I've Been Through the Desert on a Horse with No Name

[theskyaccepts]

Who: Tsuna and you!
Where: In the Desert
What: To complete his sentencing, Tsuna has led an expedition out into the desert to find the ruins of Tresed, and see if anything has changed Last time
Warnings: Risk of injury and possible death, hallucinations, monsters. Additional warnings to be added if needed.
OOC Notes:
-You do not need to have responded to the OOC Interest Check or the IC Interest Check to join in. Please feel free to dive right in!
-Timeline wise, ICly the expedition will return prior to the 15th so that we're all back for the event, but please don't feel you have to rush anything
-On a more personal note, while there is a risk of death with this expedition and if that's a direction you're interested in going for please do, I would also like to keep the body count to a minimum if possible. The ramifications of leading a bunch of people to their deaths is not necessarily something I want to play out with Tsuna at this time. Thank you!



The Expedition and Scouting Parties

The thing about deserts is that they are harsh environments. Unforgiving, some might say. The sun beating down, the wind whipping sand, the sound of monsters making their way through the desert. It's not the kind of place anyone would really want to go into, and yet, Tsuna is determined. Whether it is the effects of his sentencing or his own backbone finally making itself known, he has led this group into the desert for answers. It's not easy, and it weighs on him, but his face is set as he sends out small scouting parties, consulting maps and other information that he has, hoping to find the ruins of Tresed.

Sandstorms are prevalent in the area, so small scouting parties are being sent out to try and find some paths through it. Going out too far runs the risk of getting lost, injury, or potentially death. There are some monsters about, but they also have to contend with the storm.


The Oasis

But eventually, relief comes. An Oasis is discovered with clean, fresh water and edible vegetation. A respite from the harsh winds of the sandstorm. It's a chance to catch their breath and consolidate what they have learned so far. But as is so often the case in this world, things are quick to go awry. Mirages, of course, a key part of any desert expedition, start to appear. Images from that previous trip out to the ruins.

If you were on that previous trip to the desert, you've seen these images before but something about them seems off, wrong, not quite right. Warped, some might say.

If this is all new to you, you're seeing something that's happened before. But if it is wrong or right, who's to say?

But it might not matter if you've been in the desert before or not, because this vision is from the perspective of one of the Shadow Creatures that attacked before, and were ultimately killed. It comes with feelings of aching hunger, despair, and mindless fear in those final moments.

Or maybe it isn't an image of the desert at all. Maybe it's something far more familiar. An image of home, in the past, the present, or the future.

The Message and Returning Home

A message appears on the Chosen's tablets. Text, barely legible but undeniably a message:

FIND ME

But despite searching, and Tsuna will want to be thorough, the source will not be found, and they will be unable to trace it.

It's not much, but it is something. And they can return to Aldrip with that knowledge. One thing is clear though. They are not done with the desert yet.

Comments

Tsunayoshi Sawada | Katekyou Hitman Reborn | ota

[theskyaccepts]

A - Scouting Parties

So, uh, yeah. Please, be careful out there. If it gets too bad, just come back, don't try to push through or get in an unnecessary fight. Good luck!

[This is what he says to any scouting party that makes their way into the desert. There's no denying that he's nervous, but there's also confidence that comes through, a wholehearted belief that they can get the job done and come back in one piece.

Of course, the whole time anyone is gone, Tsuna is pacing nervously, looking up every time someone passes by his tent. He's constantly checking lists and maps to make sure he hasn't missed anything. And whenever anyone comes back, they're greeted with relief and a big smile.]

B - A Moment to Breathe

The Oasis is welcome respite.

It's a lot, being a leader. And Tsuna was never someone who wanted to be a leader. Rather he was someone for whom it was thrust upon him. And he doesn't have his Guardians or his Tutor here, which has made this all the more difficult. Though he is very grateful for the help that he has received.

But they've made it here, and things are calm and he can breathe for a moment before he has to start again and figure out how to move forward. It's hard to get his mind to settle though, to relax. He doesn't even know what his next step is. He doesn't really remember this oasis from last time. And where should they go from here?

It's a million questions, and being by the water doesn't really seem to be helping. He thought water was supposed to be calming.]


C - An Image from Home

[For a moment, Tsuna thinks he is in the desert ruins again. He remembers the houses filled with traps that he found and fell for more times than he cares to admit. But as he walks towards the house, things seem to shift. And while the land he is in is still barren, there is greenery. Tsuna has to blink a few times, recognizing where he is after a long moment.

It's been a long time since he's been here.]

Hei! How'd I get to Kokuyo?

[And when is he? Because this was a while ago, when he first fought Rokudo Mukuro. A long time ago. The first time he was forced to really lead something, as the boss of the Vongola.]

Is anyone else here?

[D - Wildcard]

[Want Tsuna at any other part of the adventure? Want to plot something more? Hit me up at urbaninja or Tsuna's plotting comment Here]

B

[bulleting]

[It's definitely a relief to find the Oasis. Caitlyn knows her and the other travelers are exhausted, but it's not so much her she's worried about, but the animals.

She's quick to bring her chocobo, Toby, to the water's edge once he's unloaded and burden free. He deserved a break, just like the rest of them. It's while she's trying to brush some of the sand from his feathers that she notices Tsuna near the water, not far from her and her bird. She gives him some time to enjoy the peace and quiet, knowing he must have a lot on his mind, but when Toby finally settles down for a nap, she takes a few steps towards Tsuna.]

You should try and rest, while we have the chance.

A

[solitarysoul]

[Levi nods, standing at attention with his rifle in his hands. There are monsters out there, so he needs it ready just in case.]

Yes Sir.

[Tsuna's in charge, so Levi's been treating him like a superior officer the whole trip. It may or may not remain after they return.]

I can send a message if there's anything that can't wait until we return. Did you want us to head in a certain direction?

b

[garbagecanned]

[Yosuke's actually fine with the respite for now, even though the wind from the sandstorms didn't really affect him as much as it did some of the others. but there's still sand in his hair, and all over his skin, and he thinks he might never get it out.

he's washing himself in the water some (at least the skin that was visible, he knows his hair is a lost cause until they get home), and he looks up to see Tsuna's slightly troubled expression.]

What's with the face? At least we got somewhere -- I wasn't really expecting to get even this far.

a;

[laserguy]

Hey Tsuna.

[Honestly, being out here in the desert hasn't been the greatest for Scott. It's... a lot of bad memories for him, but he wants to support his friend. He can push back those feelings if a friend is involved, surely. Sometimes easier said than done, but it's definitely been easier when he's constantly checking on others, focusing on someone else instead of letting his own anxiety and upset feelings. He's already learned that long time ago, that focusing on helping others is a lot better than focusing on his own crap.

So, he pops into his friend's tent with a familiar small smile. He can tell that Tsuna is stressed, anxious about the whole search parties and stuff and he gets it. Leading your friends, making sure they don't get hurt... it's a big responsibility.]

Doing okay?

ange ushiromoya | umineko no naku koro ni | ota

[entreats]

( 1. monsters )

[ Ange doesn't hesitate to volunteer to scout. Sure, it'll likely be a pain with these sandstorms around, but it'll be just as much of a pain to sit around and wait. She might as well go out there herself - it'll spare her waiting for any other incompetent group to come back.

But fighting monsters out here in the sandstorm? It's a little bit more difficult than expected. Not that Ange is doing horrible, but she's not the strongest fighter to begin with, let alone when the sandstorm obscures sight, separating the scouting party from each other.

Maybe you're paying attention to the sound. Even in the sandstorm it's possible to hear Ange's voice letting out a shriek.

If you try to follow the sound of the source, you may find Ange lying on her back in the sand, a monstrous shape barely visible through the sand flying all throughout the air hovering above her.

Help? Maybe? Thanks? ]

( 2. mirage )

[ Maybe you'll see the same image as Ange, if you happened to be standing near her. It's quite the difference, because the scenary of the oasis changes into something else entirely. The sky with the hot sun changes into a night sky instead, and the sand underneath your feet changes into the cold hard steel of a rooftop. There's a fence all the way around its edges, but beyond that you can see all sorts of other skyscrapers.

You can even see Ange, though she won't be at your side for long. She's running beyond where you're standing, all the way towards the fence, reaching out like she's trying to latch on to it.

She only seems to acknowledge you - even if the girl doesn't look at you - once she speaks up with: ]

.. even if this is fake, it's crazy. [ It.. is fake, right? ]

( 3. message )

[ It's not long after the text arrives on everyone's tablets that Ange is already getting Nosy.

So regardless of whether or not she even knows you, Ange will definitely approach you, if not just to ask-- ]

Did you see the message too?

[ Get ready to INVESTIGATE!! ]

3

[theskyaccepts]

Yeah! Yeah, I did!

[It's something of a relief, for Tsuna. He knew there was something out here, and this just proves it. It was worth braving the desert and the sandstorm.]

1.

[melnik]

[ To some level, Miller expected that this expedition would result in people splitting off into their own groups. Granted, it is not his responsibility to wonder if the ones splitting off have the wherewithal to handle themselves, but the thought of trying to account for who's missing and who's just straggling behind when they reach their destination is still a concern heavy on his mind.

Which is why he's trying to provide rear support—but the onset of the sandstorm really throws an even bigger wrench into this effort than he could have expected. He immediately loses sight of the people in front of him, but luckily, he's come prepared. Throwing his gasmask on, he calls out for the others. He listens for any sign that they're close.

But the response he gets isn't calling out to him in return. Someone is in danger.

Miller sees the shadow of some great creature first and squares up, before setting eyes on Ange fallen in the sand. ]

Ange!

[ The firing of his rail gun produces a deep explosive sound with each round, aiming steadily for the monster obscuring itself from their view. ]

1

[bulleting]

[Of course Caitlyn took any opportunity that came her way to investigate in this place. She jumped at the chance to search for the desert ruins again, and she jumped at the offer to scout ahead.

The only downside to the desert, though, was the sandstorms. She couldn't see shit, and for a normal sharpshooter, that would be a problem. Most would be worthless without a line of sight.

But Caitlyn had a secret in her pocket, and plenty of hours spent being taught by Toph that allowed her control without needing to see.

She hears the screams coming from Ange, and while she may can only see vague shapes through all the wind and sand, it's enough. She closed her eyes, letting a bullet loose from her rifle, and focusing on its path. She forces it to move through the gusts that try to alter its direction, and makes sure it hits the hovering beast. She can't be sure of how deadly her aim will be, given these circumstances, but at least she can say she hit it. Maybe it'll get it's focus off of Ange and onto her, now.]

3

[solitarysoul]

...yeah.

[He's still studying it on his tablet. Well, has it up and was staring at it, since it doesn't say much and he doesn't know much about how tablets work anyway.]

You want to go look for them?

[He has no idea where to start something like that, but he wants to try.]

sorry for the delay!! 1, obviously

[joyboys]

[ a sandstorm? does nothing to stop luffy, really, when his observation haki can sense people and monsters even with his eyes shut. and so he's already moving before ange can so much as cry out —

and he stops, for a moment, when he's made it to her side, one hand holding onto his hat so the storm won't blow it away, eyes focused on her. ] Hey, psychic girl, you okay? Just hold on a second!

[ he grins, bright and wide, just before he whirls around and yells, ]

You! Monster thing! Don't pick on my friends!!

2

[garbagecanned]

[it looks like something he'd see in the city back home, so Yosuke starts when it happens. Inaba was a little small to have many buildings like that, but Tokyo definitely was.

not to say that that's what Ange was seeing... but it did give him a bit of pang of homesickness to see it.

it doesn't register that she speaks for a moment, and he blinks. rubs his eyes with the back of his hand.]

Definitely crazy. But that'd be pretty on par with all the stuff that goes on around here, yeah?

[they've all seen weirder.]

2

[digthefuzz]

[Kurt did happen to be near Ange when the illusion set in. Even in the desert, just the image of the night sky helps Kurt feel a little cooler. As Ange runs, Kurt's quick to follow her towards the fence.]

It can definitely both! Fake crazy... crazy fake? [He shrugs.] But man... that's a nice view!

Argenti | Honkai Star Rail | ota!

[paragonknight]

🌹 Scouting

[ As concerned as he may be with being presentable always in the name of the Beauty he's also having some difficulty with the desert climate. The bracers, greaves, and sabatons remain but as for the rest? It becomes neatly packed away in favor of flowy clothing that's made for the inhospitable heat and unforgivable sun. The fabric remains a vibrant red still, of course.

Despite the sandstorms and heat it doesn't look like there's even one hair out of place on his head, he is the complete image of well put-togetherness... and it's apparently because he's quite used to all of this. As he has deemed this a noble journey he is keeping an eye out for everyone who has embarked on it. During any scouting if someone is lagging behind or showing signs of fatigue Argenti will take a knee at their side with a look of concern despite the sand that slides between his greave and base layer protecting his leg from the elements. ]

Are you feeling dehydrated?

🥀 The Oasis

[ At first he believes the oasis to be beautiful because it is a wellspring of respite, and Argenti declares as much to anyone still willing to listen to him when he begins to go on and on again about "the Beauty." If there is indeed anyone who has not begun to tune him out in those moments.

The mirages are a different matter. Inexact images of a town ravaged by the flames of a long-term and recurring kind of modern warfare appear. He does not approach them. While his knightly appearance suggests he shouldn't understand the scene a resolute recognition is plain to see on his face.

While the discovery that he may not be alone in witnessing that particular mirage does make Argenti's eyes widen in surprise, he's also quick to offer a smile and what he must hope are comforting words. ]

I do not wish for anyone to face such suffering. I often consider if witnessing a moment of grotesquery truly makes a moment filled with warmth and security all the sweeter—I would like to believe that they would be just as beautiful without the comparison.

[ Do you agree? Looks like he's asking for input this time. ]

🌹 A Message

i.
[ As it's no small expedition force the very first thing he does is a head count. ]

Is anyone missing?

ii.
[ Whether or not that is the case the source of the message isn't exactly found. Which is a fact that seems to bother the knight greatly. As the talk of returning starts to enter the expedition's discussions he gets a look of resolve on his face. ]

It would be best for you to return to town. Until the source of the message is found it is my knightly duty to stay behind to continue the search.

🌹 [ Wildcard me! ]

A Message ii

[theskyaccepts]

[Tsuna shakes his head at that.]

We all managed to get here because we worked together, and I wouldn't want you trying to cross the desert on your own.

How long would you even look?

the oasis

[grappler]

[Vi had been kind of splashing in the water for a few minutes, drinking some of it and cooling herself off. she after all the sand and the heat... she was glad for it. it's another thing to unpack that she's so spoiled by this sort of thing now that going without for a while was hard, but she's not going to worry about it.

she does look up when Argenti starts to speak though, raising an eyebrow.]

What the hell are you talking about?

[she only understood about 80% of that.]

rafal | fire emblem engage

[nilhilistic]

( i. scouting party )

[ rafal has traversed the sands of solm. before it rotted away. no, he corrects himself firmly, before he rotted them away. here, it is hard to sense the same malaise. this is a living desert. death is not seeped into the sand. his power here will be weaker.

but. he is smart. he ties a headband around his forehead to keep the sun out and soak up the sweat. he keeps enough water and salt packets, just in case. in fact, he may be handing you one. ]

Keep some salt on you.

( ii. the oasis — a vision )

[ that being said, the oasis comes as a relief. rafal fills up his bottle, allowing himself a moment of respite. it would be easier to fly over the desert, but harder to spot anything. so he's stuck in this form for now. just like when —

the world seemingly blurs. a vision of rafal and . . . a man. the man is kneeling to him with a sadistic smile on his face. fogado, the once prince of solm

"What does my liege command?" he says mockingly. rafal scoffs, not even looking down at him, "Corner them. And then wipe them out. Let the rats take them."

fogado chuckles with a hint of pained laughter, "Will I be free then?"

"We shall see," was rafal's clipped reply.

the scene melts away with rafal looking pensive. ]

Truly a horror to witness.

( iii. wildcard )

[ got a prompt in mind? pm this journal or hit me up @ timmtams ]

[theskyaccepts]

A horror?

[Certainly, the conversation didn't sound like a good one. In a lot of ways, if Tsuna was to hazard any guesses.]

I guess you knew that man?

i

[solitarysoul]

Salt?

[Levi is no stranger to long marches, but being in a desert at all is new to him. The need for water he understands, but salt is different. Why would he need that?]

i

[grappler]

[she glances down at the salt packets that he hands to her, and sees it for what it is pretty quickly.]

Thanks.

[she rips off the top of one, before putting it into her mouth and taking a drink of water afterwards.]

At least someone came prepared for that sort of thing.

vincent valentine | ff7: rebirth | ota

[depressionnap]

i. scouting

I will go on ahead. You are welcome to follow, or to stay.

[There's certainty in Vincent's voice, yet at the same time it's pretty clear that he looks displeased about being stuck under the sun's powerful beams. Although he's dressed in his usual garb that should be making him sweat bullets, he doesn't look particularly heated. Honestly, Vincent is as pale as ever when he should be a lobster by now.

As he moves away, it's clear that the sand does not seem to do much to stop him despite his metal boots. Instead, Vincent moves as if he's barely touching the sand on top -- or that, somehow, he is nearly weightless. Either way, it does not slow him down much.]


ii. monsters

[An attack is inevitable, of course. Monsters are defined by their impulses, their shape, the ferocity. This is no different.

As one approaches the group, Vincent is immediately on the scene, holding out his gun and shooting at the creature's feet. It recoils, growling, hunched up and ready to pounce.

Vincent bares his teeth, abruptly more fangs in his mouth than any normal man ought to have. When he snarls, it is deep, rumbling, enough that puts off the monster from deciding to engage in a fight. It seems the decision is that this quarry is too much trouble, and it scampers away.

Maybe it'd be better to just kill it, but it is clear that Vincent has exercised restraint, curiously enough.]

Let us keep moving.


iii. oasis and a memory

[Briefly, Vincent checks on the water in the oasis, then nods in satisfaction.]

Safe to drink. Everyone should refill--

[Flickering to life like an old recording is a scene. Vincent from years ago, yet somehow looking exactly the same in his facial structure and the build of his body. He's approaching another man, furious.

Why did you let this happen?! Vincent demands.

The scientist scoffs. Quiet, you.

Tell me!

Pulling out a gun, the scientist wastes no time shooting him--

And just like that, the vision fades. Vincent is already standing up, set to just walking away because fuck that man.]


iv. wildcard

[Feel free to make your own prompt, or we can work out something more specific!]

iii

[theskyaccepts]

[This Oasis is proving to be a lot more than Tsuna bargained for, with all these visions and mirages. He's still dealing with his own, old memories that they are. But he can set that aside as he sees others.

And while it might not be the wisest decision to follow, he still wants to make sure everyone is okay.]

Are you alright?

Kurt Wagner / Nightcrawler | OTA

[digthefuzz]

[Kurt has come along for this expedition in his true blue from as Nightcrawler! For those who don't know his image inducer, that's the only name he'll give - although it could be very easy for those who knows him to recognize him as Kurt and to get him to come clean about it as well!]

A. Sand Trek

[As the expedition begins, Kurt puts his teleportation power to use to help out. Disappearing and reappearing with puffs of smoke that smell of brimstone, Nightcrawler shows up distributing water bottles to some of the others.]

This heat's hard to beat, but we gotta give it a try! [He doesn't always pay attention to how close he teleports to others, so he might accidentally spook people while bringing some over!

And when there's monsters afoot, Kurt's here to help too. If anyone's in a sticky situation, especially a non-combatant, Kurt can teleport over and place a hand on their shoulder to teleport a safe distance away from the monster! Otherwise, he can offer support in an all-out monster battle.]

B. Noasis

[Kurt is initially excited once they reach the oasis. He leans down and looks into his reflection in the glistening water.]

Sweet!! A real live oasis! It's not just in the movies! That's the most awesome part of this journey by far...!

[He'll waste no time scooping water into his mouth!

Or later on, he might end up seeing things. Now it looks like he's in the foyer of a nice-looking mansion.]

Aw yeah! Home sweet home! [He'll quickly throw himself onto the nearest couch, even if it might feel harder than usual!]

C. Lost and Unfounded

[After the message makes the rounds, Kurt holds up the tablet while checking in with others.]

Um... Did we find... who are trying to find? [He looks baffled, and he hopes someone has answers. Because he really doesn't want to leave anyone stranded in this desert!]

D. Wildcard

[Feel free to come up with an alternate prompt or hit me up for plotting!]

A

[solitarysoul]

[Kurt's sudden arrival with a water bottle gets a rifle pointed at him, but at least Levi registers quickly enough that this isn't an attack and lowers the gun.]

Um...thanks?

[This power was, and the guy's voice, familiar. He definitely doesn't know any blue guys, though. Hm.]

B

[theskyaccepts]

Did you...live in an oasis?

[Tsuna asks. The mirage has not quite caught up with him it seems.]