Spice: Hello, ladies and gentlemen, Spiceracksargent001 here with another chapter of Element Reavers. With this, we get back to Cloud as he interacts a bit more with the Harpie Nest, and an introduction to what's happening in the latest chapter of Alpha Gear, in case you, somehow, are following this story and not Phoenix's as well.
ELFI: The Captain does not own Yu-Gi-Oh, nor the original formation of this storyworld. Credit for the latter belongs to Phoenix Champion, who has recently updated this story's big sister, Alpha Gear Chronicles.
Spice: So, without further ado, on with the story! Oh, also, homage to the Ace Combat/Kantai Collection crossover fanfic Ghost of Razgriz at the start of this chapter. It's a rather well-made crossover that, sadly, hasn't updated in a while last I checked it. Really hope that gets updated soon if it hasn't already.
-Harpie Nest, Cloud's P.o.V.-
You know that one episode that happens in certain anime shows? Y'know, the one where the protagonist wakes up to a woman on top of/clinging to him for whatever reason? Yeah, replace the woman with a quartet of sleeping, heart meltingly adorable harpy chicks, and you have how I just woke up this morning after getting a notification tone from my Bracer. Not even joking, I've got a Harpie Girl nuzzled into each of my sides, a third snuggling into my chest, and a fourth clinging to the Harpie Girl on my chest.
They certainly look adorable, in that tangle of limbs, hair, and feathers, but I remember the Harpie Queen telling me she wished to see me in the morning for my answer to her Request and to discuss strategy if I'm gonna be helping her out, plus I kinda need some breakfast as well.
It was of course, as I started trying to wiggle out of the small harpy dogpile, that the Harpie Girl nuzzled into my right side stirred a little, a tired little whimper escaping her nose.
…
Dammit, there's stuff I need to do today!
-no P.o.V., just outside of Cloud's sleeping area-
The Cyber Harpie Lady was getting worried.
She was getting very worried.
She didn't let it show, of course; she was the one in charge of watching over the Harpie Girls, so she has an image to keep up so the chicks had someone (other than the Queen, of course) to look up to and want to be like. Unfortunately, four of the chicks had wandered off sometime after she'd put them to bed, and they weren't at any of their usual hang-out spots. Even the Pet Dragon offsprings' pen was void of the four. She'd scoured the nest high and low until, finally, she'd reached the last place they could possibly be hiding: the sleeping area the Queen had arranged for their human guest and his Monsters.
Taking a breath to center herself, the Cyber Harpie Lady walked in… and promptly had to contain her mirth at the sight before her. The Sky Scout was still fast asleep, and the Wind Charmer was just now rousing from sleep, slowly uncurling from the ball of slightly ragged, tan cloak she'd, somehow, contorted herself into in her sleep and rubbing her eyes in an almost cat-like manner.
The human (Cloud Skywind, if she remembered the Queen's introduction of him to the rest of the flock last night correctly), however, was already wide awake, and clearly at a loss of what to do as the slumbering chicks she was looking for have had him captive since they'd evidently snuck in for nighttime snuggles. Even as the Wind Charmer cast her incantation to allow her Player to communicate, she could see the buried human's head turn to her and mouth 'help me!' to her. She totally didn't giggle at that. Nope, totally not giggling up a storm right now.
Cloud, meanwhile, was aware of Wynn casting her Wind-Attribute translation spell, even as he gave the Cyber Harpie Lady before him a look that conveyed how unamused he felt. 'Yeah, laugh it up, you humanoid pheasant,' he thinks to himself. To her credit, though, at least the Cyber was trying to be discreet about it, albeit failing quite spectacularly. "You done?" he asks of the avian woman once her giggling finally subsides.
"Yes, I am good now," the Cyber Harpie Lady replies as she coughs into her hand to fully calm down. "Apologies, it's just I've been looking all over for those chicks, and I just couldn't control myself seeing them all snuggled up to you like that after such an arduous search."
"Yeah, well, this isn't exactly what I was expecting to wake up to, either," Cloud admits, shrugging as much as he can without disturbing the sleeping Harpie children. He then looks down to them as another stirs and makes a cute noise. "... Speaking of, do you mind…?"
"Of course," the Cyber reassures as she walks over and gently shakes awake the Harpie Girl on his chest, which chain reacts and wakes all four of them. "Sleep well, chicks? Looks like you all found a comfortable new pillow to snuggle."
"Mmm… caretaker?" The Harpie Girl snuggled into Cloud's chest mumbles as she rubs her eyes. The second statement soon registers and the chick looks down at the Player's chest before looking to the Cyber. "Oh, umm…"
"We noticed that he seemed a little jumpy last night," the Harpie Girl to Cloud's left supplies helpfully.
"So we thought we would help him out and keep him warm though the night," added the Harpie Girl still snuggled into Cloud's right side.
"We're sorry if we caused you any trouble for sneaking out, caretaker," The Harpie Girl nuzzled into the first chick apologizes as she sits up.
Both Cloud and the Cyber sigh at the same time. Bless those chicks, their hearts are in the right place. Still…
"You shouldn't be sneaking out of the nursery at night, chicks," the Cyber chastises gently as she helps the Harpie Girls separate from Cloud. "What could've happened to you if you'd wandered out of the nest entirely and been caught by the Gryphons?"
"We're sorry, caretaker," the Harpie Girls chirp in unison while looking down at the ground. Seriously, the amount of cute they are giving off should be legally classified as WMDs.
"All is forgiven, little chicks," the Cyber replies with a gently smile before looking to Cloud as he can finally sit up and stretch a bit. "Also, fair Skywind, our Queen wishes to see you at your earliest convenience."
"Got it, tell her I'm on my way," Cloud replies, earning a nod from the Cyber Harpie Lady as she ushers the Harpie Girls out. It was, at this point, that he pulled up his Bracer and checked the notification he got.
[Balancing Patch released]
'Huh, wonder what's getting balanced,' Cloud thinks to himself as he reads.
[Due to several complaints from Players in recent duels at the City of Condour, a few Balancing patches have been implemented.]
[Claws, Horns, Talons, and Stingers now offer only a boost of 20 Attack to match Transformations of other Types in the world.]
'Okay, that doesn't really affect me, though it will impact Serina if she ever gets claws,' Cloud thinks as he reads on.
[Furthermore due to Complaint's about Spellcasters being hindered in certain environments, Spells are simply learned, increasing ATK with Spells can be found in the new Ability, Spellpower, which will increase Base Attack by 10 for each Point put into it, those who have already put several points into a Spell with find their point's moved into Spellpower.]
"Huh, well, that's interesting," Cloud muses as he pulls up his status.
[Cloud Skywind: Lvl: 3, LP: 700, ATK: 100 (100 with Gust), DEF: 110]
"Not bad, now my bow'll hit for harder without enchanted arrows, too," Cloud notes as Wynn clicks her tongue twice, Petit Dragon flying from its "nest" in Harpie's Brother's hair and perching on her staff while my Winged-Beast wakes up and yawns as he stretches as well.
It was also at that point that Cloud remembers that, yes, he did indeed level up against those Phantom Gryphons yesterday, and as such pulled up his Upgrades menu to allocate my new Upgrade Point. After some careful consideration, he put it towards a new Attribute Spell, thus giving him access to the Water Attribute spell, Frost. The rush and lightheadedness of gaining new magic was greatly dampened compared to when he'd first gotten Gust and Heal, but it did come with a definitive chill due to giving him access to Cryomancy.
-five minutes and a quick breakfast later, Cloud's P.o.V.-
After getting ourselves limbered up, I led my little party to the Harpie Queen's "Chamber" once more, bowing in respect before she beckoned me to rise.
"Tell me, fair Skywind, what say you on the matter we discussed last night?" she asked.
"I have, your grace," I nod. "After spending some time with your flock, my Monsters and I have unanimously agreed to accept your Request. We will aid you against the Phantom Gryphon pack."
I could see the Queen's smile grow at my answer. "Excellent. I shall assemble my advisors, and we shall begin planning our attack at once," she says as she rises from her throne and beckons me to follow.
Looking to Harpie's Brother and Wynn, we all share a nod as Wynn joins me in accompanying the queen to the meeting while Harpie's Brother went back into the main area of the nest to head towards the Sky Scouts' alcove. While we were socializing with the flock, they'd asked Harpie's Brother to lend his wings for reconnaissance to ascertain the numbers we could expect to face, as well as if the Pack was being lead by a Boss Monster.
Stepping into a cave leading to an outcropping overlooking the entire nest, I was surprised to see a Harpie Oracle, the Harpie Channelers, and the Cyber Harpie Lady who'd rescued me from the Harpie Girls there. I could tell it was her because she was wearing a set of laurels made from twigs, possibly made by the chicks themselves.
"Ah, good, you all came early," the Harpie Queen says, getting the assembled harpies' attention.
"We knew you would be convening the council today to discuss our strategy for dealing with those troublesome Gryphons," one of the Channelers replies to her Queen before looking my way. "I, for one, am glad you made good on your promise to the chicks to help us in dealing with this problem."
"He is touched by the zephyr," the Oracle replies. "You are Cloud Skywind, yes? Our Queen spoke of you. I was communing with the spirits of our ancestors last night, and as such could not meet you until now. It is an honor."
"The honor's mine, madam," I reply with a slight bow. "I understand why we couldn't meet yesterday. The winds told me there was more to your Queen's flock than I would be able to meet before I had to retire."
"Courteous, too," the Oracle notes with a smile. "A fine trait for one as young as yourself."
"If you would take your seat, fair Skywind, we may begin," the Queen says, motioning Wynn and I to a set of stone "stools" opposite a second, smaller, stone throne which she soon took for herself. Wynn and I nodded and took the seats she'd designated for us while I discreetly checked the pop-up that I'd gotten.
[Request - A Queen's Plight]
[You have been beseeched by a local Harpie Queen to help her flock out with a large Phantom Gryphon pack that has been competing with her kin for territory and prey. In return for your aid, the Queen has promised to convince her flock to join your Deck.]
[Reward: 500XP, Harpie Queen's flock]
Making a mental note of the Request's reward, I returned my attention to the Harpie Queen right as she called the meeting to order.
"Now then, Oracle, Channelers, what is the state of our standing forces?" She asks to kick off the meeting.
The Oracle spoke up first. "Milady, thus far, our standing forces, counting each Harpie Lady Sisters as three, are outnumbered by the Gryphons more than 5 to 1. Greater control of the skies will belong to them for much of the battle."
"Wynn and I can provide support fire from the ground with our magic and my arrows," I interject, "but with just the two of us providing surface to air fire and my Harpie's Brother in the sky for extra manpower in the fur ball, the Gryphons will still have a lot of freedom to fight in the air."
Harpie Queen nods to acknowledge my contribution, then nods to the Channelers to give their report.
"Our Pet Dragons are ready for the battle, but even with their superior power in a 1-on-1 scenario against the Gryphons, and bringing the Pet Dragons into the fray, we are still vastly outnumbered," one of the Channelers starts.
"Our best chance against the Gryphons will have to be a divide and conquer strategy," the other Channeler adds in, "fool elements of the pack to split off to pursue individuals of our flock and then overwhelm them with superior numbers."
"That would be best, on paper, but I have foreseen the outcome of such a stratagem," the Oracle cuts in. "Even with the element of surprise and a divide and conquer strategy, attempting it would yield casualties far too great, for the Gryphon leading the pack is no fool. He would soon discern our methods and begin cutting off the escape for the fast attack elements of our forces."
"Hmm…" I hum, taking all this into account while opening myself up to the winds for guidance.
"Fair Skywind?" the Harpie Queen asks. "Have you any more to contribute?"
"He has opened himself to the winds," the Oracle interjects. "We shall hear what he has to say soon."
After a few minutes, I open my eyes and look to the Queen and her advisors. "What if we set a trap? Wynn and I will draw their attention and lure them somewhere they'll be at a disadvantage, and then your flock and my Harpie's Brother can strike them from behind."
My suggestion caught the Queen, the Channelers, and the Cyber off guard. The Oracle, however, sent a knowing smirk my way.
"A trap?" the Harpie Queen repeats in disbelief. "Fair Skywind, surely you jest! The Gryhons would overwhelm you in seconds!"
"Not if Wynn merges beforehand," I counter. "Her Familiar-Possessed state features far greater offensive power than she does now, and her Piercing effect in that state will all but nullify any attempts by the Gryphons to defend themselves. Plus, I recently picked up a new Attribute Spell. Between my aeromancy, newfound cryomancy, and Wynn's Familiar-Possessed power, we can effectively lock down a large group of enemies."
"We would be wise to follow his suggestion, my Queen," the Oracle comments in my defense. "I have foreseen countless possibilities for the battle ahead, and with him serving to distract the Gryphon's attention in the opening stages, they will be unable to quickly effect a proper counteroffensive to a mass charge at their flanks and rear, especially if Skywind is able to keep the attention of the pack leader upon him."
The Harpie Queen looked like she wanted to protest, but eventually nodded. "You have never lead me astray before, Oracle. Very well," the Queen finally acquiesces, looking to me. "We shall follow your plan, Skywind. Once our Scouts and your Harpie's Brother return, we shall begin planning out where our trap shall be sprung."
We all nod and rise, the advisors taking off and going to do their day-to-day duties about the nest while the Queen walks over to Wynn and I as we stretch our legs. "Are you certain you wish to go through with this, Fair Skywind?" she asks, concern still in her voice. "I do not wish for you to shoulder too great a burden for our sake."
I look to Wynn, who smiles at me reassuringly, before I nod to the Harpie Queen with a small, reassuring smile on my face. "I am, your majesty," I reply. "If the Oracle and I are on the same page for the effectiveness of outflanking the Gryphons, then I believe it's be worth a shot."
The Queen nods, a determined look on her face. "Very well. If you are absolutely certain, then I shall give you my full support in the matter," she replies, my smile growing a bit before she holds out her hand. "May I see your map a moment?"
"Uh, sure," I reply, a little surprised before opening it and projecting a zoomed in view of the Hunting Grounds and the immediate surroundings onto the stone "table", the Queen then walking over and pointing to an blank area just beyond the amount of map that I'd cleared up by using the Harpies' Hunting Grounds field spell and getting to the Hunting Grounds themselves.
"Within this vicinity, you will find a human Village. I believe the name for it is Featherfall. It was established just beyond the edge of our Hunting Grounds, and sells equipment that uses the feathers and talons of Harpie and Gryphon alike. They are a deal more expensive than I imagine your equipment to have been, but it may be worth your while to visit and purchase new equipment when you have the time.
I nod in reply, marking down both the nest and the area she indicated as points of interest on my Bracer, a feature I'd read about last night when browsing my help menu before hitting the sack, before closing my map. "My gratitude for the tip, your grace," I say while ruffling Wynn's hair, earning a happy giggle from the Charmer.
"I must also advise caution if you travel to and from here and the Village," the Queen warns me, a grim frown forming. "In addition to Nests and Gryphon packs, there also exist the Warbirds, Harpie bands that actively seek the hostile takeover of otherwise peaceful nests. If you see Harpies that decorate themselves with war paint, you will know that you have encountered a group of Warbirds. If they see your Sky Scout at your side or learn of your allegiance to us, they will become hostile and attack."
I nod, making note of that. "Alright. My thanks for the warning, your grace," I reply with a bow before excusing Wynn and myself to go out and train a little in preparation for the battle.
-less than a minute later-
Or, at least, that would have been my plan, had I not been stopped by the two Harpie Dancers and brought before the Harpist they were practicing with when I'd first arrived at the nest.
"Ah yes, you are the boy brought before the Queen," the Harpist coos with a warm smile as she beckons me closer. "The Oracle foretold of your arrival."
"She did?" I ask, a little surprised.
"Indeed," the Harpist replies as she plucks the strings of her harp, adding a sort of ethereal, mystic air to her next words. "She spoke of a Player with the hair of the cloud-streaked sun, a Tempest Ranger who fights with bow in hand and the powers of the azure sky at his command. Fair and free as the zephyr with the fury of the storm, he and his Charmer, close as beloved siblings, shall stand against the full might of the vicious Gryphons. Their magic shall tear the Gryphons' ranks asunder, and with his bow, pierce the heart of their pack."
Wynn and I both blink a few times, then look to each other a moment before looking to the Harpist. "Huh… that sounds…"
"Incredible," Wynn finishes for me. "Big Brother? A 'Tempest Ranger'?"
The Harpist nods with a smile while I place a hand on my chin contemplatively. "I gotta admit, that does sound impressive, and the title sounds nice, too."
The Harpist chuckles a little. "Well, don't let this humble Harpie hold you up any longer," she says. "Go enjoy yourself, o Tempest Ranger. The hour of battle shall be upon us soon enough."
"Alright, see ya," I say with a wave as Wynn and I leave the Harpist to her practice as we try heading out again to go looking for Featherfall.
Spice: And that's chapter! Next time, we'll be catching back up with Diana and Relena after so long since the Vampiress last featured in a chapter, and Relena will have the honor of demonstrating one of the mechanics I created for Thunder-type Players. Anyone who's played Tales of Berseria, or recently looked through the Abilities and Transformations list, which you can get to from Phoenix Champion's profile, and therefore be within easy access to Element Reaver's big sister story Alpha Gear Chronicles if you somehow aren't following it, for OC creation, will have an idea of what kind of mechanic this is.
ELFI: As usual, the constructive criticism is welcomed and greatly appreciated.
Spice: Until next time, this is spiceracksargent001: signing off!