GambolMuse

Dragon Ball: Legacy (Mogtaki and Vena Sera)

"Then we'll get food, and if we just happen to find women along the way even better!" Kabocha wasn't going to hang around for Yumi to rip off his ear again for that comment, and after throwing his arms around their shoulders he courted them away from the others. "See you later you two! Don't do anything we wouldn't do!" he laughed, waving as they went off. After all they'd been through the very least they could do was have a little bit of fun! The twins might not be so gung-ho about finding women but Kabocha had a suspicion if they did neither would complain. "I wonder if there's actually any place to pick up chicks here, I've never checked..." the noble muttered as he took his arms from around his friend's shoulders, "You guys know of a place? There was something on Earth that would be awesome here! The girls all had big... You know..." he explained as he motioned to his chest, "And they served food and they were all really cute! I wonder if they got a place like that here..." Was he more excited for some actual food or for women? Both probably, actually definitely both.

"We only just got back, can't we hold off on the ass-kicking for a little while?" Yumi asked with an amused smile, "I got some rest, the doctor on Lioma said I can be up, just not to do too much. And someone's got to keep an eye on you, make sure you don't go pick a fight with Aito," she added with a teasing wink. It was much too beautiful outside to be indoors resting anyways and they weren't exactly going to do much in the city. Folding her hands behind her back Yumi looked up at the sun cheerfully and closed her eyes, basking in its warmth with a sigh. Lioma was probably a beautiful world when there wasn't a war going on so it was nice to be somewhere that you could just take a walk and relax. "Before we go headhunting how about we enjoy ourselves a little? There's a lot we can do here that doesn't involve fighting you know," Yumi said as she started walking off, turning on her heel to face Viral, "We could find some food, or we could go for a walk. Or now that the lake isn't swarming with big, nasty creatures we could go for a swim! Whatever you'd like!"

-----

"Really? That's awesome, thank you! And yeah, yeah ch-chilling out sounds good!" Haku agreed enthusiastically, beaming as he looked around the city. Where should they go first? He didn't even know what was in the city never mind where they should even go. Looking to Yusef for some kind of direction he suggested they cheek out the hanging gardens. How did gardens hang? He hadn't a clue but it sounded amazing and T'charrl seemed to be up for anything. After asking which general direction to go Haku all but ran across the bridge, remembering he was with other people and looking back, waving them on. "Come on g-guys! Let's go s-s-see the garden!" Higher up into the trees they went, and along the way they ran into quite a few of the locals. People must know what T'charrl was going through and yet nobody batted an eye or said anything other than some pleasantries and smiles. Nice people, even more of a shame to think at one point they might have been at war. T'charrl's own city was incredible too but it wasn't a hanging city like this one was, Haku had never seen anything like it before. And he'd certainly never seen anything like the garden either.

When they had said it was a hanging garden they had meant so as literally as possible. Large circular planters were suspended from the highest branches of the trees and hung down alongside the walkways, a wide assortment of flowers and smaller plants nested among them. Plenty of other people were around making getting close a bit difficult but Haku was enjoying it anyways. "We don't have anything l-like this back on Kortal..." he mused as he leaned closer to a planet, sniffing at the flower and hastily turning his head to sneeze, "Oh! Heh, s-sorry! These flowers are really b-beautiful though, and there's so m=many kinds too!" He could easily spend the afternoon wandering around here just looking at the types of plants they had here. Were they able to get any for themselves? It would be nice to have something on the ship, and even better to have something back on Uuonoe in their quarters. "I can see wh-why you'd miss this... It's s-s-so different from other worlds," Haku said as he smiled and reached out to a flower, tracing its petals with a finger, "You're so lucky, l-living here."

Under the Light of a Crimson Moon

As if he hadn't known what it felt like. Did Josephine think he'd been sitting up above, laughing and watching as she was attacked? Kael had been thrown into a panic and couldn't take a shot because he'd been so fearful, fearful that he was going to lose a companion and fearful that he might miss and be the cause of her untimely demise. He'd never openly admit it as it would give Edmund more ammunition against him but he dreaded having to do that again. Yet at the same time he was determined to go back out and redeem himself, prove that he wasn't a liability like their master had deemed him to be. Edmund had been adamant about refusing another trip beyond the bridge yet Kael couldn't be content in that, he refused to be. They were Hunters dammit and good ones at that and the only way they could ever improve was by doing, again and again and again. He had weighed the pros and cons of slipping out under their master's watchful gaze to try and make amends, and no doubt Edmund would be livid regardless of if he was successful or not. He still had to do it though, he had to prove that they were ready and that all of their master's teachings hadn't gone to waste.

While everyone else was already heavily asleep Kael slipped out of their quarters, stealing away with his bow and as many arrows as he could carry. He'd slay a beast and return with its hide as his prize, indisputable proof that he was capable of taking down beasts on his own. That he wasn't some screw up and liable to only create problems. He knew he was trained well enough and could manage this he only needed to prove it to Edmund and the rest. The hardest part of the endeavor was crossing the bridge and several times he would look back, almost expecting to see Master Edmund after him, yet no one else ever appeared. Good, he didn't want anyone getting in the way of his mission. Fighting to open the doors to the shop, he was astonished by how heavy they were, he parted them just enough to slip through and forced them closed behind himself. Right, on to finding himself some prey. To be safe he found the nearest building and broke in a window, climbing through and heading for the roof. Very few if any beasts were that high up and from above he could scope out the area and spot any potential targets. So long as he got back before anyone realized he was gone there'd be no problems.

Only someone had most certainly realized Kael had gone missing. By chance Edmund had awoken to get himself a drink and found the front door of the workshop wide open. Stepping outside and expecting perhaps to find someone in the yards he found them utterly deserted, in almost disbelief he returned down to the sleeping quarters and found one bed empty among the others; Kael had left, to where who only knew. To think that the child would be so obstinate as to try and sneak out! Cursing under his breath the Hunter rushed to his own quarters and gathered his gear, departing from the workshop in search of his student. If one of the beasts didn't kill Kael then he just might, to think he had the gall to try this! Gritting his teeth as he emerged on the streets Edmund stormed straight down them and began scouring every inch for any signs of his student. When he found a shattered window his suspicions peaked and he kicked in the door, finding no signs of a fight and only the shards of glass littering the floor. If not a beast then surely Kael had come in here? With Chikage in hand he canvassed the area and found no sign of the boy until he reached the roof, another door left wide open, almost knocked off of its hinges. Up here it was clear that Kael had made his way high up, though whether to chase a target or to scout he couldn't be certain. He had to find the boy, he'd get himself killed if he wasn't careful.

There were plenty of beasts around yet nothing that would serve as a trophy. The Beast Patients were hardly difficult to kill even for an apprentice and killing one equated to little more than squashing an insect. He had to find a Scourge Beast or something greater still, a show of his prowess as a Hunter and his preparedness to take to the hunt. Running out of rooftops Kael scaled down a building and began moving along the streets, his body low and footsteps as hushed as could be. Former hunters warped by the blood prowled the roads in search of prey and they wouldn't suffice either, not in the least. Approaching another bridge that spanned the sewers below he made his way across and towards the Cathedral ward, an utterly alien place to him and one he was told never to venture into. Yet what choice did he have? Beasts so close to the shop were either so minor that Master Edmund deemed them not a threat or were only people, twisted by the blood, a danger to be sure but he wasn't about to skin a person. No, the Cathedral Ward would suffice for his hunt.

Upon reaching what appeared to be a graveyard Kael stopped himself beneath the archways and pressed firm against the stone there. Blood was thick in the air, and if he listened more closely the sound of flesh rending fell upon his ears, something was very clearly head. Notching an arrow into his bow he inhaled before stepping around the archway and raising his weapon, eyes widening seeing the beast beyond the grave markers. It was large, far larger than even a Scourge Beast, sat upon its haunches as it leaned forward, tearing into and feasting on something obscured by its sheer size. Just what kind of creature was this? Slowly inching forward he paused again when he noticed his foot had stepped in a puddle, and glancing down he nearly lost his dinner as he found himself stood in a large swathe of blood. In fact the entire area was thoroughly coated, limbs strewn about and barely a gravestone was left uncovered. Whatever this thing was had done all of this? Limbs of other beasts and hunters adorned the area and several mutilated corpses beyond recognition lay strewn about, whatever it was clearly had a bloodlust unlike anything he'd seen before. His heart thundered in his chest and yet Kael somehow found himself grinning, raising his weapon once more and taking aim. A perfect target.

And a perfect way to die. The arrow was released and before it had even struck the beast it was knocked aside, electricity being discharged from its body and stopping the projectile in its tracks. For a moment the beast went on eating without a care until Kael foolishly tried to fire another arrow at it. This time the beast didn't bother to evade it and it struck its hide... And clattered to the ground. Awestruck he could only watch as the beast put down whatever it was feasting on, the carcass of another beast he'd never seen, and turned to face him. Its face was almost that of a human yet its features clearly distorted and elongated, its eyes as red as the blood dribbling down its chin and chest. He couldn't fight this thing, his arrows couldn't even pierce its hide. What was he supposed to do instead, stab it with his daggers? He'd brought no tools save his weapon and he was alone, this was a suicide mission. Stepping back towards the archway Kael felt his body go cold when the beast seemed to smile at him, and when a distorted laughter escaped its maw his heart sunk. He had to run, he absolutely had to get away from here, there was no way he could fight this thing.

Kael turned tail and sprinted for the archway, and at once the beast sounded like it was right behind him. Diving down the stairs to avoid its claw tearing him in two he rolled painfully, scrambling to his feet and looking back. The stone had been shattered into dust and the wall around it was destroyed as well, a single swipe from that thing would kill him. Screaming as it smiled at him again Kael got back to his feet and ran for the bridge, swearing he could feel the beast's breath on his neck the entire way. Halfway across the bridge something powerful struck him on the back and sent him flying, losing his bow in the process as he slammed to the ground and his weapon clattered across the length of the bridge, well out of arms reach. Looking behind him the beast was slowly approaching, looking at his weapon then back at him and smiling again. Tempting him to try, knowing it would be upon him long before he ever got near it. He was dead, he'd thrown his life away for a stupid hunt and he'd pay the price for it.

Dragon Ball: Legacy (Mogtaki and Vena Sera)

Sasha felt absolutely awful for all of this, she'd ruined the fight for Shu and probably upset an awful lot of people too. The very least she could do then was uphold her promise and take Shu to get another candied fruit and hope that somewhat improved his mood. He didn't seem near as enthusiastic as she might have hoped when the offer came up but he took her hand all the same. "Let's go get some yummy fruit okay? I bet there's all sorts we didn't get to try," she offered with a meek smile. Thank goodness he wasn't too angry with her to allow this much, hopefully if they got away from all of this he'd calm down even more. Before leaving the arena Aito made a request to see Shu when they were through and Sasha readily agreed without a moment's hesitation. The boy still had a concussion that needed to be seen to and they couldn't put it off for long, but right now helping him relax was more important. Hand in hand she took him out of the arena proper and back to the stalls which already had begun clearing out now that the festivities had come to an end. The fruit vendor was still there though and upon seeing them he lit up and enthusiastically welcomed them; he hadn't known what had happened with the match and didn't seem much to care, he was simply happy to see his customers again. Handing over two more fruits, a larger one this time, he bid the two a good night and began to take down his stall. Hopefully that little act of kindness would help Shu a little.

---

What a relief to at last be back on Uuonoe! Lioma had been nice enough, apart from the whole being at war thing, but it didn't beat being back here again. Kabocha almost could kiss the ground when they stepped out of the shuttle though he just threw his hands up and took it all in. "Ah... Now this is nice! I can't wait to get a hot meal and a shower!" he declared while beaming, turning to the rest of the group. Leto had been given a stay so he could be with his people to help them meaning everyone else save him had come back. And for the most part they had recovered from their injuries, albeit it would probably be a while yet until they were sent out again. Waiting for the twins to emerge he smiled toothily and stepped towards them, placing an arm around each of their shoulders. "What do you say we go celebrate a job well done guys? Get some food, have some fun... Maybe see if we can find some girls? I bet they'd love to hear about what we did!" That sounded like a good celebration to him! Glancing over his shoulder as Viral and Yumi exited the shuttle as well he let go of the twins, moving to grab them before thinking better of it: Viral would probably kill him. "You two are welcome to tag along! The more the merrier! Its the least we deserve after that job."

"Uh... Thanks but no thanks, I'm going to pass. I don't think I'm in the mood for partying right now," Yumi answered with a slight smile, "Besides I'm not really into women, I wouldn't want to ruin your boys' fun." Her head was still throbbing and Viral may not be 100 percent, not that she imagined him going even if he was. Stepping down off of the shuttle ramp she waved farewell to the pilots and thanked them for their help, waving them off as they returned to base. She didn't have any plans other than relaxing herself but there was one thing she did want to get out before they went their separate ways. Reaching out and grabbing Kabocha's shoulder she pulled him close, smiling before yanking his ear to pull his head down. "Also... You really shouldn't talk about women like they're objects in front of one, we really don't like that kind of thing," Yumi muttered, tugging on Kabocha's ear once for good measure before letting it go and smiling sweetly at him and the twins, "Have fun guys! We'll see you around!" Waiting until they were well and gone she turned to Viral, tilting her head as she gave him a curious look. "Well... Is there anything you'd like to do now that we're back? You're feeling better right?"

----------

Haku had figured T'charrl's come city was amazing enough. The tall trees surrounding it had been majestic, he'd loved the underground portions and the city above ground was nothing to scoff at either. He was in for even more of a treat when they arrived in another city however and found no buildings on the ground but in the trees themselves. He'd been confused at first until told to look up, and upon craning his neck he was awestruck seeing the city above. Bridges spanning wide gaps, homes hanging off of the sides of the massive trees, people flying to and fro and others using the paths. Something about avoid predators, Yusef had mentioned, though Haku didn't understand what people who could fly had to be worried about really. He didn't understand either why the way to get up wasn't to fly, but to use one of the many lifts that brought people from the ground up. Confusion was thoroughly overwritten by excitement as they loaded themselves onto a lift and were taken up to the city, and Haku was all but bouncing on his feet when the lift finally stopped. Getting to see new worlds was never going to get old and he was loving Kaesstra more and more by the minute.

"The King's home is in the center of the city, but I think we're a little early," Yusef said as he noticed Haku's enthusiasm, smiling and folding his arms at his back, "If you two would like we can look around first. It's a rather nice city and they have some things we don't have in ours, T'charrl. Now might be a good time to enjoy the sights."

"Oh can we? I want to see what's here!" Haku exclaimed, grinning as he ran over to one of the bridges and leaned over the railing, looking around at the various buildings and even the people. They looked almost nothing like the people in T'charrl's home, they had larger wings and their hair was different colors as were their patterns. It was a far cry from his home where everyone more or less looked the same, it was so interesting seeing a big variety even among a single people. "I k-know that we're busy, but it w-won't matter too much if we look around just a little, w-will it, T'charrl?" He didn't want to force his friend into agreeing but he really did want to see more. After all who knows when if ever he'd return to his place again, best to look at it all now while they were here. "If not we can always l-look after we meet the K-King, since we'll be here for a wh-while anyways," he added as he returned to father and son, "Up to y-you, since we're here for y-you anyways."

Adelon: Steeling the Faith [Open!]

"You think I enjoy grinding yer gears do ya? Well you ain't wrong, maybe I do get some kick out of it," Gage admitted with a barking laugh, "I just think its funny is all. You got this complex that you think you're better than them, but you and yours lost to them. Way of battle shows a lot and you know exactly how things turned out, seems kinda funny don't it?" Maybe Kensen was stronger now but a lot of good that did for him or his clan. The case with the Dimurans was fairly typical of how the world worked though and Gage had witnessed it plenty of times to understand what happened. The Princess and hers were stronger and won, got lazy with their laurels and got too comfortable while others kept getting stronger. Either that or the Princess was just a weakling.

"It ain't about you runt, you're thinking way too highly of yourself if you think its about you. I'm just telling ya that you're wrong, you don't know Tali like I know her," Gage explained as they walked along. Glancing upwards towards the sky he smiled and reminisced about their times as bandits, before they got themselves mixed up in this mess. He was no Magi and frankly could care less what the Church did, but he'd follow Taliya to the ends of the world if that was her order, so he'd tagged along. "Sure she ain't the type to kill kiddies or anything but she's no saint either. But hey, you live in whatever fantasy makes you happy and keep telling yourself she's good. I didn't follow her because she's a good person, I followed her because she's a leader, that's that." As enthralling as their conversation was they'd have to put it on hold with Lionel suddenly popping up, he didn't want the pesky healer butting in on anything. Why was he even outside again? They had told him repeatedly to stay put in the compound and do his job yet he was always slipping out and running around Mutebo like an idiot.

Ethan uttered a sincere thanks when his arm was fixed though he made no quick movements, afraid if he did he may just break it again. Cradling it across his chest he smiled at Nymira as she was offered to be healed as well only to question her when she turned it down. Why wouldn't she take the healing? He assumed it was a matter of pride and didn't press the matter, if she didn't want to be healed for whatever reason than that was her decision to make. Assuming Nymira was okay to keep going they should really go and check in on Cecil if he was awake. No doubt their friend had plenty of questions and it was only right they visit him while he was recovering. Kensen graciously allowed it and so off to the workshop they'd go. Slow moving due to Nymira's ankle still being injured but they got there in well enough time, and to his delight it seemed that Cecil was awake and all fixed. And surprisingly Amuné was present as well, he'd been wondering where she might be.

Smiling at the Ydran girl as she came over he reached down with his good arm and pat her head, relieved to see she was doing well in their absence. "Yep! And good as new thanks to our new friend here!" Er... What was his name anyways? They hadn't gotten it come to think of it.

"Adrian, his name is Adrian," Lionel explained, smirking as he reached up and pat Adrianna on the back, "Good ol' Adrian's back in town and is going to help you two get all patched up. After all as healers its our job to make sure everyone's healthy, isn't that right buddy?" Throwing in a wink just to add insult to injury he turned his attention to Cecil curiously, looking the Machina up and down and stepping closer to inspect him. How strangely lifelike he was, and how odd that he'd find something like him out here in Mutebo. Where had he come from? Was he smuggled in on a ship? With seemingly no regards for personal space or manners Lionel got as close as he could to Cecil without actually touching him, inspecting him until Norman loudly cleared his throat and suggested giving Cecil some space. "Oh, sure thing! Sorry, I was just curious," he explained with a smile to the Machina, "Very interesting stuff!"

"Anyways... Cecil should be all repaired now. It's going to take an hour or so for the welds to completely cool but everything should be in order. Before you go let's get you hooked up to a station and recharge your cell, may as well top you off while you're here." The station in question was a bit crude, a cabinet with a charging module inside and a cable to plug into a Machina's power core, definitely outdated. He should probably put together a new one before he left Mutebo again. Waving Cecil along they went across the room to the station itself and Norman again opened his chest compartment, opening a small panel to access the charging relay and plugged in the machine. "It should only take a couple of minutes even with this old beater, just sit tight and we'll be done in no time." Cecil wasn't the only one in need of repairs judging by Nymira and Ethan's condition, just what had they been up to? If Lionel was with them then they should be fine, though his presence raised even more questions. All he'd come to Mutebo to do was fix some things and now he was finding himself questioning everything going on around him, what a headache.

"Hey Cecil? I really didn't get a chance to say it before but I just wanted to thank you for earlier. You really saved us back there," Ethan said as he looked down at Amuné, smiling as he pet her head again, "It would have probably been a whole lot worse, so thank you. And I'm sorry you ended up hurt because of it, we'll be sure that doesn't happen again!" He needed to improve his magic and his overall ability to fight, these past few days had been proof of that. Training from the town guard was only going to get him so far out here and his training with Cedric, however helpful, wasn't enough either. Hopefully he could find someone here in Mutebo to train him. "Uh... So how are you feeling by the way? I don't think Machina feel pain do they? Are you doing okay?" Ethan asked uncertainly, "Anything we can do to help?"

Dragon Ball: Legacy (Mogtaki and Vena Sera)

Takeshi felt awful for lying to Shu and even worse for bailing on their match, but he knew he'd feel worse still if he'd forced Shu to fight in the state he was. Seeing how angry his brother was he smiled apologetically and let it be, figuring the little guy was going to be angry with him. Maybe he could play it off still? Play the speed card and say Shu would have won anyways, he might as well try it. When he spoke to Shu and his brother didn't reply at all the older boy wasn't sure where to go with it from there. Was Shu really that angry with him? Reaching out to pat his brother's head Takeshi drew his arm back when kicked at, shocked that he would be attacked like that. It was even more shocking that Shu reared up and hissed at him like some wild animal. Was it seriously that bad? "Come on buddy, I'm sorry I threw the match okay? I just don't want to hurt you, I mean you hurt your head and all, you know?" Trying to get closer to comfort his brother Takeshi grumbled when someone grabbed his arm and held him back, throwing Aito a confused glance as he was eased back. Why couldn't he talk to Shu? He was trying to own up to what he'd done and Aito didn't want him anywhere near his own brother.

"Shu, no one is angry with you right now. And no one is blaming you for what happened," Aito explained, smiling as he held up his hands, "Takeshi just wanted to try and help you, and he was only doing what I told him. If you're going to be angry with someone then be angry with me." He'd known what Takeshi was considering and had signed off on it, knowing full well something like this might happen. It must be awkward to be doing this in front of the crowd, though thankfully the announcer seemed to pick up on this and continued talking. By now Sasha and Ricken had come over as well but were staying further back at Aito's behest, not wanting to crowd Shu. "Listen, no one here is going to get mad at you for any of this, you didn't do anything wrong. We didn't want to have the fight happen because you hit your head, which isn't your fault. None of this is your fault, understand?"

Sasha stepped forward and placed her hands at her sides, taking a deep bow and closing her eyes. "I'm sorry Shu! I didn't realize when I kicked you what had happened, it's my fault," she said remorsefully, looking at the boy before her sadly, "I'm the reason you couldn't fight like you wanted to, it's not their fault either. Please don't be mad, your brother and Aito just wanted you to be safe after my mistake." This really was all her fault wasn't it? She'd figured going with kicks might be dangerous but she didn't want to disappoint Shu by holding back either and look where it had gotten them. Could she make up for ruining Shu's evening like this? "Would you still want to go get another candied fruit...?" Sasha offered meekly, smiling as she extended a hand for Shu, "We said we'd get another right? Why don't we go get one?"

Adelon: Steeling the Faith [Open!]

I'll be posting tomorrow before or after class, got a lot of school work to do tonight :3

Under the Light of a Crimson Moon

Absurd. Idiotic. Impudent. Brash. Juvenile. Arrogant. Edmund would have to go back and look at a dictionary to find more words to label Kael. He did not tell the children to be careful simply because he liked to talk, he reminded them incessantly because it was absolutely imperative that they don't be foolish. Yes the vicinity around their workshop should be devoid of beasts but that didn't excuse carelessness. Just what was the boy hoping to accomplish by running off? Someone had to mind the Scourge Beasts while they searched for Kael and he certainly wouldn't leave a novice to handle such a task, as such Josephine was sent off in search of her fellow apprentice. The beasts were feasting on a carcass and would be preoccupied for a while, but how long until they decided to move on? Were there more of them? They needed to potentially tail these four and find where they were nesting, if they could manage that then with luck they could snuff out whatever pocket had formed within the limits. Beast hunting was more than simply slaying whatever you came across, sometimes a little observation paid off tenfold.

Kael couldn't help but laugh at what he was witnessing. Goody two-shoes Josephine, the teacher's pet, was now disobeying him and moving in to attack! Unless Edmund had suddenly given the order for her to do so, which he sincerely doubted, she'd done exactly as he had and slipped away. When their eyes met even at this distance he was sure she could see his excitement, an arrow already firmly notched and primed to fire. Letting his partner get into position he perched one leg up on the ledge of the roof and readied his bow, training his sights on one of the Scourge Beasts nearest Josephine. With a deep inhale he steadied his aim and held, waiting for her signal to fire. No sooner did the girl emerge from cover did his fingers release the arrow and string, sending the projectile whistling down furiously at its mark. Right on target, unsurprisingly, it buried itself in the throat of the beast and nearly knocked it off of its feet in the process. A lethal blow as he'd no doubt struck its jugular, soon enough it would bleed out.

Still... It wasn't quite as satisfying just waiting for a target to bleed out. Having launched his first attack Kael's blood ran hot through his veins, a gleam in his eye as he quickly notched his second arrow. This was what he'd wanted, the thrill of fighting an actual target. Even as removed from the action as he was he couldn't help but grow giddy as the fight unfolded, and with almost a giggle he released his second shot, piercing the first beast's skull and dropping its matted frame to the dirt. Why had Edmund not wanted them to fight? Already two were dead and they'd barely just engaged the beasts, what was there to worry about? With another arrow ready to fire he took aim and watched Josephine... Stop moving? What was she doing? Both of the Scourge Beasts were advancing on her and she was just standing there staring at them. What the hell was she trying to do, bait them into attacking? Gritting his teeth he aimed at one and fired his arrow, cursing as it missed when both lunged right at her. Thankfully whatever had come over her passed and she dodged their attacks, catching one with her blades and slicing its side clean open. It would be a short lived victory however as the second was upon her in seconds, and with it so close to her there was no way he could reliably fire at it. He had to try though, if Edmund wasn't intervening no one else was going to bail her out.

The second Scourge Beast had managed to keep upright and closed in on Josephine as well, both looked more than ready to have a second meal of her. A quick streak of yellow and the second one found itself lighter by a head, a blade having cleaved its skull clean from its shoulders in the blink of an eye. Before the beast ever had a chance to sink its fangs into Josephine, Edmund slammed his frame into its side and knocked it away, hardly missing a beat as he moved after it. Even without an Old Hunter's Bone charm he was astonishingly fast, ducking beneath furious slashes of the Scourge Beast as though it moved in slow motion.

Using the hilt of the Chikage the veteran Hunter slammed the end into the underside of the beast's jaw, shattering it on impact as it tried to bite down on him. Using the flat of his blade then to hold back another swipe of its paw he reached back and withdrew his pistol, pressing the barrel to its throat before firing a single round which tore clean through it. Blood splattered against his face and clothes but he was hardly phased as he flipped his sword around, spinning on his left foot and slicing through the beast's already torn throat, taking its head in one clean cut. Its corpse collapsed to the ground and dark blood pooled from its wounds at his feet, a sickeningly beautiful glean in the moonlight. As before a silence washed over the streets and again the Hunters were alone. Alive, though had the two children been any more foolish that may well not be the case.

Kael rushed down the fire escape to the courtyard below, a gleeful grin plastered on his face as he arrived. "We killed them! All four of them, gone! Don't you see Master Edmund, we're more than ready to fight!" If looks could kill he would have dropped dead then and there. Master Edmund glared at him with a fury he thought only beasts capable of and said nothing yet the young Hunter felt his very core chilled by the look, his face paling as he lowered his weapon. Without a word their master surveyed the area before tending to Josephine, and he was certain they were in for an earful before long.

"I asked you to find Kael, not attack the beasts. I see you're not fond of following directions either," Edmund muttered, knelt beside the young woman. Running his hand over her back and inspecting for wounds he was relieved to find none, sighing before helping the girl to her feet. Fetching her Rakuyo from the ground he offered it over but kept a hold on it, frowning at Josephine in disapproval. "I expect some kind of insolence from Kael, but you? What would have happened had I not been here? Would Kael have been able to kill both of them? Or did you intend on fighting the two beasts unarmed?" Relinquishing her weapon he shook his head, sheathing his own and taking a moment to wipe blood from his face. The stink of it had long since faded for him and he almost forgot he was covered most nights, a lifetime of hunts made you numb to those kinds of things.

"Master, we killed them! I told you we were able to do it," Kael pressed, an uneasy smile returning as he stepped forward, "So maybe it wasn't as well coordinated as it could have been, still, we managed to kill all four of-"

"You killed two. Or rather, you each killed one. I killed the other two," Edmund interjected stiffly, "Kael, your lack of foresight could have gotten Josephine killed tonight. And what would have happened if she was swarmed? Would you have come down and tried to help her escape? An apprentice like you, fend off three or more Scourge Beasts on your own?" Scoffing then he removed his cap and ran a hand through his silver hair, shaking his head before placing it back. "This will be the first, and the last time we venture outside the workshop for some time."

"But Master Edmund, we killed the beasts, we proved our training-"

"You proved you're still petulant children who think they're invincible! I will not permit anyone to throw their lives away seeking glory!" Edmund shouted atop his lungs, and it was certainly fortunate that no beasts were nearby, otherwise they'd be upon the group in seconds. "Knowing how to fight is not enough, you need experience, you need judgement, you need patience and you need caution. Both of you lack all of those still, that much was made clear tonight. Neither of you are to leave the workshop without me in attendance, neither of you are permitted to even go near the bridge. You will remain behind those doors until I decide you're ready to travel outside again. Am I clear?" Two answers of a somber 'yes' was all he got in reply and that was fine. Neither of them would be allowed anywhere near the streets of Yharnam until they learned how to behave like proper Hunters, not children playing at some game.

"We'll head back. The scent of their blood is bound to attract other beasts, I'll burn the bodies and hope none come to investigate." Moving around the courtyard Edmund gathered the bodies together and piled them atop one another, their mutilated corpses slick with their blood. Every piece he could manage to grab was piled high before he withdrew tinder from his pouch and struck flint against the cobbled stones of the street, igniting the tinder. Using a small vial of oil then he poured it over the pile and set the bodies alight, watching as a pillar of black smoke quickly rose up into the clear night sky. Should any other beasts arrive tonight they would find naught but charred remains to dine on, and it was the Hunter's hope that the beasts would turn around and leave without any food to keep them around.

Dragon Ball: Legacy (Mogtaki and Vena Sera)

"Yeah, no hitting in the head. Other than that its fair game," Takeshi chuckled weakly, smiling as he gestured to himself before Shu, "I'm going to win this time though, it won't be like last time. I'm not going to lose to a squirt like you, buddy." Hopefully he could throw this without his brother noticing what he was doing. Was it too much to ask that they both just be declared winners now and leave it at that? They were almost finished preparing the stage for the final match and people were beginning to return to their seats, and Aito had come back to watch them as well. Looking over at the doctor there was a silent agreement between the two of them as the man nodded to Takeshi before trying to help settle down the still irate Ricken. Shu definitely shouldn't be fighting, but if the little guy was going to insist on it then he'd play along. Takeshi refused to fight though, he'd play along right up until the bell was rung.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the time has come at last for the final match! This exciting tournament has led up to this point, the culmination of this world's finest fighters have fought for this opportunity! I hope you're already for the match of the year, I sure know I am!" Fat chance it was going to be anything like that, but Takeshi would let the guy have his fun. It was annoying having him build up the two finalists as if anyone didn't know who was going to be fighting, they'd literally finished the semifinals not ten minutes earlier. As the man went through with his spiel Takeshi was already moving to the arena, standing at the stairs leading up and waiting impatiently for his name to be announced. Seeing Shu at the bench still he smiled and waved for his brother to come over and join him, watching the announcer as he went on and on.

"Jeez, this guy doesn't shut the hell up does he?" Takeshi grumbled, itching his head with a sigh as the crowd cheered for him and Shu. Hands in his pockets he went ahead and up the stairs, passing straight on by the announcer as he gave him an introduction. Would it be bad if he screamed at the guy to shut the hell up and get on with it? Probably, and he didn't want to make this any worse for Shu. Rolling his eyes as the man finally got on announcing his brother he smiled for Shu, ready to get the mess underway. When the announcer at last shut up and the match was started Takeshi simply took one hand from his pocket and waved to Shu, smiling apologetically as he started to step backwards towards the edge of the arena. He had to just throw the match, if Shu ended up even more hurt just for a little scuffle then it'd be all his fault, but more importantly he didn't want Shu to be hurt in the first place. The doctor had to take a look at him and once this match of theirs was over he could. At the edge of the arena he glanced back at the grass before looking to Shu again, taking his hands out and putting them up defensively, shrugging his shoulders before stepping back and simply falling out, landing on his feet and sighing as the crowd fell deathly silent.

The final match was... Over? They had heard that it had begun hadn't they? So why had Takeshi just stepped out of the arena? This was... Unusual, no contestant had ever done something like that before, certainly not a finalist. What should they do now? The crowd had been so excited for this match and now everyone was staring down at the arena dumbstruck trying to figure out why one of the two potential champions had forfeited. The announcer looked for Korian in the crowd for some sign of what he should do and at the wave of the man's hand he decided to conclude the tournament. "W-Well... Ladies and gentlemen, it seems that we have a winner..." he began, turning and gesturing to Shu with a still dumbfounded expression, "Shu... Er... It seems like you are the winner! You've successfully beaten Takeshi and have been crowned the champion of this years tournament!" The crowd still wasn't reacting much and the announcer was clueless how to spark them back up. Clearing his throat awkwardly he pulled at his collar before turning to face the crowd, beaming as he spoke. "Now everyone, wasn't this a SPECTACULAR tournament? Let's hear it for all of this year's combatants, everyone who took part in the festivities, and all of those behind the scenes working to make this happen!" THAT got some cheers going, and from there he could work the crowd.

Takeshi had actually thrown the match, how interesting. At least the boy had been smart enough to recognize that Shu was in absolutely no state to be fighting regardless of what he'd said earlier. They would have to go through concussion protocol as soon as Shu was off of the arena, and to be safe he'd probably have to be kept out of most activity for a few days at least. Aito didn't like to have to take away Shu's ability to do anything particularly because that might help his issues, but if it meant preventing another concussion it'd be worth it.

"Looks like you beat me buddy, sorry. I'm not going to fight you," Takeshi admitted as he stood before his brother. The little guy was probably furious with him but he couldn't do it, not with how Shu was. Smiling apologetically he rubbed the back of his neck and looked away, wondering what in the hell to say now that he'd gone and lied to his brother like that. "Er... I mean you probably would have beaten me anyways, you know? You're faster, and... I'm kind of sore from my matches, especially since Ricken was knocking me around. I just saved you the trouble of kicking my butt, that's all."

Under the Light of a Crimson Moon

"I listen enough to know he repeats himself over and over. If you weren't so busy sniffing his boots and trying to suck up maybe you'd realize he's not taught us anything new in years." All the more reason for them to go out in the field, there was nothing more they could learn by practicing drills in the safety of the Workshop. They could never become Hunters just by bashing straw dummies all day. Reaching back behind himself Kael pulled two curved daggers from his waist and flipped them over, pressing the hilts together before twisting and pulling them apart. Hooks caught and when pulled apart the hilts extended, and unfurling a wire bound in one of them he strung his makeshift bow, grinning as he loosely notched an arrow in the string. "Let's just show him we're not children anymore and maybe he'll treat us like Hunters then. And give us the respect we deserve."

Being outside of the workshop was the first time either apprentice could fully grasp the direness of the situation they were in. There was nothing like seeing with your own eyes and what both were treated to was utter carnage beyond their sanctuary. Even as they emerged into the world outside a small pile of corpses sat alongside a nearby wall, rotting slowly and picked apart by carrion in the area. Some of Edmund's kills on his patrols; "Beast Patients" as they were called, meager beasts but plentiful and a nuisance if allowed to congregate. These and many other beasts lay strewn through the streets, all having succumb to the veteran Hunter's blade at some time. Kael was of absolute confidence that he and Josephine could accomplish the same thing if given the chance, certainly if they worked together beasts such as these would be child's play.

"The streets of Yharnam aren't as bad as they once were, we've driven most of the beasts back and to the outskirts. That said it's not unusual for a few to slip in now and again. When you're out here you can never be too careful, treat it like you're walking through a swarm." Passing through a narrow strip between several three story homes Edmund slowed his pace at the front of the pack, holding up a hand to stop the apprentices before pressing a finger to his lips. In the silence that surrounded them the noise of flesh being torn was clear, as were the low guttural growls and an exchange of barks and snarls. Scourge Beasts, no doubt about it, and at least two of them. Waving the two along he slowly moved to the end of the path and gestured again for them to stop, leaning out around the edge of the building to take stock of the situation. There were four Scourge beasts together surrounding what looked to be the corpse of a Troll, its skeleton nearly picked clean as they ravaged the corpse for whatever meal they could manage. An easy group to dispatch for three Hunters but then they weren't here to kill, but to observe.

"Good, this will make an excellent learning experience. I want you two to play close attention to how they behave, especially how they interact over a meal," Edmund whispered in a hushed tone. "They often cooperate, but its not uncommon for them to fight when food is scarce. You can use this to your advantage if you ever come across a pack. Kael, do you remember where a Scourge Beast's weak spot is?" Furrowing his brow at the silence that followed Edmund turned to look for his apprentice and scowled upon realizing the boy was no longer with them. Scanning the streets around them he grit his teeth and checked back on the Scourge beasts, finding them to still be preoccupied with their meal. "Josephine, go and find Kael. And drag him back here by the throat if you must, I don't care how you get him back," the Hunter hissed, unsheathing his Chikage and holding it firmly in both hands, "Don't worry about the Scourge Beasts, if any of them leave I'll kill it. Hurry now, there may be more beasts about."

Kael had different plans as opposed to simply sightseeing: he was going to kill the Scourge Beasts. They had spent hours upon hours reading over texts that accounted the types of beasts known to man, their weaknesses, their habits, everything there was to know. Edmund's rhetoric had grown old and he wasn't going to waste time in the field rehashing the same old nonsense they had read a dozen times over. Slipping into the alleyway of two homes he found a fire escape and swiftly ascended the stairs, bow slung over his shoulder as he climbed. Once atop the building he backed off a ways and glanced across the gap at the adjacent home, the one which should be overlooking the courtyard where the Scourge Beasts had gathered. Taking a deep breath he tapped his back foot twice before dashing forward, putting one foot on the ledge before propelling himself up and over the gap. He narrowly cleared it and rolled as his feet met tile, keeping a grip on his bow and promptly rising to his feet, weapon in hand. Easing his way forward and being sure to make as little noise as possible he neared the edge of the roof and took a knee, peering down and grinning at the unsuspecting beasts. Easy marks, he could take out two before they even knew what was happening, and all four before they ever had a chance of finding him.

Under the Light of a Crimson Moon

Kael sneered at Josephine's jab and looked away like a petulant child. She agreed with him even if she wouldn't say it outright as he did. Every other trainee though the two of them the most capable and yet they were seemingly held back, why? For what reason would Master Edmund deny them actual training? Their purpose was to help find a means of saving everyone and yet they could do no such thing if they were never allowed outside of the Workshop. It came as something of a shock when Josephine agreed it was high time they should depart though not wholly unexpected: they had gotten the basics down and were ready to put it to practice. Their ideas of being in the field however varied greatly and left Kael feeling cheated. 'See how they act'? Who cared how beasts acted, they were beasts and nothing more, only meant to be put down like the animals they were. It was a waste of time to go and study them.

"If you two are so adamant about leaving then we can go now. It's not as though time will pass outside these halls," Edmund remarked bitterly. "I'll fetch my tools, you two go and wait by the gates." Perhaps seeing the world for what it was would curb their enthusiasm and end this absurd idea of theirs. Both of them had been marked by the beasts and yet they though themselves prepared to face that sight again. The fact was very few ever could, many froze up in the face of the beasts and died for it, would they succumb to the same fate? Leading up to the workshop Edmund silently ascended the stairs, giving only a brief nod to other apprentices as he passed them by. Some day many of them may well be ready to take up arms and fight but that day was not coming soon. To prepare for what would doubtless be a lifetime of battle, however brief that life may be, it took a lot of practice.

No longer did they possess the boon of the Dream either. Edmund had been capable of "returning" after dying and emerging unscathed, and while a rather unpleasant experience it had given him almost an immortality of sorts. In his younger years it was a blessing, for his naivete and lack of skill earned him many deaths. As he grew more experienced however his trips back to the Dream had become far and few between to the point where he'd not visited but to speak with the Doll. Heaven knows why, the thing never spoke but a few words and was not much for conversation. With a grim smile he opened up a chest and pulled from it his Chikage and Hunter's Pistol, placing each on his waistband. This was why he disallowed his students from venturing out: death was permanent, there was no "returning", not anymore. Were there not the threat of death hanging over their heads he may be more lax, but they couldn't afford to lose many more.

"I'm surprised you actually agreed with me. Usually you try to insult me and kiss up to Master Edmund at every turn." Teacher's pet as she was called, no doubt she had been much the same before she'd ended up in this mess. Why anyone would want a man like Edmund favoring them was beyond him. He was a bitter Hunter and curt, had little time for anything other than training and was insanely private. He spoke of being comrades and yet he was utterly enigmatic, the only thing they really knew of the man was his name and his profession. "Tell me, dear sister," Kael continued with a smirk, "Why the change of heart? Are you growing as tired of his games as I am?"

"Perhaps she simply wants to see you knocked off of your high horse," Edmund interjected from behind the pair, frowning as Kael jumped and spun around to face him. "Let's try to focus now, hm? Once we leave this place we'll doubtless be set upon almost immediately. Keep your wits about you and your weapons ready." Josephine's idea of observation was good but difficult to pull off, the area around the shop was not immediately inhabited by beasts, merely people driven mad by the blood. Just as dangerous yet not what they would be fighting, at least not the main threat.

The walk from the workshop was a long one, following a winding trail that sat over a high cliff to the jagged rocks of a sea rise below. At the end of the trail was a door, the logistics of how this place was separated like a room was still a mystery to many. Edmund moved ahead and parted the heavy doors, stepping through and inspecting the area before waving his students along. On the other side the room was near pitch black, and while Edmund's eyes had long since adjusted the children no doubt would have some trouble. Reaching into his coat he withdrew a small orb and squeezed it in his hand, illuminating it before throwing it ahead. The orb itself rolled a ways before suddenly shattering and releasing flecks of metal which the light reflected off of, giving the area around them an eerily beautiful gleam. Using the glow of the small bomb they moved forward until they reached a second set of doors, this one leading to the world outside.

"Now remember, do not engage the beasts unless you absolutely must," Edmund directed mostly to Kael, though he looked to Josephine for her benefit as well, "This is not a mission to try and kill as many as you can, its practice. Don't get ahead of yourselves." The lack of light was no longer a problem when the second set of doors were opened and light flooded the room. The pair were welcomed with a long bridge before them, its stones well worn and many parts broken, coated in ages old blood that discolored the very rock itself. High above the sky was ablaze with brilliant oranges and reds not unlike a flame, and set in the sky was the Blood Moon itself. It gave the world a deceptively warm glow. One might almost call the world beautiful if they didn't know the hellish truth that awaited anyone who dared step outside. "Move swiftly but quietly, and do not get too far from me," the Master Hunter warned before taking the lead again, crossing out over the large bridge, "Move out you two."

"Move out you two. I can't wait until we're through dealing with him..." Kael grumbled beneath his breath as he too advanced, "I don't understand you Jose, how do you not get sick of hearing him all the time? He acts so high and mighty, like he knows everything. Arrogant bastard..."