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Post by Deleted on Oct 24, 2020 14:18:51 GMT -8
The purple-haired woman revealed what was in her case: some sort of military-grade rifle. Sleek, advanced, and deadly but there was no sight or sound of the meager savings that had supposedly been stolen. He felt something in his pocket. Note turned, swiping at the hairy tendrils that retreated at their discovery. The old woman was clearly a demon, cackling as she welcomed them to Oolong City. It was a prime example of the city's depravity. This place was survival of the fittest. Just a few minutes and he'd nearly been devoured by it. And to think, he'd drawn his blade on an innocent woman. It was shameful. "P-Please forgive me!" He fell to his knees, head bowed and hands planted in an act of contrition. Someone knelt beside him. A strong hint of lilacs. Aria knelt beside him, eyes closed and head bowed toward the woman. "Please accept our sincerest apologies for the confusion. We thank you for not allowing that demon to take advantage of us. Should you seek to turn us over to the authorities, please know that I accept full responsibility for our actions." His mouth fell open, eyes widened in surprise. Why would she do something like that for him? It was true that he was her ward. Aria was an arrangement his parents had made with the elders of Bossa Nova village. She was to accompany him, help him, and ensure he came of age and assumed his rightful role as heir. Now she was going to get into trouble, and it was all his fault. "Aria..." The purple haired woman, surprisingly enough, did not seem to be interested in turning them into the authorities. She offered an alternative in lieu of having them arrested: she might have an assignment for them to undertake in exchange for what she described as 'accommodation'. He looked up at her, brow scrunched in confusion. She wasn't going to turn them in? "You... you really won't turn us in?" He rose from his kneeling position. His steel katana rasped as he slid it back into its sheath. Note folded his arms, frowning at the woman. "And what sort of 'accommodation' are you referring to? If you're thinking of breaking the law, we're aren't going to help you—AUGH!" He cried out in pain at the sharp tug of pain in his ear. Aria kept a calm smile as she twisted it, shutting him up. "I believe what Note-san means is that we are more than happy to assist you, so long as it does not interfere with the judicial laws as established by the authorities in the land." Aria's smile softened as he turned to look at the silver-hair teenager. "I think her invitation extends to you as well? Master Note and I would be happy to have you along."She finished with a cute bow of welcome to both women, only releasing his ear after that. Note winced, rubbing his injured ear. He frowned down at the ground. "We'd... be happy to help," he muttered. [509 of 509] words
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Post by Gris on Oct 27, 2020 23:38:07 GMT -8
Griselda would watch carefully as the purple-haired woman seemed to just stare the other four down from the alleyway. A small bead of sweat building up as they moved to show what was in the briefcase. Trying to prepare for anything from hidden trickery to a sleight of hand. She was instead greeted with an honest-to-god military-grade rifle. Something that most assuredly wasn't any life savings at all. Not only that, it seems this lady wasn't even moving into hostility. Only sounding a little scary. The smaller girl with the black katana just held her ground for a moment with a confused look over her face. "Huh? That means..."Maxine was already explaining though, pretty clearly marking the old woman as a scam. A pickpocket. The small girl was astonished at the trickery, clearly not used to the pickpocket or otherwise. She didn't even notice it, really. Her senses were pretty weak and her nativity leaving her guard down. She wasn't breaking down like a certain other kid though. The girl wasn't going to say anything about it but it was a bit much to kneel on the ground and beg for a misunderstanding. A quick apology should suffice. "A-ahh, sorry ma'am! I just thought-"Her naivety was cut short. Griselda was getting some hair tendrils into her pockets, taking what little bits of money she had earned from some work earlier. Like it was stated, she wasn't actually aware of this pickpocket herself at the time of. Even before the old woman outted herself as Lady Chou with her response it wasn't clear the girl had known right then and there she was getting duped. No, that's because this wasn't the girl who just stopped herself. Much like Note here, the girl had a 'caretaker' of sorts. The kind who doesn't really flatter the small girl with affection or graces, only sternness and control. This vessel would soon stare wide-eyed towards Maxine for a moment before lowering her head and the blade. Bangs waving to cover most of her face from the angle. Grissy wasn't paying attention, but Usumidori sure was. The ancient demon blade cared little for rule or law. This transgression towards his vessel was a challenge to his authority, the power he possessed. From then on, the stance and way the girl carried herself changed like flipping a light switch, and the girl sprung back up from her lowered position. Note and Aria would get a quick glimpse from the side of a girl who appeared part possessed, part angered. Losing her softer face and eyes for narrowed eyelids, tightened pupils. Red masking over her previous green pupils. All while she sprung up and turned to do a quick swipe at the old woman's tendril hairs. Blinding, quick, and looking way too dextrous for a small kid like herself to be doing. Mostly aiming to clip it off enough to make Chou drop her zeni. Properly cut hair or not, the blade would then flip in motion to swivel back and be aimed at the woman's neck, stopping just short of the neck with its tip. While smaller than the woman still, Usumi-chan stared daggers at the other demon, a small black aura dripping from its blade as he fully took control of the girl's actions clearly now. The voice that came out of the girl was not the normal booming of a old demon lord, one which he could normally do, but instead was the same small child's voice. Just, the tone and vernacular taking on the aggressive demon's edge. "You miscalculated, trash-spawn. Foul play on her is a slight on me, and no law or unwritten code will save your neck."No mention of Note's belongings or anything else really, the blade was only focused on correcting the wrong against the small girl. Threatening to poke at the old woman's neck with the black tip as a warning. Seems there wasn't much other sign of the softer personality of Griselda seeping into this right now. This effectively means the demon outright ignored Maxine's proposals as he was in this moment to protect his own property. "I would stay still while I'm ahead." WC: 700 @note Maxine
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Post by Maxine on Oct 29, 2020 3:37:24 GMT -8
The immediate genuflect gave Maxine pause, but the light in her eyes didn’t offer any sort of sympathy – she had seen this sort of thing before. Lady Chou just rolled her eyes at the commotion, as entertained as before. She was getting the whole song and dance! The drama that played out between Note and Aria in front of the Western Lands’ worst seemed to leave an impression, at least, but perhaps more of naivety than bonds. ”I see… if you’re new in the business, at least in the city, then I recommend you show more respect. People are less… forthright, here.” Maxine’s eyes searched Note and Aria for clan symbols, though she didn’t pick up any that she recognised as local organisations. Maybe a new branch? Or, maybe from out in the rural lands… that’d add up.
Alas, before she could offer any useful advice or direction, Usumidori took the stage – and took Lady Chou’s hair with it. In spite of her age and esteem, she wasn’t a fighter – not anymore, anyway – and so she could only look stunned as her locks fell to the ground. This time, though, Maxine too was baffled; raising a blade against a retired clan chairman… that was bad for business, to put it mildly! As Grisidori made such reckless threats, Maxine saw the pieces falling into place. Definitely new punks on the block… geez. Demons were always so unpredictable, too! Who knew what the girl’s deal was…
However, faced with the cursed blade, Lady Chou’s wizened features sharped with hatred – then softened, upon hearing the girl’s voice. ”Oh… ohoho. Now, that is exciting. Fuhahaha!” she cackled, piercing the tension in the air with her laughter; ”I see, I see! Well, well. That’s unfortunate. Being shoved around by your own familiar… that’s always what turned me off of the thought. Hm, but… you should put a leash on that hamster of yours.” To her credit, Chou was onto something, even if it wasn’t the right thing.
Still, in spite of her idle mockery, the lady would raise her hands in surrender. She ignored Usumelda’s warning and take a few steps away, but slowly, clearly not intending to escalate things all the same. Her hair settled back into its proper place – albeit looking a little more ragged. ”I can only imagine that a witch in your position has enough problems, so I’ll get out of the way. Even I don’t want to mess around with anyone putting their head on the line for demons. Young things like that, even more so.”
While Lady Chou clearly had her mind made up on the situation, Maxine had no clue. Glancing between the pair, she struggled to follow the conversation… before just giving up. She had work to do. However, after a moment’s reflection, she would interject after all – ”You’re fast.” remarked the android, eyeing Gris’ stance intently; ”But the tough act doesn’t work very well around here. And, for the three of you… putting much faith in the law enforcement here is quite unwise. Not to say they don’t exist, but they have no interest in cleaning up other people’s messes. That’s clan business.”
”Pah. Not unless there’s money involved, you mean. They’re just another clan, when it comes down to it. Beholden to the Duchies, sure, but always reaching for more. Just like all the others.” spat Lady Chou, though Maxine didn’t seem to disagree with the sentiment. ”Ah, once upon a time, they were so much more honourable; a force dreamed up by samurai! But now, they’re just another syndicate. You’d be better off putting faith in your blades… or, keeping a healthy savings account for when you need to make some apologies without losing any limbs.”
The advice clearly didn’t appeal to Maxine, as her gaze grew less interested by the moment. Instead, her violet eyes fell upon Note and Aria, who had been so eager to pledge themselves in return for forgiveness. ”I can assure you I would not dream of breaking the Duchies’ laws…” began the machine, with the tiniest hint of a pause before she continued – w-well, she would say she followed the intent of the law, not the letter… err, did that make her a bad robot? It was just a case of… following the higher level laws, rather than the lower level ones! That was all! ”It’s just a rare matter that I can’t handle as a local. While I am ashamed to say it, my reputation does occasionally precede me. My clan is very well paying, and doesn’t douse its hands in blood, but… the Shinobu are not known for having good relations with other regions, which is an issue in this circumstance.”
Though she noticed the little eyebrow raise from Lady Chou, as if to urge her to say more, Maxine did not take the bait – waxing poetic about her clan was not within her job description. Not unless the Princess had a bad day. ”Before Lady Chou and myself claim to know well enough to lecture any of you, however, we should follow our own customs. Please forgive me.” Finally composing herself, the machine took a deep bow to the trio – albeit probably mostly Griselda’s back. ”I am Unid Number 11; titled Maxine, of the generous Shinobu Clan. Though I play but a tiny part in this glorious city’s story, particularly compared to the ex-Duchess in our company, it is my honour to welcome you to it. Or, back to it, perhaps.”
A gun-toting criminal and a proud pickpocket. It was surely a welcome like no other.
”Though, if I may interrupt your show of force, young lady – it is good manners here to declare your name, title, and ambition before committing assault with a lethal weapon on the street. Much better chances of getting in the news that way, I believe.”
[984/984] Starting PL: 14,824
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Post by Deleted on Oct 29, 2020 18:56:18 GMT -8
The silver haired girl wielding the katana seemed as much surprised by the sudden twist of events as he and Aria were. She stammered over her words, clearly flustered at having been deceived so thoroughly. Maybe it wasn't the most sincere apology, but it was an apology nonetheless. She did not demonstrate the same level of contrition that he and Aria had; it spoke to the fact that perhaps her upbringing was not as subjected to the rigidity of law such as the Bossa Nova samurai clan. Truth be told, he thought she was a bit too forward with her open challenge. He needed only to consider his own failure to be willing to drop the matter as a whole. Something changed within the girl upon the discovery of the old lady's treachery. She was surprised to discover the animated tendrils of hair—no doubt some form of wicked demon magic—stealing from her pockets. Her reflexes were sharper than his—she managed to slice herself free, taking some of the hair with her. A dark and twisted ki filled the air—a cloying scent that clung to his nostrils, provoking his sensitive senses. The girl's transformation was shocking: her pupils waxed red, her demeanor vicious, and her tone robbed of all its youthful cadence. She—or it—growled at Lady Chou, verbalizing a stark warning that any harm that came to the girl would provoke dire consequence. Note's hand slipped in silence toward the hilt of his katana. His fingers trembled, a mix of fear and adrenaline. He feared what might be lurking within the girl; he feared even more than whatever or whoever it was would bring great harm if it wasn't stopped there and then. He closed his eyes and focused on his breathing. One strike—one unforeseen strike, and he would put an end to it. A soft hand closed over his own as Aria slid into his point of view. She gave a gentle shake of her head. "I sense your worry, but you cannot act. Not without that girl's permission."His gaze shifted to the silver-maned girl. "And if she is unable to ask for our help?" "Master Note, you cannot act under any circumstances without the expression permission of both your clan and this young lady's request." Aria glanced over her shoulder, worry etched into her features. "Maybe there is more to this than we understand. It is best to stay our hand." He sighed, releasing his sword hilt. "You're right." Note frowned, regarding the girl. Was this what being a ruler meant? Possessing the power to act, yet choosing not to because of some archaic code of honor? It did not sit well with him at all. Lady Chou continued trading barbs with the violet-eyed woman despite the fact she had long been exposed. They exchanged words over the nature of Oolong City and the barbaric culture of the Western Lands altogether. Note's cool gaze slid between them as each woman spoke in turn. He said nothing yet his mind absorbed every tidbit of information. It was disheartening to know that much honor and dignity had been lost in these parts. Few held to the belief that one must honor their clan through righteous deeds. Where did his drive for justice come from? His father was notorious for his heavy drinking and foul-mouthed nature and his mother was known to obsess over wealth—if the rumors whispered about them were true. He felt an elbow dig into his side. Aria sought to garner his attention, nodding at the odd woman who was bowed in the customary greeting used between clans. They were finally given a name to match the face—Maxine of the Shinobu. The nature of her wooden disposition could now be explained; it appeared she was more than simply human. A tiny gasp escaped Note. He glanced at Aria for confirmation. Aria's eyes were trained on the bowing woman, but she nodded a confirmation. "She is...?" "Not human." Their private aside was momentarily interrupted as Maxine chided their companion, stating that it was customary to give one's name, title, and relevant motivations as to why they might want to cut someone else down. Reasonable, if not a bit crude. "Lady Maxine is right... I think." Note turned to the silver-haired girl. "Might we know who you are? More than that..." His gaze slid to the sword she held in her hands. It was black as the abyss, swallowing any light that touched it. "...where did you get that sword?" [759] words [1,268] word total
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Post by Gris on Nov 1, 2020 7:21:14 GMT -8
The girl - Or rather, the demon at this point - seemed to have no hesitation in possibly ending the old thing's life on this plane so should it be pushed to. Being gawked at by all four of the others at that moment was not only expected but welcomed. The free hand of the girl caught those zeni bills as they were cut free of white hairs, very deliberately pocketing her own money once more. The blade held upright still at Lady Chou with the other hand. The menace here seemed far more knowledgeable than she let on. Judging by the titles given to this old hag, it was always likely this would be the case. In the face of condescension, the blade didn't scowl harder. Growl at the woman, or even threaten to strike with a simple move of her wrist. No.
They'd pause, and get in a short laugh of their own. Joining Lady Chou in a sinister tone. Small cackles dripped in a black venom.
Usumidori found it rather cute a youngling would try comprehending his arrangement with the girl just by watching. Credit where it is due, almost anyone with a sense of magic would probably assume this a trapped familiar of sorts. But no matter how perspective this woman was, she would fall in like with every other young welp around and make the same mistake. Miscalculating again.
"Yes, I suppose that is funny. Funny how ignorant a young trash spawn like yourself is. Witches could not have me bound. He who stands before you is not one of your demon fledglings. The lowlifes who couldn't muster any of their own strength as to not be a pawn in someone else's game. Having to follow someone else's 'moral rights' and 'laws'. You should rejoice though! I've no need to muddy myself with bad blood upon my blade with the money returned." The dark flame would lower himself now at that instant, keeping the blade at the ready but otherwise immediately relaxing it away from the older woman's neck. As much as Usumidori would love to make an example out of the old woman, there weren't really many people who'd take that example and run with it. As far as he could tell the other three wouldn't need such a lesson. Besides, it was a waste of time. Someone else seemed to wanna tell the demon blade what it should or should not do. Usumelda started turning back to face Maxine, giving Note and Aria and a wide and crazed smirk on her way around.
"I do not carry empty threats around like a careless thug. If one does not obey me, they are torn asunder. It is as simple as that. That goes for any sort of law enforcement too, effective or not." Speaking of effective authority, Note seemed to be a bit hung up on something. And the words he and his handler exchanged intrigued the demon sword. Enticing him to indulge the little mortals into the inner workings of possessive demons. It was not the most common of sights nowadays. Usumelda turned to face the young man as he struggled with a choice. The hand at his hilt. Was he willing to actually cut down a little girl? No. Red eyes observed with that same wide smirk plastered across it, eyeing between the two as he dropped any notion of reaching for that end. The other woman seems to have convinced him otherwise. Maxine was busy rambling off something between the wretched hag anyway. Why not entertain the boy and anxious helper?
"Fret not, mortal child. The girl can still hear you loud and clear. In fact, she feels and senses all that I do at this moment. You would be wise to not raise that blade against her, with me in control or not. She's still just a child after all ~" There was something sickening about the way Usumelda sounded giddy over the fact his host had some propriety control on off-hours. Not only was it a benefit to have two souls working in tandem as a vessel, but using it as moral leverage was sure to get the demon far with most of these feel-centered mortals.
It seems Maxine had finished her short back and forth with whatever this hag was on about. Something about clans and whatnot. Some things really don't change after all these centuries, huh? The naming convention of the purple haired lady was off too when given in proper. Usumelda had turned back away from her prey and went to face the woman, outted as an android now. Not that the demon sword bothered or cared to investigate that. But here she was. Questioning him further on who he was or what the title was. Quite straight forward. The smirk dropped into a more natural determined glare. That ebony steel pointed upwards. Aimed directly at the purple-haired robot as Usumelda spoke verbose.
"You will respect and fear me, automaton, despite whatever senses your maker gave you. If only you knew the Great Dark Flame Usumidori was standing before you, you'd all know better. But... I'll give you a pass since my vessel is hardly conveying of my presence. Where I came from is none of your concern. Just know that I am restless, and these customs. These manners, they bore me. Why should I divulge any further with weaklings who cannot pave the road to my goal?" The name was old, and the sword, as pristine and impeccable as it was, felt old. Mastercraft of some sort. Seems he wasn't immediately ready to just tell the four around him what he was doing out here. Better to leave on a cliffhanger sometimes anyways. That way, They are the ones giving information by trying to poke around.
WC: 970
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Post by Maxine on Nov 1, 2020 22:23:46 GMT -8
Though Usumelda’s cruel laughter was welcomed with Lady Chou’s, she was left bemused by the explanation – it wasn’t what she’d guessed, but her guess had been misunderstood as well. Still, it did answer some questions, so she couldn’t complain. Though this soul was awfully fiery… well, the Western Lands were not lacking in colourful types. They just tended to end up coloured in red if they didn’t have the talent to back up that sort of claim. ”Mm, well, it’s true that rules and rights are a bother, but we can’t really play with the other regions otherwise. Slavery and subordination are awfully appealing… yet, money is a very convenient way to get the same things. For some reason, people consider that quite acceptable, no matter the means you choose! Perhaps you should consider it; it saves some headaches.”
At last, Maxine was left perturbed by the conversation – but by Lady Chou’s additions, rather than Gris’ gloating. She didn’t comment on it, but frowned, before turning her attention to the bizarre star of the show. ”I must recommend against trying to use your shell’s age as a defence, at least here. Demons all mature in different ways, so it would be reckless to bet on that. And, personally, it is not within my orders to overlook anyone based on their age…” remarked Maxine, though she still didn’t raise a hand. Instead, she briefly met Aria’s glance; albeit not hearing the pair’s conversation.
While Lady Chou attempted to stifle giggles as Usumidori gave such a grandiose introduction, the ‘automaton’ was as respectful as ever. ”It is my honour to receive you within Oolong City, Lord Usumidori.” replied the lady, with another deep bow; manners as impeccable as always; ”I must recommend you try and respect the city’s traditions, though it may be better to frame it as a way to evaluate your foes and subordinates. If one cannot handle such basic discipline, then they will constantly be giving away their actual talents and ego. Consider it similar to suppressing your power.”
Admittedly, she got the feeling that the word ‘suppress’ wasn’t in this one’s vocabulary. Still, Maxine would turn her attention to all the little samurai, attempting to get the conversation back on track – particularly now that Lady Chou seemed content to just enjoy the show. ”As I stand in the presence of a great soul and young samurai’s court, I would wish to extend the offer of hospitality to the three of you. Among the customs of this city is that even a rival clan’s members should be offered residence for at least one night, should they need it, so it would be honour to act as your hosts here for at least that long. I believe having proper rest is an important part to anyone’s goal; even a restless spirit.”
It was a very old and oft-forgotten tradition, but it was one Maxine held in high regard – she’d leveraged it to save a Shinobu clan punk’s life, once upon a time. ”It should also give you both a chance to think about your next move. While my offer of a paid job is still on the table, consider it entirely separate to my hospitality.” Though satisfied with her explanation, the android paused, eyeing the trio – with everyone’s hands on their swords, she got the feeling it’d be wise to give them the chance to let off some steam. ”Though I am formally a member of the Shinobu Clan, I am also a representative of the Tea Clan; and so I can offer a room in the esteemed Zen Estate to each of you. In addition, the proprietors of the estate have recently installed a dojo dedicated to sparring, but it has not seen much use… if any of you wish to pave your way through the Western Lands with your blades, then it may be a fine place to exhibit your skills.”
With a meaningful pause, Maxine briefly eyed Grisidori. She wasn’t so foolish as to assume that the girl – err, vessel – was weak, but… she couldn’t feel much from it right now, in spite of all its gloating. ”Of course… it might be prudent to limit yourself in action, as I previously forewarned. It may be more of a… whetstone, than a duel, to those of us who are so powerful…” With practiced gentleness, Maxine offered Usumidori an easy excuse – though, perhaps Note and Aria would be even quicker on the update than them. Speaking of which… ”Though, if I may be so crude – young samurai, Note, and your honourable attendant. Do you hail from a clan? I would not like to assume based on your clothing, so I would be most grateful if you would grant me the honour of an introduction.”
Speaking with such honey-soaked words, Maxine finally finished, giving a polite nod of her head. Many people might roll their eyes at such manners and cautious politeness, but it was the oil of the business world – it might be common and easy to spot, but with the refinement it could make it that much easier to turn the world around.
[863/1847]
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2020 12:02:27 GMT -8
Their clean sandals had touched the grimy streets of Oolong City all but a matter of minutes, and they had already been robbed, threatened, and offered the hospitality of another clan. It was a world unto itself—the tales his parents had regaled him and Echo with were true. It was the seedy underbelly of the Western Lands, the very navel through which all manner of uncouth conduct and criminal patronage rooted itself in centuries-long tradition. Coming to the city was all at once a mistake and an enlightening experience. Maxine, in observance with custom, reminded Note, Aria, and the silver-haired teen—who had yet to identify herself, save for that monster Usumidori that held her rapt in his demonic clutches—that all of them were welcome at the Zen Estate, her place of establishment. Though her offer of a job remained on the table, it appeared she did not consider it part of her offer of hospitality. They'd be fools to believe such an offer came without strings attached, but Note could not hold this form for much longer. It seemed they wouldn't have much choice. "We accept your humble offer." He bowed his head in a show of respect, as did Aria. "It's been a long and interesting journey. We hail from Truffle Village, ruled by my parents. I'm from the Bossa Nova clan. As you may have surmised, we honor the code of the samurai." His hand went instinctively to the hilt of his sword. He cast a sidelong glance at the possessed girl. Maybe accepting this offer would permit him the chance to discover a way to free her from Usumidori's clutches. "I should also like to discover the truth about this girl... and her sword."[290] words [1,558] word total
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Post by Gris on Nov 4, 2020 13:41:27 GMT -8
Lady Chou made for some interesting talk for a fool out in the west here. Grisidori was quite amused by the woman's willingness to try reasoning with an elder demon. A true devil. Though, it was hardly time now to gloat any more about himself. The sword stood still, sword still leveraged up at Maxine. It was perhaps that humbling moment that made the vessel not just strike her down here. No, not her unwillingness to try striking at the girl, as much as that was going to be a gambit for some softies like the boy samurai among them, but she rather flattered him.
It was a little irritating after millennia to go without proper reverence. He was willing to throw it out for a second because it was just a machine lady saying it, but something compelled him to accept those few words of hospitality. Humored and willing to hear the woman's plans out now, the sword lowered itself and with a flick was sheathed back into its ebony scabbard. Even without direct contact with the unholy blade the demon was trapped in, Usumidori seemed to hold onto the girl's body just a little while longer. His wild smile toning down as arms were crossed over her chest.
"Perhaps you would be correct in your assumption, automaton. If it were not my plan to be quite visible. As to lure in who I seek. But, I already spoke too much! Is it really inside your programming to give shelter to a devil? I do not understand what aim you might have with offering it. I am not a being to be expecting favors from. And if it is just some strange obligation, I cannot say I personally care for this 'estate'." There was another thought though. And Maxine was already getting to it. Up to this point, the girl only ever had to deal with untrained thugs and a few smarter, but weak idiots trying to mug her. Perhaps the vessel would instead see a need to test her mettle against a more trained opponent. Note, as young as he was, still felt somewhat gifted. And seeing as he was of some samurai clan of sorts, it only seemed amicable to see where the girl would take this personally. Brushing over the fact the droid clearly was trying to downplay his own strengths, he'd turn as to face all three with his glare.
"A duel between me and the boy would be dangerous for his well being. But perhaps, there is someone else who would not mind the invitation. Automaton, I'll give it to you that your hospitality and flowery language are flattering. But do not expect my graces if the girl gets in danger during her time at the estate. I - accept this gracious offer." The red glow would fade as the last words from the demon escaped the girl's lips, returning to her those bright greens that blinked and looked between all of them now a little nervously. Talk about an introduction. This pause was accompanied by a frantic look at herself. The girl fixing some straggling hairs caused by Usumidori's wild motions, checking the scabbard at her side to make sure it was still secure. Her overconfident posture rests into complacency. Her smile, while holding, peaked with her anxiety.
"O-Of course he would... Terribly sorry that had to come up so soon. I should actually introduce myself, before he decides to, e-ehh, spoil that too! Ahem." She took in a deep breath, scooting a little bit away from Chou in particular and towards the more well adjusted and calm droid lady with a smile. Just, trying to keep the other three in the frame. Doing just a mild curtsy bow with her skirt, she bowed her head a little towards them.
"Griselda Meyers." Banking on no one really being familiar with the Meyers, or their storied tales of how they'd put a lotta demon tech in the Southern Kingdoms. She held her bow for a second longer before pulling up to eye Note. He'd have his money cut out for him if he was really going to solve this.
WC: 695
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Post by Maxine on Nov 6, 2020 3:55:01 GMT -8
Maxine closed her eyes upon hearing Note’s background, nodding slightly as she consulted her records. Truffle Village… she hadn’t heard that name for some time, but it wasn’t to be ignored. The Bossa Nova clan had become a peaceful member of the Duchies, and personally Maxine quite admired their ice carving contests. She wasn’t one for art, but they were certainly fascinating to her. And, it was nice to see matters settled in a more productive way than violence. She wasn’t sure how she felt about Melody marrying a vassal, but… the Duchies had seen stranger things. Though, personally, she still considered Cress quite dangerous…
But that was besides the point. Given Note’s appearance and demeanour, she would place her bet on the boy being a trainee rather than a direct successor. Maybe from a branch family, even. ”Though the rules of this city are more political, you shall find that the code of the samurai will serve you well here. I suggest you stick closely to it, though. You’ll find respect by keeping to such rules… waver from them for your own sake, though, and you may be burdened with things you’re not ready for.” Maybe a little vague, but Maxine hoped the message came across – don’t ask who you’re exploiting and you don’t have to think about it. ”My humble advice aside, though – you shall be an honoured guest of the Tea Clan’s estate.”
On the other hand, Usumidori’s derision was met with the same cold but polite tone; as Maxine carefully restrained her attitude while in the vision of others… a-and while she still trying to figure out who in the world this demon was. It wasn’t like other people didn’t make a big deal of themselves, of course! Loads of yakuza punks did that. But… it’d be really bad if she really had dawdled straight into some big shot. Maxine was left on the back foot as she tried to figure out a reply – and right on time for Griselda to make her return.
At first, the android eyed her cautiously; before beginning to put two-and-two together. She didn’t really understand it, but… she was beginning to get her head around the fact that she was dealing with someone different now. But, was that Usumidori still aware of this, or subconscious? Or, maybe they were combined, or maybe they – erk, well, a-anyway! Business first, Maxine! ”Oh, I-I see. Well, your company – the company of Meyers and… the Dark Flame, that is – is also welcomed.”
It looked like Note and Griselda were already hungry for a match, judging by their demeanours. Maxine, though, hesitated… Meyers was a familiar name to her, but she didn’t quite believe that Griselda was from that Meyers family. The Shinobu Clan had once used some of their services in personalising their equipment, but they’d found better luck elsewhere – compared to the Kingdoms, the Shinobu’s demon-earthling hybrids tended to be humanoid enough not to need such specialists. Still, their work had been fine, and their reputation relatively spotless by Western Lands’ standards.
For now, though, her bet was instead on Griselda being unrelated – engineers and cursed swords weren’t the most obvious match. Hrm, though, weren’t they into swords…? Eh, well, everyone was into swords. Shrugging it off, Maxine focussed back on the matter at hand. ”Well, if you would humble me with your faith, I can offer the finest transport to the Zen Estate. There, I’ll see to it that you have the chance to work out your differences… in a way befitting of the code of the samurai, or so they say.”
[604/2451]
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