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Post by Aichi on Aug 20, 2021 15:33:03 GMT -8
Starting the adventure in the South Star Dojo, Aichi was standing in front of Djirodoo. The Master of the South Star was giving him proof of Mastery of the Basic Arts of the South Star. Aichi stood before the Namekian wearing his blue gi, the red belt of mastery tied around his gut. Bowing respectfully, Aichi was proud of his achievements.
Before dismissal as an apprentice, the Master wished to speak with Eris and Aichi privately.
Underneath the gazebo were three South Star disciples, and it was another rainy day on the mountain top. Djirodoo recanted their time together, noting moments of brilliance between the two.
The group of warriora all met at the gates of the South Star Dojo, and had been training for weeks together. They had all grown at an amazing rate, utilizing their new studies in specifically individual ways. The Master had taught them a lot, and their personal growth was an amazing testament to the status of the Namekian.
Besides just training and cleaning up the dojo, the group had also been occasionally free to get familiar with each other. Friendships were made despite little time to get to know each other before entering discipleship by the South Star Dojo. They all knew each other by name eventually, and contemporary fondness by Aichi was evenly distributed.
In fact the Master awkwardly noted Aichi's pure, genuine interest in his peers growth.
The fire headed Saiyan prodigy was always respectful to whoever he met, and with his peers he was even soft. A people pleaser; Aichi was fond of the natural glow someone gave off by being totally in their element.
Eris, the demon gal, was particularly charming and Aichi found himself drawn to her subtle passions. Steadfast at her craft, she never gave up; someone who could teach Aichi the value of patience.
The two became frequent sparring partners in the dojo, and were suitable together with teamwork. When the Master instructed Eris and Aichi of the demon forces below the mountain, he told them both that their teamwork was the reason he chose them.
Their steady hand at craft tangible results had brought them so far, Djirodoo believed they both had more potential with him. The master trusted these two so much he even was willing to hold his reputation by their own extension.
According to Djirodoo the demons frequently attacked Mud City, living by the mountain and preying on travelers mostly. Over the last five years they had grown more aggressive. In fact for years he had maintained the Temple as a outpost to protect the city with a greater vantage point. Usually he would diffuse the threat, but the Namekian was putting his faith in the two fresh fighters since they were his most recent prodigal students.
As well the man living on the mountain was scary for some reason. Djirodoo didnt understand that, but paid it no mind. Had the Master had such a wisdom to wonder he might have seen the Red Riddon threat growing right under his green feet.
Their task was to head back to Mud City and alert the human government that the demons would soon reemerge. As part of thanks for their training, the two were meant to be an envoy of good will from the Demon Namekian while also providing a safe line of defense until Djirodoo arrived.
Unfortunately the government wasnt exactly a recieving force of the human culture, so traversing the red tape of bureaucracy would be a task in itself. As well they were entrusted with guarding the city from below, and securing Djirodoo's arrival to defeat the demons; this meant they might have to fight some savage demons.
Aichi looked forward to displaying his new strength, and as Djirodoo explained the dynamic task the red headed Saiyan flexed his aura confidently. Red ki flashed around him, lighting up the rainy air space between him and Eris.
Djirodoo rolled his eyes and gave a bow. Returning to the dojo he would prepare himself by collecting Ki for his signature technique.
Unbeknownst to the grand South Star Dojo, Androids had assumed controlled of the demonic horde. In their devilish search for power to conquer the city, the demons subjugated themselves to the Androids in exchange for weapons and armor. They were the army of these Androids who sought to revive the Red Ribbon Army.
Numbering near one hundred the demons were divided into ten ranks. One through five were the front lines. Each rank was considerably less sapient, and some didnt even have an anthropomorphic form. Ranks six and seven were grunts, clearly discernible though not much more of a threat than the beast demons. Ranks eight and nine were more humanoid in appearance, with a varying level of magic powers that was mildly threatening. The tenth rank were humanoid looking demons of the same variety, however they were martial arts with a moderate threat.
All of these demons were under the control of the Android Queens. Some of the higher ranks possessed armor or guns, however non of their power levels were over two thousand.
Six Android generals had been controlling the demons for years without Djirodoo's knowledge. These evil robots were all females. They were military intelligence units who had gone missing, and became obsessed with the Android legends of the Red Ribbon Army. Completely deranged these women had been conniving for years to recreate the greatest army Earth had ever known. They were smart, and dangerous. Their power levels were all equal at four thousand, and they carried a Red Ribbon Revolver.
Over the years two Android Queens had integrated as spies among Mud city, serving their Red Ribbon cause by spreading propaganda and encouraging the human officials to shut the city down with high tax rates. One was named Margot and was a blonde stand up comedian around the Mud City Circuits. The other was named Dawn, and was the cities treasurer. Neither of these androids had modifications, but they did wear armor under their dresses.
Three other wicked androids served as generals for the demons, and were the Triplet Queens. They directed the other worldly forces around the city and each had an entourage of three tentacled octopus demons protecting them. These androids lived in the woods surrounding the rainy mountain base near Mud City. Modified with Ki Absorption properties these Androids used it to control errant demons, and were sisterly sinister in application of torture. Fanda, Shira and Vicky were the Triplet Queens who ruled the Demons with an iron thumb.
The final android was named Yuna. She seemed like a perfectly normal human with no clear modifications. Carrying a large buster sword Yuna led the entire army as its brain. It was her crazed dream to revive this Red Ribbon depravity. Yuna was modified with Ki Absorption technology, and wore armor with her giant sword. Unlike the other Android Queens Yuna could fly.
These androids were leading a dangerous force toward the city, and the Saiyan with Eris would be it's only warning. Of course they knew nothing of the androids, but it wouldnt be long before chaos erupted.
After treading through more rain on the descent from South Star, Aichi was standing six feet away from Eris inside of Mud City. Wearing the same gi he had left the gazebo in, Aichi kind of had an odor so the distance was fitting. Rain water and sweat weren't the vibe he was going for.
Mud City was divided by three districts. Currently they were in the furthermost district known as the Market District. Mostly shops a d public service building there wasnt much to find for them here.
The Saiyans tail was comfortably wagging in the air. It was about one meter long, and dark black. The red head suddenly leapt into the air, hoping to find some direction. It looked like they would have to head east.
Turning to Eris Aichi pointed to his right. "Alright here were are. It looks like if we go towards Lumber Evenue, about four miles will bring us to the Train Station where we can get to the Red District where politicians live. If we can get them to release the quarantine, we relocate the citizens to safety in the inner districts. Then I guess we just wait, maybe smash in some heads." Shrugging, Aichi didn't know what else they could do. The city was in the same state he had left it in. The police force was diminished, and the city guards were long gone by demons.
According to a barmaid Aichi had met previously, Mud City was attacked about ince a week. So they didnt have long to get the people to safety.
In fact they had even less time than they thought. Right where they stood was a comedy club where one of the Android Queens frequented. Not particularly funny she was a mildly known stand up who often criticized the government.
As Aichi was pointing his finger and talking, plans to move the demons were being put in place. That very unfunny android, Margot, had already taken the very train they were just missing. She was heading to her companion, a treasurer of the city.
The Android Insurgence was carefully planned. So far everything had mostly been as expected, and the Androids suspected a weakness in Djirodoo. They planned to attack tonight and once Margot delivered her confirmation of a clear outer city path for their demons. The Triplet Queens would lead their demon army onto the city.
Margot was two hours ahead of them, just arriving on the train.
Aichi knew nothing of this, and was truthfully hoping to catch a mean before they got on the train. It had been a long time since he had a good, greasy and salty meal. His stomach was growling while he talked eventually he put his hand down.
Facing Eris, Aichi was turned away from the clock. By nightfall, less than five hours, the demons would attack. The two would be all the defense, and it would be a hasty battle for them both.
The clock was ticking, but all Aichi could hear was his hunger cries. Scratching his greasy red hair the Saiyan wrapped his tail around his waist. "Alright, we should eat too. I'm starving."
The last good meal he had was in the Dojo. Almost every day they ate cabbage pineapple soup. There was sausage in it, and the spicy sweetness was pretty good. Djirodoo didnt make it often though, the sweetness was toxic to the guts after two bowls.
Aichi was hoping for a good hamburger though. Cheese was hard to maintain on the rainy mountaintop, and he so earnestly craved the gooey deliciousness on a prime rib ground beef burger. While he thought about it his lips caught a bigot of drool.
Still facing Eris, the South Star Saiyan was staring off into the void. His minds eye was transfixed in the hot skillet as he waited for her decision on their path.
Edit: WordCount: 1,841
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Post by Eris on Aug 21, 2021 8:31:57 GMT -8
South Star Dojo - Eris stood silently to the side as Aichi received his proof of mastery from Djirodoo. A small smirk formed across her lips. She too had accomplished finishing Djirodoo's training with golden stars, her 'ceremony' having taken place just before Aichi's. The red belt hang loosely atop her equally loose white cotton fabric. Her accompanying gi was out of sight. The demon already changed into her normal attire for their departure.
Djirodoo wanted to speak to the two of them privately under the gazebo. Apparently Mud City to the South was propelled into a constant state of dismay from demons. The very same ones he had been taking care of for the considerable past. Under his tutelage, Djirodoo saw the two of them as an extension of his own. If not in ideals, then in absolute willpower to see something to its end. He had tasked them with carrying the mantle so to speak. The duo's first, rather, only task Djirodoo had rendered was to warn the government of the oncoming horde of demons. Eris knew this to be a synopsis of their whole mission.
Mud City was in disarray. The population was in a constant state of decline and steadily becoming a ghost town. The remaining population were thrown into an abyss of crime, death, and poverty. Truly becoming a city of sin. Warning the leaders of even more trouble seemed null and they all knew it was. It was merely produced as a sign of good fortune once the city, if it could, recovered from this infection. The Southern Star Dojo with Djirodoo at it's head and now, two newly acquired prodigies just under him, were the remedy.
Aichi seemed in high spirits today as his ki spiked around him. Although he was often in high spirits as far as Eris could tell. They had spent the last few weeks together along with a small group of others. However the two of them really seemed to click in their training and became frequent partners in sparring and spiritual development. However, Eris was cursed with seeing both sides to everything. She wondered if the two could maintain their friendship outside of the secluded walls of the dojo. Was she too twisted?
The two of them begun their trek back to the city. The demoness had never been there and wondered just how bad things were. She had come from the North to train under Djirodoo merely by word of a flyer. Had she thought this was the going to be the path of her life, she'd laugh. Eris awoke on this planet some time ago and since then had no real purpose or plan for her life. Merely floating by, that is probably the reason she took to the ramen shop flyers so often. They gave the demon something to do while she found out her own purpose. The journey gave Eris too much time to reflect and look inward on herself. Luckily her thoughts were cut short as they arrived at Mud City.
Mud City - This must've been the Market District. Baazars lined both sides of the street and public service buildings were sprinkled throughout. Had she been here some odd years ago the demon could see the beauty in such a place, but not now. It looked more like a homeless tent city than a real market. Although some buildings/shops were maintained, those in cahoots with the demons or infinitely rich, most were downtrodden with a layer of grit that not even the cleanest of clean freaks could scrub away.
Eris looked to Aichi as he jumped up, following his gesture towards the East. Four miles and then a train the rest of the way. Easy enough. "That's a big IF." She shouted back to the Saiyan. Politicians couldn't listen to their peers, their own voters, let alone two beings they didn't know. She nodded to herself. A devilish grin crossing her face. Maybe they would have to smash some heads. Just not quite the ones Aichi had in mind. Sometimes a beating was required to worry about the goodwill of your city's people.
Even with the politicians handled they still had the bigger issue to look at. The reemergence of the demons poised a threat to everyone. There was no time to waste, they had to save as many as they could. That was their task, even if Eris didn't care about lives lost. "Food?" The demon blankly stared at Aichi. He almost seemed able to reiterate his hunger before succumbing completely to his daydream. Eris placed her hand on her forehead as she lowered her head and shook it. Saiyans only liked one thing more than fighting and that was food. Urgency would have to be set aside. With a shrug Eris started to meander off towards one of the buildings. It seemed to be a comedy club, not really a fan, but her food standards weren't too high.
Assuming Aichi followed Eris, the duo would be greeted at the door of the club by an oversized demon. Outfitted in a snugly fitting suit with a gold platted nametag that read 'Demal'. His sausage fingered hands softly ushered them inside the building. The array of overhead lights were dimmed and a spotlight rested on the center of the stage where a single barstool and microphone stand were fixed. To the right of the entrance was a long bar with shelves stacked full of alcohol and mixers. Next to that seemed to be the serve area of the kitchen. Further down were the bathrooms, divided from the bar and food area by a series of closed doors, likely cleaning closets. The left side was filled with dozens of tables and twice the amount of chairs. On a busy night it was to an intimate affair with strangers. Past the crammed seating area was the largely unused stage.
It must've been he beginning of the show or Eris and Aichi arrived between a set. Either way the club was only moderately full and they seated in one of the far corners with the most room. "This place isn't as crappy as I thought it would be." Once the waiter came around Eris ordered a cocktail and a simple basket meal of fried chicken. Her mind was still analyzing just exactly how they were going to complete this monumental task. "You know this city better than I do, which politician has the most pull and still be willing to help out nobodies?"
[1,082 Words| 2,923 TWC] Aichi
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Post by Aichi on Aug 21, 2021 18:45:43 GMT -8
As soon as she saw his fingerAichi's acquaintance proceeded to take charge of their situation. Eris was a leader and had a great sense of direction. Anyone who could navigate through the neon lit city lights must have had a compass imprinted into their minds. Aichi could barely read past ten meters but he could see Eris making her way to the comedy club. It helped that her great ki was clearly readable by Aichi after their training.
The Saiyan could smell fresh buttered noodles being fried in gopchumpk sauce, one of the greatest meals cooked in South Lands. The savory delight screamed at him from outside. Shuffling his feet gracefully around the corner he caught up to Eris from a considerable distance, physically invigorated by the urge to devour something scrumptious he was at his speediest power walking stride. The Saiyans tail was delicately hanging behind him as he paced just a foot step ahead of Eris to look her in the face as she entered the build. Aichi wanted to get a good look at her before they entered the club, this poor vision just wasn't cutting it. He looked kind of awkward, and wondered about a pair of glasses.
While he had one eye squinted for a good view and was walking in the same direction as Eris, Aichi bumped into Demal the lack luster bouncer. The huge dude gave him some sort of supposedly menacing stare after backing up a few steps from Aichi's steadfast gait. He was clearly offended and Aichi just waved his hand at him. The Saiyan was kind of gentle in appearance, but as he waved his power level else to the surface. The body guard just shrugged and let them in, probably fearful of what the red head was capable of.
With his tail curled up now Aichi took the sights in. The stage was the first thing that grabbed his attention, and its low hung ceilings. For some reason that was supposed to make things funnier. Two obelisk like sculptures were standing up by where the cinedianntild their schtickn, which could have been impressive if they weren't made of cardboard.
The Saiyan pondered such a nefariously nonsense idea for just a second before he saw a little bunny hop through by jumping very high into the ground. It was actually a bunny, smaller than usual. He leaned over, the furry black tail behind him rustling against the inside of his black jacket. Suddenly the rabbit liked up at him and stuck a toe up as if to say, "Don't ask." The rabbit stared for a second, the golden shine of its jewel embedded teeth exposed as it gave the meanest stare Demal could have imagined.
Scratching his head and stepping around the front Aichi made his way to the bar while Eris secured a seat and table. Aichi insistednhe ordered his food straight from the drinks counter, and leaned over while specifically detailing how all of his food would best be cooked in the kitchen. The lady was older and the idea of 'too old for this" was all over her face as she listened to the hungry man rant. Aichi didnt notice her annoyance and after a few long minutes he finalized his order with four drinks to be brought first. The lady said a waitress would being them to the table, and pointed to Eris.
Happy to be served Aichi tapped on the counter and left a few Zenni for a tip. As he walked back the lady poured his drinks with the most deadpan stare into the void ever seen.
The first drink was a warriors tonic, one for each. Two tonic waters with lime juice, kosher salt, seltzer water and two sprinkles of brown sugar.
With that two large mugs of beer butter. Similar to the more popular butter beer, this drink was actually a milk shake with cognac and malted candy stirred in. With banana slices on top of the creamy foam made a great drink for a desert. Aichi's favorite.
The duo sat next to the stage, and its bright yellow late lit up the two of them. They were facing the podium, and had a fold out table in between them. Aichi described the drinks coolly as he sat down politely, and then told Eris what kind of food he ordered.
"Alright we got the two drinks each, plus kebabs to start. Seared triceratops brisket, baked by a hot iron rod then wood smoked with garlic and green peppers in an ajouu. Two will have cheese in between the meat, some kind of chewy melted white cheese I think they had. Then we get a goochumpk noodles. That's yardik root, real savory, fried in bundi oil. Then buttered noodles with soy on top, it's great."
Aichi's stomach was growling while he told Eris what kind of deliciousness was awaiting them in the next two hours. To his delight the tonic water mixes came first and were large glasses. They didnt taste great, but cleaned the palate. In the Saiyans case he often bled at the cheek from biting it with his large wisdom teeth, so cleansing the blood from his palate was great before a meal.
It wouldnt be long before the first comedian would be on stage. A forty minute set in store for the two, and a drum kit was being rolled out. Strangely a large top hat was put on the stage for tips, but Aichi tried to focus on the mission.
Facing the kit on stage Cherry Topped Aichi was facing Eris. His legs were crossed at the knees and she had taken his jacket off. His white v neck was tucked in and the Saiyan was talking.
"Well like you said. A big if. When I was here before I tried to get a house. The whole city is in a pandemic getting food from the inner district. They dont have police, and are afraid demons will rob the outer districts. Well.. again. So big if. I think we can convince them though." Aichi flipped his wrist on the table and wiggled a strangely iridescent white glow in the air.
His tan forearm was lit up still while he continued. The fresh lime kept his mouth wet, and he spoke quickly while his mind was quickly recalling his past visit in greater detail.
"Yeah ita not so bad here. This brochure from the counter says they got a few acts. Lauren Damiend is next. She's supposedly got a 'startling take on demographics. I don't know what the drums for.. anyways we catch the train after that beer butter? It's good."
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Post by Barlei on Aug 23, 2021 6:07:25 GMT -8
"Whaddya mean you won't train me?" The big Saiyan stared incredulous at Djidoroo. He took a menacing step forward. "Where the hell do you get off?"
"This is my dojo, is it not?" Djidoroo stood with his arms held behind his back, clad in a dark purple gi. He glanced at Barlei's muddied boots with a look of distaste. "I alone bear the right to refuse or deny any request within these sacred walls."
"Sacred? What's so sacred about this place?"
A collective gasp went up among the students. All eyes fell on the master, staring at a massive wooden plaque adorning the wall. It depicted a number of symbols Barlei did not recognize. Djidoroo, however, eyed them with a measure of pride and respect.
"If you don't know the answer to that question, Saiyan, there is nothing here for you."
Another menacing step. His long black hair was slicked back into a wild ponytail drenched from the steady rainfall outside. Beads of rainwater dotted the broad shoulders of his leather bomber jacket.
"Bullshit. You get off on embarrassing guys like me, don't ya?"
"I take no such pleasure in something so trivial."
"Then train me."
"Why should I? Look at you—a spitting image of the type of student it is impossible to teach. You neither requested a formal audience with me when you entered these sacred grounds nor did you bow in my presence and the presence of your betters." Djidoroo spun around, sweeping a hand toward his students. "You disrespected my temple by not removing your shoes upon entering. Need I continue?"
"Damn it, I don't have time for this!"
A brief flicker of Barlei's true power emerged. Some of the students went wide-eyed, staggering back and away. Djidoroo held his peace, the elder Namekian meeting Barlei's gaze with cool indifference. Indifference... and something else.
Barlei took a deep breath, dropping his small knapsack on the ground. He glanced down at his hands, weathered and scarred and strong. They bore the very strife of his arduous journey.
"Fine. Maybe you're right. This isn't my scene. Truth is... I should be eight hundreds years dead but I'm not. I was brought here against my will, thrust into a world that doesn't want a damn thing to do with me." He clenched his fists. "There's... something weird going on with me and I'm not smart enough to figure it out. I..." His tone grew uncertain. "...need answers."
It was a deeper truth than he wanted to admit.
Silence filled the dojo. Djidoroo stroked his chin and studied Barlei in quiet contemplation. The other students watched with bated breath. The elder Namekian walked toward Barlei, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"I suspect you're seeking an answer that neither I nor my temple can provide you. However... perhaps we can arrange something."
"Really?"
"I'll give you one chance to prove yourself." Djidoroo held up a single index finger. "I have sent two of my finest disciples to assess and report a threat. I trust them completely, but I'm afraid they are largely inexperienced. Will you join my disciples in bringing peace to the denizens of Mud City?"
"Tch." Barlei shrugged the Namekian's hand from his shoulder. "Figures. You want me to babysit your brats in exchange for training. Alright, fine. I'll do it."
He retrieved his knapsack from the ground, turning and walking toward the exit.
"Wait! I haven't even told you their names."
"Don't worry about it. I'll sniff 'em out." Barlei paused at the threshold to the entrance, glancing back over his shoulder. "You'd better keep your promise." His tone held more than a hint of a threat.
Djidoroo squared his shoulders. "And if I decide not to train you?"
Barlei waved a dismissive hand over his shoulder and stepped into the outer courtyard, greeted by the rain.
"That's easy. I'll blow this place to hell."
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Post by Eris on Aug 24, 2021 16:17:26 GMT -8
Comedy Club - This place wasn't Eris' type of hangout. It was too dark and too small and the comedians themselves often weren't very funny. The food and drinks? Probably not nearly as good as an actual business that specifically made food. She kept these assumptions to herself as they had gone there for a quick bite anyway. She expected mediocre. 'That is a lot of food' she thought to herself. She seldom ate that much in one day let alone in one meal. No matter. Anything that she didn't eat was sure to be welcomed by the voracious Saiyan. It did sound good, to her surprise. Maybe this place wasn't the dive she thought it to be when it came to food. "Sounds good." Eris muttered while turning her head towards the waiter as they came out with their drinks. Some sort of tonic water which she had no interest in due to its taste. She mentioned to the waiter to bring a plain glass of water instead. Eris rested her head upon her open hand on her upright arm as she gazed at the stage with not much emotion in her face. Her eyes were upon it, but she wasn't retaining any information from looking. "We'll convince them one way or another. Smash some heads as you said." The information Aichi had on the upcoming act went in one ear and out the other. She was concealing her disdain for the stage and showing her joy from the meal. The whole experience was balancing itself out quite well. "After the beer butter. Agreed."Some time later the two had finished with their rest stop and were back on the path to the train station. That's when the demon recalled the Saiyan saying 4 more miles to the station. Good thing she ate light cause traveling that far after a big meal didn't suit most beings.
The Train Station-Like the rest of the city, the train station was a disgusting view into the inner mind of people who lost all hope and ability to care for their own surroundings. It was like Rome had they no way to move their waste. Like New York without its trash cleanup. Like Delhi India...uhh....anyhow.
"I'll pay for the tickets." Eris made her way towards the wall of automatic ticket dispensers. They were a lot like an upgraded and much nastier ticket machine you'd find at an arcade. Her fingers daintily pressed the buttons on the machine and a sigh left her mouth as the tickets ejected from the machine. She tore the connected stubs midway and handed Aichi the other half. "Here we are. Unfortunately public transportation isn't free here."
Turning on her heel, the demoness headed towards the ticket taker thingy with the metal bar stuff...All one had to do was insert the ticket and voilà, one could pass through. That's exactly what she did. The next train wasn't there yet so the duo would have to wait a bit. Eris found a nice empty spot in yet another corner to wait.
[500 Words| 5,184 TWC] Aichi Barlei
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Post by Aichi on Aug 25, 2021 8:59:17 GMT -8
Arriving at the train station was a lot like walking through the city. With a higher mountain range covering most of the western hemisphere's sky the city was typically dark. Even inside of buildings was darker than most other cities.
Along with the shadows being casted by the mountain range, the clouds produced rain on the mountain peaks one hundred percent of the time. Constant rainfall created several large river streams to the base of the mountain, and Mud City was aptly named so. The street ways even had a slot crafted in the cement for mud to settle safely under ground level.
The streets were of course dirty, and wet. Most of the lighting used by the Market district were neon tubes that shined best in the low light atmosphere. Cheap vibes were plentiful in Mud City. The market district was truly lower class, and the train station was no better.
All of the rugs were covered in mud, and the white checkerboard tiles had footprints all over from a lack of mopping. The rail station was built cheaply too, and after Eris purchased their permittance to the train they both passed through a rickety swiveling gate. The metal rod wiggled as Aichi's thigh pushed it around, and any force beyond a light step forward might have broken it.
Reminded of force Aichi recalled Eris' skull cracking comment. Hoping for some excitment he imagined how he might forcefully coerce the mayor.
"Maybe fly him high in the sky, drop him and have Eris catch him. Thatd be scary." Aichi thought to himself as the two were walking into their cart for fast travel to the Red District.
The cart smelled like wet metal, a sort of rusty scent that reminded him of a scrap yard. The seats were actually wet, so Aichi stood to keep his bottom dry. His hand gripped the overhead bar for balance, and he almost talked with Eris about their next move.
Unfortunately the next move would be decided for them. They had only been riding for five minutes when the train stopped. The metal scraping of the brakes flooded the train cart, and Aichi grimaced at thr god awful noise. The train conductor projected his voice onto the radio speakers and announced the trains failure to continue.
"Due to the city's most recent alterations of the pandemic status, travel within and out of the city has been deferred. Please head back home, impending Demon assaults are expected."
Aichi raised an eyebrow in Eris' direction. "Maybe someone got the news to em first?"[/b] As the Saiyan asked his friend the train reversed direction.
As if his sixth sense was going off by remote command, Aichi suddenly reacted to a strong fluxation of Demonic ki outside the city walls. Perhaps it was the mounting demon attack or the strong leaders that incited his fear response. Regardless Aichi punched the big trail cart window out and made the next move. He flew into the air and folded his legs together to fit out the window.
"Let's go find out how many demons are attacking." It seemed the mission had begun. Aichi was still cross legged flying with the train from outside.
The plan had barely changed. Aichi figured however the city was put on alert would be a good sign. It wasnt however. One of the spy Androids confirmed their armies numbers, and the attack was planned from the inside out. Their plan to assume control of Mud City for the Red Ribbon revival was begining.
First they would deliver weaponry to their army, stolen grenades from the long defunct police force of the disenfranchised city. After strong lobbying to keep legal matters in the way of anyone discovering the coup, the two ladies were given their chance to begin.
Unaware of the two cyborg femme fatales in the city, and the three leading an army of one hundred demons; Aichi and Eris were about to become real familiar with the Red Ribbon Queens.
In fact the two spies in the city were flying by miniature aircraft towards the Market District, after just preparing the lethal shipment for their army. Not far behind Eris and Aichi in fact, they zoomed to where their sisters were rendevousing with their demon armies to equip them for battle.
Inside of the aircraft were two large crates filled with two hundred rare grenades.
Waving his arm he urged Eris out of the trail cart, the Saiyanhad no doubt that a serious threat was coming.
Aichi had vaguely deciphered the direction where the hundred demon army was waiting for the spies. The ki level being produced wasnt exactly strong, but it wavaried. Aichi knew a lot of minions were laying at the gates.
If the two hurried they would intercept the demons before the spies could give them the grenades. Time was of the essence though the two still didnt know it.
If the demons had explosive power like the queens plotted for the grunt force would be truly a threat. Even as they stood unarmed fighting one hundred demons would be tough for just two warriors.
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Post by Barlei on Aug 27, 2021 18:49:35 GMT -8
The temple sat atop a tall mountain range, nestled within a small valley between two adjoining mountains. The only clear path was down—a long, winding set of stone steps carved to assist ascent and descent from the dojo. Slinging his small knapsack over his shoulder, Barlei scoffed as he stood at the edge of the staircase. "That old fool really expects his students to climb up and down this damn thing? What an idiot. They'd be too tired to do much else by the time they got up here... dumb ass." Kicking off from the ground, he flew with haste toward the base of the mountain. Far below, he could see what appeared to be a small town. Mud City... though 'city' might be pushing it. He was feeling more than a little annoyed. Why'd he open his mouth and blab about his feelings? It wasn't like him. Barlei didn't like it—it stunk of desperation. He was familiar with it as an ex-lieutenant leading a platoon of fierce Saiyans into combat in the old wars. Desperation drove stalwart men to take cowardly actions that harmed everyone around them. His jaw tensed as he grit his teeth. What was so special about that martial arts dojo anyway? If he wanted he could do as he used to do back on Planet Vegeta: find a solitary place amidst the dry and cracked wastelands and train to his heart's content. He didn't need some stupid dojo. He didn't need anyone but himself. It was time to focus on the task. He'd made a promise, after all. "Where the hell am I supposed to find those brats in a place like this anyway?" As he flew nearer the base of the mountain, the misty foothills slid into view. A great forest met his gaze: populous with spruce trees, the sweet scent of their needles reaching him even from this distance. Shadows stretched long between the gaps in the dense canopy and gnarled branches. If someone wanted, they could probably hide an entire army down there. Or two fledgling martial artists. He wondered if he should scan the forest first. That was when he felt it—slick and oily, a nasty and invasive energy filled the air. It was a thick, cloying sensation that choked the air itself. Something nasty was coming and it was BIG. He stopped short in mid-flight, eyes tracing a path past the forest and towards the gates to a city. That had to be Mud City. "What the hell's going on? This energy... well, this can't be good." Barlei sniffed the air, recoiling as he fanned in front of his face. "Ugh, that's rotten! Like something that hasn't bathed in months." This was beyond unnatural. It had to be the trouble Djirodoo warned him about. Which meant the two students were probably in the thick of it. "Damn it." He flew with haste, descending toward the large gate entrance. As he neared closer to the city, he spied the large amassing of demonic figures marching toward the town. They were all shapes and sizes; big and brutish, it was clear their intentions was to wreak havoc and destruction. He didn't have a lot of experience dealing with demons but something pushed him to intervene nonetheless. Seemed he couldn't get away from being the damn hero. He rocketed into the ground near the gate. The ground shook, the concussive force throwing a cloud of debris up into the air. As the cloud dispersed, Barlei stood in the small crater, one hand clinging to the knapsack still slung over his shoulder. He hopped out of the crater, presenting himself as a sizeable obstacle to the encroaching demon hordes. "Whatever the hell you think you're doin', I suggest you turn back now." The deep bass of his tone reached far, garnering the horde's attentions. "Better yet... keep comin'." He dropped his knapsack, cracking his knuckles with a smirk. "I'm more than happy to let off a little steam and kick your demonic asses." It was suicide. There weren't any significant power levels among the bunch, but a seething group of rabid demons was the wrong group to piss off. Perhaps he was overcompensating for his embarrassing confession earlier. Those damn Tuffles. He didn't have a clue what actually happened to him. He'd gotten so many injections over the course of eight centuries, there was no way in hell for him to figure out what was stolen. Or, worse, what was done to him. Just the thought of it pissed him off. Antagonizing a large horde of enemies was an idiotic way to deal with it, but he'd already come this far. Might as well see it through to the end. That, or hope those students of Djirodoo found him and backed him up. He squared his feet, raising his clenched fists. Very few would recognize his stance—a common martial art taught among Saiyan soldiers. It might have been the one advantage he had left. "My name's Barlei. Remember it. Because my ugly mug is the last thing you'll see before I send you bastards to the afterlife." His jaw was set, his eyes determined. "That or you send ME to the afterlife. Either way, somebody's limping outta here." WC: 878 | 6,928
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Post by Eris on Sept 2, 2021 16:36:25 GMT -8
Train - Unsurprisingly the inside of the train was worse than the station itself. The smaller space trapped in every smell that had come into contact with the cart since its inception. The nonexistent upkeep worsened it further. The seats were drenched in water, torn in several spots despite being made of a plastic material, and written on. The water and writing spread over the entirety of their cart. The floors looked as though someone had started to mop with the dampest of mops and then decided not to. Let behind was spots of months of built up grim and swirling puddles of dirt and disease. The walls were a mix of talent and like a toddler was let loose with a paint can. A snide comment crossed her mind, and she was about to share it with Aichi but then the screeching on metal filled the air. The jolt followed instantly after as their momentum came to a halt. Eris' hand quickly gripped onto the overhead support bar to steady herself. "What in the!" The demon's ears twitched ever so slightly and her head turned towards the direction on the incoming threat. "Due to the city's most recent alterations of the pandemic status, travel within and out of the city has been deferred. Please head back home, impending Demon assaults are expected." The conductor's message was followed up by Aichi's guess. Did they somehow get wind of their mission or was it all happenstance and bad luck? After all it was only the three of them who knew the true reason the duo was in the city. Unless their master had set them up, but why would he? The same for Aichi. After all the time and effort they all put in, it didn't make sense for any of the group to betray the others. The shattering of the window brought her thoughts back to the present. Aichi was on the move and flying. Something, that for some reason, she didn't learn yet. In time though...the demon lived thousands of years before now without it, this was no different. Eris jumped out the cart's broken window and ran horizontally across the train until she was at the front. Once there she would propel herself off the train and onto the tracks below. Her ki fluctuated slightly and breifly a black hue encapsulated her body. Without another second to waste, her body disappeared. It reappeared some meters ahead and this motion repeated as Eris flashed towards the signatures. Her sense of ki was permanently set to 11. The hoard of demons muddied the ki 'GPS' in her head but Barlei's ki was distinctive. It had a certain feel to it. Anger? Not only that...there was something else to it...something she couldn't quite make out. They were at the main gates, that's all that was needed. And soon the duo would be too. "Let's head there fast! I sense an immense ki. Could be more trouble than we thought."
Gates of Mud City - Eris would spring over the gates to Mud City and let out a battle cry as she drew her sword in front of her. The demons under her landing area would easily be sliced clear through unless they dodged. Even then they weren't safe. The momentum from her jump and subsequent fall back down coupled with her own natural strength caused the ground to break open as her sword made contact. Large chasms spread out in the same pattern as a strike of lightning with the demon as the epicenter. Mud from the wet ground shot out in every direction, covering the many remaining bodies in a thick layer. Eris' eyes quickly made contact with Barlei's own eyes. She was quick to move on, adjusting her feet on solid ground and lifting her sword out from the earth. The next magic trick was already set in motion. Her wrist moved in a clockwise motion above her head causing the sizeable sword to swirl around her in a circle. A defensive measure in it's simplest form until she saw an opening from either of the Saiyans. She did jump into the middle on an army after all.
[700 Words| 7,628 TWC] Aichi Barlei
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Post by Aichi on Sept 4, 2021 7:43:57 GMT -8
Positioned on the road to Mud City Aichi was floating fcloser to the ground. After assessing the situation from a high level he could cleanse to make out the demonic force as it moved forward. Almost all of them were less than a toddler with five knives as far as threats went, but the numbers were intense.
Fortunately there seemed to be someone fighting on the South Star side. Aichi could sense their ki signature, and happened upon an introduction. The man was fighting the demons, and standing very familiarly.
Growing up among pretentious elder Saiyans who embodied the desire to return to roots, they too stood in a similar stance. Where Aichi's modern style of fighting featured a wider and more forward toe to toe, these older men prepared for battle as if pugilism was their first choice.
Flying back to Eris, Aichi felt comfortable with this man's presence. His energy was off the charts, and any one Saiyan who knew some old guys like Aichi did, was defined good fighter. Aichi couldn't help but wonder if he knew of the Ryusha Dojo as he flew back to his friend.
The two were each facing either east or west from the roadside. Demons were on both sides, and the unnamed Saiyan was fighting to their east. The South Star duo was ready for anything, and stood assumingly so.
South of where Eris leaped over the gate onto the roadside, the city was closed off now; so the interim heros didn't have to worry about any innocents. In fact in the muddied grounds they stood it was mostly natural wet lands. Trees stood in pine bunches here and there, and to the west the ground became hillier toward the mountain.
The demons first came from the east, attacking Eris. There were at least ten slimy Demon worms undulating fast towards her position, but she cleaved through them like butter. All of that dojo work for Djirodoo had certainly paid off.
Not wanting to be outdone, Aichi double flipped through the air closer to her. Facing to where she wasnt, he flew in the air. As he ascended his body faced the ground, and Aichi aimed precisely.
Sticking his two palms out the Rotating Dragon Sphere formed in each. The red ki orb in his hand flashed with light, then shot forward with lightning speed. As the beam advanced it began to unravel in a helix shape, and ki blasted into various demons.
Mud was flying everywhere, and the blood curdling screams of impacted demons filled the air.
While the squad was expertly killing off the opposition in the east, their three leaders surfaced. Their power level spiked amidst the sensory field of each fighter, and the three androids rushed the scene.
Standing in the mud with their octopus demons wrapped around their neck, the androids didn't introduce themselves. Instead they charged further.
Aichi was first to be struck, and the octopus elaunched a tentacle from its master shoulder. The tentacle flew further and further until it hit Aichi in the leg. Flung down to the ground across the roadside, Aichi was laying in the mud.
The Saiyan stood up, and saw that three androids with octopuses were attacking the unnamed Saiyan and Eris. But he didnt have much time to help as the westbound invasion force closed in on him.
Flying above two dozen reptilian demons, the leader revealed herself. Yuna introduced herself and then swung her giant buster sword at Aichi. A ki blade formed at its tip, and was flying towards him.
Using teleportation Aichi reappeared at Eris' side.
"This one is Yuna, she says the Demon army is hers. There's Red Ribbon all over her clothes, I think -" Aichi was cut off as Yuna closed in on him.
Drawing his Ryushic Dagger from its holster, Aichi prepared for a battle of blades. The three androids were still fighting with Barlei and Eris, but most of their demons were vanquished. Only three dozen left, and four androids.
Of course the other two androids were in hover craft still, aiming at the squad with their newly loaded mortars.
WordCount: 692
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Post by Barlei on Sept 7, 2021 11:32:50 GMT -8
Chaos enveloped the muddied area surrounding the gates to Mud City. Demons poured in from multiple directions of varying attributes and levels of strength: reptilian demons spat acidic saliva, slashing at him with serrated claws. Worm-like demons snapped razor sharp maws filled with rows of jagged bloodied teeth, almost eating his legs. Others were worse than that, and largely unfamiliar with the demon population, Barlei was quite out of his element. He hovered in the air, dodging and weaving, bobbing around the lashing octopus tentacles that snatched at him in a bid to ensnare and capture. “Damn it! I didn’t sign up for this!” Barlei ducked another lashing tentacle before plowing a stiff right hook into the jaw of a purple skinned demon, toppling it over. They were overwhelmed. Demons poured out of every crevice, crawling and biting and howling their intense hatred. From his position in the air, Barlei spotted Eris and Aichi holding their own. Eris cleaved through demon hordes with an expertly twirled blade while Achi blasted them to bits with powerful ki attacks. It wouldn’t be enough. They’d run out of stamina before they quelled this horde. If they hoped to survive this ordeal, they would need to work together. Barlei flew up into the air, uppercutting a nasty spider demon in the process. He landed across the road in the muddied area the pair of Djirodoo’s students cleared out. His boots squished in the mixture of blood, mud, and demon innards as he plodded over to Eris and planted his boot into the face of the gangly-looking thing that tried leaping onto her back. “Hey, gorgeous. Good moves! I’m guessing you two are Djirodoo’s students?” He glanced up at Aichi, eyes landing on his tail. “Name’s Barlei. Not much time for pleasantries!” He threw a vicious left-right combo at another demon before firing off a massive beam of ki that cut a swath through the crowd as the demons roared in rage. “We’ll die if we keep on like this. Think you two can hold ‘em off for sixty seconds?” He didn’t wait for their reply as he soared high into the air, looking down at the scene. They’d cut down a great total of the demons in a relatively short period of time; maybe it wasn’t as hopeless as things seemed on the ground. Years of battle instinct kicking in, Barlei’s eyes flitted amongst the demon forces until he located the androids. It was clear they were leading this charge. He wasn’t smart enough to understand why nor did he care to. Intellectual pursuits were better left to wiser men. Identifying who the true enemy was and what they were capable of was his only priority. He was a simple soldier. He always had been. Point him in the right direction and let him loose, there were few problems Barlei couldn’t solve. He thrust his right hand forward, taking a squared stance in the air. His left hand gripped his right forearm tightly, holding it steady. One of his eyes squeezed shut as he peered along the length of his arm, aiming for the trio of androids with octopi demon clinging to them. A dense black aura erupted around him, wild and unbridled, his power rocketing upward. Black sparks danced along his fingers as an orb of black ki grew from his palm. It grew larger and larger by the second, crackling and sparking with volatile energy. “I’ve only got one shot at this!” He shouted over the din of the demonic horde and the steady rain, garnering the attention of his new allies below. “If you don’t want to die, get the hell outta the way!” The orb had grown gigantic in size, about the size of the big Saiyan himself. It sizzled and popped as he struggled to aim it, grunting from the exertion of handling this mass of condensed energy. That was why he needed to train and get stronger; Barlei wanted to overcome his weaknesses and grow into a warrior of reputable stature. Today was the day a grizzled old soldier from time immemorial would die, and reborn in his place, a warrior heart beating with the pride of every Saiyan who’d ever come before him. “Go to hell!” His venomous words were spat in pride and disgust as the massive orb launched, soaring towards the ground. It slammed into the remaining demon horde, triggering an earth-shaking explosion! Concussive force rippled out from the epicenter, toppling nearby trees and tearing large fractures into the broken earth. Sweat beaded on his forehead as Barlei surveyed the chaos of his attack, squinting to peer through the giant cloud of debris that floated in the air. It was hard to see anything at all. “Are you two alive down there?!” The rumble from his attack still rang in his ears. “Shit. You’d better not be dead! I need that training!” WC: 838 | 9,158
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Post by Eris on Sept 11, 2021 19:02:56 GMT -8
Aichi Arrives Asserting Ascendancy Against Adversaries - Demon blood dripped slowly from Eris' blade as it was lowered to her side. Most of the blood had come off from the swinging beforehand, but it didn't take her teammate too long to get there so an amount remained. She took a moment to rest as Aichi sprung into action and used his special dragon move set. At least that's what she referred to it as, she really needed to ask. It mowed down at least half a dozen demons in one swoop. It was easy to tell Aichi's strength had gone up exponentially since their training began.
Sour Severed Soup - Crimson eyes met with chocolate brown ones as Barlei moved next to the duo. A simple introduction with a complement was made although she didn't reciprocate. Not only did Eris think it was rhetorical in nature, but Barlei was soon on the move again, towards the sky. The two Saiyans were cleaning up the place nicely as she stood and watched. Looking around at her surroundings, Eris could see why war stories were often vivid in their retelling. Maybe a few hours had passed and it looked as through a war had been fought here for several days. Blood and mud mixed together to form a reddish hued soup. Within this soup were the bones and gashed and slashed remains of demon body. How would others retell this story? It was a somewhat exciting thought not that it mattered much to her.
Yuna Yearns Yields and Barlei Bombards Bastards-Eris's ears twitched as the three android leaders appeared with...octopuses... around their necks. (That was new) The octopi spread out their tentacles towards the South Star Warriors as their host Androids' moved in closer. They were able to land a direct hit on Aichi and were sure to do the same to Eris. Thankfully she was outfitted with one trick that no one had been witness to thus far. The armor covering around 30% of her body pulsated before its color turned from the glowing orange to darkened red. Real heat was radiating from her armor now, evident by the refractions around her body. The sword, being of the same make, followed suit in the transformation. The sword was quickly placed in front of Eris and used, often as it had been, as a impromptu shield. The tentacle monsters seemed to care not and followed through with their attack. Eris was knocked back several feet from the first tentacle lunge and would have been bound no doubt if not for her burning armor. Any attempt to do such would instantly burn and melt all living flesh.A bright flash filled the immediate zone and was followed by the sound of a large explosion. Chunks of metal propelled outward from the explosion along with the soupy ground. Had one not been braced, they could easily become shell shocked. Thank Kami for the THICC sword. And so it was that the mortar bombardment commenced. This indicated to Eris that the Anroids and demon weren't just looking to take over the city. They were looking to utterly level it. Something would need to be done and soon. Things were becoming ugly.Sixty seconds. Eris faintly heard Barlei's voice over the ringing in her ears. She looked up to face him. His energy was spiking and the strain on his body was evident. Barlei was massive in size, his energy anyway. The demon jumped up to help him, using her sword as a sort of jump pad. She hoped he didn't mind, but seeing as she didn't know how to fly yet, Barlei was the next best thing. She would grapple onto him with her legs and lift her hands over her head with open palms. A black aura would envelope the two and protect them from any would-be hits from the mortar shell bombing or the trio with their octopi. Aichi was welcome to join in the barrier too, if need be. “Go to hell!” The Saiyan released his giant death orb towards the ground. The ground was engulfed as the orb's size grew outward and then flashed into a massive explosion that made the mortar shells look like training bombs for babies.It took a minute or two for the sky to clear and it was dead silent the entire time. The warriors were at a disadvantage. The Androids could still sense their presence while they couldn't sense the Androids. By the time they could see their enemy it might've been too late. Yuna, their leader had appeared in front of the orb before it fully detonated and siphoned energy from it while one of her friends created a barrier around them in the same manner Eris had. The barrier had failed and Yuna could only take in so much energy, their fleeting attempts not having been enough.The quadruplet of Androids were blown apart. Their synthetic limbs sprawled around the entire region with their torso and head superheated and impaled into the ground below. "Hell yeah! That did it!" Eris yelled forward and at the side of Barlei's head taking no consideration to his ringing ears. A smile was flashed around from the demon although a threat still loomed above? What? No. The airship that was there seemed to have retreated during the final finishing attack. No doubt they would be back sooner or later. And so it was that the rugged Saiyan saved the entirety of mud city and helped the Dojo all at once. If this act didn't instill a feeling of glory back into his body and mind then nothing would. Eris lowered her barrier and let go of the Saiyan. She didn't weigh much, but any extra weight was surely not welcomed after such a move. She gracefully descended downward with her hand reached out. Her sword was blown some meters away by the blast. After a few seconds it could be seen flying through the air and smacked pleasantly into her open hand. She looked around for Aichi, not having checked if he did group up with them in the sky or not. Aichi Barlei
[1,025 Words | 10,183 TWC]
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Post by Aichi on Sept 14, 2021 15:59:25 GMT -8
After hard work by the three mightiest warriors to ever cross into Mud Ciry, the battle had been won in a blaze of ki blasts. Any surviving demons had long since fled the battle, and the Android leaders were put to rest in piles of springs and microchips.
The heros were flying, or hanging, around the battlefield for a second, watching and waiting for any other attacks from stragglers before safely landing. The Demon force had no lead now, and whatever foul lot they came from was where they were returning. The day had been truly saved, at least where the tiny war was waged. The Red Ribbon Revival had been put to rest, and all that seemed to be left was to alert the city of Djirodoo's willingness to protect them.
As always an obstacle to heroism would clouds the path, and way high up in the clouds was one of the spies in the hover craft still. She had watched her sisters fall, and her last remaining partner in crime had flown off in a jet pack to preserve the Red Ribbon Revival. She planned to hide in Mud City, and revive the Red Ribbon Army at a later date. While she did that her sister was planning a kamikaze attack on the heroes. Once her sister was far off and toward Mud City, the supposed treasurer of Mud City was aiming giant mortars at the three dangerous vanguard of the society within Mud City.
After retreating from the ground and flying behind Barlei for the final blast, Aichi remained close to them all to avoid any attacks by fleeing demkna. Kept safe of projectiles by Eris' shield the Saiyan was free to view destruction Barlei unleashed, and felt confident no Demon was waiting on the ground for them. He was glad to see the battle end, and impressed by Barleis power. As the mighty Barlei blasted the demons and androids away Aichi made sure to mark him down as a figure of interest. Whatever his connection to Djirodoo was, it certainly benefitted the South Stars cause. That same heroic cause that Aichi wandered the Earth for: beneficial respect among the civilizations on earth.
As the group landed back on the ground, Aichi was smirking proudly. No sense of danger was nearby, the Android flying alone and above was too far to sense so it seemednlike a job well done. The red headed Saiyan was covered in sweat from his battles, and as he was huffing and puffing he noticed he lost his scarf in the battle. Before greeting Barlei and congratulating the group, Aichi clapped his hands to summon his scarf. From afar it floated in the air and out of some fresh Demon blood pool. Aichi chose not to wear it, and instead put it inside a Capsule for cleaning later.
"Great job Eris, and hero unknown hehe. My name is Aichi Genki, Wandering martial artist and student of the South Star." The sweat dripping in his hair was poking him in the golden eye, so Aichi swept his bangs straight backward and out of his eyes, the greasy red locks stuck in place easily while he formally bowed to Barlei as thanks. He looked tired, but the cheerful friendliness he always had rose through his depleted energy rreserves. All that flying was getting to him though.
As Aichi spoke a tired breath he was mostly looking at Barlei, but when he addressed Eris about the mission he looked directly at her.
"It looks like we did Ole Senpai Djirodoo's job Eris. We should check the city, make sure they know who helped them out behind the scenes today. You're coming too right?" Aichi looked at Barlei with a friendly smile, hopeful this new warrior was interested in completing Djirodoo's mission and will for his students to be envoys of his favor to the City.
Little did the group know Margot had flown off to the city long before them, and Dawn the treasurer was about to drop a bunch of fiery bombs of hell on them. As they all happily greeted each other, Margot was aiming her Super Rapid Laser Trebuchet Cannon. The giant bombs would cover a whole area in napalm once they struck, and the group would only have a short time to escape.
Screaming maniacally Dawn was in complete fear of the three warriors power, but her programming was beyond escaping from. To revive the Red Ribbon Army she needed to avenge her sisters lost army, and logic couldn't prune her conviction from that ideal. Dawn watched the screen in front of her face, ready to drop some bombs on the South Stars of Mud City. Before they could move, the bombs flew downward at them fast and deadly, and before anyone could answer Aichi the sudden danger litnoff in their sixth sense.
WordCount: 811
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Post by Barlei on Sept 15, 2021 13:56:45 GMT -8
A wry grin twisted Barlei's lips as he stood talking to Aichi and Eris. They were battered and bruised, but never broken. The remainder of the demon horde had fled back to the bowels of hell from whence they'd crawled, and the android threat leading them had been demolished. It was a job well done, to say the least. He felt a twinge of guilt, studying the two South Star students. He'd drawn the assumption that he'd have to carry most of the burden of this fight, but their quick thinking was what brought about victory for them that day. He always assumed the worst in others. A tough life had taught him to do so. Being captured and experimented on for centuries had brewed in him a paranoia Barlei couldn't bring himself to shake, and as a result, he kept everyone at arm's distance. He would permit no one to draw closer to him and at the same time, kept himself at a decent emotional distance. This behavior left him sometimes blind to the truth. Aichi Genki and Eris hadn't even needed his help for this mission. He'd assumed, in his own arrogance, he could handle the problem alone. A Saiyan's pride was their greatest strength, but pride unchecked left one blind to the truth. Blinded as he was, it begot a certain arrogance and that arrogance, reaching the fullness of its error, created room for a mistake. Mistakes got others killed. Mistakes cost people their lives. The mistake of trying to take on the full burden of the world robbed him of any true semblance of a life well lived. The once great lieutenant felt the shame of being taught a lesson he should have grasped ages ago. Live long, live well, and learn to lean on others. He coughed into his fist, clearing his throat. Surveying the chaos of the scene surrounding them, he deigned not to meet the gaze of either Aichi or Eris. "Yeah, well... this place is a mess. What's the point of saving a city if we destroy their livelihood in the process? I mean... look at this place." His tone was grumpy, gesturing at the surrounding fields pockmarked with the signs of battle. "Maybe next time you two will let me finish the job ALONE." Keep them at a distance. It was better that way. Otherwise, hanging around him would just get them hurt or worse. He drifted up into the air, searching for his long lost knapsack. Barlei hadn't been thinking when he'd set off that gigantic blast, aided by Eris. Chances were he blew his own belongings to hell. If Eris's quick thinking hadn't prompted the sexy demoness to form a protective barrier around both of them, the resulting blowback could've seriously harmed everyone. That was the problem, wasn't it? His lack of control. A seasoned warrior who couldn't control his own strength. He knew he needed instruction beyond any he'd ever been given. He thought from Djirodoo, but why put anyone else at risk? No. He'd train alone. The sharp whistle of artillery met his ears. It was a sound no common person would recognize, perhaps mistaken for the distant whistle of a pet owner calling their dog or the slight rustle of wind through a leafy canopy. But Barlei had been bombarded more times than he could count, and such a sound sparked both anxiety and trepidation in him. He spun about wildly, searching for the source only to see the bombs hurtling at them at breakneck speeds. Even a seasoned warrior like Barlei wasn’t fast enough to intercept these; they sailed right past him, mere inches from his face, on a collision trajectory with the students below and the city proper. A plethora of options filled his mind. Strategic thinking was the hallmark of any great leader, but his mind was a jumble of incoherent thoughts. Instinct kicked in, prompting the big Saiyan forward as he sped after the bombs. He didn’t call out to either Aichi or Eris; to spare even a second could be disastrous for them all. Hoping beyond hope they would see his intentions and supply some measure of aid—if not for Barlei, then at least to consider the populace of Mud City—he flickered out of view. Barlei reappeared moments later in the path of the bombs, a grim look of determination as he crossed his forearms and hunkered down to intercept.
His bomber jacket clung to his frame in tatters. The lens of his protective eye goggles were cracked, streaked with grim. His hair hung loose about his shoulders, carrying a heavy hint of something burned. His jeans were torn and bloodied. Perhaps tanking the blast hadn’t been in his best interest, but it had bought the others time to ensure none of Mud City’s citizens were caught in the blast radius itself. Not for the first time, Barlei thanked his lucky stars he was so damn durable; perhaps some great being in the afterlife was interested in prolonging his life—for a time, maybe even a purpose. Time and again circumstances taught him contrary to what he often believed was true. Barlei believed he was a long lost relic that should have remained buried. It had no real place in this modern, sleek world, filled to its brim with technological advances, half-blood brats, and powerful warriors. He didn’t belong in this place nor in this time; few others walking the planet could understand this morose sentiment. It wasn’t that he wanted to play the ‘victim’; he felt disjointed and misplaced, a jigsaw puzzle piece that could not—would not—fit into this picture. A wanderer. An outcast. A nobody. A nobody among nobodies. He sighed, wincing at the pain even a slight gesture evoked throughout his battered form. "I could've stayed on the island for this..." He hadn't been gone long, but he already missed his dilapidated hut. The long, lazy afternoons napping to the sounds of cawing gulls and crashing waves. The tell-tale snicker of those Saiyan brats trying to steal his goggles. It felt like a lifetime ago. Drifting along in the air, high above the thick woods that rose to meet the undulating foothills of the mountains, Barlei consoled himself with a single, undeniable truth. This was a turning page in a closing chapter. Whatever lay ahead, he would be ready.
WC: 1,071 | 12,065
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Post by Aichi on Sept 15, 2021 14:22:57 GMT -8
Once Aichi and Eris resolved their business and returned to the city they let the governor know about Djirodoo. Their exploits had been recorded by security cameras and after viewing their battle in retrospect they left the city to confer with their Master Djirodoo atop the mountain.
WordCount: 47 (upon submitting the mission I noticed we were short. As well Eris and I formed this mission shortly after creating our characters with starting PL.)
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