Golden Locks {Too Smol to Die}

[cameo]

~Location A of Gold Path~


Despite the permanent darkness of the entire Maze’s environment, colors brighten the aroma of the surrounding area. Beautiful flowers blossom within the dimness, and comfortable hues paint the peaceful cottage ahead. The atmosphere feels almost too pristine, and too no surprise a distant bear’s growl begin to erupt. Do you go inside the cottage for shelter from this potential danger?

Task: Runners must decide to go inside of the Cottage, or await to see if the Bear approaches

[Arrow]

Somewhere along the sorrow which we step through inching ever deeper into darkness actual light relieves the darkness. Heavenly hues inspire from the depths of the deep yet it only brings a sense of dread. What could the Maze Makers be planning in a place as perfect as this? In this thought my irises turn to the red illuminated sky and discover not even a breeze graces the calm of this creation. Something is certainly coming for the newest winners of the wealth, death most likely its ultimate destination and hunger.

Fingers flick over the chin of Kenny still clutching to my back as worry whips through my mind. Wounds have been covered and blood has been dammed within the skin of our slices. Out of all those wandering through these wretched routes I'm certain we aren't the most in danger, but still anything can change in a single second. A growl brings to certainty my circulating thoughts.

Almost too naturally my fingers unfurl the cruel chain I've held from conspiring against anyone else since it stole Wentworth's soul. A shadow soon reveals itself as the steps to a nearby structure and my senses numb. It's almost too easy to retreat to in such a situation. Teeth tear at the bottom of my lips, I refuse to have us be turned into sheep for slaughter.

"Don't go inside, its too easy. With the sound of whatever Greiver we are hearing its too convenient. I say we stay out here and handle this beast. We've proven what we can do." I only pray such promises of strength can be held to truth against the coming trial. 

Noelle Vangart
Too Smol To Die

[Kaplan]

Dragon had felt triumphant upon winning the wealth of the bloodbath. In the very same moment, however, he felt guilt, for he had had a part in the killing of another. Wentworth asked for death, sure, but Dragon somewhat wished he hadn't complied. Of course, he wasn't the one to give the final blow, but it still did occur. Dragon had been trained to kill, and now he felt regret for assisting in doing so. Was it because of who it was and the situation, or because it was killing in general? The boy assumed it was the situation at hand.

As the alliance of Noelle and rather small tributes ventured down the gold colored path, Dragon was in thought about the recent happenings. The words Salem had spoken to him were still on his mind. He thought about how he had listened to him by hitting Wentworth with a clawed fist. The boy from Four started to wonder if these words would haunt him of wrongdoing, or simply show him that he did the right thing. As of the moment, he wasn't quite sure.

Always having been the protective sort, when the alliance made their way down the path and came across a cottage, Dragon refused to retreat to safety. There was a growling noise in the distance, but he didn't want to run away. All the boy wanted was to protect himself and the others by fighting any griever that may come near. In this instance, his refusal to enter the cottage was obedient, in a way, as Noelle told them it was too easy of an escape. Dragon agreed with this, nodding in response.

"We need to stay out here. Fighting off whatever's approaching can't be too difficult to do," he expressed confidently.

The boy had always been of the confident sort, and that certainly didn't seem to be changing any time in the near future. Dragon had his weapon ready and equipped, just in case he needed to use it within moments. Then again, the boy hadn't removed his claws from his fists since the bloodbath. He stood ready to fight, just as he had before.

Dragon had always felt the need to impress his family. If he failed, he'd only be a disappointment. He needed to remain strong; he knew that for sure. There was no giving up. He couldn't cave in now or ever.

Dragon Jinx
Too Smol To Die

Thank you for the table, Arrow

[socks]

It's rather difficult trying to figure out how to stay alive especially when so many have already died, and all of them died right before my eyes. But it's nothing compared to the pain ripping through my hand. I always heard losing a body part hurts, and I can agree with them now because I understand how it feels. I'm just glad it wasn't an arm or a leg. At least I can still hold the unicorn horns as well as the other items I gathered. I wonder if the Capitol can fix my finger if I somehow manage to make it out of this alive.

With my head down, I follow along with the others trying to forget the traumatic events flashing before my eyes. Every tribute crumbling, my head resting against the sobbing boy's shoulder as tears of my own stained my cheeks. It's all so fresh, and I want to push it away, but I can't because I feel like I'm wading through a pool of blood.

And as my allies stop moving, I don't say a word.

My gaze locks on the giant house thing, and I'm curious to see what's inside, but I also don't want to go in. It's so dark, and so cold, and the sounds are horrible. I'm not ready to watch another person die. I grip a unicorn horn as I listen to what Noelle and Dragon are saying.

Every fiber of my being quivers in fear. My hands are shaking so much, I feel like I'm going to drop the tiny weapon I'm holding onto.

All I can do is nod my head. Entering is dangerous, but so is waiting outside.

"I'm fine with staying outside and waiting." I try to hide the fear lingering inside. I only hope it works.

Raiden Lloyd
Too Smol To Die

ty arrow <3

[Marree]

The old rusted chains connected to teh blade never leave her hands. It is heldfast with a tight grip. Her mind completely on two different scenes in front of her, both visual and audible. Danger lurks around every corner and her alliance seems to not understand what could be readily awaiting to kill them at any possible moment. However, the conversations alike, she feels the need to see what's inside despite the groups decision.



"Guys. I'm fast... I'm small. I had one of the best minimaze scores. You three are staying out here, but we need to know if something inside is useful. Tis best not to waste more than one person though..." She tries to persuade them, but it don't seem that they can be persuaded at all. Fear doesn't make her wait or stutter. She steps away from the group. Her heart is racing against her chest. She feels her fingers tingling with what she's about to do, but she just has to know.



"You three keep a lookout. I'll be right back. Call if anything happens and I'll be right back to help. I have a flashlight. I'll be fine! Wait for me." She tells them. There's no use in wasting an unexplored area.

Tina LaRue

Too Smol To Die

Tina LaRue enters the cottage

[cameo]

~Outcome~


The moment that Tina retrieves inside, and it's evident that the other Runners will not be joining as well, the Door immediately slams behind her. Various locks can be heard clicking around the Cottage - windows, and doors alike. With alliances outside, and a single Runner inside, what shall be done?

{Tina alone must choose from one of the following ~ as the others will surely be busy}

A) Attempt to break a window to get out
B) Attempt at picking the lock
C) Await for Maze-Makers to unlock the door
D) Other - Please explain

{Maze-Makers will reply with the outcome after all Runners have posted again}

In the mean time....



Papa Bear

A threat lingers in the distance. A warning growl pierces from his snarling lips. But unfortunately the nearby risk does not venture away. And with his family residing close, he does not take these intruders lightly. He goes to investigate, instantly charging at the closest person the moment they're spotted.

{Papa attacks (Determined by Roll below) ~ Claws (Spear)}
lAo8uKQ3151-200
{Minor Gash on Cheek: 5 Damage}

Who He's Attacking?
1. Dragon
2. Noelle
3. Raiden

1-3
{Raiden}

Papa Bear's Damage: 00/100

151-200·1-3

[Arrow]

Calmness quells into crippling chaos as a bear bursts through the brush. Anger exists within every inch of its insidious irises and panic pulsates through my breaths. The shadows by my side swiftly prepare for the assault as the bear continues to barrel towards them with the intent of battle. Suddenly one is sprinting towards the structure, my eyes follow her as she flees from the struggle we at least know as destiny. "Tina wait! It might be..." The door slams before she has a chance to reconsider, my eyes widen in hysteric horror. "Tina!"

A sudden slash shatters any sense of stability I'm grasping onto as blood builds from the wound whipped across Raiden's face. In a moment I'm rushing to his aid praying for the protection of Tina inside the Maze Maker's madness. "Raiden are you okay?" I barely have a chance to notice an acknowledgement before my mind remembers the last bit of human blood I've seen. My eyes eerily burn against the blood biting to my flail, fear forces my view away in a sickening silent scream. 

Voices violently break me back to the battle at hand and the souls I've sworn to protect. My knuckles clench around the chains of my selection as I stare the mechanics of the Maze Makers' in its eyes. "Get the hell away from us you slobbering beast!" My scream splits my long silence and stirs my movements into full force action.

Noelle attacks Papa Bear with her Flail

IlyZ|97D501-550

{Gash On Right Leg -- 10 damage}

Noelle's Damage: 0/100

Noelle Vangart
Too Smol To Die

501-550

[Marree]

Tina never expected to see what happened next. No, she truely thought her alliance would follow her into the house, but that wasn't even a chance. Just as soon as she stepped in, the door slammed, trapping her. Her head whipped around in terror for a moment. Her eyes widening in terror.

"No! Noelle! Help me! Help..." Her voice halts and her mind automatically starts to look for for a solution. The flail in her hand shook with her hands unsteadiness. Her other hand balled up into a fist and she beat on the door. "Noelle... guys? what's going on out there?"

A few feet away, a window is her own attempt to freedom. She quickly jumps over, peering outside at the awful scene in front of her. "RAIDEN! RAIDEN..."

She darts off taking (Option 4) in any chance of another door in the cottage to get out of. If she got in front the fact that she opened the door only to have it latch, would, if they had two, still be unlocked? Is there another door? "Find the exit. Find a path out... find some way to help out... Hold on Raiden!"

Tina LaRue
Too Smol To Die

Tina LaRue takes option 4, looking fro another way out - a door or basement door -

[Kaplan]

As Tina retreated into the cottage, Dragon didn't even have a moment to try to stop her. Locks clicked and he knew she was trapped inside. He couldn't, however, try to break into the house right then, as those outside had their own danger approaching. The growls of the bear had finally come close enough to reveal the beast itself. Before Dragon could lunge to attack it and fight it off, however, it made the first move. The bear hit Raiden, and adrenaline started pumping through Dragon's veins.

"Oh no you don't!" Dragon shouted, lunging out at the large bear.

Dragon Jinx
Too Smol To Die

Thank you for the table, Arrow

[Dragon attacks Papa Bear with werewolf claws]

_3HOSPWd51-100

[Broken Right Leg -- 20 damage]

51-100

[socks]

Tina runs straight for the cottage stating she's quick, and that she has a flashlight. I don't know what to do, but I couldn't follow because I didn't get a chance. Noelle is screaming her name telling her to wait, but even I know it can't be undone. The loud clicking of the locks reaches my ears, and I want to save her. But before anything else can happen, something sharp slashes across the side of my face. Blood gushes from open wound painting the grass an ugly red.

I can hear Tina pounding on the door shouting wondering what's going on.

Noelle asks if I'm okay.

Tina is shouting my name.

All I want to do is pass out and pretend I don't exist anymore. The realization that it all can happen is slowly crashing down.

Dragon shouts at the bear.

Nothing is making since. My ears are ringing, and I grip a unicorn horn. Every part of my being is locked in fear. I can't let this ugly thing kill me because I have no desire to become a meal.

I can't bring myself to speak, so I nod my head as fast as I can. I'm okay, I think, but then the sound of a cannon firing makes me more and more anxious. People are dying, and I'm going to end up one of them if I'm not careful.

But I have to attack and fight because Noelle, Dragon, and Tina are all counting on me.

Raiden Lloyd
Too Smol To Die

ty arrow <3

Raiden attacks papa bear
B44_jNd4301-350
309. Knife In Ear — 200 damage
papa bear be dead

5/100301-350

[cameo]

~Outcome~


A backdoor is discovered, but just as before - a locked, unbudging handle graces any palm that attempts to open it. Of course the Locke Siblings would not allow for anything to be as simple as that. Every single possible exit has been locked shut, accepting no easy escape. What will the lone Runner attempt now to seek the company of her alliance once more? It's best to think fast, and not solely search for a solution. Only actions achieve success within this Maze.

{Task: Tina has the same options as before}

{Also: Other alliance Runners are allowed to attempt at assisting - though success, and no consequences, are not guaranteed}

[Arrow]

It all happened in such a swift split second. War waging, fur fighting, screams spilling. In a moment our band was back into a battalion. Blood was building beneath the beast's fur as our fury was driving into submission, and then it was dead. A knife shot from Raiden's hand at such supreme speed there was no way to dodge it. The bear barely made a sound as it shrugged to the earth never to growl another day. Disbelief still stains my skin that children as small as those whom I've aligned can be such capable killers. I force such insidious thoughts from my mind and focus on what matters most in the moment. 

My feet fuel me to Raiden's side where my medical skills from Twelve blossom into full fruition. Several seconds are all I spend assessing the wound because surprisingly its very minor, a breath of relief leaves my lips as I can happily say the following words to Raiden's face. "It's barely a scratch, no signs of toxins either. You'll be just fine." I wish I could take another moment to just breathe in the peace which persists around us, but Tina still remains in peril. 

I rush over to the cottage and despite what she clearly is facing I first try to force open the door with no luck. Upon the discovery of her cottage cell ideas begin bubbling up within the complex center of my cortex. My eyes first look to the chimney, but it seems to small for even a soul like Tina. Fear furrows in my heart as I imagine her getting stuck and dying within the confines of that very smoke pillar. A shake my head to rid myself of such sorrowful thinking. Tine LaRue will not be dying today or as long as I am living. 

A minute goes by as an idea in which I believe could work sprouts from my farm of thoughts. A smile of solely excitement splits my lips as I run to a nearby window making sure I can see Tina as I talk loudly to her through the glass. "I have an idea I want to try. Stay away from this window!" My footsteps fill the air as I run to the nearby forest line and find a strong and heavy rock which I can hurl towards the glass.

Slowly I prepare myself to throw the large stone but stop before even daring. My irises lock onto Dragon and Raiden, "Get clear if this window has a force field this rock could come hurtling back at us like an asteroid. Get to cover just in case!" I wait for them to find shelter for a moment before sending it straight towards the window with all the force I hold within me. Only once I can see for sure the large stone is sailing straight to the window do I fall to the floor covering my head in case any force field is in fact present. 

Noelle Vangart
Too Smol To Die

{Noelle throws a large heavy rock at a window to try to break it safely for Tina to escape through}

[Marree]

Tina's efforts are futile. As much as she tries to find a way out, panic starts to set in. Despite the minimaze scores, she realizes there is no way out of this maze, because it isn't a maze at all. It is a confined space and getting out is just not an option. However, Noelle seems to have a plan. She seems to want to help.

A rock is thrown at the window, but Tina's not really sure if it helps. So, her vision saunters over the entire cottage, curious about the items inside. The chair, at the table looks appetizing enough to use and right before she grips it, she screams out.

"WATCH OUT!" She takes the chair, taking a full swing to hit the glass in the middle, throwing herself to the ground with the force, covering her eyes in cautious attempts

Tina LaRue
Too Smol To Die

Tina LaRue tries to slam the chair against the glass.

[Kaplan]

Dragon watched as the females of the group made escape attempts for Tina. Feeling the need to assist, Dragon had to think quickly. He hated feeling useless. Unfortunately, right then, he did feel useless. Unsure of what to do, he wracked his brain for any ideas.

"Tina! If we manage to break a window, come over to it and I'll pull you through, okay?" Dragon shouted to his ally.

He genuinely hoped they could get her out. He could only imagine what the maze makers would do to a girl trapped in there. Would they starve her or would they eventually let her out?

[socks]

All I can do is sit and watch as the bear crumbles to the ground. My own unicorn horn sticks deep in its ear, and part of me feels bad because the bear didn't deserve to die, but it would've killed one of us had it lived. I feel bad for all these creatures. Living their live for the maze. Some of them dying for the Capitol's comedy. I hate it. But what can a small boy do? I'm nothing compared to them, and yet I have to fight in order to survive.

I sigh as Noelle tells me I'm okay, and I feel good knowing that the bear didn't devour half my face or something. I've always heard that cuts to the face bleed more because of lots of vessels or something, but none of that matters anyway.

And then she lifts a rock telling us all to take cover, and I do the same. I hit the ground putting my tiny hands over my head wondering what's going to happen. I just need Tina to get out. To make sure she's okay, and to tell her to never do something stupid like that ever again.

Raiden Lloyd
Too Smol To Die

ty arrow <3


5/100