|
Post by darthlunchbox on Jan 10, 2020 11:20:24 GMT -8
Cade flew across the sea, hoping he was headed the right way. He knew that in a general sort of way he was headed in the right direction, but the ocean was a big place and it would be all too easy to get lost out here. Especially with him being new to this whole flight thing in general. He decided to just do his best, keeping the blood red rising sun on his left as it seemed to rise from the waters depths. The red color bled up into an orange, then a soft pink up to navy where the last shades of night still held sway. It was beautiful, out here over the ocean. He could see why so many people wanted to visit such a place and experience it for themselves. As for himself, he had heard there were many fighting masters among the people of the islands and he aimed to learn from them. He turned back to watch where he was going and narrowed his eyes as they turned back towards the warm air that was whipping against his body and snapping his clothes around. He should probably get more form fitting clothes for flight; it would reduce all this whipping and be more peaceful probably. But, you lived you learned, he could put up with it for now at least. A few hours later, at last, on the horizon, a large speck appeared rising out of the water. He was only ever so slightly off course, so he veered left to put it dead center in his sights and continued flying towards it, excitement building in his gut... or maybe that was the sausages still... either way he was looking forward to landfall. He finally flew over the beach and landed in a small resort town near a small local restaurant with a plain red and white sign that simply showed it was named Coco's. He walked in and a small bell above the door rang to let them know he was here. An older woman with beautifully tan skin and iron grey hair walked from out of the kitchen and waved for him to come sit at the counter, "Welcome to Coco's, we're still serving the best breakfast in the islands, sir. I am Coco, here's a menu." She slid a simple menu in front of him, a single double sided sheet laminated, then asked, "Can I get you something to drink for a start?" He smiled, reminded of places from home as he glanced over the menu. He cleared his throat and nodded, "Yeah, a coffee please. I'll need cream and sugar." She nodded and walked over to a full steaming pot of coffee and pulled a worn white ceramic mug from under the counter and expertly flipped it around before settling it on the counter and pouring the java into the cup. She grabbed a rolled up napkin with silverware and deposited these treasures in front of Cade. She cocked an eyebrow and asked, "Know what you want?" He did indeed, "Yeah, eggs and bacon sound great. Cheese on the eggs please." He peeled the tops off of a couple of creamer packs and poured them into his coffee before grabbing some sugar packets and doing the same. Coco scribbled his order on a sheet of paper as she walked back to the kitchen and started calling something out to what he presumed was the cook back there. He turned his attention to a tv over the bar as he started sipping his coffee and saw that the local news was just coming back from a commercial. He listened as they started talking once more... "We're at day 4 of the recovery efforts here in south city after the Mega Sharkadon leveled a good part of our homes." The scene of the middle aged island man gave way to show the enormous flying shark wreaking devastation on the city and Cade's eyebrows shot up. He must have missed this while he was out in the desert... not that he was that keen on keeping up with the news in the first place. the host began speaking again, "Cleanup efforts are under way still, with volunteers and city workers looking to clear the rubble so that rebuilding efforts can begin. South City will of course welcome any volunteers who wish to devote their time and efforts to help...." The corner of the screen flashed up to show people, presumably volunteers, picking up rubble and throwing it into dump trucks to be hauled away. Maybe he could go and help these people out for a few days, learn more about them as he helped them get back on their feet. He took another sip of coffee and almost spit it out as he recognized one of the workers, it was Keeryou! He mumbled under his breath, "Well if that ain't the dangest coincidence..." He knew Keeryou was a very strong fighter; he had met him when he was just starting out on his journey. Maybe he would have a thing or two he could give Cade pointers on; if not they could catch up and hang out after the day was done. Maybe grab a beer, Keeryou was good folks. He'd barely decided this when Coco came back out from the kitchen with a large plate filled with cheesy eggs and a generous portion of bacon. Cade's stomach rumbled as the scent of the food reached his nose and his mouth started watering. He picked up his fork as the plate was sat down in front of him along with the check, face down. He looked to Coco and asked, "I'm new here, just arrived this morning, how would I get to South City from here?" He lifted a forkful of eggs and took a bite quickly followed by a bite of bacon... it was heavenly.
* * *
Cade flew above the roads, following Coco's directions to reach South City. It wasn't too hard once he got out of the small beach town, just follow the main road until he hit the City. It wasn't too long before the broken buildings and rubble rose into view; it really was a mess. He opened his senses, looking for the familiar power signature of his friend as he flew among the edges of the wreckage. He thought he sensed his signature with a crew near to the docks, so he headed that way. A few minutes later, he touched down and waved as some of the onlookers gaped at him, "Uh... hey ya'all, I'm here to help out for a while. Also looking for my buddy, Keeryou. He around?" Cade helpfully picked up a big chunk of stone and tossed it in the back of the truck as he waited for an answer, showing he was indeed there to help.
[1143]
Kiryu
|
|
|
Post by Kiryu on Jan 10, 2020 12:23:33 GMT -8
She appeared before him, clad in diaphanous robes, her ebony hair flowing to her waist, eyes violet and inscrutable. She stood upon the surface of a vast, dark lake, the water opaque. She looked thin, drawn, as though sustenance and rest were concepts of which she was unaware. "They stole me", she whispered, "Tried to take me for their own, and for this, the world around us burns. You must find me."
But where are you?
"I am in the in between. The before and the after. The never was. The Nexus. Their guardians are strong. Only when mundane and magic and divinity commingle can the gate be opened. The Oni await but beyond them is freedom and power at life. At the Nexus, Son of Joy. Before they drain me fully. I cannot resist much longer. They have bled me longer than the moon has been in the sky.
Trust to your allies, for alone, none of you will be enough to overcome."
Overcome what?
No matter how many times Kiryu had that dream, he never got an answer to that question.
The dreams had started after the incident involving the giant shark monster that had been headed for South City. Kiryu had decided to stick around, to help rebuild. He could, after all, quite literally work magic. His efforts would speed the rebuilding process immeasurably, and cut costs. It was the right thing to do. However, Kiryu had not had a truly restful night since he had begun that task. Every night, he was visited by strange dreams, all of which ended by melting into the same scene, over and over again. The woman on the lake, entreating him for aid.
Kiryu was no stranger to dreams that... weren't. Ever since he had claimed the crystal ball that once belonged to the fortune teller, Urunai Baba, Kiryu had been visited by prophetic visions, both awake and unconscious. He could exert a small bit of control over this phenomenon in combat, using it to predict his opponent's next move. But Kiryu had actively avoided any true attempts at divination. Frankly, he did now want to know the future. He believed that there was not one future, but that it was always in motion, and any attempt to know the course of events would make you more likely to ensure that those events actually happened. If you foresaw a bad outcome, it was all the more likely that every action you took to avert it would in fact bring you closer to that catastrophe.
These were different, though. In the beginning of the dreams, Kiryu was sure he was seeing a vision of the past, not the future. And as surely as Kiryu was breathing, he knew that when the woman in his dreams spoke to him, it was now.
Still, Kiryu had no idea who this woman was, or where she was, or what he was supposed to do. It was all vague and cryptic and wrapped up in symbolism.
So Kiryu did what he could.
Today, he had risen early, as was his custom. After performing his standard ablutions, Kiryu had had a simple breakfast of black coffee and a vegetable omelette. He was staying in what had been a hotel, but now was functioning as a refugee shelter. The owner had generously allowed people to stay there for free (Kiryu was sure that there was probably some excellent tax incentives for doing so) while city repairs were under way. Kiryu had become somewhat well known in South City, due to his actions, and he had his own room. It wouldn't have been a big deal if he hadn't; Kiryu always carried camping equipment with him, as he was by nature a wanderer, and was quite comfortable living off the land itself if need be. The grateful citizens of South City would not allow that, however, and Kiryu found most of his basic needs met with gusto.
The work for the day was to clear rubble so that machinery and vehicles could be brought in to begin some of the more serious repair work. Kiryu could create basic structures with his magic, true, but such things were not complex, and for the most part, not meant to be permanent. He could probably learn to do more, but he had other concerns at the current point in time.
Kiryu made his way to the site. He was one of the first to arrive, but over the next half hour, several dozen people showed up, mostly young and in good shape. Most of the city's firefighting and emergency personnel had shown up to help. Kiryu had been able to use his magic to copy some of their breathing apparatuses, providing all of the responders with oxygen and avoiding and harmful substances in the air. One of the workers, a woman named Kachiko who had been a construction foreman, spoke out with her loud, booming voice, organizing the people into groups. They couldn't get larger vehicles in at the moment, so they were to work in teams, some people breaking the rubble into smaller pieces with tools, some people loading the broken up rubble into wheelbarrows, and some carting those off through cleared paths for disposal.
Unlike most, Kiryu was assigned to work by himself. His unique capabilities meant that he could do the work of ten such crews. Other people would only slow him down, and the shorter this took, the better. Before Kiryu could get started, however, a news crew had made it's way over. Kiryu groaned inwardly; there had been footage of him flying and defeating the kaiju shark, and ever since, he had been hounded for interviews and details. Today, it seemed would be no different.
"Mister Miyazawa! Mister Miyazawa!" Kiryu kept himself from sighing as Zack Ryder, one of the local reporters for a large news network, made his way over. Kiryu didn't have a problem with Zack; the man was just doing his job, after all. But Kiryu wanted to simply focus on his work and ignore the circus that came with the media.
Zack and his camera crew came to a stop in front of Kiryu, and Zack spoke into his microphone. "Kiryu, so good to see you again! Tell us, how are the relief efforts going? How does it feel to the one of the newest heroes of South City?"
Kiryu shrugged a bit, pausing to think before answering. "We're making progress. I'm no expert but if today goes anything like yesterday did, we should be able to clear enough to get the construction equipment needed for real repairs here within the week. But let's cool it with the 'hero' talk. I'm happy I could help, but I'm just a guy. I might have more power at my disposal than others, but I'm just doing what I can to help. You want to talk to a real hero? Talk to Kachiko over there, who had given up her own breathing apparatus to others who had shown up to work on rescue and repair. I was able to create a copy for her, but she was willing to risk illness and maybe even death to be here to help. That's a real hero, not someone that just happens to be able to fly and shoot energy blasts. Now, if you'll excuse me, we have work to do."
At that, Kiryu turned, then leaped away, showcasing his prodigious strength by covering several hundred feet in a single bound. He got to work on a pile of rubble far away from where the camera crews would be able to easily access.
Before he got to work, his phone buzzed. Kiryu took it out and saw a message from Bass. Curious, Kiryu tapped on it, intent on reading it... and then he felt a familiar power level approaching. Interrupted, he shoved the phone back in his pocket and began to look about, honing in on where that power source was coming from. Unless Kiryu was very much mistaken, an old friend had just shown up, and Kiryu could definitely use the help..
And at that moment, a dull pulse began to throb at the base of Kiryu's skull. It wasn't painful; it was more like a pressure, like a pull. Suddenly, for no reason he could fathom, Kiryu wanted to go and fly around over... the ocean?
He shook his head, trying to ignore the sensation, and looked around for his friend.
[WC=1,415]
|
|
|
Post by Jack Pota on Jan 11, 2020 18:19:04 GMT -8
Waves crashing onto the white sand shore softly, the sky lit with an orange-red hue of early morning, and the ocean breeze of early morning to greet those that had decided to get up this early in the day. Jack was one of those people that had decided to get up early and go for a walk along the beach in his new tracksuit and blue flip-flops while he wore his swimming trunks underneath, just in case he needed them. He also wore his Blaster Carbine over his shoulder for protection against anyone or anything that decided to get aggressive with him for one reason or another; sometimes, you just never knew any single place on the island would be one day to the next. However, today was one of the better days for Jack Pota as he stared at the horizon of the ocean, now that he was getting a better grasp on his emotions and control over his own Ki. He stood there quietly as he let the wind blow in his face before he closed his eyelids with deep breaths, and he continued this breathing until he was in a very suggestive meditative state to feel for any energy that he would feel pulled towards; and pulled he was indeed.
The two varying energies he could sense were distant, but not too far for him to reach on his own. Jack tapped into his own energy and lifted off of the ground before he took off towards the signatures he could feel while he flew across the ocean and towards a location known as South City. Whoever they were, he knew that they were strong, but he was still curious enough to investigate on his own while being ignorant of the cleanup efforts that he would be more than willing to assist in the best he could. Besides, this would give him an opportunity to get better acquainted with the areas outside of the islands after he had escaped the facility he and so many others were held captive in stasis. Jack glanced down at the water to the reflection of himself while he travelled, and found it to be a face that looked foreign to him even though he has come to accept it after his DNA was spliced and his body continued to mutate and adjust to accommodate the Saiyan DNA that had enacted such radical change inside of him to the point that he could now definitely pass as a local Saiyan.
When he finally arrived at the city with a serious expression hiding a hint of excitement, it took him some for the blue eyed raven to get to the cleanup site where a crowd of camera crews and a few reporters were gathered. Are they...media types...? Tch, figures...wait... Jack thought to himself with a huff and a low growl before he drew his attention to a few hundred feet away from the crews. Someone was definitely over there. Were they assisting with the cleanup as well? Should he approach them to help in the aid? Without properly thinking things through, Jack levitated and glided over to the position that Kiryu Miyazawa had decided to work alone. Jack softly landed on the ground nearby the other male who seemed distracted by something he was looking for, perhaps someone he knew like a friend. Friends were certainly nice to have around and Jack could testament to that, even though the only friends he really had were Konja and Cayle, with Cayle being more of a platonic sibling to be completely honest. Either way, he would have to break the ice now that he had probably already made his presence known to Kiryu.
"Some circus, huh? Some things never change with those media types... I'm Jack Pota by the way, sorry for following your signature all the way here; I picked up on it while I was meditating on the beach. If you'd like...I could help out with the cleanup effort to get this place ready for reconstruction. I might be able to treat you to tacos too." Jack started off with joking sarcasm, but continued with sincerity and a soft smile out of eagerness about wanting to be of some help. Truth be told, he wasn't the most physically active compared to other skilled fighters, but he could possibly invent and create some things down the line, and he at least knew how to make restaurant style tacos for a decent meal.
[753 Words]
|
|
|
Post by darthlunchbox on Jan 14, 2020 5:18:43 GMT -8
Cade kept tossing stone into the back of the truck with the practiced ease of a farmer hardened to a long days work. With his smooth and steady pace he didn't look like he was working all that hard, but soon he had a section of street free. The workers watched him for a minute before one of them reported, "Kiryu, huh? Hero's working by himself up towards the center of the city. I don't think he likes all the hubbub and hero worship. Thanks for the help, fella."
Cade nodded, that sounded like Keeryou, always pretty self effacing. Picking up the largest chunk of concrete left in the area, he grunted and heaved it into the back of the truck, making it dip and its axles groan from the sudden weight. Clapping his hands against each other to knock the dust off and gave the man a quick firm handshake, "Thanks, bud. I'm going to go and find him and help him out, best wishes to you and your city." He trotted a little way up the road before he squatted down and jumped up, casting himself into the sky and starting to fly once again. He followed the man's vague directions towards where Keeryou was supposed to be and began opening his senses back up. He carefully flew through the broken edges of the buildings that were still standing as he locked onto the signature of his friend that seemed to glow in his mind's eye. He flew over some reporter fella and his camera man, who quickly swept his lens up towards Cade as he passed by, able to sense more accurately now that he was closing in on the power signature.
Wending his way around a few last buildings, he emerged into a rubble strewn street and saw a figure standing there... He was pretty sure the power signature was coming from him. He altered his course and made for the figure. As he drew closer he saw it was indeed his ol' pal! A grin spread across his face and he sped up a bit; soon he was landing about 10 feet away, hair whipping about a bit wildly and the big grin fixed on his face as he enthusiastically called out, "Heya, Keeryou! Long time no see buddy! So... I let you outta my sight for a few minutes and you're beating up city destroying sharks, huh?"
Cade approached his friend, tossing a few of the larger bits of rubble in his way towards the waiting truck. Rubbing his palm against the leg of his pants, Cade reached out and gave Keeryou a hearty warrior's clasp with his right arm and a hearty welcoming smack against the shoulder, "So good to see you again! I headed out this way to see if there was anything new I could learn and happened to run into ya out here, funny, huh? So... need some help with all this mess and such? I imagine the folks here would like to get back to normal..." a brief shadow clouded his face as he continued, "and those of us from the Southern Demonlands know better than most how to clean up and rebuild. Not on this scale, most of the time though."
Cade stopped and glanced over as an unfamiliar power signature approached. He might not have noticed if he hadn't been keeping them so amped up looking for Keeryou; the new fella was black haired and blue eyed, and seemed nice enough despite the big rifle on his back. I suppose folks are still nervous after that shark, and who could blame them?
He listened to the man as he declared his willingness to help clean up... and tacos. Tacos sounded pretty dang good, actually. He cleared his throat and offered his hand to the newcomer as he introduced himself, "Pleased to meetcha, Jack Pota. Name's Cade Kendrick, I hail from the Southern Demonlands. So... tell me about these potential tacos..."
Cade started working in his seemingly easy pace once more, listening to the others as he cleared rubble and helped get the area ready for the rebuilding to come. With three of them, it shouldn't take too long, he figured.
[703/1846]
|
|
|
Post by Kiryu on Jan 15, 2020 12:26:55 GMT -8
Kiryu examined the figure that had approached and greeted him. His power signature was not nearly as pronounced as that of Kiryu's, but that meant nothing. Kiryu himself had won battles against foes many times stronger than himself, and this Jack could have been concealing his true power. No matter the truth of it, Jack had approached him openly, with the offer of assistance and fellowship, and Kiryu tended to want to believe the best of people. So he smiled warmly, then held out a hand to shake, hoping Jack would return the gesture.
"You can say that again! Turns out when you fly and shoot lasers from your hands people think you're a big deal," Kiryu said with a bit of a roll of his eyes. "It's more trouble than it's worth, really. I'm sure some of the others in my group are receiving similar attention but... well, that doesn't really matter to me. What matters to me is helping people like this," Kiryu said, then nodded to the direction of Kachiko and the other volunteer workers. He meant what he said; these were individuals that lacked his power and abilities, and yet showed up, volunteering their time and energy and potentially their health to attempt to assist in relief efforts. It was beyond laudable; it was things like this that gave Kiryu his faith in humanity.
"I'll tell you this much though, we would love your help. And if these folks are anything like me, getting tacos ready? Instant superstar status. Hopefully there's some al pastor ready to go?"
Kiryu's voice held mirth, but he was in no way joking. Tacos were one hundred percent the way to his heart.
At that moment, Kiryu sensed a familiar energy signature draw near, and the young magus couldn't help but grin at the approach of Cade. He was ninety nine percent sure that Cade pronounced his name like that on purpose, but for some reason, Kiryu didn't mind. The bastard had the audacity to make such an affectation (if affectation it was) charming. It was downright unconscionable for a person to just be so likable, but well, here they were.
At Cade's gesture, Kiryu warmly accepted the gesture and turned it into the always popular 'bro hug', clapping Cade on the back. He rolled his eyes at the mention of fighting the giant Kaiju. "Yeah, can you believe people? They see some rando flying in the sky, encased in glittering magical samurai armor, shooting death beams at a ginormous flying shark beast with an anthropomorphic cat and a blue skinned Namekian as part of his crew, and they get all in a tizzy. What's the world coming to that that's so remarkable?"
Kiryu's voice, at that point, was approximately eighty seven percent sarcasm. There was probably about three percent self deprecation, six percent sardonic wit, and four percent just 'can you fucking believe this actually happened'. At Cade's latter comment, however, Kiryu sobered a bit.
"You're damn right we do. I'm glad you're here, Cade. Some weird stuff has been going on lately, and I've got the notion that I'm going to want a friend at my back for it... if, that is, you're up for a bit of an adventure. But we can talk more about that in a moment. You seem like you've been up to some pretty intense shenanigans yourself! I only just learned how to fly and it looks like you're an old hand already! I can't afford to take a break or you'll wind up passing me by in no time. Maybe that's a topic for after, over a beer, though. I'm glad you're here... we can sure as hell use the help. When we're kicking back later you'll have to tell me all about your adventures; you can't have gotten this strong overnight! There have to be at least a couple of gems of stories in there."
Kiryu raised an eyebrow at Jack, appraising him. "I think you said you're something of an inventor. Got any ideas for something to whip up to make this a bit easier? We have to break the detritus into smaller pieces and transport them off site for disposal so that way repair and construction vehicles can make their way in and begin the real work. This is just cleanup, but unless you've got something up your sleeve, this is going to be just a lot of punching or blasting rocks into smaller rocks to get them out of here. The easy answer would be a powerful blast to completely vaporize the rubble, but I don't think I can create such a blast without damaging the foundations of structures, or without the risk of the attack being too widespread and damaging other structures outside of the disaster zone. Got anything on tap?"
[WC=804] [TWC=2,217]
|
|
|
Post by darthlunchbox on Jan 22, 2020 9:36:09 GMT -8
Cade pursed his lips and let loose a ki enhanced punch into one of the larger nearby rocks and cracked it with a grunt as Kiryu mentioned strange happenings. He began picking up the pieces as he answered, "Well, heck, I guess I'm purty much always up for a good adventure, buddy. As far as the flying... I don't know, it just seemed to come natural, somehow. It's a bit like your swimming, except you're using your mind instead of your arms... and the water is air I guess. I had to work on landings; that part was tricky. I busted my hind end a good few times before I started getting the hang of it." He tossed the rocks into the a canvas dumpster type thing that had been set up to carry the broken debris out and started packing it full of the rest of the stone he had shattered before he moved to the next obstacle. He tapped his chin thoughtfully thinking about Kiryu's observation about him getting stronger and really for the first time thought about all he had been through. His voice sounded a bit far away as he pictured the events in his mind, "Well... I mean I guess there's a few interesting things here and there. I've gotten beat up a lot, man. Lost to almost everyone I've met... but every fight has taught me something different about people and about myself. I made friends and enemies, and maybe a few people might end up being both."
This piece of rubble had been part of the facade of a large building and had largely remained intact. He traced his eyes over it and identified a few cracks creeping through it. He took a deep breath and focused his mind.. and flickered across to the end of the huge piece of rubble, landing a ki enhanced explosive punch, followed by two more flickers and booms. The huge piece of rubble disintegrated into much more manageable pieces, which Cade began picking up, resuming his efforts before speaking again, "Anyhow, trading beers and stories sounds great! I'm sure we'll need both after cleaning this mess up, huh?"
~ ~ ~
That evening, in a booth with tacos piled generously on the tray before him, Cade contemplated the pleasant tiredness with just a hint of soreness the body experienced after a day of hard work. It was a familiar sensation, whether from training or from helping someone out on a farm, and it made him feel a bit more at home here in a strange place. He unwrapped another taco and took a big bite of the crunchy corn tortilla, closing his eyes to savor the spices dancing on his tongue as he chewed. He washed it down with some cola and cleared his throat, "So, there I was, I had just won this Central City Martial Arts Tournament and no sooner than I get announced as the winner do they sweep me away by one of the fellers running the tournament telling me that I had to represent them as the champion in this sausage eating contest. So I get up there and they introduce me, makin' me feel like a bit of a fool if I'm to be honest, but I promised to do it so I sit down and I'm next to some dude named Zorro and a saiyan feller I met at that Oolong Winter Festival to carve ice by the name o' Celery.
So there I was, facing down a cheering crowd of sausage enthusiasts as this waitress walks up and plonks a whole heaping platter of sausages in front of me. I like sausages, but dang man, there was a lot of them... but they were real good, they cooked them up in peppers and onions, there is a reason Central City is famous for its Sausage Festival, I reckon. So, We all started destroying our platters, and I started out real good, I was keeping pace with Celery, which I think is purty good since all those saiyan fellers seem to be like bottomless pits for food. Zorro never really seemed to get the hang of it, he had barely finished his 1st platter when me an' Celery got to the second one. We were pounding them down, but about halfway through that platter I started to get full; like REAL full. I managed to finish the platter... but Celery just kept truckin'. I think he finished a third one even, he won the whole dang thing, and I come in second place, which ain;t too shabby considering I hain't never done nothin' like that before I think. Ol' Zorro runned off with his buddy to upchuck somewhere, poor feller. He seemed pretty distraught about it, wanted to fight me or some such. I'll prolly find him someday and let him try to beat me up, to see what he's all about."Cade finished his story by devouring the rest of his taco and chewing blissfully for a few moments before he swallowed. He sat there for a moment contemplating something that had been nagging in the back of his mind as he sipped as his soda... Keeryou had seemed worried about something. Cade looked his friend in the eye and asked, "So, Keeryou, you mentioned... some kinda weird stuff going on, huh? What did you mean by all that, more than the giant shark, I guess?"[905/2751]
|
|
|
Post by Kiryu on Jan 22, 2020 12:42:17 GMT -8
The pair worked throughout the day, occasionally enjoying companionable silence, sometimes engaging in idle chatter. Kiryu find himself at ease with Cade. It was almost like a slice of home had come to him, here in the Southern Island. They were, both of them, simple men. They had grown up in concert with the world around them, had found themselves endowed with extraordinary gifts, and had come to the conclusion that they should use those gifts in the service of their fellow. It was, Kiryu thought, rather nice to be around someone with so similar a value set.
Beyond that, the man was just damn charming and easy to get along with. It was rare for silences to not be uncomfortable, but as the day wore on, the two often found themselves in lockstep without the necessity for verbal communication.
Which meant that when they did talk more, there was probably going to be a hell of a lot to cover.
Later that evening, Kiryu and Cade were enjoying some well earned victuals and libations. Kiryu immediately approved of any taco offering that had what less adventurous types might refer to as "the weird stuff". But here in the Southern Islands, not only did they offer all sorts of seafood, they offered cabeza, cochinita pibil, chincharron, and all sorts of other delicious types of meat that let you know that these folks were about as authentic as it got. Kiryu cracked open a can of a local IPA; he did tend to love the hop bitterness and complexity of Island Pale Ales, and they complimented spicy food especially well. He began with a long pull from the can, and the cold, delicious liquid sliding down his throat after a day of intense labor was about the greatest reward that Kiryu could possibly receive of. A well earned brew for a job well done.
There was a type of purity in that simplicity, and he hoped that he never lost that.
As Cade related his recent adventures, Kiryu listened intently, face flickering from simple interest to bemusement to mirth as was appropriate.
"Ha! I have to tell you, man, I don't think I've ever heard the phrase 'facing down a cheering crowd of sausage enthusiasts' before, and I think... I think I love it? Like I'm just picturing this epic battle and the only way that you can possibly succeed is via sausage consumption and, like. I'm here for that. That's amazing. That might legitimately be the best thing I have ever heard. No surprises at flying being natural and you winning a tournament, by the by. I always knew you had a hell of a lot of talent. Honestly, it kind of gets me hyped at the prospect of going a few rounds with you. Maybe when we have some time we should have a friendly match; I think it would be pretty illuminating for the both of us."
When Cade asked him about his own vague comments, Kiry's brow furrowed slightly. By now, he had consumed all of his tacos, his plate bearing only a few spots from dripped sauce and lime juice. Kiryu's brow furrowed, and he called for another beer for himself and Cade, pondering the matter and considering how best to proceed... and not come off like a raving lunatic.
Their drinks arrived, and Kiryu popped the tab on the can, taking a long, slow draw before speaking.
"A few months ago, I met... I don't know what. A ghost? A spirit? An apparition? An echo? I have no idea how to accurately describe it. But I met someone. Someone who said they had been dead for centuries, and had been waiting for me. And that I had to...
Look, this is going to sound kind of nuts so maybe I should show what I mean a little bit."
Kiryu held out his left hand, open and empty, palm turned upward, then looked Cade in the eye and said, "Abra ca fucking dabra." The words were unnecessary, but as Kiryu said them, with an effort of will, he summoned his magical crystal ball from the pocket dimension he kept it in, and the item appeared in his hand.
"I'm not just a ki user, I guess. Turns out that there's more to heaven and earth than we ever dreamed in our philosophies. In other words... magic is real I guess? And it turns out I have a knack for it. Anyway, I retrieved this item from the bowels of the earth, behind a magical force field guarded by powerful spirits. Ever since I recovered it... I've been seeing things. I know I sound like a psycho, but occasionally, I glimpse the future. It's usually small, just a couple of seconds ahead, just something I can glimpse in a fight to give me an edge, predicting other's movements.
But lately when I'm asleep I can see more.
I don't remember it when I wake up. It's like looking at a city from far away and you can see how big it is and maybe there's a sports stadium over there. But once you're in the city you lose sight of it and have to try to navigate street by street.
But I can feel that something is coming. Something dark. Something more powerful than anything we've ever imagined.
And today, I had a waking dream.
I feel this... calling, this pull, out to the ocean. I think there's something there. I think it's waiting for me... and I think, somehow, it's waiting for you, too. I don't think it's anything I can handle alone. I don't know what it is... but I know it's going to be dangerous. And weird.
And maybe, somehow, the most important thing I can possibly do.
That's why I'm traveling now. Why I'm making allies with as many fighters as I can. So that when whatever this is comes, we can stand together, against it. Because if we stand along, we sure as hell won't get through it.
So... yeah. That's the adventure. Got any questions? Like if I've taken too many hits to the head?"
[WC=1,024] [TWC=3,241]
|
|
|
Post by darthlunchbox on Jan 23, 2020 19:12:49 GMT -8
Cade laughed along with Keeryou as he expressed his amusement at his turn of phrase. He shook his head in disbelief at Keeryou telling him he had seen his talent all along, "Well, buddy, you saw more than me. I'm still kinda trying to figure some things out, but I think I am definitely getting it all together I think. As far as going a few rounds... For sure, let's do it sometime! I don't know as I can win but I would sure love to see how I'll do against magic. I'm sure not everyone I run into will be a friendly type when it comes down to it; I know fer a fact that the demons have hocus pocus types."
Cade used his last tortilla chip to idly drag across his plate, scooping up wayward taco toppings, cheese, and sauces before popping into his mouth for one last satisfying bite. It felt good to be able to just hang out with a friend again, even as a stepping stone to more danger. He had met a lot of folks in the south lands but only a few he could really solidly call friends, and Keeryou was right up there at the top of the list. He sipped his beer, a nice tang dancing across his tongue as he began listening to Keeryou's explanation, starting with what sounded like a ghost story. Which was pretty cool, Cade's mom had always swore she saw a ghost in their barn that... he snapped back into focus, now wasn't the time to let his mind wander.
Wonder blossomed in Cade's heart, seeping into his eyes which widened as Keeryou summoned a crystal seemingly from thin air. He almost breathlessly whispered, "Wow... that is cool!" Cade listened to his friends explanations about what he had been experiencing, he really did... but the crystal ball constantly drew his eyes back to it. Something about it seemed to be... talking to him wasn't the right words... pulling at him. Tugging at his mind and spirit. He listened to Keeryou's words echoing in his mind as his pupils dilated; his friend described being able to use magic as well as his ki; an opaque fog seemed to be forming in the crystal before Cade's eyes showing a shadowy profile that was obviously Keeryou as he moved through a cavern and used abilities he instinctively understood were magic... even if he was totally unsure how he understood it or anything about how it worked. Of him claiming the crystal and the crystal seemed to rejoice at this, a triumphant note played in Cade's mind. It showed brief images of everything that the young mage was narrating to his friend from showing Keeryou using the crystal in battle to the city view he described and then being lost looking for what he had seen; it was a powerful communicator.
The most powerful and clear image came when Keeryou started describing his dream... Cade almost felt like his body was numb and the restaurant had went grey in his vision as a vibrant blue ocean swept through the crystal ball in front of his eyes... a voice he could almost hear calling to him. A shadowy face appeared in the ball, ebony hair cascading down and framing a pale faced woman with violet eyes. Her lips moved, but he didn't hear anything at first... until he heard the faintest whisper in his mind, "It is necessary... to combine your energy... with the mage... help me... help him find me..."
His thoughts racing, Cade could only thing of one power he had to offer. He hesitantly reached out towards the crystal ball and reverently placed one finger onto it. As he did so he sent a pulse of his blue ki shooting directly into the crystal ball, which began to glow brightly as his energy merged with Keeryou's and coruscating with varied colors. Cade tried to pull away from the crystal but was unable to budge his finger at all as it seemed to be drawing a trickle of his power into it. He looked across the table nervously at his friend, "I didn't break it did I? It seemed to be what the lady in the ball was asking me to do... the dark haired one with purple eyes. Is she the ghost? What is going on?"
[728/3479]
|
|
|
Post by Kiryu on Jan 28, 2020 12:42:19 GMT -8
Kiryu could not reply to his friend. He could not move. He could not speak. He could not think. He could barely breathe, because at that moment, his existence was reduced to one single, shining spot of utter agony.
Kiryu had spent his entire life training. Learning to fight. Making his body as flexible and pliable as possible to assist his fighting style. Enduring the constant bruises and aches that accompanied a martial lifestyle. Actually sparring against rivals and adventuring out into the world, championing those that couldn't champion themselves and giving back to the people of the world when he had been blessed with such abilities. Kiryu had endured pain to his body.
This was something else entirely.
When Cade's ki touched the orb, for what appeared to be no more than a second, Kiryu went away. He could no longer see or hear or perceive anything. His mind and soul were ripped from his body and his brain shrieked out at the violation. Images assailed him more rapidly than he could possibly handle. More quickly than any mortal being could possibly comprehend, in the splinter of his mind's eye, Kiryu saw a trillion different realities folding onto each other, like thin sheets of metal forming a single blade, a blade that was cutting him more deeply than anything he had ever imagined possible.
Kiryu would never, in the future, be able to describe what he had seen. He was lucky he was still sane, and trying to think back to this one moment in time sent his mind into a gibbering, frothing panic. In that moment he knew things, things that no human should ever know. That he could not remember them without courting insanity was proof enough of that.
Kiryu came back to himself with a sudden, agonized gasp. His entire body broke out in a cold sweat, and tears welled in his eyes as he had to will himself to stop from shaking.
"I..." Kiryu rasped, then trailed off, unable to force himself to speak normally. He licked his lips, then hung his head for a moment, shaking it to try to move past the agony. He looked up at Cade, anguish etched onto his features.
"Cade, I felt here. I felt everything that she has felt, all at once. They're consuming her.
I know what she is. At least, I think I do. I don't know how to explain it. She's... not a person, not like we understand it. But she is a personification. Something ancient. Something powerful. Something that has guarded this world from creatures that would devour it whole if given the chance.
And her power is being consumed.
I felt it. I think I know where she is, and I think we have to go there. Like, right the hell now. Like, yesterday. Like a thousand years ago yesterday. I'm going to try to make this quick."
Kiryu reached out, grabbing Cade's arm, and attempted to teleport to where he know felt the location of the entity. But to his surprise, he and Cade remained where they were.
"It... didn't work. Shit. That can't be good."
Kiryu rose from the table, taking out some zeni from his pocket to pay for their meal. He then concentrated, stepping into the air and readying himself for the worst. He still couldn't parse out what awaited them, but anything that could torment something as old and powerful as the entity that had contacted them was going to be truly terrible.
"We can't waste time. We have to go, now, or we may lose everything, and the world will never be the same."
[WC=607] [TWC=3,848]
|
|
|
Post by darthlunchbox on Jan 30, 2020 19:53:18 GMT -8
Cade felt the ki draining out of him, and saw the horror on Keeryous face as his friend seemed to be seeing... something. He began muttering something in horror under his breath... his eyes were wide and milky looking. He tried to tug his hand away and found it locked in place... it was kind of creepy, to be honest, but cool at the same time. He watched the white's of his friends eyes flicker and shudder... but there was also some kind of light that looked to be faintly glowing deep inside... Cade turned his head to the side and muttered, "I'll be damned... with all this weird stuff I need another beer."
He used his free hand to drain the rest of his beer and set it down on the table before him. It was about then Keeryou snapped out of his trance and the crystal ball let go of his hand. His arm flew back and slammed into the back of the booth, jerking him sideways and almost making him drop the beer he had just taken out of the bucket and popped open. Keeryou's words, urgent and hurried hooked his attention in as he said they were eating her... He didn't know who her was... but it sounded ominous as all hell. Plus, Cade wasn't the kind of fella who could stand back why people, especially a woman, was hurt. It was something that had been drilled into him by southern culture, this protectiveness of women; despite the fact that most of the strongest people he had known were women.
He listened to Keeryou as his friend continued his explanation about her being old and powerful and stuff. So it was an old woman in trouble and people were eating her power? That was enough information for Cade. His face went stone cold and he set his beer down, unfinished. In his heart, rage broke its chains, suppressed for so long to keep control... keep a low profile... don't make a scene. WELL SHIT ON THAT.
He waited, tense, as his friend grabbed his arm and attempted to teleport them to where they needed to be. Nothing happened... and worry creased his friends face. He seemed frantic as he threw some zenni on the table and started to head outside, Cade in tow. They hurried outside and hurried to get into a clear area away from the Taco King and its customers... and Cade felt a huge tug in his gut. He almost lost a step and looked toward the tugging sensation... and felt it tug again, more gently. He pointed in the direction he was feeling the tug in, "Pretty sure it's that way. Just get my attention if I'm wrong... but I have a literal gut feeling. Think I might have got caught up in your magic skidadaroo thing or whatever you were doing."
He launched himself into the air and glanced back to make sure his buddy was following him before he started heading towards the guiding pull. He wondered how the old woman knew they were coming to help... and decided she must be like Keeryou - one of them magic folks. He probably needed to talk to Keeryou and get a run down on what kind of stuff he could do with that finger wiggling. He also idly wondered whether he could pick some of it... but decided to leave all that for people with the brains fer such things.
The evening sky was a beautiful and unappreciated backdrop to their grim flight across the sea towards their destination, wherever that was. The shadowed water zipped by under them as Cade tried to push himself faster, feeling the urgency pound in his brain and heart. A whisper that said Hurry... hurry... In the distance an island began taking shape on the horizon. As soon as he saw it, he knew that it was the place... now they just had to find where on the island they needed to go. Cade flew a little higher to get a better view... this island was one of the bigger ones it looked like. They finally reached the shore and flew over the island proper, flying inland for a few minutes when he saw a lake... a large inland lake in the center of the island. In the center of that lake was another island... and he felt a sharp pull towards it... no longer a gentle guide it was now a demanding request, almost a demand for him.
He stopped and hovered, signalling for Keeryou to join him, he pointed down at it, "I reckon that's it? What's the plan? We just gonna go drop in and kick ass?"
[784/4263]
|
|
|
Post by Kiryu on Feb 8, 2020 10:46:15 GMT -8
Kiryu held out a hand, stopping Cade from going forward. Something tickled at the edges of his awareness, and, rather than descend, Kiryu sent out a small, weak energy blast towards the island in the center of the lake.
The quiet, still night sky blazed with light as the ki blast exploded against an invisible barrier with far more energy than the blast itself had possessed. Kiryu glanced over to Cade, quirking his mouth in a nonplussed expression.
”I was worried about something like that,” Kiryu said. He popped his neck from side to side then rolled his shoulders, sighing before explaining what he was about to do.
”So… I think this is a magical barrier. I haven’t had a ton of experience using magic to directly negate other magical effects. I’ve tried it on a small scale and it’s… well, it’s painful as hell, to be honest. It’s like I’m forcing my own will, my own consciousness, inside an echo of someone else. Their will. Their intent. And this place… it is far, far older and more powerful than I am. So this is… it’s probably not going to feel really good. Make sure I don’t pass out or fall out of the sky, yeah? And I’ll be honest, after doing this, I’m probably going to be pretty weak for a bit. If anything is sketchy down there, I don’t know how much help I’ll be until I get my juice back, so keep your guard up.”
Kiryu began to focus, gathering his magic. As he did so, there was no way his power level could stay as it was. It spiked, an immense emerald aura flaring to life around him as the clouds roiled overhead, seeming to flee from this outburst of raw might, uncharacteristic for Kiryu.
As he did so, Kiryu also expanded his awareness, activating his True Sight, his eyes going crimson and adopting a geometric starburst pattern, to better see and understand the flow of magic around this island. As he did so, he could not help but become aware of a large power level approaching their way, and as he felt it, he smiled.
It looked like he and Cade would receive some help with this, after all.
”Cade,” Kiryu began, ”Don’t be worried about that power level approaching us. I know him; he’s a friend. His name is Zaru. He’s actually going to be training with me. He’s a pretty strong guy, and seems like a decent dude… even if he is kind of a grumpy old man in a young man’s body! I swear, I’m going to make him laugh one day, even if it kills me! In any case, he’s got some strong basics and a lot of potential. I told him to come find me when he recovered from his injuries from a tournament… and it looks like fate has made that be now! I’ll do my best to tear open a hole in this thing for us all to get through, but I doubt I’ll even be able to move under my own power, so it will be up to you to help me through.
Just figured I would give you the heads up so you two don’t get up to that whole ‘good guys meet but there’s a misunderstanding so they have to have a knock down drag out brawl before inevitably teaming up against the true threat’ thing they do in comics and I am rambling because I’m nervous. Sorry.”
Kiryu sighed, rolling his shoulders and trying to calm himself. He threw a chagrined smiled over to Cade.
”This is just going to hurt. A lot. And if I fuck it up… really bad things are going to happen.
Well. Guess I better not fuck it up.
Oh, and if you feel like tossing some energy my way, and telling Zaru to do that when he gets here… he’s a bald monk, by the way… that would probably be good. This is going to take it out of me.
Hold on to your butt. Here goes nothing!”
Kiryu reached out, then, throwing himself deep into the flow of energy he commanded, immersing himself in his well of mystical power like never before. He looked for the barrier around the island, and, with his True Sight, actually saw the invisible field. It appeared as a crackling, writhing stream of incandescent white energy, constantly moving with a sinuous grace. Kiryu could discern that the barrier would repel any energy blasts or physical attacks. It might be possible to overpower the barrier, but an attack powerful enough to do that might destroy the island itself… which, Kiryu knew, had to be the point.
If what was down there was what he feared, it would be better for the entire place to be destroyed than loose their horrors into the world.
Kiryu held his hands out, the somatic gesture assisting his conversation. Unlike any time he had used magic before, Kiryu began to mutter under his breath, his words helping his mind and body relax and access more of his power than he had ever called on before.
”I do not yet know what strength is in me, but let me pass this test.
I call to the Twelve, on their mountain, mighty in their passions.
I call to the Gallows gods, to the Glad of War, to the Prophets and Weavers and Builders and Betrayers.
I call to the Seven, to the Thunders uttering their voices.
I call to the Three, the Maiden, the Mother and the Crone. I call to the Moirae, that I may decide my fate.
And by your names I bind you by my will. I call your power as I call mine.”
Kiryu… felt something. A wind. A wind that stirred the rumbling of far off mountains, groaning as snow tumbled from long forgotten peaks. A wind that caused the groaning of the pines as it raced through their boughs for the first time in ages. A wind that carried the scent of brine as it kissed the waves of the ocean, summoning memories of things long lost to the death. A wind that carried the scent of burnt offerings and sacrifices and powers that the world of men had long since forgotten they once worshipped and feared.
Power surged through Kiryu. Power like never before, power that made him laugh with the pure joy of it. Magic was not simply power there to be used, it was life and light and happiness. So fulfilled, Kiryu concentrated, focusing on how he created and utilized extradimensional spaces to store and summon items. If he could do that with a portion of the energy...
Kiryu reached out, taking hold of the very magic of the barrier around the island.
And then, there was only pain.
[WC=1,163] [TWC=5,011]
|
|