thestupidmeanone

[thestupidmeanone]

“Hi hi cutie Chrrch~! Looking what Havie find!!!” Giving an excited grin, the siren seems to fumble around in the water with some kind of large, colorful piece of… Plastic? Debris maybe?

It only becomes clear when she flops on top of it playfully and starts floating her way over to him. That what she actually had, seemed to be some type of abandoned body-board someone had lost to the waves no doubt.

A siren on a body-board— There’s something you don’t see everyday!

"Hey, cutie fish!" As usual, Church was more than happy to see his aquatic girlfriend, smiling as he stepped into the surf to meet her halfway--only to pause halfway and blink in surprise when he realized just what the siren was doing.

Catching some sick waves in the future, apparently.

Suppressing a snicker, he continued to march out into the water to greet her. "Where'd you manage to find that, huh? Didn't steal it, right?"

[thestupidmeanone]

Damn, this thing was stupid tough. Half of Church's arrows just seemed to bounce off without doing anything. At least they were Fire Element; that was having some sort of effect.

He paused in his assault when he heard the incoming Hunters, and breathed a sigh of relief. This fight suddenly got a whole lot easier... and a lot more chaotic.

"On it!" he shouted, nodding to Mari before letting out a sharp whistle. Zipper, still stubbornly attached to the Jin Dahaad's neck, snapped his head around in response, his crest twitching and crackling with electricity. Good, all that fighting had gotten him charged up.

"Lightning rod time, buddy!"

It was a new trick they had learned ever since the Guild had shown him Tracer Arrows--one of which he prepped and fired right at the leviathan's massive head. With a screech, Zipper pushed himself off with a flap of his wings, crackling with electricity along every limb. As the arrow embedded itself in the Jin Dahaad's jaw, Church's monstie unleashed a concentrated bolt of green lightning right at it. If that didn't create a good opening, he didn't know what would.

UNFORTUNATELY, THOSE RIDGES on the monster's back were bound to be a problem. It was as though they were made of metal; the way a weapon chipped and rang against it when struck the ridges' surface made it seem like so. The ones on its back were particularly annoying. It seemed they'd either have to target the other areas of the body other than the upper back, or, they'll have to chip away at the ridges until they finally gave.

Neither sounded like a pleasant experience. One of Ratha's talons awkwardly dug into the back of the Jin Dahaad's neck, the other scrambling to find purchase on the throat in some feeble effort to overturn the leviathan. When you're working with a sprained wing, its hard to achieve the desired result . . . but thankfully, the distraction offers Mari an opening to strike with her greatsword.

"HEYYYY!"

Mari looks over her shoulder, casting a brief glance in the direction of the shout where a pair of two seikrets were quickly encroaching upon the scene. Astrum and Rubrum Units' lead hunters had made an appearance, answering Church's earlier flare.

Between two full-grown monsters, two riders, and two hunters, all hell was sure to break loose. "Church, tell Zipper to create another opening so Red can break off! We're gonna need to coordinate!"

[thestupidmeanone]

Church had to admit, Sky was a hell of a fast learner... even if he was a bit worried she might crush his hands from sheer anxiety.

"There you go," he whispered with a smile. "You got it. You'll be a better dancer than even me at this rate."

He guided her--or maybe she was guiding him at this point--across the floor and closer towards the balcony, glancing up at the glass case that contained the chalice. There were stairs leading up there, which meant getting to it would be easy. The switcheroo part, not so much. But they'd get there.

For now... he was quite enjoying this dance with Sky.

There was a look of hesitancy as he began, unsure how to follow the other....but she was soon able to fall into a rhythm, the footfalls in time to the music that was playing.

Her form was still rigid, but she was able to keep up, her fingers gripping a little to tight with nerves. Perhaps it wasn't so different from the way of the blade...a dance in its own right?

[thestupidmeanone]

Church and Zipper didn't hesitate, scrambling in the opposite direction of Mari and Ratha as the blast of freezing air tore through the space they had been occupying. Even on a miss, it chilled the Rider to the bone, but he kept his grip firm on his bow, rolling into a kneeling position to take aim.

"Get 'im, Zipper!" he shouted, launching a fusillade of arrows at the Jin Dahaad's head while it was still recovering from its attack, head fins red-hot. As an Astalos, Zipper never turned down a chance to throw down, and Ratha's charge only emboldened him to join in. Screeching, he took to the wing to race his fellow monstie towards the leviathan.

The colossal monster, for its part, seemed to have trouble deciding who to go after next. Ultimately, it swung its head around to try and snap at Zipper as he approached, but the Astalos managed to veer out of the way and latch onto the Jin Dahaad's neck, clawing and biting in a frenzy. Screeching, the leviathan flailed its head back and forth to try and dislodge him, leaving it open to Ratha's own attack.

A SLOW AND STEADY HAND GRABS THE HILT OF HER GREATSWORD, a deep, focused breath slipping out from between her lips as she draws the weapon. For years ago, she might have been quivering from adrenaline alone; her blood hot and head racing with frustration. But to a wisened rider, a titanic leviathan such as Jin Dahaad did not compare to the likes of Oltura.

She's felled gods and apexes before. She could sure as hell do it again. The Jin Dahaad rears its head, a hiss growing in pitch from between its mouth. The sway and movement of its body is so well telegraphed that she easily knows what it's about to do.

"Watch for the ice breath!" Mari shouts, before leaping out of the line of fire. Ratha side-steps. His girth makes him less agile than he was in his younger years, but he's fast enough to avoid the ice a second time. As Mari rolls into a knelt, she brings her fingers to her lips and whistles.

Words were not needed for instruction. Woman and beast could sense each other's plans, and work in tandem with them. Ratha knew in an instant to charge forwards while an opening was granted, and try to tackle the leviathan with intent to expose its softer underbelly.

[thestupidmeanone]

//Had to doodle the fits

@thestupidmeanone

[thestupidmeanone]

With a smile, he raised one of her hands up and began to slowly guide her along, taking slow and deliberate steps to make sure he wasn't leaving poor Sky behind to get tripped up.

"Don't be afraid to look down at my feet if you need to," he said quietly. "Just match my steps, nice and easy..."

So far, so good; no one seemed to be paying them any mind.

The woman glanced once more at their hands before giving a small nod, then following the other carefully. If it meant they could complete their work without being suspected, there was nothing to lose....but would she be able to keep up?

At least one of them had experience, she figured.

She looked down at the other as he led her into position, the hold somewhat awkward...but workable.

'Then...by your leave-'

[thestupidmeanone]

churh

[thestupidmeanone]

"Sure I'm sure! And if I end up regretting it, you have full permission to say 'I told you so,' alright?"

With that, he confidently led her down the street, past the tavern and a few market stalls, towards a cozy-looking little bakery shop. Even from outside, they could smell the delicious food being made within.

She wouldn't have phrased it like that, but she got the point and unable to argue it. Perhaps a break was needed...nor deny the promise of pastries, but that part wouldn't leave her lips.

'As long as you're sure...then by your leave.' She gestured forward, only then offering a sheepish smile.

[thestupidmeanone]

"If it makes you feel any better, I haven't danced with someone in ten years," he replied, giving Sky's hand a comforting squeeze as he slowly led her out onto the dance floor. There were a few rich couples slow dancing out there as well, but not many--and no one really seemed to be paying attention to them.

Once they were in position, he turned to face her and took her other hand. "So, just follow my lead. Nothing fancy necessary, we just need to look like a dancing couple for a bit, simple as that."

She had to raise an eyebrow at the plan. It almost sounded childish in truth...but if he was confident the plan would work, then she needed to facilitate it for both of their sakes.

His words about blending in made sense, but her eyes widened slightly at the gesture, flitting between him and his hand. It was a few moments before she sighed, gingerly taking taking it....clearly hesitant.

'...Alright....but I apologise in advance. I've...well, never had the chance to learn-'

[thestupidmeanone]

"Alright, alright..." Church grunted, hoisting himself up to sit straighter. "Ugh... help me get up? I wanna wash all this blood off my face. Then I'll call her."

Now that he was no longer actively bleeding all over the place, he didn't feel in quite as much of a rush to go anywhere until he at least looked like he wasn't a walking murder victim.

"And, uh... thanks for patching me up, Mich. I appreciate it, seriously."

Not her fault... Yeah, well, he also didn't need to know that it was. Technically... Right?

"Charm? The only charm you've got is your looks. I can't lie though, despite being a dickhead, you've got a good heart. Hell, most people would stay away from the person who bashes their head in with a wrench..."

"I appreciate the forgiveness."

His refusal to accept that it was her fault caused her to roll her eyes. A narrowed gaze locks onto him, a more stern look hardens on her features.

"You didn't even do anything. Shut up, man, I'm not doing this back and forth shit."

She stands up, annoyed at the situation itself.

"You wanna call your sister now? What's the plan, big guy?"

[thestupidmeanone]

"I'll... take your word for it." He was in way too much pain to really protest either way. Hopefully, it wasn't important.

Church was silent for a bit, focusing on gently massaging the side of his head once Mich was done patching him up. He felt... a little better. Not much, but he could at least open both eyes and turn his head to look at her--even if his right eye seemed a little blurry for some reason? Weird.

He winced a bit as she reached out... to pat his cheek. Realizing he was flinching for no reason, he sighed and slumped against the edge of the tub.

"A lot of people say it's part of my charm," he remarked. Something about being the 'stupid mean one' of Blue Team, according to Grif. That was about as close to a term of endearment as the guy was likely to give.

"C'mon, Mich, you don't have to apologize. Whatever was going on in your head wasn't your fault, right? I'm the one who should be sorry--for being a pain in your ass all the time. You don't need that."

"It's beyond what you could probably comprehend. Besides, it holds a truth about life that I don't need to scare you with. As annoying as you can be..."

Mich tightened the thread as she finished the stitching, quickly closing the wound as best she could for the moment.

"... You don't deserve that knowledge. It wouldn't be good for you. Or maybe it would, in some ways. Still..."

"It's not worth it."

She couldn't tell him there was an afterlife. That hell, heaven, and all that nonsense was very real. The subject of God, however... That's still debatable.

Heaven seems to be doing fine without him.

Sitting on the edge of the tub, Mich looked over him again and sighed with a sad expression. She noticed the lack of light in one of the eyes, causing her throat to clench. God she felt miserable, she couldn't imagine the pain he was in. She almost choked up, but kept her breathing steady to keep her emotions in check. Hearing him mention his obvious lack of intent to upset her made her press her lips into a flat smile. The woman reached over and moved a small hair out of his face, patting his cheek extraordinarily lightly as if to reassure him.

"I know... Know that I would never intend to hurt you like this. You're a good guy. Just... Stupid sometimes. In a good way. Like a curious dog."

Her head cocks to the side as she says this.

"..."

"I'm so sorry, Church..."

[thestupidmeanone]

Church's smile turned sheepish at Sky's glower, clearing his throat awkwardly.

"Don't worry, we're going to make sure no one even realizes it's gone," he explained. "I brought a fake chalice with me: the ol' switcheroo, as they say. By the time anyone figures out the real chalice is gone--if they even do--it won't matter. The trouble is going to be getting close enough. For that we have to blend in."

He turned to face her completely, adjusting his coat and offering a gloved hand to her. "So, lets dance. No one will even notice us."

The woman sighed, shoulders slumping slightly at the jest, but she remained focused as he explained the situation, noting the Chalice he mentioned...which looked a little odd in comparison to the other tableware or finery she had seen prior.

'I agree, it shouldn't be in the hands of those who don't understand it.' She looked back to the mage, gesturing to the side as her voice went quiet.

'But to be labelled as 'thieves' by the end of this is something I would to avoid. I presume you have a plan....you better have...' There was an annoyance in her tone by the end of the sentence, looking the mage dead in the eye.

While the outfits were indeed dashing, how the woman had to do her hair meant that one side of her face had been covered by her bangs, irritating her somewhat. Unfortunately it was the best the pair could think of when it came to hiding the facial scarring to not offput the other guests.

[thestupidmeanone]

Church quirked a brow, then laughed a little and raised is hands. "Hey, it'll be fine, Sky! I'm not gonna break the bank here, just... splurge a little bit. Even you and I deserve to be spoiled sometimes, don't you think? Just a smidge."

He gave her a charming smile and a playful nudge with his arm. "Besides, I wanna see you smile when you bite into a delicious pastry."

While the woman was perceptive, it was evident that she only took things on a surface level, clearly missing the initial point. Thankfully the additional context was enough to get the message across...but even then, there was even more confusion than before.

'A...Are you sure that's wise?! She stuttered for a moment, looking across to the mage. 'Sure, it might have, but will we have enough for tavern rooms and rations for the foreseeable future? It's all well and good having a decent coin purse for the moment...but it won't last..'

Considering how long she had been on the road, she knew the importance of the conservation of coin....even if she slipped once in a while to drink. Her words came not from a place of deflection, but of genuine concern.

Whether the warlock could discern that was anyone's guess.

[thestupidmeanone]

"Can't be that weird, can it?" Of course it can, Church, she's the physical embodiment of the state of Michigan. That's already weird. With a sigh, he squeezed his eyes shut and groaned, letting her work.

"That's a relief..." he grumbled, squinting his eyes back open just enough to look at her. Even then, Mich could tell one of them looked... duller than the other, like she had literally knocked his lights out. "Might surprise you to hear, but I don't actually want to piss you off, y'know?"

Squeezing one eye back shut, he winced and hissed through his teeth as she finished up. By this point, the pain had dulled to an aching throb with the occasional flash of stinging, which he considered a significant improvement over just a few minutes ago. "Fuck, I'm gonna have a headache all week..."

Mich went still for a good moment after hearing his question. Eyes locked onto his, she searched her mind for any reason she could possibly explain. She came up empty, though, the mouth that had been slightly agape in thought now closed in defeat. Her gaze drifted downwards, as if giving in and sucking up her pride.

"It's... Not the easiest to explain. Especially when I'm uncertain as well."

Her eyes met his again, a firmer gaze locking on.

"But it's not your fault. Know that well. You did nothing wrong."

She tried to speak with confidence as she continued to work, and her statement was objectively correct, but the guilt still built up like an ocean overflowing.

"Almost done... Just tough it out, you'll be alright..."

She could only hope.

[thestupidmeanone]

@the-storm-chaser

Church blinked, momentarily caught off-guard by Sky's response. Well... she hadn't turned him down, technically speaking. But then, she was clearly missing his point.

"Uh..." The warlock paused, clearing his throat. "Well, what I mean is... why don't I treat you to dinner somewhere a little snazzier than a tavern? Nothing too crazy, but that last job paid pretty well, I can probably cover for a really nice dinner."

[thestupidmeanone]

@the-storm-chaser

"Alright, relax, I didn't call in a favor just to take you to a fancy mansion," Church joked.

Quite frankly, he didn't really want to be here any longer than necessary--rich nobles were such a pain to deal with at the best of times--but he didn't mind indulging in a little luxury, either. Besides, they were both rocking these suits.

"See that fancy chalice up there?" he said, pointing at a glass case of fancy-looking tableware and other assorted items sitting at the back of a balcony. "Even from here, I can pick up the wild magic coming off of that thing. Not only is it dangerous to just keep it sitting around here, but it could be related to the Feywild. Better off with professionals like us than some rich dandy, right?"

[thestupidmeanone]

"He was born among people," Church pointed out. "And one of those people treated him with kindness and care. I don't blame him for growing up into a big sweetheart."

It was a bit hard to cuddle with a wyvern the size of a small house, but tat certainly didn't stop Ratha from appreciating all the attention he was given.

He reached over to pet the Rathalos' snout, smiling as he watched Nata get more and more excited. He'd come a long way, hadn't he? "Bet you never thought you'd find yourself giving a full-grown Rathalos chin scratches, huh? You never get tired of it."

SLOWLY, A GENTLE SMILE BEGAN to mold onto his lips, growing into a grin as his eyes widened from uncertainty to pure, unbridled fascination and childish curiosity. He'd done something he wouldn't have been able to fathom in years past—he was petting a monster, and the fearsome King of the Skies, no less!

The motion of his hand running small scratching circles under the beast's chin becomes less awkward and more thoughtful, and Nata paid less and less attention to his own fears and became more concerned with Ratha's responses. He didn't consider himself very good with animals, given that he wasn't raised around livestock, but Ratha seemed to lift up his head more, offering more of his jaw. That was good, right?

"He's incredible . . ." Nata breathed. "I never would've imagined I could do something like this . . . or that a rathalos would want to live its life among people . . ."