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Post by Koma on Jan 24, 2020 0:01:48 GMT -8
Little Vegeta, perhaps the most rambunctious and dangerous section of Oolong City. A place where one either had to be escorted by a veritable army of guards, be a native to the neighborhood, have to have paid off the right people, or exerted the right energy. It was a place full of danger, and according to what Ma-Te had said, some of the best cabaret clubs in the entire city, if not the world. Ma-Te had made no mystery to Koma that Saiyan girls were his 'type', and so the swaggering prince of the Tea Clan had visited the area often. Ma-Te had paid off the right people, and that was the passport for himself and his friends in Little Vegeta when he had chosen to go there for a pub crawl or to carouse. That was not the style of Koma, son of Swing. Koma was big enough to put the youngest toughs off of trying attacks on his person, his honor, or his financial health. For the rest? Koma had taken no lack of fun smashing a path through the borough's degenerates as he made his way to Ma-Te's favorite drinking establishment in the entire district. Every punch he had thrown had been a measure of breath in his proverbial meditation on the matters which remained to be handled in the aftermath of the case against Ma-Te's murder and those who had ordered it. Melody, despite her presumptuous attitude, had helped tremendously in the case here and there and now he found himself sitting at one of the floor level tables in the public house known as the Flying Monkey, and nursing a can of spicy cherry soda. Something he had ordered simply because he knew that not even service workers in the district were not above drugging a person's drink. He had told Melody to come the Bar without any of her vassals in tow, and to spread the message to Zukkah as well. Finally, he had one of the Dumpling Hill Gang hand deliver a message requesting for Riku to come to the bar, and included a small stipend of Zeni in the hand delivered letter to more formally invite the Samurai to the bar and what Koma had planned. The grandson of Yajirobe saw several patrons staring at him, and even more wondering what he was doing when they noticed that he hadn't taken advantage of the seating level all the seats had when it came to the fact all the waitresses in the pub wore short and frilly skirts and were walking above generally above the sight line of the patrons. As he waited, he also took the time to order a series of dishes for the group. As the person who had invited them to this meeting, it was apart of honor to do so, and further than that, if Juniper was correct, Melody would be hungry, given she was likely pregnant. The Half-Saiyan shook his head, before taking another sip of his spicy cherry soda. To think that such a pompous swords woman would agree to bare the children of a lout such as she kept as her lapdog, despite the fact that she was the same woman who had started a fight over wanting to take seconds from the dinner pot. Of Zukkah, he knew next to nothing, only what had been reported to him, but there was a reason they were in this section of the capital city in part because it was the home of Zukkah and the other Saiyans who had been involved in the number of crimes that had occurred in the city. Koma did not look down on them for it, people did what they had to do- and if what he had been told was true, his father was a Saiyan as well, so he was himself a half-Saiyan. Riku meanwhile had his respect, and would have not been bothered to come along on this journey, but had been asked to do so simply because Koma needed a hand he could trust to be honorable on the following adventure. He took yet another sip, and wondered if Ma-Te would have been like the patrons in the tavern who were bewildered at least a little by the fact that Koma was not ogling the girls. Even before, Ma-Te had jabbed at him about it, especially when one of Ma-Te's favorites, one of those Saiyan girls with actual Saiyan tails, had walked by with it swaying. This was a bawdy, distasteful place, but that was the other side of the coin that made up the Pig Demon Duchies. Not by cleverness and covert action, nor by honor and might would the western lands have been protected all these years. It had taken both to protect them and grow the wilderness and scattered villages into something more. It took both sides of the coin even now. [818] Melody Zukkah Rik
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Post by Juni on Jan 25, 2020 8:48:40 GMT -8
A cabaret, in a somewhat decent area of Oolong City, was no place for Princess Juniper or Duchess Melody. Prior to Koma’s arrival, Hachiko was present, surrounded by equally cladly dressed women, who were being paid well enough to draw the attention of any onlooker within The Flying Monkey. Demons were not well regarded by earthlings, it was obvious by the red tipped horns on her head, but the saiyan women did not seem to mind since they were being paid in thick stacks of zeni bills which increased their performance of hostess. Piercing red eyes watched Koma enter the room, followed by his retainers, and some of the royal guards who began to fill the room. It was a strange series of events, the prisoner by the name of Zukkah had been kept in jail for a night, and the following night was escorted to this fine establishment. While it would have been proper to handle the matter at the Grand Duke’s castle, Koma set everything up to take place here, and she was curious who died and put this half saiyan in charge. Melody had informed Princess Juniper of the meeting, since she had been summoned, but she explained that her power level had been decreasing by the day suspecting that she was unfit to travel as a result. The half demon had no choice but to appear in the body she was born with, a face she could put on display in sin city, and she wondered if Koma would still recognize her. While Ma-Te looked like a pig, his sisters Clove, and Juniper looked like their respective demon mothers. The pig appearance was dominant with the males of the family and there were many times when she wondered if her male offspring would have a pig face; he would be more horrific than her present form. While she desired to address Koma as soon as he arrived, she waited in her private vip red leather booth, which made her grey skin and white hair stand out, it seemed like the former samurai was waiting for someone apart from Melody. With crimson red eyes, she watched, the saiyan girls were giggling quietly about the wonderful stories they had amassed from their clients since working for this establishment. Hachiko was only half listening, casually smiling whenever they reached a point in the story, and stroking their hair or the sides of their arms affectionately for keeping her attention. [410] Koma Zukkah Rik
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Post by Rik on Jan 25, 2020 20:25:47 GMT -8
Riku sat at the bar of the Rooster, sipping cheap sake and watching boxing matches on tv. He had considered trying to place a bet on the match, but he honestly found the sport a bit too tame. Yes, the boxers could hurt each other, but it was mostly superficial damage. They were taking little enough risk, especially the few he saw who were actually skilled. There was one that moved like a warrior, bobbing and weaving away from strikes of his opponent and counter attacking when the time was opportune. Wearing his opponent down until he was too tired to fight properly before going on a full offensive. He drained the rest of his glass with a grimace and refilled the cup from the small bottle nearby.
A rough voice behind him broke into his bubble of solitude, "You Riku? Riku Masumura?"
Riku swiveled the stool around and leaned back against the bar, and looked at the man who had addressed him; a gang member, wearing the colors of the Dumpling Hill gang if he wasn't mistaken. He was a greasy haired fellow with gap teeth, and he was watching him quite intently, waiting for his answer. Riku picked his glass up and took another sip before he answered, "I am he. What does the Dumpling Hill gang wish of me? Or are you here for a personal matter?" He idly reached down and tapped his fingers against his hilt in a not so subtle threat.
The tough's eyes lingered on the sword for a moment, before he refocused on him, "I have a message from Koma, of the Bear Clan. Don't bother asking what it says, I don't know and it isn't work my life to ask and get mixed up in it. Here, take this so I can go home."
Riku reached out and took the outstretched message pouch and nodded to the man, "Very well. Your task is completed, have a nice evening."
Riku broke the seal on the pouch and reached into it, scanning the contents of the letter. It seemed Koma wanted to meet him down in Little Vegeta... it wasn't all that far from here, really. He reached in and took out a small coin purse and rattled it; a fair amount of Zenni. He turned back to the bar and shot the rest of the cheap sake down and tossed a few zenni on the counter before getting up. He had a meeting to get to. He stood and stalked out of the Rooster and into the streets of Oolong.
It wasn't more than an hour after receiving the letter that Riku strode into the cabaret. It was important to look confident without looking foolish in neighborhoods like this. Toughs tended to avoid confident people when looking to rob someone. Though sometimes, if they were looking for a fight it drew them in like flies to honey. He looked about and spotted Koma sitting at one of the tables. He approached through the crowd until he was near to the table, where he gave the man a respectful bow, "Greetings, Koma, I received your message. Might I sit with you while we discuss what you have in mind?"
[536/536]
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Post by Koma on Feb 5, 2020 5:05:15 GMT -8
A hunter was patient. A fisher was patient. A farmer was patient. A tailor was patient. So too, a warrior had to be patient. So too, a ruler had to be patient. He had to be ready to roll with the punches, the kicks, the stabs, the jeers. He had to see the truth behind the lines. Moments after Riku had arrived, and Koma gave the cyborg Samurai a polite bow, standing for a moment before gesturing for Riku to sit as well. “Please do so. This will take some time before we are ready, and that's if the plan goes the way it should. Order anything you want, it's on my tab.”
And indeed one of the scantily clad Saiyan girls, this one dressed in a maid's outfit of the style popular in West City, frills and ribbons on a black dress. She asked what they would like, giving a little bit of flirtation forth in the direction of Riku before leaving to get the things that they ordered.
But before Koma could begin, a police officer dressed in the city's police garb, with the half-mon of the Tea Clan and the half-mon of the White Cat clan combined to make one mon came in. He bowed to Koma before whispering to Koma and Riku.
“Apologies, my prince, but the prisoner both refuses to leave his cell and take your parole from this, and Spearmint Tea and Peppermint Tea have decided that they are going to take turns trying to get information out of him. They've blocked your effort to release him.”
Then the police officer left as quickly as he came, his message passed and feeling eager to get out of the seldom patrolled streets of Little Vegeta. This was annoying. He slammed a shot glass of Sake down his gullet, before waving his body around a little bit, moving as if he was drunk.
“Hey you, Grey beauty!” he said, pointing to Juniper. “Come here. Right n-now!!!!” he knew what her spiritual energy felt like, he knew her smell intimately already- the smells of a normal tea clan members mixed with the scents of exotic incense and the faintest touch of sulfur. He did not say a thing about knowing the truth though. If she wanted to play a game of dress up, let her.
[390] [1208]
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Post by Juni on Feb 6, 2020 1:15:11 GMT -8
“Well ladies, it is probably a good time for me to leave, as you have each said: the later it gets the drunker the men are.” With a smile she left the girls a stack of zeni bills as a tip and stood up. While typically larger in her demon form, she was her usual petite height, and her long makeshift dark purple designer kimono dragged on the floor across the main cabaret room towards the bar; looking up at Koma with intense red eyes and then at Riku.
“Greetings Riku Masumura, I am Hachiko tonight, it is a pleasure to meet again, samurai. There are not many around in the city. Perhaps we can discuss the subject?” Hachiko’s voice was the same as Juniper’s. In fact she said around the same dialogue from when she met Riku at the tea house give him a hint at her identity.
Hachiko took a seat around the corner of the bar, from Koma’s left, and still had a full view of Riku who sat to the right of the drunken prince. The bartender placed a lemon drop glass in front of the demon woman with sharp red tipped horns and she gave him a stack of zeni in payment. After taking a single sip of her sour drink, she looked over at Koma, uncertain if he was light weight or not.
“Is it safe to assume you wanted to take the criminal Zukkah under your wing? I understand that capable fighters are difficult to come by. However, it is a Tea clan issue, and while Ma-Te was your friend he is family to us. I am not saying he was not like family to you, but in black and white terms, the issue is still my clan’s responsibility.”
Crimson eyes looked over to Riku, “How do you feel about the matter? Do you believe a prison sentence is justified as proper punishment for his crimes? I believe no one is absolved from sin, we all commit them, and people judge us for it when we get caught. My only hope is if the crime is minor then the sentence should fit the punishment. No need to place someone under inhumane circumstances longer than it needs to be. Repeated offenders...well that is another issue.”
[380] [790]
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Post by Rik on Feb 7, 2020 13:45:31 GMT -8
Riku took his place to the right of Koma and sat down, murmuring, "Thanks, I appreciate it." He ordered a small bottle of sake and some egg rolls, keeping the fare light and simple. He nodded in gratitude as the waitress in the skimpy maid outfit brought his drink. He smiled at her and winked as she blushed and turned away, swishing her tail behind her. He wasn't especially sure what was going on, but he had decided to play it by ear as the police officer approached and gave his report to Koma. He sipped at the sake, a much better quality than was being poured at the Rooster and almost closed his eyed to relish it... before remembering that he was here to actually do something. Even if he wasn't sure what, exactly. So, this is involving a prisoner of some kind... Does he wish me to be a guard for his transfer? Or is it something else?
He turned to look at the one Koma called "Grey Beauty" to see a grey skinned demoness approaching them with short white hair and a dark kimono. He waited patiently as she took a place at the table and eyed her and Koma carefully, they seemed to know each other somehow. He waited to see the dynamic unfold as she payed for her drink and looked to Koma. Riku's eyebrow quirked in surprise as she introduced herself and knew his name... and then told her to call her Hachiko. He almost let puzzlement cross his face when she mentioned Zukkah, the saiyan fellow he had had a friendly scuffle with a few months ago. Curiosity overwhelmed him and he flipped his scanner on to get a reading of this new person.
Scanning... Reading Power Signature... Power Signature Recognized! Power signature: Juni, Princess of the Tea clan.
He almost nodded to himself but kept a poker face as he dismissed the message. He gave her a small bow and spoke, "Greetings... Hachiko. I am not familiar with Zukkah's role with this crime, but the man I knew was not an evil man. I could see him being reckless or led into foolishness, certainly. Maybe he takes a little too much joy from battle. Perhaps a small pittance of a sentence to impact just how much trouble he could have faced... and then rehabilitate him. He is a warrior without a cause. A sword with no sheathe; he needs to be given a purpose and directed appropriately. Teach him the way of Bushido if he consents to it; give him a code to guide him. That is my say on the matter." He ended his words by emptying his sake glass and carefully refilling it. He had said what he had to say, and now he would see what they had to say. He wouldn't necessarily expect them to listen to him... but they had asked.
[484/1020]
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Post by Koma on Feb 13, 2020 9:43:08 GMT -8
Almost immediately, Koma's posture straightened up, shifting and tilting his head. Juniper was somehow aware that he was aware that she was in this other form of herself. It was no surprise, he had heard from Ma-Te before that his sisters were the same as he was, three parts demon in heritage to one part pig beastman. He had of course also seen Ma-Te transform once when corned by opponents, though Ma-Te liked to call himself a lover and a thinker, not a fighter and a bleeder.
The slate gray eyed Saiyan-Human Samurai turned prince of the Pig Demon Duchies looking serious as he did and he moved to allow Juniper a seat with them if she wanted it. He didn't look at her for a moment, before shaking his head.
“It's not just about the insult they made to your clan, Hachiko. He may have been your brother, your clan's heir, and your father's pride and joy, but he was my only genuine friend left. I had saved him from mortal danger dozens of times and he had saved me from the same for dozens of times more. He had even begged me to stay here in the Capital when the Saber Cat Clan decimated the Bear Clan, when they put out a bounty on my head. He claimed that his clan, your clan, could ground the bounty to a halt, and that he would take me on as his personal body guard. He begged it, because he didn't want that to be the last time we saw each other. If I had only listened to him, he wouldn't be dead. Because I would have cut that Saiyan would-be gangster into ribbons before he could have tried his monkey shit. So now, I am guilty, I failed my one remaining friend, and more than that, ignored his generosity. He saw me like a brother he did not have, but I hesitated to fully let my guard down to even him. It is not right and if the Dragon Balls existed? I'd wish him back to life, make things right between us properly. But they don't exist, at least not anymore. So the best option I can give him is tearing out those who killed him and disrespected him so, destroying them root and branch.”
He took a sip of his alcoholic drink, before tilting his head. “You realize that was my primary goal with Zukkah, do you not? Offer him a chance at redemption in the eyes of the law and of me, by turning on the corrupted teat that nursed him and the other one into being such brigands. Now he is gone, and now I will simply have to rely on my strength, Riku's strength if he will offer it, and your strength if you think your clan has to be involved in this matter, to eradicate the Saiyan mafia which they were apart of.”
[489] [1,697]
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Post by Juni on Feb 17, 2020 14:10:25 GMT -8
“I believe you, Riku-san. The saiyan children of downtown Little Vegeta are influenced by the gangs that thrive here at present. It has been far too long that the grand dukes have ignored the problem and now they have no choice but to confront the issue. Perhaps, with guidance, Zukkah can come to terms with finding the balance in the future of his own kind. I have been informed by Duchess Melody that he willingly accepted taking responsibility despite the members of his gang deserting him. That is proof that he is honorable in his own way.”
Hachiko looked away from Koma, she began digging in her kimono as he spoke loudly of her family affairs so openly for anyone to hear, it made her nervous to discuss the matter in public. The death of her brother affected him on a deep level, almost as if taking responsibility for being unable to protect him, and it was difficult to console him while he was still mourning. There was a moment of silence when she stopped reaching in her pocket, the gravity of the situation shifted back to discussing Zukkah’s fate, and she had no control over her clan’s decisions.
“Revenge will not ease your heart.” Hachiko said simply, “You can honor him instead, it will take some time to overcome your remorse, but if you work twice as hard at living to make a change for the better---so be it. That is how you can honor oniisan, by doing your best to keep others safe in Oolong City, dissolving these saiyan gangs is the first step.”
After a beat, she reflected on what she could to do ease the situation, and it would be difficult to defy her family.
“After the investigation, perhaps I can convince my family to permit visitation for the both of you to see Zukkah, but it will not be an immediate decision. I have limited influence at present and without my sister’s plea it would fall on deaf ears. Death is not something my family is accustomed to.”
The tea princess drank her lemon drop and ordered another, a soft red tinge appeared on her ash grey cheek, and she sighed feeling rather powerless for the first time in her life.
“Do you ever get the feeling that sometimes you have a better understanding of a family problem than your parents? I personally do not like outsmarting mine but sometimes I question the decisions they make.”
[411] [1,201]
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Post by Rik on Feb 19, 2020 9:37:23 GMT -8
Riku listened to Koma's words, feeling the pain hidden behind them as a tiger hides in the tall grasses. He sipped at his sake and let him tell the tale of a friend's death. Riku had survived longer than most of the men who had rebelled under their daimyo's orders, and had left his fiance, Ayame, behind when he had been forced to flee. He had not been able to find out what had happened to her since he had awakened; the web searches he had performed had only the briefest mention of her and nothing on her fate. He sighed as he topped his glass up and brought himself back to full focus on the conversation at hand. He nodded in agreement as Koma spoke of wiping the gang out, "I will add my own blade to yours for this endeavor. It is needful at times to be the knife that cuts the canker from the neighborhood out so it does not spread through the rest of the community."
He drank his glass of sake down and turned to the princess Juniper as she began to speak. He nodded and said, "A visitation would be appropriate and potentially beneficial for our task. Perhaps he can further secure his release by divulging information about how this gang operates, members, and how we might best attack to strike the head from the serpent as it were." Riku pursed his lips and considered the young woman's question. He had always been taught to obey and respect his elders; indeed in his time it was almost unthinkable not to do so. Still, he had sometimes questioned the wisdom of his elders, if usually only within the confines of his own mind, so he empathized with the tea-princesses doubts and concerns. He cleared his throat and spoke, "No doubt the elders in your clan, much like all of us, see things through the lens of their own experience, Hachiko. The thing about this is sometimes that lens gives them great insight on certain matters, and makes others less clear and blurred. Only together can you all gain a full perspective of events; however sometimes age makes people less willing to listen to those younger than them. Especially if those people are their children. Just remember this when you have children of your own, Hachiko. Just because you have lived longer and know more, it doesn't mean your children won't have their own wisdom to offer, seen through their own lens."
He poured another drink but left it sitting as he picked up an egg roll and bit into it cautiously. It was crunchy, the flavors were smooth, with a hint of sweet and heat that was delicious. He popped the rest of it into his mouth and after swallowing, he continued, "Koma, as I said, you have my sword, however I am curious; do you have a plan for tackling this gang of jumped up hooligans? Or are we just going in scorched earth and destroying them root and branch?"
[506/1526]
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Post by Koma on Feb 20, 2020 14:02:19 GMT -8
Koma closed his eyes at the words of Juniper – Hachiko – and listened to them, taking them and holding a copy of them in each mental hand. One moved to notate them as sound advice, the advice of a friend and associate, and the other moved to throw them in the fire of forgetfulness like so much other refuse. The slate gray eyed man listened as she spoke, and as Riku spoke and counseled the two of them, and then opened his eyes before taking a sip of the coffee he had ordered before any of the alcohol, and then putting the cup back on the table, emptied out.
“I can't say I have ever had that problem with my parents, Juniper.” because he didn't have parents for much of his life, but he didn't say that. Instead he turned his head to Riku and then to Juniper. “My plan to deal with them is not going to be an easy one. I'm not dumb enough to waste resources for the Duchies by simply eradicating or exiling these Saiyans. What I plan to do is to beat them so thoroughly that they know it can come any time if they keep it up, but offer them a better way of life. They can train under the White Cat Clan's martial school and under myself and become the core of a new army of samurai for the nation.”
He gave a nod, before tilting his head, and beginning to speak “But to do that, we're going to have to perform an overwhelming show of force. We're going to have to take out the leaders of the three biggest gangs in Little Vegeta all at once. So we may need to lay a trap to drag them into our clutches, and then strike with the force that the three of us could muster. We have to make it seem as if it is not a true struggle and that we could do the same at any time. Because pyramids such as these rely on the Oyabun and his or her Lieutenants to operate, we've got to make them understand that if their boss is anyone but us, the same will come to them.”[/color]
He threw up a hand before ordering several plates of food. “For now though, eat up. And Hachiko, you may have to let your reflection be the bait in this.”
[403] [2,100]
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Post by Maxine on Feb 21, 2020 8:47:45 GMT -8
Staring down a gun to her head? Certainly. Intimidating innocent people? Often necessary. Listening to someone chew her out? If the client desires it, they may do so. Having an arm torn off? More times than she’d like to admit. Disposing of bodies? Yes, but only a few times. Organising a yakuza wedding in just three days? A nightmare, but a point of pride in retrospect.
Wearing a maid outfit in a raucous cabaret club staffed by skimpily-dressed ladies who were very capable of beating her to a pulp? Her programming insisted it was irrational, but she rather wished she’d never been activated in the first place right now.
It’d started off so easily. A job as a bouncer, just as a favour to one of the families who had given her plenty of work lately. She didn’t mind that at all – it’d improve her reputation, and they’d treated her very well. But at a cabaret? She’d never actually been in one, she had to admit; much less a popular one. Her client had insisted it was a dignified place, and that she ought to dress well for it; that she should take the job seriously. So, she did the research: sourced an appropriate outfit, caught up on the lingo, and cased the outdoors. After all - she took every job seriously.
Turning up in a maid outfit herself turned out to be her first mistake – apparently the bouncer wasn’t expected to wear such a uniform. She wasn’t really expected to raise a finger, she soon realised, so it turned out okay for the time-being. Anyone willing to start trouble had a death wish – this was a business staffed by girls who were likely not only capable of turning someone into a stain on the asphalt, but also likely quite eager to do so after sharing a few drinks. As much as Maxine didn’t appreciate the race’s tendency towards violence, she appreciated a quiet night an awful lot more.
But, the evening went downhill quickly. The floor manager had vanished, apparently a common thing on this day of the week (something about sports betting at the Rooster?), and so the staff homed in on whoever was the next most professional-looking person among the staff. Being confronted by an array of 6’+ tall girls was not something Maxine had ever prepared for (she would neither confirm nor deny that she may have thought about it before, though), but when there was work to do she felt she had to do it. She knew the signals and the rules, and she’d had experience running events before, so… her work was cut out for her. Sort of.
Soon she was dashing around between the bar and the floor’s tables and booths with drinks and finger food; enduring plenty of looks from those charmed by the novelty of the small, cold, dignified lady – a stark contrast to the rest of the girls, which apparently was considered a bonus to most. Internally, Maxine would look away a lot but not specifically deny that, but right now she was just trying her utmost to keep her own eyes and mind off of both the staff and her current role. Just serve the drinks, follow the rules, and glare a lot. She’d been told looking down at people increased her 'charm'.
Thankfully, most of the floor was disquieted by the particularly impressive demon who was lording over her own cabaret court… yes, Maxine appreciated the peace; yes, Maxine was glad to have some demon company; and yes, Maxine was really, really, really hoping that she never called her over because she would be either be looking directly at the floor or be stuttering a lot. ‘Hachiko’ might be wondering if her hypothetical son would look more horrific than this form; but Maxine was wondering where her doubtlessly definite spouse was while she was here. It was definitely for the best that the demon hadn’t indulged in the ‘giant’ part of her form’s usual name, at least for the unlikely substitute floor manager’s sake. She probably would have needed to shut down her good eye.
For now, though – she just had to focus on her work. Just think of it as a game. ”Paloma? Table eight, corner booth; young man in the suit. Be generous, he’s been well-behaved.” “Table… five? Right – Paozu Spritz, easy on the wine, he’s had enough.” “No flying, please; it’s not happy hour yet. Watch the tail!” ”W-Watch your right shoulder…! …y-yes, that strap. Much better. T-Thanks…” ”Heading off? Understood, I'll take over the customers at the bar for you. Thanks for your hard work this evening. Get home safely.”
Fine, fine, she’d handled one or two tables; and plenty of receptions before tonight; it would be straightforward enough. Maxine tried to give the girl a reassuring smile as she left, but she lacked the processing power to really consider what a smile should look like at this point. She turned to the bar – no prob-
Oh no.
And so, Koma, Riku, and ‘Hachiko’ would be met with a very different hostess coming to their end of the bar – short, sharp eyes, no tail; and with a starkly modest maid costume compared to her colleagues. Skirt and apron down to her ankles, tightly bound sash around her waist tied in a massive bow, long butterfly bowtie, lace tiara, boots, even a tiny hint of black tights below! A perfectly straight back, a little tip-toe motion when reaching for the bar’s highest shelves, and of course, the iconic ‘maid turn’… an unbelievable professional (at least by contrast). Personally, as much as Maxine didn’t like to admit it, she did appreciate how the sash made the outfit hug her figure much like her suit. It was familiar. She got the feeling most of the patrons appreciated it for less practical reasons, though.
”Good evening, gentlemen, and Mi… ojou-sama.” greeted the lady, giving a slow curtsy; carefully raising her skirt with one hand and holding her serving tray and a series of plates with the other arm; ”Sirs, please allow me to refill your sake bottle. I deeply apologise for the delay.” Another curtsy, with her head bowed low – so far so good. While she refilled their bottle and set out the plates of easily shared food, she took the time to analyse the customers… well, even if Maxine couldn’t quite comprehend it, perhaps the pair could recognise why the sugar-and-ice of that glare of hers was getting so much attention tonight now.
A daisho, and those slim lines – she could just see them under the hood and on the edge of his hair with her vision enhanced with further contrast – an android? Probably a cyborg, though… far above a consumer model like herself. Likely a high-ranking yakuza enforcer. Worth treating well. And the young man, with the admirable scars… a young punk? Likely. But, those eyes made her put her own defences up. Fiery, but not to be mistaken for recklessness. This one might be trouble… A-And…
”Ojou-sama, y-your lemon d-drop. I hope it is to your tastes! I-If it is not, then please just say the word, a-a-and I’ll have it replaced immediately! I must a-admit, I may have used too much syrup, s-so if you find it too s-sugary, then do tell me. Or, if you’d like more vodka next time – well, I do not know it well, so p-perhaps the citrus… it is called the ‘lemon drop’, so…”
Then, a hand landed on each of her shoulders. Help? Ahahah. No. ”Geeez, you see, Miss Manager? Our poor Koma’s been so grouchy tonight! I don’t know what we’re doing wrong!” ”Hm, it’s a worry! But if he doesn’t care for the regulars, then – you should try and cheer him up! We promise not to get jealous~”
Maxine almost started trembling between the two larger girls – anyone could see that distress cracking through her professional composure. But, after a few seconds of dread; she merely reached up and checked her ribbon tie, then settled her stoic gaze back on the young man.
”Very well. Koma, sir; and your honoured company… if I might distract from your conversation briefly. ‘Happy hour’ is coming up soon, so may I interest you in one of this esteemed club's specialty drinks, and a chance to join in the… festivities?”
[1390]
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Post by Juni on Feb 21, 2020 18:35:22 GMT -8
Hachiko reflected on Riku’s understanding of decisions made by elders, a family dynamic functioned on excellent communication rather than wisdom alone, and if a younger member of the family provided more insight to a problem then an elder would be wiser for taking in that opinion for consideration. The only problem was that the entire Tea clan were all pigs and are as stubborn as boars; at least that’s what she overheard her father Pine Tea say a couple of times. Oolong had an entire litter of offspring, many of who married multiple times, and have not dared to name any heirs on the off chance that a grandchild was a bastard. The old ways did not follow common decent family values, with the untimely end of the heir of the Tea Clan, everyone she knew began to rectify their positions as Tea members to appeal to Grand Duke Oolong. Any sign of weakness to the public would risk a change to the order of the Pig Demon Duchies. As such keeping Zukkah culpable of the crimes the saiyan Avocado gang committed, by keeping him as prisoner, reflected on the Tea Clan greatly in Western Land society. Only the passage of time would heal the wound and lessen the burden the saiyan had to face until his release.
“A new samurai order would dissolve the gangs, redirecting the energy often reserved for mayhem under a strict training regiment.” Hachiko nodded in agreement with Koma, it included that she involve herself as bait, and in truth she was not a fighter it was evident in the condition on her physical body that she had average strength of a commoner, “Well, if I can help somehow, I will. Just tell me what you want done and I will do my best.”
The food Koma ordered arrived rather quickly, despite being at a cabaret, it still had a high star rating from wolf fang motorcycle club and it was due to the chefs being the champions of styr fry in Little Vegeta. Additional egg rolls were brought over on a long rectangular platter, followed by bowls of fried rice piled fairly high, and dumplings in a towering steamer basket that managed to fit on the bar top counter. The barkeep rotated shifts and a woman with light lilac colored hair bowed as she attended everyone at present with additional drinks. The lack of any ki signature was an indication that she was an Android and Hachiko smiled as the new barkeep nervously fulfilled her order of a lemon drop admitting that it may not be nearly perfect due to an extra dose of syrup.
After taking a sip of the drink, it was not as sweet as she expected in the way it was described, all the ingredients were mixed according to the proper ratio, and with a simple nod she absolved her concern. “It’s perfectly fine, I do like sour drinks over sweet. Thank you. Eh...”Crimson eyes scanned for a name badge but did not see one, “Mind, telling me your name sweet hostess?”
Two saiyan women joined the meek hostess in the maid outfit behind the bar, calling Koma by his name, showing playful concern that he looked sad and needed more attention from them as it was their line of work to keep customers satisfied with the entertainment they provided. From the sound of it, he was well known at this establishment, and it would make sense given that Ma-Te spared no expense in living his life to the fullest by indulging in everything Oolong City had to offer along with Koma. It was precisely the reason why Juniper could not be seen at the Flying Monkey in the form she used as a mystic healer, it was her method of avoiding inappropriate rumors, and keeping up appearances among the Duchies to retain their respect of having decent morals.
“Are the egg rolls to your liking, Riku-san?” Hachiko smiled as she picked up chopsticks to take a small bite from the fresh batch that was brought over. It was light, crispy, and the contents were made from a mixture of fresh vegetables from the local farmlands. The distinction was apparent from the color of the diced carrots inside and the freshly made sweet potato glass noodles. All the dishes at present were a bit much, not being a fighter meant not having the same appetite as one, and she hoped that between Koma and Riku they would be able to eat everything that was ordered to avoid wasting good food. The top tray of the bamboo steaming basket was removed and placed closer to the lemon drop cocktail. The steamed buns were smaller than usual, the basket was filled with an assortment of dumplings, including her favorite which had liquid soup inside, and she could feel her mouth water through her prominent fang smile. With the chopsticks in hand she carefully picked up the soup dumpling and placed the entirety of the small rice flour pouch in her mouth to be filled with a savory soup stock. It was still piping hot but her demonic blood resisted the heat on her tongue with ease.
“Delicious.” Hachiko commented. “I will place a BoarChores order here the next time I am in the mood for soup dumplings.”
[886] [2,087]
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Post by Rik on Feb 23, 2020 19:14:19 GMT -8
Riku nodded as he listened to Koma's plan to deal with the saiyans. It made a lot of sense for people who were used to operating in a gang's structure. Their positions of authority were almost always decided by force, just like the brigands he had dealt with in his own day. By seizing their leadership and neutering any other who tried to claim the title, they would effectively already have the beginnings of the force being molded into one unit. He was sure the White Cat training sergeants were as dedicated and fierce as the ones who had been around when he was a lad. Or close enough anyhow. Once they had the training and discipline to act, and experienced leaders to guide and wield them properly, they could be a powerful force for keeping the city and the nation safe. He nodded his head in agreement, "Yes, this is a good plan, I think. Channeling their energies into such positive efforts will likely change many of them. For the first time for many of them, they will be contributing to something beyond themselves. I am sure there will be those who wash out of the training and are forced to take up some other duties... but I would say we might be surprised by how much more gold there is in that lot than dross once they are panned out."
Riku glanced over at their new waitress and noticed she was far shorter than their previous waitress. She seemed polite and efficient enough as she apologized and refilled their sake bottle with efficient movements. Riku nodded to the waitress with the violet hair, "Good evening, and thank you, it is appreciated." Riku thought she was about to leave and started to turn to face Koma after freshening everyone's drinks and asked him about joining festivities... I'm not entirely sure what sort of festivities a place like this would have that I would get involved in. However his curiosity got the better of him and inquired, "What... festivities are you speaking of, miss?"
Riku surveyed the food as he used his chopsticks to deftly snag one more egg roll and biting into it's crisp exterior. He enjoyed the crunch of the shell and the spiced vegetables. Carrot, a hint of onion, garlic, and the sweet potato noodles all sang a symphony upon his taste buds. He finished chewing and nodded as Hachiko inquired if he was enjoying the food, "I am indeed. I... did not expect food this good to be served in a place like this if I am to be honest. I do not require as much food as I once did, so I have grown to appreciate fine food more. If one does not get to eat often, I decided to make meals as much of something to celebrate as possible." He popped the last bit of the egg roll into his mouth and looked back to the violet haired woman to pay attention in case she answered his question.
[504/2030]
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Post by Koma on Feb 24, 2020 11:40:19 GMT -8
Koma had enjoyed the more mundane festivities of this particular establishment before, given that Ma-Te was one of his best friends and had insisted on Koma coming out of his shell. So when invited, Koma considered it for a moment, but the momentary flash of his friend's mustached face and tousled hair as the Pig Beastman-Demon hybrid danced with Saiyan girls who more than doubled his height, and of the smile that Ma-Te had always had upon him when he was dancing with them? It was enough to make the Saiyan-Human hybrid stop considering it entirely.
The track suit samurai stiffened for a moment, before giving a polite bow, “I apologize, Miss, but I must decline in these festivities. I have prior engagements.” part of him wondered, especially with the way the girls were talking, if they even knew that Ma-Te was dead. Koma had never actually come to the cabaret without being in tow of his porcine friend, after all.
Of course the others had not heard his plan, but sending away a pretty girl at a cabaret in a rude way would be no way to keep one's privacy for conversation. So Koma simply placed his Daisho on the table before reaching for the bottle of Sake and pouring a shot for himself, one for Riku, one for Hachiko, and then one for this new comer – she was not one of the girls who he had met before here, because she wasn't even a Saiyan. She smelled distinctly different from anything he had smelled before, and he also knew that he had never seen her before, and neither had Ma-Te, because if the Tea Clan member had seen her before he would have tried to shove her together with Koma, assuming the six foot and four inch tall Saiyan-Human hybird was into short girls because Koma had never chased any of the Saiyan girls at this, Ma-Te's favorite cabaret, too hard.
“Please drink with us.” he invited her, as he tried to read her body movements and language, trying to be nonchalant about it but doing so none the less, an he scooted over so that Hachiko could scoot over and this young woman could join them for a drink.
To play Chess, Checkers, Go, or Shogi you had to think five steps ahead. Koma had not been a general of the Bear Clan of Samurai for nearly ten years without understanding this fact very well. All battle, even the battle of planning and information, or shadows and running, required much the same.
[427] [2,527]
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Post by Maxine on Feb 27, 2020 3:54:42 GMT -8
Indeed, despite the cabaret business’ usual focus on drinks and shows, the Flying Monkey had found a comfortable niche offering full meals as well – more reason for customers to stick around, and that meant more money; though it did necessitate more staff. Nothing too complicated, but the oriental snacks fit in nicely alongside the array of drinks… and, well, having Saiyans take on long shifts without having food on hand just didn’t seem fair. ‘Loving takes as much energy as fighting, you know!’ was their excuse, but happy staff was always good in a cabaret regardless of the expense. Especially staff that could tear doors off hinges by accident.
While Maxine had figured out enough of such business matters from her research, it didn’t help her current situation much; much less her social skills. S-She was meant for organising people or negotiating contract terms; not… whatever this was! Having Hachiko’s crimson eyes settle on her just made her feel a little more nervous… w-was she checking her out? Well, this was the right place, b-but… she wasn’t really…! O-Oh. Name. Right. She would offer a stuttering bow – ”Maxine, temporary floor manager… I apologise for my impudence, ojou-sama.” She wasn’t sure if she was boot licking out of fear or respect right now…
W-Wait, she just called her sweet…?!
Thankfully, before the android could melt down too much, she earned some similar attention from the other notable guests. The android was well-spoken, as expected, if more good-natured than she was used to. Maybe she’d been hanging around the low ranks too much lately. ”Our events are a more recent addition – small competitions and tests of skill; a chance to see a Saiyan’s prowess firsthand. Just… perhaps more so in balance or karaoke than in property destruction. And in a very short skirt. Of course, we do offer prizes, but there’s some who would call our penalties for losing prizes as well… apparently.”
Thank goodness she’d studied up and checked all the notices as fast as she could while she was on her minimal break, or she’d be biting her tongue right now. The perks of being an android… and the perks of being experienced with paperwork. But, for better or worse, her offers seemed to be shut down in a hurry by this young man. Well, at least this meant no one could ask her to sing. She was certainly surprised by his offer for her to join him, of all the people to ask, but luckily she had an excuse on hand. ”Understood, Koma, sir. Unfortunately, I cannot get involved with customers; as floor manager I’m not permitted to drink. So, in that case, I should take my leave –“
While Maxine was hoping for an escape from the situation with her poor excuse, as she turned she was met with two sets of eyes glaring down at her rather than any hope of zipping away. D-Did they realise she was lying? Well, technically she was correct, but as if any staff here didn’t drink on the job… she didn’t get much more time to think before each of her arms was looped around by the girls', and she was unceremoniously dumped on the free seat.
”You should absolutely play with Koma! He’s a sweetheart, promise! Geez, no need to play hard-to-get with this one, he’s not touchy~” ”We’ll take care of everything, Miss Manager; you just have fun! He’s our treasured customer, so you have to be good, okay? If anyone gives Koma trouble, you know that M-“
The girl cut herself off in the midst of her teasing, going pale for a moment before regaining her cheer – ”Y-You know that, Manager – our manager – gets… pretty annoyed, riiight? So, do your best, Miss Manager! Mini Manager!” Not a graceful save, but better than the alternative. Maxine, however, was left woefully confused; while the two girls beat a hastily retreat instead of her… did she miss something? Frankly, it’d seemed like the actual manager was a bit of a deadbeat when she’d been given the job, but...
Regardless of how much she did or didn’t understand, though, Maxine was left without anymore excuses to escape a violent social demise. ”Y-Yes, the establishment has improved its cuisine considerably… I believe it’s led to a significant upturn in profit margins thanks to the niche market, too. A-And, compared to serving drinks, it’s a much… s-safer…” began the lady, trying utterly desperately to play it cool and join in the conversation comically late; but it was very hard as she comprehended her situation. Her seat was already warm, too… a-and that demon was right there! Maybe… maybe she really could use a drink…!
Admittedly, she had only drunk once or twice before, and not enough to be inebriated. She wasn’t even sure if it was possible! And, while she didn’t need food or water, she did have a sense of taste… just no sense of desire or fullness, so having just a tiny bit suited her well. But right now, she got the feeling she wanted to find out if she could get drunk, lest she have no excuses for embarrassing herself. An extra glass appeared in front of her as soon as she gave one of the staff a weak wave, and she suddenly found herself being a guest rather than in any position of power. O-Oh no… well, at least she’d die with a whiskey highball or two.
”S-So, so… the stock market… err, I mean, well; I’d say that right now the advancements in… no, I should say… a-ah, what do you think of all that… h-how about that World Martial Arts Tournament, hm?”
Oh well. She would be far from the first yakuza punk to be found dead in a cabaret girl’s lap, at least.
[974/2364]
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