Heathen Frolic

Ark: <Because we just couldn't have done that from the beginning.>

"No, because the Ronso were in our way. I think Ixion should be able to get us all across in a single jump."

*She twirls her spear, creating a vortex of lightning around her. She then grabs it & swings. Bolts of lightning emerge from a portal behind her & she pulls Ixion out by his horn. He neighs, then canters over to Hitomi.*

*Hitomi looks at Ixion and jumps back a bit, startled. She steps forward and lightly pets its nose.*

"I... I suppose we have to ride on your back. Will you allow us to?"

*Ixion takes what looks like a bow and remains in place holding the position to be boarded. Hesitating Hitomi climbs on its back.*

*Ark carefully climbs on Ixion's back as well.*

*Luna carefully climbs on board.*

Huh, pretty majestic... Ingrid thought, getting on board as well.

*With everyone on board Ixion stands up. It takes a few steps back before immediatly breaking into a gallop and jumping across the whatever to the other side.*

OOC: "The whatever"?

Ingrid holds on tight as the aeon leaps across the whatever.

*After Ixion has jumped, Luna hops off & continues climbing the path.*

"We may still need to fight. Look sharp."

*Ark jumps off of the Aeon as well, striding up the mountain path.*

Ark: <Always do!>

*Hitomi climbs off Ixion and pets it a few times.*

"Thank you."

[I have no issue thanking an Aeon, yet I can't seem to thank Luna for taking me to the book restorer...]

*She goes up the path. Ixion apparently following.*

Ingrid, predictably, follows as well, hunching over, and rubbing her arms to keep warm in the blizzard.

*When they reach the cliff that starts off the 2nd leg of the journey, the Ronso that were just standing around previously form up in a line in front of the path. The members of the Ronso Fangs notice Hitomi & look away. The line parts & Maester Belias Ronso walks up.*

<I wish I could say that I didn't believe you'd be foolish enough to come here, at least not so soon, but we both know that your foolishness knows no end. Although it appears there are greater fools in the world, one of whom is now among your lot. Who joins a troop of confessed Heretics?>

*He strolls up to Ingrid & folds his arms, glaring down at them all.*

Ingrid gesticulates and bows in the way that is common for a follower of Yevon and says, "I can only assume that you are referring to me when you say 'greater fools', and in all honesty I can't really argue with you." Ingrid said as she once again hunched over to shield her bare arms from the cold. "This isn't exactly the kindest group of traveling partners, I hardly feel welcome at all actually, but, they are giving me the opportunity to travel Spira, and from what I can tell Yevon isn't totally clear and innocent either, so I'll stick with the Heretics."

*Hitomi looks towards the Ronso Fangs then looks away staring at the ground.*

[Why would I think they'd say something? Anything.]

Ark: <So are we gonna let us through? C'mon, you can't be this stupid, we're trying to save Spira here!>

*Ark sighs, staring at the Maester, then glances briefly at Hitomi.*

<Leave us.>

*As soon as the Ronso disappear up the path, he backhands Ark in the face with such force that he flies back & smashes the top off of the arc over the path. Luna runs towards him.*

<Wake up! You won't defeat Sin. You won't even leave here alive. And you definitely won't stop the conspiracy within the church.>

*Luna perks her head up & looks back.*

"Wait...how do you know about that?"

*Ark groans loudly and attempts to get up, but falls back to the ground, panting.*

Ark: <(Stupid oversized dog...!) Owwww.>

Ingrid watches everything unfold and lets out a sigh, "So I'm guessing that you wish to fight us." She said, grabbing her stave, but not actually pulling it out of its strap on her back.

[No one can say he didn't deserve that.]

"It's possible all the maesters know."

[Also possible that they're all involved.]

<Oh no. There's never been any time where all of the Maesters were simultaneously aware of my plans. Not for over a thousand years.>

"Let me guess...'you know too much, now I'll have to kill you'?"

<Another incorrect guess. You were always destined for an inglorious death. The only thing that's changed is the manner in which it will be delivered.>

Ingrid pulled free her stave, "Yea, now I'm pretty sure you're going to try and kill us, I'm not a fan of that plan of action."

*Hitomi looks up and takes a few steps back glancing at Ark who is more than likely to say or do something stupid.*

<First the Aeon.>

*He holds up a hand & a torrent of water erupts around Ixion. It droops to its knees as Belias comes charging forward, clenching a fist.*

*Hitomi casts Curaga on Ixion who attacks Belias with Aerospark.*