[o] bad luck never lost a race

There is no such thing as a bad idea.

Not many people knew about the secret races that happened on the Rainbow Road. Most people only associated it with the 'beautiful rainbows rocks' and 'gorgeous geysers' that attracted the couples and aspiring artists of the world. But when the sun dipped below the horizon, and the googly eyed tourists finally turned in for the night, that's when the real fun happened. Gamblers, thieves, smugglers, drug dealers, and every other sort of vagabond came out of hiding to play in one of the most treacherous races in all of Caido (next to the Climb courses). Without the sunlight, 'beautiful rainbow rocks' became deadly obstacles that got people trampled by feet, paws, and hooves, while 'gorgeous geysers' became deadly traps that could suck someone in or launch them out without so much as a moment to scream for help over the cheers of the crowd, making the 'Rainbow Road' Death Row. It was a grizzly sight when the sun returned the next day, blood being washed away by sprays of water and iridescent reflections. All for the measly potential of a little pocket cash, and the title of 'Fastest in Torchline.' But tonight was extra special, because the man-to-watch was back from another job and revving up to race. 

An astounding number of people yelled and cheered, racing to the brokers to place their bets while the participants gathered at the starting line. It was near deafening in the meager moonlight, but Ace walked up to the starting line with the confidence and ease of a veteran, accepting claps on the back and well-wishes like they were owed to him as the reigning champion. His dark hair snapped in the wind as he shot a particularly attractive woman a blue-eyed wink. He mouthed, Meet me after, with a flirty grin, although he'd find someone else if she wasn't interested. Winners got their pick (or picks) of the litter. 

Looking down the line, he spotted a few previous competitors. One was a large tower of a man who always came. He was too big to take much damage, and too dumb to recognize that he'd never win, meaning he showed up every time, and lost every time. Ace wasn't worried about him. The one next to him was a little more of a threat. A lanky twig with a mop of sandy blonde hair was the only Attuned who'd every given him a run for his money (literally), and they were a girl. It was almost embarrassing.

It didn't matter. He was feeling at the top of his game today. No one would stand a chance. 

And just to prove it, he leaned over to a newbie jitterily stretching (like it might actually help) next to him. "Don't worry kid. I'll make sure to find something to send your mom. Maybe a finger? Or a tooth?" He tilted his head like it was difficult to think of anything he might find, but it didn't take more than a single moment before the runt thought better of his decision and ran away from the race. Grinning, Ace turned to the others with an Oops. My bad. shrug of his shoulders. None of the others seemed surprised, although a few turned somewhat pale to see him in person. 

Before he had time to find another victim, they were calling out the warning for the race to start. Ace shoved his hands in his pockets like he was out for a leisurely stroll, winking at another pretty lady on his way to the marker. He'd wait until the moment before to shift. For now, he soaked in the cacophony of the fans, scouting who he might seek out when he left all these pansies in his dust.

Only Poorly Executed Awesome Ones.

Ace

SOHALIA

and there we are again when nobody had to know

Poor Sohalia was way out of her element.

She'd come to the Rainbow Road thinking that it would be a nice walk in the middle of the night - quiet, peaceful, somewhere she could get lost in her thoughts. What she had not been expecting was some kind of illicit activity - or activities - to have taken over the natural beauty of the area. As the former Heart of Stormbreak, she'd done all she could to rid her region of things just like this, with some level of success. But Torchline? Torchline wasn't hers, and she'd never claimed to understand the dark underbelly that seemed to thrive.

She might have turned back had she not been sucked into the crowd, many of whom ignored her entirely in favor of placing bets, purchasing drugs, or meeting accomplices. One or two gave her a leering glance, as though they liked what they saw; she fled from them as quickly as possible through the press of bodies around her. Soon, she no longer knew which way would get her out of the crowd the quickest - and she was far too shy and overwhelmed to ask anyone for assistance. She wasn't sure they'd do much more than laugh at her, anyway.

Someone called out a warning for the race to start, and Soh felt the crowd surge at her back, placing her, somehow, in the front row. She might have protested, but it was far too late to back out now - and so she waited, holding her breath, her eyes skimming over the participants as she considered the many, many ways that this could go wrong.

you kept me like a secret, but I kept you like an oath

Running is the answer.

Ace pulled his hand from a single pocket to wave at a blonde with an attractive heart shaped face. She was close enough to shout to, and he asked, "When I win, will you give me a kiss?" The wave turned to a blown kiss and an accompanied wink as they began the countdown for the race. He didn't immediately move, running an unhurried hand through his hair as he grinned at the pretty lady. 

It wasn't until they got to '3' that Ace let his body shift. His arms and legs lengthened, sprouting hooves that stamped impatiently into the stones. He threw his head, black mane flipping over his neck to show off the glistening black horn that stood at his head. The unicorn form was so dark that it looked like a specter in the night, an omen of death amongst the racers. Some flinched away as he reared back, launching from the start line the moment the horn was blasted. 

Like a shadow in the moonlight, he took off across the path. Only the sound of his hooves striking the rocks gave any indication that he was more than a trick of the light. Competitors faded behind him as he gave into the thrill of the run, weaving between holes that told of miserable, cold deaths. A spray on his left misted his face, but he didn't stop, legs and heart pumping to their limits. He was unstoppable and free, wind whipping past like he was flying through the clouds. 

No one could touch him. 

Ace ran and ran and ran, barely hearing the screams that mixed with animal cries behind him. They were too slow, unworthy of his attention. No. The only thing he focused on was the finish line as he approached the end of the lap. He could already taste the victory. The only other racer in sight lingered a few feet behind him, the lanky blonde than now ran as a cheetah; but even she couldn't reach him tonight. He was like a rushing breeze, snatching up the ground before him. 

The crowd parted to let him through to the stone marker, but he didn't slow for any stragglers. He plowed through at breakneck speed. Cheers carried him as he leaped over the line, black pelt catching a ray of moonlight before he landed to secure the win. He allowed a few more feet to relish in that momentum that separated him from the world, basking in the glory and adrenaline that filled every fiber of his being better than any drug he'd tried. Nothing could compare. 

Slowing to a trot, he looped back around with a huffing breath. Even in his equine form, a cocky grin was spread across his face, tail flicking as he accepted congratulations and pats of revelry against his flank. His head swung to find the blonde woman he'd spotted before the race. She'd be the lucky lady tonight. 

When he finally caught sight of her amongst the crowd, Ace clopped over, only shifting back when he stood before her. His eyebrow raised in the same way his lips curved up, lopsided and flirty. He shoved his hands in his pockets as he leaned forward expectantly. "So?" He'd accept his kiss whenever she was ready.

The question is irrelevant.

Ace

SOHALIA

and there we are again when nobody had to know

There was one racer, a young man not much older than Soh, with dark hair and ice blue eyes, who caught her eye as they prepared to race. He shouted to her, winking and blowing her a kiss, and the Luminary blushed scarlet as he turned his attention back to the race.

Now that she had someone to root for, though, she found herself getting into the atmosphere. She watched as the countdown drew ever nearer, confusion on her pretty face as she waited for the man to begin. When he finally shifted, she gasped in admiration; as a unicorn, his coat and horn were as black as night, seeming to blend in to the surroundings and rendering him nearly invisible. To keep up with him, Soh shifted her eyes, leaning into her own tide jaguar shift to sharpen her night vision.

The race itself was exciting, and by the time the unicorn crossed the finish line, Soh found herself shouting and cheering with the rest of the crowd. And when the man sought her out, shifting back into human form only feet away from her, she giggled with delight, caught up in the excitement of the moment.

He stopped in front of her, hands in his pockets, and leaned into her space. Rather than moving away, Soh watched, eyes sparkling with excitement. She leaned forward, placing a chaste kiss upon the stranger’s cheek. ”Very impressive,” she murmured in a tone that might be considered flirtatious as she pulled back, offering the stranger a grin. ”Do you race often?”

you kept me like a secret, but I kept you like an oath

Instead of any ominous, life-threatening scene, you are greeted by the sight of cloud wyrms hovering slightly beyond your reach. They twist and turn through the air, puffy forms following their wakes; giving some refuge from the sun.

One even seems to look at you, uttering a soft greeting, before moving on, after its brethren.

---

You’ve encountered a Cloud Wyrm. This counts as an uncommon creature encounter for the purposes of levelling, but does not count as a Random Event for levelling or MP. There will be no further admin/re intervention. If you choose to follow this creature, you do so at your own risk, however, just having it in this thread is enough to satisfy your levelling requirements.

Cloud Wyrm (uncommon/mythical) - Cousins of the dragon, these small and serpentine creatures boast no wings or destructive breath. Rather, they breathe clouds. Their four-legged white bodies can be seen slithering through the air, puffy clouds streaming from their mouths to ease the intensity of the sun on the plains. They never get any bigger than a weasel, and are known as docile, playful creatures, and they seem to enjoy collecting shiny things.

There is no such thing as a bad idea.

He may or may not have turned his head to bring the kiss closer to his mouth, the crooked tilt of his lips widening with delight. She may have pulled back, but Ace stepped a little closer. His easy stance spoke of confidence in his own abilities, used to hearing people sing his praises. Tilting his head, he leaned close again to whisper loudly through the ruckus of the crowd, "Well, that's because I was trying to impress someone." When it was his turn to lean back, he gave her a knowing wink.

Her question told him everything he needed to know about her frequency at the races, making her all the more intriguing. Ace shrugged a nonchalant shoulder. "Every chance I get." Yet, he didn't want to talk about racing now. He reached out to inspect a loose strand of her golden hair between his two fingers. "But I haven't seen you around before - and I would have noticed such a pretty face - which means this must be your first time." The way he said 'first time' was more than a little suggestive as he gave a coy grin that made his blue eyes sparkle when they met her gaze. 

A group of cloud wyrms came to swirl around their heads like little cupids, casting their blessing over the couple. It was the perfect distraction for his buddy to slip his race earnings into the waiting hand in his pocket (one of the many skills of a pickpocket). So as the tiny cherubs of love floated away, Ace offered a hand to the woman. "Why don't you let me use some of this prize money to buy you a drink? After all, you helped me win it." The way his smile brought a small dimple to his cheek made it difficult to resist such charm, and he waited patiently for her to accept his offer.

Only Poorly Executed Awesome Ones.

Ace

SOHALIA

and there we are again when nobody had to know

Her kiss landed decidedly closer to the stranger’s lips than Sohalia had originally aimed, and she blushed again, her cheeks turning a delicate shade of pink that was visible even in the torchlight - a blush that only deepened with his flirtatious words. Out of her element in every way, she was glad when she didn’t have to come up with an immediate answer, as the man kept talking, reaching to grasp a strand of her golden hair, toying with it in a way that had Soh catching her breath. ”You caught me,” she said, her voice slightly breathless as she flashed a smile. She hadn’t realized there were such races, nor that such charming characters might be a part of them.

Cloud wyrms darted around their heads, drawing a delighted laugh from Soh, who glanced away from her companion’s ice-blue gaze to take in the little creatures flitting about. When she looked back down, the man was offering her a hand and inviting her for a drink - and if little alarm bells sounded in the back of her mind that this was a little too much like the first time she’d let a man buy her a drink, well, this was Torchline, and what happens at the beach stays at the beach.

Shoving all thoughts of the past from her mind, she took his hand with a shy smile. ”Did I?” she asked, her voice just a little too innocent. ”Well, in that case, I’d say I deserve a treat.” Eyes laughing, she leaned in a little bit. ”I’m Sohalia, by the way. Does helping you win earn me your name?”

you kept me like a secret, but I kept you like an oath

There is no such thing as a bad idea.

Her pink-tinged cheeks and breathy voice nearly made him groan with delight. It was almost too easy, but he didn't mind, drinking in the adorable innocence like a stranded soul. He bit the inside of his cheek, deepening the dimple, while she let out a delectable laugh. It made him want to pull her in for a full kiss, forgetting about the drinks in the way his heart chased the thrill of the game. 

When she accepted his hand, Ace dipped his head in appreciation of her agreeance. Maintaining eye contact, he lifted her hand to his lips, pressing them against her bare skin with the aching gentleness of a kiss. Their damp warmth lingered for a moment before he slowly lifted his head to say, "Yes. You absolutely do." Treats and other sweet delicacies that he was more than willing to offer her. 

The twinkle in his eyes caught the moonlight as he purred in a low voice, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Sohalia. Such a beautiful name for a striking woman." A tilt of his head let him look more closely at her features in the dark, gorgeous grey eyes turning almost blue in the lighting that gave her cheeks a rosy hue. He wanted to run a hand down her jaw, letting his thumb tug gently against her bottom lip...

But Ace contained himself, smiling at her 'subtle' request for his name. "No, but that kiss certainly did." The way his eyes roamed her mouth implied that she might win more 'prizes' with those sweet lips, although for now, he offered the simple information. "People call me Ace." And if she'd let him, he began leading her through the crowd. People parted for him, clapping his shoulders and shouting approval of his decision in women. Holding out a hand to give them space in the throng, he guided Sohalia in front of him, placing a tender hand on her lower back to keep her close to his chest. He met their cheers with appreciative grins but otherwise ignored them as he approached a man with a container of ice-cold beers. It wasn't anything fancy, but the Hanged Man was a far way off, and a drink was a drink. 

Raising two fingers, he nodded his head. "Two." The vendor gave an amused smile before retrieving the bottles. Ace exchanged the money in a familiar interaction, then held out one of the beers - dripping with condensation - for Sohalia. "Should we enjoy these somewhere a little quieter? I would love to hear more of your sweet voice." His smile was thick with charm, the offer for more there for the taking.

Only Poorly Executed Awesome Ones.

Ace

SOHALIA

and there we are again when nobody had to know

In the back of her mind, Sohalia couldn’t count the ways that this interaction could go south, and with a quickness. But after facing down the Void yeti in Halo and living to tell the tale - albeit barely - the girl was less inclined to fear a mere mortal man.

If he was mortal. For all she knew, he could be a demigod or be blessed with immortality.

But so much had gone wrong in her life recently that she was sure something had to go right for a change, and she had to admit that it was thrilling to be doted on by a handsome stranger. Besides, she had her shifts, just like he had his - and she could either fight as a tide jaguar or flee as a snowy owl or a starknight swordfish if it came down to it. With multiple avenues available to her, she decided that she was finished being afraid - if only for one night. Besides, she hadn’t flirted, really, since her disastrous relationships had ended all those seasons ago, save for a brief lunch with a pretty Halovian soldier last season, and it was… nice, really, to settle into such simple and enjoyable interactions instead of worrying about how she was going to save her region.

So she followed Ace through the crowd, shivering as his hand brushed her lower back but otherwise attempting to remain steadfast even in the face of shouts of admiration from the crowd. Even if some of those shouts were about her, leaving her blushing once more in their wake.

She was relieved when Ace suggested that they go somewhere quieter, even if she balked at the idea of being alone with a strange man. But… he was nice, and charming, and she had her shifts, and, well, she was lonely. ”I’d be delighted,” she told him, accepting the beer. Then, in a voice that she hoped was flirtatious enough but not too much so, she added, ”Lead the way.”

you kept me like a secret, but I kept you like an oath

There is no such thing as a bad idea.

As she agreed to join him, Ace gave her a bright smile. His voice was low with thinly veiled attraction and heavy with potential. "Perfect." His hand drifted back down to her side. It was no longer necessary without the crowd, but he did it nonetheless, the pad of his thumb rubbing circles on her lower back as he walked them to the edge of the road. A few stragglers scattered when they saw the couple approach, leaving them alone next to a sparkling puddle of water. This particular section of rocks was covered in a cushioned moss that invited them to take a seat and lounge by the moonlit pool. Ace gestured for her to settle first before joining her side on the soft greenery.

He gave her a moment to take in their romantic setting as he drank a leisurely sip of his beer. It was refreshing after the strenuous exertion of the race, but he had something even more tempting for that. Letting his gaze settle on Sohalia, he let his words drawl. "I get the feeling you're not from Torchline." Maybe it's the pale skin or ignorant naivety or the fact that he'd never seen her in the area before. Whatever it was, he leaned in close as he listened attentively for her answer. At least he pretended to. All the while, his eyes lingered on her lips, resisting the urge to capture them in his teeth.

Only Poorly Executed Awesome Ones.

Ace

SOHALIA

and there we are again when nobody had to know

They walked until they were free of the crowd, but even when they emerged from the throngs of people, Ace didn’t remove his hand from the small of her back, even going so far as to trace light circles on her skin through her shirt. Soh swallowed hard, hoping very much that she hadn’t bit off more than she could chew with her decision to accompany Ace away from the races. She got the feeling that he might be interested in more than just talking - and she wasn’t sure yet how she felt about doing anything more.

The moonlit pool that Ace selected for their lounging spot was well chosen, and Soh settled gracefully onto the mossy rocks, tucking her legs to the side and leaning towards Ace on one hand. In her other, she held her beer; taking a sip, she did her best to conceal her distaste. She had never been a huge fan of the beverage, preferring more pleasant drinks on the rare occasion that she let loose. But it was something to do with her hands and, more importantly, perhaps, with her mouth - something that did not include Ace joining in.

”You’re right,” Soh said, holding her bottle loosely in her hand. ”But I think I might stay a while, all the same.” She tilted her head to one side, feigning consideration of the idea even though she’d already rented an apartment down the street from Flora’s. ”What do you think?” she asked. ”Is Torchline worth it?”

you kept me like a secret, but I kept you like an oath

There is no such thing as a bad idea.

Ace couldn't say he was surprised with Sohalia's preference for 'talking.' She seemed the type, finding ways to fill the silence with more words than not. Perhaps it was nerves, or a sudden reluctance that he didn't understand. Not that it mattered. He'd get through eventually. So, with that in mind, he took another swig of his beer, savoring the cold liquid as he 'listened.' 

He let out a low hum around a playful smile that was almost gentle in the stalight. "If there are people like you, then it's absolutely worth it." His head tilted in an endearing way that let him angle his head slightly closer in a guise of admiring her face. Ace gave her a disarming wink as he added, "And who can beat the weather?" The kind that made it possible for them to strip down if they pleased. 

Crossing his legs out before him like he wasn't actively trying to get in her pants, Ace smirked. "Tell me. What brought a girl like you out here anyways?" Sohalia could take that as Torchline in general, or the Rainbow Road tonight. He honestly didn't care, just letting her ease into his presence so she might let her guard down a little more. Like how his hand shifted ever so closely next to hers on the moss, their fingers brushing.

Only Poorly Executed Awesome Ones.

Ace

SOHALIA

and there we are again when nobody had to know

Sohalia was indeed the type to talk, and to fall in love, and to want a connection before jumping into bed with someone. Or, at least, that had been the type of person she'd always been before. Not that it had gotten her very far in the romance department - and maybe that's not what she was looking for anymore, anyway. There had been Koa and Jude, and they'd ended so poorly, and now, with the end of the world as they knew it staring them down...

She took another sip of her beer. Maybe if she drank enough, if she lost herself in the blissful oblivion that could be Ace, she could forget the world for at least a little while. So she smiled at the compliment, blushing faintly in the moonlight and glancing sidelong at the other Attuned - a look that said she liked what she saw.

Then she laughed, tilting her head back and allowing her golden tresses to cascade down her back. "'A girl like me,'" she quoted, fiddling with her beer and ignoring the question. She didn't want to go back to why she was wondering the Rainbow Road at midnight, to think about all the unanswered questions that threatened to retake her senses if she'd only let them. Nor did she want to talk about her current issues with a perfect stranger. So she leaned in a little, eyes suddenly glinting in the starlight. "And what kind of girl do you think I am, Ace?" she challenged, her voice low and intimate.

For just one night, maybe she could be someone else.

you kept me like a secret, but I kept you like an oath

There is no such thing as a bad idea.

The challenge made his eyes glitter. Oh ho. Now they were getting somewhere. Maybe she wasn't wound as tight as she looked, the question drawing him closer in a way that made his blood heat. Angling his head to hers, he let himself appreciate the shine of her eyes that turned silver as they bore into him. What would they look like hooded with lust, dark with desire, calling his name? It had the corner of his lip tilting up with anticipation. 

His words lowered an octave, husky with intimate seduction. "I think you're the kind of girl that lives in the moment." It might not be who she was, but who he thought she wanted to be as he stared deep into her eyes. Inching ever closer, he let out a hot, weightless breath between them. "The kind who knows what she wants - and goes for it." The last words were a near-whisper, a challenge, dare, and invitation wrapped in one.

Only Poorly Executed Awesome Ones.

Ace