A Smelly Adventure

[Fox Owen Xavier]

Fox stood in the dark, smelly, damp sewers searching for plants and fungus. Many people would call him crazy for coming to Ettermire just to explore the sewers but to the young man, these smelly tunnels held many unique treasures. Guided by a small flicking fireball in his palm, Fox carefully studied the molds and mushrooms growing on the brick walls. His red tail twitched with excitement as he picked a few black mushrooms with yellow spots.

“These seem poisonous enough for that death potion order. Nasty potions but who am I to judge? Maybe the target is an evil person,” Fox thought to himself as he sniffed the mushrooms. The horrible smell of the passing sewer water seemed to not affect this veteran hunter.

“Now what can I do for those love potions?” Fox asked aloud with his question echoing off the nearby walls. “That darkfire fungus works well to simulate sexual desires but who would want to taste that bitter herb? I was hoping to find something in here so I didn't have to buy sugar.”

Exploring the dark brick tunnels further, the young man stayed on his guard using the two bushy ears on top of his head to detect and navigate around any groups of dark elves who were probably up to no good. Along the way, he collected some more mushrooms, fungus, and a patch of purple grass.

“Well, I think that should do for the death potion, love potions, and healing potions,” the kitsune thought to himself as he prepared to eat lunch. Taking out out some large, dead sewer rats, he began skinning them. To make them nice and crispy, he channeled more energy in the fireball causing a nice hot blue fire which toasted the rats nicely. After toasting the dozen rats, the fireball went back to a small red flame allowing the darkness to creep back in.

Biting into a mostly raw rat, Fox began thinking of what to do with the rare purple grass he had found. “I could use it for an invisible potion... But I'm lacking the other ingredient.... Hmm, I guess I'll just have to go through my potion book and see what my options are.”

Lost in thought, the kitsune devoured a half dozen sewer rats as the little fireball sat alone on his shoulder trying its best to ward off the darkness.

Closed to Sei. If you do want to join for some reason, just pm Sei and me and maybe we can let you in too. Although, I don't really have a set plan for this adventure so who knows what might happen.

As a note in case it isn't clear, Fox is currently in his human form but since he is mostly alone, he has both his foxy ears and tail out. If he were to meet someone, he might consider making the tail disappear since it gives away his mood sometimes. Also, people tend to want to touch his tail for some reason which he doesn't like.

[Silence Sei]

He scrunched his nose at the stench of the sewers. Just below him, a steady stream of garbage and biological waste floated outwards into the oceans. The compact areas made the Mystic feel as if he were home in his tomb. It was down here that Sei had first found out that dwarves could indeed smell worse than normal. The memories of meeting the short warrior calling himself ‘Angry Man’ flooded the mute’s mind, causing a smile to grace his features.

He had not heard from the violent little dwarf in some time. In fact, the last time Sei had recalled seeing the mighty warrior was just after he had returned to participate in the Cell. After that, Angry Man just disappeared. With all the hectic things that made their way into Sei’s life, finding his friend had gotten pushed lower on his priority list than he should have let it. Angry Man was one of his Gisela Champions, a vertically challenged veteran who could easily take care of himself.

Yet, like a son who had been too long without his father, so too did Sei begin to worry about his ally.

Sei had traveled to the sewers of Ettermire just to see how the arrogant dwarven warrior was doing. When he had arrived in the rancid waste basket, however, he found that much vegetation had started to sprout between the finely layered bricks and cement. If there had been one thing Sei had learned of his friend during their adventures, it was that Angry Man hated plants. He had always seen them as useless since they did not have the ability to pick up a weapon and fight. The fact that herbs and other miscellaneous plants were growing here did not bode well for Sei’s buddy.

He traveled down deeper into the cavernous sewer, hoping to come across the little homemade hut his height less friend had built for himself. What the Mystic came across, however, was a peculiar looking fox person. “Who are you?” Sei asked, the ‘voice’ actually entering through Fox’s head, “And by chance, have you seen a dwarf with severe rage problems?”

[Fox Owen Xavier]

Still lost in thought, Fox's sharp fox ears picked up the sounds of another person a bit too late to scamper off. Immediately after he noticed, a voice entered his head.

“Who are you?” the man asked, “And by chance, have you seen a dwarf with severe rage problem?”

It didn't seem like this person was a dark elf up to no good so Fox decided to be polite and answer. Who knows, maybe the man would become a new customer.

“Hello, I'm Fox. As you might have noticed, I'm a kitsune which is basically a fox-human who can freely transform between the two forms. Unfortunately, I have not met your friend. The only things I have sensed in these sewers are dark elves who are probably up to no good, these delicious sewer rats that I just finished eating, and the wonderful herbs on the walls,” Fox replied in a friendly tone as he slowly let the foxfire grow in size to illuminate the man.

“I can tell the sewer smells do not sit well with you, good Sir. I am a potion crafter by trade. Would you by any chance be interested in a potion that will numb your sense for smell for awhile? It's really cheap and I can make it for you in a minute. Also, because it's such a simple potion, it doesn't really have side effects other than blocking your sense of smell for a few hours.”

The brightening light finally revealed the commanding figure. Realization dawned upon the kitsune and he bowed in respect as he noticed that the man was nothing less than great commander of the Ixian Knights. Even back at his home, Fox heard many stories of this legendary mystic and seen wonderful paintings that obviously did not do true justice to the imposing sight.

“I'm apologize for not recognizing you sooner, Commander Sei. Even a poor kitsune like me has heard of your name and I'm ashamed I didn't realize who I was speaking to earlier.” Fox was on his knees now with his bushy tail twitching in fear, respect, and excitement. “Again, I be but a poor potion maker. Please let me know if I can help a great knight like you in any way. It would be my honor to serve.”

[Silence Sei]

When the kitsune hit his knee, Sei released a sigh. Though it was to be expected to be respected, the mute disliked anybody bowing down before him. He never saw himself as some sort of monarch, or even as noble a knight as the many that lived in Ixian Castle. Deep in his heart and mind, Sei Orlouge was a strategist, moving the chess pieces to allow the proper ‘king’ to take control in the end. He scratched the back of his head, a loss for words at the humble attitude of the fox-man.

“Please, there is no need for that, get up, Sei motioned with his hand for Fox to rise, a gesture he felt even more awkward doing, “I just came down here to search for my friend. I have not seen him in a few years, and in fact, his house used to be down here, in these Ettermire sewers.” The word ‘sewers’ brought Sei out of his embarrassed persona, and quickly reminded him of their current location. The smell of the runoff wrapped around his olfactory senses like a viper choking out a rat.

He lifted a solitary finger towards Fox to excuse himself, getting down on both of his knees and retching the contents of his breakfast into the already disgusting greenish-brown water. “I think I will take you up on that offer,” Sei’s ‘voice’ still remained as pristine as ever, despite the hacking and vomiting his physical form was doing, “[i]if you could create me a potion to nullify my sense of smell, or even one to strengthen my stomach, it would be greatly appreciated.

His intestines throbbed with the pain of forcing food back out, causing him to wrap an arm around his abs. He closed his eyes and tried not to think about his putrid predicament. The more he tried not to think about his nasty surroundings, the more he found himself coughing back into the murky stream.

[Fox Owen Xavier]

“Please, there is no need for that, get up,” Sei motioned with his hand for Fox to rise “I just came down here to search for my friend. I have not seen him in a few years, and in fact, his house used to be down here, in these Ettermire sewers.”

Fox got up slowly while watching Commander Sei to make sure he wasn't going to kill him. Over his travels, Fox had learned the hard way it's best to be very humble to powerful individuals until you knew they wouldn't behead you for showing disrespect. He had nearly learned that lesson the hard way.

However, Commander Sei seemed to live up to his reputation as a kind knight who wasn't as concerned about people showing huge displays of respect. Actually, now that Fox had stood up, the kitsune noticed that the leader was becoming a rather pitiful sight as the sewer smells worked to pull out Sei's breakfast. Fox heard the splash hitting the dirty water and respectfully pretended nothing had happened.

Getting used to the sewers took a lot of experience. His old mentor would randomly drag him to visit some dump, sewer, or just some other awful smelling place at least once every other week. Since she never announced it before hand, Fox had lost countless meals during training until he became accustom to the stench. From the pale face of the knight, Sei might be used to seeing blood and guts but he obviously wasn't used to seeing the other awful side of living beings.

“I think I will take you up on that offer,” Sei’s ‘voice’ still remained as pristine as ever, despite the hacking and vomiting his physical form was doing, “if you could create me a potion to nullify my sense of smell, or even one to strengthen my stomach, it would be greatly appreciated.”

“I do not have anything to strengthen your stomach but the one to nullify your smell should do the trick,” Fox respectfully replied as he quickly pulled out his small iron pot out of his leather pouch. “Unfortunately, I do not have one already made since I didn't expect to meet anyone who would need it. However, a simple potion should only take a few minutes. Here's a few herb leafs you can put by your nose to mask the smell while I'm working on it.”

Fox handed a few dried but strong smelling herb leafs to Sei then began making the potion. Pouring clean water from a bottle, the fox-man half filled the iron pot. The darkness closed in as Fox changed the flame to a hot blue to heat up the clear water. Once the pale white steam arose from the pot, the kitsume tossed in a few ground herbs and one brown mushroom. With a few stirs of his small oak stick, Fox finished off the potion and poured the light brown mixture into three small glass tubes. “If you make one, you should always make a few extra,” he thought as he put two in his pouch.

“Thank you for waiting, Commander Sei. Here is the potion. Be careful when drinking it, it's very hot so you might want to wait a minute for it to cool,” Fox bowed while handing the remaining tube to the knight. “That one should last for half a day if you drink the whole thing. If you think you will find your friend quickly, just drink half of it. Again, please let this poor kitsune know if he can help you in any other way.”

Having a head connected to the body would be payment enough, decided Fox as he swallowed his usual business speech asking for payment before giving the potion.

Potion is ready. It should dull the smell of smell for 12 hours if the whole thing is taken or 6 hours if only half.

Also, the light from the fox-fire is very little now since Fox turned it into a blue ball for heating.

[Silence Sei]

Sei nodded his thanks, taking the vial of liquid and quickly downing it. The hot liquid scalded the tip of his tongue and rushed down his throat. He greedily lapped up about a quarter of the medicine, pocketing the rest for later. The Mystic knew from Fox’s description that he would have more than enough time to locate Angry Man’s house and be out of the rancid and putrid place.

The effects of the medicine were nothing short of amazing. Almost immediately, Sei was able to stand up, a warm feeling sloshing around in his gut. The nausea had completely disappeared and Sei actually felt better than he had in hours. His muscles felt rejuvenated, his body filled with strange new warmth. Whoever this fox man was, he was clearly an expert in his craft. He knew that the potion simply dulled his sense of smell, but the placebo effect caused by the cure seemed to provide the mute with a second chance.

“My humble thanks, Lord Fox,” Sei said, nodding his appreciation to the beast-man, “As far as aiding me further, I would be indebted to you if you would accompany to my friend’s house. He lived deeper down here in these sewers, and I would very much appreciate it if you were to stay by my side until we got to the bottom of his disappearance.”

Sei did not wait for an answer, but simply moved past his furry friend and continued on his way, his shoes slapping against the stone floor.

[Fox Owen Xavier]

Fox breathed a sigh of relief at seeing the potion working properly. Sei's breathing and and stance became more steady and his commanding aura flared back to life. “Looks like my head will remain on my neck for now,” the kitsune thought as he straightened his red tail and ears that had become very bushy with nervousness.

“My humble thanks, Lord Fox,” Sei said, nodding his appreciation to the beast-man, “As far as aiding me further, I would be indebted to you if you would accompany to my friend’s house. He lived deeper down here in these sewers, and I would very much appreciate it if you were to stay by my side until we got to the bottom of his disappearance.”

“Thank you for your kind words, Commander Sei. Although, I am not a Lord so please do not call me that or the kitsune elders will get mad,” Fox replied as he hurried to catch up with the fast pace set by the legendary figure. The fireball seemed to feel his energy and brightened to illuminate the wet, slippery stone floor. The mushrooms and molds growing on the walls would have to wait for another day.

Sorry the post is a bit short. Couldn't think of much more to say other than adding in more description. Am I not giving enough? If so, I can try to add more to my posts. Thanks again.

[Silence Sei]

They walked deeper into the sewers, to the point that the foul water had almost overtaken the steps. Sei’s feet made a sloshing like noise with each step he took. The feeling of the water starting to seep into his black kung-fu shoes sent shivers all through the Mystic’s body. The walls and ground had become thicker with mushrooms and other plants that thrived in the dark, damp underground of Ettermire. Every so often, Sei would feel his arm brush up against the head of a fungus and cause the telepath to jerk in reaction.

The darkness of the tunnels eventually faded, giving way to a humble stick and brick hut that almost seemed as if it were being devoured by a blanket of moss. Various insects buzzed around the house, particularly around the dual lanterns that illuminated the brown, ramshackle door. Sei’s eyes lit up with joy as he approached the door, swatting away some mosquitos in the process. As he went to push the knob-less entry way open, it collapsed in a pile of wood and debris before his touch. It was another sign to Sei that something bad must have happened.

His eyes perused the interior, making note of the bowl of porridge that had become expired to the point of growing a bluish-green mold over its surface. The air was musty, as if whoever lived in this hut had not left in months. Though he was immune to what was probably a very vomit-inducing stench for the moment, Sei worried about his new ally. His eyes finally rested on Angry Man’s straw bed, hoisted above the ground by a few milk crates. There was a simple white blanket draped over something in the corner, holes chewed through the cloth material by moths and rats most likely.

He approached the lump within the cover, hand trembling at the idea of what he might find beneath. A loud cough gave his hand pause for a moment before he continued on. Just before he touched the mysteriously rotund figure, it turned to reveal a bearded face. Angry Man coughed again, all four braids in his red facial hair shaking as if they were going to fall off. His normally rounded dwarven face had withered to the point of barely veiling his cheek bones beneath his skin. Sei reached towards his friends head, pulling away the second he touched the dwarf’s forehead. His skin was very hot to the touch, and the simple gesture caused another coughing fit within the dwarf. Sei stood up as he looked towards the sleeping warrior, a ping of guilt in his heart for not seeing him sooner.

“Fox,” Sei ‘spoke’ solemnly, “I would like you to come look at my friend to see what you have to say.”

[Fox Owen Xavier]

Sorry for taking so long to reply. Couldn't think up a good name for the illness so just made up something kind of generic. Anyways, if there is any problems or things I could improve on, please let me know.

As Fox trotted behind the commander, he couldn't help but think about how unusual this leader was. Commander Sei respected him and treated him as an equal even though the difference in power was obvious. All of the previous lords, rich merchants, and other figures of power completely ignored Fox unless they wanted something from him. In that case, it was just a command with Fox's life as payment, in many ways, Fox felt like a slave thus reinforcing his distrust and hatred for humans. The kitsune wished more leaders could learn from the mystic's example.

As they walked deeper into the sewers, Fox soon began seeing more differences between the powerful and powerless. Commander Sei was completely unprepared for this trip with those shoes that the green murky waters had now thoroughly inflected with their horrible stench. In comparison, Fox like many of the other people in these tunnels wore a cheap pair of boots and set of clothes. There was just no way around it, the sewers marked everything as their own with the all too noticeable scent.

As Fox was about to ask how much further, the tunnels opened up slightly and the darkness faded receded in the presence of two lanterns hanging from a small stick and brick hut leaning on the side of sewer wall. “I hope Sei's friend is all right,” Fox thought to himself as he observed the sorry condition of the hut. It seemed like mother nature was taking back her own territory as seen by the mold and insects hungrily devouring the outside of the hut. The mystic seemed happy to find the hut but kitsune became increasingly concerned for its owner as the door collapse in a pile of half eaten wood from the simple push given.

Fox followed Sei in and quickly evaluated the situation. The smell of sickness, molds, and sewer combined gave the room a powerful stench but Fox faced much worst under his mentor's crazy training. The kitsune wasn't sure what sickness this was but looking at the moldy porridge bowl, abundance of insects and rats, and the soft wheezing sound from the straw bed, he could only hope that it wasn't too late to help Sei's friend.

Fox watched silently as the mystic approached the lump in the bed. A cough echoed out which seemed to give a bit of relief to Sei since it showed the owner was still alive. However, the dwarf's face which turned to meet Sei seemed to have almost departed from this world. The facial hair appeared to be almost falling, the skin was pale without any of the normal healthy red pulsing through it, and the bones were almost sticking out through his thin frame. The kitsune knew even without mystic checking the dwarf's temperature that Sei's friend was on the verge of death due to the illness.

“Fox,” Sei ‘spoke’ solemnly, “I would like you to come look at my friend to see what you have to say.”

“I'll do my best but unfortunately, your friend appears to be on the border of death. I can only hope it's some illness that can be treated with some type of magic potion,” Fox replied as he gently check the dwarf to try and identify the disease. Carefully, the kitsune felt the dwarf's head, checked his mouth, listened to his breathing, and felt for the pulse.

“I believe this is a version of the 'Ettermire Flu'. It's a common problem in poor area and especially in the sewers due to all the molds, rats, insects, and insanitary living environment,” Fox spoke as he continued to example the dwarf's skin to check for any other possibilities. “If this is the case, your friend's body probably couldn't handle it due to the horrible environment down here. However, the disease has made it into a very advance stage and I believe it needs a healer or some other form of magic at this point. I could make a potion that would probably work but I lack the ingredients.”

[Silence Sei]

Sei looked to his sick friend, worry apparent in the Mystic’s eyes. As he stared at the helpless Angry Man, memories of the mute’s adventures with the dwarf flashed through his head. The vertically challenged warrior had been with Sei ever since the telepath’s first tournament, stood by him when nobody else would, and even aided him in finding some of the best talent Althanas had to offer. Sei bit his lip as he listened to Fox’s diagnosis, tears welling up in the Ixian leader’s eyes.

Angry Man had usually been so good about clearing the grout and vermin away from his hut. He hated anything that couldn’t be used as a weapon, or use a weapon for that matter. His home was typically adorned with some of the best crafted weapons and armor that graced Alerar. To have such a noble champion in such a weakened and beaten down state was pain on the mute’s own heart.

Sei sniffled a little bit, the mucus running down his nose going back up with a sickening ‘slurp’ sound. He took his arm and wiped the tears from his eyes. Angry Man would not stand here and weep in the roles were reversed. Angry Man would go out of the hut and search for the missing ingredients to Fox’s cure in order to save his friends. It was a courtesy that Sei hoped he could return in kind to the dwarf.

“Tell me what you need,” Sei said, his ‘tone’ becoming stoic as he stood up straight, “and we’ll go get it.”

[Fox Owen Xavier]

Sorry for taking so long to reply. If something needs changing, let me know.

“Tell me what you need,” Sei said, his ‘tone’ becoming stoic as he stood up straight, “and we’ll go get it.”

Fox studied the deathly sick dwarf one last time to make sure his assessment was correct. For the better or worst, it appeared to be an advance case of 'Ettermire Flu'. The kitsune then began recalling the healing potion needed for this situation. A basic one would definitely not work for this situation.

“I think the proper potion would be an advance cure potion. It might be a bit stronger than needed but it should be safer to error on the side of a bit too strong than not enough. I have all of the basic ingredients needed to construct it however, I'm missing the rarer ones. The version I think would be easiest to find the materials for is lacking two components that I think should be found somewhere in these sewers,” Fox explained the waiting Sei.

“The first is a fungus that grows under the sewer stream. It's actually not that rare but no one wants to gather it due to where it grows. Also, it doesn't last long, just a few days. But since we aren't traveling much of anywhere, that shouldn't be an issue.”

“For the second ingredient, it's a gray mushroom with a single blue spot on the top. The problem is I have no idea where it would be found. I do know it likes to grow on top of animals and suck their life out but it would have to be a larger animal than a rat. Maybe those mutilated experiment animals in the sewers might have some but I doubt I could survive a fight especially in those extremely narrow tunnels. Not to mention that staircase leading down to that area is slick, the ceiling is extremely low, and the stairs seems to be falling apart.”

“I don't suppose you saw some animals on your way here that have mushrooms growing on their bodies?” Fox asked hoping that the commander had somehow seen some other large animals on his way here.

[Silence Sei]

“You leave the combat to me, friend.” Sei spoke to the kitsune as he began to walk out of the door. Sei assumed that the fungus for the first ingredient was in abundance before their feet. All it would take is one of them with enough intestinal fortitude to actually reach down and grab it. Sei knew he was more than capable of that feat, so long as he did not have to smell the sewage his hand was wading through.

The explanation of the second ingredient, however, gave the mute pause. The words ‘staircase’ caused the mute to freeze in his tracks and shiver in fear. Ever since Jensen Ambrose had that blasted Noodle Incident in Ixian Castle, Sei found himself unable to go down stairs in any way shape or form. He could use his wings and fly down them, but using his feet to descend the steps was another beast entirely.

Of course, for Angry Man, Sei having to face down one of his greatest fears was worth it.

The mute’s left hand, neck, and right eyeball all throbbed in protest of this stoic resolve. It seemed as though the Mystic’s body was just as opposed to traveling through the stairs as Sei was mentally. “I need you to lead the way, Fox. I’ve only been down to Angry Man’s hut and no further than that. If you can guide us to the staircase, I will find your beast and the mushroom we need.”

The light emitting from Sei began to glow brighter, as if his determination were fueling his light magic. “Let’s go.”

[Fox Owen Xavier]

While Fox was reassured by Sei's 'voice', he wondered why he smelled a bit of fear coming from the mighty commander. Was the sewer that bad? Well, the staircase was definitely scary considering the condition but didn't the legendary mystic have some bunch of tunnels or something running around his base? Or maybe he was afraid of getting infected by the animals? Fox just hoped the telepath wasn't reading his doubts. It wouldn't be good to be having such thoughts.

“Follow me, I'll lead you to the staircase,” the kitsune said aloud. The bright light emitting from the mystic clearly illuminated the path so Fox extinguished his orb of fire.

“I haven't been down the stairs but from what I saw when I passed it last, it is not in good condition. It was a maintenance stairway too which means that you are probably going to have to crouch down a bit to go down. I'll go down first to test the steps and warn you of weak spots and any slick material that might cause you to lose your balance if you would like. Does that sound fine?” Fox asked as they arrived at a small dark hole in the wall.

Even the bright light seemed to pale as it reflected off the dark, slimy, cracked stones that made up the steps. From the looks of it, the main sewer had overflowed at times dumping horrible smelling waste all over the steps. Even for a trained person like Fox, it was almost overwhelming.

However, the worst part was definitely the small center of the stairwell, or rather the lack of it. In all their infinite wisdom, the designers of this spiral staircase had left the middle open with a hole leading to the far away bottom. Maybe they thought it was a good way to lower down equipment in a bucket or something but now it was a danger to the structure of the stairs since they lacked a middle support. The some of the steps had already been lost and the others didn't look so safe with the large cracks running through them. Not to mention, there were no railings so that if someone slipped or a step gave way, it was likely that they would have a deadly or at least painful journey down to the bottom.

If Fox goes first, he will probably take a full fox form so he can hopefully feel out the dangerous steps and keep his balance better. I also included a poor drawing of the idea I had in mind of the stairs. Basically, the steps are connected to the wall and the stairs from one layer to the next are quite close together.

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