy with meaning. ]

Darkness.

[ With a loud roar, the Sphinx rises even taller, then also nods along. It's strange, but it... almost looks pleased. ]

"Congratulations. You have succeeded in solving my riddle. Yet remember, the true challenge lies in the answer itself..."

[ And just like this, it disappears into the woods again, gone without another trace save for the barely audible rustling of leaves and twigs snapped in half. ]

[ The last time they had been together on a quest, Akechi had fled the scene and left both Caramia and Lupin to their own devices in order to fetch a wolf tooth and keep his secret safe; back then, it hadn't felt like such a big deal, but looking back on it now surely fills him with regret. Not only had he tricked them, but he also left them open to attacks, no matter how much they claim they can take care of themselves. What if something had happened to them...

It feels stupid, to have grown so attached to them. But it would be even more stupid to deny it.

So, as a means to partially make up for that-- and also just to spend more time with him, honestly-- Akechi has enlisted Caramia's help for taking on the Sphinx quest; he is a hunter by nature, so his instincts would probably come in handy. Akechi's own time to shine would come later-- if the myths are true, there would be a riddle for them to solve, after all-- so for now, he chooses to simply follow Caramia's lead as he tracks the creature down.

And while the Sphinx itself might not put up a fight, there's always danger lurking in the woods, so he chooses to stay in full Phantom Thief gear, just in case. ]

Do you think we're getting any closer, Caramia-san?

[ Admittedly, it was a bit strange to be out in the forest like this again. He'd plundered the edges for wildlife, of course, hunting meat whenever he could, but he'd never really attempted to venture in too deep by himself. Not since the Kalidah incidence anyway. Were the two related? Maybe a little, but Caramia wouldn't openly admit to it.

Even with the slight congestion through the cold season, he was still able to pick up on everything out here just fine. Hell, if there was one scent he'd never be able to mistake, it was one of a fellow lion. An off lion, of course, but there was still that familiar scent there. (He wondered, maybe, if flirting with the sphinx could be an option?) ]

Hm? [ Ah, guess he, too, had been lost in his thoughts. Whoops? ] Oh, certainly! Hard to miss a smell like that. [ He gestured ahead of them. Not that it was in sight just yet, but they were undoubtedly close. ]

It's still a good walk this way. Are you certain you're ready for this?

Of course. I wouldn't have asked you to come, if I wasn't ready to go as far as it takes, myself.

[ He can't help but notice that, while doing a fine job of sniffing the Sphinx out, Caramia looked somewhat... distracted. Akechi knows he's had to face his fair share of dangers in these woods, including the time he had to ensemble a small team just to be able to retrieve his pendant; that natural lack of courage, added to the fact he only has guns to protect himself, is probably good enough reason for his discomfort.

But, he does hope Caramia isn't scared to be here. It might be wise to offer him some reassurance, small though it may be. ]

I must thank you again for agreeing to do this; if I were to do it alone, it would certainly take me much longer. I might even have gotten lost in the woods at this point, wandering aimlessly for hours on end, haha...

[ Scared? No, of course not. Worried, however? Yes, quite a bit. It wasn't the best to not know how things might turn out from here. Especially not with other people around. You know what was the worst feeling? Not being able to protect those he cared about. And this place made it incredibly easy to not do just that. ]

Well, of course. I'd be disappointed if you had even attempted coming out here with at least some company. [ Buddy system, Akechi!! ] I'm sure I'm not the only one, either-- [ His words pittered off once his attention was pulled away from Akechi, to the drastic change of the landscape. Instead of the plethora of trees around them endlessly stretching through the world, the ground dipped into a valley of sorts.

Though, really, he would've been less concerned with cutting their conversation short because of some low ground had it not been for the creature that lounged in midst of the path. Or, what semblance of a path there was supposed to be. ]

Mmh... [ Well, it certainly didn't do much to hide itself, did it? ] Oi, I think we're close. [ Thanks, Caramia. ]

[ In turn, any potential concern Akechi might have had for making Caramia and others worried - because he's not really the type to rely on a buddy system, and he has definitely explored on his lonesome several times before - is swiftly cut off by the change in topic and scenery. A clearing, and lowered ground, and just further ahead-- ]

I'd say we have found our target.

[ Be thankful he likes you, Caramia, or else he would've made a condescending remark at Captain Obvious. ]

I don't think the Sphinx is hostile per se, but it would be prudent to exercise caution, nonetheless. We should approach it carefully.

[ With a last look to make sure Caramia is following after him, Akechi takes the lead just a couple of steps ahead, ready to fight the creature in case it does try to attack them. Thankfully, it doesn't seem like it's going though-- although it does stand on all four legs the closer they get, slow and languid and every bit like a feline except for the head. ]

[ ~~How can he be thankful when his own son won't even laugh at his dad jokes? He's hurt, honestly.~~

Having Akechi try to walk ahead of him didn't settle well with Caramia. Not enough to say anything about it, since on the flip side, it was kind of sweet that he felt the need to do so! But it also hit his pride something fierce. Or maybe he just felt bad because of how many times Akechi's done his part to protect him, yet he's never returned the favor? He responded by walking next to Akechi instead. That way, everyone wins, right?

Well, except for the sphinx, hopefully. The... very pretty sphinx. Well, hey, never hurt to try and be friendly first, right? Maybe they could bond over being felines?? Who needs caution when you can make friends??? ] My, something as pretty as you shouldn't be out here by yourself. You must get so lonely.

[ She narrowed her eyes, raising her chin to speak. Inside her mouth looked more like a shark's jaw- or like personified teeth of a bear trap. Yet, somehow, her voice came out in a smooth tone. A dangerous one, but smooth nonetheless.

"Two more here for the pursuit of knowledge, and one already proves his lack of wisdom." Oh. Ouch. She turned her gaze to Akechi. "I suppose, if nothing else, it'll be fun to test your resilience. Can you put up a challenge?" ]

[ ~~His son will laugh at his dad jokes when they're actually funny!~~

It shouldn't really surprise him that Caramia does exactly the opposite of what he suggested and, instead of being cautious, just starts downright flirting with the beast, yet it still does, and he finds himself turning to look at Caramia with a pair of hooked eyebrows, incredulous.

... granted, the Sphinx's response is even less of a shock, but Akechi frowns at the creature, suddenly feeling a little more belligerent than he would like to admit. Sure, Caramia might not be brightest bulb in the box, but who gave it permission to call him out like that? This is a matter of honor now. ]

That was the plan from the start. [ He addresses the Sphinx first, his cool and composed act inching a tad closer to cold. ] Are you ready, Caramia-san?

[ ~~:'(~~

Caramia took a little bow of his head for his unspoken apology. He wasn't really expecting anything out of the Sphinx, but for her to be so cold from the start was a bit uncalled for, wasn't it?! Or maybe that's just him. ]

As I'll ever be. [ He's not too sure how much help he'd even be with this, all things considered. After all, he was a bookworm of sorts, but never did he deal with riddles or puzzles. But he was so certain that Akechi would only bring him if he was confident in his own abilities, right?

The Sphinx straightened, her eyes flicking back and forth between the two. She didn't seem to react to Akechi's demeanor-- externally anyway. Internally, one can only imagine her thoughts were probably something along the lines of "Oh, I'm going to have fun eating this one". After a moment, she recited,

"There are two sisters. Counted together, they are fourty-four years of age. Katie is twice as old as Alison was when Katie was half as old as Alison will be when she is three times as old as Katie was, when Katie was three times as old as Alison. How old are the sisters?"

...

Caramia blinked in quick succession a few times, before adding on with a sheepish laugh. ]

Could you run that by me again...????

[ Of course Akechi wouldn't plan on going on a quest at all if he didn't feel like he was ready on his own; that is simply the way he operates, relying only on himself. Although lately, that has seen some change, and though he still mostly trusts his own strength, he's taken to giving others a chance.

... seeing Caramia utterly fail at even keeping up with the riddle, however, makes him seriously question his recent choices. Guess this one will be on him. ]

Katie is twice as old as Alison was when Katie was half as old as--

[ He repeats the riddle over, out of courtesy but also as a means to organize his own thoughts. This is going to take some more work than he can do with his mind alone, but thankfully he's always armed with his pocket notebook - and the customary "A" signature on the cover - and a pencil, so he can scribble down his calculations. It takes him a few minutes, but when he finally comes to a conclusion, he speaks up: ]

Ah, so it was a 5:3 ratio all along... Of course. [ A quick glance at Caramia: ] I believe I have the answer to this. Please, let me handle it.

[ And then he turns to the Sphinx, readying his answer. ]

With that proportion in mind, and considering the sum of their ages is forty four, that means Katie is 27 1/2 years old, and Alison is 16 1/2 years old.

[ With a loud roar that edges close to frustration, the Sphinx nods its begrudging approval. Was it hoping to make a nice meal out these two, maybe? Well, no one is getting eaten today!! ]

"Congratulations. You have passed the test... for today."

[ Oh, you bet, bitch. Akechi will definitely be coming back for more-- matter of honor, remember? ]

[ The message had only come as a mild surprise, really; from their very first meeting, Yu had seemed eager to take on quests and learn more about the town, which is a fairly natural course of action to take. As a newcomer, there probably weren't that many people he was acquainted with, so resorting to one of the few Reds he likely knew only seemed like the obvious next step.

This is killing two birds with one stone, too; Akechi has been interested in learning more about these relics people have been earning as rewards, but also, he can't say he hasn't been interested in Yu, too. There's something about this guy, something... familiar.

So this is where they have been, wandering the woods for quite some time now-- neither is particularly good at tracking down creatures, so they have to rely on hard work and luck. His powers aren't particularly useful, either, so for now he's staying dressed in his civilian getup, though he's always alert for danger, anyway.

Which brings him to one observation: ]

I must say, you don't look very frightened to be exploring the woods, Narukami-kun. I understand you're a newcomer, but has no one warned you of the dangers that lurk around these parts?

[ Or maybe they have and Yu is just hiding some powers of his own? Hmmmm. ]

[Yu's smile is as mysterious as the katana sheathed on his back. They have been wandering, but he's been using it to take a look around at the same time.]

Don't worry about me too much, Akechi-san. I can handle myself just fine if things go wrong. I've also already solved a riddle with someone else before, so I don't think it should be a problem between the two of us either.

[He looks back at him.]

I could say the same thing about you, but you have a lot more experience with these woods than I do.

[ Oh, Akechi never thought the riddle would be much of a problem, but it's probably too soon for him to brag about his own skills. ]

It's true I have some more experience, though that alone isn't always enough. More often than not, these woods are unpredictable.

[ And that's about as much fair warning as he can give for now; no matter how powerful, no one is immune to what lies beyond these trees, unless they have no weakness at all. ]

But, I, too, can probably handle myself in case things go awry. Of course, let us hope it won't come down to that.

That bad huh. So you're saying each experience is going to be different.

[He seems pretty excited about that, from the brief grin that shows up on his stoic face before it returns to a more neutral tone.]

Alright. Last time I acted more as support. Should I be doing the same with you? If you'd like to lead the way...

[ Ah, that grin; he can tell what it means. It's raring for adventure, dangerous and reckless and all too familiar.

(Akechi hates it, still.) ]

I don't think there's much leading the way to be done when we're not actually following a path, is there?

[ But, he won't reject that invitation, either-- as much as he doesn't like teamwork per se, he's not the type to pass up on an opportunity to flaunt his skills, as a detective or otherwise. Which is why he steps ahead when he spots a mark on the ground: a footprint. And he's done this enough to be able to tell just what kind this is. ]

I've seen this before; we must be close to our target. Stay close, all right?

[ He spares Yu a last glance before dashing off ahead, closely following the trail left behind by the Sphinx. Surely it won't take much longer now...! ]

[Sorry Akechi, you seem to be attracting an unusual amount of protags. He nods in silence at him when he asks his first question, not exactly dodging it, just a silent agreement before he finally speaks once he takes a good look at the mark as well.]

Yeap. I'll keep up.

[To his credit, he is true to his word as they move.]

[ And just as predicted, they don't have to follow that trail much longer before a clearing comes into view, and, further ahead, the creature he's already come to know quite well, given his previous encounters.

That's also why he's fairly sure the sphinx won't physically attack them, and just present them with a mind challenge instead. But, just to be extra safe: ]

This is it. [ He turns to Yu. ] Are you ready to proceed?

Yeah.

[Really talkative, that one.]

Maybe they'll let us pet them this time...

[Wait what?--He'll let Akechi speak to it first, since he's the leader right now and all.]

[ Pet them... what..................... ]

I... [ Squint. ] I don't think that would be prudent. Let us focus on the quest at hand for now.

[ What... a... weirdo......

Still, Akechi will move ahead and approach the creature, unafraid but at the ready, just in case things didn't go as planned. And since he's probably an old timer by the Sphinx's standards by now, it doesn't both with extending much of a greeting or warning, simply opting for standing up on all four legs instead. ]

We would like to take on your challenge again, please.

[ Good manners never hurt anyone, right? ]

Sure.

[WHY

WHY DOES HE SOUND DISAPPOINTED?

The sphinx looks at both of them. They have done a quest before so maybe it would be best to give a harder one this time.]

Very well a challenge to which we all agree,
Answer correctly and you will go free,
Introductions are not necessary,
But fail my test and you I will bury...

[It moves around quietly before speaking once more.]

I appear with a halo of water and a tongue of wood,
Stone skin and an earthen heart where long have I stood,
Sometimes made to entertain,
I am made to wear a gold chain,

[It looks at Akechi briefly before adding;]

Be careful what word you use,
The answer may be more abstruse,
A hill where it all started,
Emperor's prize soon departed...

[ Akechi watches as the Sphinx moves around them, taking in its words and carefully thinking them over. A halo of water and a tongue of wood... That makes him think of the moat around a castle and a drawbridge. And the stone skin... that would be the walls, wouldn't it?

He parts his lips to speak, but the Sphinx cuts him off with a warning that makes him go over his answer again. If he's to choose his word carefully, then-- ]

I believe I have the answer. [ But, he does spare Yu a glance. ] Do you have any input to share, as well?

[Yu had been pacing himself, thinking about what this could all mean. His conclusion rested with 'castle' however the warning seemed to imply that it might be the wrong answer.

A hill where it started...does it mean the Japanese Emperor? Or a different one...

He seems a bit relieved that Akechi seems to have an idea in mind.]

My first guess was castle but I don't feel it's right. I'm trying to think of other buildings like that...a keep?

[He doesn't seem convinced. He's on the cusp of finding it, but the other's input could probably save him some time.]

What do you think is the answer?

[ Akechi nods when Yu shares his first guess. It really did seem like the obvious answer, but-- ]

That was my initial hypothesis, as well, though the following rhymes spoke of caution when choosing a word. That led me to believe it's something similar to a castle, though not quite the same. Something possibly even more opulent.

[ Something he's intimately acquainted with, too, much like one of the previous riddles he got from the Sphinx. This one, too, sounds like it might hold some special meaning... ]

A palace.

A palace...

[Yu briefly ponders it, his eyes lighting up as if to say ahh yes, this sounds like the right answer.]

I definitely think it's worth a try. Do you want me to be on standby in case it isn't?

[Honestly it makes a lot of sense but Yu wasn't one to just not be careful either.]

That would be prudent, yes. I will stay on guard just in case, as well.

[ What would even happen if they did give the wrong answer, though? Akechi got it right both times before, but he definitely has some... scientific curiosity going.

Regardless, that's not the time for that. So he turns back to the Sphinx, meets its piercing glance head on, before offering his answer: ]

A palace.

[ And much like the previous time, the Sphinx roars its approval, and it really makes Akechi wonder, if it wants people to succeed. ]

"To the challenge, you rose
But may you always stand your ground
The gift of knowledge is one to impose
Dangerous, as it is profound."

[ ... well. Much to Yu's dismay, that doesn't sound like the Sphinx is about to let him pet it, either. ]

[Nooooo.....Yu looks happy but a bit disappointed, much like he had been Akira.

Goodbye sweet Sphinx. He never got to pet you. He puts his sword away and looks at the other teenager, a congratulations in order.]

Great job, Akechi-san. I hope you don't mind me saying that you remind me of a friend who's good at this type of challenge as well.

[CLOSED] November quests + catch-all!

i went for "even stupider than the kitten thing"

I'm d y i n g

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Caramia

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Yu

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I apologize I keep forgetting that my notifs for Yu's account don't work

it's fine!

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