GambolMuse

Dragon Ball: Legacy (Mogtaki and Vena Sera)

"Seriously, THAT'S what you want to do? Just settle down somewhere quiet and cook for people?" Kabocha was incredulous that Choi suggested such a thing and even the slightest bit offended. "How can I ever hope to become a leader and gain respect if the people I fought with are nothing more than backwater chefs? Come on, dream big man! Now that you're not part of Yamate's mess you can be whatever you want and you're still going to stay a cook?" He didn't understand it, he really didn't understand it. How could anybody be so content with living such a normal, unassuming life? They needed to find themselves some good women and have kids and actually do something with themselves, not settle for whatever was easy or came their way. Choi had somebody in Yumi and yet he'd let her go and for what, some sterile, mad Beastman? If she ever hoped to have a family that would be completely impossible and yet she stuck to him like glue, so what gives? Why was she so drawn to a guy like that? "Ask her why? Yeah, why don't I just skewer myself while I'm at it. I'm not fricken asking her that!" Kabocha answered quickly, rolling his eyes at the idea of asking Takeshi, "Like that idiot knows anything. If the guy was any more oblivious he'd be walking into doors, you think he has that answer? And it's better you ask her anyways, she likes you. She'll kill me if I ask."

"Nothing's wrong with your cooking, just... Don't do it for a living!" Kabocha explained as if it was the simplest thing in the world. "Why would you spend your entire life serving other people? Cook for your family or for your friends, whatever, but screw cooking for everyone else. Is that really what you want to spend your lives doing?" It just seemed so strange that Kai and Choi were content with doing what they had been all along. Why didn't they want more? "I'm not saying you've got to be soldiers either, once the war's over I know I won't be. And me? Obviously after Yamate is gone I'm going to take up my position as a noble again. My family should be holding power and I plan to once he's gone. Or I'll find something on Earth, or here. There's no way I'm going to spend my life working some job like you two, I deserve way more than that." Finally their turn to order the food even if Kabocha wasn't so certain he wanted any of it. Every plate he'd seen thus far was swimming in sauce and he hated having too much in any dish, it ruined it completely. Looking over the menu his face turned pink when Kai questioned him, scoffing and looking back at the cook, "O-Of course I have! I love places like this!" he shot back indignantly, smiling as he approached the counter. He figured he'd try to ask for anything without sauce but apparently the entire menu had it one way or another, and when he pressed for something light on the sauce he was told most of the food was "marinated", whatever that meant. Groaning inwardly he ordered the first thing off the menu and stepped aside, narrowing his eyes at the twins. "Hurry up and order..."

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"You're right... I'm sorry Viral, I was being insensitive demanding something of you like that. I shouldn't do that to you, I know better." She often forgot that when around Viral, just how isolated he really was. Even growing up with him and Vegeta it always seemed like Viral was made to be left out, only to come in whenever they needed a caretaker or someone to babysit them. That must have been awful, being relegated to someone whose only job was to take care of someone even if they were technically the same age. Feeling a bit saddened by the thought Yumi rubbed at her face before looking up at Viral and smiling, folding her hands behind the back and looking at him curiously. "Okay, so how about we do this: Let's go see June and maybe you can talk to her first? She's a lot more understanding than Aito is, but she probably can't answer any questions you have. Still... Getting a chance to vent a little is healthy, right? And after that we can see if you still want to go and talk to Aito." June would hopefully get him calm enough to speak to the doctor and maybe they could even have a meal together, something they hadn't done in years. Viral's meeting may have to wait a little while longer too if Aito was busy with Shu, though he and Takeshi might be off with that creep Krom training too. "Come on, I bet she'll be happy to see us! We haven't spoken to her since before we left," Yumi urged, smiling as she started along once more, "She's probably worried about us!"

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"Uh... Of course we do! I'm sure we do... Somewhere..." Yusef couldn't be nearly as certain as he'd like to be about that. Aside from some family heirlooms and some pieces they'd commissioned from artisans there really wasn't an awful lot that'd be considered art in their own home. "W-Well... We could always find someone to make some pieces for it! It can't be that hard... Right? Though we need artifacts too..." Would they have anything that might qualify? Stroking one of his antennae in thought Yusef watched his son move to another display, frowning at the weapons strewn out before them. "Well... They are part of our people's culture... A dark part of it..." the General mumbled, stepping closer to the display and peering into the glass. This was probably most of the kind of thing they'd put on display at their museums but then they wanted everyone to forget about the wars and move on from them. It was good to remember where they had been, this was true, but if that was all they could display then maybe they shouldn't bother with a museum. "Maybe Renthal would be interested in searching for artifacts. L'esta probably would be too, they're both... Eccentric," Yusef mused aloud, smiling at his son as he clasped him on the shoulder, "Or maybe you could bring things from other worlds? We'd have a museum unlike anything else on this planet, people would love to see what you've gathered from your travels too."

Adelon: Steeling the Faith [Open!]

Expect a reply from me either tonight or tomorrow at the absolute latest! Figure a small skip's in order now :P

Dragon Ball: Legacy (Mogtaki and Vena Sera)

"Afford a place? Dude, we're SAIYANS, take a place!" Kabocha shot back with a roll of his eyes, "Or jeez I don't know, we're pretty much given a place here on Uuonoe. And we could probably find a place on Earth too if you wanted, or Kortal after that jerkwad of a King is taken down. Point is why're you buying a place? We don't have to buy anything." Choi was thinking too small as always like they were still some lower class losers or something. Not only was he and Kai no longer bound to be cooks but they had him and the Princes too, they had way better status than they had before. Wanting to buy crap, not interested in girls, still obsessed with food, they really couldn't give up on their old lousy lives could they? Kabocha chuckled when he took a jab at the twins always being together and nodded in agreement when Choi couldn't figure Yumi out either. "Right? She seemed genuinely happy with you and then she ditches you for some grumpy Beastman. They can't even do anything, Beastmen are sterile aren't they? The hell's the point then? He's grumpy, sterile, not to mention dangerous, I don't get it." Was it wrong that he was just slightly annoyed that Viral had a woman and he didn't? How come Yumi hadn't stuck with Choi, or picked him? He was a noble!

This barbecue place was going to be the death of him. The food was a mess, it was way too crowded and to top it off so many annoying kids! What did the twins want to come here of all places for? Why couldn't they just pick a normal place for once... Sighing in exasperation Kabocha reluctantly fell in line, crossing his arms and tapping his foot impatiently as they waited. "You idiot, don't be so eager to cook for me! Why do you want to spend your whole life as a cook huh?" he asked as he looked back at the twins, putting his hands up in disbelief, "We're not on Kortal, you're not cooks anymore. I have a reason to stick to my roots because I have something but you two had nothing back there, get me? And for the record no, I don't miss your cooking," Kabocha lied quickly as he turned back to the line with a frown, "And it's not the mess or noise I care about... Much, though they'll ruin my dining experience. I don't like food that's drowning in sauce."

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It was not about authority or whether or not Viral was her commander or not. All Yumi wanted to know was whether or not Viral actually wanted to do anything with her today, now that they'd come home and had time to spare. Sure there was the ulterior motive of keeping him from picking a fight with Aito but she'd wanted to enjoy their free time with him today. He defaulted to whatever she wanted to do and somehow came to the conclusion she wanted to see June, and while not a terrible idea she'd hoped they could just keep to themselves for a little and enjoy some rare privacy. Watching him turn and leave Yumi let out a sigh and followed after him, her arms kept crossed as she stared at the ground. "I'm not asking you to give me an order, Viral. I was asking if you want me to be here or not," Yumi explained, looking up at her friend and smiling slightly, "And I know you won't give me orders so I'm sorry for asking. Just... We have time to do whatever we want and I was hoping to spend it with you today. Everything's been so crazy lately and I'm just glad we finally have time to do whatever we want to. But it's not fair for me to force you to do what I want either, is it?" Lowering her arms she exhaled and rubbed at her arm, looking around for a moment before back to Viral. "If we see Aito can you promise me you won't try picking a fight with him or anything? I know you're angry but that won't help."

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"That sounds like a great idea. A visit to the museum and then food, why not?" Hopefully one of those would help T'charrl calm down a little, it was obvious he was very much a bunch of nerves still. Haku was all for whatever he had in mind so that was the plan then, and luckily the museum wasn't terribly far away from the hanging gardens. Awfully quick if they could fly but most people walked up here, and the sights were too beautiful to just pass on by. Down along another bridge and then up a path that circled a large tree, and once up another story they could see the museum, propped up in the cusp of another tree and nestled between its massive limbs. "I've been thinking to ask your mother about getting a museum like this. Now that we're done fighting each other we can build some nice things, don't you agree?" Yusef asked as he looked around them, "We'll have a whole new generation before we know it and its only right we leave them a better place than we had when we were here." Realizing he was getting a bit depressive with his thoughts the General let out a laugh that probably sounded very odd to Haku, waving a claw dismissively, "Sorry, ramblings of an old man. But we really should get a museum shouldn't we? It'd be nice to have something for everyone to enjoy."

"I th-think it would be great! I can't wait to see what's in h-here." Haku didn't know the first thing about art or Kaesstra's culture really but that didn't curb his enthusiasm any. The museum itself was something wonderful to look at in of itself, unlike the usual blocky buildings on every other world it was curved and bulbous, almost resembling more of an onion in shape if he had to give it a name. It was large with several windows letting natural light in and it seemed the top was left open as people were flying in and out of it. Immediately upon entering Haku was awestruck by the pieces presented before them. Right inside the entrance there were large tapestries hanging from the walls, intricate patterns of various, vibrant colors around them. Some seemed to just be patterns and designs while others still had figures, probably telling some kind of story. A little further in and he could see figures woven from some kind of long grass or something, statues of what he guessed were famous people for this place. They too were dressed in all kinds of colorful fabric which seemed to be a common theme for the city now that he thought about it. "This is really n-nice... Kortal doesn't have a-anything like this..." Haku said as he walked closer to a fabric, reaching out and touching it only to get a disapproving click from one of the staff. Smiling apologetically he looked at it curiously, wondering just how long it took to make something like that. "It's r-r-really pretty..."

Dragon Ball: Legacy (Mogtaki and Vena Sera)

"Legal...? Look at all the crap we're doing, all the fighting we're doing. You're worried about whether or not its legal?" Kabocha was incredulous Choi would even say such a thing, who cared? What was more important than making a family for them? Getting stronger maybe but having a family was definitely second. "And I'm talking the future, man! For now don't you just want a girlfriend? You know... Someone to do... Stuff with." He'd never thought someone of his own species could be so alien to him until the twins. Rubbing at his face in disbelief when Kai seconded Choi's opinion he put his hands up in defeat, smiling before rolling his eyes. "Alright forget it, no girls. I get it you two aren't into that. Probably happens from being around guys all the time," Kabocha jeered, grinning tauntingly before turning back around and laughing, "And sure she did! I think she just felt bad for Viral, you said it. I mean think about it, they've been friends for how long and only now they're together? If she liked him they wouldn't have waited that long would they?" Seemed perfectly clear to him that it wasn't all that genuine and Yumi was doing it just to make Viral happy. I mean really what was there to like about him anyways? The only way you could do any worse was by going out with the idiot Princes.

Kabocha assumed this was the barbecue restaurant Choi was speaking of, it sure smelled like one. Overly heavy sauce and lots of spices, a huge crowd and a bunch of annoying kids whining. Sure seemed like the ideal spot for three young guys to grab a bite to eat. Watching a family of five walk by with two whining children covered in sauce Kabocha's brow twitched and he gave the twins a look of disbelief, silently gesturing to the shop and mouthing the words 'Really guys?' Choi had wanted barbecue though and they were here, may as well eat while they were at it. "I miss the food back on Kortal though... That was good food. We'd get things from all over Kortal and from other worlds even and the cooks always prepared it just the way we like it. Instead we're being forced to have..." Kabocha trailed off, gesturing to someone's plate with a pile of meats and sides on it in disgust. The diner in question looked at him like he had two heads before going back to their conversation and Kabocha merely shrugged his shoulders. "Whatever, I guess its better than nothing."

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Yumi blinked her eyes slowly as Viral all but dismissed her from his company, jaw dropped slightly. Was he serious? How daft could he be? She was trying to tease him into asking her to stay and he'd all but told her to get lost instead. Gaping like a fish out of water she looked for words before rolling her eyes, stepping closer and prodding his chest with her finger. "I'm not leaving you goof, I was teasing you. I figured you'd want me to spend time with you once we got back to Uuonoe, I wanted to too. But if you don't want me around then tell me right now and I'll find something else to do." Maybe it was unfair of her to push this on Viral but she was feeling the slightest bit hurt after his comments. Was it not obvious that she wanted to be with him? That she wasn't merely following him around and trying to plan things purely to annoy him? Letting out a sigh she crossed her arms and stared up at Viral patiently for his answer. "I'm sure June could use a hand with something, and you can go... I don't know, argue with Aito if that's more fun to you," Yumi continued with a dismissive wave of her hand, "Just tell me so I know whether or not I'm wasting my time here."

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"Are you an awful person? Are you like Garesh, bringing our people into war over power? Or did you stop a monster like that from getting power? I think you're the reason our home isn't in ruins right now, T'charrl. That's no monster, that's a hero." Yusef smiled sympathetically and shook his head, gesturing towards Haku as he continued. "Friends? You mean like Haku here? And the others you've been traveling with? It seems to me that you've made friends just fine. And you don't need to worry because we're going to fix that aren't we? We'll help you learn to control your powers and turn you back to normal, or have you forgotten why we're here? Be more confident in yourself, you're capable of doing so much more if you just let yourself believe that." As much as Yusef wanted to comfort his son he wanted even more to more on from this conversation. They were supposed to be helping T'charrl relax before they went to meet with the king and now T'charrl seemed very uptight and uncertain. What other places might they go and see? He was not terribly familiar with this city still but there were a handful of places, particularly in the evenings, that were splendid sights. "Let's go and see something else. They have a museum here, a place where they display old art and weapons and tools. Would you like to see that, my son? Or perhaps we can look for somewhere to eat?"

Dragon Ball: Legacy (Mogtaki and Vena Sera)

"So a buffet? Fine... At least we'll get half of what we're after," Kabocha grinned, clasping his hands together in excitement as he gazed around, "And you've got to be more excited about the girls, man! I figured you'd be all about them after Yumi broke up with you for Viral. Plus aren't you worried about having kids someday? You need them to continue the line and all that good stuff, teach them to fight and how to carry on your family. Doesn't that mean anything to you two?" Maybe not if they were just cooks back home, the last thing they would probably be worrying about was kids and more getting out of a crappy situation. "Besides there's more to women then just making kids you know. They're good for plenty of other things too," he added, glancing back and winking at the twins before frowning and sighing at Choi's comment. "Man... You're the reason no women will get with us! I'm trying to get friendly with them and you're over there drooling about some barbecue food, get your priorities straight! You've got to think in the long term," Kabocha went on, turning around and walking backwards as he gestured with his hands frantically, "What's good going to get you a week from now other than the dumps? You get a girl to keep you happy, she'll do stuff for you and you get kids to carry your family on. If you were half as excited about girls as you were food this wouldn't even be a problem!"

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"Oh I'm only teasing! I just wanted to spend a nice afternoon with you after that mess we went through, that's all. It's a beautiful day and we have it all to ourselves." No pesky rebels or anyone else getting in the way of just them enjoying themselves was rare and Yumi didn't want to waste it. What they would actually do she hadn't considered yet but she'd make something up as they went along; Viral wanted to go and question Aito but he was much too angry to do so right now. Maybe a nice walk to clear his head would help that? He shot down the idea of a swim in a heartbeat and so they'd simply walk, a leisurely stroll around the city until Viral cooled down enough to go talk. Something as innocuous as a walk still annoyed him though and Yumi had the very real notion that he didn't want anything to do with her. Or rather he was more focused on getting at Aito than relaxing after their battles. Stopping in her tracks she turned and smiled at Viral innocently, walking back over to him and raising herself up onto her toes, staring him in the face curiously. "So do you really not want to spend time with me then? Am I annoying you that much?" Yumi pressed teasingly, moving back and frowning as she folded her ears down and hands behind her back, "You could have just said so..." she added, sighing and looking away, "I guess I'll go do something on my own then."

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"Yeah Earth was r-really nice... I only s-saw a little part of it th-though, its supposed to have loads of different types of places t-too." Most worlds were either one extreme or another and had very little if any variety, Earth was the first world Haku had ever seen that was so different. Even Kaesstra for all its beauty was mostly forest and water, there weren't even frozen places at the poles like most planets had. "I guess there's s-some nice places on Kortal, but people l-like me were always t-t-too busy to see them. The King doesn't let p-people like me do m-much..." Almost every other planet he'd ever been to had such nice rulers compared to Yamate and he'd figured if the King wasn't so powerful no one would ever follow a jerk like that. He didn't want his own people to be attacked but it could only make things better if a creep like him was taken out of power. "I don't think you're w-weird looking. Who said you look w-w-weird?" Haku asked, frowning as he turned to his friend, "Look at h-how different all the p-people on Uuonoe are, everyone l-looks different. That's n-normal, right?" he asked in regards to Yusef, smiling at the elder Kaesstrian.

"Of course! You've never seen any of the northern clans, have you T'charrl? They look nothing like us," Yusef continued as he gestured to himself, "They're smaller than us, their hairs are lighter colors, some of them almost white, and some don't even have wings! And there are some who live underground like us but they don't have the light we do. So their eyes are bigger and their hairs are shorter and more sensitive, to sense vibrations in the air. Just because you don't look exactly like us doesn't mean you're weird, just different. And like Haku said everyone is different, that's nothing to be ashamed of." Smiling he reached out and placed a hand atop T'charrl's head, looking up above as a group of children sped by, laughing as they shoved at one another in mid-air. Waving at the group some of them looked down and waved back to them in turn, not a single one seemed disturbed by T'charrl. "See? People don't mind how you look, it's the type of person you are that matters. And I know plenty of people would love to have my son as their friend, and some day you'll make an excellent leader too."

Adelon: Steeling the Faith [Open!]

"Well still... You saved us, I don't care whether you were made to do that or not, you saved us. So thanks Cecil," Ethan reiterated with a grin, "We'll pay you back somehow, we'll uh... Well we could..." Trailing off lamely the Magi was utterly confounded as what he could get for a Machina as a reward. Food wouldn't work, he probably didn't need anything materialistic, so... What? Could he teach Cecil something? He did seem to want to know more about the things they did and even a dope like Ethan could share some knowledge. Cecil was always wondering about what they did when they set up camp and why so maybe teaching him was a good way to repay him!

"Unless you want some nasty burns I'd listen to Cecil, he's quite warm right now," Norman agreed with a nod, reaching up and adjusting the goggles on his forehead before wiping grease from his hands onto his pants, "Normally we'd keep you shut down and cool the pieces but it should be fine as long as you don't do anything to jostle them. That means no going and picking fights with people like you kids seem so apt to do," the engineer warned as he smirked, "Mutebo is probably going to be a nice break for you all. Enjoy it while you can." If they planned on leaving the city it would be right back to the hectic lifestyle they'd been living as of late. It still struck him as odd that they were getting as much attention as they were; at face value no one in the group was of terrible importance until you really looked into it. Nymira was the heir to one of the most powerful Dimuran clans, Cecil was clearly a special model of Machina and likely not meant to be out as he was, and Amuné and Ethan likely played some part in it as well. There had to be a reason they were being chased all the time, but why?

Lionel couldn't be the answer since he wasn't traveling with them. Why was he here anyway? What was Taliya thinking having someone like him around in Mutebo, that was just asking for trouble. "Uh... Lionel was it? Are you with Taliya's group as well?" Norman pressed, curious as to what his answer might be.

"Sure am! She has me on as a healer helping tend to anyone who comes back injured, and I teach other healers too. But of course I don't have any magic so I do everything the old fashioned way." There was a slight tic from Norman just then, his eyebrow twitched and the corner of his mouth seemed to pull up into a smile. Lionel smiled at the older man and folded his hands behind his head, turning towards Adrianna and Amuné, nudging the former with his foot, "In fact I was supposed to teach Adrian at one point but he kind of up and vanished. He's even worse at avoiding... Er... Missing work than I am!" He should probably be back there right now in fact checking supplies and restocking but he really wasn't feeling up to it. One of the other healers could handle it in his stead, they'd chew him out as usual and he'd apologize only to do it again the next day. He was nothing if not consistent!

Ethan was just relieved that everyone was finally better after such a hassling last couple of days. They had all the time in the world to relax and recover in the comfort of Mutebo without any worry of another Magi attacking them. Maybe they could actually have some fun together and take some time to actually look around Mutebo. There was a lot to sort out too, least of which was trying to decide what he himself was going to do from hereon out. There was no reason for him to keep traveling and returning home to Kinsgrove would be the easiest choice. There was a problem with turning around and leaving however: Taliya was right in saying his leaving was a disservice to Cedric's memory. He wasn't going to go on an insane journey to seek revenge but he should at least try to make something positive out of it, which brought him to his second point; Amuné needed him to find her parents, Nymira might need him to finish her task and Cecil probably had use of him too, he could help others and in turn help himself.

"Uh Nymira... Should we get your leg healed?" Ethan asked as he looked at the Dimuran's injured ankle. She seemed annoyed that he suggested it again but he couldn't understand why. It was visibly bloodied and she was having a hard time walking on it so shouldn't she want to get it fixed? "I'm sure Adrian won't mind helping you if you're worried about that, I mean he helped me," he continued with a smile as he pointed to his shoulder, "You probably won't owe him anything, but if you want-"

"That's not the problem you imbecile. It's not a matter of owing someone a debt or not, it's a matter of carelessness." Unsurprisingly Ethan was utterly confused by that and could only try suggesting the same thing again. Groaning as she rubbed at her face Nymira turned to Kensen in hopes he could corroborate what she was about to say. "Unless we are gravely injured our people do not use healers, its a waste of energy. And if you go into battle thinking every wound you get will be healed you become careless, there's no reason to fear injury if you can just erase them. If you lose your fear of pain you become reckless in battle, and that's how you lose your life." People in the kingdom seemed to have no issue with getting rid of the pain as quickly and that arguably made them weaker for it. Every town had enough healers to care for almost every resident it seemed, why did they need so much? They had no pain tolerance. "I cannot accept your offer to be healed, I'll manage just fine without you," Nymira directed towards Adrian, frowning as she leaned against a low table for support, "Your offer is appreciated but unnecessary, I'll heal just fine."

So... Nymira wasn't going to get healed then? Ethan supposed it was fine if that was her choice but it meant their doing anything was really complicated. The exercises today showed that both of them could do with a touch of training but doing so with one leg bloodied and burned wasn't going to be easy. "Well uh... I guess that settles that! Looks like we're good to go back soon," Ethan smiled, kneeling down beside Amuné and patting her head, "Do you want me to carry you? My arm's probably okay now."

Under the Light of a Crimson Moon

He was... Edmund was... No, there was no way that Master Edmund had died. The man who had been slaying beasts for decades, the man whose tales inspired everyone to take up arms, the man who was going to teach them how to be the best Hunters they could be. He wasn't dead, he was not dead! Kael's throat burned from all the screaming and his lungs ached for breath as he sobbed, utterly oblivious to Josephine's entrance to the scene. Death was part of this life, they had been told that early and reminded of it often, yet it did nothing to lessen the impact of this. Their mentor and for all accounts their parent figure had just died before them, because Kael had been stupid enough to think he could strike out on his own. It was his fault. His fault. Letting himself dry retch the young Hunter lifted his head when Josephine went to the scene of the attack and broke down. What was she on about? She was yelling about Edmund and probably at him, she looked furious. Lifting himself up enough to the point he was on his knees Kael simply looked at her and took her bereavement. What could he say?

Nothing, there was absolutely nothing which could be said for this. So Edmund was her father hm? That would probably be a shocking revelation if Kael could feel anything other than utter despair and emptiness. Even as Josephine raised a blade to him he stared up at her speechless, his eyes clouded and his body sagging. His expression almost begged to be killed, to be paid in full for what he'd caused. Even as her face was mere inches from his own he could only sit and stare at the girl whose life he had undoubtedly just ruined. And for what? His pride? A chance to kiss up to their now dead master? Being punched in the shoulder landed him on his rear and he simply sat there and accepted it, slouching down as he hung his head. "Just... Kill me..." he muttered hoarsely, shaking his head as he looked at Josephine, "I deserve it... Use his blade, kill me..."

Oh good, footsteps. Perhaps a beast coming to take his head instead. Lifting his gaze and turning around he was baffled to see another hunter present, and when the woman brandished her weapon everything they knew of her came flooding to Kael at once. Lydia, one of the few hunters like Edmund who could call themselves a Master Hunter. Veteran of countless battles and unparalleled in her prowess in combat, just like any other Master. And she was late, too late to make any difference. It was almost funny that help would arrive after everything had already happened, it seemed fitting. That was just the kind of world they lived in wasn't it? Shaking his head he slowly got to his feet and shuffled towards the edge of the bridge, looking down into the darkness below. He should just allow himself to fall, it would make everything so much easier. At the very least Josephine would have closure knowing her father's killer was gone.

Sighing somberly Kael stepped forward and had managed to put one foot over the edge of the bridge before someone grabbed him from behind and threw him back. Groaning as he bounced against the brick he remained on the ground and looked to Lydia, frowning when he realized she'd been the one to stop him. Why? Why couldn't he just die? So now he wasn't going to be allowed to die? He'd lost his entire family and questioned why he was left alive, he'd survived when other apprentices had died, and now that he'd caused the death of their beloved mentor he was still denied? He just wanted to be done with all of this, he didn't care anymore. What good was being a Hunter if you were only going to get people killed? That's all he'd ever been any good at.

"Just kill me... Please... I don't care how, just do it..." Kael begged as his eyes grew misty again, "I don't deserve to live after this..." How long until he got other apprentices killed? Josephine? Perhaps he was just bad luck and it was better off that he be killed and spare anyone else misfortune. Since Lydia seemed so opposed to killing him however perhaps he could try and convince Josephine? She didn't seem too opposed to it a moment ago. Crawling over to the Chikage he pushed it across the ground to her and collapsed again, smiling as he let out an empty laugh. "Come on... You were going to kill me... Do it..." he begged, forcing himself up to his knees and holding out his arms to his sides, "Take my head... Run me through... Just end it, please..."

Under the Light of a Crimson Moon

What's wrong little one?! FRIGHTENED?! It spoke! Hells it SPOKE! What kind of beasts could speak?! It was a fool's errand to try and reach his weapon but some minute part of Kael's mind urged him to try, if he was going to die anyways he should at least try to fight back. Rolling over onto his stomach he got to his feet and ran desperately for his weapon, time seeming to slow as he heard a guttural laugh from behind him. Turning his head to see where the beast was it couldn't have been more than a yard back, one arm raised and claws flexed ready to tear him to ribbons. He couldn't make it, he'd fucked up. Turning his head away and looking at his weapon desperately he reached out for it, eyes widening as a yellow blur sped past his vision. What was that? Stumbling and falling over again as he came to his senses he rolled over and gawked openly at Edmund, using his blade to hold back the beast's arm. How... When? How had he been found? What was going on? His weapon, he had to get his weapon! Gasping and moving again he grabbed hold of it and sat on his hind, notching an arrow and trying to aim at the beast's head.

"Kael, stay back! You'll have no part of this beast!" Edmund shouted, grunting as he pushed the beast's limb back. Ducking under an errant swing of its claw he thrust his Chikage forward and drove it into the beast's gut, jumping back as both hands were slammed down into the ground. Dashing backwards with his Old Hunter Bone he withdrew his pistol and took aim, firing two quick rounds in succession and striking the beast in the eyes. As it howled in pain and thrashed about he dashed forward again, grabbing his blade and barely pulling it free as the beast swiped blindly for him. What was an Abhorrent beast doing this far inside the city? Were there more? As soon as they were through with this he'd have to make his rounds and inspect the gates and walls for holes. That would have to wait until this monster was slain however.

What was Edmund thinking taking that thing on alone? Veteran hunter or not that was no normal beast and teamwork ensured survival, that was one of the things he'd drilled into their heads from day one. As if he was going to sit back and watch his master take on such a dangerous foe alone. With an arrow already notched he took aim at a shoulder and let his projectile loose and couldn't help but feel triumphant as it took and buried itself in the beast's flesh. Edmund was quick to follow up as well and slice the beast's chest open, copious amounts of purple blood seeping from the wound and onto the bridge. They would kill it, no doubt about that. Notching another arrow he took aim for the beast's head and grinned, intending for this to be the kill shot. Nothing would distract him, he and Edmund were going to fell this beast.

"Kael! Behind you!"

Kael had absolutely no idea another beast had appeared. Peering over his shoulder his eyes widened at the Scourge Beast rearing up to attack him. Turning and trying to fire at it instead he was pressed down to the ground, using the limbs of the bow to hold back the beast as its jaw snapped frantically at him, drool and blood seeping down onto his face. A Quicksilver round to its head forced it back and another two drove it over the side of the bridge, Edmund had once again saved him. Panting as his adrenaline surged Kael shakily grabbed another arrow and turned to rejoin the fight, paling as he watched the display that happened next. In saving him Edmund had to take his eyes from the Abhorrent beast and it took full advantage of that, swinging at his off-arm with its claws. Unable to move his Chikage in time Edmund rose his arm to block and had the tendons torn clean through, his limb hanging limply at the side as he dropped his pistol and it clattered towards the edge.

"No!" Breaking his bow into two pieces Kael tried to rush into the fight and help, desperate to even the odds. Noticing blood pooling at his master's feet however he threw his arms up to shield his face as a blast of blood knocked him off of his feet and back to the edge of the bridge, knocking over the Abhorrent beast as well. "Master! Let me help!" Trying to get his weapon back to its ranged form his heart sank as he saw Edmund begin to channel blood again and the man smiled at him. When did Edmund ever smile at him?

"You'll make a fine hunter someday, you and Josephine both. I'm sorry I couldn't finish teaching you two, please stay safe." Those weren't words that any student ever wanted to hear from their master. Those were words of resignation, accepting one's own demise and embracing the cold clutches of death itself. Edmund turned back towards Kael as blood fueled his blade and with one clean slice he cut the bridge right through, shattering stone and creating a sizable gap between himself and Kael. Ducking beneath the Abhorrent beast he repeated the motion on the other side until only a small strip remained, precariously teetering as the supports beneath it were destroyed. Edmund deflected another claw before stepping forward and thrusting his Chikage into the chest of the beast, holding firm even as its claws dug into his back.

"You'll die human! And then I'll tear your precious children to shreds!" the beast laughed, its dulled eyes fixated on Edmund's blurry form. Grinning wildly as it pressed its claws into his flesh it paused when it heard the Hunter laughing as well, utterly confused as to why anyone on their doorstep would be laughing. "Lost your mind have you?! Laugh all you like, you're finished!"

"Oh I'm well aware, and I accept that. I just think its funny..." Blood emerged from Edmund's wounds and began to swirl around him and the Abhorrent beast like a storm. Lifting his head he smiled at the beast, his hat falling from his head and down into the darkness of the sewers below. "I thought you were intelligent, but it seems you're as daft as any other beast. I'm taking you to hell with me..." The blood circulated faster and thickened, pieces hardening into projectiles as sharp as a blade. Closing his eyes and exhaling one last time Edmund let his blood run rampant and in the blink of an eye he and the beast were consumed, both of their bodies torn to shreds in an instant as the blood assailed them. When the attack finally ceased nothing remained, the bridge had a massive crater where they had stood and blood soaked the ground, a steady stream dripping down either side. Silence followed, a gut wrenching, blood chilling silence. Master Edmund had killed the beast, of that there was no doubt, but he had gone along with it.

"MASTER!" Kael screamed, dropping his weapon and crawling on his hands and knees to the edge of the bridge. Nearly tumbling off he caught himself and whimpered as he stared at the bloodied mess before him. He couldn't be dead, there was absolutely no way he could be dead. He'd pop out any second now and reveal himself and this as some ploy to teach him a lesson. Yet no one came, Kael stared in deaf silence at the bridge and never saw any movement save what the wind knocked around. Feeling his stomach churning he tried to take a deep breath and instead let out another scream, wailing as he leaned forward and buried his head against the bridge. "No! No no no no no!" Slamming his fists against the bridge with every utterance of the word, lifting his tear soaked face from the bridge and screamed as loudly as he could manage. "MASTER EDMUND!"

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.