PrankFox

Paradise in Walson

Well well, surprise surprise. Gonna have to try and track down my character for this

Wings of Fire: Distant Storms

Friend? That was a strong word for Bluemoon to use when he had only met her that morning. Hemlock wasn't sure if he'd ever had someone that he could call a friend before. Well, he supposed Juniper was his friend now too. These Sandwings though? These Sandwings were decidedly not in any way, shape, or form friendly. He might not know a lot about interacting with other dragons, but he did have enough knowledge to know that the stinger sitting under his chin was very dangerous.

A chorus of laughter from the troupe echoed around the empty streets as Bluemoon spoke. The presumed ringleader who stood in front of Hemlock grinned viciously, "I don't think Queen Gila would mind one less freak in her city."

"Well, that's just rude," Hemlock retorted blandly. The stinger, that had drifted slightly downwards shot back up to his throat with a snarl from the Sandwing. At the same moment he heard the sound of Bluemoon hitting the ground and his eyes flicked over to her. His claws itched to do something but he was significantly smaller than all of these Sandwings. His size would give him an advantage in getting away though and he didn't waste a second when Bluemoon told him to run.

He craned his neck backwards away from the stinger, letting his body follow the movement so that he could roll to the ground and back to his feet, safely under the stinger that swung for his head. A spear thudded into the ground next to his foot as he leapt away, hooking his claws into the sandstone of a nearby building to haul himself up. The blood was pounding in his ears as he looked to the ringleader and the other, paler Sandwing that had thrown the spear at him. He knew he didn't have more than a moment before they came after him but he couldn't leave Bluemoon on the ground, pinned with claws around her throat.

A sadistic gleam entered his eyes as he pulled his bag that always hung around his neck to his front, tucking himself further back on the roof out of sight. He had plants in there sure, but insects also loved plants, and he had collected a solid number that lived in his little ecosystem contentedly. It took him only a second to stick his claw in and find the little critters he was looking for. A small troupe of ants with massive jaws. Normally harmless on dragon scales, but not everywhere was scaled.

"Can't get away that easy little insect," the pale Sandwing pulled himself up on top of the roof with a flap of his wings, spear in claw.

"Interesting choice of words," Hemlock grinned back at the Sandwing. Instead of turning to run away he leapt towards the larger dragon, a push of his wings getting him up above the Sandwing. A shake of his claws both agitated the insects there and jostled them free, directly onto the face of the Sandwing who was staring up at him, spear poised to attack. The moment the ants hit his face they made a beeline for the Sandwings nostrils and eyes, snapping down with thick jaws which had the other dragon screaming in agony, stumbling backwards off the roof.

Hemlock couldn't help but cackle as the dragon pawed at his face, writhing on the ground, as he fought to get the biting insects off. The ringleader glared up at him, in both rage and horror, as he pulled back and jumped over to the next roof, closer to Bluemoon so he could try and help her. Hopefully without getting a stinger lodged in his back.

Wings of Fire: Distant Storms

The quieter road was definitely nicer than the crowded streets. Still, Hemlock kept his wings pressed tight against his body. More out of nerves than anything else. He wasn't used to being around so many dragons, let alone so many from different tribes. He wanted to go home more than anything, back to the jungle where he and his father used to live, but he knew that he couldn't. At least not right now. Instead he focused on the curiosities of the city. He'd seen the Sandwings, but he followed Bluemoon's gaze to the bulkier dragon that was conversing with the soldiers. He had no idea what that was a didn't want to bombard her with more questions. He'd figure it out on his own he was sure.

At his question about the Queen of the Sandwings he didn't notice the warning look in his guide's eyes. The nuance of expression was often lost on him he'd come to find in speaking with Juniper and the others. He hummed in half understanding of the response. If she ruled everything then it felt weird for her to be in one city all the time and not checking in other places. If she did stay in one city he would've expected the biggest place, which he assumed was the castle.

He hurried to follow after Bluemoon as she walked into an even quieter part of the city. He shivered slightly at the cool air but didn't complain. A furrow crossed his brow as she whispered to him, "It's not like the questions are hurting anyone. She's the Queen and that's all there is to it, and I wouldn't know that without asking."

"And out Queen doesn't like you interlopers hanging around," a gravely voice echoed from the shadows between two of the buildings as a troupe of Sandwings stepped onto the more well lit path. Not guards from the looks of them, but the weapons they held in claw were just as dangerous.

The one who spoke shouldered past Bluemoon, planting himself firmly in between the Nightwing and Hemlock with a scowl. His black eyes turned to Bluemoon and he gave her a sickeningly sweet smile, "Why don't you just run along now, no need to interfere with the Queen's business."

As two other Sandwings moved down the other side of the street to pin Hemlock between them he looked between the larger dragons mildly. "I'm not bothering anyone. You all are causing more problems than me making a whole bunch of noise." He could at least tell by the sharpened weapons these dragons were not of the friendly sort, but he'd been minding his own business. His father had always told him not to let others push him around just because of who he was. Of course his father's methods had always been a bit...extreme, but if it came to it he had plenty of fun things he could use in his pouch.

A brief look of surprise crossed the biggest Sandwing's face before he barked out a laugh, "This one's got a mouth on him," his stinger swung around to poise itself under Hemlock's chin, "Think we should fix that before we finish this?" The query directed at the others standing about.

Wings of Fire: Distant Storms

So this wasn't the actual Sandwing city, but it pretty much was because of how much time the Queen spent hanging around? Seemed far more complicated than necessary in Hemlock's opinion. Did that mean that someone else was in charge of the castle while she was here, or was it just left alone until she got back? There were far too many questions swirling around in his head, and he didn't want to pester Bluemoon with them. He didn't know how long she'd been here, she wasn't a Sandwing, so maybe she didn't even know. He simply nodded his head in understanding to the explanation.

He caught the change in Bluemoon's demeanor as they slipped between the stalls, but looking around he didn't know what had caused it. Some of the merchants seemed to give them so odd looks, but he wasn't familiar enough with the area to decipher what they meant. Why did interacting with other dragons have to be so complicated?

When she asked him if he had any other questions he paused in thought. He had many other questions, but most of them weren't very relevant. Just idle curiosities of his ever active mind. There was one he felt would be useful to know though. "So if the Queen is usually in charge of everything else that's not here, but Queen Gila is here most of the time does that mean there isn't a current leader here? It's just her?" He didn't have any interest in talking to whoever was in charge, but he still wanted to know.

Honestly he didn't have much interest in being inside the city at all. Sure it was better covered, but the number of times he'd almost bumped into someone was enough to make his scales prickle. He subconsciously pressed his wings closer to his sides. With his lack of familiarity with bigger cities he couldn't tell where the discomfort was coming from. The sight of the curved stingers, so much like the odd tails of the invaders he saw, constantly brushing scales with strangers, or something else.

Yokohama Midnights | Persona

Mentions: Mori @Lord Orgasmo

It would be easy enough to look up what games were coming out online, but that required slogging through game journalists opinions on what was actually good. That would be an load of arbitrary and conflicting opinions that, quite frankly, Torio did not want to deal with. He had enough of that with his father's business partners. Besides, he knew Mori liked games, probably more than he did, and lunch was one of the few times he could actually talk to someone.

Seemed liked he'd made a good choice in who to ask as he was immediately met with a flood of information on the newest games that were coming out. He brought up a note to jot down anything his classmate mentioned that sounded even mildly interesting. He'd never been much for the Civ line of games since they took so long to play, but his attention was piqued at the mention of a new horror game. That might be one to look into.

"No shortage of new stuff that'll suck hours of my life away," he said, partially to himself, "Horror has always been my go-to so maybe I'll hold out until June before buying anything else." Not that he figured his parents would care what he bought so long as he offered to test it on his dad's new hardware.

Torio returned the shrug, "Probably some gaming convention or direct coming up. I can never keep track anymore." He snorted in half amusement and half disgust, "If I want to spend hours grinding the same looking dungeon or weird puzzle I'll just replay an Elder Scrolls game for the fifty millionth time."

Fire Emblem: Crestfallen

Mentions: Alphonse @Zombehs

It was somewhat disappointing to watch Leon slip his way out of eating the flower, but Elias supposed there would be more chances for teasing the others. Especially since it seemed like there was something else going on with that whole situation. That would be something to unravel later when they weren't being carted along by the Archbishop.

The mess hall reminded him of the fact that he hadn't eaten since much earlier and that thought lingered until they got to the Officer's Academy itself. He was excited to explore the winding halls and towers when he had the chance, but for now it seemed like they had other things to attend to. That thing being the arrangements for the dormitories. The fact that they were staying two to a room, and that there was no separation between themselves and the commoners was...surprising. A choice and one that he wondered about the reasoning of. For them to get to know each other better? He had a feeling it would lead to shenanigans more than anything and that, that he was looking forward to.

The outrage coming from Sherry was enough to make dealing with another person in his living space worth it. Not that he was unused to it, he spent much of his time sharing with his siblings at home, but this was a bit different. He shifted his weight enough to see the parchment and make a note of who he was with. Alphonse, the lordling with the baby wyvern that had so quickly gained attention from the Princess. Gave him the perfect opportunity to reintroduce himself since he did remember the Croix family.

Picking the white haired boy out of the group was easy and he moved around his peers to approach him. "Alphonse Croix right? I believe I remember you from some years ago. Your family works for the Ravaleths if I'm not mistaken?"

Yokohama Midnights | Persona

Mentions: Mori @Lord Orgasmo

There was a quiet war going on in Torio's head as he sat and tried to pay attention to what it was their teacher was telling them. Juggling his notes, the myriad of things he had to do over the course of the week at home, as well as the fact that he wanted to find time to get some gaming in it was a miracle any notes got written. Made it that much more of a mercy when the bell rang for lunch and he was able to toss his notebook back into his bag and crack his fingers.

The flurry of movement, screeching of chair legs, and instant chatter cut through any serenity he was hoping to find, at least for the moment. He didn't join in with the hoard leaving as his mother wouldn't be let him caught dead standing in line to buy lunch from school. Or rather she wouldn't let the cooks forget it. No way she'd be slaving away in the kitchen.

He followed suit of the other students who had brought their own lunch and pulled out his own bento box that was loaded with homemade sushi plus additional rice and vegetables that he wasn't sure if he was going to eat or not. It would be an affront to the cooks who made it though if he didn't so...maybe he would.

A quick flick of his wrist brought a screen up above his desk as he scrolled through the various different game forums he was able to keep from his parents prying eyes. The mindless scrolling was quickly interrupted by the sound of someone absolutely inhaling their ramen from a little ways behind him. It took all of his willpower not to whip around to see who didn't have any manners, but instead he twisted his head just enough to witness the smattering of broth onto the girl's desk. Delightful. He was just glad that the mess she was making also correlated to the speed that she finished her food which meant she was up and leaving before the rest of his appetite could escape him.

With her gone he felt comfortable enough swiveling backwards in his chair to face one of the other people in class he knew was interested in gaming. "Hey Mori, hear anything about any good games coming out?" He was running out of stuff to play and as much as he wouldn't mind replaying something something new would be nice for once

Wings of Fire: Distant Storms

The close quarters of the Scorpion Den was nothing like what Hemlock was used to in the jungle. It was cramped and the possibility of bumping into someone else seemed ever present. He stuck close to Bluemoon since she seemed to be able to duck and weave through the swarms of dragons with a practiced ease.

His curiosity piqued when they stepped into the market place. A slew of sounds and smells entered his senses as the stall-workers peddled their wares to the myriad types of residents. It was all so...strange. The jungle was loud, there were birds and insects, monkeys, and the rustling of leaves or patter of rain, but it wasn't like this. The meats smelled roughly the same as what he was used to, but a number of the fruits were unique to him. It was somewhat overwhelming given his upbringing alone, but there was also the smallest twinge of thrill in his chest that made him want to learn more about this place.

Despite the curiosity he chose to stay practically glued to his guide. He didn't want to get lost in the crowd. He briefly met her gaze any time she looked back at him, to make sure he hadn't vanished he guessed. Still, he couldn't stop the question from spilling out of his mouth over the strangeness of this place. He tuned fully into what Bluemoon was saying, a light of interest in his eyes, and nodded to her explanation.

"That makes sense. So this isn't the actual Sandwing home then?" He had thought that is was a small place for the whole of the kingdom to be, but he also had no frame of reference. All he saw of the LeafSilk kingdom was burning ruins as they fled for their lives from the massive, maned invaders. He fought back a shudder as he pushed the memories away. He wondered if his skills would be useful around a place like this. There weren't a lot of plants though so maybe not. He didn't want to stay here anyway, he couldn't stand the dry heat and shifty sands.

His attention was so split, yet at the same time focused on Bluemoon's words, he didn't notice the occasional hostile looks thrown his way by some of the Sandwings. The slight curl of stingers or narrowed eyes of a small group that slipped through the crowd; keeping, seemingly, to themselves and browsing the wares.

Yokohama Midnights | Persona

Aozora Torio

NAME:
Aozora Torio

AGE:
16

GENDER:
Male

ARCANA:
Moon

APPEARANCE DETAILS:
Torio stands about 5' 11" and has a solid build with blond hair that is kept somewhat messy. He dresses nicely at the behest of his parents, but when he can get away with it he prefers more loose fit clothing. Even then though what he wears is indicative of the fact that his family has money. Even on warmer days he wears his jacket that is covered in patches.

PERSONALITY:
Despite his father constantly lording over others how much money they have, Torio tries to keep it under wraps as much as he can. He doesn't necessarily want people looking at him differently for who his family is, so he tries to be generally friendly and as helpful as he can be. He is more than willing to help his fellow students out in their studies. Even if he's having a rough day it's easy for him to slip on a comfortable mask of indifference or amiability depending on what the situation calls for.

Torio, in contrast with his outward appearance, doesn't actually like people all that much. At least not the people that his father has him dealing with in the house on a regular basis. He finds the situations tiring and unnecessary when all they do is talk in circles. Given this he tries to be blunt and straightforward with people when he feels the situation calls for it rather than beating around the bush.

SHORT BIOGRAPHY:
Born to the CEO of a booming tech company that makes all manner of devices there was a lot of pressure but on Torio from the start. He is expected to take over his father's company whenever the man decides that he wants to retire. Which meant studying from the moment he could process a business deal how to live a successful life. Given how quickly the company grew he never had to worry about wanting for anything throughout his childhood, and had the opportunity to get the newest prototypes of his father's tech. It would've been a relaxing, and likely pleasant, number of years had those expectations not gotten in the way.

As much as he wanted to sit around and enjoy his childhood, and the benefits his family provided him, neither of his parents gave him the opportunity. From a young age he was given tutors, taught art, made to practice the piano, amongst other things. He was even dragged along to his father's interviews only with his mother since the man wanted to show off the fact he was a 'family man' for the media. He quickly learned how to work the cameras, and subsequently get what he wanted from his parents most of the time.

At the very least school was never overly difficult for him, in fact he was usually far ahead of his peers given his at home schooling, but he continued to work hard as it was expected of him. He didn't mind helping out his fellow students with their studies if it meant that he could keep away from home for just a bit longer. He preferred being out of the house where he could be more himself rather than the face he puts on for his family.

The one reprieve at home is the myriad of gaming consoles his father has bought, or given, him over the years that allowed for hours upon hours of escape. When he could get away with it. While he plays a number of games he usually finds himself looping back around to horror based ones that provided a mix of strategy and enough of the disconnect from reality to easily get dragged in. Even after starting at Izumi he found time to weasel himself away in order to decompress. When not being dragged around by his parents for various practices and business lessons that is.

TRIVIA:
-Incredibly talented at the piano (despite not really wanting to learn in the first place)
-Knows a lot of people in a lot of places
-Has a cat named Meeko
-Plays a lot of horror games so doesn't react to them much anymore

OTHER: Mostly survival horror games

Yokohama Midnights | Persona

Aozora Torio

NAME:
Aozora Torio

AGE:
16

GENDER:
Male

ARCANA:
Moon

APPEARANCE DETAILS:
Torio stands about 5' 11" and has a solid build with blond hair that is kept somewhat messy. He dresses nicely at the behest of his parents, but when he can get away with it he prefers more loose fit clothing. Even then though what he wears is indicative of the fact that his family has money. Even on warmer days he wears his jacket that is covered in patches.

PERSONALITY:
Despite his father constantly lording over others how much money they have, Torio tries to keep it under wraps as much as he can. He doesn't necessarily want people looking at him differently for who his family is, so he tries to be generally friendly and as helpful as he can be. He is more than willing to help his fellow students out in their studies. Even if he's having a rough day it's easy for him to slip on a comfortable mask of indifference or amiability depending on what the situation calls for.

Torio, in contrast with his outward appearance, doesn't actually like people all that much. At least not the people that his father has him dealing with in the house on a regular basis. He finds the situations tiring and unnecessary when all they do is talk in circles. Given this he tries to be blunt and straightforward with people when he feels the situation calls for it rather than beating around the bush.

SHORT BIOGRAPHY:
Born to the CEO of a booming tech company that makes all manner of devices there was a lot of pressure but on Torio from the start. He is expected to take over his father's company whenever the man decides that he wants to retire. Which meant studying from the moment he could process a business deal how to live a successful life. Given how quickly the company grew he never had to worry about wanting for anything throughout his childhood, and had the opportunity to get the newest prototypes of his father's tech. It would've been a relaxing, and likely pleasant, number of years had those expectations not gotten in the way.

As much as he wanted to sit around and enjoy his childhood, and the benefits his family provided him, neither of his parents gave him the opportunity. From a young age he was given tutors, taught art, made to practice the piano, amongst other things. He was even dragged along to his father's interviews only with his mother since the man wanted to show off the fact he was a 'family man' for the media. He quickly learned how to work the cameras, and subsequently get what he wanted from his parents most of the time.

At the very least school was never overly difficult for him, in fact he was usually far ahead of his peers given his at home schooling, but he continued to work hard as it was expected of him. He didn't mind helping out his fellow students with their studies if it meant that he could keep away from home for just a bit longer. He preferred being out of the house where he could be more himself rather than the face he puts on for his family.

The one reprieve at home is the myriad of gaming consoles his father has bought, or given, him over the years that allowed for hours upon hours of escape. When he could get away with it. While he plays a number of games he usually finds himself looping back around to horror based ones that provided a mix of strategy and enough of the disconnect from reality to easily get dragged in. Even after starting at Izumi he found time to weasel himself away in order to decompress. When not being dragged around by his parents for various practices and business lessons that is.

TRIVIA:
-Incredibly talented at the piano (despite not really wanting to learn in the first place)
-Knows a lot of people in a lot of places
-Has a cat named Meeko
-Plays a lot of horror games so doesn't react to them much anymore

OTHER: Mostly survival horror games