|
Post by Koma on Aug 20, 2021 1:38:29 GMT -8
As the group came into the village center and Mayor Crocus presented himself to meet him, Koma – perhaps uncharacteristically for those who had never seen him before, gave a full bow, including dropping to one knee, to the elder.
“It is nice to see you again, Mayor Crocus. I wish it was under better circumstances.” to which the old man's eyes widened, and he poked the Samurai in the shoulder, which brought a smirk from Koma.
“Koma of the Dandelion Clan. I thought when I contracted you it might be you, but I didn't expect to see the same exact face – have you even aged in fifteen years, you damned vagabond? You look the same as you did in those days so long ago... when you were the Captain of the Bear Clan.”
The old man didn't speak more of it, not planning to drag an old wound around and force it to reopen. Instead, he nodded to Koma, Juniper, and the rest of those gathered.
“The Black Heart Namekians in the Island across the bay regularly raid us for goods. Sometimes they take people too, for slave labor or worse. We haven't seen anyone they take ever return, at least not except for the last time we hired mercenaries...” the old man moved towards the largest of the neon signs, with its offer of the 'best fish and beet soup in the north', clear as the day outside of the tunnel like settlement.
Soon, the group was sitting at a long, old table. One which from the darkness of its color and it's roughshod appearance was very old and had survived very much. There were marks from knife stabbings, sword slashes, even bullet and blaster holes, but it still stood strong.
As the group headed into the tavern and sat, Crocus would give out a call and large mugs of beer and bowls of the stew were brought out.
“We can't offer you much in recompense, but we would greatly appreciate your assistance in recovering the villagers who they have taken.” Crocus said to the group, and as he did, Koma snapped to Gilbert, who sat at the table as if he was a real human being and not just a very very intelligent racoon dog, and soon Gilbert was opening the remaining suitcase that Koma had, and using it's mouth to grab folders from it and toss a copy to everyone present.
“This is information which we have from previous battles in the area, and a map which I sketched of the Demon Clan Namekian island across the bay, and how it is peopled. I will be honest, I don't want to just get these villagers back; I'd like to cripple the Namekian Settlement so that it doesn't try anything like this anytime soon.”
Something about how the Half-Saiyan Samurai said it sure did imply 'but if you don't want to help me I'll do it myself'.
[496] [10,665/14,000]
|
|
|
Post by Juni on Aug 25, 2021 0:01:16 GMT -8
Juniper was astonished to see her own husband bend the knee to an elder of the Northern Lands, based on the conversation it seemed it was someone he respected from past experience, and she smiled at the prospect. Despite being married, there were a few things she was unfamiliar with regarding his past, there was only so much time in a single day to learn about the former samurai before being elevated among the ranks of the Pig Demon Duchies. The Mayor went into great detail that Sol Marina was in major turmoil over slavery from Black Heart Namekians who were bold enough to dishearten the local community. Eventually they were led into a worn tavern, in exchange for their efforts they were offered ale and local cuisine as compensation, the Mayor affirmed they were in dire straits to offer anything else. “Thank you for your kindness, Mayor Crocus.” Juniper bowed her head, taking a seat elegantly, and consumed what was offered without a second thought. After a beat, Koma offered his own reports of the black heart Namekian raiders, including a photograph of the leaders of the horde to take into consideration. All of this information was new to the Dandelion Clan Princess, she was given a folder of her own from the suitcase, and she quietly read the information she was provided with cobalt eyes. While some of them were blue in color, they were not like Bass, some of them had different heads from Piccolo Daimao, insects, crustaceans, dinosaurs, and two of them resembled oni in Western Land folklore. Part of Koma’s plan was to take on the leaders and weaken the Black Heart Namekians from the top. Once they were able to secure Sol Marina, followed by the remaining coastal villages, they would be able to control the main land by continuing west towards Central Lands. Fortunately, Tundra Village was formidable enough to protect the border in the Western Lands, and soon enough the Dandelion Clan would be able to cross the Northern Islands by applying pressure in return to Piccolo Daimao’s Territory. Juniper turned to face Fenrir and Vanielle who admitted not meeting a Black Heart Namekian, “Bass-san, is a Black Heart Namekian, he resembles Piccolo Daimao the most, compared to the rest of the brood. While we were in the Capsule Corp Showroom, he explained that his disowned brethren were chaotic by nature, and while it is faint I believe he is also in the northern lands securing a different village--based on the direction it seems its Port Lumina. If we are successful here, we can free the locals from future threats, as well as save the earthlings who have been enslaved. I hope you can join us, we will need all the help we can afford, in this endeavor.”The seemingly humanoid gentle woman turned to the others, “I can only trust that the rest of you are willing to take on a common enemy.”[493] [11,158/14,000] Fenrir , Maxine , Emargine "Azure" Cerola , Koma
|
|
|
Post by Fenrir on Aug 29, 2021 6:23:51 GMT -8
There was a lot of information to take in. In purely story writing terms, there was a lot of exposition being dumped at once. So, it appeared, this expedition was going to involve a lot of learning on Fenrir's part; he had not really had much experience with Nameks in the past, let alone Black Heart Namekians. Or, at least, that was his understanding. Again, with limited to no knowledge on the Namekian race, and the Black Heart Namekian subset, he could have very well been in the same room as one of them and not known about it, at least in the past he wouldn't have known. Now, since he's met Bass and had spent a small amount of time with him, he could at least recognize a Namekian when he saw one. But, a Namekian of the Black Heart variety? Would he be able to recognize one of them? What did they look like? How did they act like? How strong, how fast, were they? Were they capable fighters? Well, he could only assume that they were, since people were having trouble dealing with them. Though, that was just an assumption, after all, even untrained bandits could become a nuisance if they arrived in vast enough numbers that they overwhelm the defenses merely through quantity alone - quantity over quality could be their motto.
The woman, whom Koma had called Jugs, spoke to Fenrir, the wolf deity grinned warmly as she spoke of his charm as that of a gentleman. "Well, being a gentlemen just comes naturally to me." For the most part, however, the discussion was focused on their current assignment. He listened intently as soon as the old man began to speak, and then he looked over the information that Koma and his chubby raccoon dog began to pass around. He loved that little Raccoon Dog. He wanted to pick it up and squish its chubby cheeks. He did not, of course, and instead contented himself with giving the funny looking little thing a friendly little wave. If Fenrir had a tail in this body, it would be waving and wagging like mad at that point.
Vanille kept his game face on, he did give a little nudge over to Fenrir's side as the group began to make their way to the dining establishment, and inside they went and they all took a seat.
"So, Bass is a Black Heart Namekian, you say," Fenrir peered over at the blue skinned man, allowing his eyes to take in his details once again; his blue hue, the ears, the antennae, the strong jaw, the deep eyes, everything about him that he could drink up with his eyes. Well, it didn't really matter how hard he looked at Bass, apparently Black Heart Namekians came in all shapes and sizes; and the image that Juniper got a look at only further proved that point.
Not a single one of them looked like Bass. Some of them looked like insects - one was almost literally a worm with what almost looked like a pompadour or a cow lick haircut - and then there was one that looked very much like a Tyrannosaurus Rex. Another did look like a praying mantis, again with a strange hairstyle; why didn't Bass have hair like that? He peered over at Bass then the image.
"Hm, if they are Black Heart Namekians, as is Bass, I must say that Bass got the good looks in the family," He scratched his chin as he looked the image over closely, "So, are these the types that we'll be dealing with then?"
The tall wolf deity was curious now, once again, about these beings. Would they present a problem to the group? Koma was strong. Juni was capable. He was not sure of the woman dubbed Jugs and her small comrade, nor of the mercenaries she had with her, but they were at least somewhat equipped. But, were they capable? He did not know. Was he capable? It was possible he was. But, since he'd never faced off against a member of their kind, he would not start counting his chickens before the eggs hatched. He could not get ahead of himself and just assume that he was strong enough to deal with this strange new threat.
"You know me, Juniper," The wolf deity spoke with a smile, "Point me in the right direction, and give the word, and I'll have some fun." He cracked his knuckles.
WC: 745 | 2,522 CWC: 11,903 | 14,000
|
|
|
Post by Maxine on Sept 1, 2021 0:31:05 GMT -8
Admittedly, Maxine was a tiny bit perturbed that her small talk was entirely overlooked by Fenrir in favour for flirting with pretty ladies and ogling Koma’s weird dog thing… but, she could at least feel some sympathy on the former front. Particularly as Carnation reacted so enthusiastically… e-eh, hopefully no one saw her blush. But, priorities! Colonel Azure had listened to her advice, and there was a briefing to focus on. While an ancient tavern didn’t really compare to a command centre, she had admittedly attended meetings at far shadier establishments in the past… ah, but more importantly than anything else, she would follow Koma’s display offer a bow. But – only a bow. ”I am UN-11, Maxine; an aide of the Dandelion Clan on this matter. Your hospitality is too kind, mayor; please forgive my uninvited presence here. I shall also be offering my service… for it is of benefit to the Duchies.”
Certainly, she could do good things, but she preferred to make her position as clear as possible – she was an agent of the Shinobu, and the Duchies by extension; not a travelling hero of any kind.
Unable to resist her habits, Maxine would politely stand aside from the table rather than sitting down – the manners of a servant, and particularly one who was never going to complain about a sore back or being too tired. It was perhaps for the best, seeing as she had no use for beer or stew anyway. Instead, she would listen intently to the mayor’s explanation, as well as peering over Koma’s added intel… usually, she’d like to complain about sketched information, but – ”…The detail is impressive… but, were the brush flourishes on the battlements accurate…?”
R-Regardless of her mumblings on Koma's artistic flair, she would duck alongside Fenrir and Colonel Azure, gently adding her own documents to the mix – her aerial photography was no doubt more accurate, but it couldn’t offer any insight on the interiors, whereas Koma’s prior ventures gave them some idea of what to expect on that front. Furthermore, she had a little bit of extra intelligence to offer; though it was mere hearsay. ”While I cannot give any further information on these figures amongst the Demon Clan’s local leadership, I learned a little from local fishers. Though they’ve taken up shelter in an old castle on that island, there is a network of catacombs beneath that extend into the bay – it’s likely the centre of their operations are underground, in spite of the grand structure above.”
Fenrir’s good cheer was admirable, but gave Maxine the hint that perhaps she shouldn’t just manage this like a military operation. She’d nod in return to Juniper’s question, but not give more of a reply than that – her service was to be assumed if the Duchies were involved, no? Well… so long as they weren’t at odds with the Shinobu, anyway. ”A full offensive is doable, but we should prioritise the safety of the hostages – that is the intent of the original mission. It may be best to divide and conquer. While I am aware of acclaim in combat of each of you; I do not think I am equipped for taking on any kind of army given my age and skillset… I think it is best if I take up a support role.”
Glancing over the mix of intelligence, as well as her own vague knowledge of the border war, Maxine began putting a plan together – though, how well it might be received by the others would remain to be seen. ”If Koma-dono is intent on beheading the island’s leadership, then I think baiting them would be for the best. Vulke-sama’s raw power and morale can start a battle, and hopefully draw them out – otherwise, I think Koma-dono’s title may be able to act as some level of bait… though, it will put him in danger. From there, I am confident that I can give support in silencing them individually. I cannot behead an army like a samurai, but they may be too used to swords…”
“Similarly – I believe Juniper-sama’s magical arts as well as Colonel Azure’s tactical flexibility may be best suited to the rescue operation. A small squad of Dragoons under the Colonel’s leadership should offer the manpower to best escort the captives, while Juniper-sama will be able to aid any injured as well as remove any obstacles… living or otherwise, with her magic. Ideally, they will be able to move in and out of the catacombs following our distraction, but this plan has a lot of holes – it will likely be inevitable that both fronts will clash at some point. We should be prepared to make a retreat should the hostages be put in any danger.”
Ending her briefing there, Maxine would pause, feeling just a bit embarrassed… after all, literally everyone here had a higher rank than her! Except arguably the mayor, but… y’know. ”A-Ahem. That’s just my draft, though… please offer any objections or suggestions as you see fit.”
[839/12742/14000]
|
|