Vena Sera

Dragon Ball: Legacy (Mogtaki and Vena Sera)

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

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

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

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

Dragon Ball: Legacy (Mogtaki and Vena Sera)

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

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

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

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

Adelon: Steeling the Faith [Open!]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Under the Light of a Crimson Moon

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

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

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

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

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

Under the Light of a Crimson Moon

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

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

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

"Kael! Behind you!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dragon Ball: Legacy (Mogtaki and Vena Sera)

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

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

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

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

Under the Light of a Crimson Moon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dragon Ball: Legacy (Mogtaki and Vena Sera)

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

---

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

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

----------

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

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

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

Adelon: Steeling the Faith [Open!]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dragon Ball: Legacy (Mogtaki and Vena Sera)

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

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

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