[Levi]

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Chapter One : Buckets. Wait what?... Buckets?!
featuring Spectrum and Kallisto
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Like almost every heroic journey, mine started off in a grimy pub. Spectrum sat across from me with a hood pulled up over his head and a nasty scowl on his face. A toothpick hung out the side of his mouth and was only removed so he could take a swig of a pungent mixture that he called a drink.

I opened both my mouths to speak, yet he put up a paw to silence me as he gave a sideways glance towards the lingering bartender. As soon as the usual crowd thinned, Spectrum laid out one paw and greedily eyed the satchel that was slung over my shoulder. Slowly, I pulled out a few coins and placed them in his palm. The coins were gone in the next instant.

"So. What sorta' weapons ya' lookin' ta get." Spec mumbled, counting out the pay. My left mouth opened first and started to list out her requirements.
"We were hoping that a simple sword and some armor could do." My right head picked up where she had left off. "Nothing loud or too heavy, we want to fly under the radar."

Shifty figures eyed us, suspicious about the eagerness we seemed to spew. Spectrum nodded, running a paw around the rim of his glass. "Leave it ta me. Tomorrow there'll be a bag out in front of ya house, in it I'll put everything you need." He bit through the toothpick and spat it onto the floor. "Meet me out in town at around noon tomorrow, we'll continue from then on, a'ight?"

━━━━━━━━━

The next day greeted me with a cold breeze and a light knock at the door. I crept down the hall to the front door and found a large sack filled with metal objects that glinted in the early morning sun.

Everything was as we asked. We suited up in leather armor and had a thin, curved blade hanging from each hip. We were ready- wait what is THAT?

My faces twisted into a look of confusion as I reached the bottom of the bag, reached in and pulled out two buckets with crudely cut out eye holes. So this is what he meant when he said there was one downside to the cheap package.

[Silver Pandorica]

Prompt One~
Using~ Marley

Water dripped from the crack in the side of the ship, slowly trailing down the inside of the wall. Marley sat on a crate, tapping her paw on the floor in irritation. The water continued its way down until it joined the small puddle on the floor. This ship was falling apart, and it was absolutely ridiculous. Small things she could handle. Her crew had no problem with those. But the bigger things? The holes on the side of the ship, the missing floorboards, not to mention food to supply her crew. She needed some way to fix everything. Some way to ensure the well-being of this ship.

She needed money.

With a grunt, Marley stood up and began to pace. They'd spent every last piece of gold on luxuries. Food, a few new clothes, and a shiny new cutlass for herself. Now, they had nothing left. They couldn't sail to pillage another town, since the ship was currently in such bad condition. A flash of yellow caught her eye and she stopped pacing. Pushing past a few barrels and crates, she picked up the old, crinkled piece of paper sitting atop a box. Since when did that get here? Squinting, she tried to recall the few lessons she had gotten in reading and writing and attempted to sound out the note.

"Looking for riches? So are we. Join us on our quest. Rather not? Ha, good luck on your own. Best of wishes for your...lovely...ship.
~Your Future Party"

A quest? Us? Marley wasn't really one to work with anyone besides her crew. But these people seemed to know of her ship and occupation as a pirate. Was this blackmail? Or was it an offer of help? Frowning, she looked behind her at a small, leather satchel lying limp on the wet floor. Making her decision, she picked it up. She was going to go see what this whole "quest" nonsense was about. Making sure to bring her knew sword, she hung it around her waist. The satchel? She only put a small supply of food, a knife, a couple gold coins that were leftover from their last raid, and the note. Then she set off. Her crew were all off at the pub, so they wouldn't notice she'd gone until they returned.

Marley would be back by sundown.

No doubt.

[whimerri]

Prompt One

Alice grabbed a small amulet, holding a small glistening purple gem in it. She then hooked it around her neck, and headed outside. She was ready if anything came, as the amulet gave her very minimal powers and she was useless without it. It was a warm day, the sun hot on her dark brown hair, as she headed towards the forest surrounding her village. Alice was going out to search for herbs for medicine, as there are more in the summer. Alice got deeper into to forest and eventually found some. She started to dig when she felt a chill down her spine. She felt as if she was being watched. She stopped and tried not to make a sound. She was looking all around when she made eye contact with them. She grasped the amulet and used it to blast them out of a tree they were in. Turns out it was just Maddox, her brother, trying to play a trick on her. They ended up laughing about it, but she was quite frightened.

[dolly]

Prompt 1

The two stood against the walls of the tunnels.
"We'll only be gone for a few days, Eva.", Roxanne told her young daughter, hugging her tightly.
"That is unless we die.", Rossa added hugging Lynn. Roxanne gave her a swift hit on the arm for saying such a thing.
"Don't listen to your mother, we'll be just fine. We're also going with the best healer in the land, Apollyon of Vanhory.", Roxanne giggled giving Lynn a hug as well. Rossa walked off to sort their things, or more accurately pack her favorite daggers.
"Lynn, while we're away you're in charge, okay?", Roxanne instructed her giving her a pat on the back before breaking away.
Rossa returned carrying two small bags to wear and their thick leather armor. She set them on the dirt where Eva began inspecting them.
"Mom, why are you bringing your lesser quality armor?", she asked studying the breastplate. Roxanne snapped it out of her hands to fasten around herself.
"Because dear, this is a lesser quality mission.", Rossa replied goofing around with a helmet. Roxanne shot her an annoyed glance once again for a snarky comment. She replied with a laugh as she removed it, setting it on the dirt.
"Well, you aren't that off I suppose.", she chuckled giving a little shake. She took another look at her wear and plopped back onto the ground. "I guess I can put it on once I get there."
"And she yells at me for being lazy", Rossa laughed giving Lynn a gold ol' slap on the back. They both gave a good, hardy laugh at the less than funny joke. Roxanne rolled her eyes at, once again, an idiotic comment made by her love.
"Anyways, you got everything, hun?", asked Rossa counting the daggers she had knocked into her bag. Well not really count, rather make sure she had her lucky and sharpest ones. She gave a nod, standing up with her bag. Rossa lent her a hand standing up. They began their walk to the town supposedly infested with evil.
In came the healing wonder himself, Apollyon.
"Little late aren't you- why aren't you wearing anything?", Roxanne began but cut herself off to obey her motherly instincts.
"Guys, i'm going to keep you safe, not fight along side you.", he replied walking them out.
"Stay safe kids, don't kill each other!", yelled Rossa as they faded out of sight.

[neon.]

Prompt 1 [WC : 421]

Oh dear. Oh my. How on earth could she be ready? How on earth could she be chosen! Well, not quite chosen. She had volunteered willingly for this task, this quest. She. Lacroix Larousse Durand. Nothing about her screamed hero - even in normal circumstances, without the pressure of monsters, she would never be one to save anything. And yet.

And yet.

The monster plague had worsened until fear was everywhere, hitting everyone. Lacroix had always lived with fear, everything seeming so ominous and her own anxiety spiralling from it. She had reached lows where words stuck in her throat, afraid of leaving her mouth, and she had highs were she might try something new. For once. It had been a good day when she’d decided to do this- to do something to stop this sickening fear that was worming through her. And now, the next day, she was faced with the consequences. Preparation. What to bring, what to take? Her skills with a bow were laughable, and with a sword, nonexistent. Magic was beyond her reach, and all she had were her own potions and her skills with a dagger- which was reserved for chopping.

Before her laid a belt, filled with all sorts of vials, secured with leather straps. All were empty, because she just couldn’t decide what to take. And secured within a holster lay her potion knife. There was nothing else on the bed, but the floor was covered with an odd woven carpet- and that was covered with the miscellaneous. Scattered plants that stood out brightly, pieces of cloth that might be some sort of hood or cloak but were far too crumpled to tell, and even weird objects- a cube that had no visible purpose, and a wooden egg were two of them.

How would she ever make a decision? What were they supposed to bring, anyway? A knock at her door startled her out of her contemplation. Cautiously, timidly, Lacroix made her way over to the door, overly conscious of her entire being. Who could it be? Maybe some to tell her this whole thing was a lie, that she didn’t have any quest to undertake.

She opened the door to one of the most dignified kalons she’d ever seen. Tall, too- his mere presence commanded attention. “I assume you’re Lacroix Durand?” Four eyes pierced through her, golden but oh so cold. “I’m Apollyon Laskeris. I’ll be working with you on this quest.”

Lacroix did the only reasonable thing she could think of. She fainted.

[lovestruck]

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Unexpected Companions
(featuring Maua, Melanie)
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As the masked figure sat there, sharpening her knife, I resisted the urge to shudder. Shady kalons came to this bar all the time, and being the bartender, I should've been used to it by now. I slipped her the beer, turning to shuffle away quickly, in fear of her. She grabbed my arm however, before I was able to move away. I pulled, hoping to slip free of her grasp. I was too slow though. She dug her fingernails into my skin, turning me around. I gulped, as she chuckled, a hearty laugh. "Tell me what you know about the demons." She bared her teeth menacingly, and I spoke. "I- I don't know much. They just showed up from nowhere." I swallowed, before asking quietly, in a raspy whisper, "You're not from around here are you?" She growled, slamming my hand onto the bar, and snarling, "I ask the questions here, not you. Understand?" I nodded quickly, for fear of what she was capable of should I not. She continued, "For your information, no im not from here. You're going to help me though. I'm going to kill those demons, one way or another. For once I'll do something good in my life." I saw pain flash in her eyes for a moment, before she continued. "Tell me more. I know you're holding something back." I raised an eyebrow curiously, wondering how she'd known. "You can kill them with these crystals, or so I've heard anyways.." I trailed off, becoming afraid of her eyes glaring into mine. She nodded, "I see. You're coming with me." I shook my head, struggling to rip free of her grasp. "What? No! I have to take care of my family. I have to work 24/7 to keep them fed! I can't go on some adventure with you!" I reached my other paw over to hers, yanking my arm free and turning away. "There'll be no family left to feed if we don't stop these demons." I turned on my heel, and fiercely spoke to her with rage in my voice, and heart, "You can go on an adventure by yourself you lying heartless son of a-" I realized then how sad she looked. She was serious. These demons must've really been a threat. I nodded, and whispered, "Ok. I'll come." She nodded, extending her paw for a handshake. "I'm Maua. You'll receive a large reward for your service. If you speak my name to any soul- you'll die in your sleep, or maybe disappear." She snarled the last few words in a way that I knew she was serious. "Wait a minute- Maua? As in the greatest assassin in the country, probably the world?" I backed away, with my hands shaking, before pointing a finger at her with a stern look on my face, my voice shaking as I murmured, "You. Killed. My. Brother." Maua snarled, baring her teeth, and wrapping her paw around my throat. "Now now little miss, let's keep our mouth shut, unless we want a cat to get our tongue? No? I didn't think so, Melanie." I raised my eyebrows. "How'd you know my name?" She laughed quietly, although I could tell by her eyes she didn't find anything funny. "Oh, dear, I remember everyone's family who I killed." She put a blank look on her face as if keeping herself from crying. She reached into her rather large satchel, pulling out some leather armor. While she wore silver and gold, with ruby encrested daggers, the finest weapons I'd seen in miles, I wore leather? "Umm. Excuse me? Where's my silver?" She smiled, "You don't get any. You're a newbie." She sashayed out of the bar, slinging the satchel over her shoulder and drawing out her broadsword. "So- you gonna show me where these crystals are or not? "

[yen.]

Prompt One
Featuring: Callisto
648 words

Callisto looked up ahead at the haze of fog and buildings, exactly what he had come for. So the kit hadn't been lying to him when it told it's mother's tale of a small kingdom which had crumbled overnight. The buildings were all still intact, but everything looked almost deserted. The streets were nearly barren, save from a few figures wandering. It was such a difference from the bustling cities Callisto passed regularly.

He couldn't spend his time gawking, though. Callisto had come here for a reason, and he would follow through. "No backing out," He whispered to himself, "Not this time."
As per usual, Callisto had everything he owned on him. But everything he owned was nowhere near enough. Callisto had no armor, or even a proper weapon for that matter, only a dagger worn on his hip. He would have to buy what he needed and come back to this kingdom later. Callisto turned on his heel, back along the road that would lead him to the nearest town.
--
"Whaddya want, kid?" The grizzly store-owner spat at Callisto. The younger kalon flinched, but continued.

"How much for a pack of throwing knives?" He said, just loud enough to be heard over the other kalons present in the store. At his request, the store-owner cackled.

"Ya mean a kid like you wants knives? Be careful, you could cut yourself." He mocked. "No way I'm sellin' you knives. Run off to your mommy now, kid."

Callisto frowned. He should have expected this sort of treatment from the cocky store-owner. This time he wouldn't put up with it. He needed the knives if he was really going to take this journey, and he was determined to do so.

Callisto pulled a couple gold coins out of his pack and placed them on the counter. The queen's seal flashed in the low light of the store, catching the owner's eye. These coins were the type that were nearly impossible to get for most, and Callisto had worked himself beyond exhaustion for just one.

The young kalon put on the most menacing face he could make, and growled, "How much for a pack of throwing knives?"
--
The heavy doors of the weapons shop closed behind Callisto. The kalon felt both accomplished and drained. He had spent far more than he needed to, but the throwing knives were the last thing he needed to start his journey. He left the rest at the inn room he paid for earlier, and would have to retrieve everything before he left.
Returning to the small space, Callisto started to pack up. He strapped the uncomfortable but flashy silver armor onto his chest and legs, secured by several leather belts. The usual cape and gloves were pulled over the armor. His other regular necessities were in his usual bag, along with the extra food he brought. Carried separately were the pack of throwing knives he had just painfully bought, and his usual worn dagger.

Everything was ready. Callisto could leave, now. He should feel happy, or any positive emotion at all, but instead he only felt the sting of sadness. Gazing at his items, everything he owned and everything he had bought, Callisto was reminded of the life he lived. That of a runaway, constantly traveling with nobody to wish him off. Nobody to give him a goodbye hug at the door, nobody to wait for his return. Nowhere to come back to.
The kalon shook his head. There was no use in thinking those things, and besides, he had chosen this life for himself. Callisto stopped lingering and, picking up the key, he walked out of the crude wooden room and locked it up for the final time. Dropping the room key off at the front desk, Callisto set out for a long journey.

There was only one problem; He couldn't take this journey alone.

[kittykore]

★/// P R O M P T ;;

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Louis tends to back just weapons while Gladis brings armor, weapons and apples. Albis carries potions and often rags for warmth. Art block is amazing.

[Sanara]

Prompt One
Featuring :: Zachary, Vanyel, Dunkin

[NE0N-UMBR30N]

Prompt 1

"And why can't I carry the bag with all of our stuff?" Addie crossed her arms as she watched Naomi and Castiel stuff supplies into the groups small bag. Castiel simply rolled his eyes and continued to pack as Naomi looked at her. "You know perfectly well why you can't." She retorted with a snap, and Addie threw her arms up and snorted." Really? Talk about no trust man. I'm hurt you two, really."

Addie was a known thief throughout the village and it had taken much convincing from Castiel for Naomi to let her join their group. Despite the fact that most of her stealing was only because she had no other way to survive, it still didn't sit right with Naomi and even though Addie had been with them for months now she still hadn't gained the trust of the groups self proclaimed leader.

"It's not really over the fact that I think you'll steal stuff and leave." Naomi glowered at the other female as she handed stuff to Castiel to put into the bag. "I know you like to sneak food when no one is looking and we can't afford to have you snacking. We need that food to last us." Addie raised a brow and scoffed. "So what if one of you sneaks some food?"

"We won't."

"But what if you DID?"

"Addie!"

The shorter Kalon didn't seem to find anything funny in Addie's childish games and quickly went back to packing and ignoring her. She was always annoyed at something and Addie failed to understand how Castiel had dealt with her bickering for so long, especially since he couldn't talk and interrupt her when she got too mad.Addie shrugged at herself and decided at least she wasn't alone anymore and maybe that was just fine. She'd just mind her own business until they all left.