[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/VAS7HTH.png[/img]
[color=6ecff6][h1]Level 4-[/h1][/color]
[color=fff79a]||||||||||||||||||||||[/color]||||||||||||||||||[color=fff79a] (22/40)[/color]
Word Count: [color=fff79a]1,872[/color]
[color=fff79a]+3 EXP[/color]
Sandswept Sky - Outside Gerudo Town[/center]
Direct mentions:[@Crimson Flame] - Bede, [@Lugubrious] - Tora

[hr][hr]

Raiden rose from his deep slumber by the waking call of the other Seekers. As he shot up in attention, this head clipped the edge of the headboard as a loud thump was heard from his room in the inn. Hearing the rouse of the other seekers had alerted him to new activity outside the room. Was it finally time to move again? Better yet, what was even going on? There was little for Raiden to remember the night prior, which he chalked up to the heat effecting his memory, but a few things he does remember was the waking feeling of being released from Galeem’s influence and his adventure with the other Seekers. He had (albeit) been inducted unofficially but the extra hand was welcomed none-the-less by the crew. 

Raiden finally got out of the bed and politely tucked the sheets around the bed and underneath the pillow before he attached his dangerous armaments back to his body. By the time Tora had popped in his room, there had been no traces, save for the cyborg himself, of any living being. “Well aren’t you lively today.” He added in a neutral tone. He rolled his shoulders before following the small engineer out of his room. By the time he exited, it seemed many of the other Seekers had already made their bouts in either the nearby town or raided the markets for all they had sold. If he hurried, there might still be time for a quick purchase, though he may have to part with a few trusty grenades to make any buys worth while.

But all that would have to wait right now, as it seemed many of the other Seekers were gathering in a nearby saloon to get quickly filled up before the change in adventure awaiting them. Raiden double checked for everything one last time before finally making chase to the rest of the group who induldged themselves in breakfast. Raiden had no need to eat, being a metallic husk of the human he is, but still took part in the pleasure regardless as he enjoyed the refreshing cool lick of water and assorted beans and fruits. It was an odd mix, but being out in the middle of the desert was sure to limit resources of food, so he enjoyed regardless.

After the group had finished eating their meal, one of the members Raiden recognized from the earlier travels on the Virgin Victory had kicked off their discussion of plans. Raiden listened carefully and quietly, making sure he gathered every detail that was spoken. Things had seemed grim for the Seekers who sought to continue their travels, however it was reassured there may be an alternative option for the group to pick and based on the details, it seemed like it may be time to soon board another train. Raiden nodded as he listened along to the continuing discussion.

Some of the next details were positively eye-raising to Raiden. It seemed like this train could move him from point to point in the world. It had seemed for a while there that he had been trapped in the sandy hills for centuries, but now he could simply go anywhere. [i]It sounded too good to be true[/i] Raiden had a sour feeling in his gut, the one that screamed ‘I have a bad feeling about this’, yet he kept his concerns to himself.

The group was then dismissed to prepare for the journey and as Raiden slipped away, a young boy appeared who introduced himself as Bede and mentioned something about training. Raiden didn’t know what a Pokémon was, and this kid certainly did not look like a body builder, so maybe that term has more merit in his own than the context Raiden has. Still, the menacing cyborg extended a friendly hand for Bede to shake as he began introductions. “Name’s Raiden. Most of the other guys have been here longer than I have, so they might be willing to help you.” He pointed in the general direction of Big Band, Tora, and the others. “I’m taking a trip down to the markets for a minute. Feel free to tag along if you need to make any last minute purchases.” He added, announcing his short departure from the rest of the group.

...

Once Raiden reached the oasis, where many merchants had laid out their goods, wares, and services. Raiden didn’t know what he wanted to look at, but he figured some new gear in this mysterious world was required in order to adapt. Being crunched on time, he panned the area for anyone who seemed to sell more “advanced” weaponry and came across a dark green canopied, pop-up tent which was lit up inside with lanterns.

While it was dark inside the tent, stepping inside Raiden found no problem making out the details of what was inside. There were racks and shelves filled to the brim with scrap metal, rusted weaponry, and makeshift weapons. This tent was selling scrap accessories and weapons. Raiden walked next to the shelving of scrapped accesories, seeing clear in the back a [url=https://remnantfromtheashes.wiki.fextralife.com/Rigs]man with a shaved head[/url] clad in camo and an apron next to his workbench. He examined the shelves for a minute longer before a quiet voice spoke with an English accent behind Raiden. “Looking for something, friend?” He asked as Raiden turned to face the mechanic.

“Just looking for some upgrades, I suppose.” Raiden answered, before perusing the stock once again. The man didn’t seem to mind Raiden examining his merchandise, giving him ample time before speaking again. “You got a name mister?”

“Oh... well, you can just call me Rigs.” He told Raiden before scratching his head. “And, well, I don’t have much in terms of... robotics?” He looked Raiden up and down for a minute. “I tend to fix up my own weaponry and resell them to paying clients at a fair price.” He stayed at his work bench, watching Raiden as he spoke. “You know, guns, blades... I mean, I do have a few scrapped parts that may be what you’re looking for.” Rigs stepped towards one of the shelves and began searching it’s contents. “Just gimme one sec.”

Raiden went back to examining the shelves as Rigs scavenged for the parts he mentioned. Many of the stock seemed to look handmade, but each one looked slightly different, even if they served the same function. After a few minutes, Rigs returned from his search with three weapons, each either seen with wear or rusted from the aging of the desert heat.
The first was [url=https://www.ssbwiki.com/Mii_Gunner_(SSBU)] a sort of blaster attachment[/url] that seemed completely busted, and beyond use. The next was a [url= https://assassinscreed.fandom.com/wiki/Hidden_Blade]sort of
Blade relic[/url] which could attach to Raiden’s wrist with ease, but seemed incredibly out of date, but the last item of interest was the most peciluar to Raiden.

They were a [url= https://cyberpunk.fandom.com/wiki/Mantis_Blades]pair of severed robotic arms[/url] Raiden had no clue what the purpose of them were, but Rigs quickly interjected admist his skepticism. “Those arms there aren’t just prosthetic. A supplier gave them to me for some scraps. I don’t think they knew what they were giving up, but those, have blades inside of them.”

Raiden’s interest was now piqued. While he’d never volunterily give up his or Sam’s sword, having an ace up his sleeve could prove useful. “Mind if I?” Raiden gestured to the fleshy hands, indirectly asking if he could examine them. 

“Oh, sure I guess. Just, you know, break it buy it.” Rigs added as Raiden lifted one of the severed arms up to look at it, twisting it in the air as he felt the clear weight in the arm. He didn’t want to force the blade out, but was curious regardless. He gently set it back down on the work bench before turing back to the salesman.

“So what do you want for those?” Raiden asked, taking inventory of what he could realistically trade for the arms, as cash was unavailable to him. Time to barter.

“Well, I actually don’t take cash. I make a majority of the stock here out of what my customers trade in scrap metals.” Rigs told Raiden. “Or... what weapon’s they’re willing to part with.” Rigs had clearly eyed down Raiden’s blades for a moment before speaking again. “Again, I’m not picky. Just make it seem worth it.” 

Raiden adjusted his gear for a minute, as he eyed his firearm holstered to his hip. It’s true that he had been more used to regular blades in the past years. “Will this do? Socom-23, though I assume that name means nothing to you.”

“Afraid not. Though...” Rigs scratched his chin for a moment. “I guess that’d make it all the more intriguing.” He seemed to think again for a moment longer. The silence was near deafening for a moment before Rigs finally chimed again. “You got a deal, though as a weaponsmith of sorts, gotta give you the courtesy to know that I will be dismantling your weapon to sort of reverse engineer it in a way... that alright.”

“Yeah.” Raiden said without a thought. He never really made use of the gun, except for fighting Hegel the day prior. The truth was just that there was no need for it anymore, he was a master with blades, not guns anymore, and this new attachment would improve his skillsey further with training. He turned the gun over to Rigs before he shook Raiden’s hand firmly before tightening the severed arms in a wrapped rag and handing it to Raiden. 

“Thank you for your business.” Rigs nodded as Raiden returned the favor, and left the little tent into the sunny oasis.

[hider=New Item for Raiden]A cybernetic pair of arms disguising long mantis-like blades, able to pierce through metal.[/hider]

...

Raiden quickly returned to the Saloon where operations were continuing to be held. He remembered mention of the robot Poppi having been constructed by her master Tora, one of the original members of the group, and probably the most distinguishable. Raiden bravely made his way immediately to the small engineer as he made no waste of time. “Small friend-“ he caught himself, and quickly remembered the new companion’s name. “Tora” he corrected. “Could we talk for a quick moment, I... Might need some help.” It was hard for Raiden to ask for help. It was similar to how he was with the young robotics protegy Rose when he was a young adult. He gently handed the wrapped arm blades to Tora, giving the Master Nopon an opportunity to examine the contents. 

“I’d like some modifications, and to my knowledge, you might be able to help me?” He tapped on the arms he had just handed to Tora. “There are concealed robotic blades inside of those arms, and while they’re in questionable condition, I think they could be fixed and installed into my own arms.” He looked back to the Nopon’s eyes. “Obviously, since we’re crunched on time, not right now, but once we have a free minute, you think you could do it?” He believed in Tora at that moment and while his expression was blank, he hoped that sentiment was clear.