[SE] Justice for Mr. Matas!

-Zavien-

After seeing the poor Mr. Matas terrorized by the Abyssal Mata Matas, Zavien was motivated to clear Stormbreak of any Void creatures. He tried not to think about the way they had been drawn to Dahlia during their rescue mission. It was still unclear whether she had legitimately been trying to help or not. 

Looking to Koa, he gave the Dragoon a smile. "Thanks for offering to help. It just doesn't sit right with me that there are so many Void fauna running about. Poor Mr. Matas almost ended up taking the permanently purple pill." He shook his head and looked around at the drastically ending ground ahead of them. His own steps slowed before he could even peer over the edge, his stomach tightening at the thought of looking down. Zavien may live in a floating city, but heights were not his favorite. 

Keeping away from the cliff, he scanned the rocky area for any signs of Shadow Serpents. They'd heard rumor that a few had been spotted in this area and he took his role as protective Dragoon very seriously.

Life is getting up one more time
than you've been knocked down.

I always thought I might be bad
Now I'm sure that it's true

When Koa was young he and his friends used to scale these very cliffs. Idiots convinced of their own immortality, they'd scamper down the rocky faces, picking paths to designated spots from whence to leap into the water below.

These days, of course, such open water soloing was decidedly not an option. But that didn't stop people from giving it a try, and on a crisp and cloudless day like today one could often find a handful of climbers setting their pitches at the Falling's edge - Koa Carpenter included.

All of which to say, Koa is prepared for whatever adventure awaits them - especially if that adventure involves rocks and heights. "Glad to be here!" he grins at Zavien, grunting as the heavy bag of gear swings off his shoulder to thump on the ground. "Wasn't sure what the plan was - I've heard some of the pilots spotted nests out on the far reaches, so I figured I'd bring my gear just in case." If he's noticed how Zavien avoids looking at the Falling's edge, Koa doesn't let it show. Nor does Pip who peers over the Falling, chattering as a breeze ruffles her inky coat.

'cause I think you're so good
and I'm nothing like you

Koa

-Zavien-

Zavien glanced at the assortment of gear in the hefty bag, noting that it was specifically for climbing. His throat tightened slightly and he had to force a swallow to wet his mouth. Chuckling nervously, he said, "Uh. Yeah. I guess we have to do whatever it takes." If that meant pushing aside his fears to scale the side of the cliffs, he supposed that was what he'd do. 

Looking at Koa, he admired the cool confidence. Maybe he could share some of that with him. "You'll probably have to lead the way. I'm not super experienced with climbing. Honestly, it terrifies me." Zavien gave him a grimaced smile and a light chuckle. It was uncomfortable to admit but felt that it was important to be open about his weakness. Maybe the Dragoon would have some tips for him.

Life is getting up one more time
than you've been knocked down.

I always thought I might be bad
Now I'm sure that it's true

Whatever it takes could have been a great Dragoon motto, were it not for Stormbreak's problematic history of taking the idea a bit too far. Still, Koa is all for the enthusiasm, flashing Zavien a gregarious grin. "That's the spirit!"

A grin which falters as, at last, the Dragoon takes in his compatriot's discomfort, the leeriness with which Zavien eyes their city's edge. Somehow it hadn't occurred to him that this could be a barrier; even now he doesn't take it as seriously as he should, facing his friend with his hands in his pocket and a reassuring smile on his face. "It'll be totally safe," Koa promises, which is not strictly true at all. "Once you get the hang of it, climbing's a blast. Did you seriously never do any cliff jumping as a kid?"

Though this is only relevant if they are dashing out to the further reaches of the floating city, a course which has not yet been set. Whistling for Pip to return (begrudgingly) to his shoulder, Koa makes a show of standing at attention, mischief glittering in his copper eyes. "But - you're in charge of this expedition, Dragoon Alexander," the younger man declares smartly. "Give the order and we shall commence hunting for the beast."

'cause I think you're so good
and I'm nothing like you

Koa

-Zavien-

Giving a reluctant nod, he kept flashing his eyes between Koa and the looming edge, apprehension building in his chest. He wasn’t sure what could be ‘safe’ about being suspended over leagues of nothing but open air. But Zavien wouldn’t let fear control his life. Accepting his friend’s reassuring smile, he tried to return it. Although it came out a bit strained, determination was present too. ”Cliff jumping? No. We were more interested in playing soldier.” He may have taken it more seriously than the other kids, but they still liked brandishing their swords in acts of pretend valor. Jumping off cliffs had been the farthest thing from his mind, especially when looking down made his stomach get queasy. 

Humored by Koa’s official attitude, Zavien straightened his back. ”Very well, Dragoon Carpenter. You will lead us on a path over the cliffs towards the indicated site.” He flashed a playful smile and began rummaging through the gear. There were bits of metal and straps tangled together with various lengths of rope. Not sure what the pieces were for, he stopped and looked at the other Breaker, a blush on his cheeks from a mix of nerves and embarrassment. ”Maybe you could show me the ropes first?” The pun helped to break his tension enough to elicit a laugh as he straightened up and waited for assistance.

Life is getting up one more time
than you've been knocked down.

I always thought I might be bad
Now I'm sure that it's true

Oh well if you want a who played soldiers as a kid the most-off, Zavien, you've come to the right place. Though for Koa it hadn't been so much playing with his friends as tagging along with his mother and aunt, watching spars and eating in the mess until one day he just was a Dragoon, as seamlessly and naturally as puberty.

More seamlessly, in fact. Even for pretty himbos who fill out in all the right ways, puberty still sucks.

Dark times, dark times. Anyway.

Koa snaps a smart salute, eyes sparkling with mirth. Zavien's enthusiasm in the face of fear is honestly infectious, and Koa watches indulgently as the other man rummage in the ropes and harnesses, not stepping in until he's asked. "I got you!" he grins, nothing but eager enthusiasm at sharing a hobby written on his features as he nudges past Zavien, digging out a harness and carabiners. "Here, so, what you're going to do is..."

With the practiced manner of a patient older sibling, Koa gets Zavien geared up to go. Only when he's completed double safety checks does he step back, helmeted head nodding confidently at their readiness to go. "We won't have to do too much climbing, and people have already set anchors on the path. See that larger island?" he asks, pointing to a landmass that hovers in the sky about 200 feet out and 40 down from where they stand. "There's been reports of a nest there. I'll set the rope, you follow behind. Make sure you clip in like I showed you each time we hit an anchor. Ready?" he'll ask, waiting for an affirmative before beginning the trek across bobbing stones and down the well-trod cliff.

'cause I think you're so good
and I'm nothing like you

Koa

-Zavien-

Once he was tied into the buckles and straps like someone's kinky adrenaline dream, Zavien tried to put his faith in his overeager friend. Giving Koa a nervous smile, he nodded. "Ready!" His voice came out more certain than he felt, but he followed the Dragoon to the edge, using deep breaths and shifting glances to ignore the fact that he was up waaaay too high. The landmass wasn't that far...

Swallowing a dry attempt to wet his throat, he took his first steps off the secure land. Zavien's hands shook and his legs felt like they'd fallen asleep for far too long, but his eyes stayed focused on Koa and where he placed each limb, including each metal clip and anchor. The man may have been speaking, yet the tunneled vision fear had placed on him made it hard for words to filter in. At most questions, he gave a grunted response or curt nod. His breathing and movements became a rhythm, making his petrified mind want to hum away the anxiety. However, not a single tune emerged from the blankness of his mind. 

When Koa paused before him, Zavien took a moment to peel his eyes away from the brown rock before him enough to notice their goal just before them. A desperate smile emerged on his face for a single moment, wanting to speed the rest of the way. But a flash of purple gave him pause to listen. They were here to hunt after all. Steeling his voice to avoid any trembling, he asked, "Do you notice anything?"

Life is getting up one more time
than you've been knocked down.

I always thought I might be bad
Now I'm sure that it's true

Koa does throw back words of encouragement, blissfully unaware of their inability to permeate the buzzing terror in Zavien's ears. Slowly and cautiously they pick a path across the interconnected stones, the younger soldier making a point to find routes that are safer, if less direct. Only when they've almost reached their destination does he stop, anchoring them on a mid-sized platform just beyond and above the one believed to hold the nest.

Dropping down into a squat, Koa peers down to the larger outcropping, his hand raised to his brow. Wisps of cloud obscure his vision, but darting among them--

"There." Tucked into a recess, a pile of stone shifts. But it isn't normal stone: this rock creature is a lurid violet, unnatural and nauseating to behold. As the boys watch, the shadow serpent stretches, its long tail lashing the ground beside it before once more growing still. Even Pip seems upset by the vision, her own tail sweeping in response, claws gripped into the edge of stone as a low growl builds in her gut.

Koa turns to Zavien, his voice quiet. "How do you want to do this? Attack from above, or go down and take it head-on?" They're maybe 10 feet over where the monster lurks, and 30 feet away.

'cause I think you're so good
and I'm nothing like you

Koa

-Zavien-

He found it hard to swallow as he tried to prepare an answer. Zavien didn't think he could convince himself to jump down to the lower platform, but he couldn't let the fear control him. Taking a deep breath, he calmed his heartrate enough to look down at the rock creature's hiding place. It wasn't that far, but his vision still rippled, making him look up to Koa. Before he could change his mind, he nodded down. His fingers turned white against the ropes as he pulled a dagger from his belt. The large sword on his side would be more cumbersome than helpful. Giving his friend a nervous chuckle, he said, "Let's do this before my courage flees." 

Kneeling closer to the edge, he let go of the rope, his breaths coming fast and deep. He would not give up here. Not when he was so close. For Mr. Matas. With that thought, he stepped off the cliff and down towards their target, clenching his teeth. It was a fine line between looking at the swimming, racing ground below and trying not to scream. Yet the fall seemed to last an eternity. Zavien nearly let go of his dagger in the leap, but he managed to tighten his grip enough to keep the sweat from ripping it away. When his feet made contact with the rock, he gave a short tumble to absorb the impact, nearly losing himself off the next ledge. He loosened his jaw to suck in a large breath, turning back to Koa with blatant fear and adrenaline pounding through his head. In the emotional haze, he almost forgot to attack the rock slider, but then it was barreling towards him, sobering him quickly. Lifting his dagger, he lunged to strike.

Life is getting up one more time
than you've been knocked down.

I always thought I might be bad
Now I'm sure that it's true

OK BUT THIS IS WHAT WE BROUGHT ROPE FOR, ZAVIEN---!

Is what Koa wants to yell, but the thought blooms too late. By the time he realizes what's about to happen Zavien is unwinding into his jump. It's.... pretty fucking impressive, really, if not incredibly dumb, because even Koa knows that a ten foot drop onto solid stone is gonna hurt. "Fuck!" he hisses below his breath, shrugging his pack off and hunting for more rope. "Fuckity fucking rookies!"

Really, he's just jealous. Usually it's Koa doing stupid, heroic shit, while someone else makes the smarter call.

As Koa secures their escape route as quickly as he can, Pip drops down on whispering wings to offer Zavien backup. With an unholy shriek she dives toward the rock slider, trying to distract it from the Dragoon. A plume of flame spirals from between her teeth, licking against purple armor as she darts back out of reach. Hopefully it'll give Zavien the opening he needs to land a strike.

Koa, meanwhile, has finally reached the platform, just in time to watch the first round of melee unfold.

'cause I think you're so good
and I'm nothing like you

Koa

-Zavien-

In his defense, Zavien wasn't thinking. With the looming cliffs and drastic drops, he just wanted to get it done. So as he flew through the air like a lunatic with a death wish, ropes were the farthest thing from his mind. Luckily, he didn't end up tumbling off the cliff, but his life did flash before his eyes and he was in so much shock that he barely registered the impact on his spine.

He spun to intercept the lunging serpent, his dagger coming up to block the snapping maw. The toothless mouth clamped around his blade and Zavien stood staring into its vicious purple eyes for a moment, the depth of the Void attempting to reach out towards him, beckoning. Pip's own barrage of flames served to force a hissing scream from the rock slider. It released his dagger enough for Zavien to pull it back, slipping to the side and plunging the tip into its tough scaley side. The creature let out another frustrated sound as it tried to decide which opponent to face. Settling on Zavien, it twisted its body, pulling the dagger hilt from his grasp. Now weaponless, the Dragoon slid away, looking for Koa as he debated pulling his sword from its sheath at his side.

Life is getting up one more time
than you've been knocked down.

I always thought I might be bad
Now I'm sure that it's true

Have no fear, Koa is here!

Koa lands with a solid thump, a heroic cloud of dust rising around his boots. With quick sharp eyes he surveys the scene: Pipsqueak blasting spirals of fire, Zavien lunging in with a knife, the shadow serpent a snapping, eight-foot-long monstrosity ready to make meals of them all.

"Fuck," he repeats through gritted teeth, unclasping the chakram from his belt. "Zav, catch!" he calls to the other soldier, tossing the weapon before stepping to his right. Better a ranged weapon in a fight against the void, and Zavien's dagger seems more likely to become a snack than provide further use.

Skidding to a stop, he picks up a rock and throws it the serpent's way. "Hey, purple! Over here!" Grabbing his own knife from his belt, Koa slashes toward the beast - the beast which is 10 feet away, and thus in range of his newly magically extended reach. He adds a spark of electricity for good measure, hoping it'll do more damage than just the blade. Pip, meanwhile, circles around, another blast of fire licking at the purple scales.

---

Shadow Serpent (Uncommon): Once a Rock Slider, the Shadow Serpent now moves with an eerie grace, its scales tainted by void energy. It lurks in the shadows, ambushing prey with a venom that induces hallucinations and despair.

'cause I think you're so good
and I'm nothing like you

Koa

-Zavien-

Zavien was more than a little relieved to see his fellow dragoon on his level, joining in on the fray. It was even better when his friend threw something his way. Hopefully a weapon! But then he saw that Koa had tossed him a strange metal circle. Out of instinct, he caught it, but as he looked at the weird item, he had no idea what the man intended for him to do with it. Waving it frantically in the air, he dodged another snap of the serpent's jaws. "How do I use this thing?!" Honestly, he didn't even know how to hold it. Grabbing the edge, he leaned back to avoid the whip of the creature's tail. Unsure what to do, he swept his arm out towards the tail. Surprisingly, it sliced through the thick scales, releasing a spray of oily black blood. Zavien glanced down at the circle in shock, wondering if that's how it's supposed to work or not. 

But he didn't have much time to dwell on it as another swipe of the serpent's mouth came his way, forcing him closer to the steep drop of imminent death. Then Koa's taunting seemed to catch its attention, drawing it away from Zavien enough to let him step forward and stop his vision from spinning. A grin of relief joined the sweat littering his face and he took a deep breath before jumping forward to help the others again. The shadow serpent seemed to be losing its fight as it debated between which opponent to attack.

Life is getting up one more time
than you've been knocked down.

I always thought I might be bad
Now I'm sure that it's true

"You throw it!" Koa calls in return, voice drowned out by the clamor of the fight. He tries to mime a throwing motion, but his attention is quickly drawn back to the fight. Zavien can figure it out. He's a Dragoon, after all.

Gritting his teeth as the serpent snaps at Zavien, Koa once again lunges forward, bringing the knife sliding through the air in a downward stabbing motion. And while a distant part of him wryly observes how bizarre he must look, stabbing open air, the result cannot be denied: a gash opens on the unsuspecting serpent's head, electricity sparking in its blood.

The creature roars, confused and furious at having been attacked with no clear assailant. In its rage it settles on the nearest enemy: Zavien and the chakram he wields, which has nearly severed its poor tail. Grievously injured as it is, the serpent nonetheless throws its full force into the attack, lunging toward the rookie Dragoon with venomous maw gaping wide. "Look out!" Koa calls, alarmed - then hurls himself at the giant lizard, as though he might grab onto it and keep it from reaching his friend.

'cause I think you're so good
and I'm nothing like you

Koa