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Post by Wakana Waka on Oct 30, 2020 3:38:14 GMT -8
New haircut, new starring role, new pay packet… minus the cost of that mirror. Two out of three wasn’t bad, but…
”Tch. You’re lucky you’re still just a kid, huh? Can’t und'rpay kids… ‘specially without a crim'nal records…” grumbled Waka, flicking through the zeni bills for the fifth time; seeming less intent on counting them but instead on justifying this nonsense to herself. ”Yeah, okay. I guess it covers the haircut, but… I thought you were gonna lop off an ear, too. Those don’t grow back, you know.” Glancing upward, the fox’s ears would twitch as if on cue – ”But… what'ver. I guess I’m used to this sort of shifty bus'ness by now.”
Standing outside the closed salon after being ushered out in such a hurry, Waka was currently just trying to cool her nerves, in spite of all her complaints. She might be a tough guy, but having a sword coming for her head didn’t do her heart any favours. Not that she was about to admit that, but… t-that was besides the point. As if she’d ever look like some puppy in front of a kid of all things. Putting her hands on her hips, she heaved a sigh. Speaking of which…
”Hey, hamster. This part of the city’s trouble. You can prob'bly see the gang colours 'round already… there’s been a big turf war here for a while. So… I don’t care if you’ve got chores or folks to get back to; you should scram. I’m gonna be hitt'ng the streets too, so you can tag along if you’d rath'r not face any thugs on your own. Not that I care or anyth'ng, but it’d be a bad look to have you vanish'ng right after we run a job tog'ther…”
Alas, for her lazy tone and attempts to play up her roughness… the fox doth protest too much. Still, she wasn’t lying. As the sun began to dip, things had grown awfully quiet on the street… a bad sign, no doubt about it. ”Besides. There’s still time in the day for aft'rnoon tea. I gotta show off my haircut, so I’m out to lunch. Second lunch. You know how it is.” She was pretty sure Gris didn’t know how it ‘is’, but she felt her size spoke for itself. There were some bonuses to being judged. Less stupid questions. ”Mm, though… I’m not a fan of your pet. I dunno what weird dev'l you have on your shoulder that has the nasty att'tude, but – it’s not cool. I only hear that kind of talk from pos'rs…”
Posers and celebrities, but – best not to say that out loud.
Despite making so may complaints about their situation, Waka wouldn’t actually begin to move until Gris did – she wouldn’t accept playing hero, but she wasn’t about to dump a kid in the middle of the city, either! She had to be half her age or something… not to mention half her height. Ah, but demons and saiyans and androids and – whatever else – they all could look however they wanted. So, maybe she’d better not judge. ”Sheesh. Of course I get stuck with just being a Beastman, huh?” grumbled the heavy fox to the unloving abyss of existence; before finally playing her trump card – ”Since I guess it’s my reput'tion on the line… I’ll take you out for ice cream. Y’know… for the haircut.”
Man. So this is what it meant to feel old.
[580/580] Starting PL: 13,180
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Post by Gris on Nov 1, 2020 22:15:21 GMT -8
By the time the shoot was all over, Usumidori didn't stick around to chatter about his fine craftsmanship. It didn't take a genius to really understand that the girl had a little possession for a moment, especially from that proximity. However, she did get paid. And paid well she was, after very profuse apologies about the mirror. She quite literally didn't know what came over her, assuming it was just her blade doing its thing. The director assured both repeated times that the damages were fine, all a price to pay for the perfect shot!
The big lady was talking to her smaller cohost just outside. The pay thing she wasn't really knowledgeable about. Or child labor laws. Really, she was just glad the woman wasn't at all peeved at the conduct she portrayed. Rather, it almost was like the big fox lady was just mildly perturbed at the act. It was a surprise to be sure, the small girl would smile up at the fox with precious white teeth. Pocketing her earnings deep into a dress pocket.
"I'm sorry for the cut, I sometimes just... can't get a handle of things. Too much force, you know!" While half-true, Griselda wasn't exactly hitting up on the fact it wasn't even her. Assuming no one else caught the quick display and brushing it aside like it didn't just happen for the sake of normalcy. And at first, yes, it seems the issue was going to be sidelines. Mainly, it was making sure Griselda was fine out at night. She knew personally she was, but the girl was happy it was mentioned. Meant the big blunt fluffy fox had some sorta emotion buried in there. But beyond that she was bringing up the demon sword again. Just a single bead of sweat as Griselda nervously continued on as quick as she could to explain herself.
"I... Think I will be fine, miss Waka. And, I think those are called 'dinners'! The whole second lunch thing. It is about time for that, I suppose. I wouldn't mind-"
"You should be praising this devil for avoiding your ears and head in the swing, mortal welp." There was no helping it. A booming voice came from the sheathed sword at the girl's side. And though those who heard it knew its source, it's booming tone and threatening aura felt like he spoke just inside the ears of those close enough. This dissonance was a little dizzying to those not used to it. The girl herself only shook a little cause she knew it was about to come.
"Sir, please! Miss Waka is being kind and offering icecream! I would have been fine with just the tea or something small to eat." This'd just get the demon to grumble again, and fall into silence. He wasn't pleased with the stalling and loitering about, but it was night time. The girl would be of little use doing anything when tired or unable to see anything. This was just his way of admitting defeat without saying the words. With it, the girl reassuredly place an idle hand on the blade's pommel and stops at the ready. Watching Waka with vibrant green eyes.
"Sorry about that, he doesn't like... Well, being talked about without his own input, let's just say! So, uh, about that icecream... You know the place well enough it seems! Care to take me? I don't have family around currently, so I wouldn't mind some company!" Strange. Griselda couldn't be a year or so out of just being a small preeteen and she was up in a dangerous city relatively alone. Aside from the sword she seemed to manage herself however, and seeing the big lass next to her just filled her with a certain sense of comfort. Enough to keep any weird thoughts about being alone at bay.
TPL: 1388 WC: 646
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Post by Wakana Waka on Nov 5, 2020 2:43:22 GMT -8
Griselda’s initial banter left poor Waka in pained disbelief, even though her expression didn’t show it – l-late lunch is not dinner! It’s afternoon tea! All of a sudden, she felt unbelievably old… she was getting chided by a kid about her appetite. Ugh, this was the worst! Shaking her head in restrained frustration, Waka tried to regain her composure in time to give some sort of retort; but she was far too late. Not to mention somewhat interrupted by the talking sword. She’d just have to live with that reputation for the rest of her life. Dammit!
But, maybe the talking sword was more important than that. Admittedly, it was definitely not the first time she’d been referred to as a mortal whelp, but it was still kind of annoying. Seeing Gris argue back with her tool made the fox tilt her head to one side, but she knew better than to play with magic too much. ”Eh… talkin' sword, huh? I hope it’s worth th' trouble.” rumbled the lady, leaning down to peer at Gris’ weapon; ”Well, s' long as it’s not mess'ng with your head, I guess you can always just chuck it out.”
Giving a shrug, Waka returned to her full height, a bit more pleased with Gris’ agreement. She did raise an eyebrow when she mentioned her family wasn’t about, but… it wasn’t like Waka could really talk on that front, either. Though, being called ‘Miss’ Waka… she wasn’t sure if that was flattering ,or made her feel old. ”A-Anyw'y, okay. I’ll be your plus one f'r now. Ask nicely and you can sit on my should'rs.” joked the fox – though, with her utterly straight face, it was very hard to tell that she was being tongue-in-cheek about it. Still, she’d lead the way, albeit keeping an eye on Gris. Thankfully, her immense height and slow pace cancelled each other out, so the tiny girl wouldn’t have to be jogging to keep up with her steps.
Now, the hard part… small talk. Very scary.
”Hm… so, how’d you end up play'ng with that thing? Some sort of fam'ly relic? It’s… ah, it’s not like your dad or somethin' stuck in it, right? Well, you don’t gotta answ'r, 'f course. I’d like to say that I doubt it’s made for hairdr'ssing, but… you did a pretty swell job. Now that’d be a handy blade…” offered Waka, trying her best to get her head around it while not prying too deep. She’d read about this sort of thing before, but mostly in fiction rather than fact. Magic wasn’t her strong suit, as always; but she did try her best. ”I’m noth'ng special, so I don’t have too much to chat about. Just a thug who reads too much and has a stomach bigg'r than her heart. Heh…”
She’d been waiting a while to use that last line!
Pointedly avoiding the local Majin Moo’s, the fox headed for a smaller ice cream place – just a little stall operated out the side of a building rather than a full establishment. Rather than offering a variety of flavours to mix and match, it looked like they did particular combinations and styles. And, perhaps more telling, they offered full bowls rather than just focussing on cones… well, that might explain it.
Though it was part of a bigger food court kind of plaza, for now the place was pretty quiet – it was clearly just opening up for the evening, so the duo (trio?) were well ahead of the rush hour. ”What’s your pois'n, hamster? We can share, if you don’t wanna overdo it, of course. But, some folks say my tastes are a bit – ecl'ctic. My eye’s on… the high hat sundae with chocolate stout and drizzled fudge. With the s’mores, obviously.” Giving a tiny smile, most likely thanks to her mind being on her meal, Waka gave another weak shrug as she turned to Griselda – ”I’ll buy, of course. I got a free haircut, aft'r all. Fair’s fair. I’m not gonna steal from a kid, anyway.”
[683/1263]
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Post by Gris on Nov 6, 2020 7:46:49 GMT -8
Usumidori had a bit of restraint to just lash out at the fox lady after that. With such a big target, he could just... Strike her down for such a disrespectful remark towards this old devil. But, for some reason, he did no such thing. He didn't possess the girl, nor threatened to do so with a mere movement of the scabbard out of its belt. No, the demon instead would bring his voice back up. Now even more aggravated at the big fox lady for assuming his relation and status with Griselda.
"Refer to me as a talking sword once more, and we shall see what this vessel will 'chuck out'. You will refer to me as Lord Usumidori, both in this form and inside my vessel." Unlike last time, Griselda did not make an effort to stick her neck out and vouch for her co-star. Instead opting to smile through her master's ire now directed at the fox. This probably was not a transgression to be dropped anytime soon. So the better option was to just ignore the little bit altogether.
"Oh! Okay, uuuh... Thanks. I wouldn't want you to have to bend over anyways for me, but thanks!" The woman would have to get on all fours and then some to allow Griselda on. The girl, while not picking up on the joke bit, would still rather not take her up on the offer, Rather just settling on stepping up next to Waka and letting the big gal take a minor lead. Where they'd go was up to the fox lady, and the blade itself would be quiet about it at this point. It was her time to shine as a girl outside of just carrying around a demon blade. Lucky for Waka, Griselda was much more open and friendly about the small talk than most. She actually giggled at the idea Usumidori was her father, or that she played with it.
"I'll tell you right now, that isn't my father. And... I guess it was a family relic, of sorts. More part of my family's stash of ancient stuff. With Usumidori at its head, even!" A bit... simple an explanation, the one the sword couldn't really say was wrong, but he spoke up just to make a simple correction on the girl's description. Clearing his... throat audibly, as to get attention? Does a sword even need to do that?
"Ahem... A mere shell of my former self was held there." Whatever that meant. The girl just nodded and eyed the passing by Majin Moo's. Wondering if that really wasn't the place to go. But, another block down and a more quaint stall made its appearance. Was in the middle of a small plaza with similar stalls set up, but being early the trio were actually some of the only ones there. Griselda had just a moment to think on flavors and such before Waka brought it up. What a colorful sundae she was getting. The small girl had to at least commend her for that. She, however, was much more.... vanilla. Pun intended.
"Perhaps I could have just... Neopolitan scoops in my bowl? I much rather have something I'm more familiar with than experiment. I wouldn't mind trying a bite of anything, just not... A full bowl of it! You don't have to pay though!" Being offered a free cone was the easy way to have a snack like this, but the small girl was more sensible and kind than that. Offring up some of her own money coming out of that little shoot to get herself some. Payment itself from the woman was unnecessary, she was more than willing to just hang out for a bit.
WC: 622
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Post by Wakana Waka on Nov 8, 2020 4:20:29 GMT -8
The further threat would make Waka’s expression fall, but she was wise enough not to complain – whether people could back up their talk or not, fighting like that just wasn’t worth the trouble. Besides, you never knew when they really could walk the walk as well as talk the talk. ”Yeah, gotcha. I’m no good with long names, though, so go easy.” remarked the Beastman, just a tiiiiny bit tongue-in-cheek about her excuse, though as usual it was hard to tell with her stoic expression. An advantage to looking and sounding like a brick wall. On the flip side, she too would misunderstand Gris’s reaction to her joking offer, briefly hesitating over whether to explain herself or not – but promptly giving up. E-Ech, embarrassing…
Thankfully, her attempt at small talk was a lot more successful. She’d try and put her thinking cap on and wrap her head around the matter at hand, but… well, she wasn’t clueless, but magic really wasn’t in Waka’s wheelhouse just yet. She’d been working on it, though! ”Pretty special, huh? I’ve had bad luck with fam'ly relic stuff mys'lf, but that sort of thing looks good in a leg'nd. Hm, but if that’s how it is, then what brought you to the big city? I’m goin' to take a wild guess that you’re not aim'ng to get into univ'rsity while wield'ng that thi- err, Usumi…doormy. Though, I’d bet some of those wann'be West'rn Lands’ dojos would let you in.”
Nodding along gently to Gris’s suggestion, and glad that she wasn’t picking up the tab alone, Waka would handle their orders with practiced grace – ”Hey, punk! Your samples are melt'ng. West City is supp'sed to promise serv'ce with a smile, not abs'nce with an excuse.” snapped the heavy fox, immediately getting attention from the young girl hidden behind the stall’s counter; though her amused smile made it clear that there wasn’t a fight brewing (yet). ”I’ll spare you my scint'llatin' convers'tion tonight, so just make a high hat sundae and – one of the little Neop'litan waffle bowls. Then I’ll stop block'ng the view, huh?”
”Going on a diet tonight, are we? It’s about time. I hate to break it to you, but my business doesn’t entirely rely on a single fox; no matter her size.” replied the haughty staffer, albeit with a smirk that matched Waka’s own. ”Fine, fine. So long as you’re paying, I really don’t care. Now hurry off before you scare any customers away.”
Seeming quite pleased with the exchange, Waka would turn away – and notice Gris again. ”Err… don’t mind all that. We have a – professi'nal relationship.” remarked the lady awkwardly, before trundling to a nearby table and snatching up a seat her size from not far away. Thankfully, while she had to duck under some doorframes, most places knew that demons and particularly sizable Saiyans were still paying customers. ”Hm, but I shouldn’t pry so much without chatt'ng about myself some more. Uh… I’m mostly just a thug. Being big is kinda handy in that busin'ss. I do odd jobs ev'rywhere to get by. I wouldn’t say I’m a wand'rer or nothing, but… I don’t feel like tying myself down to any kind of a career so far. I don’t really have my heart in those sorts of things, anyway…”
[555/1818]
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Post by Gris on Nov 13, 2020 20:21:52 GMT -8
Griselda watched the large majin fox lady with some intrigue. Green eyes looking between her and the stand lady. What a lovely bit of back and forth between the two. Chemistry unlike the one she'd possess with her own sword. Still, it wouldn't be past the girl to know a few people who were as interesting. Kinda reminded her of Father a bit, with his rather smart attitude towards his friends and family. Not that she was ever really the subject of such things. By the time Griselda was even able to hold a conversation like that she was seen as a bit of a baby among her siblings and treated as such. Oh, right. Waka's question. "Ahh! Of course! Well, we came here to the city foremost because I wanted to experience it. But, Mister Usumidori was making his way out here to find something. A weapon similar to him, as he puts it. Money and notoriety helps get the word out, and he's confident anything like that product ad would get the thing to recognize he was around. Or so I thought. It was after some convincing."Waka asked and delivered. A perfect bowl of the three plain flavors she'd enjoy, all with decorative waffling as a garnish of sorts. The girl smiled and paid her dividend easily with just a small bit of what she already earned. Taking the bowl from the lady with a short thanks, Griselda fell in line behind Waka and took a seat next to her. Words were wholly unable to really show the size difference between the girl and Waka. "Huh. A thug. Father usually hired some for little odd jobs he'd not wanna personally mess with. Though, that's closer to mercenary than thug, right? How much of a difference is there?"The girl dug on in, not taking the time to thank spirits or anything. Just, a proper spoonful at a time. She couldn't imagine just walking around with no drive to do anything, personally. No goals in mind. Nothing to work towards. The money was only a means to an end for the duo here, she didn't do it just because. "Sorry if I sound rude, miss Waka, but I was just curious. Is it because you lack guidance? Drive, maybe? I don't know, a feel a big woman like you could surely accomplish a lot more for yourself beyond taking on jobs, right?" A pointed question, Griselda didn't seem to look at the woman with incredulity or anything on the surface. Just... looking up, blinking at the wolf with some intrigue into that mind of hers. WC: 440 Wakana Waka
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Post by Wakana Waka on Nov 14, 2020 23:30:30 GMT -8
Gris’ bowl was indeed decadent – clearly the little stall put their all into their work. It was little surprise Waka sought them out over the bigger franchises… and that became even more clear as the fox’s own treat showed up. The word ‘ludicrous’ came to mind, as did the word ‘diabetes’; but it was clear that this was just business as usual for Waka. A ring of six ice cream cones, forming a large top of chocolate-coated ice cream… however, a little bit of extra attention and the truth would be revealed – it was ice cream, certainly, but on top of chocolate brownie in each of the cones. Of course, with hot fudge on top, a light peppering of nuts, and a cherry on each. Truly ridiculous… at least Waka’s size was less mysterious now.
While she put out her serviette like a good girl and admired her meal, Waka’s mood clearly skyrocketed, though she wouldn’t put the conversation on hold just yet. ”Hm, city life, huh. Yeah, I know the feel'ng… I came up here from far away mys'lf. I kinda pref'r liv'ng rough, but… you don’t get stuff like this in the mountains.” Now wearing a glimmer of a smile, Waka held her tiny spoon like it was a blade of equal worth to Usumidori; ”Huntin' swords, though… I dunno if this is the place to be, unfortun'tely. I see a lot of folks with blades now'days. I think it must be tourist seas'n for West'rn Lands weirdoes. Sorry, but I won’t pret'nd to know a thing about weapons – I had enough trouble learn'ng marti'l arts without all the armed kata as well. But, I can at least say, I don’t know anyone else with a talking sword. Poss'ssed by demons, though… yeah, well, we’ve all been there, heh.”
Leaving it on that unhelpful note, the Beastman wouldn’t restrain herself any longer. She pounced… very gently and cautiously; taking a tiny spoonful off of the very top of the ice cream. She was a glutton, sure, but… she was gourmand as well. She’d taste it like a lady, quietly considering it for a good few seconds…
”…it’s good!”
Finally, that stoic demeanour melted away.
”Chocolate, on chocolate, on chocolate – it should be overkill, it should be all the same; but yet it’s still a peerless experience. The texture of the cracked chocolate icing, with its light milk chocolate flavour that melts with ease; then the cool and soft chocolate-chip ice cream, and finally the dark chocolate brown beneath it all – still warm, fluffy, and so dense. And, if the chocolate was too much, the hint of nut and waffle cone stands out even more, giving balance in spite of how much the scales tilt. It’s a testament to how much chocolate can get away with…”
And, like that, it was gone; as Waka pulled the cherry’s stem from her teeth. Not a crumb was spilt. An unbelievable display. Gris should have asked earlier if she wanted to try it, clearly… or, maybe that would have been too dangerous. ”….Hm. Yeah, I guess my work is a bit like that. Merc'naries… I think they tend to be more professi'nal. I don’t exactly have an office or a bus'ness card or nothin'. I’m just… not much good at anyth'ng but being big and scary. It’s not so bad.” she rumbled, placing a hand on her chin, and looking a tiny bit more downtrodden at the subject at hand. ”Ambitions… person'lly, I just focus on being alive tom'rrow. I spent some time in the wilds, when I was younger; and liv'ng in the city ain’t much differ'nt. Gotta get paid to live, gotta live to get paid. It’s no sob story – I’m enjoy'ng life. But, it can be rough.”
The thought troubled her, though… if she could do anything in the world, what would she do, anyway? She didn’t have the education to get up to much, nor did she have the money to afford an education even if she did set her heart on something like that. Being a movie star, in a band, a scientist, a teacher, or a lawyer… no, none of it spoke to her. Meet amazing people, taste amazing things, and then have the chance to look back on it all – that was all she’d ever known. Because some people… didn’t have the chance to look back, no matter what their dreams were. ”I guess… most people like me would probably wann' be martial arts stars, or heroes, or someth'ng… but, that life has never called to me. I’m no big deal… but even if I was strong – I don’t think I’d wanna lend it to anyone but me.”
Dangerous words. Even she knew it. But, she still spoke them, from the heart.
She was self-aware enough to know it was a unruly line of conversation, though, so although she paused, she did push on. ”Harr harr. Well, I don’t think I could be a big time villain either, so don’t start cry'ng. My martial arts are pretty rusty, anyw'y. I still get totally creamed from time to time. Ah, but, maybe I’ll look into that World Tourney thing sometime. Maybe I’ll get wrecked on stage, but – there’s got to be los'rs in any cont'st, right? Mm, it’ll be somethin' good for the memoirs, too. Say what you like about people who don’t make it to the finals, but… even gett'ng in the first round is someth'ng to be proud of.”
Waka stretched as she ended on that note, before giving a weak shrug. ”Y’know, if I were to bet on magic'l weapons showin' up anywh're, that’d be the kind of place I’d look. Besides, wouldn’t your Usumidere wanna be on stage? Fufu… maybe hav'ng the floor wiped with him might put him in a better mood.”
[980/2798]
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