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I'll do Alfie, the German Shepherd for Mason's first morph..
Joining the others in the hanger Mason lugged with him several armfuls of small cages setting them up on a convenient crate. The teen eyed the cat Monty suspiciously as two white rats, a curious little ferret, and a blue parakeet scurried and flapped about in their separate containers. Ensuring the cat couldn’t get at the smaller critters Mason turned to engage the others, an air of relief about him.

“Thank goodness about Emma,” he murmured once Tammy finished her spiel. Mason felt as if a great weight lifted from his shoulders at this good news. He’d been blaming himself over the past few hours for failing to help her, but at least she’d been resourceful enough to save herself. He still felt sick to his stomach at the memory of his desertion. He should have kept searching. Returning to the present Mason motioned towards the rows of cages he’d set up explaining his idea behind them. “If we’re going to survive this we won’t be able to fight the yeerks in open battle.” He shot an annoyed glare towards Lalna. “Don’t you remember their dracon beams? They’ll melt right through that armor, or any animal’s flesh. We’ll have to fight them from the shadows, hit them where they least expect it, when they least expect it. I’ve been reading up on military experts like Sun Tzu, and he says deception and information is everything in war. So, I thought one way to spy on them would be to use small, unconventional morphs like rats, or small birds.

“I work at a pet store, so I was able to get these. But maybe we could capture a crow, or a sparrow, or something less obvious then a parakeet for a flying morph later. I’ve always wanted to fly.” Mason shook his head, kneeling down to scratch Alfie’s ears. “Of course that’s after we master these dog morphs. We don’t want another situation like what happened with Emma. So who wants to go first?”

That should work great @RumikoOhara



The Middle Ring





The Inner wall was proving much harder to infiltrate.

Huo Ling sat crossed legged on the roof of an accommodating Ba Sing Se restaurant staring up at the massive walls that separated the second-class Middle Ring from the estates of the city’s elite. Her unprecedented seat gave her an excellent view of the imposing barrier keeping her from traversing on to her ultimate destination. She sat, ate, and contemplated the irony of having a third and presumably even a fourth wall literally stonewalling her best efforts. Entering the great outer walls at all had been difficult enough, what with the recent abdication and hostile takeover leaving everyone on edge. Lucky for Huo she was resourceful enough to find a place on the earth bender powered monorail riding all the way up to the Lower Ring, though somewhat devious means. From there the plan went cold, at least until Huo miraculously found herself the owner of a significant sum of money, which bought her a ticket to the Middle Ring and an averted gaze from the teller. So far she’d been playing the game by instinct, following the wind and seeing how far luck would get her. A surprising distance admittedly, but even Huo’s luck ran dry eventually. She’d nearly been detained at the monorail station having been caught trying to bribe the tellers into letting her traverse one layer further. It was unfortunate to say the least, there were too many of An’s troops watching the monorail entering and exiting the Inner Ring. Spread thin as they were trying to control all of Ba Sing Se they still formed a bolstered defense around the sensitive Inner Ring, keeping out even a determined figure like Huo. If it hadn’t been for them Huo would’ve put money on the notion that she could’ve bribed every single official she happened across right up to the royal palace itself. An’s men however proved far more loyal then the underappreciated city guard for Huo’s meager offerings to placate them. Instead had to be thwarted by swift feet and a good ability to dodge projectile rocks.

Coiling back Huo hurled her gumjua fruit core into the lawns below her, slumping back down with a disgruntled sigh. When it came to clever plans and inventive schemes Huo lacked the necessary forethought to strategize on any grand level. She was more of a go with her gut kind of girl, and her gut, although comfortably full for the first time in weeks, wasn’t giving her any bright ideas.

At that moment a slight breeze picked up, playfully stirring her black braids and bringing up with it the murmur of conversation from down below. It was a pleasant enough day, and the privileged citizens of the Middle Ring were busy pretending all was fine and harmonious within Ba Sing Se; by enjoying a pleasant meal with their families. Sticking their heads in the sand like a herd of ostrichorses seemed like a common trait of the city’s residents actually. Huo swore if patrols of An’s troops didn’t march past every half hour or so the laymen would have thoroughly convince themselves that nothing at all had changed. Their denialism didn’t extend much further then that however. All through her meal Huo found herself the target of many a disapproving glare or muttered word by the restaurant’s other patrons, all for her crude manners and ragamuffin appearance. It grew to such a point that Huo abandoned their den of judgment altogether and retreated up to the roof to enjoy the last of her supper in some semblance of peace. Also, because if she had to hear one more person complain about how she smelled she might’ve burnt the whole place to the ground.

The muted speech of the diners infiltrated Huo’s not-so-great attempts at formulating some semblance of a plan. The considerations of disguise, giant catapults, and straight up climbing the wall with an ice pick subsided and subconsciously the Fire Islands teen began casually eavesdropping, listening in on the random tidbits of talk that rose with the midday breeze. For the most part the dialogue was on anything from the weather to a favorite tea shop and everything in-between. Excluding mentions of An’s invasion, and not one word about the upcoming coronation. Nothing much of real interest. At least it wasn’t until Huo caught the low rumble of a man’s voice making a rather particular complaint to his friend. Leaning down Huo placed her ear to the green-colored roof straining to make out every last word.

“So I told him, I don’t care how many air benders rob your cart, if you keep losing money I won’t be investing with you anymore. That’s exactly what I told him. Its disappointing to, as he’s usually quite successful, but now he wants loans for new watchmen as well. Said his got the snot beat out of them by the thief. The nerve of some people is astounding. I asked him, why do you have private security you’re a lychees vendor?”

A second voice asked something but Huo couldn’t quite make it out. Nevertheless her interest was piqued. An air bender robbing fruit carts and then attacking the guards went against everything she knew about the nomads. She’d considered them inconsequential before, but couldn’t air benders fly?

“That’s right. Odd isn’t it. Apparently he wanted to be hired or something. Probably a wannabe mercenary, though the first of his kind that I’ve heard of.”

Without a moment more of hesitation Huo grabbed the edge of the roof swinging down onto the open windowsill. She landed as light as a cat, peering into the sunlit spaces of the restaurant. The two conversing men were seated right next to the window, reacting poorly to Huo’s more unexpected entrance.

“Great spirits above girl!” One of the men, a large dumpy looking fellow jumped, spilling his soup onto his lap. His associate, a finely dressed merchant in his middle years jerked as well, but less violently. Saving himself the displeasure of hot liquid drenching his embroidered robes. Huo’s bright eyes flicked from one man to the other as all three stared at each other in an awkward silence. The man who’d spilt his meal rang a little bell, before launching into a reproach of Huo’s sudden drop-in. “Miss, please come down from there. This is rather undignified way to appear, you near frightened me to death. Run along to your mother and father, and make sure they know that you’ve been fooling around and scaring people. You certainly look old enough to know better.” The man sniffed in disdain and fluffed out a silk napkin, dabbing halfheartedly at his lap.

Huo ignored him, narrowing her eyes at the merchant, who shrank back a little, looking very uncomfortable. “Where did it happen?” Huo demanded unceremoniously.

“I beg pardon miss?” The merchant had a gaunt face and he pursed his lips at this unexpected intrusion. Clearly he wasn’t used to this sort of tone from anyone.

“The air bender who’s up for hire. Where was he last seen?” Huo cast a baleful glare towards the oncoming waiter who was flanked by a bull of man, whom she could only guess by his clothing and bulging muscles was both head chef and acting bouncer. They had a clear intent to force her from the premises, which meant the conversation needed to end now.

“Were you eavesdropping on our conversation young lady?” The merchant proclaimed in outrage, not noticing the strange look on Huo’s face. “How uncivilized, you ought to be ashamed of such unladylike behaviors.”

Growling in a very unladylike manner Huo snatched ahold of the merchant’s collar, pulling him closer. A ball of flame materialized in her free hand and she held it close to his face, the fire crackling merrily and giving off a cheery glow that contradicted the intense atmosphere. The room had grown very silent as most of the people present assumed they were watching a robbery take place right in front of their eyes.

“Just, answer the question before you get burned.” She held the flame a little closer to his cheeks, allowing a few silver hairs to singe and crumple.

“In the Lower Ring, in-in the merchants quarter by the little fountain! Gonshu usually sets up his lychees cart there, yeeeee don'tburnme!”

Huo laughed waving her hand and putting the small fire out. “See that was easy wasn’t it. And don’t look so worried, that’s all I wanted from you. Enjoy the rest of your lunch.” Huo leapt clear just as the chef reached the table. The large man brandished a vegetable knife, leaning over the table to stick his head out of the window.

“You ever come back here and bother my customers again I’ll Sautee your liver in a pan of boiling oil you smelly vagabond- aaagh!” He jerked back, just in time to avoid a blast of fire that splashed against the restaurant’s outer wall washing over the grass turning the lawn black and brittle. The building was well built, but dry and old proving to be the perfect kindling for a burgeoning fire. Snickering the arsonist deserted the scene before any soldiers arrived, jogging back the way she’d come towards the monorail station. She’d have to reenter the Lower Ring, but it was worth it in the end. Perhaps her luck hadn’t run out after all. She trusted her gut, and her gut was telling her that if an air bender was really looking for the highest bidder then that person had to be her. And if she enlisted the help of an air bender, well, who cared about walls then?
Taking the fire escape steps two at a time Serpentine descended the five story building as fast as she could. Each rusty step creaked and groaned and more than once Serpentine thought she’d fall straight through. The normally heavy ladders felt light in her arms thanks to her new powers and she navigated the structure with reasonable ease. Nevertheless it took her several minutes to reach the ground and run out of the ally way, scattering a small pack of cats in her mad dash around the building’s corner. A few screams sounded in the distance, and numerous car horns were blaring. Something bad must be going on up ahead. Speeding up Serpentine sprinted past a group of young pedestrians charging right up to the front steps of Luna’s Luner Lounge. Behind her glassy eyed students wandered haphazardly across the streets and roads causing a dreadful traffic jam and snatching random people off the sidewalks. The police who hadn’t been turned were completely overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the disaster, but were doing their best to regain control. A few of the zombiefied kids seemed to be standing guard at the entrance, wearing karate GIs. Uh oh Serpentine thought coming to a screeching halt. These minions seemed capable of completing individual tasks, and they were everywhere! Mr. Johnson must have gone on a rampage with his whip and collected a horde of followers to do his bidding. Somewhere along the way he must have learned to control them better too. Stepping onto the raised concrete curb Serpentine approached the GI garbed minions cautiously, watching for any sudden movements. Their stoic faces turned towards her menacingly and one raised his calloused hand, doing a mocking ‘come here’ gesture.

“Alright then.” Serpentine whipped out her battle fans going into what she hoped was a fighting stance. “Come and get it.”

The glassy eyed karate kids needed no second bidding. Leaping forward four of them surrounded Serpentine, delivering a series of kicks and jabs in rapid succession. Serpentine did her best to dodge and repost but the karate kids were too fast. Dishing out swift punishment they would flip away before she could respond in kind, allowing another karate kid to launch in and attack from her flank. Serpentine’s augmented speed and durability was the only thing keeping her in the fight. At least until one of them landed a powerful round house kick to her jaw. Tumbling backward Serpentine tripped over the concrete curb and crashed onto the asphalt. A few normal minions surged forward reaching to grab her with their grubby hands. One snatched at her miraculous and just missed, brushing the charm with his fingertips.

“Oh no you don’t!” Serpentine lashed out catching the glassy eyed teen in the throat. He reeled back, falling into the growing crowd. Rolling back onto her feet Serpentine blocked a few incoming punches before pushing off, propelling herself over the dull eyes of her assailants and preforming a spectacular backflip in midair. Landing light as a cat Serpentine scurried off smashing through the unguarded glass doors of the Lunar Lounge, and right into the waiting arms of many more minions. We need an army to fight all of these guys! Serpentine struggled to bash her way through but there were to many. Further away Talon, Furitta, and the new girl were in a similar situation fighting against Mr. Johnsen and. Rouge-Bat!? They were battling bravely, but ultimately outnumbered. We need a distraction and an army! Serpentine’s mind raced as she fought. Defeat seemed imminent. She knew about Rough-Bat from her father’s articles praising the hero, he could probably best all four of them on his own, let alone with Mr. Johnson and a horde of his mind controlled minions. What could they possible do?

And just like that an idea popped into Serpentine’s head.

Closing her eyes to concentrate Serpentine let the glassy eyed weirdos size hold of her. One tried to snatch away her miraculous but Serpentine interlocked her fingers over the charm protecting it. They tried prying her fingers open but Serpentine resisted their efforts, clenching her hands tighter, focusing, and concentrating.

“MIRAGE!”

Suddenly Serpentine was everywhere. She bounced from the walls, swung punches at Rouge-Bat, dodged away from the karate kids, and formed a protective ring around the other heroes and herself. The many Serpentines moved like greased lightning and the fought the perplexed minions by dodging and rolling and diving around them with ease. They swung their battle fans and kicked as well but no blow ever landed. They were just light and sound after all. Very convincing images, but never more than just that. Images. Serpentine laughed aloud and a hundred Serpentines laughed with her. It was very surreal and chaotic as Luna’s Luner Lounge was now packed to bursting. Throwing off the minions that held her Serpentine shouted, her voice rising from a hundred throats.

“Quick, get the whip so we can purify the akuma! This will only last five minutes!”

@ayzrules Thank you! We can go anywhere you like. Preferably somewhere where they could collect first morphs and test them out in reasonable security.

Fine by me

Here it is @Bluetommy and greatly PG-ified as requested.



I've decided to use a color for Tonya's speech. Just so y'all know.
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