Post by Genesis Rhapsodos on Dec 7, 2011 10:57:00 GMT -5
So I've had this saved since I'm very proud of it plus I get to use it as my rp sample whenever I audition for Fang. NONE THE LESS, I thought all of you would enjoy reading it. I'm sure it has a flaws and the like, but it was the first time I sat down to really write a short story for an rp sample.
The earth of Gran Pulse was fertile with life. Large and colorful trees dotted the landscape, while a green grass blended in with earthly tones. Every living creature vied for its right to live and breath above all others. Mercy did not exist in this world that seemed so distant from Cocoon. This was simply Gran Pulse. The weak were weeded out and only the strong survived to turn the page of their story. How long had it been since that great war? That war that she hated to remember? She could remember their faces all so clearly as if they were breathing right in front of her face. Mother, father, everyone. Her entire family was taken away because of Cocoon.
One figure was burned into her mind completely. That one fal'Cie that would leave the Oerba with restless nights at times. Anima. She placed her whole world on that fal'Cie, only to watch it shatter in an instant. A cold shiver traveled down her spine at the teeth- gritting memory. Her body shook for a moment before ridding itself of the uncomfortable and unwanted feeling.
With her heart burdened, Fang vowed strength. A silent promise to herself and the pink haired Vanille whom she had grown attached to. A small smile was brought to her face upon thinking of her. She was the only family she could ever have now. To dwell in the past was pathetic, weak, and dangerous. Securing a future she could live with was a vicarious goal she wished to share with Vanille. A soft coo brought Fang's senses to reality as the familiar silhouette of a certain yellow feathered creature stood by.
Gray, emerald eyes blinked as Fang could feel the wind brushing against her face. The woman had fallen off into a bit of a day dream, a reverie of her past. A past that continued to catch up to her no matter how many steps ahead she tried to be. Her hand gently brushed against the yellow feathers of a very familiar creature to her. The Chocobo's head tilted as if it was accustom to such attention. At first they were gentle strokes against the feathered creature's head. "Now now, that's a good darlin'." Fang switched to scratching its neck. A warm sense of delight filled the creature as it cooed once again. "I think it might be time to get something to fill your stomach, eh?" Her voice was serene with that Oerba accent that Vanille and her had picked up since they were raised.
Jumping up, Fang sat down on the sturdy Chocobo's back. The creature had no problem holding up the weight. Fang swooped her legs and laid them against the side of her yellow feathered companion. Blue cloth draped across her slightly tanned legs as she situated her preferred weapon. The red lance branded with various accoutrements and decorations was cradled half neatly in her lap. The other half hung across her shoulder, glistening in the sun's radiant beams.
Emerald eyes squinted slightly as she took a look up at the clear skies. Flocks of Wyverns soared above making the occasional shriek as they passed by. Fang raised a hand to brush away her dark chocolate bangs that curtained her eyes. Those same eyes glanced over to check for a familiar marking that was now absent from her shoulder. It was a mark that was both a curse and a blessing. The mark of being a l'Cie. When she was branded, the ice blue marking seemed to pulse as she stared into its depths; searching for answers to her many questions.
Fang knew in her heart that she was seeking out Vanille. That girl really gave her hell sometimes, but loved her to death. To be completely honest, she'd give the world to protect what little she had left of a family. They had endured emotional and physical torment that many would have never dreamed of in a nightmare. To have survived such terrors was a testament to their bonds and ties as Oerba orphans.
The trot of the Chocobo was like a beat to a musical piece. Each step against the earth left a clawed footprint as the creature continued to race through the Archylte Steppe. The occasional earth shaking thump of an Adamantoise shook the ground as the small yellow creature passed by with its human companion. To simply look at an Adamantoise was to be struck in awe at its gargantuan physique and power. The large creatures were considered one of the few undisputed kings of the earthly ground while the Wyverns ruled the air. "C'mon now darlin' we're almost there." Fang encouraged the Chocobo with soft, melodic words.
The shadows of the encroaching canyon that lead to the Font of Namva rose into view. Fang could feel her skin tingle with that suspicion she always held about such tight spaces in Gran Pulse. While such an enclosed area may lead outsiders to believe they are safe, they can be gravely mistaken. Packs of various creatures were often known to lurk and prey upon the unsuspecting that enter.
Treading carefully, the Chocobo sauntered to a stop in the canyon. Its head tilted up to the sky as its beady eyes glanced around, unsure whether to proceed. Small pieces of rock and dust fell from the canyon tops as an eerie silence set in. Nervous feet stomped back and forth as the Chocobo continued to glance around along with its rider. Low growls echoed throughout the high walls as Fang gripped her weapon tighter.
Roars were soon followed by silhouettes that leapt from the cliff tops. The Gorgonopsids' snarling fangs and clawed feet trampled down the canyon walls, leaping from one ledge to another before finally landing near the travelers. Two of the four pawed creatures landed in front, while another two landed behind them. "Now aren't you all pretty little things." The dark haired woman teased as she leapt down from the yellow feathered creature.
"C'mere, I'll put all of you back under your rock!" Her hands twirled the red bladed lance. Tanned legs leaned low in a defensive stance as the Gorgonospids clawed at the ground, ready to pounce. In a blink of an eye, one lunged forward from the front while the three others rushed in its wake. Swinging the red bladed lance in an arc, The weapon sliced the lunging creature's throat wide open. The dirt colored creature was sent immediately skidding to the ground as a red trail marked its path.
The blue clothed woman twirled the weapon in succession, thrusting it forward against the chest of the other approaching Gorgonopsid. The creature was skewered on the lance before the weapon was withdrawn. Its body went limp as it crumpled to the ground. Meanwhile, the Chocobo was in dire straits as its shrieks and cries filled the canyon's walls.
With ruffled feathers, the Chocobo dodged the first lunge from one of the Gorgonospids while barely being caught by the other's claw. It stumbled for a moment on one clawed foot while regaining its balance. With squawks still filling the air, the Chocobo rushed behind the charging woman for protection. "Yaaaaa!" Fang yelled as she rushed towards the recovering creatures with her weapon poised.
The red lance swept out in a crescent wave, catching one of the creature's legs in its wake. Howls of pain filled the air as the Gorgonospid limped to the side. The other predator dodged the sweep with a quick dash to the side. Fang gritted her teeth as she twirled the weapon back around to defend herself. Snarling fangs bore down upon the woman as they clamped down against the rod of the lance. The impact from the creature sent Fang to the ground, her back impacting the earth with a small cloud of dust.
Saliva from the Gorgonospid splattered across the ground as well as the woman who lay there struggling for a moment to keep the predator at bay. Gnashing fangs continued to chomp at the bit as they tried to break the lance's pole. "I've had quite enough with you sunshine." Legs huddled up underneath the ravenous creature before thrusting out like a spring. A small yelp filled the air as the Gorgonospid was sent flying upwards from the powerful blow. "Ya like that?" A taunt here and there made her feel at home as the creature came crashing back to the ground.
Of course it did not hit the ground. The remaining Gorgonospid that was limping from its earlier wound had broken the fall of the other creature. Dazed from the crash and thrashing about, the Gorgonospid was still snarling, snapping at invisible prey. Fang rushed towards the creature as it attempted to flip itself over. Her legs carried her body up as she sprung with her lance held high. Gravity did the rest of the work as it came crashing down into the creature's side.
One last gasp of breath escaped its mouth before its tongue went limp. Fang twirled her blade like a propeller once more before thrusting it into the ground. She leaned on it for a moment, wiping a few beads of sweat that had managed to trickle down into her eye. "I knew I'd shred ya." A low coo from the Chocobo broke through as it cautiously approached Fang. Its head was held low as it still sensed some sort of danger.
"It's over darlin'. Now lets get going, yeah?" The yellow feathered creature twisted its head left and right as if looking for more predators, however saw nothing. Satisfied, the creature brushed up against the dark haired woman, waiting for her to jump back on. Fang followed suite after picking up her lance. The two trotted down the canyon and into the refuge. Such was the world of Pulse. The predator could soon become the prey.
Shadows formed small circles around the various large trees and other Chocobo that were gathered around the large pools of water. Some drank from the pools of water, quenching their thirst while others frolicked in the water. The glowing sun's rays poured down directly above as Fang and her companion neared the gathering of yellow feathered friends. The other Chocobo peered over to eye the newcomers, however quickly went back to whatever activity they were engaged in. Hopping off from the saddle, Fang caressed the Chocobo's head. A few scratches behind its neck made the creature bend in affection as it nuzzled her back. "Oi, calm down there darlin'." Her hand drew away from the creature as she rose a finger and beckoned for the creature to follow. "C'mon."
A large pool of water near the back of the alcove was accompanied by a roaring waterfall. Ripples scattered from the footsteps of Fang and the Chocobo alike as they traversed in the shallow water. Emerald eyes scanned the darker areas of the water. At first, there was no movement, but Fang's quick eye picked up a fleeting fish. Tossing up her lance in one hand, she tilted her arm back.
Whoosh.
The lance went spiraling through the air with before splashing into the water's surface. Ripples reverberated throughout the water as the lance found its mark. Sandal laden feet slowly traversed the soft ground towards the protruding lance as the fish attempted to wiggle from its mortal wound. Her hand drifted over the water's surface, admiring the cold touch against her skin. She snatched the glistening weapon from the water and held it in the air.
Plucking the fish from one end of her lance, Fang tossed it over against a small outcropping of smooth rocks. It flopped around, gasping for water, however could not escape the rock prison that surrounded it. Fang proceeded to spear a few more fish before wading out of the deeper waters. The Chocobo had tried to follow, however the water was a bit too high for its taste.
Ruffling its feathers with a shake of its body, droplets of water splattered across the sandy ground as the yellow feathered creature emerged. Fang wandered over to the prized fish and picked them up one at a time. Setting her fabled weapon down against the rock, she took the fish and brushed their body across the blade end of her lance. The scales easily fell apart as she repeated the process for each. A yellow feathered head bobbed back and forth as it followed Fang's motion for removing the scales from the fish.
Finishing the tedious task, Fang took one of the succulent fish and tossed it over to the Chocobo. The pink meat flailed in the air for a moment before being snatched by the orange beak of the creature. "There ya go darlin'!" Swallowing it whole, the Chocobo cooed in satisfaction of the food as it danced around waiting for more. Tossing two more, the Chocobo snapped up each in kind before finding its fill.
Fang sat on the smooth rock as she picked at the meat of one herself. The pink meat was soft, and like most fish, had no flavor. It would be enough sustenance to get her through the rest of the day. Tossing away the bones that remained, Fang couldn't help but find herself thinking again. Soft words muttered from her mouth as she simply spoke to herself. "Vanille, I promised I'd find you no matter what...but I can't help but think, what are you doing right now?" The Chocobo, seemingly interested in what the tanned woman was up to, trotted over and tilted its head in confusion. Fang took notice and patted the creature on the head. "You've been pretty good to me today darlin', but I'm afraid I'm going to leave for now." The yellow feathered bird let out one last coo, as if understanding, before joining the herd of other Chocobo. Grasping her lance, Fang took off back down the canyon. Her mind was set on where she would look next. Oerba. Vanille must be in Oerba, right? The place where they grew up. The place where they became family. A place neither of them would forget.
The journey on foot wouldn't be too bad and she knew that the Chocobo wouldn't want to have anything to do with a place crawling with Cie'th, let alone traverse the wild Steppe again. The dark haired woman passed by the bodies of the Gorgonospids that had attacked earlier. It wouldn't be long before any other packs of creatures caught whiff of the smell and feasted on the meat. Fang just didn't want to be around for that. She had enough of playing predator and prey for the day.
Her feet treaded across the grass and dirt covered plains of the Archylte Steppe. Emerald eyes wandered back and forth as she checked for danger. Anything was possible while out on the Archylte Steppe. Fang knew that even the impossible was possible out there. An odd mixture of smells always filled the air on Gran Pulse. The tropical plants, mist filled air, and of course the living inhabitants all contributed to the unique scent.
A rapid series of reverberations shook the ground. At first they were distant, however grew in intensity quickly. Fang turned her head around. Dark hair fluttered around, draping across her shoulders as her eyes met that of a charging Behemoth. "Oh hell." She muttered under her breath as her feet began to pound against the ground faster.
Despite her muscle's renewed efforts to escape the creature, there was nothing to change the fact that she was going to get caught. The beast was still barreling down upon her. Its hot breath and snorts inched ever closer while its large feet stomped into the ground, catching up to the small figure running away. Fang's eyes rushed around, trying to find something, anything to aide in an escape. Nothing. Just the open field with the canyon to the Mah'habara Subterra still quite a distance away.
The Behemoth reared up, ready to bring its massive paw down upon the small silhouette before a raven blue Wyvern crashed into it. The two large creatures were sent tumbling to the side as shrieks and roars chimed in unison. Their ear piercing cries made Fang cover her ears for a moment as she watched the two creatures fight each other. The Wyvern had luckily gotten back into the air and hovered around the Behemoth. The gray skinned Behemoth failed to swat the creature out of the sky while the Wyvern continued to pester the other with pecks from its bladed mouth and slashes with its clawed feet.
Fang caught her breath for a moment and simply ran with her weapon in hand. What was the conclusion she had come up with in her mind? The Wyvern was probably going for her, but crashed into the Behemoth by accident. Lucky for her, not so much for the other two. Blue cloth trailed behind as she sped towards the Mah'habara Subterra. The cavern was known to house welcome parties for unwanted guests. What were those? The Pulsework mechanical creations.
Small drips of water occasionally fell from the brown rock ceiling as Fang ventured into the subterranean part of Gran Pulse. Her hand brushed against the cold and rigid walls before touching smooth metal panels. There was more than just rock sitting underneath. Catwalks and other structures had been built long ago. Surprisingly, they still held up to the test of time.
One hand clenched tightly to her trusted bladed lance. Her eyes swept every area left and right of her. Ears perked up ever so keenly, listening for the slightest change in the atmosphere. Rounding a corner, emerald eyes gazed upon two Pulsework machines, apparently deactivated. Their bodies were folded up, motionless on the ground. Her eyes were fixed on the machines as she took one step forward. Nothing happened. Two steps. Nothing. Three. Still nothing. Her brow furrowed for a moment before prodding the mechanical machines with her weapon.
The machine tipped over, colliding with the second, making a metallic clack as the two crumpled together. Upon closer inspection, Fang could see that much of their inner workings were completely ravaged; something she hadn't seen from the front view. That would stop them from activating their guard mode."It would've been fun you two." Fang kicked at the dead machines and continued on.
She soon found herself overlooking a network of tunnels from a series of metal catwalks. A finger tapped against her chin for a moment as she stood there in thought. Atmos, a Pulse fal'Cie, was known to make regular routes around the tunnel network. Getting aboard was something totally different most of the time. Being raised on Pulse had its benefits and snatching a ride from the fal'Cie wasn't too farfetched, at least for her and her history with Gran Pulse. Standing on the platform before a large tunnel, Fang waited for the fal'Cie to arrive.
What seemed like minutes turned to hours and what seemed like hours turned to days. A rumble from the cavern and an ear deafening noise sounded the arrival of Atmos as it careened down the tunnel. It came to a slow stop before Fang on the platform and allowed her to board. She graciously did so and the fal'Cie went on its way. Fang knew the fal'Cie had their tricks and no doubt it could sense what she wanted. She wanted to go to Oerba.
It only took moments for her to arrive at her destination, thanks to Atmos' speedy travel. "Pleasant meeting you again. Just don't shred up too much of the rock down here." Fang hopped out and onto a catwalk while turning to watch the fal'Cie leave. She brought her hand to rest against her hip as Atmos careened back down the tunnel, leaving a trail of dust and rock behind it. A small hike through the rocky cavern lead to a light filled opening.
Emerging outside once again, Fang noticed the dim orange sky, a tale that evening was approaching. The once beautiful and lively Oerba was now nothing but ruins. Crystal dust covered the buildings while Cie'th roamed like zombies on the streets. A place devoid of life or soul. This was the place that Fang and Vanille had called home at one point. A small exasperated sigh escaped her mouth as Fang approached the streets. She knew where to go. Hell, she could practically get there blind folded. Oddly enough, it seemed the Cie'th weren't roaming in her path. Perhaps something else had attracted their attention for the time being. Raiders or other wild life had come to mind immediately.
Fang approached a particular house. A house which stood out no more than the others. Slowly, her body inched closer to the door. The rusty stairs creaked under the new weight. Emerald eyes surveyed her surroundings as she entered. Her heart, that was so high in anticipation, had plummeted. Vanille was not here. Slightly disappointed eyes were cast down as she strode deeper into the house.
A series of bunk beds stood to the right of her while a number of whimsical and nostalgic items graced the shelves to her left. Setting down her lance against one of the bunk beds, Fang lost herself in a dream like state. She wandered around while her clothing followed like waves from the ocean. Orange light dimly lit up the floor through the small windows placed around the home. Fang sauntered towards one final object of interest. Her hand reached for it tenderly, like a mother caressing a child.
Picking up the old picture frame, Fang's eyes gazed into it. There she was, watching off to the side while Vanille leaned in, gazing at the camera. A small smile spread across her face seeing the girl. Even back then she would smile. Fang's free hand slowly reached up to the photo. A finger delicately brushed against her image in the photo. Layers of dust stuck to her finger before being shaken away. Her finger tapped against Vanille's smiling face in the photo. "Don't worry Vanille, I'll find you. We'll be family again. I promise you, Oerba Dia Vanille as Oerba Yun Fang." Emerald eyes closed as she held the picture in her cupped hands.