In response to Tatsumaki's acknowledgment, the small harpy jumped back, lifting off the ground altogether to literally hover above the girl, where it chose to observe from instead. Evidently, curiosity won out over any sort of apprehension the bird held toward the pair. As they entered the center building, it stopped following, though, and instead watched from the entrance for a moment before an older harpy outside shooed it off.
Though the young harpy didn't smile, it clearly was satisfied with Ika's response, somehow seeming pleased that it had gotten the gesture correct. However its curiosity only grew as he knelt and placed the spear before him. Its gaze turned to Tatsumaki as she fell to her knees as well. All was silent as the pair gave their introductions. Although the council of five cringed back in their seats from Ika's motions, the young harpy stood confidently, head tilting slightly to the side as it observed the images shown to it. Once both finished speaking, it made a chirping noise, before carefully picking up the spear with one of its clawed feet. Moving the spear to its hands, it held the spear out for Ika to take and then turned back to the council. After a brief interchange, it moved to one of the other doorways leading out, and motioned for the pair to follow it.
The next series of events caused him to question his understanding of the bird people. Taking his spear back into his right hand he rested it across his body pointing up from his left shoulder. It was possible that this singular young harpy was the leader and that he took council from the elders. Which would change their form of government. Very interesting. Especially given that the elders were clearly unhappy with his actions. All the better to figure them out. Tucking his pencil and journal into his jacket, he gave a light bow to the elders as the harpy moved. With an deep breath he wanted to test something. Exhaling softly, small wisps of sea foam green seeped from his back and shoulders. Stopping for a mere moment he checked the reaction of the elders through his peripheral vision before snuffing the wisps and following the young harpy. Once they were outside the hut he spoke simply,"Sixty ryo says you have no idea what the hell I am saying."
So far, so good. The council of elderly look harpies didn't seem too offended by their presence. So maybe, just maybe, they could get out of here and go do some stuff. That or be enslaved. Whatever they did with whatever humans they kidnapped. Keeping those thoughts to herself, Tatsumaki crossed her arms and would smile back at the smaller harpy that had approached her before being issued by another large harpy into following them yet again. There seemed to be a pattern here. After Ika had picked up his spear, they would head out as the child walked alongside the older boy.
Furrowing her brow at his remark, she jabbed him in the side. "Avoid the sarcasm. We're guests. That and maybe we can learn something from them. Maybe we're being led to some other people, or being led to the slave mines. Whatever comes first, I guess." She said, focusing back on the leader bird and then looking back around them at their crowd.
Ika let out a light chuckle as the little girl jabbed him in the side, his scale armor jingling under his coat lightly. He could not speak for her, but he was learning things left right and center. So he simply decided to fill her in,"You dont have to worry about being a slave. These people are civilized so you can draw conclusions based on logic. They are letting me stay armed which means they have no ill will towards us. Second if they were going to make us slaves they would have separated us upon arrival. That is rule number one of prisoners. Disarm and separate them." After a moment he gestured simply,"Look around you. There are no lights, no torches, no campfires, nothing. This place is built for their attributes in mind, which suggests they can see in the dark. If they kept humans as slaves we would have seen a couple in the council hut. Exotic slaves are a status symbol." Transferring his spear to his right hand he offered it to her,"If we have to fight I cant do so while worrying about you." Assuming she took the weapon he would continue,"This one were following clearly holds rank over the majority but he has no scars on his body. That coupled with the fact that we have not seen a single armed or armored guard means that they are likely a peaceful people. Their claws are also not sharpened which suggests they don't use them as weapons outside of hunting and survival. So for now just relax and enjoy the trip, not that we have much choice in the matter anyway, being this high off the ground." Years of political court were starting to pay off. When literally any words could be the death of you, one became quite quick at situational analysis and awareness.
At Ika's chakra manifestation, the attention of one of the elders snapped to him, feathers bristling and eyes narrowing. But it made no move to raise a hand against him, only watched silently as the pair of humans were led out of the room.
As expected their leader showed no sign of understanding Ika's words, or that it even really heard them as it led the way across one of the paths to another hut. The entrance was once more blocked by a sheet of lichen that the young harpy brushed aside to let them through. Inside was fairly dark, making sight a bit difficult, but there was still enough light left to make out what appeared to be four empty nests. An opening in one of the walls allowed for sight down to the forest floor several meters below. Turning to the two of them, the harpy squawked, and gestured at the nests, hoping they might understand what it meant. It then moved away, where it picked up a metal item, bringing it close to them to see. The remains of an old lantern. It was rusted badly, but possibly still usable if they could find a source of fuel. This the harpy offered to them before backing away. It didn't leave quite yet, though, instead watching from beside the entrance.
Neryem
Azeiel The Risen
Posted: Wed May 16, 2018 10:40 pm
Tatsumaki
"I mean, I guess..." Tatsumaki puffed her cheeks and huffed out at Ol' Princey here after his rant about their surroundings and where they might be taken. It was a slip of judgement of her to really come to that conclusion, brought on by the ride over here or something. If there was one thing she hated, it was to be outmatched. Tatsu didn't exactly have the wit or the brains when it came to taking apart every piece of the environment down. Not unless it was made out of metal, or a giant robot demon of some kind. Begrudgingly, perhaps that was why they were paired together by fate? Ika could do all the cool bad a** stunts and read the surroundings while Tatsu could do...absolutely nothing in this current environment. Not unless these people showed her some kind of modern machinery all of a sudden. Would it even be considered modern now that everything was all...a wasteland?
When being offered the spear, she would shake her head and continue walking alongside the group. "I'm fine. Besides, you're better with it than I am. I'm not going to be fighting anybody like this. Not unless they can find me a way to age back to normal." Damn these little legs of hers. Why was it always her to end up the short end of the stick? Her feet were moving twice as fast as everyone else's. It wouldn't be long before they came across their destination, a wall. But not just any wall, a wall that hide some nests and a brief glimpse of the ground. While pondering what this could have meant, the harpy presented them with a lantern, or what remained of one. It would be a useful tool if there was fuel lying about or something. Accepting the lantern from the creature, Tatsu bowed her head in thanks before turning to Ika. "Do you think he wants us to use the nests to jump down? Or maybe it's just a bed for the night?" God this would have been easier with a textbook of some kind. Random screenching and such didn't really translate well to their spoken tongue. "Lead the way, Your Highness."
Her concerns about her body were ones he shared himself,"I know the feeling. I miss my old body. Granted I was pretty fit at this age but still, not ok." Though her nickname for him struck a cord alongside her behavior. Letting out a heavy sigh he followed into the new hutt after the bird. Bedding, lovely. Well at least he was not sleeping on the ground. Dropping the heavy bag off his shoulder he set about adjusting one of the nests. Using his tent as a base he just set the material over the nest. Next he pulled his bedroll from the backpack he unrolled it onto the nest to create a rather comfortable looking bed once it was all said and done. Gesturing to the bed he nodded,"All yours Tatsu, I'll take first watch. Its not a good idea for both of us to be asleep at the same time." By and large he ignored the lantern, his eyes would adjust soon enough and at least keep him from walking off a ledge. Shrugging off his jacket he began working the buckles which held his scale-mail in place. Once they were loosened he pulled it off over head. Revealing a simple silk shirt which he wore under the armor to keep it from chafing. Setting it next to his bed he removed his sword and set it next to the armor alongside his shield and spear.
Taking a seat facing the door he let his mind wander. Did he have the right to call himself a prince still? Everything had changed that much was clear. How much time had passed since his time? Did his nation even exist still? Was his father alive? Was Seihara? How could he call himself a prince if he absolutely and completely failed his people. He had a responsibility to lead and guide them through the darkness to the light.Yet if their civilization had fallen it would mean he had failed them entirely, and it was unacceptable.
For the first time since he had woken up, he had time to think. Now that he did his thoughts were turning unexpectedly grim. What would he do? What could he do? He needed to get back to Amegakure but he had no idea where he was. He needed to see it for himself. To learn the fate of his people for good or bad. Could he rebuild from the ashes or would he find a thriving society that did not need him,"Please dont call me things like your highness Tatsu. I don't think I have that right anymore."
Royal Taorito
Neryem
Posted: Mon May 21, 2018 3:26 pm
Tatsumaki
Tatsumaki arched an eyebrow at the mention of Ika possessing a body that wasn't exactly the one he woke up with either. Was he supposed to be older or something. She had to admit, a free ticket back to one's youth was pretty nice when it wasn't overdone in her case. Just how old was this male companion of hers anyway? "I didn't know you were having age problems too. You look like one of the Genin fresh out of the academy." The white haired girl said with a straight face. Looking back down to their bedding situation, she would watch as Ika would make a few modifications to it so that one could actually sleep on it, or at least a human could. Sticks and twigs probably was heaven for the harpies here but not for human beings. Meanwhile, she would dig in her pockets and pull out the strange device that she had stumbled over way back when. Colored brown, she would glance up every now and then at the bed maker before returning her gaze towards the object. What exactly was this thing? Her brows would burrow in thought as the sounds of bedding and such would accompany them. A natural curiosity filled her mind, wanting to try and crack it open. To see what it was made of and try to put it back together again. Her hands would shake as the right would slowly close in and then try to twist the top with very little luck. Whatever it was, it certainly was on there tight. Observing it again, it would be the call of Ika that snapped her out of the daze that she had become trapped in.
"Alright. Wake me up if anything happens." Tatsu said as she walked towards the crude makeshift bed and then carefully lied down on it. Ika would speak up again, this time with his back towards her. It seemed like the prince didn't like her nickname for him, asking for her to hold her tongue when it came to titles fitting for royalty. She wouldn't press much on it at this point in time, but it was definitely grounds for another conversation down the line. "Sorry. Won't happen again." The youngest of the two agreed and allowed her head to fall on top of the bedroll, facing the ceiling. It wouldn't be long before she fell asleep, leaving Ika with only his thoughts. She didn't exactly dream, just darkness everywhere without any type of fantastical vision or something of that nature. During her slumber, Tatsumaki would sometimes let out a soft snore or two, sometimes even groaning a little as she rolled around on the bedroll for a minute or so before continuing to sleep. The core would be partially visible in her right sleeve, her hand still holding onto it inside of its green prison. "Zzzzzz..."
After handing off the lantern, the harpy left at some point while the pair conversed, disappearing without a sound.
As for Ika's watch, it went uneventfully. Although eyes had adjusted to the dark, the thick boughs above cut of light from the moon, and even then the bit of silver light vanished as clouds rolled back in. A steady rain picked up, providing a strangely soothing sound as it hit the leaves above. Thankfully, it seemed their little hut was built sturdy enough that no rain found its way in, save for an occasional drip. Towards the end of the shift, though, it appeared Tatsumaki was tossing and turning in her sleep.
In Tatsumaki's dream, she relived being crystallized. However the process was slow and agonizing. It started at the extremities, until she couldn't even move her fingers, which were coated in the smokey-colored glass. From there, it moved up the arms and legs without hesitation. Meanwhile those close to her watched, aghast and unable to do anything to help.
As his compatriot went to sleep, Ika set about figuring out what he could use for fuel in the lantern. But the more he thought about it, the more he disliked the idea of using it. So with a simple purpose he began cutting strips of rope from his bag with his skinning knife. Once he had the lengths cut he set about gathering strips of tree branches and what not that he could use for an impromptu torch. Once he had enough he quickly bundled them together using the rope and make sure to make it nice and tight. The edges of the torch would be slightly taller then the inside to keep ashes from spilling out. Next he would take his bar of soap and began rubbing it all over the outside of the torch until he had a nice even consistency. The neutral soap would be able to block the coated area from burning by absorbing the oxygen before it could ignite.
With his torch completed, and by the looks of the clouds not a bit too soon he took a deep breath and made sure one last time that Tatsu was asleep. With a sigh he extended his left pointer and middle fingers holding it over the pilot branch. With a snap of his right hand the room briefly was tinged with the scent of pine. Before being hit with the smell and sound of crackling electricity. It wouldn't take long for the dry kindling to ignite and once it was, he would have light.
With the light, came the rain, and a way to extinguish the flames should it get to that point. But for now he contented himself to searching the room for any other odd items....
The room is mostly empty but there is a pile of discarded objects off to the side, originally appearing to just be rusted metal pieces, shiny rocks, and dried out leaves. But searching, Ika comes across:
• A pair of greaves, made of a red-tinged metal, slightly rusted but still in pretty decent condition. Heavy armor. C-rank Defense, Scale [10]. • A heavy spear, haft made of steel and the head made of silver. Durability [25]. • What appears to be an old handheld gaming device, but it doesn't turn on. The screen is cracked, and there is no game cartridge. • Hardened leather brigandine, in modest condition. It has definitely seen better days. E-rank Defense, Scale [10]. • A rusty great sword. It may have been great at one time, but it's almost useless now. Durability [5]. • A slightly rusted skinning knife. • A tattered bedroll. • Scroll containing the E-rank Healing Eiseijutsu [Kiyomaru]. • Scroll containing the C-rank Doton techniques Suna Shigure, Dochuu Senkou, and Kajuu no Doro. • Scroll containing the E-rank Raiton techniques Denpo Sekka, Raikou Bunshin no Jutsu, and Seidenki Ito no Jutsu. • Scroll containing the B-rank Sensory technique Haiiro no Kiri. • Scroll containing the D-rank Instance Genjutsu Chiru no Jutsu, Dokuji no Gyoushi, and Kurenai's Flower Petal Escape.
Neryem
Azeiel The Risen
Posted: Wed May 30, 2018 12:30 am
Tatsumaki
Tatsu would dream a horrible dream. In it, she would be undergoing the process of crystalization once more. All was fine and dandy, and by that, everything ******** sucked. It began at her fingers and toes before slowly spreading towards her central body, all the while her family, the people she had known since going to sleep, her coworkers, everyone surrounded the crystal like so. Pulling pathetically at the bindings, Tatsumaki would whimper as she lost feeling in her hands and would be unable to escape now. "P-Please..." She cried, tears rolling down her face as she bit her lip and watched as her relatives would just watch, their emotions as scared as she was. "I don't wanna go...I don't want to die." The crystalization process had now reached her chest, yet she would sob hysterically and thrash as best she could. "MAKE IT STOP! HATSU! RINA! PLEASE SAVE ME! I CAN'T GET OUT! MOM! DAD! HINA-CH-" Her cries were cut off as the crystal had completed and locked her way. Still sulking inside of the crystal, Tatsu could only shriek. She was fully conscious yet she was forever bound in this way. One by one, her family and friends would fade away before her, until she was left alone.
In the real world, Tatsumaki would be rolling around and mumbling in her sleep while letting out whines and whimpers. It wasn't until Ika had created his fireplace did the child wake up. "AH!" She awoke in a cold sweat, hyperventilating as she moved just every part of herself as she could. Once she confirmed that no fingers or toes had been cut off, Tatsu would sit and hide her face in her palms. "M-Mom...Dad...Everyone I know is dead." She said before breaking down into sobbing again. Folding her hands and knees, she would unleash the waterworks that had been pent up to that point. She hated everything. She hated being stuck as a kid again, hated not having a bed, hated not having her fiancee to comfort her, hated this entire world. Tatsumaki would sit and stew as Ika explored around, before smacking the bedroll. Maybe it was the adolescent mind and body that was driving her or maybe she hadn't matured that much. It was hard to say. "I DON'T WANNA BE A KID, IKA! I HATE THIS! WHY IS IT ALWAYS ME?!"
Rummaging through the pile he found several items which intrigued him. Armor which he put off to the side after giving them a good look over, deciding to stick with his current armor. Not only was it in pristine condition, it also fit him very well. However the weapons that were in the pile held his attention for more then a moment. The spear shaft especially. It was in great condition and also tough as nails. He had used heavy spears like this before but they always tired him out. Yet the shine of the head called his attention. Silver, why was it made of silver? Silver was a very poor metal to make a weapon out of due to its relative lack of hardness. So why would they go to the lengths to make this spear, yet use specifically silver for the head? The mystery was starting to piss him off but at the moment he needed to focus. Rising to his feet he carried the spear over to where his gear was sitting and laid it with the rest of his arms and equipment. This was a keeper.
However, after making his way back to the pile he quickly found the remaining pieces to be sub par quality, at least by his standard. With a heavy sigh he picked up the rusty knife and embedded it into the wall with a light "thunk" sound. Yet the thing which caught his attention the most, was the scrolls. Why did these bird men have ninjutsu scrolls? Examining each and every one of them with microscopic attention he quickly discovered their nature. Three lightning, three earth, one medical, three genjutsu which he disliked as a whole, and a sensory technique which he knew was far and beyond what he was capable of. However the lightning jutsu interested him quite a bit. Thumbing the two open he was met with a wave of memories which sent chills racing up his spine. He knew these jutsu, not only did he know them he was good with them. Holding the two close to his chest he breathed deep for a time. The world didn't end, it simply kept going. These small things, relics of his life, brought more peace than he had ever expected.
However what remained at the bottom of the scroll was a small gaming device. One he recognized from their "previous life." The small devices very existence brought a small smile to his face. It was a shot in the arm for him. Memories springing to the surface of times spent watching his people enjoy a better life. When they could waste time in safety playing on items just like this one. Yet more than that, it reminded him of why he was alive. What the point of a leader was, what all the training and education was for. Turning to face Tatsu when she woke up in a fear and sorrow gripped state he would rise to his feet. Crossing the distance, device in hand he would kneel next to her and, if allowed, embrace her in a soft hug. Brushing the tears from her cheeks he would offer a small smile. After a moment he would speak,"I wont pretend to know what your going through. What thoughts rampage through your mind. When "it" happened I was about this age anyway. But we've both lost something dear to us. You lost your family, I lost my country. But if we fall into despair then we lose the gift of their memories they gave us. We must move forward, must push harder, dig deeper. Because if we cant," Rising to his feet he continued,"All that will remain of our species is dust and bones." It was dark, but truthful. He did not like wasting time on empty platitudes.
Heading towards the entrance he continued again while looking out towards the village,"For civilizations like this to rise, then another had to fall. Ours. Humans. I am willing to bet that there are other species' like this out there as well. But I will not fall into despair and sadness." As he spoke his tone would drop the formalities, and its clean and well spoken nature. It took on a harder, darker, more brutal tone."I will see our species restored, or give my life to make sure that these birds never forget us. I will not be lost to time." That was how he would have his revenge on this unknown cause of the stasis. By gathering his subjects, what remained of his species, and restoring them... The depth of his ambition was finally starting to show itself..
(jutsu learned, posts used)
Royal Taorito
Neryem
Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2018 6:02 pm
_______________The Narrator Whispers... ||
As Ika finished speaking, there was a crash and a commotion of alarmed squawks and screamed that were muffled by the fog-like rain that had settled in. The kind of rain that didn't feel like rain but still soaked you to the bone regardless of where you hid. Likewise, the sky was beginning to turn gray with light.
A moment passed where all fell silent again for a breath, and then a burst of warm light filled the clearing somewhere below, followed by a boom as it reached the pair's ears a second later. The light quickly fizzled out in the weakness, but given the continued angry chattering and calling, something was happening beyond the small treehouse.
[You each get +150 experience for roleplay thus far.]
She would continue to sulk and cry to herself until Ika walked forward from his pile of loot to kneel down to her level while she adjusted her glasses. His arms wrapped around her, Tatsu a bit in shock at the feeling of being hugged. She waited a moment but returned his hug with one of her own while she felt a little better. It reminded her that at least she wouldn't be alone in this world. Maybe the birds would keep her company but it was certainly better than just roaming around. He told her that they had to keep their spirits and morale high lest they forget and tarnish the memories of their friends and family, something that resonated with the female. Her large sleeves wiped up and down her eyes until they dried as she gave a more confident nod. "Ah-I guess you're right." That feeling was sort of ruined when his voice turned a bit more serious than she had heard him become. It was a nice goal at least. One that she would share as well. Maybe in time, she could find a way so that communication of these would be possible. "Right...I'll work hard as well." Her crimson eyes graced his form before settling on the device in his hands. She recognized it from using it quite often when she was actually the age she appeared. "Oh! Is that a game console?" she asked with a curious look on her face. "I haven't cracked one of these open in years! Does it still-"
A sudden loud sound came from outside, sounding like a tree or something large had come crashing down as well as the birds outside in a ruckus. To add to the mystery, a mysterious rain began to fall on the "room" slash bird nest they were in. "What the hell is going on?" Tatsumaki asked Ika as if he had any clue as to what was happening. She poked her head outside and then looked at her partner with a worried expression. "We're going outside to investigate...I wish I still had a firearm or something. I'll just provide support. Maybe throw some rocks."
