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Post by Zenjesi on Oct 15, 2024 19:53:05 GMT -6
But how had it moved so quickly and so quietly? And, perhaps more importantly, where had it gone? Zenjesi shook their head, leaning to peer over another row of plants to no avail, then stooping to rifle through the flattened remains of the flowers beneath the pumpkin. Searching in these places hardly made any sense, but it also made little to no sense that it was gone, at all.
Something rustled above them. Zenjesi glanced upward in time to see the underside of the sizeable pumpkin as it fell towards their face with a concerning degree of accuracy. There was no time to move, only to take cover. The satyr threw themselves forward, arms darting to protect their head. They braced themselves for the inevitable impact.
But the sound of thundering hooves intervened. There was an animal-like cry - what they could liken it to, Zenjesi did not know - and a hollow noise that stopped abruptly.
Zenjesi: 0.6
The Wilde: 3.2, 6.4
Investigation: 16
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Post by Zenjesi on Oct 18, 2024 18:18:32 GMT -6
They held their position for another moment while the noises were processed, and until they could be certain that the pumpkin was not about to crash onto their skull. But after that breath where nothing occurred, Zenjesi finally dared to unfold themselves. The pumpkin had been impaled on The Wilde's antlers, who now stood guard over them. He tossed his head, though the action was done slowly and it seemed to require some effort. The pumpkin was no doubt quite heavy; the movement of his did not cause it to budge in the least. One or two of the trailing vines twisted weakly, though they lacked strength and purpose.
Zenjesi exhaled. "You have saved me once more," they whispered up to the unusual Gallor. And he was unusual, was he not? It was not simply in appearance, but in behavior. The satyr stood, assessing the situation further. They would need to assist him, clearly.
Zenjesi: 0.7
The Wilde: 3.4, 6.8
Investigation: 17
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Post by Zenjesi on Oct 18, 2024 18:42:03 GMT -6
Was he protective of them, or did he simply not appreciate aggressive actions in others? It was difficult to say, but they supposed they would learn how strong their bond was, presently. Now, what tools did they have? Perhaps bringing a large carving knife on this expedition would have been more apt. But it may be that using their hands would be simplest after all. They stepped closer and carefully reached up to touch the pumpkin. They were not sure if they were more concerned about The Wilde's reaction, or the pumpkin's.
Yet it was their own reaction that was unexpected - the satyr recoiled from the touch, staring at their fingertips. The pumpkin was... warm? What did that mean? The Wilde had ceased moving as they had touched him. One pumpkin vine feebly reached out, as if seeking their leg. They stepped aside with a frown. Could it see where they were?
Zenjesi: 0.8
The Wilde: 3.6, 7.2
Investigation: 18
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Post by Zenjesi on Oct 19, 2024 19:55:54 GMT -6
So many questions, yet it seemed there was no time to gather answers - events were progressing too quickly. "Do not resent me," Zenjesi requested of The Wilde. They grasped the pumpkin, as best they could, and began attempting to extract it from his antlers. Blessedly, the Gallor understood what they were working at. He planted his feet, and angled his head such that the removal would be as smooth as possible. Still, it was impaled upon antlers, not horns, which complicated matters.
After some scuffs and frustrations, they were able to complete the task. The pumpkin fell to the ground and split upon the perforated line created by the antler tips. As expected, the pumpkin was somewhat hollow, and full of stringy fibers. Quite unexpectedly, however, it was also full of... liquid? Whatever it was was slightly viscous, as well as a pleasant, pearly orange color, and it oozed out and onto the earth.
Zenjesi: 0.9
The Wilde: 3.8, 7.6
Investigation: 19
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Post by Zenjesi on Oct 19, 2024 20:08:07 GMT -6
Zenjesi paused, watching as it slowly trickled its way out of the cracks. It was slightly mesmerizing to watch, and so unusual that they wondered what they ought to do about it. Yet, once again, they did not have the opportunity to make a decision before it was made for them. All at once, the earth began to swallow the substance, absorbing it with an eager and slightly sticky noise. Suddenly, some instinct suggested that they had made a mistake.
A moment later, it was vindicated. The flowers that had been broken by the pumpkin's stems suddenly began to wither. The stems dried as they watched. The petals crisped, and drifted to the ground. The leaves curled. Zenjesi stared in horror. What could they do? It was clear this ooze was quite toxic to plants -- did that imply it would have the same effect on a beast? The Wilde was lowering his nose to the pumpkin's husk.
Zenjesi: 1.0 - logged!
The Wilde: 4.0, 8.0
Investigation: 20
yoIkj48Krange d4range d4range d4·range d4
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Post by Zenjesi on Oct 21, 2024 16:49:38 GMT -6
"No, no! You must not!" Zenjesi lunged for The Wilde, both hands extended. They were not sure if they were attempting to push him or to grapple his neck to pull him away from the pumpkin. Either one seemed highly inadvisable when the beast had sharp antlers and sharper fangs. Aside from placing him on a lead on a couple of occasions, they had not made physical contact with him before now.
Yet thankfully, it seemed, he understood their intent once again. He leaped back and away, not out of fright or aggression, but in response to their words and movement. His ears stood tall, and he glared down at the pumpkin with refreshed accusations. This would need to be something Zenjesi would investigate in a more controlled environment. They pulled a vial from their bag and allowed the last of the pearly liquid to drip into the glass container.
Zenjesi: 0.1
The Wilde: 4.2, 8.4
Investigation: 21
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Post by Zenjesi on Oct 21, 2024 17:01:46 GMT -6
As they stood once more, they watched the orange swirl and settle into the bottom of the vial. Zenjesi hesitated there for one breath-held moment, just to ensure that it was not damaging the glass in any way. No - they were safe. Well, relatively. Cautiously, the vial was packed away. Instead, they reached out to lightly touch the exterior of the pumpkin. It was cooler. A frown crossed their face. Many questions.
"But who caused the man to bleed?" Zenjesi mused aloud, standing to peer around. Nothing had changed, to their knowledge. Yet somehow this pumpkin had placed itself at least two or three Zenjesi-heights off of the ground in the matter of seconds. Nothing could be trusted.
It was a shame about the dead plants, but there was nothing to be done for them now. "Come," they beckoned to their Gallor, while they quietly picked their way across the path.
Zenjesi: 0.2
The Wilde: 4.4, 8.8
Investigation: 22
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Post by Zenjesi on Oct 21, 2024 17:07:33 GMT -6
This time, they would not allow the pumpkin out of their sight. Zenjesi narrowed their eyes, creeping closer to the pumpkin that had crushed the bunana patch. The Wilde was keeping close by their side, he as watchful as they. The vines attached to this pumpkin were quite still, even as the satyr tentatively stepped over one. It did not seem to mind this. Zenjesi thought for a moment, then glanced to The Wilde. "You will assist me?" they requested with a soft chuckle. They could only hope that the need would not arise.
Then, with all the reluctance and caution one might use when handling an unfamiliar Salaves, Zenjesi prodded the vine with a stick. Their gardening fork was clutched in their other hand. The Wilde was tensed, tail held high. But the pumpkin did not respond. It did not lash out, seeking Zenjesi's throat or limbs. All was still.
Zenjesi: 0.3
The Wilde: 4.6, 9.2
Investigation: 23
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Post by Zenjesi on Oct 21, 2024 17:13:06 GMT -6
In many respects, this was a less desirable outcome. They had hoped it would be more reactive, like a carnivorous plant that simply responded to physical stimuli. The stick traced down, tickled one of the vine's leaves, then hooked under one of the smaller tendrils and lifted it. Still, there was no reaction. As Zenjesi lay it and the stick down, they felt a certain hair-raising assurance that the pumpkin had made a deliberate choice not to acknowledge this attempt. It was waiting. It had a plan.
"What does a pumpkin plot?" Zenjesi hissed, shaking their head. At least now they knew its trick - avoiding its attack should be simple. If they were watchful, then, they could understand how it had achieved that feat. They just had to understand what would inspire the pumpkin to move. Holding their breath, the satyr spared The Wilde one more glance, then crept over the vine and towards the pumpkin.
Zenjesi: 0.4
The Wilde: 4.8, 9.6
Investigation: 24
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Post by Zenjesi on Oct 21, 2024 17:24:56 GMT -6
All the while, they kept their eyes trained on the pumpkin itself. They could only hope that The Wilde would be watching them and the vines that now surrounded them. Perhaps the pumpkin would not attempt to grasp them until they were closer, thus distracting them and allowing it to move undetected.
But... no, something else was occurring with this pumpkin. Zenjesi squinted. The skin was splitting in several places while they watched. Was it diseased and rupturing? Could it be that this pumpkin was intentionally planted, and not a part of this phenomenon at all? It could be another victim.
Then it felt as if time slowed. Something was beginning to emerge from each of the fissures in the pumpkin. They did not have time to process what it was, though instinctively they knew it was moving quickly - too quickly - and that it was accompanied by a soft but building hiss. Only one hand shielded their face in time.
Zenjesi: 0.5
The Wilde: 5.0, 10.0
Investigation: 25
v4yBlFyWrange d4range d4range d4·range d4
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Post by Zenjesi on Oct 24, 2024 21:06:03 GMT -6
From all sides of the pumpkin, like arrowheads, its seeds burst forth at a violent velocity. Zenjesi felt their heart stop as they prepared to feel puncture wounds speckling their front side, their outstretched palm, their face. There was some kind of a flash, as they must have closed their eyes so tightly that it created a starburst. But... there was no impact, and there was no pain. Zenjesi turned their eyes upward again. Before them, the seeds were lying in a semi-circle on the dirt. The twisting, warbling remains of some kind of visual distortion were dissipating in the air beside their still-extended hand.
Their heart skipped a second beat, leaving them feeling dizzy and disoriented. They had seen this before. It had only been once before but the impression would never leave their mind. "A magical barrier," Nerius had called it. But another breath and it had faded entirely.
Zenjesi: 0.6
The Wilde: 5.2, 10.4
Investigation: 26
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Post by Zenjesi on Oct 24, 2024 21:21:20 GMT -6
Feeling dream-like, the satyr looked down over their person. They were, in fact, unscathed and untouched. Then their attention turned over towards The Wilde. Blessedly, he had been standing farther back, and had only begun to advance when the pumpkin's ominous hissing had begun. He had been behind them, and thus, their shield, when the explosion had occurred. He, too, was alright. Zenjesi released a quivering breath as he reached their side. His snout lowered to them, and they offered him a nod of reassurance. "We are alright." They offered him a hand. The Wilde sniffed at it, then bumped his forehead into their fingers. With a small but relieved smile, Zenjesi petted him gently along his head and neck.
But as they did so, their eyes panned around the rest of the scene. Naturally, the other objects in the vicinity had not been as fortunate as they had been.
Zenjesi: 0.7
The Wilde: 5.4, 10.8
Investigation: 27
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Post by Zenjesi on Oct 26, 2024 20:17:19 GMT -6
A fence that stood nearby now bore dozens of pumpkin seeds that were half-embedded within its wood. Some had impacted with such force that the wood had splintered or split along its grain. A pepper plant of some kind held a handful of fruit; now, each had been sliced in multiple places by the pumpkin shrapnel. The lower half of one pepper was slowly tearing loose, opening up like a grinning maw. Zenjesi shuddered, looking back to the pumpkin with some amount of apparently quite justified apprehension.
Their shield had spared them a similar fate. They had been too bold in assuming the pumpkins had but one strategy. That was clearly not the case. The first time Zenjesi had drawn upon this magic, they had been understandably distracted in the aftermath. This time, however, they could sense that whatever inner well that power had drawn from was now dry. It would not save them again.
Zenjesi: 0.8
The Wilde: 5.6, 11.2
Investigation: 28
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Post by Zenjesi on Oct 26, 2024 20:25:00 GMT -6
"We must be cautious." The words seemed unnecessary, but Zenjesi looked up to The Wilde quite solemnly as they whispered them. Somehow, they suspected he understood their sentiment. Zenjesi stood, pulling their gloves on more snugly. They stepped closer to the pumpkin, which now was beginning to slowly ooze a bit of the same pearly orange liquid. Perhaps they could spare this garden. But they would need the correct tools.
Turning, the satyr beckoned for The Wilde to follow them, which he eagerly did. They hurried to the garden's tool rental center. Understandably, it was abandoned at the moment. It did not matter - Zenjesi could be trusted with these matters. But there were more pressing ones, anyway. A shovel and hoe were quickly piled into a wheelbarrow, which was then rushed back towards the plot. The vines of the pumpkin now all stood aloft and alert, appearing quite serpentine once again.
Zenjesi: 0.9
The Wilde: 5.8, 11.6
Investigation: 29
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Post by Zenjesi on Oct 26, 2024 20:30:58 GMT -6
Zenjesi gripped the hoe in both hands. "Come, Wilde one," they hissed, then slowly began to pick their way between the vines. The Gallor followed closely. When Zenjesi was in range of the pumpkin, and when they had drawn the hoe back over their head like an executioner's axe, the vines acted. One encircled their ankle, and began to pull. Another began to ensnare their waist. A few lunged for The Wilde. He screeched, bucking and beginning to fight back. Zenjesi brought down the hoe with all their strength on the stem.
But this only partway severed the stem, and served to further infuriate the pumpkin. The vine around their ankle was working its way upward, pulling them off balance. Another was grasping at their arm, and reaching for their weapon. The Wilde entangled one vine in his antlers and snapped it. Another was caught in his jaws. But there were too many.
Zenjesi: 1.0 - logged!
The Wilde: 6.0, 12.0
Investigation: 30
LhMcCU_yrange d4range d4range d4·range d4
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