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Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2020 7:17:09 GMT -8
Oolong City. It was a city full of sinners. A repository for greed, crime, and all manner of hedonism. The smell of stale booze and tobacco permeated the air itself. Bright neon lights flashed all over the place, and advertisement boards displayed all manner of inappropriate things. He could hear laughter and lament all at once. Distant gunshots rang out, but were immediately swallowed in the cacophony of noise. He hesitated at the entrance to the city. Was this really the place his father Cress used to frequent? Had his mother nearly cut him down here? They told himself and Echo stories of how they met, and his parents had always laughed about it. Nothing about this place seemed funny. Note was missing the joke altogether. "Shall we venture inside, Note-san?" Aria's eyes roamed the surrounding attractions, a bemused smile on her lips. "I would imagine there are many with then who could use your help." His help? Note sincerely doubted if there was anything he could do to aid anyone in this sort of place. Why had he believed that this was a good idea? Had Aria tried to warn him off? Was that the purpose of her line of questioning? This place... he didn't belong here. Neither of them did. "Maybe we should go, Aria—"Something tugged at the sleeve of his haori. It was an tiny old woman wrapped in a ratty shawl. Her eyes were red-rimmed as if she had been crying. "Will you please help me, young man? I've just been robbed and no one seems willing to help!" Anger simmered within him—the short temper he'd inherited from his father. Could someone so cruel exist in this place? Who would harm a defenseless woman? Note knelt beside her, a warm smile touching his lips. "Don't worry. Aria and I will help you. Did you see which way the thief went?"[316 of 316] words [316 of 2,000] mission total
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Post by Maxine on Oct 22, 2020 4:25:08 GMT -8
The outskirts of Oolong City… of course, they were just as dangerous as its core.
”It’s all been sorted out. Looks like Hatsuko pulled through. There’s no one from the Cats in sight.”
Standing amidst the heady air and misty alleys, the machine was in her element. Neon lights had always lit her way, while neither pleasure nor pain had ever held any sway over her. Instead, she could only envy such sensations. For the dog of the Shinobu Clan, this den of demons was home – and, like always, she was all business.
The burner phone slipped from the android’s ear, and was promptly disassembled – the plastic frame was taken apart, and the memory chip melted with ki. Which left Maxine with the evening to herself… a rare occasion, especially when Hatsuko was involved in a job. Maybe she was finally shaping up. No doubt the shameless samurai could become a fearsome soul if she dedicated herself a little more… but, unfortunately, that was a matter Maxine had little say in. She’d tried, once, but unfortunately convincing every club in the city not to serve the yakuza punk had proven to be an impossible task.
Checking her tie and hefting her suitcase back off the ground, the violet haired android considered her options – it wasn’t like she didn’t have some more chores to handle, but she’d made time in her week’s schedule for them already. Maybe she ought to catch up with the Flying Monkey’s staff, just in case… hm, though, she’d much rather get back to headquarters and finish cleaning her rifle instead. And, the chairman’s birthday was coming up…
But while she hesitated, others took charge – ”Oh, thank you, thank you – it warms my heart to know there are still people and not just demons in this city. The young punks, those yakuza; they’ll steal even the skin off your teeth!” Offering an uneasy smile in return to Note, the old woman nodded down the alley near the pair. ”You see? Wearing suits and ties, but robbing even an old lady… they probably know all too well that all that’s in that suitcase is my family’s meagre savings, but that’s enough for those vultures…!”
Though she didn’t quite hear the conversation, Maxine did not miss the attention – her violet eyes flicked down the alley, glowing ever-so-slightly; their LEDs betraying her nature in the dim surroundings. Her clan cufflinks shone in the dying sunlight – a spiralling design, like a snake. The lady was not entirely wrong… the yakuza were often bottom-feeders, there was no arguing that.
But, they also knew better than to play with fire.
That lady again… nothing but trouble, but also someone Maxine wouldn’t dare mess with. To think a nightclub tycoon had such petty hobbies as this. Serious types like her were always her favourite playthings – Maxine, too, had once gotten caught up in one of her troublesome lies. She got the feeling she wasn’t on her best behaviour right now, either, but the android knew better than to make the first move. Maybe she’d just like Maxine slip away quietly, if she was lucky, but…
[522/838/2000] Starting PL: 14,824
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Post by Gris on Oct 22, 2020 5:24:31 GMT -8
There's a reason the Meyers never really went outside their bounds in the South. Some of these Western cities were nasty. No place for the youngest daughter, definitely, even with the sword who felt no different amongst these demons than the others.Seems his only gripe so far has been their strange organization. One could say he's very old fashioned. Lagging behind the times, even. Without having full control over her body all the time, the more skittish girl would have to keep to more open roads. "Sir, You said Amakuni was last somewhere in these lands, right? Like, thousands of years ago? "The girl with silvery-white hair looked like she was talking to herself at the moment, but she had an unlikely companion at her literal side. An ebony scabbard held within it a demon sword, sealed within an ebony katana. It made no sound, only speaking to its wielder through their bond. She was personally still working on how to respond in kind... "There is a great chance she still is buried into the soils here somewhere. I doubt these weaklings ever bothered searching for the first sealed demon. We must keep our eyes peeled for anything-"Oh, that didn't take long at all for Griselda to stop and stare. An older lady and kid around her age. Well, kid. He looked very proper and, like, a samurai? That's how she imagined them personally, and Usumidori's own feelings towards the getup seem to confirm it. ignoring that, the woman sounded like she was in distress. Naive kid as she was, the girl tip tapped on along with no sense of hiding herself. Compared to Note, she looked a lot closer to a student who got her hands on a blade than any trained warrior. "H-hey! I'm here, I can help!"Bless her soul. The eighth-demon girl would stand by at the entrance to the alley and study the supposed thug who mugged her. Ooooh... Okay, she was kinda spooky looking. Usumi-chan wasn't about to speak up just yet, but something did disturb him here. Oh well, better to keep himself a little secret right now and let the kid do the talking. Look, she was getting better at it! "Hey! I'm only going to ask once, drop the... savings! Yeah, drop them and be on your way!" Thread PL: 1163 WC: 394 MWC: 1233 @note Maxine
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Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2020 11:22:01 GMT -8
The old woman was grateful for his help. She remarked that the city was full of yakuza thugs who had no qualms with robbing anyone, including defenseless old women. His irritation grew. He clenched his jaw. His deep blue eyes held a spark of righteous retribution. It was unforgivable to do harm to an innocent. There were many powerful beings in the world, human and non-human alike. So many were capable of great feats and even greater good. Yet they chose to do harm to those incapable of protecting themselves? That was why he wanted to get stronger. Note wanted to be the bastion against the darkness invading the world. He wanted to demonstrate that there was still much good. "I'm glad to help. We both are." He nodded at Aria who offered the old woman a tender smile. The old woman directed their attention down in nearby alleyway. It would seem that was the direction the thief went. The alley was narrow, sequestered between two brick buildings. It was poorly lit; bits of trash littered the pathway leading from this main thoroughfare and deeper into the heart of the city. Tobacco smoke filtered out of cracked windows and open door ways, spilling into the alley where it clung to the walls and obscured their view. Just through the smoke, standing there watching them, was a well dressed woman in a suit carrying a case. Her eyes glowed in her dim surroundings as she regarded them. It was difficult to tell whether the woman knew what the old lady had said. He gripped the hilt of his sword, glancing nervously at the woman. If she were truly the culprit, then he would take her down and retrieve the old woman's belongings. But the sight of the woman gave him pause. He had always been taught a samurai should trust their instincts: Note's instincts told him that rushing headlong into the alley would lead to more trouble than it was worth. "Master Note?" Aria stood beside him, staring into the alleyway. It was the first time he'd ever seen her smile disappear. "As your protector, I'm inclined to suggest we don't get involved with this. But we shall proceed as you desire." Her words felt like lead upon his shoulders. His fingers trembled slightly on his sword hilt. What should he do? The choice was made for him. Someone else decided to join in helping the old lady. A girl not much younger than him with silver hair carrying a sword of her own declared she was there and ready to help. What was someone like her doing a place like this? Then again, the same could be asked of himself and Aria. She wouldn't be there and carrying a blade if she weren't capable of using it, right? He was clearly out of his element but perhaps together they could deal with the present threat. Until the girl decided to confront the yakuza a woman on her own. Note's eyes widened in surprise as the girl demanded the woman return the case. "H-Hang on! Shouldn't we form a strategy first?" They no longer held the advantage of surprise. This could get ugly fast. "Aria!" "My liege!" Both drew their katanas and squared their feet, waiting in anxious anticipation for the strange woman with the glowing eyes to make her move. Would she give up, knowing the ruse was up? Or would they have to fight her after all? [578 of 894 / 1,811 of 2000 ] words
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Post by Maxine on Oct 22, 2020 22:58:08 GMT -8
As soon as she saw her onlooker place his hand on his sword’s hilt, Maxine knew that her night was about to get a lot longer. Such a pain… based on that outfit, she’d guess he was a half-Demon or half-Saiyan from some minor family. Maybe from the rural lands beyond the city, or maybe some World Government wannabe. And, he wasn’t alone, though his comrade seemed far less comfortable. As he hesitated, the android’s eyes met his – an unspoken warning. Her free right hand slipped down towards her waist, and into her jacket; feeling for her revolver’s grip.
Unfortunately – she hadn’t bet on another soul getting involved.
Charging around the corner came another girl – and another katana. Three wannabe samurai, huh? All so young, too; though in the Duchies it’d be foolish to assume anyone’s identity. Demons weren’t known for looking their age, particularly with any Saiyan blood added to the mix. Even if they were complete amateurs, three-on-one was not good odds for Maxine. She’d need to stop by the drycleaners after this; the chairman hated when her suit was tarnished. At least she couldn’t see any clan colours on the trio… it didn’t look like they were a crew, or coordinating anything in particular.
The boy’s blathering reassured her of that particular fact, but the new appearance gave her the most important comment – indeed, they were just being toyed with by Lady Chou. Turning to the trio, Maxine raised the briefcase, and simply flicked its latches; letting it fall open in front of them. ”I don’t think it would be very responsible… to drop this.” Though her cool tone made her sound a little threatening, it didn’t suggest any immediate violence – she certainly didn’t have a katana of her own.
There definitely weren’t any life savings in the padded case, nor family keepsakes… not unless the old lady’s ancestral treasure was a pristinely maintained assault rifle. Thankfully, Maxine’s next move wasn’t to bring it to bear, but she didn’t mind blowing her cover a bit if it meant maybe avoiding a pointless fight. ”I take it you’re new here. Quite unlike the honourable Lady Chou.” remarked Maxine gently, glancing past the trio at their damsel in distress.
Behind them, the defenceless old lady was still worried about her family’s life savings… in this case, by pilfering the distracted youths’ wallets; or whatever else that was in their exposed pockets. Though she looked as meek as ever, her wavy silver hair had extended to reach for them – prehensile hair, one of the countless tricks of Demons. That especially light touch was particularly convenient for pickpocketing, it seemed.
But, to her credit, the lady merely cackled as she was called out on her bluff; backing down with a newfound smile. ”Yes, yes; consider this your warm welcome to Oolong City. The yakuza are certainly bottom feeders, but aren’t we all?” she crooned, clearly considering it all one fun joke – ”Tragically, this android didn’t have a sense of fun programmed; but we’re not all bad, you see? Young reckless kids like you, though, you’ll fit in excellently around here.”
Though clearly unimpressed by the change in tone and idle insult, Maxine just closed her briefcase again; heaving a slight sigh. But, then, a thought occurred to her – this could actually be quite convenient. ”If you are indeed new here, and insistent on intervening, then I may have a more useful angle for you…” mused the machine, taking a few steps towards the trio – hopefully they weren’t just looking for excuses to dismember her in the first place, but it was a risk she could take. ”Do you know of the Grand Duke’s Own University; GDOU? If you need somewhere to start, then I think I could find a paying job for foreigners such as yourselves. Perhaps even in return for accommodation, for a short time.”
She didn’t like working with people she couldn’t rely on, but it was a low priority job, and this was a useful coincidence. This matter, at least, was worth a small gamble.
[681/2492/2000]
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