PrankFox

Wings of Fire: Clouded Visions

An angry hiss and a spark of fire met Aether's teasing statement as his sister finished securing her armor and grabbing the standard spear for the guards. He couldn't help the creeping grin along his muzzle as she muttered under her breath about one thing or another. His best guess was about how annoying himself and the lofty prince were.

He was about to excuse himself to get back to his own work, he had a number of scrolls that he needed to transcribe for Finch before the day was out, but both himself and Solstice could hear the familiar clicking talons on the stone outside the barracks. It wasn't that he disliked Prince Maroon, he rather liked the crimson dragon actually, it was just that he was absolutely terrified of saying something wrong in the royals presence.

"Good morning your highness," he greeted him quickly in return though he figured that Maroon didn't particularly care if he responded or not. He knew the prince only had eyes for his sister, which was both incredibly amusing and somewhat terrifying. What about Solstice had every caught Maroon's eye was unknown to him, maybe that was because she was his sister or maybe the prince was just crazy. Maybe both, probably both. He did have to clamp his jaw firmly shut so that he didn't laugh as he watched the distaste on Solstice's face.

Dark brown eyes rolled hard at the greeting from Maroon and Aether was glad that he was able to easily read Solstice's expressions underneath the heated disinterest. The endearment wasn't lost on either of them and it was likely only the fact that Maroon was royalty that he didn't get cuffed upside the head or whacked with a spear.

"Morning, your highness," Solstice's voice was surprisingly cool despite the fact it looked like she wanted to blow smoke from her nostrils, "I slept fine thank you." Her eyes flickered to Aether for a moment before they returned to the prince, "I was just about to start my rounds. Apparently the SandWings had a security breach in one of the their little battle pits," Word travelled quickly through the guards, "Some rogue hybrids on the loose and last seen heading this way."

That was the first Aether had heard of this and his head perked up in curiosity, "Pit fighters? That sounds exciting." His tail waved across the ground. He wondered if they were scarred and vicious, coming to the SkyWing Kingdom with hopes of refuge. Maybe lulling them into a false sense of security so they could strike and take over from Queen Emerald. That would be very exciting and he might be able to put his newly acquired medical training to use.

Solstice rolled her eyes again, "Sure, but we don't know anything about them other than they were able to take out a large number of well trained SandWing guards. The last thing we need is for them to come around here." Her gaze returned to Maroon and she dipped her long neck to him, "If you'll excuse me your highness," her voice was polite as she slipped past the two males and out of the barracks.

Clans of the Coast

A snort of amusement pulled itself free as Stormstrike heard the hiss from his brother. He had been up for a bit at this point figuring out who would go on patrol, and it didn't seem like Smokestep was particularly happy to be chosen. He wanted to get the other tom out and about though given that his niece and nephews were all doing well. They were only a little more than a quarter moon old, but getting bigger and more explorative every day. It made him happy to see Smokestep settling into fatherhood so well.

He pushed his way back out of the warrior's den and scanned around for the cats that he'd want on patrol. He wanted to go out himself with Oakpaw and he planned on dragging his brother out with him. He'd still need someone extra though, and his eyes snagged on the black and white pelt of the leader's brother.

"Hawkshadow!" He padded over to the tom who perked up at his approach, "You want to come on dawn patrol with me? We need to check the Breezeclan border. Coyotestar doesn't trust that they won't try to start something." He was sure that all of them were still reeling from what happened at the last Gathering, but he was doing his best to keep everything moving. He was fairly young for deputy, and he knew that Coyotestar relied on him for that. He didn't want to let her down.

The larger tom pushed himself to his paws with a grunt, "Sure. When do we leave?"

"As soon as Smokestep and Oakpaw join us and I assign the other patrols." He heard Sorrelwing call out to Smokestep so he at least knew the tom was awake and moving. He padded to the apprentice den on the far side of the clearing that made up camp and stuck his head in to wake up Oakpaw, and hopefully the other apprentices along with her. StarClan knew they would sleep as long as they could get away with.

He was pleased to see everyone up and moving, calling to the clan to gather round so he could give out assignments. "Crowstorm, I want you to take Barkpaw, Stoatleap, and Dewfall hunting." Once he saw them get moving he checked who was left, "Tornsnout, Sorrelwing, and Duskstripe you take the Darkclan border." They weren't having issues with Spiderstar so three warriors should be fine there. "I'm taking Oakpaw, Smokestep, and Hawkshadow with me to the Breezeclan border."

Everyone else was free to go about their business as they saw fit until he assigned the sun high patrols, and he nodded to himself as the clan collected to do as he said. There was a flash of pride and pleasure through him at being followed so easily by his clanmates. He padded, along with Hawkshadow, to the entrance of camp and waited for Smokestep and Oakpaw to join them so they could get on their way.

Pokemon: Ascendancy

Mentions: All present

It was a mercy that Isaiah was used to waking up early in the morning to go to the clinic. Even if he'd wanted to sleep in later, enjoy the mostly quiet hotel room, before the chaos of the opening ceremony his body clock wouldn't allow it. Despite the late hour he finally got out of the Dahlia after helping Mason clean the place up a bit, and haul the gym leaders that were more drunk than the rest out to their rides or rooms. He still managed to catch a reasonable amount of sleep to his surprise. At the very least he was glad he made the decision not to get drunk so he could actually function for the opening ceremony.

At least, that was the plan. The TV was playing in the background, giving him some noise to help focus, as he worked on the charts for the clinic. Normally he would take the time before the ceremony to prepare for the fact he had to deal with a large number of people, but the distraction worked just as well. At least there hadn't been any urgent calls from the folks he left in charge.

He leaned back in the mostly uncomfortable hotel chair with a sigh, running his hands down his face in a bid to wake up further. Apollo on the other hand was sprawled on his back on the bed, horned head dangling nearly over the side as he watched the news reels flick by. Isaiah occasionally shot him a glance to make sure that nothing had caught fire, but mostly let the dark Pokémon lounge. The large canine got fidgety if he was left to his own devices too long, but the short woofs and sound of shuffling bedsheets were enough to grab his attention anyway.

"What now Apollo?" He turned a raised eyebrow to where the news was playing at Apollo's insistent stare. He didn't need to hear what the reporter was saying, the headline that the opening ceremony had be cancelled was enough to send him scrambling for his phone. He hadn't been paying attention to it, but the text from the chairman was enough for him to slam his laptop shut, thankful that he was already dressed for the day. He pulled Apollo into his ball before turning off the TV and hastily exiting the hotel to make for Hyacinth Tower.

He was, unsurprisingly, early compared to a number of the others who had gotten hammered the previous night. He sat in one of the chairs in the meeting room, scrolling through the news to see if there was any other information about what had happened. Unfortunately there was nothing that he could see and that sent nervous thoughts wriggling through his brain. The chairman wouldn't cancel the ceremony without good reason, it was just concerning what that reason might be. He sent the occasional wave or greeting to those who came in after him before turning his attention to the chairman as the man walked in at 10:30 sharp.

The news the chairman had was...not what he'd been expecting. Ryker of all people, abducted from his own house? That didn't seem to add all the way up. Everyone else seemed to be expressing the same thoughts and concerns. Where were the champion's Pokémon? What were they going to do? Despite Fiona's crass way of expressing it she did have a point. It seemed a bit hasty to jump to the most dramatic conclusion before they'd heard anything else.

"Have the police said anything concrete?" Usually there was more that went into it than just declaring someone abducted from his understanding. He was a doctor though, not law enforcement, so he didn't know how much had already been done. At the very least they could keep level heads and not go running to something stupid.

Pokemon: Ascendancy

Mentions: Bianca @Majoras End, Sebastien @King Cosmos, All present

It seemed like his own arrival heralded the rest of the gym leaders flooding in at a quicker pace. Isaiah didn't recognize the stern faced looking man that stepped in after him, but recalled they had a new leader joining the ranks this season. Water type he was pretty sure. He'd meet him later as Astrid entered and took a seat next to him. He gave her a nod of greeting, the same to Holly as the other woman walked in. There were already far too many people present for his tastes, but he figured it was about time to get used to it for the season. He'd have to deal with the PR as well.

He didn't necessarily appreciate being lumped in with the 'circus' as Nordrin so called them, but he couldn't exactly contest it given the company. It was only further reinforced when the last of the rabble walked in. Mika with his new Snom that grabbed damn near everyone's attention, and Sawyer with his Glameow. He rolled his eyes with a faint shake of his head as the shouting immediately began between the Normal type leader and Fiona. He was going to have a raging headache by the end of the night; and not from the alcohol.

Of course the chairman wasn't actually going to show his face. Probably too much going on getting ready for the season. Or he just couldn't be bothered. The latter was more likely in his opinion. In the lieu of the chairman giving a speech though, Ryker gave one well enough. He couldn't stop the faint twitch of his lips at the optimistic idealism in the younger man's choice of words. Maybe it'd be the year one of them beat him, Hestia certainly seemed determined enough. Still no one had beaten him yet, so maybe he had every right to be optimistic. Not that Isaiah particularly cared. He'd give it a shot, but it was no skin off his back if he didn't make champion. He already had a hell of a workload as it stood. No need to add more.

"I'm not so much worried about whether or not they mean it," he mumbled towards Bianca once he finally got the chance, "Just the aftermath of it." He gave her a bemused smile and crooked eyebrow at the latter half of her statement, but chose not to comment on it. He knew she could be just as vicious as the rest of them despite her demeanor.

As Bianca leapt from her seat he finally just leaned back against the chair he to listen to the chaos around him. Listening to the conversation going on between Fiona and the new guy he leaned forward to rest his arms against the bar to address Sebastien, "You're going to have to wait in line on that one. I think Hestia would call first dibs on kicking Ryker to the curb."

Wings of Fire: Clouded Visions

Name:
Solstice

Gender:
Female

Age:
Adult

Species:
SkyWing

Appearance:

Looks

Personality:
Hot-headed, irritable, intelligent, blunt, confident, good with strategy, impulsive when angry (which is often)

Other:
Serves as one of the royal guard, often to Prince Maroon
Sister to Aether

Wings of Fire: Clouded Visions

Name:
Aether

Gender:
Male

Age:
Adult

Species:
SkyWing

Appearance:

Looks

Personality:
Friendly, overzealous, impulsive, kind, adventurous, can be irritating, somewhat naïve

Other:
Serves as a scribe and is training to be a healer in the SkyWing palace

Wings of Fire: Clouded Visions

Name:
Frostbite

Gender:
Male

Age:
Adult

Species:
50% IceWing
50% NightWing

Abilities:
-Ice breath
-Serrated claws
-Spiked tail

Appearance:

Looks

Personality:
Clever, quiet, irritable, antisocial, bitter, protective, loyal

Other:

Wings of Fire: Clouded Visions

"Hey Finch!" A slender SkyWing colored in varying shades of orange, aside from the black and white markings across the tips of his wings and across his forehead, hobbled into the healing wing of the palace. A number of scrolls were clenched in one of his claws that he had tucked up near his chest to stop them from spilling everywhere. Again. "I brought you the scrolls you asked for. Sorry it took me so long to write them," his voice genuinely apologetic.

The copper scaled healer turned her neck around to face him with a rye smile, "Don't worry about it Aether," her head swiveled back around to look at the leg of the dragon she was treating. "Set them down on the desk over there and come here. I want to see how much you've learned so far." Her voice was focused but not unkind as her tail swished around to point at the desk on the other side of the room. "Come now, we don't have all day."

Aether quickly hopped over to the desk and set the scrolls down before he zipped back up to Finch's side with a curious look over her shoulder. There was a long gash that ran up the leg of the SkyWing who rested on the bed in front of him. Finch handed him some cloth and he stepped around to start dabbing at the blood that was continuing to well up around the crimson scales. Once he was able to get a look at the gash itself he winced. It was long and deep and would definitely need stiches.

He let himself focus a bit, humming slightly as he wrapped the leg tightly before he went about collecting what he would need to stich up the gash. He looked to Finch for approval and she gave him a nod, so he continued on. Thankfully since he was a writer he was pretty quick with his claws and, despite his general nervousness, they were steady as he stitched the raw skin back together. With that done he wrapped the leg tightly in bandages and turned to look back at Finch with a nervous gaze.

She gave him an intense look that had him shrinking back slightly before grinning and giving a nod, "Good job. That's all I need from you right now, you're free to go."

His face lit up and he fought the urge to jump around like a dragonet, "Thanks Finch!" He turned to bound back up the short set of stairs and track down his sister. He followed the familiar path to the guard house and poked his head in to see Solstice's familiar dark scales covered in armor. He swiveled his head around to see that there was currently no one else in the guard house, so he confidently trotted in with a grin across his snout. "Hey!" He bumped into Solstice's shoulder and wrapped his wing around her, "Your shadow hasn't come to find you yet today?"

A dark crimson claw lashed out at him, though he had seen it coming and was able to duck under the swipe. The scowl that crossed Solstice's face wasn't actively hostile though, it was just her usual resting expression. "You know it isn't like that," she huffed out a puff of smoke, "He's just a friend and I'm one of the guards. It's kind of my job to keep close to him."

"Uh huh, sure. Keep telling yourself that." He ignored the hard eye roll and curl of his sister's lip as she stared at him. "Well you better not keep him waiting for your protection."

Pokemon: Ascendancy

Mentions: All present

A second yawn in as many minutes dragged itself free as Isaiah sat in the taxi on his way to whatever event Hyacinth had decided to set up for them now. He didn't really see the need for them to all meet up before the opening ceremony, it wasn't like they didn't see each other in the off season, but he wasn't about to get on the chairman's bad side now. He had even bothered to put on one of his nicer suits for the occasion though the moment he got where he was going the jacket was coming off.

Thankfully it wasn't a long flight to Wyndon, he probably would've fallen asleep otherwise. He didn't envy Iris who was having to travel all the way from Wedgehurst. He had stayed at the clinic late the previous night dealing with a sudden case that had been dropped on their doorstep, literally, and the night before that training his team. More burning energy out of them then anything. The last thing he needed was them destroying the place while he was gone.

Knowing some of them, mostly Fiona he figured, tonight would be a late night. Likely tomorrow as well with opening ceremonies. Delightful, just racking them up this week. Sometimes he considered just dropping the gym leader position entirely and working at the clinic full time, but then he remembered that he'd been in that position before and hadn't enjoyed it. Didn't mean it wasn't tempting sometimes. Maybe he'd actually sleep that way.

He stared absently out the window as Wyndon finally came into view. The bright lights of the city making him blink his eyes a couple of times as he was snapped back to reality. He let out a long sigh as he sat up in his seat and waited for the telltale thump of the cab hitting the ground. He paid the man with a quick thanks and stared at the bar that Hyacinth had chosen for them. At least judging by the noise level and lack of foot traffic he figured they wouldn't be dealing with a lot of people. Leave to the chairman to literally rent out the whole place for the sake of their get together.

Pushing open the door he noted who was already there and felt a faint rush of relief that at least some of the more relaxed leaders were already in attendence. He caught the tail end of what Hestia was pestering Ryker about and rolled his eyes. "Evening all," he gave the champion a sympathetic pat on the back as he walked past to sit next to Bianca.

The moment he was sat down the coat of his suit was shrugged off and relegated to the back of the chair. "Not causing too many problems I hope," he sent a quirked eyebrow in the direction of Hestia and Fiona mostly since he'd caught the question directed Bianca's way.

Wings of Fire: Clouded Visions

As Vivid climbed up next to him he stared briefly at the shifting color of her scales. He hadn't known many RainWings, or RainWing hybrids for that matter, so it was a slightly fascinating. As she spoke though he blew out a bit of frost in a huff. "And what if we get killed going back?" It didn't make any sense for them to risk their own lives to go save a bunch of other hybrids they didn't know. Vivid had the luck of being the one he was paired with when he wanted to enact his plan, but he would've done it with any of the others just the same.

"We won't be any help to anyone dead, including ourselves." Three moons, could she not hear herself and how ridiculous this all sounded. They had gotten away, they had killed or maimed a number of the SandWings that had come after them, and now she wanted to go waltzing back in like there wasn't a care. "I don't see how their lives are more important than my own," he held up a single talon above the sand, "That's rule one of surviving." Sure it was harsh, but that was the way it was. He couldn't go rushing back in there, risking his own death, to maybe save some other dragons. It wasn't worth it.

He shuffled his wings, pressing them close to his sides, as he set his head back down in the sand once she shut up. Maybe what he said finally got through that clearly thick skull of hers. He didn't know which heritage that came from, she didn't look like she had any MudWing in her.

His head shifted as he heard her moving again and he recoiled slightly at the wide stare. He was about to ask her what she wanted when she piped up again. He barked out a humorless laugh, "You really think any of the stuck up SkyWings are going to risk their own slender necks to help some hybrids?" She was insane, that was the only explanation. "No one cares about us, or the others trapped in the pit. You should get that through your head now before you're disappointed."