Lugubrious

World of Light

-Disregard-

World of Light

In the Court of The Cheesy Queen

starring
Fox, Midna, Red, Big Band, Alex Mercer
Word Count: 6606 (+7 EXP)

While following along with Midna and failing to notice anywhere that sold the frozen treats the pair was looking for, not surprising in a desert in all fairness, there was the additional problem of not having money. A problem that thankfully Red could rectify fairly easily. After all she still had to report to the Cowlipha about her mission's success. “Before we get scouting the shops you want to come with to visit the royal palace with me? Still gotta get my pay from the queen, might help us get our situation sorted, maybe ask if she’s got another request for us.” Maybe having Midna, who was apparently a princess, would help Red a little with her horrible lack of etiquette. Even if she didn’t feel like coming Red would start making her way to the palace.

”That. Would make everything a lot easier,” Midna admitted ”Good call.”

”How’d you wind up getting in with the queen to get this job in the first place?” she then asked, falling in line with Red as the mercenary headed to meet up with her hirer ”because that sounds like a very useful contact. I imagine she, or someone in her court, would know about what’s going on in the area we’re heading for too.”

Red laughed a little thinking of how she got the current job. Of course she wasn’t one for following official procedures or anything of that sort. “I just showed up and started asking around basically. Turns out the Cowlipha was looking for someone to figure out that trade route so I got lucky.” After a bit of walking they shortly found themselves at the palace entrance, to find Fox waiting there ahead of them. Wordlessly he waved the others over and proceeded inward. After they paused to allow a huge man in a trench coat stomp by, the Seekers moved between the unusually tall guards and into the palace.

Before them stretched a gigantic hallway. On either side rose fine white columns and arches, beyond which planters brimming with lush vegetation ran the entire corridor’s length. A veritable avenue of maroon tiles separated by stripes of green and orange led the gaggle of visitors onward under the ever-watchful, silent gaze of the golden guardsmen, past a trickle of disappointed-looking petitioners headed the other way. With heavy footfalls of the big, hat-wearing stranger ahead of them setting a constant beat, the group made for the end of the hall where they could see some towering edifice of scarlet cloth and gold. As they grew, closer, however, they could become increasingly aware that it wasn’t a throne they approached, but a four-post bed of staggering proportions, wrapped in opulent drapery. With that revelation, it followed that the thing within the bed’s confines was not some immense construction or heaping collection of something-or-others, but the Cowlipha herself.

The bell-shaped stranger whistled. In a deep, buttery smooth voice with a metallic timbre he remarked, “Mercy, mercy, mercy…so this is her Moojesty, eh? Color me impressed.” Without missing a beat he stomped in the direction of a long, elevated platform with attached staircases rose up on one side of the bed, presumably for addressing its occupant. Since ultimately nothing could be seen from the ground, it seemed reasonable to follow suit. At the base of the stairs, an agreeable-looking attendant waited with a polite, patient expression. “I am terribly sorry,” he was telling both the big man and the much more discreet fellow he arrived with. “Her Bovinity is not disposed toward meeting with anyone without suitable tribute. An offering of cheese the size of a child is necessary to so much as rouse her from her royal slumber.”

The big man turned to consort with his friend in low tones, giving the Seekers a good look at him for the first time. Almost from head to toe he was covered by a tan trench coat, with a fur collar and a number of odd, almost instrumental bronze augmentations. Dark metal legs held him up, and a porkpie hat lay over a face with glassy eyes and some kind of respiratory device. Under normal circumstances Big Band would have towered above just about anyone, but with the Queen in the picture his own size was less impressive. He moved off to the side, allowing the Seekers to move up.

In light of an apparent prerequisite, Fox turned to his comrades in attendance. Specifically Red, hoping, but not entirely expecting, that she might have come prepared. “I’m guessing neither of you would happen to have that on hand?” An inkling of annoyance with the circumstance seeped through in his voice, the very notion striking him as absurd; a potentially circuitous exercise in formalities they frankly didn’t have time for.

”No... We didn’t” Midna replied, finding the idea absurd but trying to roll with the situation. ”Don’t suppose you have any on hand we can trade for stuffed away in the pantry?” she asked the attendant.

“Our poor cheesemakers are working day and night to satiate Her Moojesty’s craving,” the attendant sighed. “I very much doubt they would have any to spare, but if you wait for the next delivery, you may present the offering for a chance to speak with her.” He glanced at a small crowd gathered by the stairs, some having brought their own chairs. “That said, these other supplicants have the same plan.”

With his mouth covered by his headwear, the big man mostly showed his disapproval with his eyebrows. “Ain’t that a shame. I don’t suppose she’d be too happy if I belted out some west end blues, either.”

The royal aide shook his head. “If you mean awaken her by force, I would expect a foul mood, rather unlikely to give anyone an ear.”

Midna held her face in her hands and groaned. That was two for two for the local royalty not being useful. It was not a good look. How these places were still ticking along with such absent royalty was a mystery to her. Actual no. no it wasn't. ”Someone must be running the place while she’s, ah, resting. A parliament, advisors, her heirs, a general…” she said, mostly to the group, before asking the attendant ”Is there someone who’s running the day to day of royal affairs we could speak too instead? We have news about Sweet Canyon they’ll likely be interested in.”

He nodded. “Oh, yes. Our vizier is graciously managing things in Her Bovinity’s place. He is a shrewd and capable fellow, not at all deserving of the unsavory reputation many affix to him, as he’s kept Al Mamoon in excellent condition, to say the least. If you’ve resolved the matter with the trade route, you should find his clerk, who manages royal commissions. If you have other matters to bring before him, though he is a busy man, I’m sure he would take the time to meet.” Pointing toward the right, he indicated a door illuminated by braziers on one side of the hallway. “You may find the court thataway.” He bowed to the petitioners in farewell. “I am Abull, and though I am but her Moojesty’s humble aide, I am at your service should you need anything else of me.”

While he didn’t have the surest grasp on matters of the crown, and little taste for politics in general, Fox couldn’t shake the feeling that something was inherently wrong with the way the chain of command worked in the Court. An ‘appointment by tribute’ system, with a material requirement that was presently in short supply, that left the apparent head of governance indefinitely indisposed while someone else took over to run the place in their stead, effectively installing them as a provisional de facto ruler? All the more reason to pay him a visit, then. They already needed to speak with him anyway.

”Thank you Abull” she gave the man an appreciative nod, echoed by Fox, even if it would have been nice if he’d started with that rather than having to be asked. Maybe it was an ad hoc filtration system to make sure only the people who really wanted answers could get them. Not a particularly honest way of doing things, but they’d gotten through it if that was the case.

”Looks like we’re just in the wrong spot. Let’s go meet this clerk first and then figure out if its worth bothering the man himself” she said to the team, before glancing over at the man who had threatened the queen with a rude awakening ”not sure if that helps you though mr...?”

The detective noticed the Twilight Princess for the first time, in her entirety, and what little face of his could be seen made him seem interested. It was a moment before he replied. “‘Scuse me little lady, seems I put myself in a silent way. They call me Big Band, and if I figure anyone’s in the know, it ain’t Big Chief up there. Guess we’ll be headin’ your way.”

”Nice to meet you. I’m Midna. Hopefully we all have better luck with her staff.” the princes replied as they headed in the direction they had been pointed.

Red was just about sick of all these incompetent rulers in this stupid place. Even though the Manager back home was a coward who never got involved, at least he did his damn job as well as he could. Most of the time. If it wasn’t for Midna being the exception to the rule she’d be completely done with royalty.

She was also really thankful Midna was here. If it wasn’t for that she’d probably end up getting kicked out of the palace. Or arrested. “That makes sense. I did talk to one of her servants the first time rather than the queen herself.” Red admitted, realizing she hadn’t really thought of it before they made it to her Moojesty’s presence. “I like your thinking though, brass man. I was tempted to try something similar but with gunshots. Probably would’ve ended badly.”

Band raised an eyebrow, but nothing came of it. The mercenary didn’t take much time to greet the two suspicious men, if the tall brass one could even be called a ‘man,’ that had followed them here and led the way to the vizier’s clerk, with Big Band taking up the rear. The door on the right of the main hall opened into a high, multilevel chamber of countless books and papers, all illuminated by the sun streaming down from the dome high above. Everywhere the newcomers looked, little helpers worked at their desks or ran documents around. Red made her way up to the large desk parked in the middle. “Hey bud. I’m here to collect my reward, got that trade route up and running again for ya guys.”

Seated comfortably behind her desk, the skeletal clerk looked up from filing her nails as the newcomers arrived, bobbing the great plume of red hair atop her head Her slouch and the stack of newspapers nearby contributed to an impression of particular disinterest, and when Red delivered her no-frills report, her sigh faintly rattled her ribs. “Yea, yea, yea,” she deadpanned in a strong New York accent. She shifted her weight to the other elbow so she could reach the nearby filing cabinet. Without as much of a moment’s hesitation she slid open the third drawer from the top and started rifling through its contents. “That wuzza...Pahnasse deseht trade, uh? We got crime, shahtages, ‘n infrastrucha problems out the wazoo, but it’s candy that gets people movin’, uh. Figyas.”

The clerks assessment of city management quite conflicted with the royal aide’s appraisal of the vizier’s managerial ability. “Sabotage” stood out to Fox specifically, considering what he had come here for, and “problematic infrastructure” was probably in some way relevant to that as well. They might all be connected. Red was here to collect on a trade route resolution after all. This all only added more notches to Fox’s level of suspicion.

She produced and laid down the contract, noting Red’s signature on the document as well as the listed reward. “Sign the second line unda the first. Mahks it complete, assumes all liability in case it tuhns outcha lied a’somethin’.” She counted the gold pieces she put into the sack for Red’s reward, then double checked the signature before forking it over. “Two hundred fifty gee pee. Pleazha doin’ business ‘n all that. Next!”

“Not my concern. I just do the job I get paid to do.” Red said as she happily signed to finish this job. Hoping that this would indicate that her time in Al Mamoon was coming to a close. This entire desert was getting on her nerves. She grabbed the sack of gold and inspected before being satisfied and turning away. “If ya got any more jobs that need done around here you let me know. I’ll do anything for the right price.” She looked at Midna and held up the gold triumphantly. “This should help fund our little mountain trip.”

The secretary looked unamused. “Look sweetie, ya want moa wahk, take it up with a job boahd. They’re all ova the joint, except right hea.” She lifted a bony hand and waved behind Red. “Next!”

”Well that was efficient. And that’s definitely more of a currency than the paper we have. Nice work Red.” Midna commented after taking a peek at the gold, before moving out of the way of Big Band so he could try his luck. She wasn't expecting he’d have much but who knew. What she was interested in was if there was anything that might be do-able on their way up the mountain, or which might get them a power boost. With that in mind she hovered over to the board to see what was on it. It featured a number of contract fliers neatly tacked to the backing, along with a general bulletin.

Job Board

Due to the massive growth the city has experienced lately, the city guard is understaffed to keep order and resolve all issues as they arise. As such, Bounties have been issued directly by the Crown, offering greater rewards

• BOUNTY: Paranormal Thief - the individual responsible for the theft of several notable objects from prominent city fixtures remains unidentified and at large. Caution is urged given the potential threat posed by perpetrator’s extremely varied arsenal. 1000 GP reward
• BOUNTY: Potential Infestation - new vermin have been spotted in the vicinity of the cisterns. Eradicate all of them before they can take root. 400 GP reward
• BOUNTY: Mimic - at least one creature that pretends to be a treasure chest has appeared in various buildings near the Bazaar District, including warehouses and cellars. It ambushes whoever opens it. So far it hasn’t managed to claim any lives, but it’s only a matter of time. 600 GP reward
• BOUNTY: Scam Artist - reports of a swindler tricking residents out of their money with various schemes have come in from the Residential District. This nuisance must be apprehended. 400 GP reward
• BOUNTY: Queen Lowlah’s Affliction - Her Moojesty continues to wallow in the grip of a terrible obsession. The Vizier himself is offering a hefty prize for whoever might be able to definitively restore her to her former glory, without posing any risk to Her Moojesty. 1500 GP reward

“Actually, we’re not done.” Fox stepped past Red and approached the desk, addressing the clerk. “We’ve other matters for the throne, but since the queen’s asleep, we request an audience with her second-in-command. Urgently,” Fox emphasized calmly, but not without a layer of sharpness in his tone.

There was a second of silence during which the secretary just stared at him. Then her jaws twisted into a smirk. “Top floah, right by the staihs,” she replied.

“Thanks.” Fox answered with a nod before walking off in the given direction. He scanned the job board in passing then shook away any thought of taking work from it. He couldn’t afford the distraction, and frankly, the jobs listed were beneath his pay grade. It behooved him to remember, though, that he didn’t take or refuse jobs for the money. He then looked to Midna and Red expectantly while they browsed the board. “Coming?” he asked, nodding them over. He expected going as a company would make them look more convincing in their ‘official business’, but he would be attending the Vizier regardless. It was just a question of if he’d do it with or without them.

When Fox headed off Big Band sidled up, but he was hardly surprised when his tentative question received a vehement rebuff. "Whaddya think I am, a secyuhity camera? Ask the vizea." After that, he couldn't do much but follow on Fox's footsteps.

Midna made a quick note of the jobs on the board, considering their party contained a number of thieves (more than she knew in fact) the idea of using a thief to catch a thief had immediately come to mind, and then headed after Fox, mostly to see what was going to go down.

Red also took a look at the board for any possibilities. The strange thief and the mimic seemed pretty up her alley but now wasn’t the time. Fox was calling them over and it seemed he wanted to speak to the Vizier. Which worked for her cause she had some info that she wanted as well. Thankfully he was more vulpine than lupine so she had no problems with him for now, so she followed after him and Midna silently. With Big Band seeming to follow too.

Mercer had, for the last couple of minutes, elected to remain silent as he observed the other seekers. They were no less strange than anything else he’d seen thus far, although some of their appearances he couldn’t help but note as odd. In the end however, he simply followed after Band as he made his way into another one of the palace’s many rooms, standing next to the trench coat clad detective silently with his arms crossed.

Just as the secretary said, the spiral staircase that provided access to the court’s top floor led straight to a large, thick door. The prominent plaque it bore overhead simply read ‘Vizier’. A knock elicited a call in a firm, if somewhat raspy male voice. “Come in!”

When the door swung open, it revealed a fine if passably ominous office, decorated in a muted style that managed to be rich but not overbearing or lavish. Purple rugs with yellow fringe and approximately zigzag patterns covered the floor, and matching curtains hung in abundance. A handful of bronze instruments lay here or there, either upon the low, cushion-surrounded table near the door or free-standing thanks to greater size. At the far end of the room, the bright yellow lamps illuminated the vizier in all his glory, a middle-aged man with wild dark brown hair, both slender and muscular at once, heavily ornamented and possessed of elaborate, showy garb. A single streak of white occupied the very center of his pointy beard. A book lay upon the wooden desk before him, in the middle of a vast pile of professional miscellany from inkwells to ledgers to a framed photograph of himself with a younger man in similar attire. The name plate before him held just one word: Validar. He looked up at the new arrivals, noting how many there were, and set down his feather. “Good morning,” he greeted them in an even tone. “May I help you?”

Fox began sizing the darkly man up from the moment he pushed his way into the room, by his trappings and bearing. The room itself was about what one would expect for a right-hand attendant of royalty. From the man himself he could assume little by appearances, beyond the fact that he bore vague stylistic resemblance to the ‘darker’ figures he had met in the past from other worlds, like Ganondorf. He supposed Midna might sooner know and act accordingly. He could assume slightly more, however, from the portrait on his desk of him and a loosely familiar fellow Smash Brother, in which the latter looked decidedly uncomfortable. Had he been there with them to explain why, that might have left less to question, but he would just have to see where this took them.

“We hope so,” he answered on his continued approach. “We’d have asked the Cowlipha, but she’s out, apparently.” Without acting to insinuate anything, Fox casually alluded to the matriarch's indisposition that brought them before the Vizier. Fox’s unshifting gaze affixed to him with scrutinous intent.

“Indeed…” Validar expressed his concern. “Her Moojesty’s affliction has rendered her unable to perform the duties of a sovereign.”

Fox nodded nonchalantly at the statement and continued. “I’ll get to it. We’re here on a mission. Thought we might need your help with that, and by the sound of things, maybe you could use ours.” Fox preempted the subject of mutual compensation in the likely event it came up in their discussion.

The vizier looked interested. He placed his elbows on the desk before him and tented his fingers. “There is much I can offer, and there is much in this city that must be done. How can we help one another?”

“The armored train in the yard. We thought we might take it off your hands. We’ve already got someone working to get it running, but we thought we’d come ask for it while we’re at it… and if the tracks reach the mountain.” Fox left a second of space in his speech for the Vizier to ponder the possibility, or for alternatives, should they prove necessary. “But then we found out about Her Majesty,” as he mistitled her, “came to collect her bounty,” he gestured to Red as an implicit commendation for a job well done taking one less problem off their hands, “and found out you’re still having problems. Problems that we might be able to take care of. ‘Crime and sabotage’ were the word,” he more or less quoted the secretary, leaving out ‘infrastructure’, but leaving it implied. “Any chance they’re related?” His question pertained simultaneously to the train he came to ask about, the dormant sovereign he came to ask in the first place, the job Red had just completed for them, and anything else of potential relevance to their discussed trade of service for favor. He was confident they could and would be happy to solve these problems in one move (or as few as possible) for them, but they would do well to have some lead on it first, if they could gather one.

Validar leaned forward, putting his clasped hands in front of his mouth as he thought. “Hm. Well, that was a lot in one breath, so allow me to address one matter at a time. You mentioned the train…” He narrowed his eyes, making a snap decision about how much to share. “It is indeed a waste of space that could be put to better use for hauling cargo. I would be glad to see it go, but assigning a mechanic already was rather presumptuous. If its weaponry is restored, particularly that needlessly large cannon...I’m sure you understand the sort of concern that presents for Al Mamoon.” Inside his head, the gears turned quickly, processing the possibilities. “There are many possibilities to work around this problem, but all require one thing: trust. Which may tie into your second point.”

He spread his hands, palms tilted upward. “These are important times for the city. Running one is not easy. Running the region’s cultural and economic forerunner is rather difficult.” He seemed just a little annoyed by the phrasing of ‘still having problems.’ “So yes, there are some...issues, around town. For all their diversity, they boil down to a singular fact: demand outweighs supply. I made the assurance of adequate food and water to the people my number-one priority, so construction and especially security are the main thorns in our side. Material shortages mean things get built more slowly and less soundly than they should, and incompletion invites disorder. There are not enough guards to cover the cracks, since the Ruin Sentinels are rather primitive. My Grimleal try to fill the gaps, but the populace seldom offers them their cooperation.” He gave a snakelike smile. “The price I’ve paid for not working to improve my image.”

Much of what the Vizier went over came down to a legitimate management and logistics problem rather than a “shoot at whatever’s causing trouble” problem. In other words, there were issues Fox may be ill-qualified to attend to personally, but he felt certain they had fit hands and resources they could pull from Alcamoth. Prospectively, their extended service to Al Mamoon would grant them an additional foothold there. His eyes shifted over to Midna with a look of “You getting this?” on the assumption that she would perhaps be thinking the same (or similar), and make note between them to phone home after they left.

The princess nodded. She had indeed found the man’s appearance to be suspicious, but she was hoping that the queen’s attendant’s comment about him not deserving the ‘unsavory reputation’ he had was legitimate. His concerns and priorities certainly sounded well meaning enough, and if they were going to be working around town for a bit they could get a better understanding of what, if anything, he had done to earn his reputation other than, well, fashion sense.

Straightening up, Validar continued. “But yes, despite all I have done for this city, it is not what I would call stable. We need help to stem the bleeding. Maybe you’ve already pieced together what I have in mind. The tracks do lead to the mountain, terminating at Tostarena town, a place of tourism. If you want to take the Railway Gun there, we’ll need to put our faith in one another, despite the odds. Aid Al Mamoon in our time of need, and the train is yours, provided you agree to the use of a failsafe.”

With the prospect of Alcamoth’s aid in mind, Fox almost thought about reassuring him that they had zero intentions of helping a town one minute only to turn their biggest guns on it the next, especially while their own people were stationed within it. Little did Validar know that it wasn’t entirely a matter of necessity for fair requital that stopped them either, for they had enough at home to just as easily hurt them as it could help them. If they wanted to simply take the train, and do with it as they damn well please, they could. No, their show was run by (mostly) honorable people who were more interested in restoring the world than blowing it away when and where it inconvenienced them (excepting the Dead Zone for good reason). Fox thought the better of showing their hand in one light or the other, however, until they had a better read of the terms. Returning his full attention to the Vizier, he instead asked simply, “What’d you have in mind?”

“The Bounties posted to the castle job boards are some of our highest-prority problems,” Validar told him. “That said, since you all are clearly not from around here, I can share something else. At the moment our greatest issue is not the showboating thief, or con artists, or slimes in the sewers. Pockets of organized crime have taken root in Al Mamoon, hurting the livelihoods of our citizens. Rather annoyingly, they call themselves the Resistance, and many clothe their naked villainy with pronouncements of ‘ending corruption’ and ‘restoring the city’, all while ransacking and fighting as they please. And if you don’t agree, you’re among the corrupt, and deserving of whatever may befall you...preposterous.”

The vizier looked grim, pain evident in his features as he glanced at the picture on his desk. “But transparent egoism can be compelling. Even my own son has cast his lot in with them…” His face hardened. “But they cannot undo what has already been done. This threat to Al Mamoon must end. We have identified their hideouts, but do not have the manpower to strike both at once. That is where you would come in. If you can do this, without bringing any harm to my son...” Once again Validar tented his fingers. “I will know we are on the same side. The side of a brighter tomorrow.”

Mercer leaned towards Band, gaze trained on the vizier, mostly because he was getting tired of staring at the opulently decorated office around them.

”This talk of infrastructure and bounties is great and all,” he muttered. ”But we still have our own problems to solve.”

Big Band gave a curt nod and took a halfstep forward, indicating his intention to pipe up as soon as the others wrapped up their business.

If she was being entirely honest with herself here, Red wasn’t entirely sure if she believed half of the things coming out of the vizier’s mouth. If she was judging based on appearance alone he looked just so incredibly evil. But appearances can be deceiving, and he sounded fairly on the level and like he actually cared for this city and even his own son so who knows. It’s not like she ever questioned people’s intentions when taking a job before and he wasn’t about to start now. ”Now you’re speaking my language,” the mercenary said as she strided up next to Fox after standing behind him this whole time. After all suppression like this was much more her speed as far as jobs went. ”As long as the others agree that the payment is sufficient for the job I’d like to hear as much info as you got on this group and their hideout, as well as any other intel or equipment you got.” She looked over to both Midna and Fox to make sure they were both onboard with this mission.

Validar waved his hand. “That is a matter the Grimleal will be able to help you with. Their headquarters is the temple just outside the palace, on the right. If that’s everything, I’m afraid I am a rather busy man...”

Looking between his two comrades, Fox’s already blankly serious expression hardened as well at the mention of family. It didn’t tell him much; mostly just raised more questions really, but it was good to know nonetheless. “We’ll look into it; see what we can do... and I promise no harm will come to your son. No more than necessary.” He offered his assurances sympathetically, but truthfully. In a sense it was entirely true, that he had more than purely practical reasons to care for his well-being. Though, he felt no need to explain to him why: that he was acquainted with his son, little did he know, and that inevitable harm was necessary in securing his freedom and safety. Validar didn’t look happy, but it looked like he understood. With their mutual acknowledgement, Fox took his leave. As many issues were left unaddressed, he felt he had all he needed to go on for the time being.

“Just one more thing, Mister Magic.” Big Band took a step forward. “Since you’re Head of intelligence ‘round here, I was hopin’ you might’ve seen a little girl named Peacock.” A tiny metal arm slid out from a hole in his coat, its padded pincer holding a photograph of a girl in a hat who didn’t look quite right. “Ring any bells?”

After a moment the vizier nodded. “Yes, I believe so. She and a boy named Crow were in town recently. They took a Bounty to investigate a marauding force of robots. I’m afraid I haven’t seen them since.”

”I met Crow and saw her in Sweet Canyon. They didn't come here with us, so they should still be around there” Midna chipped in.

“That so? Good to hear she’s in one piece, though I’m not surprised.” Band didn’t seem bothered. “I almost feel bad for those robots. Kid’s got a mischievous streak five hundred miles high.” He retracted the photo, then tipped his hat. If Peacock invited him here and was still waltzing around, she’d be back to meet him before too long. “That’s me taken care of. Be good.” Leaving Mercer to pose his own question, he plodded off.

Mercer, sparing Band the briefest of glances as he left the room, stepped up to the vizier’s desk.

”Speaking of intelligence, I also happen to be looking for someone.”

There was a short pause.

”Maybe you can help.”

Validar blinked, waiting out the second dramatic pause with a less-than-amused expression. “That would depend on you telling me about this person, I suppose.”

”It’s my sister, Dana. She’s got short brown spiked hair and silver blue eyes. Can swear like a sailor when she wants to and isn’t one to back down from a fight. You see or hear of anyone like that around?”

It didn’t take long for the vizier to shake his head. “This Dana must be keeping a lower profile than your acquaintance’s friend. I have not heard of this person, but you can ask my secretary to draft a missing persons poster for the job boards. Now, if you all will excuse me...”

Mercer didn’t reply. He merely nodded and made his way out of the room, stopping by the secretary’s office as suggested to draft a poster for the boards, before making his way back through the palace in an attempt to find Band. Deal was a deal after all, and he intended to uphold his end of the bargain.

The Seekers left the office and retraced their earlier steps through the court, back into the wide open space and relative privacy of the main hall. With Band and Mercer headed the same way, a little discretion was called for.

“Thoughts, Princess?” Fox asked in a hushed tone for Midna’s impression of both the Vizier and the situation as they proceeded outward. Even if he could later get a more informed opinion as he had hoped to, he preferred at least to know if they were on like wavelengths.

“I’m missing the context of the specifics of this train you’ve found,” she and Red had headed out before Tora made his discovery, “so keep that in mind.

“Tora’s on it now,” he clarified. “You can go see for yourself; maybe fill him in while you’re at it. I’ll let him worry about the ‘specifics’.”

The princess held her chin contemplatively for a moment and then said her piece “At a bare minimum, the... let’s call them the above board jobs seem like they’re beneficial to the people no matter what and we’ll get money we can use to generously fund our trip up the mountain and possibly let us restock if we come back. If we can get the train out of just that, and if the ‘tracks’ the trains use run up north to the cites up there, then all the better.“

Fox agreed to some extent, nodding along thoughtfully to let her know that. He considered the possibility that they brought enough manpower with them to complete said tasks within the day, knowing it would require splitting, or if they would necessarily have to do all of them. Part of this would likely hinge on the continued cooperation of the Phantom Thieves’ and their willingness to take up such tasks. Failing that, introducing them to ‘the Resistance’ might prove an enticing proposition for them...

“As for the below/off board job, well, obvious dubious morality of the situation aside“ she hoped she didn't have to explain what she meant by that “That might be getting too deep into local politics. We start down that road and we’ll have best make sure we get to the end of it lest we keep tripping over loose ends“ and she did not want to get bogged down in a protracted war with a potentially heroic rebel group, both for ethical and practical reasons.

“Whatever we decide to do, I’d like to be quick about it,” he iterated aloud his intention against lingering in one place for too long. That was to say he concurred on some level in regards to brevity. “If nothing else, we may already have an ally on the inside.”

As the two finished, Big Band allowed his path to take him closer to the group. “‘Scuse me there, I don’t mean to intrude. It seems like you folks might be lookin’ into that special job our friend Sidewinder mentioned. He made it sound like a fine mess, what with all the family drama, mixed messages, ‘n political intrigue.” The detective gave a wry laugh. “All my favorite things. Who knows who’s in the right? But when right goes wrong, Big Band’s on the case. If the word of law falls, pick it up and hold it higher!” From his coat a giant pneumatic arm reached out, a single finger raised from its brass knuckles. “In other words, one truth prevails. And I intend to find it, with or without acknowledgement.”

He was right. There was, in this World, one universal truth, but with the telling red glint in his glassy eyes, he would never find it, no matter where he looked; even if he looked to the sky. If the brass-made detective had any ideas about following them to look for it, one could certainly say he was on the right track. Glancing at Midna and Red for some clue or vote of confidence in the titanic stranger that approached them before telling him as much himself.

“Well, if you’re looking our way for it, I can tell you you’re looking in the right direction. Can’t promise you’ll like it though,” he ended on a word of disclaimer, issued tonally without the intent to threaten.

Band looked unfazed. “Well, you needn’t.”

”I might as well join you,” Mercer said, striding over. ”Got a deal to keep after all. Besides, I doubt I’ll find Dana by sitting around doing nothing all day.”

It seemed they were gaining no shortage of interest in such a short time. Fox wasn’t entirely sure how to feel about that. He had previously advocated himself for taking help where they could find it, but recognized a need for established trust in those who joined their cause. It wasn’t so easy as explaining to them along the way that they had an ultimate goal in common. Looking between the strangers and his comrades, he concluded it would be best to feel this out as they went.

“We should head back. Rally the others. Fill them in on what we’ve learned and go from there,” he told Red and Midna (who nodded in agreement) before addressing the other two. “If you two care to help, there’s a spot for you. You’re welcome to come with us.” With that, the Seekers were already making their first steps (or equivalent) back toward the station to reconvene with the others. From the provisional invitation to join them he omitted the “just don’t cross us or else” clause, expecting that they would have enough sense about them to make it go without saying. He hadn’t thus far needed to make that point with anyone they had recruited, nor been given reason to doubt or suspect them. He would like, and expect, that it stay that way.

“Music to my ears.” Band agreed, and followed along as the troop made its way from the palace.

Infactorium: A New 4Xpansion (Overlord RP) [DISCONTINUED]

Sorry for the delay, I'll be getting something up soon.

World of Light

Ms Fortune

Level 4 Nadia (14/40)
Location: Bottomless Sea
Blazermate's @Archmage MC, Bowser's @DracoLunaris, Ace Cadet's @Yankee, Hat Kid's @Dawnrider, Sakura's @Zoey Boey, Frog's @Dark Cloud, Mirage’s @Potemking, Mr. L’s @ModeGone
Word Count: 1328

If anything united the assorted odd assortment of heroes and hero adjacents split between the airship and the living ship, it was a unilateral dislike for sharks. Even though they were just animals and couldn’t possibly pose a threat to anyone from down in the water, or even to the vessel’s metallic outer hull, Nadia loathed the overgrown fish. After finally escaping the pitched battle in Black Bay the last thing they needed was another run-in with bloodthirsty, vicious, fang-toothed sea monsters that had no right to be as fast as they were.

Out of all of them, the newcomer without so much as a taste of Abyssal gunsmoke spoke up in favor of shark annihilation first. His bravado lasted just a moment though, replaced by worry for Shippy’s wellbeing if subjected to his doohickey’s electrical discharge. While only able to boast a few hours more experience with the vessel than Mirage, Nadia did her best to picture how the ship would react. “Before I give my ‘boat’ of confidence, how big a zap are we talkin’? Must be a heck of a jolt if it could take ‘em all out.” Her attention then got distracted by Rika’s seaplanes flying out from the belly of Atomos, zipping overhead to survey the ocean that lay before them. Another batch of ships, rounder and redder, deployed from Bella’s tail, but rather than sally forth they flanked the Atomos. Since those in the airship did their compatriots the courtesy of keeping pace with Shippy, the Water Princess’s bombers encountered no trouble. It made sense to Nadia; as good as the same sort of bombers used by the Midway Princess had been at finding things, their tendency to blow themselves up on them afterward prevented the retrieval of intel.

The cool air brought on by the storm made Nadia shiver, and for the first time since arriving in the Edge of the Blue she regretted her pragmatically minimal choice of attire. She was glad for the distraction provided be the others, which for the moment entailed using the cannons to dispatch the sharks. With one of the emplacements healed over but not restored, rather like a lost finger, Shippy featured only three cannon batteries, but Nadia figured it would be more than enough to fillet some fish. Why Link felt the need to make her imagine them with mounted guns, she couldn’t say. The hero changed the subject, asking about the storm. “I’m purr-etty sure,” she told him, pointing up at the clouds with a clawlike nail. “Check out that mew-vement. They’re not blowin’ in one direction, they’re swirlin’ around a central point. I’d be shocked if it suddenly shifted our way.”

Peach ruminated on the possibility of retreat, as disappointing as that might be, but waited until the vessel herself could think over the proposed course of action. “I can get there,” Shippy told the crew. “These waves are manageable, as is this wind. If things don’t intensify drastically, I won’t have an issue. If we run into an emergency, I can seal you all inside me and dive underwater for as long as you have air.”

After another moment of thinking, Peach spoke up. “We must tread carefully to prevent further loss of life, and I’m open to the option of retreating when faced with extreme danger. Although taking risks is part of our job, the ocean itself is a totally different foe, and can easily do more damage to our team than either of the Guardians we’ve faced. That said, we can’t run at the first sight of danger. We need to get an idea of what we’re facing out here. Then we can think about alternatives.”

Sakura’s short-range receiver picked up Peach’s loud and clear, relaying what she thought to those aboard the Atomos. Down on Shippy, Nadia felt that the princess point of view was justified. “Yeah, we can make it. We’ll check out that rig or whatever, and see how things pan out.” She started stretching, trying to both limber and warm herself up. That also meant extending her muscles between her segments.elongating her limbs to disproportionate levels as she tried to loosen up. At about that time, Mirage opted to take Link’s advice and accept one of his collected spirits. Nadia snuck a glance as the two made the exchange and saw that the colorful mote held the image of an Abyssal, specifically those nasty, three-in-one pests, the imps. As Mirage took the spirit in and the lightshow began, Nadia could only hope that he didn’t end up growing extra heads.

For Mirage

Fading spirit absorbed:
PT Imp Pack
The host has gotten a little smaller and more pale. His goggles have become a black armored plate with a built-in zoom feature, but less visibility, and are lined with teeth on the top and bottom. His torso harness has been added to, with oblong black shoulderplates in the shape of the Imps’ heads, including decorative curled horns, and teeth on the straps. There are two tubes like scuba tanks attached to the back of the harness, vertical along his back. This spirit confers the Power Abyss Toddle, which provides a moderate increase to swimming speed and underwater visibility, as well as repelling water to stay on the surface, albeit without any movement bonus on the surface. It also confers the Weakness Stubbier, making normal activity a little weird thanks to his slightly shorter limbs.

No extra heads it would appear, but Mirage did shrink a little. Other than that it seemed mostly equipment-based, as if the spirit he’d picked didn’t have a lot of power. Nadia took note that taking in spirits of a different size always seemed to have an impact on one’s own stature. She herself wouldn’t mind being a little taller, since longer reach and more meat to work with would be fine advantages, but scraping the clouds like Geralt? Psh, no way. Not even a little jealous.

Since nobody elected to pulverize the sharks just yet, Shippy retained her hungry escort, but continued onward without issue. When the odd shark drew too close to her prow her giant maw spat a cannonball or two to hurry it on its way. Once she left the shore behind the waves got rougher, moving the whole vessel up and down with each pass. Nadia grabbed hold of the railing, hoping she wouldn’t have any trouble keeping her early lunch down. When she noticed tall crags of rock rising from the ocean ahead, she furrowed her eyebrows. “Wait, I thought this was bottomless? How’s that stuff pokin’ up?”

“Well, when we come across bottomless pits, the sides of the pit extend all the way down, don’t they?” Peach remarked.

Nadia looked confused. “Wait, there’s no such thing as a bottomless pit. Just really, really deep pits.” She flicked a bead of seaspray from her ear. “Then again, this ocean’s probably the same way. Just deeper than anyone’s ever gone.”

The ships were almost halfway to the source of the beacon when Rika’s seaplanes picked something up ahead near where the crags of rock loomed like misshapen monoliths. They discovered the movement of large shapes, then the large shapes themselves. In good time they reported back and allowed the information to circulate, giving the ships a chance to steer around if they so chose, and Peach definitely chose. In due course the Seekers got a good look as the gargantuan territorial dispute unfolding before them. A purple sea monster bigger than both ships combined with just its visible part, sporting a single hateful eye and a head of writhing tentacles, had risen from the depths to challenge the ruler of the precipice. Though much smaller, the monstrosity that lurked upon the crags was far more vicious, lashing out with the hideous deep sea eels that stretched like nightmarish limbs from beneath her dress of fins. No matter how the tentacled one roared and pounded, the nimble horror twisted out of the way and wrenched out another couple chunks of flabby flesh. It had a lot to work through though, and its opponent seemed quite intent on toppling its stony dominion.

As the titans clashed, Nadia watched with wide eyes. Only after a few moments had gone by did she find her words. “Guys. Do you see that thing? The big one. It....it has moobs…” She broke down, unable to hold a straight face any longer, into a giggle fit. Still, for her lack of seriousness she was quite content to not get involved in the awesome struggle, and spectate from a distance instead. Even the sharks took note of it, drawn away from Shippy by the scent of monster blood, but for the most part Nadia missed of the traffic of dark shapes beneath the salty swells.

Snowdin

@Gentlemanvaultboy

Just the sight of someone interested in his wares seemed to put Sal in a good mood, so when Linkle requested permission to get hands-on, the salamander gave her the universal go nuts gesture with a nod and waved hand. With only a moment spent glancing at the other items she went straight for the crossbows, savoring every square inch of their elegant, lavish craft. She handled them as if she’d held them all her life, revealing their alternate-fire motion with a casualness that suggested it was quite familiar. It seemed tough to put them back down.

He could tell immediately that she didn’t have enough money, but she launched into negotiations straightaway. If this girl was trying to curb her enthusiasm for the sake of a deal, she was doing a terrible job. Any salesman worth his salt could put her through the wringer, but her genuine appreciation put a toothy smile on Sal’s face, and he laced his scaly fingers together. “Hmm. Well, it’sss not exactly a bargain on my end, given both sssets’ craft and level of wear. I won’t sssay no to ssseeing what else you have, but...I’ll tell you what. It’sss not like they’re doing any good sssitting in my bag. Ssso I’ll make the trade, ssso long as you owe me...a favor.”

Edge of the Blue - Atlantis Temple

@Zavazggg

Without so much as changing his facial expression the poolside snail attendant at the base of the stairs stamped Sephiroth’s card, filling out all four squares in no particular hurry. He handed the card back, then as the red-haired philanderer from earlier splashed down from the big slide, lifted his walkie-talkie to his mouth. “Clear.” Though he spoke to his opposite number at the top of the slide, Sephiroth took the word to heart, and cleared out before that infuriatingly handsome ginger could make eyes at her again.

Next up on her whirlwind tour of Atlantis Temple was Making Waves, which took place in a circular pool by one wall. This one, it gladdened her to see, had a visible bottom, with neither frogs nor jellyfish obscuring her vision of a spotless floor. She arrived a few moments after a game wrapped up and thus didn’t manage to sneak a peek at what lay in store, but instead needed to wait a minute or two for more guests to gather. She did not raise her hackles when the white-haired surfer man reappeared, nor the bespectacled, maroon-braided woman in her black and orange two-piece, but another familiar face warranted at least an inward groan. Syndra, it seemed, hadn’t had her fill of opposing her. ”Making Waves, huh? You might by two for two so far, but your lucky streak’s finished the moment you’re on the water!”

The snail attendant glanced between the two riled-up women with her eyestalks, nonplussed. “Ahem? May I have your attention?” Once all four were looking her way, she laid out the groundwork. “As you appear to be aware, this is Making Waves. Our most competitive game, a three-on-one slugfest. Take a look.” She pointed at the pool. A shallow bowl a few feet in diameter floated in the center, and three colorful rubber floats surrounded it in a triangle formation. “It’s three against one. The three stay at the edges of the pool, working together to make waves from different angles to try and knock the one off, and the one must stay out of the water for thirty seconds. One stamp for playing, one stamp for winning as the three, one stamp for winning as the one, and one…” she pointed upward, to where a fishing net dangled above the pool. Sand Dollars hung on rubber hooks. “For grabbing a Sand Dollar from up above. Will you risk dunking yourself for the bonus? Who knows…” Sounding less than enthusiastic, the snail held up straws, and Syndra drew the short one. “Alright Miss Lavendar, you’re in the middle. The rest of you, grab a float and get ready to make some waves!”

At that time, the doors of the Temple of Atlantis slid open to admit a small group. The snail receptionist turned their way, saying, “Welcome to the…!”

He was cut off as the frontrunner, a huge, fat man with a blonde mohawk, expelled a loud sigh of relief. “Ahhhhhhhh!” He proceeded to stretch his sweaty arms and air out his pits. “That’s more bloody like it! Air conditionin’, at last. Got a bit dodgy crossin’ that jungle, believe you me! A packet’a crisps’n I can die ‘appy.” Rounding on the snail receptionist, he smacked both hands down on the counter. “Oi, got any food? ‘Ow ‘bout yer bog? I’ve gotta take a real...!”

The young lady behind him gave him and his pits a wide berth, her disdain evident on her features. “Can’t you have even a little decorum?” the elegant girl reproached him, bouncing her blonde curls. “We’re not here to ‘faff about’ as you so often put it, you know. This is a serious matter, Birdie.”

“I know, I know!” Birdie protested. “But I weren’t lyin’, I’ve really gotta…!”

Karin averted her eyes as she held up a hand. “I don’t want to know! If you must, then be quick about it!”

All the while the snail looked dumbfounded, and a little intimidated. “Uh, excuse me…? If you’re not here for the water park...?”

“Afraid not,” another girl added to the reel of interruptions, shaking her giant purple ponytail from side to side. Although already dressed well enough for a day of fun in the pools, her pretty face bore a solemn expression.

The snail glanced at the fourth member of the group hanging back from the other to see a sunken-eyed police officer scanning the water park, then back at Shantae. Anyone who was anyone who lived within a stone’s throw of the Blue knew Limsa Lominscuttle Town’s Half-Genie Hero, so when she came knocking about serious matters, it paid to pay attention. “What is it?”

“We’re looking for an escaped criminal Potentially dangerous,” Shantae told her. “A woman, a little above average height. Long, lilac-white hair. Eyepatch, dark clothing, potentially carrying a longsword. Her trail led near here.”

Shantae could tell by the snail’s fearful expression that she was barking up the right tree. “Oh my gosh, she’s here! She came in about an hour ago. Didn’t come through here or use the emergency exit in the back.” He twiddled his thumbs nervously. “Her clothes were filthy, so she probably changed into a swimsuit. Be careful!”

“Oh?” Shantae crossed her arms, putting on a brave face. Birdie stomped back over, looking more even relieved than before, fixing up his hair with a switchblade comb. One nod from Shantae, however, and he cracked a leering grin. Karin was doing some warm-up stretches, and Officer Nanu looked as grim as he was ready. “You don’t need to worry about us.”

The snail remained quiet for a moment. "Um, okay, but I'm going to notify the fish guards anyway. A few extra eyes won't hurt, right?" The newcomers agreed, and after a quick conversation dispersed in pairs to begin their search of the premises.

World of Light

Tora & Poppi

Level 8 Tora (3/80) and Level 8 Poppi (56/80)
Location: Sandswept Sky - Hollow Heights
Primrose's @Yankee, Fox's @Dawnrider, Sectonia's @Archmage MC Midna's @DracoLunaris, Yoshitsune's @Rockin Strings, Red’s @TheDemonHound, Laharl’s @Dark Cloud
Word Count: 1673

Gnorbu seemed more terrified by Yoshitsune’s prostration than anything, totally unprepared for the passion the man attached to his broken blade. “O-oh, uh…” Suddenly put on the spot, he racked his brains trying to remember if the desert city featured a foundry that might suit the pleading man’s needs. The residents of Parnasse, after all, never needed weapons or armor, but even if he didn’t frequent such an establishment Gnorbu felt he knew the lay of the land well enough to say. When Midna opened up the subject of money she and those that chimed in bought Gnorbu a little time to think, and in that period he did manage to recollect a pertinent location. “Yes, I think there was a place. On the thoroughfare, by the guardhouse. Open-air, with lots of weapons lying around. Can’t miss it!” He certainly hoped that Yoshitsune would be able to deal with whatever left him so distraught.

While his comrades talked about money and shopping, Tora had more of a mind for machines. Until today he had never seen a train, but after arriving in this station the Nopon just about found himself overwhelmed by choice. There were trains of all sorts arrayed between the platforms, from boxy green to brightly lit to actually just wood, but he quickly fixated on just one--one that made the rest look like toys. “Mehmehmeh!?” With wide eyes he waddled toward the central platform, alongside which rested an utter monstrosity of a locomotive. Though housed snugly within the bright, glass-domed atrium of the station, it boasted a height greater than most buildings, and its raw metal made for a sharp contrast against the checkered tile and intricately-carved sandstone around it. The hulking central chassis, from which a massive cannon protruded with singular menace, lay behind not one but two locomotives on two different tracks and spanned the gap between them. Suddenly, the tracks running in parallel across the desert took on a new meaning in Tora’s mind; he’d assumed that they merely facilitated traffic in both directions simultaneously. Of course, the tracks interested him far less than the gun. As rusted and disused as the behemoth engine seemed to be, he could think of no better weapon to put to use against the equally massive boss of the Sandswept Sky.

As such, he pitter-pattered over to an officious-looking person with palpable excitement. At first the stranger seemed to be a sort of yellow bird in a black uniform and hat, but when he spoke into his handheld radio and revealed a wide, jagged mouth in the process, Tora was less certain, and the not-bird spoke with a thick accent to boot that almost reminded him of Nia’s. Nevertheless he waited for his soon-to-be friend to finish his conversation, bouncing with energy all the while. “Hello, hello!” Tora called as soon as the Conductor looked his way. “Tora new here. What is super wow-wow amazing machine!?”

“Oh, this?” The Conductor waved his hand at the locomotive. “Sure this Railway Gun might look impressive, but it’s nothin’ but a bloody eyesore. Just a mountain of ugly metal, ‘eavier than the palace itself most like. Can’t run it, can’t even move it. ‘Ad to put a cork in just to make the wee babies happy.”

Sure enough, the aptly-named Railway Gun’s main cannon featured a comically large cork wedged in its barrel, which Tora guessed came from one of the milk-jug towers. Though the sight made him giggle, it was the least of his concerns. “Why?” he asked.

Shrugging, the Conductor told him, “It’s just peckin’ broken, is why. Not a soul in the city who can make ’eads or tails of the bleedin’ thing, with all its doohickies ‘n thingamabobs, let alone fix it. Like somethin’ straight outta science fiction.”

Tora’s eyes shone as he spoke without the slightest hesitation. “If Tora can fix it, can Tora take it?”

The Conductor released a noise of utter shock, somewhere between a laugh and a cough. “W-wot!?” he hacked out after a moment. “Ya just...you...ya serious?”

“Yes, yes!” The Nopon confirmed. “Tora submit as evidence: this unflinching eye contact!”

Several seconds of unflinching eye contact passed before the Conductor wilted, convinced that the round furry thing before him spoke the truth. “Bloody peck, you sure don’t beat aroun’ the bush, do ya lad? Well, uh...” As ridiculous as an offer it was to come out of the blue, he attempted to think it over. “Weeeell...I’m sure the city wants it gone, obstructin’ the tracks ‘n bein’ scary ‘n all. But it ain’t mine or anything, it’s crown property. Ya’d ‘ave to ask Her Moojesty, and I bet she ain’t gonna let people she doesn’t trust ‘ave a weapon like that.”

Still quite serious-looking, Tora ran over his options in his mind, then gave a sagacious nod. “Okay, meh. In that case, Tora start fixing while friends go get Cowlipha trust.” He turned back over to the group. “Thanks!”

“Yer...welcome?” the Conductor muttered as he waved Tora off, not entirely sure he hadn’t made some kind of serious mistake.

Tora skidded to a stop a moment later among the others. He couldn’t see Red and Midna anywhere, but that wasn’t about to stop him. “Okay, Tora have plan! Tora ask funnytalkypon Conductor man about giant gun train, meh! It belong to big queenypon, but she not want it, so Tora going to try to fix it up. If friends can convince queenypon to give it, we have both way across rest of desert and huuuuge weapon for boss fight!” He danced around like a Nopon possessed, so jazzed about the marvel of engineering that he couldn’t contain himself.

Poppi tempered her expectations. Gesturing to Primrose, Panther, and Sectonia, she told him, “That seem like good plan, but Poppi not think we just waltz in and ask permission. Plus, it probably take long time to fix train.” She said this while looking at the Railway Gun herself, noting its size. Hopefully whatever made it inoperative was small-scale, otherwise ‘long time’ was probably too generous. “Rest of us going to explore city and do shopping for now. Maybe we get more familiar with Al Mamoon during trip, figure out way to earn Cowlipha favor.” It was a simple suggestion, and not at all definitive, but she thought it sound. Tora wasted no time agreeing.

For her part Panther, currently decked out in her normal-looking but somewhat ill-fitting ‘civilian disguise’, was both happy to be going on a shopping trip and glad that it would serve another purpose toward the overall campaign. “Sa-weet!” She walked between Primrose and Poppi and put an arm around their shoulders. “Alright girls, let’s get it on!”

Tora’s Level Upgrade

New Strength attained:
Super Tinkerpon
After working on so many devices of completely different styles and technological levels, Tora’s gotten a lot more experience with how things tick. As a result, his ability to understand and (with the right parts) repair technology using his toolbox is much higher than before, and it takes him less time to do so

---

Finding the marketplace was easy, for it very much wanted to be found. Its clamor could be heard even over the hammers and furnaces of the foundry. The entire eastern section of Al Mamoon was an open-air forum, walled into six courts with the far-middle one dominated by a statue-topped temple. Inside its confines the most prestigious and well-to-do shops did their business in shady luxuriance, but most of the trade occurred in the rows of stalls, carts, and shops set up both within and along the sides of the courts. Poppi’s sensors observed such a profundity of color, noise, and movement in the first court alone that she struggled to take it all in, so rather than try she digested the sight one bit at a time.

If the first court was anything to go by, Al Mamoon’s marketplace was truly matchless in variety. Poppi noticed an aged adventurer’s shop along the right front wall, positioned so favorably possibly due to age. Its bearded keeper sold cloudy Spider Venom, ruby-red Rodent Blood, murky Golem Tears, a Book of the Sun, the enigmatic Feather of the Squinting Shrimp, a lopped-off Monster Toe, a paired set of katars, a slingshot, and a rapier of fine craft. Opposite him sat a humble Goron Shop, offering arrows, lamp oil, shields, and hot springwater. Close by, Rhon Ron’s Eatery offered a number of exotic foods, including jars of honey-glazed worms, loaves of mushbread, spicy sides of lizard meat, and skewers of chewy, mixed morsels. Its fluffy-tailed, beady-eyes keeper waved at the prospective shoppers, eager for their custom. Naturally the other stores in the first court wanted it just as badly, none more than Raj’s Curry Pot, a cart offering less exotic but still more than flavorful fare. Poppi also spotted an assorted items stand for conventional goods, the storefront for Hee Ho Mart with its fried food on display, and a curious stall with all sorts of commodities right by a pawn shop run by a hat-wearing man.

“Oh...my...goodness!” Panther practically squealed. Her attention flew all over the place, spinning her around enough that her pigtails and new snake tail whipped back and forth. Unfortunately, reality eventually caught up with her, and her elation faded. “Oh man, it sucks having no money. We totally should have stopped at those ruins to find some treasure or something.” Her eyes landed on the pawn shop. “If we do have anything to sell, we could try that place though.”

Following that line of logic, Poppi tried to think of something to sell. Everyone left most of their random junk lying in the ruins where they sheltered yesterday evening, and the artificial blade had nothing of her own to offer. Then again… “Maybe Poppi can use elemental core to make ice. Must be valuable in desert, since climbing up Freezeezy Peak dangerous.” She tapped a finger to the side of her chin. “Or...maybe Poppi earn money cleaning away sand with wind core.” The sort of methods that Primrose might favor hadn’t so much as crossed her innocent mind, despite being more than well equipped in QT Pi form, as the stares that followed her throughout Al Mamoon could attest. There were many establishments the shoppers could visit, and after the journey they’d experienced so far, a shocking amount of people around as well.

Ms Fortune

Level 4 Nadia (11/40)
Location: Luma Pools
Blazermate's @Archmage MC, Bowser's @DracoLunaris, Ace Cadet's @Yankee, Hat Kid's @Dawnrider, Sakura's @Zoey Boey, Frog's @Dark Cloud, Mirage’s @Potemking, Mr. L’s @ModeGone
Word Count:

Fish, watermelon, pineapple, and now bananas--in these circumstances, Nadia couldn’t have asked for a better feast. A full-bodied laugh after Link hurled away his Boomerangfish had done her more good than he might have guessed, but she wasn’t about to follow his example with her own portion. Still, he seemed to have a plan in mind for the fruit, so she focused on the seafood first. She took a good look at the specimen on her skewer, the kind that sported a single giant eye that dominated its body. With only a little trepidation she sampled its roasted flesh, and as she chewed found herself unable to form a clear impression. It wasn’t bad, and it was certainly fish, but quite unlike any she’d ever tasted before. Without any preparation other than cooking it didn’t offer much in the way of flavor, but it seemed okay. Only when she sampled the protein-rich eye did she come away surprised. Turned to a flan-like consistency by the fire and given a crispy skin, it was both tasty in a meaty sort of way and surprisingly dense. In only a few more moments the Peeper was just scaly niblets on bone, and Nadia tossed the scraps into the fire.

At about that time Link finished his simmered fruit, and Nadia helped herself. True to her pronouncement, the act of cooking unlocked the fruity flavors, making each bite that much tangier and sweeter. “Ah, that’s nice,” she remarked between bites. With Sakura, Cadet, and even Peach sharing her relish, the gathering around the campfire was a jovial one full of camaraderie and good cheer, although the mood did not go uncontested. Bowser and the new guy -of the short and masked variety- seemed to know one another, and quarreled with a difficult-to-ignore viciousness. Nadia also tried to shut out the grotesque antics of Blazermate’s abominations to the best of her ability, but the medabot -no doubt bored and excluded due to her inability to eat- quickly cut in to talk business.

At the moment those enjoying the meal together were not quite done, however, so Peach answered for all of them. “We’ll sail to the Bottomless Sea naturally, but there’s no need to rush. For now, let’s enjoy this moment of peace.”

Nadia tapped her finger against her nose. “Couldn’t’ve said it better myself. Right now I’m not fin-ished, so the plan’s to try another fish.” And so she did. While she worked her way through it, pulling the meat from the bones with her teeth, the Cadet extended banana-man an invitation to join the crew. Nodding excitedly, the feral gulped down her fish and added, “Yeah, if you’re willin’ to hike for like twenty minutes to grab total strangers some grub, you’re alright! They call me Ms. Fortune.” To both her and Cadet’s delight the stranger accepted, introducing himself as Mirage. It was a mysterious nickname for a guy who seemed like a goof through and through, but no doubt even the most normal-looking fellow had some tricks up his sleeve to make it this far. Nadia wondered how he’d react when she played a card or two of her own.

Toward the end of the meal, Kamek reappeared to punctuate the shared meal with something a lot sweeter than dessert. Nadia’s face lit up when she learned that Brineybeard survived. “Hell yeah! Guess that means our crews didn’t lose a soul!” On purpose she made her sentiment as paw-sitive as could be. The others didn’t need a refresher from her about the shipgirls whose lives the battles claimed. Luckily, the positivity train didn’t end there either, because Sakura had something to say. After shooting Bowser and L a well-deserved suggestion the martial artist gave the best motivational speech she could muster, and it fit her perfectly. Straightforward, whole-hearted, and a little shortsighted--after all, Nadia noted with a wry chuckle, she spoke as if the day was over. There was a lot that could still happen today, given their ominous destination. But Sakura was right in that this was a good bunch. If anyone could do it after escaping that awful battle, it was them.

She joined the toast with a roasted banana in place of a cup. “To the good guys! Whoever the bad guys are, they’re gonna be sorry they screwed with us.”

Over the next few minutes the last portions got divided up, and everyone who felt like it got a few more moments to chat and relax. Bella in particular exhibited a radiant joy, endlessly eager to hear about the others and their lives, absorbing all these things she’d never known and happy to prompt the others for more. Nadia ended up describing her home of Little Innsmouth, that quaint port city built around the changing tides, its coral chimneys and jellyfish lanterns, and the culture of the Dagonian people who’d accepted a feral into their midst. It was a lovely time. All the same, this communal tranquility could not last forever, however much those present might want it to. Nadia knew she wasn’t alone in wishing that this moment could last just a little longer, but they’d had all the rest and food they needed, and it was time to go.

Everyone made their way back to the ships in due course. Nadia stopped to grab and re-fasten the harness-belt she’d left by the lakeside, and once she’d climbed back aboard Shippy, she reattached her rigging as well. Once back in place the mechanical arms sprang to life, extensions of her body once more, and she bade them fold back up into compact, shield-like formations along her hips. The only leftovers from the meal took the form of bananas, stowed for the journey ahead in Shippy’s hold. They would travel easily and keep well, provided that their foray into the Bottomless Sea didn’t compare to actual sailing trips in terms of time. Without Brineybeard to steer the ship, Peach took the helm. “All aboard!” she called, despite that being something said for trains. “Okay Shippy, let’s go!”

“Yes, ma’am!” The vessel said, and she heaved into motion. Shippy cut through the lake, giving both the Ukazeer and the geyser both a suitably wide berth, and made for the opposite river. The moment that Shippy hit it she began to accelerate, since the river flowed downhill. With a wild grin Nadia tightened her grip on the forward railing, and like a log in a flume Shippy sped downward through the Luma pools. As the fantastical scenery sped by, Nadia did her best to etch it into her memory. When this was all over, she’d have to come back here someday.

---

The cruise through the Luma Pools passed without incident. Though plenty of animals appeared throughout water, tree, land, and sky, none troubled the vessel that so fleetingly traversed their domain. All too soon, the paradise started to give way. As Shippy forged onward the vivid aquamarine blue that suffused the place started to turn darker and darker, and overhead the sparse altocumuluses visible through the pink-palm canopy turned into a moody cloud cover. When at last the forest came to an end and the river turned into a delta of black sand, the heroes drifted across a beach strewn with the carcasses of sea creatures from crabs to whales, and those of things they couldn’t identify. When they looked ahead, they saw a dark sky over a stormy sea.

Thunder rolled across the ocean as the heavens swirled in a monumental vortex. Nadia swinted, trying to make out the pivotal point of the incomprehensible storm, but it lay too far to the north. Even from this distance, she could tell that the sea tossed and turned every bit as feverishly as the sky. Though details were difficult to make out in the general atmospheric haze, she imagined horrifying waves, walls of water many times higher than Shippy herself. Suddenly she doubted that the shrunken craft could make the trip, but everyone couldn’t exactly cram aboard the Atomos, either. Minute one in the Bottomless Sea, and they already had a problem.

Rather than get too distracted by that Nadia gazed out over the water again, and this time she could also make out some sort of greenish structure rising from the sea a few miles out, from which a yellow beacon emanated to light up the surrounding clouds. “Hey, maybe we should sail for that thing? We can probably reach it before the storm!” she called. A moment later the ship passed the end of the beach, and the ocean floor abruptly ended. Taken aback, Nadia ran to the back of the boat and peered into the water. “No way…” A sheer face of rock stared back at her from below the surface. As best she could tell, the land just ended, whether as beach or cliff, and infinite water began. While looking into the sea she also happened to see and audibly scoff at the sight of sharks forming up around the ship already. “Come on, already!?” She shook her head and warned the others, pointing down. “We’ve already made some new chums. Wouldn’t go for a swim right about now if I were you.” As choppy waves began to rock the boat she retreated from the railing and moved back to the front. In just a few moments it felt like all the inner peace and serenity gained during the Luma Pools had already been squandered, and Nadia wore a grim smile as the Seekers entered the Bottomless Sea.

Snowdin

@Gentlemanvaultboy

As Linkle drew near, the ‘lizalfos’ sized her up from where she lay. Though those red irises with skull halves and her overall paleness gave her a somewhat disquieting aura, her behavior in Morshu’s store thus far had been that of a regular, earnest girl. Even before he examined her Sal had pretty much decided she was a good egg, and her choice to approach the hooded reptile before her without a second thought solidified it. Between the two of them, neither would be judging by appearances.

“That’sss right,” he confirmed, although his exchange with Morshu already said as much. He was a peddler without a roof to call his own, relying on the generosity of the Snowdin townsfolk to avoid freezing his cold blood out in the winter wonderland. “I’m from the desert, but sssomehow ended up here. Trapped in this awful climate.” Sal wasn’t shy about expressing his dissatisfaction. “I’d be dead long before I reached warmer weather, even if I sssold everything for firewood, ssso here I am. A place where nobody needs what I’ve got.” To satiate his visitor’s curiosity he opened his sack and produced a few items from within. “I’m an arms dealer. Weapons are my trade, but monsters sssteer clear of Sssnowdin.” He licked his teeth with a long, forked tongue, and added a clarifying distinction. “Real monsters, I mean.” At his feet he laid down a scrap gun, some kind of machine gauntlet, a set of lovely paired crossbows, and a blasting wand.

“My products are the best, trust me,” Sal told her. “For the right price, their power is yoursss.”

Edge of the Blue - Atlantis Temple

@Zavazggg

The end of the game of Jump Club left everyone soaked, but not everyone a loser. With everyone who’d already fallen off taken care of, the snail waved over the last couple of participants. “Hey, over here! My arms are only so long!” He handed back the card he’d taken from Syndra for safekeeping, then Sephiroth’s. “One for playing, one for lasting two minutes, one for winning! Good job out there,” he told her.

By omission, however, he revealed something that the one-eyed swordswoman had forgotten: the Sand Dollar. Had she not been so absorbed in her rivalry she might have remembered, but as it was the little tokens remained attached to the end of the green club, with the only one missing in the palm of her diminutive competitor. He’d nabbed it as he tumbled off the platform, his level head allowed him to snatch a little victory from the jaws of defeat. Or...had that been his objective the whole time? His positioning near the edge and relatively early exit may not have been coincidence. “Hah!” he exclaimed. “Finally, my last one! No more stinkin’ Jump Club for me!” He waved his stamp card around proudly for the others to see, showing off a fully completed row under Jump Club, although only one of the stamps was new. If Sephiroth wanted to fill out her own card, she would need to try again.

Once she finished with Jump Club, however many attempts that took her, she set her sights on yet another attraction. The tangle of enormous, multicolored plastic tubes over the central pool formed one of Atlantis Temple’s most iconic features, and it was as good a time as ever to try her luck. She made her way over, narrowly dodging a pack of squids having a whale of a time with elaborate water guns, and past where a large, teal-furred fuzzball lounged in an appropriately-sized inner tube. A girl in a baseball hat about to dive in paused to give Sephiroth a strange look, but shook her head after a moment and jumped. A good climb stood between the swordswoman and the top of the slides, either via stairs or the rock wall over water, but either way it took only a few moments. At the hub on high where all the slides originated, a very tired and bored-looking snail waited to tell the guests when to go. A sign attached to the railing gave the safety rules including minimum height, as well as the scoring criteria. Try every slide, score high enough, complete at least three of the five slides under par time, and find the Sand Dollar. Evidently every slide featured a number of holographic arrows that could be passed through with a little maneuvering, each of which contributed to both score and speed. Simple and without interpersonal competition, the attraction nevertheless promised to be an enjoyable one.

World of Light

Considering the update is tomorrow,, it may be a little late to start a new collab, but by all means have Frog talk to whoever you feel like and the targets can respond in their next posts.

World of Light

@Lugubrious I definitely will, as I'm feeling less stressed out. Anyways could you or (if you don't have time) someone else summarize what has happened thus far?

@Dark Cloud

Well, the naval battle ended and we went to the Luma Pools. Yellow Team went through a crazy sandstorm tornado vortex, then reached Al Mamoon. For further details I would recommend reading, as it's quality stuff.

World of Light

@Lugubrious Good news, I'm back and my life is less hectic.

@Dark Cloud

That's good to hear! I hope you'll enjoy your time back with us.

Possible JJBA themed RP

I also like Jojo, and I'll say that's a novel premise for a Jojo RP. That synopsis looks like it's setting up a battle royale in an almost Death Stranding-esque situation.

World of Light

I just needed to get the this off of my chest. Sheet formed because babby.

Baby Bowser bosses others around!

Name: Prince Bowser Koopa
Game Origin: Yoshi Island / Super Mario Bros series
Appearance:

Personality:
Completely spoiled, greedy, self-centered... yet also is slowly growing into the role as prince with all the responsibilities of leading the kingdom and having to look out for his minions it entails. Trusts Kamek with the blind love and adoration a child would have for their parent, yet is also painfully aware that Kamek can make mistakes that can lead to his own pain. Definitely does not trust Kamek when it comes to the Red and Green babies. Bowser thinks that being evil is cool and the best thing ever thanks to stories about the late King Morton so a lot of stuff is filtered through terms of evil and meanness.

Baby Bowser terrified of yoshis and absolutely hates storks. The former because of the eggs, the later because the yoshis wouldn't have attacked him with eggs if it wasn't for that dumb baby.

For all his bluster, he's a bit lonely. While he eagerly seeks out Peach because they're both royalty, Bowser views the Red and Green Toddlers as great playmates who are awesome at playing rough... as long as there's no birds or yoshis around.

Background: Thanks to retaliation on Dark Land after King Morton's attempts at invading other kingdoms, the prince's fragile egg was whisked away to the relative safety of an island territory. Sadly, Bowser never got the chance to meet his parents for his father died in battle and the castle's destruction took Queen Talon's life. Prince Bowser had everything he needed and although Kamek at times was exasperated by the baby's demands... things went wonky after Kamek's boredom led to him picking a fight with a nearby tribe of yoshis.

They got back to Dark Land where Prince Bowser was a great boost in morale to the devastated kingdom. Word did not spread about what exactly happened on the island just that the prince was hurt because Kamek did his best to keep his own mistakes and brash behavior incited everything. In the long run the truth did come out but by that point it was hard to separate the previously low-ranking magikoopa from the prince who looked to him first as an advisor.

It is hard to make friends when everyone around you are minions... so when he heard about another prince(ss) being presented in a nearby kingdom, Bowser wanted to play with Peach! And then a familiar red hat hit him! One thing led to another and Bowser came to realize that Red and Green babies not only got older like he did but they are really good at rough-play and have no fear of him or his status as prince.

It's been a few weeks since the whole Shroob and Time craziness. Imagine everyone's annoyance when yet another attack happened so soon. The prince was quickly taken into the Koopa Krusier but it as struck down and now Bowser has no idea where he is or where anyone he knows is...

Specialty: Mini-Minion Master and tiny scrapper. Capable of breathing fire and is strong on his own, yet given a chance he'll call out for minions to help him fight ("because that's what minions are for").
Level: 1
Experience: 0/10
Powers:

• Throw the Fire and the Flames - Fireballs and sustained flamethrower breath... not as potent or as long-lasting as his adult self but hardly defenseless!

Strengths: (Things your character's always good at, or always can do; essentially, passive abilities or bonuses. You start with three, but you can add more in place of powers when you level up)

• Oxen-like Strength - For a toddler he's stupidly strong.
• Minion Mastery - Basic understanding of Troop logistics and how to get people to do what he wants. Granted, it mostly only works for Dark Land Koopa Troops and allied forces such as Boos and Shy Guys but in rare situations he's able to get other people listening to him as a known leader.
• Magic 101 - Being raised primarily by a Magikoopa, Bowser has picked up some magical knowledge. Its not perfect and he can still make really dumb choices as seen with the Cobalt Star.

Weaknesses: (Faults, flaws, inabilities, and so forth. Nobody's perfect)

• Tiny Tyrant - The dark side to Minion Mastery. Ever see a little kid throw a temper tantrum over things not going his way? That's only when there's a family involved. Imagine that kid being used to an entire kingdom bending to his whims... Bowser is used to getting his way and having the ability to tell many people much older than himself what to do. Anything he wants is his and anything he wants to happen 'should' go his way.
• Justified Fear - Terrified of getting more eggs in his eyes and has a strong mistrust of Yoshis and storks/seabirds.
• Always Hungry - A growing Koopa has a massive appetite. A sheltered child is used to there always being something on hand to eat. Not the best combination...

Spirits:

Kindred Spirits:
Inventory:

• Funny Hammer - Smashing dumb red and green babies with hammers is fine because they started it!
• Yoshi Cookies - A box full of strangely shaped and colored cookies. Considering what Yoshis like to eat you'd think they'd be bad but no they're really good! Normally a 'reusable' item due to the amount of cookies involved but Bowser scarfs them down, so instead of a 10% on multiple times HP restoration for him they're a one-use full HP restoration item.
• Troopa Talkie - A weird gadget that Kamek made sure the royal engineers gave to the prince. It looks vaguely like a koopa shell with an antenna sticking out of one end and has a similar blocky plasticy look as a kid's walkie talkie, but its actually a high-end (for the time) emergency satellite phone. Unlimited battery life thanks to the magic and tech involved... but it can't get a signal if the user is underground or too close to an over-powered magical object.

@ModeGone

It'll be a bit before this sheet can be used, but it seems alright to me.