GambolMuse

Adelon: Steeling the Faith [Open!]

Realizes Chukkle is a b-baka. But likes him anyways.

Adelon: Steeling the Faith [Open!]

wonders what he'll have for breakfast tomorrow. maybe eggs. too much work. probably cereal.

Adelon: Steeling the Faith [Open!]

So many things :o

Adelon: Steeling the Faith [Open!]

Let's give Ethan some mead, I wonder if he can handle his liquor! :D

(spoilers: He can't.)

Adelon: Steeling the Faith [Open!]

"See? Easily remedied. Besides the damage to anything inside of there would be relatively minimal, and easily repaired. At most your sense of balance might have been thrown off." That would have easily been fixed as well if it were the case, though he lacked the pieces to repair it right now. Surely someone back in Orosi would have had the components they would need. Now that Cecil was repaired Norman could ask his questions about what had brought on the injury, just to make certain nothing more might be damaged by whatever had happened. Getting an explanation from Amuné didn't indicate there were any other injuries yet it raised some more concerns, particularly about Cecil's lapse in focus. There were any number of reasons why a Machina might default on its programming like that, yet without being manually reset they shouldn't revert back on their own. So what had happened?

The good news was that Cecil could recall what had happened, and do so with great detail. The bad news? Norman had no explanation for it. While he listened to what was being said the engineer's face turned into one of pure confusion, never having heard of such a thing with Machina before. He could understand the "melding" as Cecil described it, some units were compatible with components from other units, making them more versatile. Yet these images he felt, the pain, was that even possible? To him it sounded almost like a flashback and yet Cecil was not human. He should not have memories, and moreover he shouldn't be able to feel actual pain, no Machina was that advanced yet. Watching silently as the gauntlet was released he let out a silent 'Aha' at the crackle of electricity, able to at least understand that aspect of it. The rest though? This was new, even for him.

"That sounds like you had a flashback. Sometimes we remember experiences, and if they were painful our bodies might react to that pain," Norman explained, taking pause as he examined the gauntlet, "But you're a Machina... To say you experienced those is to suggest you've not only got the capacity for long term memory, which isn't impossible but unlikely, but you can also feel pain. And that pain was vivid enough to induce panic. I won't lie Cecil, I've never heard of such a thing in a Machina. Whoever made you must have systems more advanced than anything I've worked with." And yet when he'd run diagnostics in Galloway everything seemed familiar, save for that Demacite crystal embedded in Cecil's chest. Just what in the world was that for? Norman couldn't say, but he had a suspicion that was somehow linked to this event.

Looking to Zander as they approached the boy certainly knew how to make a poor first impression. Norman wouldn't get into the debate of morality on taking lives, nor was he even aware such a thing had happened until just now. If Cecil had indeed killed someone then it was unfortunate yet not out of line for someone such as himself. It was curious though, just how sentient and emotional this Machina was. He could expect some kind of simulated emotion from a machine, be it joy, sadness, anger. He even knew of an incredibly niche market where robots were made to... Service clientele. But to express remorse, joy, gratitude, anger, a wide array of emotions? Cecil was truly one of a kind in that regard. Hearing another set of footsteps approaching he spotted Nymira coming back over as well, promptly cringing when she smacked Zander across the face.

"They may have been an enemy, but its an insult to call them scum," the Dimuran barked, glaring daggers at the healer, "They fought and died for their cause, they deserve respect for that much, even if their cause was foul. If they had turned tail and fled, or plead for their lives then they would have been cowards, but they died fighting. Don't sully their souls by calling them scum. If anyone here is scum, its you."

"Nymira!" It was hard to sit by idly while they fought among themselves, even if he was too exhausted to do much. Ethan shook his head in disapproval from where he stood, putting one hand on Amuné's head to comfort her at his side. "They never should have died to begin with. They should have surrendered if we beat them, they should have gone to jail, not pay for it with their lives. People can't atone if they're dead." Then, looking to Cecil his expression softened, smiling apologetically. "And I'm not blaming you for that. You protected everyone, and what's done is done, I can't hate you for saving us. Just... Please, in the future, be more careful? We're trying to help people here, not scare them. If we started killing then we'd be no better than some of the bandits out there."

What a difficult discussion they were having here. Was killing morally acceptable? Should someone like a bandit be shown mercy? The way which Ethan spoke was naive and frankly idealistic, to think of a world where one could simply forgive and forget. Were that the case then Adelon would not have a history of wars, yet that was the state of things. Nor could he say killing any offender was the right choice either, as you'd become the very thing you sought to stop. "What's in the past cannot be undone, but you can make amends for it in the future," Norman chimed in, standing up and adjusting the goggles on his forehead, pulling them back over his eyes. "I know it's not my place to say this, but take it from my experience. Life's never just black and white, sometimes good people do bad things, and sometimes bad people do good things. Keep an open mind but remain cautious, naivety and over-acceptance can lead to problems down the road." Taking a seat again on his vehicle Norman eased the stand back up, looking over the bike to make sure everything was still in place.

"You're a mechanic Norman, not a philosopher," Nymira commented with a roll of her eyes, "But... You're not wrong. I've seen our enemies show kindness to our troops, and our troops do the same in turn. In war there may be two sides, but at the end of the day we're all simply trying to survive in our own way." Looking back at Zander then the Dimuran turned her nose up in disgust, frowning as she added, "Which is why we honor warriors and their sacrifices, no matter who they fought for or why they fought." Some enemies had turned into servants at her home, and one had even become a friend. To say you should always scrutinize the enemy, or call them "scum" was as big an insult as you could give. A true warrior understood the enemy had something to fight for as well, even if you didn't know what that something was.

There she went on again about honor and respect. Difficult though Nymira may be, Norman reflected, one couldn't deny her morals. Smiling in amusement he turned over the engine on his machine, the wires running along the side lighting up briefly with a yellow glow as magic energy was channeled through them. "I hate to run but I should get back soon, they'll be wanting to know the ship is repaired. Get some rest when you can kids, you look exhausted. I'll be seeing you later I'm sure." Giving the throttle one turn he sped off again, the machine roaring to life as it sped past them and raced down the road, leaving a trail of dust in its wake.

Well that was an eventful if short meeting. Cecil had gotten the repair he needed though and Nymira even got her weapon back, as well as Zander his staff. With no need to return to the ship maybe now they could get a move on again to the next town. Just as well too, Ethan felt like he was going to fall asleep on his feet at this point. "Let's get moving then, if we're done with all that. I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm really itching for a nice bed," he said with a tired laugh, looking down then to Amuné with a smile, "Maybe we'll even find another minstrel in the next town. Then you can listen to your music." Grabbing the Ydran at her sides he eased her back onto Jorvind, climbing up after her and settling in place. Giving Geoffrey a nod he glanced back, waiting for everyone else to mount up again.

Nymira scrambled back up onto her own horse, earning herself a whinny of disapproval as she accidentally kicked it in the side. "Not my fault, stupid animal... Don't be so big," she grumbled irritably. Picking up the reins again she eased into the saddle, giving her shoulders and neck a roll to try ridding them of stiffness. Horses were hardly her favorite way to get around as she was quickly finding, she'd almost prefer to walk again at this rate. Looking back to Cecil in the cart she stared for just a moment before clearing her throat, giving her horse the go ahead to get moving once more. "Between us Cecil, you did the right thing. Ethan can say what he will, but your friends would have died if not for your help. You saved lives today, and possibly more in the future if those men yet lived. Take heart that you were a hero today, and don't be ashamed."

Adelon: Steeling the Faith [Open!]

It's fine, it's his character :P

Dragon Ball: Legacy (Mogtaki and Vena Sera)

"Don't look at it that way. It's an opportunity to learn, and as I said, knowledge is power," Aito retorted, smiling despite the obvious annoyance from Viral. "And it's not a race, the lake isn't going anywhere. I'd prefer having both of you along anyways. It's been much too long since we spent an afternoon together." And granted this wasn't quite what he'd call a leisurely afternoon it would still be time spent together. There was more to this venture than a simple water test too, or there was the potential for it. Funnily enough Viral seemed to pick up on that much. Glancing at his son through the rearview mirror Aito let out a chuckle, unable to hide it from them it seems.

"Something which a Saiyan is powerless against, perhaps. Or at least something that's a challenge for us," the doctor responded cryptically, reaching into the center console and pulling out a document. Well, to say it was a document might be a little much, it was more a frayed notebook, held together haphazardly by stables along the spine. "The water samples brought to me before had some kind of contamination in them, something which I thought was sludge at first. It quickly became apparent however that this 'sludge' was somewhat sentient, similar to single cell organisms. When I introduced some food into the sample the cells attacked it voraciously, and began to form together after the fact. It's only a theory since I terminated the experiment, but they seem to be some kind of creature, or pieces of one. And I'm going to venture a guess and say that creature is here, in this lake."

"But why do you need us then? And what's so bad about this... Whatever it is, that you can't fight it?" Yumi asked in confusion, looking to Aito for answers. Wait a second, something that Saiyans had trouble killing. There were creatures like that it just so happened now that she thought about it, creatures they've not seen in a little while now. But why here? And why on Uuonoe?

"There's those gears turning, that's exactly why you two are coming along. I'm concerned whatever this creature is, its similar to the monsters that have been appearing across the universe as of late," Aito continued, "They're quite obviously vulnerable to the forms of energy Beastmen wield, so naturally you and Yumi are perfect fits, should there be combat. Ideally I'll simply have to go in, introduce chemicals into the filtration systems and the reservoir will clear itself out. Considering what I came across however I doubt it will be so easy. So while I work on cleaning the water, you two may have to fend off whatever beasts come about."

So that was it then? Some of those things might be on Uuonoe and they would have to fight them? It was more exciting than simply coming around to test water yet Yumi couldn't say she was terribly thrilled to hear such a thing. "Well if that's the deal then Viral and I will kill every last one of them," she said confidently with a nod, looking back and giving her friend a smile, "They won't know what hit them when we show up. I might not be a real Beastman, but I know how to fight those things. You won't have any problems Aito."

Fantastic, that's what he liked to hear. Aito doubted there would be too much trouble yet one could never be too careful, the enemy was still largely an unknown here. Around a bend in the road up ahead was the reservoir, or to be more precise the damn leading to it. The filtration systems were just outside the damn, that's where he'd be working. Yumi and Viral would be guarding him while he worked, a job which had a potential to be quite dull if nothing came of this. Pulling the vehicle up to the side of the road he fetched a container out from beneath his seat, stepping out of the vehicle and waiting for the others to do the same. "Of course... If either of you want to handle the tests, I'll gladly fight in your place," Aito mentioned with a smirk, "Much as it needs to be done, even I find this work dull. I'd far prefer bashing around some monsters."

Adelon: Steeling the Faith [Open!]

I'll PM you a summary of whats going on, and a brief overview. In the meantime can you post that in the Characters tab? Just makes it easier to keep track of :)

Adelon: Steeling the Faith [Open!]

By the by that CS looks good now Chukkle!

Dragon Ball: Legacy (Mogtaki and Vena Sera)

"All I can do at this point is try to improve the future for you. The past is said and done, it's out of my hands. Regrets, indecision, mistakes, regardless of what happened nothing I do now can change those. All we can do is look forward." It was all he could do to make this up to Viral. It wasn't simply guilt that propelled Vegeta forward either, though it certainly existed; for all Viral did, for all he'd endured, he deserved better treatment. They spoke one way and acted another, praising him yet treating him like some fragile being. In some ways he had been as of late with his degrading health and yet now that he was healing he deserved to be treated better, given more liberties. "So you beat some soldiers, including an Elite, and yet you say you're weak? That seems to be the exact opposite," Vegeta mused, pushing himself up from the table, "I know Yumi is concerned about you, but I'd never assume she pities you. She knows perhaps better than I do what you're capable of, and she knows you can handle yourself in battle. Perhaps I should take notes from her for a change..." With that thought he left to prepare a meal, hoping Viral could sit long enough to wait.

"T-This isn't even a fight anyways! You're just tackling me!" Takeshi retorted, laughing as Shu commented on his losing his clothes. "I'm not stripping you, you know! Don't get any ideas!" Last thing he needed was this little kid running around in his underpants, he'd have some serious explaining to do! Finally managing to turn the tables a bit Takeshi rolled himself over, pinning down Shu and smirking triumphantly. Not knowing what more to do, and still trying to break free, he began to tickle at his brother's sides, hoping it might loosen his grip. "What's wrong squirt? You didn't want me getting away!" he taunted, keeping a grip on Shu's shirt as he went on, "Now you want to get away?" This was fun, they really never just clowned around like this did they? Taking pity perhaps on his sibling's plight the older boy finally released his brother, watching him as he rolled away and crouched, sticking out his tongue childishly. "It's all fair in a fight! You want to hold onto me? Then I'm gonna do what I can to get away!"

---

Saving a bunch of Beastmen had been one of the more recent highlights of her life. Yumi still felt proud for what they had done, and even if the transition was proving to be difficult for them she felt they had a better life now. Free from the Saiyans, and free from Korian's rule, much to his chagrin, the Beastmen were being allowed to decide for themselves where they went. Some of them settled down and were adjusting to their new lives while others opted to continue fighting. The latter group was off with Kai, Choi and Kabocha right about now taking on some mission, something light for them to get their feet wet. She'd have gone if she could have yet she'd been volunteered for a more local job. Was it fending off invaders? Fighting some vicious local monster? Nope. Something was making the reservoir by the city dirty and they had been asked to go and clean it up. Or Aito had, and she and Viral were volunteered to accompany him for some reason. Not that she minded doing this, but given her last job this was awfully boring by comparison.

"I hope they're going to be okay on their mission. That's a lot of people to have to watch out for," Yumi thought aloud, glancing out the window of their vehicle as it rolled along the streets. That Eris woman had gone along with their friends along with 4 other Beastmen. While all of them were keen on fighting they had no idea how capable any of them were, all the more reason they'd gone to take on a relatively easy job. Leaning back into her seat she let out a soft sigh, folding her arms and one leg over the other. "Why do you need help running tests on water again? I don't even know the first thing about this sort of work," she asked with a look to Aito, "Wouldn't Vegeta be a better assistant here? It's not that I don't mind helping, we're happy to help. But... I don't get why us?" Viral was intelligent too but she'd never known him to be terribly scientific. She could look at water and probably even smell what was wrong with it, but that didn't mean she'd know what it was or how to fix it. That sort of work was well beyond her ability.

"I figured it's not a bad idea to expose you two to a bit of science. Knowledge is a good thing," Aito answered, smiling knowingly as he eased the vehicle down a maintenance road, "And the work is quite simple really. We just put the water into some tubes, add chemicals and, if the water changes colors, we know whats in it." They had the same process back on Earth actually though the chemicals the Uuonians used were a bit different. Pollution aside he had brought Yumi and Viral along for a wholly different reason altogether, one he'd yet to tell them. When studying the samples brought to him he'd noticed some irregularities, traces of what almost appeared to be bacteria. When examined however the cells began to join together, becoming a noticeable blotch on the petri dish and even beginning to grow. Had he not sent a current through it to kill whatever it was he'd have had a potential problem on his hands. Simply put something more than simple pollution was taking place here, and bringing along a few extra bodies to potentially deal with a threat wasn't such a bad idea. That and he'd rather have company, working along could be so dull.