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Post by Aventus on Nov 8, 2020 12:10:34 GMT -8
In the northern regions, tucked away in the quiet little corner of the world lay the decayed ruins of a house. Its broken down walls sticking up from the debris of the collapsed ceiling. The front of the building still standing silently, the front porch having patches of weeds poke through the floor. The cobble walk away having disappeared in the deep grass, the mail box broken down. A garden could be seen despite the weeds, the rainbow of colors still visible from it to the right of the house. It was quite the beautiful sight, almost enough to be put into a painting for the enjoyment of those who loved this scenes. In the front yard stood a silent man, cloak pulled up over his head to hide his face, the black a stark contrast to the colorful green of the area. His brown snout visible from under the hood as he stood silently watching the building. He was lost in thought as he looked over the decaying past, his mind floating through the memories of those he had lost. He once lived here, his family and friends... The joy's they shared a ever lasting memory to him, almost like it was yesterday... A whistle caused his attention to turn as children ran by. A memory... a spell to recount the days long past to him and his kin. A child form of himself running with his friends to the front porch where an elderly man stood waiting with a pitcher of tea. The shouts of laughter and excitement of the day filled the air. Time passing in an instant, the sun racing the moon to the horizon in a flash of light. Then a stop, the sun at noon as a crying child sat on the porch. The scrape on his elbow and the scuff on his face told the story of a fall. An elderly man coming from the front door to patch the boy's wounds. The man lowered his head, slowly pulling the coal back to reveal the face of Aventus. A man who once lived here with his teacher, and his friends... His family. More time passed in an instant, a teenage boy standing before the house, alone. His eyes filled with tears as he stood next to his real self, the day he had lost all those he held dear. The fragile boy had made a fatal mistake that took everything from his family... In his arrogance, and desperation he had made the mistake that killed them all. With a wave of his hand, the illusion magic disappeared to leave the man standing alone as his magic danced along his arm. His eyes returned once more to the building while the magic faded from his hands to leave him standing in the sun. How many years had it been now? four, five, maybe even six as far as he knew. Time meant nothing with so many sleepless nights. He couldn't put a number to the lonely nights he spent, the frustrating defeats of his spell failing, of the irritation of not being able to recall the incantation. He had used magic unknown to him and in doing so cast his family into some unknown abyss. Had he killed them? Did they simply disappear? Where they kidnapped by the voice? Anything was possible with magic, and he didn't have the slightest clue what magic he had used... Yet not all hope was lost, and he would find away... he had too. Slowly Aventus made his way toward the porch before placing his hand upon the railing of the old building. How joyous will their reunion be he wondered? Could he face them again after he had gotten them back? Would he be hated by those who once called him friend? His foot falls resounding as he stood upon the porch, his hand gently gripping the door knob and twisting. Yet the door simply fell over, leaving him holding the door knob where it once connected to the door. As he tossed it away, his eyes looked to the inside. The debris once more shifting as the illusion took hold once more. Inside stood four kids, each of different species and genders as the elderly man knelt down in front of them. Aventus watching silently as his younger self was put into a coat and a scarf around his neck despite his tiny protests. The elderly man nagging him to remain warm when it was snowing outside. The real Aventus stepping to the side as the illusions walked past into the snow, slowly disappearing into the distance to leave the house empty. One day he would relive this memories, or at least... he would give those he took from the chance. As the illusion died down once more, Aventus was left standing on the porch alone yet again. But not for long as a sounds of something approaching could be heard. A small wisp floated from the trees toward the house. Aventus simply holding out his hand as he got close, the wisp twisting around his arm then about his torso in its comforting warmth. The wisp coming to a stop having twisted its tail about him and floating before him. A single red eye forming in its end of what was its head. "Aventus! I've been looking everywhere for you! You know leaving me behind makes me nervous."The fox man simply smiled at the others words, hand gently petting the wisp in question to comfort it. "Aye, I apologize. I should have told you but I was feeling rather... nostalgic today."The wisp's eye showed the worry it felt as it looked to the building. "You have to stop coming here... its not healthy for you. Its cold, dusty and who knows who could be watching us. You know the Namekians would love a chance to find you."Aventus would simply sigh as he looked to the house once more. He knew his friend was right, but it didn't help his mind at all. "I know Akalus... But how can I possibly stop? I just... don't want to forget is all."The two would fall silent then as they looked at the building together. The world was a dangerous place, and both had their enemies to watch out for. But who could blame them for revisiting such a place that was so important to one of them. With shrug, Aventus stepped down from the porch as he and Akalus continued their conversation. word count 1,100
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Post by Juni on Nov 8, 2020 14:53:21 GMT -8
With a delay of bringing honor to the clans of the Pig Demon Duchies in the Western lands, Juniper was free to travel the world as planned, she traveled by boat towards Central lands briefly visiting a few friends and continued to the Northern lands. The Dandelion clan princess was dressed in a maid outfit and a jacket to protect her from the cold but was still under dressed for the chill air. While she looked human in appearance, a real human would be shivering, and she remained unfazed when she reached the flower fields.
A small black octopus was hovering closely behind her, an unusual sight of a sea creature that mastered the sky dance art, made famous by the Crane school in the eastern lands, an ability only the well trained ki master or martial artist took ages to learn. Juniper was applying her mystic healing abilities at every opportunity in her travels, this was the first time in her entire life that she had traveled this far north, thanks to her samurai husband Koma and long time friend Fenrir.
Today she was alone with her octopus companion, it was part of her being independent without the need of retainers despite her noble birth, and she refused to be treated as weak by the people she loved.
It was her dream to explore the mystic arts on her own terms, making her own decisions, after being shut inside a castle since she was born, because she was descended to a casino owner of an ancient city and founder of uniting the warring clans in the western lands widely known as Oolong Tea. While her sister Clove marveled in the fame the Tea clan had landscaped for them, her brother Ma-Te did business with Saiyans to establish new ventures until a thug murdered him, as the youngest she had a different approach of reaching the masses with Ki education. The mystic healer wanted to write a book about mysticism, reading chakras, and restoring balance to the world in order to defeat Piccolo Daimao in the Cold War.
Hachi hovered on the roof of a decrepit stone house, watching two figures standing in front of it, until they noticed him and he flew away back to Juniper’s side who was sketching the wild flowers into the pages of her sketchbook. While she did not have an affinity for plants as much as her own gardener Misaki, she still enjoyed illustrating them, and hoped to capture the world in her point of view for the chapters of her book.
“What’s wrong Hachi? Is someone nearby? Friend or foe?” Juniper kept her blue cobalt eyes on the finishing touches of her sketch, she detected two unfamiliar ki signatures, but she had no desire to disturb them at the moment until she understood their intentions of being in a nearly vacant corner of the northern lands. [483] Aventus
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Post by Aventus on Nov 9, 2020 9:14:22 GMT -8
Aventus and Akalus were finishing their sentence when the familiar noticed the tiny creature looking at them. His reaction is what spurred Aventus to see him as well, only to be met with it immediately fleeing the scene. The two walking around the side of the house to spot a young woman sketching in a notebook. The wolfman stood silently as he thought of why someone was here, yet he did not feel threatened yet. The woman was simply drawing the surroundings by the looks of it, however he still approached with caution. His foot falls parting the grass as he came closer and held up a hand in friendly greeting.
"Ahh, hello. Sorry for the interruption. But... Well I couldn't help but notice the familiar who was peeking at us."
Aventus naturally gestured to the one next to her as his own Akalus drifted over the wolfman's shoulder, curiosity in the red eye of his companion.
"I'm Aventus Vermillion, and this is Akalos."
As Aventus gestured to his companion to state his name, the long tailed familiar would wrap itself around its master before gently bowing his head in response.
"A pleasure."
With his introductions out of the way, and hopefully being responded to in kind, Aventus would look to the wild flowers she was sketching before a sad look crossed his face briefly. He doubted very much that this would be here if the old man was alive, but given that others seem to enjoy them he couldn't well be sad about it. Still, the growing weeds bothered him, and perhaps he should mow the grass here one day...
"May I ask why you chose this spot in particular to draw wild flowers miss? I figured the ruined house would ruin any good drawing opportunities, but I am no artist."
While that was true to an extent, he did some times draw runes or some pictures for his spells. However in this case it was far less than what an artist may do.
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Post by Juni on Nov 10, 2020 17:13:40 GMT -8
The flower illustration was nearly complete when the two ki signatures approached, she raised her gaze at the pair, smiling as she bowed her head in greeting customary to the westen lands. As she listened to his introduction, an explanation that Hachi was spying on them, and a simple query she tilted her head thoughtfully for a minute.
“Nice to meet you, Aventus-san.” Juniper began to speak in the sweetest voice, “My name is Juniper Dandelion Tea. This is my companion Hachi, he is not a familiar, he is simply an octopus who mastered the art of controlling ki to hover out of water. We have been drawn to each other ever since he floated up the river from the sea. Mind explaining what a familiar is and how one came to be? Do they all speak like Akalos-san?”
Waiting for an answer, she continued to explain what her eight legend companion was, “As you can see Hachi does not speak but I can understand how he feels or the feelings of anyone who is alive for that matter. I am a mystic of the healing arts, I have the ability to read chakras, which all ki is channeled through in the body.”
Curiously, she began sketching the pair, since she still had her sketchbook out then paused for a minute closing the book which fit inside a large pocket of her jacket. It had been quite some time she was walking up this hillside, without any sign of civilization, and for some reason or another Aventus wanted to excuse the state of the decrepit house as if he was the owner.
“On the contrary, the home is remnant of memories that it once held, did you live here at some point? Do you require assistance in restoring it to its splendor?” The Dandelion Princess chuckled, “Perhaps I chose this spot well, it was empty the first time I came around when I surveyed the area the day before, I did not expect you two to be here the following day. It is almost destiny, don’t you agree?”
[338] Aventus
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Post by Aventus on Nov 10, 2020 18:25:26 GMT -8
Aventus smiled faintly as the young woman spoke, her tone was calm and sweet. She seemed like a genuine person by her manner of speaking and the air about her made Aventus feel like he wasn't completely alone in that moment. His gaze softened, head tilting slightly to the right while his stance relaxed as well. Akalos was quick to wrap himself tightly about Aventus as she asked about him and what a familiar was. Aventus had assumed, but the surprising truth was something he had never dreamed of. Truly a marvel of the world was standing- er floating before him now. "I see... A familiar can be a great deal many things, some are made from the objects with strong memories, some are summoned wisps, and others can be formed from magic. Akalos here was summoned from a memento from my youth and has been with me since that day."With that Aventus would gently run a finger under Akalos' chin who looked rather pleased by the touch. Aventus had been surprised to learn that there was more to the world than magic, that there was a thing known as Chakra and ki was channeled through this. Aventus knew precious little about ki, its applications and what it meant in general. So to hear there was more to the world than he already knew was both stressful... but also exciting. Not only did he have yet another thing to research in order to get his loved ones back, now he was unable to understand what ki truly was. Chakra was something he would explore another time. "In the past I lived here with my family yes..."Aventus' eyes turned sad as he looked to the ruined house, the charred remains of the inside still present from the day he had been attacked. "I... do not wish to restore it yet. I am fully capable of doing such, but to do so with matters as they are seems... unfitting to the memory of those who once lived here."Aventus let his gaze linger there for a time, before returning it to the young woman, Juniper. His smile he gave held the hint of his sadness over the matter. "But that is a subject deeply personal. As for destiny, I try to not believe in the idea of destiny. To me it is a terrifying thought that everything is laid out before us on a predetermined path. Our mistakes, our successes, and our ability to learn... it would be a terrible shame if we were simply being lead by the nose by another forces whim."Aventus was not one to believe in something as fate or that his path had been set before him. He despised the idea that someone had set up his whole life to suffer, and that he would one day kill his family. Such a thought twisted his stomach with enough anger to make him physically ill. To be controlled by something that could be so cruel... that would be the works of something truly sadistic beyond all redemption. "No I believe that we make decisions, and those decisions are the makings of a truly fantastic story. An ever self written story where we can forever be proud of our own successes and failures. Though I do not believe any one belief is true... So perhaps... but if destiny does exist, then it truly is the most sadistic being, or entity to ever foul the air we breath."There was no small amount of venom in his voice, his beastman nature taking hold as he growled the last part. His golden eyes cast to the flowers nearby. "I suppose I went on a little bit of a rant there. I sincerely apologize... You are the first person I have spoken to in well over a year besides Akalos here. So forgive me, subjects and social norms are... difficult to reacquaint oneself to."With that Aventus would simply bow in a graceful manner taught to him by the old man. [698]
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Post by Juni on Nov 11, 2020 15:44:21 GMT -8
A familiar was something extraordinary, she wondered if one would appear while she practiced her mystic arts, but based on the explanation it was nearly impossible. Part of balancing the world, she had to remain balanced as a healer with her chakras, she held no attachments that she held dear even her own children; who were under the care of their grandmothers and would not be influenced by her completely neutral demeanor, in the hopes that they chose a path for themselves in this lifetime. Juniper’s perceptive cobalt blue eyes caught the sadness Aventus felt while explaining that the house was a memory to his youth, she nodded as he continued to explain, completely observant of every detail he was willing to offer. It was different from being raised in a four hundred year old castle in Oolong City, with Western Style influence of stone walls, dark shingles, sliding wood panel windows and walls, and outdoor shinto shrine style arches. While the castle was old, her great grandfather spared no expense in tearing down walls, and making changes regardless of the age or the memories it once held, since the castle itself had existed for quite some time since he had it built for the Tea Clan family. “You do not wish to restore it yet? As if leaving in shambles is a stark reminder of what is yet to be done, Aventus-san?” Juniper wondered, she was unfamiliar with the connotation of leaving it in disrepair by waiting, she reflected a bit longer but could not come up with a conclusion on her own. “Well, I am sure you will do well to restore it to its former glory, and when I return to this location someday I may get the chance to see it for myself.”The subject of destiny seemed to put the wolf beastman in further disarray of sadness, this was the first time someone was so opposed to the notion, she gasped in shock as it was quite unexpected. The Dandelion princess knitted her brows together briefly, as she listened to him explain his reasoning, and was not nearly convinced. “Some decisions are so grand that we have a choice but to be affected by it and live with it. Piccolo Daimao and his army of namekians devastated the lands in his wake. However, because of his actions, the warring states of the western lands were united as the Pig Demon Duchies to push his army to the northern islands. While he is still not defeated, several villages, and the neighboring territories are pushing back the invasions as we speak, and there is nothing I can do about protecting my neighbors until I become strong enough to defeat him. Until then I must continue my journey of traveling the world and find balance again.”
Aventus excused his social behavior, he had not spoken to anyone apart from his familiar, and she nodded in disagreement. “It is the total opposite for me, I was raised as a princess inside a castle my entire lifetime, during my arranged marriage negotiations I was nearly destined to remain within the castle walls until my husband-to-be opposed the elders of our clans to allow me to travel freely. In order to continue my research on mystic healing and restoring balance in my findings, I have been able to resume traveling ever since I gave birth to Quintuplets to bring honor to the Dandelion Clan. All of the children are old enough to speak and read which was the most basic requirement in order to be under the guidance of my family before my departure to this very flower field.”With a smile on her face she continued with the idea of destiny, “I was not originally the heir to the tea clan, my brother was until he was murdered, my sister and I were made available for marriage to the white cat clan, who are guardians of the holy tower of korrin. I strongly feel I was fated to marry a samurai who was not raised under the care of his clan, his father held no rank in our society, so his birth had no merit until he proved himself as being formidable to face the dangers of the world which restored his birth right by blood. The real world experience my husband has gained during his trials were a significant part of being a suitable heir, he has inspired me to do the same, which is why I am here, learning all there is or ever will be until I can prove my mystic abilities to the fullest.”[741] [1,562] Aventus
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Post by Aventus on Nov 11, 2020 17:18:06 GMT -8
Aventus listened to the woman speak, yet her words were... confusing to Aventus. She seemed to disagree with him yet she spoke only of her history. The story speaking of her own history as well as written history known to many. It was fine as far as stories go, but the subject of destiny or fate to a sudden shift to a personal story with no indication that fate had interferred made Aventus question the point of the lesson. While he was not directly bothered by the sudden shift in direction of their conversation, he saw no reason to speak his personal history to the woman.
"I see..."
It was then she spoke on the fate of a samurai who became her husband, speaking on the fate that brought them together. While a pretty story, not all of the world was always so... kind. Yet he was not one to argue one's personal history or beliefs. He held strong doubts, so instead brought forth a question in turn.
"While I understand your beliefs in the matter... But lets say one were to live by the bonds of fate. Lets say a child were to do something bad... without intentions of doing so but ultimately it cost them everything... And then they loses their family again... only to be hunted for most of their life... Lets say they were defending something dear to them, fully attempting to do something that would be normal to anyone else. They fight back against their attackers, they struggle and in that struggle.... they kill those they love."
Aventus' eyes turned dark on the subject, his gaze not threatening but clearly the subject weighed heavily upon him.
"You say that a choice so grand it shouldn't be decided by fate? If so... then what of the choices that seem innocent but hold the power to crush everything someone holds dear? Is it fated that they lose it all? Is it fated they are orphans whos only loved ones are gone? Is it fate that they may have to kill millions to save the only thing they love? If fate does exist... then it is truly kind to those who are fortunate enough and much to harsh to those who struggle for survival..."
Akalos was clearly not pleased by the tone of Aventus, the familiar retreating from his friend slightly as the darkness in Aventus' gaze was clearly not good. While it was not threatening to the girl, nor did he intend for it to be so, his gaze showed no hint of amusement by the thoughts they were discussing.
"I do not say this to discredit your story, nor do I ask this in ill intention... Your personal life was probably difficult and I am sorry for that... But if it is fate, then do you discredit your husband's abilities? Should he have failed, would you have wrote it off as fate being cruel? If you fail at saving those you love because you did not succeed... does that mean something else killed them? Fate to me is an escape goat, a way for someone to throw credit away, to escape from the harshness of reality. We live in a cruel world... where the harshness of others can crush us without mercy... I do not find the idea of fate having killed my... A child's family amusing."
Aventus would then looked to the burned house, eyes still dark but a loneliness in them. Sadness and sorrow that weighed his soul down like chains.
"I apologize. Forget I asked such things. I do not mean to be rude. In the end, either of us could be right or wrong. Our beliefs are our own. I have no right to question what you may or may not believe. As for the reason for your travels. On a much brighter note, I applaud your desire to see the world. My father would have agreed with you on such a matter."
With that Aventus would smile faintly to the woman before him. His attempt at changing the subject not subtle in the slightest, nor did he attempt to hide it.
"Tell me your thoughts so far. What do you think has been the most interesting in your journeys..?"
With that Aventus' eyes went to the octopus floating by the woman, though not to stir the conversation but instead out of curiosity. To think such a thing was possible, it was almost absurd, yet in the world there are many absurd things. He was just looking at one of them.
[759]
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Post by Juni on Nov 12, 2020 3:12:55 GMT -8
“A child could only do so much, with or without guidance, their decisions determine who they will be as an adult. Hopefully, they are raised with love to understand that without pain, it is impossible to understand happiness.” Juniper said flatly, she strongly believed in the words she spoke, a statement she defined as her own since her own upbringing was not typical to most earthlings, “I can only hope that the child learns from their mistakes, as death is only the beginning to an end, we’re all mortals here. Every action we make, triggers another chain of events, and I do not live in regret as I continue going forward even if people die along the way. I apologize if I must make an example of my own experiences to affirm my beliefs but it is difficult to ignore how significant it has been in my past encounters.”
Hachi was feeling rather shy for being unable to contribute to the conversation, he understood what Juniper was feeling, so he perceptively plucked the largest flower blossom, pulling it by the root to hand it over to his companion.
“I met a green haired woman at a tea house one day, the streets of Oolong City are filled with gangs, yakuza, and their unruly influence to control parts of the city as unmarked territory control. For some reason or another my family has left everything unchecked before I was born, nearly ignoring the crimes that are being committed on the streets, by safely remaining in their castles on a rocky plateau above the city. Well this seemingly innocent woman was forced to suplex a street thug into the koi pond of the tea house where I was discussing bringing down the most notorious gang known as the devils cooks. The greenette apologized for the interruption, offering a favor for the damage, and so I asked her to help us take down gangsters after displaying her strength, to which she agreed to do. It was later that I found out she could feel and speak to plants. After the gang was suppressed, I invited her to tend to the gardens of a new estate specifically for martial artists, it was shortly after that she discovered the tree of might, a grand living tree with a ki signature that surpasses an average human, and it produces fruit to increase the power of anyone who eats it. However, my point is, she came across a child who was knowingly destroying the forest, she pleaded for him to cease, he continued with his actions, and she took the action to end his life. It was destiny, predetermined by the stars in the sky, the boy had a death wish, and so it came true by the only person who could answer.”
To a normal person, they would argue that killing a person for destroying a forest was off balance, but to Juniper all living things are significant to the earth. While most people valued human life over others, it was plants that provided the air all living creatures breathe, earning its own value and right to be protected by the people in her entourage at zen estate. The gardener, known as Misaki, was the only person in the world that could have answered the plight of the forest, which triggered a series of events ever since.
The Dandelion Princess dug the earth at her feet, replanting the blossom on the ground, while she was unable to fly she still made sure not to step on any plants along the way in order to sketch the landscape. Aventus may have been describing a hypothetical story about a boy who accidentally killed the people he loved, she recognized right away, that he was telling his own story, she was perceptive to a degree and she was fully aware when he slipped in his explanation. With a wave of her hand, she summoned a giant paint brush using her mystic powers, it was bigger than a mop, with an ornate lacquered wooden pole, and fine white bristles at the end.
“The past cannot be changed, as time can only go forward while the cosmic universe continues to expand, and while we live briefly on earth one must hope that we will accomplish great feats in the passing of time.” Juniper then closed the distance between herself and the wolf beastman who towered over her to show him the paint brush even closer, it was imbued with magic far different from what she revealed to him earlier, as if it belonged to something else entirely. “My grandfather Oolong Tea, has been telling my family stories of his adventures of finding the seven magical dragon balls that are capable of granting any wish, including bringing people back alive from the dead.”
A soft chuckle escaped her lips as she reflected on the superfluous stories, no one believed an old pig to be telling the truth after four hundred years of history, all of which was spun into a fairytale for Emperor Pilaf’s Magic Kingdom and the Kakarot films.
“I received a magical shard as dowry prior to my marriage, even as a fragment of what was once lost, embedded deep within this paint brush, it has enabled me to access sorcery that is inaccessible to most healers. It was my greatest wish to understand all forms of mysticism and so it came true.” Juniper smiled at the wolf, “If your biggest wish is to bring back your family, in order to continue along with the flow of time, then you must go on a journey to find the shards. Restore the dragon balls which have been lost to history and face your destiny.” [939] [2,501] Aventus
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Post by Aventus on Nov 12, 2020 6:26:22 GMT -8
Aventus listened to the girl speak, her stories of her past continuing in the line of speaking of things that happened and to Aventus sounded as if she was taking on "fate". Neither of them had the ability to prove or disprove the other. They could only sit there recounting events, regaling each other with things that happened to them. This would get them no where but into an endless loop of conversation and arguments. As such Aventus refused to speak on the matter further, instead simply looking the woman in the eyes and remaining silent. If one deemed his silence as victory in a conversation, so be it... but no more words would be shed on a discussion neither of them could effectively solve.
"We shall agree to disagree... Neither of us have the concrete proof to effectively argue without tales and taking one anothers words for it. I for one am not one to simply beat a dead horse over it."
With that Aventus placed a hand to his chin, thinking of this "dragon balls" the woman spoke of. If they could restore the dead, then perhaps they could indeed bring back that which was taken from him... but what if they couldn't? Yet could he ignore the fact they exist? He would need to fight others for what he wanted, going against his teachers wishes... A cold surge of anxiety washed over Aventus. The reason his master had lived out here was so he could practice magic without hurting anyone, and one of the reasons he did not teach Aventus the ability to hurt someone. Aventus pondered the idea for a long while.
"Dragon balls? I... they can bring the dead back?"
His words told the volume of shock and disbelief in his mind, yet he held hope in his heart. Aventus looked down at his hand, his clawed hand pondering the idea of seeking strength. Sure he was more powerful than the "average" individual, but he wasn't any where near some of the massive energies he had sensed once or twice. Aventus then looked to the Horizon. A hint of fear in his eyes.
"I can not possibly fight the powers that lurk out there. If I seek the shards as you call them... then I'd need to fight those who seek them most likely."
Aventus was intelligent, and cunning in his own right, knowing that if others knew about this shards... then it was without a doubt true that others would seek to get their wishes granted.
"I..."
Aventus failed to speak his sentence, unable to truly understand what he wanted to say. Was he so frightened of the possible fight a head? Was he scared to increase his power? What would his father say about that? If he hurt people along the way, would he be disowned? Would the old man be disappointed in him fighting for a different solution? Akalos would then brush up against Aventus' shoulder then, the familiar clearly worried.
"Its the best chance we have... right?"
Akalos asked, the tiny familiar clearly trying to cheer up the daunted Aventus. Yet more burdens stacked upon his shoulders, another possible avenue of options had just opened up. Indeed if he did this, then millions would not need to die for him to revive his family. But if this didn't work... and he was more powerful, then he would succeed. If he could best those who held the dragon ball shards, then who would stop him from succeeding in killing millions? So many questions, so many consequences lay before him.
"I shall... think on it."
Aventus had been avoiding going out into the world because of two important reasons... One he had been living here in seclusion to avoid his enemies... and the second was to avoid breaking his old man's words. To hurt others with the magic given to him. To grow stronger would mean more people would be hurt by his future decisions. All of this possible consequences rolled through his head, anxiety, fear, doubt, and... sadness. If he failed then all that he held dear would be forever lost. No one would be left to bring them back.
"I see... Thank you for telling me about the shards... To part with such knowledge must not have been done lightly. For that I thank you kindly."
With that Aventus would bow gently.
"I will consider this option and weigh it with my current situation in due time."
It was clear this words weighed heavily on Aventus, and Akalos did not know how to calm the tempest of emotions in Aventus. Hope, and doubt. Happiness and sadness. It was anodyne for the heart, but also gave rise to a heavy burden to Aventus. A scale was tipped in him, and he did not know how to feel about it.
[807] [3,699]
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Post by Juni on Nov 13, 2020 15:05:06 GMT -8
“Very well, I have no qualms in making a compromise, it is quite unusual for me personally, but I can move on from the subject of destiny, Aventus-san.” Juniper agreed with him with a complacent smile and a gentle nod of no longer discussing the subject.
Koma was also uncovering the truth of what happened to the dragon balls, to bring back her brother, she personally felt it was a dream rather than reality but there was no need to stop him from trying. As she thought about some of the things Aventus had said about failure, she figured she meant her husband possibly failing in their goal to defeat piccolo daimao, among the samurai of the pig demon duchies failure was dishonorable.
“The Samurai in the western lands follow a moral code of honor, failure is not an option, when a samurai loses against a warring state they are given the option to die honorably or betray their lord. My husband Koma is daimao of The Dandelion Clan, I have seen his chakras, he can survive death at a cost of grave injuries that I have struggled to heal properly. Which often leaves a permanent scar on his body. Failure is not an option for us.”
Akalos spoke up saying there was a chance at an opportunity for them both, somehow their minds must have been connected, or the familiar understood his thoughts when the wolf remained silent for a while. Once he finally clarified his thoughts on their conversation, it seemed he needed more time, there was plenty to be had if only traveled in one direction in first place.
“We have not uncovered where the dragon balls come from, history has distorted their existence as a children’s fairy tale my children adore of Emperor Pilaf, there is a whole amusement park based around the stories from the storybooks and cartoons. The stories are quite entertaining except for one of my children, who prefers the Capsule Corp comics of Brussul’s the muscles, an action star hero in several Kakarot films. Have you read or seen the Emperor Pilaf Cartoons or Kakarot films?”
The paint brush disappeared into a pocket dimension, as Juniper dug inside her pocket to open a silver capsule corp case, opposite to the pill sized bottles nestled into laser cut foam was a touch screen mini tablet, her gloved hands worked with the interface of searching through a products she could download via Capsule Corp satellite.
“If you uncover any information, regarding the dragon balls that have been lost to history, would you mind sharing it with me in the future? Aventus-san?” The Dandelion princess raised her gaze up at him from the screen waiting for the answers to her questions. [456] [2,957] Aventus
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Post by Aventus on Nov 13, 2020 16:09:11 GMT -8
Aventus listened to the girl, glad she decided to simply drop the conversation as well. It was clear she did not enjoy dropping the subject but Aventus was still pleased she did not pursue the conversation. It was then that Juniper spoke of cartoons, and Aventus raised a brow. He had never watched "television" or seen "cartoons". He had spent all his life studying or being homeless. So the concept of television seemed beyond him to comprehend on first glance. It was when the capsule was brought forth and the minitablet was then being worked on by Juniper.
"No... I have never watched or heard of this cartoons. What is a cartoon? I assume they must be for children if your kids like them."
Aventus was an open minded individual to an extent, yet the idea of sitting down to watch a childrens cartoon seemed... odd. If it had something to do with the dragon balls however, even if it was fiction could give him some form of concept in order to understand.
"I have never watched television before, though I am aware of its existence. When we visited town for groceries or for errands, I would see them through the windows of stores or in the restaurants as we walked past. But I know next to nothing about them or their workings."
Aventus would look to Akalos then, the tiny familiar simply giving his best impression of a shrug with his thin body. The tail looking comical as he tried to shrug, but Aventus soon returned his attention back to the young woman.
"I suppose a joint effert in finding the dragon balls would not be unwelcome... Do they grant the wish of all who find them? is it multiple wishes? Or does it simply grant only one. But... I suppose you wouldn't know if they have been lost to history..."
Aventus's ears folded back then, already this felt like a hopeless cause. How could he of all people find something lost to history when the most powerful people of the world could not find them? Wasn't this "Piccolo-daimao" older than all present? He was supposedly extremely strong too, meaning that if he hadn't found them then it was possibly they didn't exist anymore. Yet Juniper held a shard in her paint brush, so if she found one there were other pieces... So much was going through his mind, the wolfman's mind racing like a train through the forest. Thoughts racing through his head as questions arose and no answers could be found yet. He supposed raking his brain over it would solve nothing if he didn't have information... Perhaps the old man had information in the basement? But he had burned it when he retreated in the attack, so the likely hood of anything being left was...
"Damnit..."
Aventus cursed the namekians more now than ever before, perhaps that was why they had pursued him? No... it was another reason completely. Something was missing from all of this and he didn't know what it was. It didn't have anything to do with Juniper and as such he washed it from his mind then. He supposed it didn't matter right now.
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Post by Juni on Nov 14, 2020 18:34:09 GMT -8
No comment was made on the revelation of the honor code among samurai, either because the wolf knew about it before, or did not understand it well enough to formulate a question. Hachi began mimicking Iado with its suction cup legs, hanging around Koma for the past two years has taught the octopus the different martial art styles of the western lands, and has been traveling with Juniper frequently in case they encountered fighters in their travels. The subject of television more specific cartoons seemed to interest Aventus, explaining he is somewhat familiar with the purpose of it whenever he was in the nearest town, but did not understand the entire process from start to finish. “Well it is a hand drawn animated picture targeted for children but it is created by adults. So anyone who enjoys cartoons is not limited from being a viewer regardless of their age.” Juniper explained, “Every movement a character makes is hand drawn, then it is digitized so another artist adds color to the illustration, and then it is animated with the help of an editor to play on screen at a certain frame rate speed that matches the vision of most earthlings. Even the screen of my capsule case is playing a certain pixel frame rate to update the information I am viewing. We can watch the episode on the dragon balls over tea, shall we?”Juniper downloaded a picnic table with an umbrella from the digital catalogue, as well as capsule corp comics, a portable satellite television, and a tea set. The screen allowed her to arrange her products in a 3D space before she hit download. The items were digitized into the capsule, she pulled out the first pill sized dynocapsule, and clicked the top releasing it into a clearing to reveal everything she just ordered with zeni. Technology had improved over four hundred years to the level of magic materialization without the cost of ki. The tea set was billowing steam from the kettle, Juniper hopped over some wild flowers then walked over to the table, pulling out a wooden envelope with a tea bag inside, placing it into the pot. Without thinking about it, she realized she forgot to ask Aventus what kind of tea he liked, and chose for them out of instinct. “Ah, what kind of tea do you like, Aventus-san?” The mystic healer smiled, as she let the tea brew inside the porcelain pot, and began to fiddle with the portable satellite tv which was the size of a large book with a kickstand. Pilaf Corp played cartoons on a specific channel around the clock, there was another channel specific to the advertising the theme park, and Pilaf products to encourage tourists to visit the which she skipped over to tune in to the cartoon. Ironically the episode where Emperor Pilaf summoned Shenron was playing after he collected all the dragon balls to make his wish: to be admired. The wish came true, Emperor Pilaf was a beloved icon for children young and old, securing the loyal subjects who buy year round passes to his theme park. “It appears only one wish was made, then the dragon balls scatter for a year, and shenron disappears. After Emperor Pilaf gets his wish, his journey ends, and he builds his kingdom between the southern demon lands and the southern islands for his loyal subjects. After a year, a menacing monkey boy along with his friends try to use the dragon balls for mischief, so Emperor Pilaf protects the dragon balls. ”[591] Aventus
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Post by Aventus on Nov 17, 2020 0:12:27 GMT -8
Aventus listened to the girl speak about how cartoons were made and his attention was divided between his thoughts but also listening to the explanation. Though a few things slipped past his understanding, such as "pixel frame rate". Yet he was able to piece together what she was referring to as it came on. Her question about tea was simply met with a shrug and a "anything really" answer. He had no preference to tea, rarely having drank it. Not that he didn't like it but he often times resorted to water in the wilderness. Aventus was not a barbarian or a person who never enjoyed modern things. Yet he was clearly lacking in the material world's sense of experience.
Aventus watched the screen closely, his head tilting this way and that as he observed the show in question. Yet the constant reminder in his head was this was made by someone, so their views of things would never be the true events that took place. Aventus had been taught that truth is never just one story, but the collective of truths of those who experienced it. Once the show came to a close, Aventus would place a hand to his chin while he thought about what he just saw.
"I see... The world truly is full of wonders."
With that Aventus would close his eyes as he played the things he just saw over in his head once more. His ears folding back listening for any sounds behind him before returning forward once more. He was truly impressed by the box, and the idea that this individual had made such a wish. If the person in question could collect the dragon balls, then Pilaf must have been a very clever individual. There were truly terrifying levels of strength today, Aventus could only imagine what the forefathers were like. History was a marvelous thing but also a fickle instrument to work. Written by the victors, while the losers were made its villains. Those who lived told the stories to any who would believe...
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Post by Juni on Nov 17, 2020 0:52:56 GMT -8
Red tea was prepared, Juniper served Aventus his own cup, placing it across the picnic table so that he could take a seat, and enjoy a warm drink. After pouring herself a cup, she drank from it, and remained silent for a minute to settle into the outdoors. The Dandelion Princess then changed the channel to a Kakarot movie, one in particular was the wedding that took place in Pilaf land, in one of the scenes Juniper was in the background wearing a tux sitting on a pew at the chapel along with other notable fighters. The scene unfolded with Kakarot being blessed by Emperor Pilaf at the wedding while Shu and Mai stole the four star dragon ball in another room, in this instance the story was from a different point of view, that of the monkey boy who was now a man where thieves took advantage of having a window of opportunity to collect the magical dragon balls. Juniper flipped open the capsule corp comics that featured kakarot as a young boy with the four star dragon ball who believed it held his grandfather's soul inside due to the magic that radiated from it. She placed her tea cup down on the saucer, her blue eyes observant of the wolf studying the materials, as he was caught up with the fact that the world believed they were part of a fairy tale rather than factual remnants of history. “After some thought, whoever created the dragon balls, must still be around if all that remains are the shards. What do you think, Aventus-san?” She smiled as Hachi poured more tea from the pit into her empty cup. “Do you recall the woman I mentioned earlier who could speak to plants? One day on the coast of Pilaf Land, she entered a mysterious temple that emerged from the sea, after reports of people who went inside were not able to come out. Misaki-san said she met herself inside, who was different from her usual demeanor, after sometime she found a way to escape and found a mirror surrounded in shards as if the magic was used to trap everyone involved. Zephyr and Tempani were behind using the shard’s magic on behalf of Piccolo Daimao and escaped while the temple collapsed. The mirror was lost, the namekians escaped, and everyone who were trapped inside were saved. Apart from facing the danger of these two named enemies to uncover the truth, who are being sought after by my husband, there may be other ways to discover more about the dragon balls, and maybe find more people who have been researching this entire time.”With the tea cup full, she picked it up again to drink from it, and simply relaxed in the tranquil field of wildflowers. Earlier it seemed like Aventus was a hermit of sorts, knowledgeable in his own abilities, but not of what took place in the world. Perhaps with a sense of direction, he would be encouraged to leave the area, and make new discoveries. It was not her place to make such a suggestion, it seemed his familiar would remind him of everything they learned today, and eventually make the next decision with a clear mind. [538]
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Post by Aventus on Nov 17, 2020 2:06:13 GMT -8
Aventus took the cup in his hands, taking his seat as he watched the material with keen interest. He took note that Juniper had been there when Kakarot was married, but was probably just a replication of the scene of history. He could not take the thing completely seriously as the woman beside him was clearly old enough to be present in older tv shows but wasn't around to see the dragon balls. This meant that the shards were much older than he originally thought. His eyes travelled to Juniper as he thought though the theories that may be drifting around.
"If the person who made them was still alive, then either they have no interest in restoring them... or they cannot do so. The possible chance that upon gathering the shards, they cannot be reforged into dragon balls exists."
Aventus looked back to the tv then, his mind pondering the issue a head.
"With that note in hand... we can but only assume that the creator either broke them their self... or were perfectly content to let them be broken. But if the case is it cannot be remade, then the issue would be if we can get the creator to make more."
Aventus took another sip of his tea then, thinking of the many possible options they had.
"Lets just say that the creator is indeed alive somewhere. This is highly unlikely given the nature of the world, but lets just say they are. Then we are faced with yet another crisis... If they remake the dragon balls and they can grant wishes... we have to worry about the clearly superior powers such as piccolo daimao and the others I sense coming for them. I mean if the show is accurate, the world will know. The sky becomes darker yes? A giant dragon as well?"
Aventus looked to Juniper then, fingers tapping the chair in thought.
"This could lead to a world wide war should any of us succeed... Clans from all over would seek this orbs... I don't stand a chance of getting this orbs to get my- I mean... I... whatever... The problem is I cannot possibly achieve this. I couldn't even help you even if I wanted too. So why even tell me about this?"
Aventus looked down at the ground then, his scientific and magical mind seeking answers. He was smart enough to begin deducing possible reasonings, but all came to the same thing. She either told him as a mistake by simply speaking without thinking... or she overestimated his value as an ally. He was not a fool, he was just some apprentice mage who lived in the middle of no where.
"While I appreciate the sliver of hope, I am not a fool. I cannot possibly find something this warlords cannot find. I am just another face amongst a sea of power. To top it off, we have no idea if they can be remade and as such I'd be risking my life because of a cartoon. I know the shards exist, or at least... I believe you in that regard. But... from a logical stand point... It is not possible for me to aid you in any way. I've fought warriors with powerful ki and magical abilities. Not the titans I sense on this world mind you from my travels... But enough to easily out match me completely."
With that Aventus leaned forward, ears folded back as worry filled him.
"Lets say we do gather the shards, what is the rules on the dragon balls? Surely something such as that must have some sort of repercussions or reasoning to their wishes? Can one wish for anything? What if they wished for universal extinction? Would this wishing orbs be worth the risk? What if Piccolo-daimao wishes to never die? Someone like that who runs an empire undying? Never able to be defeated? Is it worth the risk?"
Aventus was not only thinking of his own wish, but the consequences of his actions as well as the others. This world held an item that could grant wishes, and they didn't know the extent of the things powers did they? If they were lost to history, whats to say the very laws that bound them were forgotten? Even if Juniper knows the answer, she could well be wrong.
"Then we have the issue of finding the creator. Where would they be? How would we find them if they have remained hidden. But if they are simply hidden and we do find them. What if someone forces them to make another set? Then the problem becomes just as much a threat as said before. If the ones currently made or rather... the shards... you know what I mean. If they are bound by some form of law... then how do we know they can't just find the creator and force them to make even more powerful ones?"
With that out of the way, Aventus put a hand to his forehead. He was getting a stress headache from all the possible options. The sheer weight of learning this was enough to make the wolfman ill from mental stress. He had just learned of an artifact of the past so powerful, it made a man into a warlord over night. At least, that was what he took from it. A king or whatever you wished to call it in the end. Now the world seemed even more vast than before, a logical leap would have been fine... but Aventus had just been introduced to a threat on a cosmic scale... An object so powerful that it could possibly bring his family back and the only thing standing in his way was several armies, powerful beings so far beyond his understanding he couldn't fathom it, and a being who had remained hidden for centuries. He was truly out of his league in every respect.
[986] [5,560]
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