Finished [Taeko - The Republic] The Aftermath

[Spoiled Bread]

Rei Unagishi

"I am the only one, huh... I never thought about that. That's genius. You might be smarter than you look, Vince!" Rei thought over Vincent's words, imagining herself slashing a few pots of water to make some ice block. She never tried that, there's no shortage of ice back in Rotia afterall. Though before she can unsheathe her sword and victimize some random pots the man already poured her a drink, she immediately forget what she was about to do and just content with the drink in front of her.

Rei quickly emptied her glass and put it in front of Vincent, asking for a refill. She didn't even seems to be paying much attention to the growing tension between Okami and the new guy Hezekiah, as if she wasn't the one who blurted out the completely baseless rumour. She would instead put down some coins on the table and joined the game of cards.

"Go, Crimson Wolf. Go follow your dreamm." She said to Okami while unsteadily holding the cards dealt to her. "Don't worry about the game, I-I will win it in your behalf."

NachoGod Maverick Six Gwen_Temi Maxxob​

 

[Maxxob]

Gwen_Temi | Okami
NachoGod | Hezekiah
Karcen | Katja
Maverick Six | Vincent
TheTimePiece | Yukan
Spoiled Bread | Rei

The scene continues to unfold with several interesting developments...

At the gaming table, Toro remains completely unfazed by the confusion about Okami's marital status. If anything, the bull beastkin seems amused by the whole situation, taking another sip of his drink while watching the exchange with an entertained glint in his eyes. The mention of Yukan and Katja at the washing spot draws a deep, rumbling chuckle from him.

"Well now, seems like everyone's finding their own adventures tonight," he comments with a knowing smirk, before turning his attention back to Okami. There's something appreciative in his gaze at how she handled the situation - both the firm way she shut down the rumors and her clear interest in their previous conversation about the watchtower. He casually pushes his chair back, standing to his impressive height, clearly ready to make good on his earlier invitation despite the interruptions.

The dealer at the table, who has been getting increasingly impatient, finally throws his hands up in defeat. "I'm calling it a night," he announces, gathering up the cards. "Can't run a proper game with all these interruptions anyway." He begins collecting his things, muttering something about "young folks and their drama."

Meanwhile, several villagers who have been eavesdropping on the conversation about Yukan and Katja at the washing spot begin whispering amongst themselves, though they quickly quiet down when they catch Okami's cold stare. The atmosphere at the nearby tables has shifted from celebratory to gossipy, with curious glances being cast both towards the path to the washing area and towards the group at the gaming table.

The tavern keeper, noting the growing tension, begins methodically wiping down glasses while keeping a careful eye on the situation. He's particularly watching Hezekiah as he heads towards the washing area, clearly concerned about any potential trouble that might be brewing.

Just as the tension builds between Katja and Yukan's deep conversation about morality and leadership, a peculiar white blur suddenly drops from one of the nearby trees, landing with a small splash in the shallow part of the water. As the ripples settle, they reveal what appears to be... a small, cartoonish cat-like creature with an impossibly wide grin.

????
​

"Nyahello~!" it chirps in an oddly high-pitched voice, standing barely two feet tall, its oversized head bobbing as it waves. "What a nice night for a philosophical chat, don't you think? Dohoho~!"

The creature's sudden appearance creates a rather awkward situation - Katja, still wearing nothing but a smile, finds herself facing this unexpected visitor, while Yukan, who had been maintaining his respectful distance and gaze, now has to deal with this bizarre interruption to their serious conversation.

The cat-thing seems completely oblivious to the awkwardness it's creating, happily splashing about in the shallow water. "Oh my, oh my! Is this one of those famous Kuridan mixed baths I've heard so much about? How scandalous! Nyahaha~!"

A few crickets that had been chirping nearby fall silent, as if even they are stunned by this absurd development.

 

[Karcen]

Katja Galinka
languages: common

​

Katja blinked as the tension was broken before Yukan coukd answer her question. Some.... thing had decided to interrupt the talk they were having. The thing or person whatever it was seemed not to get they were interrupting something they shouldn't be. Luckily Katja had sat back down in the dark water so she was undressed but not as visible as she could be. Though did it really matter? She was here washing up what did it matter if one or two people saw her? They were almost all beast people so to her she was not accidently tempting them and it seemed mixed bathing was a thing.

Katja let out a soft sigh releasing the tension she didn't fully realize she had been holding onto. With this person or thing whatever it was appearing any chance for serious talk had passed.

" If it were a mixed bath I would be much warmer " katja joked not getting angry just putting on a soft smile" My clothes were ruined and my body covered by blood so I needed to wash off little one she explained not telling the thing to go away or anything as they had every right to be there.

Katja rhen looked back to Yukan " Thank you for answering my questions lord Yukan, you likely should head back to the party before you are missed " the suggestion did imply Katja felt she wouldn't be missed and in truth she doubted they noticed. She did fade into the background and most would forget she existed if not for her cruves and well she could do without them.

 

[Maverick Six]

Vincent
Interaction: Maxxob Gwen_Temi (Okami) NachoGod (Hezikakiah) Spoiled Bread (Rei)
Equipped Titles: Human [Mundane], Novice Tinkerer, Novice Blacksmith, Isekai, Mechanic
Language Key: Common | %Analog% |

Hearing about who exactly Yukan was as a person seemed interesting to Vince. He had a whole lotta titles to his name and it made sense. Unlike the run of the mill adventurer, the man had the air of someone who was a leader, good at talking and who was a noble. Okami herself seemed more someone who was a good leader but mostly knew about fighting, security and good old fashioned common sense. Vince started to chuckle however at the whole thing. He had good reason to think that Yukan and Okami weren't really. But he also two very large reason to think that Katja might be the type of woman to "bring out that side of him."

Something a bit more important was going down then the guy's love life however.

Staring the bookworm down with a leisurely look on his face, Vince kicks out his feet on a spare chair. "You know, I got a word of advice for ya, bookworm. I don't know much bout Okami bein' Yukan's wife to be certain. But here's one thing I do know -- she guards Yukan's life. And Yukan's someone who sounds like he's got a lotta enemies."

A puff of smoke escapes his lips.

"You probably wanna make sure you're not one of 'em." As the saying goes, you can bring a horse to water but you can't make him drink. How and if the stranger went about doing that was mostly up to him. Vince liked to think he wasn't one to argue much unless lives appeared to be genuinely at stake. One might remember that Vince was initially against having the villagers accompany them, for all the good it ended up doing.

His flicked over to Rei. "Smarter than I look huh? You sayin' I look dumb?" He said with a grin. Speaking of lives seeming in danger, his eyes got a little wide when he saw that Rei was preparing to draw out her sword while drunk. "Woah there." But thankfully she forgot what she was about to do. To which, Vince simply sighed out of relief.

"Yeesh. If you were tripping and eating shit before. I'm scared to think what you'll do." Yet here he was, giving her another drink. At this rate. He was feeling a bit responsible for her.

"Though, you did a good job yourself -- teaching all villagers sword shit. Why don'tcha try sippin' it, at least. It's sake! Like wine, ya know. Less pain and puke later, that way." He said, likely contributing to her puking up a storm later, in his mind at least.

 

[Gwen_Temi]

Minashigo no Ōkami
​

A deep discomfort would spread through Hezziah's body; one that he would only recognize if he'd ever been [Appraised] before.

It was hard to get a read on this man. Okami could sense no ill will from him, but that could've just been the result of proper training. Certainly not enough to excuse the secrecy. Now, there were quite a few words that she could've said in that moment but, put bluntly, Vincent covered most of it. So she'd walk up behind Hezziah and put a firm right hand- probably a bit too firm- on the mage's left shoulder. The other rested on The Fang; index finger lightly tapping the blade's handle.

"We'll be speaking with Lord Yukan together."

Okami declared in an eerily calm voice. She was more than ready to draw the moment she caught a whiff of shenanigans, but hesitant to kill a man who might've actually proven to be an ally. Albeit a foolish one. The words of a drunken Rei found their way to The Ronin's ears. With her hand still lingering on Hezziah's shoulders, she glanced over at Rei.

"Maybe on a calmer night," she replied. Then she turned to Toro, a bit of genuine regret spreading across her face as she met eyes with him, "My apologies, Toro. Perhaps we can pick up where we left off some other time."

One could only hope. With a sigh, she turned back to Hezziah and let her hand slowly slip away from his shoulder.

"Go on, then. You know where we're going. And I'll be right behind you then entire time," She explained with emphasis, almost breathing down his neck, "So I'd advise you not to try anything foolish here, tonight."

Much to Okami's disdain, it appeared as though Hezziah would be the one to capture her gaze that night. Hopefully Lord Yukan and Katja would be... mildly decent upon their arrival.

...

"Let's announce our presence before arrive at the baths."

Spoiler

Actions (2/3)
1) Used [Appraisal E] on Hezziah to check him for criminal titles or anything else suspicious.
2) Travel with Hezziah to the hotsprings.
​

​

 

[Spoiled Bread]

Rei Unagishi

"Ahh, yeah. The villagers... I said I will bring them to my father's dojo... b-but I think that will be a bad idea. If... If my father see I altered the sword style he will kill me." Rei said before she gulped down the sake, completely forget about Vincent's suggestion to sip it.

"Oh well. That would be the problem for Tomorrow's Rei."

"Since the game is canned. Let's go Vince, let's follow 'The Dream'." She suddenly stood up, her unfocused gaze was looking at the direction of the bath.

"You want to see it too right?" She grinned at Vince while holding both her hands in front of her chest as if she was holding two heavy coconuts.

Maverick Six​

 

[TheTimePiece]

Yukan Koyake
​

Interactions: Karcen Maxxob

Yukan continued to keep his gaze respectful, not lingering where it wouldn’t be polite too on Katja’s form, keeping eye contact and a look to her face when she spoke from time to time.

Yukan nodded, “In this realm it can be necessary from time to time, however whenever violence is leveraged, it should be for the right reasons.” He’d reaffirm.

Even with her shrug he’d listen respectfully, hoping she’d enlighten him even so.


“I see..so you have your own past struggles, and you are another one from another world..if that is the case I think you will find yourself in good company should you decide to work with us, for however long.”

“However by revealing that past, you have told me perhaps why you have that noble spirit of an adventurer which i saw come through earlier.”

“Help you will be able to do with us I can promise you that.” he’d further add with a nod of her saying she wanted to help.

Yukan heard her next question and was actually a bit surprised by it.

“Truthfully if someone were to slay Okami, I would be..very angry, a pat of me would want to strike him down where he stood, and then burn the remains thoroughly so he has no chance of being revived short of a work of the divine..however, I like to think that even with such a personal wound, I would be able to work through my rage, and see to it instead that the full force of the law would be brought down upon him for his wrong doings after incarcerating him.”

“I know you might like a more definitive answer than that, but, I believe it is the best way I can answer at the moment.”

But then not that far into the conversation it seemed, suddenly a [beast] looking individual appeared if the proportions were a bit different, was it a fae or some kind of hybrid?

“..Hello, who may you be?.” Yukan asked looking over at it, giving a small bow. "I am Yukan Koyake." He would add.

“I must add that Katja is correct this is a river, not a bath, actually I am uncertain if there are even hot springs in this area.."

He would pause however.

“I’d rather not head back until I get to know our new visitor a bit better, and of course when you’re done here you should come back with me.” He’d add further, trying to assess the situation, not acting out aggressively or anything of the like.

 

[LocalFloridaman]

Some where...
Mathias "Bigs" Bigsby.

He felt strange. The Rush of wind, the coldness of what he assumed to be death, the distant yet booming voice of a man who he did not recognized yet deep down, knew far well then he ever did before....Where was he? Dead? Was this Hel? Was this the door step to the Halls of Heroes his Oppa spoke so fondly of all those year ago?

He couldn't move, yet could feel the world beneath him. He couldn't see, yet the soft pale light of the moon peaked through his closed eye lids.

He didn't recall most of the conversation, it was as if most of him what some where else, yet a part of him was there, speaking with the Old Man with the staff...no, a spear. Atop it perched a raven.

As the voice grew distant and the world spun, Mathias felt the air return to his lungs, the tingling return to his fingers and the dull ache in his shoulder made it self known, and in one glorious moment of clarity and booming sense of self revelation...

He awoke.


Some where...else?

With a gasp his eyes fluttered opened. For a few moments he simply stared up through the dim moon light that laced through the tree canopy. It was almost...peaceful. At least until something deep down in the back of his mind kicked in. Scrambling to his feet, he found his rifle next to him in the dirt, checking it before shouldering it and sweeping the brush around the small clearing he was in.

As the seconds dragged on, his heart began to level and his breathing slowed. It was then he realized the rifle was still empty, and the memories from before the sound of a diesel engine and a horn blaring came back to him. He was hunting. It was near midnight. He had just bagged a fresh buck.

Standing up, slowly, he set the rifle but down and took a paper cartridge out from his cartridge box, bit the tip off and poured the gunpowder down the barrel. Placing the other end in his teeth, he removed the lead cast bullet and placed it in the barrel, before ramming it home with the ram rod. Bringing the rifle to his hip, he replaced the spent percussion cap on the nipple and set the hammer to half cock.

He did the similar with his pistol, checking it and making sure to chamber a round before holstering it. With his weapons checked and set, he finally begin to take in the details around him. He couldn't make out the species of trees or bushes, it being too dark, so he cast his eye up the night sky. It was clear, with a good moon. He felt his stomach drop as he realized he couldn't find Polaris. He couldn't find any stars he recognized. He could be in the southern hemisphere but even then he should be able to make out familiar constellations but no, nothing. The night sky, a beautiful tapestry of stars and stellar bodies given the near total lack of artificial light.

He couldn't shake the feeling that something was very, horribly wrong with this situation. The night sky felt alien. Letting the rifle down, he muttered to him self in the dark.

"What the fuck?"

The sharp crack of a twig breaking tore him out of his confused search of the night sky, raising the rifle he waited for another sounds, anything. Another flash of movement. Training kicked in, the rifle swung in his hands and he squeezed the trigger. With a sharp crap the rifled kicked in to his shoulder as it fired, sending the bullet through the brush and...hitting nothing.

All was quiet again, and Mathias sighed, audibly, and cursed under his breath as he went about reloading his weapon.

 

[Maxxob]

Gwen_Temi | Okami
NachoGod | Hezekiah
Karcen | Katja
Maverick Six | Vincent
TheTimePiece | Yukan
Spoiled Bread | Rei
LocalFloridaman | Mathias

In the forest clearing, the sound of flowing water carries through the night air to Mathias's position. It's not too distant, perhaps a few minutes' walk to the northeast. Along with it comes the faint echo of voices and... what sounds like high-pitched, cartoonish laughter?

The area between him and the sound appears to be sparsely wooded, with a clear enough path to follow should he choose to investigate.

At the gathering, Toro's large frame visibly tenses as Okami turns down his company to escort Hezekiah. His bovine features twist into a brief scowl, and he mutters under his breath, just loud enough to be heard: "Typical... humans always ruining a good time..." Shooting a glance towards Hezekiah, he turns away, his tail swishing in agitation.

At the river, the bizarre cat creature splashes about, its grin somehow growing even wider at Katja's response.

????
​

"Nyahaha~ Blood-covered clothes? Sounds like my kind of party! But why so eager to send the handsome lord away? Things were just getting interesting!" it teases, performing an impossible mid-air backflip in the water.

Then, addressing Yukan's introduction, it strikes an exaggerated pose. "I'm the legendary Neco-Arc! Master of chaos, harbinger of confusion, and professional moment-ruiner! Dohoho~!"

Neco-Arc dramatically clutches its nonexistent chest. "Oh my, oh my! Speaking of handsome lords..." The cat-thing suddenly propels itself through the water like a tiny torpedo, stopping right next to Yukan. Standing up, water dripping from its diminutive form, it barely reaches his knee.

Neco-Arc
​

"Say, Lord Yukan~" it peers up at him with its impossibly large eyes, "How do you feel about petite figures? Asking for a friend, nyahahaha!" It strikes a series of ridiculous 'seductive' poses that look completely absurd coming from what is essentially a cartoonish cat mascot. "I mean, sure, some people might prefer more..." it glances at Katja, then back at its own flat chest, "...substantial assets, but good things come in small packages!"

The creature then hops onto a nearby rock, water splashing everywhere, and starts what appears to be an improvised musical number: "♪ Flat is justice! Flat is life! Won't you make this Neco your wife? ♪"

The crickets that had fallen silent earlier seem to be trying to crawl into the ground out of secondhand embarrassment.

 

[Maverick Six]

Vincent
Interaction: Maxxob (Narrator) Gwen_Temi (Okami) NachoGod (Hezikakiah) Spoiled Bread (Rei) LocalFloridaman (Mathais)
Equipped Titles: Human [Mundane], Novice Tinkerer, Novice Blacksmith, Isekai, Mechanic
Language Key: Common | %Analog% |
​

With the game disassembled -- it seemed like things were moving elsewhere. At the mention of work, Vince waved his hand dismissively.

"Yeah nah. We can spare a the night at least." He'd been awake for quite a while, having arrived early in the morning, worked all day to arm the villagers properly, and accompanied the group to the cave. He was the very last person trying to rush his way out of at least a little bit of R&R.

"The Dream." As Rei held up her hands in front of her chest to gesture at something larger enormous, it suddenly dawned on Vince what it was she meant. With a smirk, he spoke bluntly. "I'd appreciate somethin' like that as much as the next guy, but if I wanna see "the dream" that bad, I'll probably just ask. No need to be round-a-bout when it comes to that." He however, got up and started to walk off with the others. "But if you need a baby sitter I'm you're guy. Someone's gotta keep you from terrorizing innocent furnitur-"

The joke was cut off mid-way abruptly as the sound of a gunshot echoed through the air.

A final trail of smoke was exhaled from his lungs as he stood out in the night air...before he plucked the cigarette out of his mouth and threw it on the ground outside the tavern. He stamped it out on the ground as he looked off in the direction of the gunshot. While still within earshot of Okami, Rei, and Hezekiah -- Vince commented.

"Weird hearin' a gunshot around these parts. Not something too common from what I understand." His mind wandered as to what it could be. Maybe it was some traveler encountering some creature. It could be someone who'd encountered some villager.

"I'm gonna go check it out. If I scream, yell or you hear another gunshot -- someone should probably expect trouble."

With that, Vince flicked out his revolver and opened it up to take stock of how many rounds he had loaded. He didn't have any armor on at all -- which sucked. But hopefully, this was nothing. Still, as Vince walked out with his own gun drawn, it seemed like it was best to expect trouble and be pleasantly surprised. As much as he liked kicking it with his buddies, an unknown gunshot scratched at his curiosities too much.

He'd not ask anyone to accompany him, but he wouldn't stop anyone either.

Click.

With a single Widersian lantern lit around his hip -- Vince was to disappear into the brush either way.

The Woods

---

Sometime after this, from Mathais' perspective, someone will be getting closer. Grass crunched underfoot. A bit of light would radiate out from the brush as someone approached the approximate spot the gun was fired from.

 

[Karcen]

Katja Galinka
languages: common

​

Katja actully found neco arc kind of funny, yes she had come in at a serious moment, but Katja couldn't really stay annoyed at such an oblivious being. She of course was not taking neco arc seriously but more like one took and over enthusiastic child. It seemed the little being had taken to yukan which Katja guessed meant he was handsome fir the beast people, Katja didn't really know he reminded her of a racoon so she couldn't see any kind of romantic option there. Though she wasn't one to see that in anyone but she had been thinking there was a species barrier that kept either side from liking the other.

Then as the little tune that had the crickets cringing there rang out a loud bang, a gun shot. Someone was shooting somewhere. It could be Vincent, but if he was shooting then something was wrong. Katja got up again revealing herself and moved to her clothes grabbing the robes and veil of the habit.

" Some one is shooting they might be in trouble we should go " Katja said doing tge soaked torm robe and dripping veil while leaving everything that went under the robe behind.

Then there was neco arc what to do about her? If she came with them there might be danger, but if they didn't she might end up alone if the danger came here. The best option was to take her with them. " You should come too Neco arc " she added hurriedly as she trudged through the water to the river bank.

 

[LocalFloridaman]

The Glen.

Interaction: @ Maverick Six (Vince)​

The approach of another wasn't lost on Mathias, the crack of a rifle should would have drawn anyone in a mile to come search for its source. In a series of split second decisions he acted. Using his boot to cover his tracks the best he could and picking up most of the torn pieces of the paper cartridges he had used to reload before dropping to a crouch and taking a moment to observe his surroundings for a good bit of concealment. As the dim, warm light of a lantern drew near he quietly moved in to a small thicket of trees. It wasn't the best cover, and wouldn't stop a bullet, but the darkness should hide his face and the sprout of young trees should break up the lines of his frame as he hid among them. (Skill Use: Stealth - F Grade)

As the light drew nearer, he watched the light, now a man, as he entered the glen. The dim glint of gunmetal in his hand was cause for concern. Silently, he leveled the rifle on the man, centering his torso in its sight. He didn't want to shoot, didn't want to kill, but his gut was telling him he shouldn't take any chances, and his training was backing it up.

The man stopped and looked down, there in the dirt the light of his lantern caught a glint of metal on the ground.

Fuck, forget the cap. The thought ran through his mind and in another series of snap decisions, Mathias made his move. "You raise that peacemaker, and your a dead man." To punctuate his point, he snapped the hammer on the rifle from half cock to full, signaling to the stranger he was armed and that Mathias had, hopefully, caught him off guard.

He spoke again, keeping his voice low. "I don't want to shoot you buddy, but I'm gonna ask you to holster that piece of iron." He kept the man centered in his sights and waited for him to act.

 

[TheTimePiece]

Yukan Koyake
​

Languages: "Common" "<Beastial>"

Interactions: Karcen Maxxob

Yukan raised an inquisitive brow at the cat one.

"<Interesting?>" He'd repeat using beastial not entirely understanding what they were getting at clearly entirely. He was surprised to hear this one use the word handsome also, was that describing him? He couldn't really remember the last that that had been ascribed to him.

"<Neco Arc... Well Neco Arc I must say I tend to prefer controlled and orcastrated chaos and confusion if it can be helped. Usually working toward my goals..>"

His eyes widened a bit when they shot themselves over to him like a Torpedo and then started doing some strange song and dance not long after, first asking him a question which he really wasn't expecting, practically almost finding himself blushing, but instead he did his best to keep his serious face on, even with the ridiculous seductive poses.

Yet despite this spectacle where he could have just walked off, he still wasn't comfortable leaving Katja alone with whoever this was, they seemed unpredictable.

Even so he'd answer the next bit honestly

"<Personally I believe that, what matters more so is on the inside rather than what sort of..physical attributes one may or may not possess."

When it brought up Marriage, Yukan had some thoughts that came to mind, he was already getting to that age when many were thinking about it or had already done so no? He'd do his best to refocus, he had plenty of work to do before he could find or promise anyone a happy life, to do it without disclosing everything would be dishonest and selfish he felt..That was neither here nor there of now.

Yukan was alarmed by the gun fire, grabbing his su-yari pretty quickly which was presumably holstered on his back, he hadn't left it after the days events wanting to be at the ready encase someone else attacked, as normally for a celebration like this he might have switched to his civilian clothing rather than armor, but he felt so off with the cultish activity that he was worried the village could be under attack again very shortly potentially and he wanted to be ready for that possability.

"Right..Let's get to cover back in the village. Neco-Arc you should come with us, we don't want you getting shot." Yukan would stay near Katja with his weapon drawn ready to escort her and the cartoonish cat one back at a moment's notice if necessary, also offering Katja a hand to get out of the river.

 

[SixSense]

It had all happened so quickly. One second, he was in a cavern ripping through insects with ease. A bright flash would envelop the surrounding area, then silence. He was free from the weight of being flesh and bone.

A voice would fill the air that was all too familiar to Kota.

“All that effort, and where did it lead you? Still feeling the same way you entered this world. You're still focused on doing what you want instead of what is needed."

He would look around in the void however nothing yet its stillness replied.

Through the darkness, a light would illuminate the soul's visage, encapsulating his entire view in white light, and before long, he had returned to the land of the living.

---

Kota
Titles: Fae, Beastman (Mundane), Kitsune, Isekai, Delver, Striker, Floating Fox, Republic Adventurer E, Floating Fox, Striker, Champion of Holy Water
Character Sheet
Mentions: Maxxob TheTimePiece Karcen

​

Being amongst the living was a strange feeling, the fox found the weight of being flesh and bone similar yet different. Fae blood now flowed through his veins and it had a physical effect on his body, more tails sprouted from his back along with branding on his arms. He had been reborn and granted a second chance, the Fae See seemed to have found use for his expertise. The fox would observe the changes in his appearance in a nearby pond, his silver hair now possessing streaks of teal was a surprising sight. A sheepish smile would appear on his face as he saw himself, before backing away from the pond.

Not a color I'd choose The thought crossed his mind as he strummed through his hair.

He'd noticed another sensation as he stepped closer to the pond, a familiarity that was not there before. It was as though the water had been calling out to him. I see, so these are there perks of the job Kota walked forward, as he planted a foot into the water he noticed the surface of the water felt stable under his feet, utilizing another perk [Water Walking]. He'd find a stroll on the water seemed like a good way to become re-acquainted with his body as he made his way back to the republic.

Via a series of waterways and branching streams, Kota would find his way back to his homeland after a few nights. His journey leading him to Taeko, he seemed to arrive on a night of festivities which put a smile on his face. Nice to know things are going well in this town There seemed to be something else that had been drawing him to this town though. The sudden sound of a gunshot going off in the distance would wipe the smile off the Kitsune's face. Kota planted his feet firmly into the water's surface before pushing off utilizing [Speedboost E], water would kick up behind him as blazed forward on the water. It seemed as though he wasn't the only one who was interested in the gunshot as he'd find Yukan, a nun, and a cartoonish-looking beastkin.

"I'm surprised to see you here, Yukan." Kota would slow his speed to match Yukan and the rest's speed, his eyes would turn to the other two accompanying the Tanuki and nod his head, acknowledging them. "Introductions can wait until after we deal with the problem. For the time being, I'm here to provide support."

 

[Gwen_Temi]

Minashigo no Ōkami
​

Again, Okami could sense no malicious intent from Hezziah as she appraised him.

But, before the two of them could begin to make their way over to Yukan, yet another surprise reared its head. A gunshot in the night, and not a single body in the immediate area fell. Her brow furrowed. As far as Okami knew, the shooter's target might not've been anywhere close to the town center. Considering where Yukan and Katja were...

...that was concerning.

Truth be told, actually trying to track down the shooter was the last thing on The Ronin's mind at that moment. Vincent was already on the move to investigate and intercept. Let him. Perhaps Rei would accompany him. And the mage standing in front of her suddenly seemed like far less of a concern than he'd originally appeared. The Wolf had no words for Hezziah at that moment. She broke out into a sprint towards the washing area to find Yukan and Katja.

Dealing with the shooter was a concern that could wait until after she'd confirmed their status and made sure they were alright.

Hopefully that noise had nothing to do with either of them.

Spoiler

Actions (1/3):
1) Make her way over to the washing area to find Yukan and Katja.
​

 

[Spoiled Bread]

Rei Unagishi

The sound of gunshot immediately pulled Rei's mind out of her stupor, at least briefly. She didn't know what was happening but she quickly unsheated her sword and ran behind Vince. Gunshot means trouble, especially in this part of the region where those things was rarely found.

"Don't worry Vince, I will babysit you!!"

Following the man to the source of the noise. They found another man pointing gun at Vince. Rei tilted her head in confusion as she stared at another human who came into the beastkin village today.

"Another one? Look, dude. You are late, It's already over!" Just like with Hezekiah, she thought the man was another human who comes for the disappearing village quest.

Maverick Six LocalFloridaman​

 

[Maxxob]

Gwen_Temi | Okami
NachoGod | Hezekiah
Karcen | Katja
Maverick Six | Vincent
TheTimePiece | Yukan
Spoiled Bread | Rei
LocalFloridaman | Mathias
SixSense | Kota

Neko-Arc
​

At the river, Neco-Arc is mid-pose when the gunshot rings out, causing it to dramatically fall backwards into the water with an exaggerated "NYAAAAA!" Upon resurfacing, it spits out water in a perfect fountain-like arc.

"My performance! Interrupted! How DARE they?!" The cat-thing seems more offended about its disrupted courtship attempt than concerned about potential danger. However, when Katja suggests coming along, its demeanor shifts to excited anticipation. "Ohoho! A midnight adventure! Count me in! Though..." it looks at its tiny form, "I'm more of a lover than a fighter, nyaha!"

Just then, Kota arrives, practically skating across the water's surface with supernatural grace. Neco-Arc's jaw drops comically low. "WHAAAAAT?! Water-walking?! That's cheating! And those tails! So fluffy! So many!" It starts counting on its tiny fingers, getting increasingly confused. "One, two, three... wait, let me start over... Are they multiplying while I count?!"

When Kota introduces himself to Yukan, Neco-Arc slides between them like a wet soap bar. "Ohoho! Another handsome beast-person! The river's getting crowded with all these pretties!" It attempts to mimic Kota's water-walking ability by tiptoeing on the surface, only to immediately plunge face-first into the water.

As the now-larger group moves toward the gunshot, they encounter Okami rushing their way. Neco-Arc's eyes somehow grow even larger. "WOWZERS! Another sword person! But this one's got..." it makes an hourglass gesture with its paws, "...actual curves! Unlike some of us..." it glances down at its own board-flat chest before dramatically pointing at Okami. "Hey hey, teach me your secrets! Is it the sword? Does swinging big sharp things make you grow in certain places? Should I start now?!" It begins making exaggerated sword-swinging motions with a stick it found.

When they finally reach the scene where Mathias has Vincent at gunpoint, with Rei already present, Neco-Arc completely misreads the tense situation. It bursts through the bushes like a tiny tsunami:

​

"STOP RIGHT THERE, CRIMINAL SCUM!" it announces in an unnecessarily deep voice, still wielding its stick. "You have violated the law! Pay the court a fine or serve your sentence! Your stolen goods are now... oh wait, wrong script." It fumbles with some papers it pulled from... somewhere.

"Ahem! Let me try again!" It strikes a dramatic pose, balancing precariously on one foot. "In the name of the moon- no, that's not it either... By the power of Grey- nope..." Papers continue flying everywhere as the tension of the standoff is possibly derailed by this absurd performance.

The crickets from earlier can be heard facepalming collectively, having followed the group just to witness this continuing spectacle.

 

[Maverick Six]

Vincent
Interaction: Maxxob (Narrator and Neco-Arc) Spoiled Bread (Rei) LocalFloridaman (Mathais)
Equipped Titles: Human [Mundane], Novice Tinkerer, Novice Blacksmith, Isekai, Mechanic
Language Key: Common | %Analog% |

The Woods

---

The forest was pretty quiet all things considered -- aside from Rei walking along with him. It felt good to have someone watching his back, like he wasn't making the same choices as a bad horror movie character.

Stealth wasn't a particular strong suit of his and he never tried. If there was a conflict of some kind, he was wondering if it might have ended already. There was no sign of blood wheresoever the light was shone. And more time might have been spent trying to figure out what was happening if not for the fact that he heard a little voice nearby him telling him not to raise his gun or he'd be a dead man.

Upon Vince's oft cool expression, a tenseness formed on his brow. Anger manifested in an expression that seemed almost irritated, as his eyes swerved to the voice's source.

Release

Vince raised an eyebrow -- using his eye for detail [Investigation F] to try to figure out where the voice was coming from. It was dark, but that was what the lantern was for. What was better was the guy was talking to him. And second, he heard the sound of a half-cocked hammer -- alluding to the fact that he had a gun and it was probably aimed at him. But his eyes searched for what was to be a target. His mind would parse through the distracting details of the local foliage and look for the source of where the voice was moving.

The gun wasn't ranged -- but Vince had taken a stance to fire from the hip. [Aim] The gun was already in his hand and it was not going to take much to raise it.

Despite the anger in his expression, Vince spoke calmly.

"I'm not puttin' the gun away. But I don't want any trouble." He began.

"I'll assume the worst. If you're a bandit or a cultist, this is your chance to run away, before someone meaner than me and my friend here comes along." Rei spoke, but Vince eyes were somewhere else for obvious reasons.

"But I should probably ask the question: Who the fuck are you?"

More footsteps and more voices. Others were closing in on him and he wondered who exactly it was they were. His eyes were so locked that he hadn't even bothered to look towards Rei let alone the others who showed up. One particular voice stuck out as it seemed to to be shouting complete nonsense as though it were a cop. Eyes twitched, wanting to look at who the hell was speaking but nothing came up in his mind beyond the word "friendly." There were a couple of pop culture references Vince might have been able to name in it's shouting-- had he not been ready to gun a man down.

But he didn't do that. At least not yet. It all depended on what the other pointing a gun at him, seemed intent on doing.

---

Spoiler: Actions

HP: 2/2 (E-Grade Character)
Armor HP: N/A (He's not wearing any currently)

Actions: 2/3

1. [Investigation F] - Vince tries to looks for Mathais and beat out his [Stealth F] camouflage.

2. Aim - Vincent looks towards Matthais in preparation to fire from the hip.

3.

Cooldowns:
Vince
F - 0 Posts Remain
E - 0 Posts Remain

Lucky Charges: 2/2

 

[Gwen_Temi]

Minashigo no Ōkami

​

The sound of racing footsteps drew Okami's attention as she drew closer to the baths. And, when she caught sight of their source, there were... two more heads than she'd been expecting. One familiar, the other... strange for reasons that she had difficulty putting to words. Her eyes lingered on the unknown beastkin as it commented on her figure. Or, whatever that thing accompanying Lord Yukan was. She squinted for a brief moment-

"Mmm. Perhaps we should... revisit that question at a later time."

-then decided that it probably wasn't the best time to be discussing her bust and anything related to it.

"Well, that's certainly not a face I was expecting to see tonight," she walked over and put a hand on Kota's shoulder, "Could've used you a few hours ago in the caves, but better late than never. Good to see you're still in one piece."

Then, as her hand slowly slid off of Kota's shoulder's, The Ronin would- not so subtely- scan everyone with her eyes for fresh wounds or blood. Nothing of note aside from Katja's torn clothing that had gotten ripped hours ago. No guns on their person either. A bit of relief seemed to wash over her face.

"I take it that gunshot had nothing to do with you, did it? I didn't notice any injured at the town square, either," a brief, contemplative pause, "If we're all fine, then let's track down the gunman. Keep an eye out for bodies or wounded along the way."

Unless someone else had anything they needed to take care of at that moment, Okami would join the group as they advanced deeper into the woods and towards the source of the gunshot. As soon as they arrived, the... inbred beastkin child(?) announced their presence with a string of nonsensical babbling. She would glance over at Yukan for a moment before turning her attention back towards the scene. Vincent was in a standoff with some fellow sporting a rifle.

She would step from the brush and advance until she was within 15ft of the stranger, not even remotely concerned with whether or not he fired his weapon.

"I haven't noticed any bullet wounds in town. Our comrades at the river were also unharmed. As of now, he doesn't appear to have harmed anyone with that gun."

Her eyes were locked on the stranger, but those words were for Rei and Vincent.

"Stranger. There are six of us here. Six. Many more in town," seven if you chose to include the awkward cat, "Most of us have already shed the blood of a few today, and yours would not be special if it came down to it. Rest assured. If we had come here to strike you down, you would know by now."

Oddly enough, Bigs would sense no hostility in Okami's voice as she spoke.

"I suggest you listen to my friend here is saying," she gestured towards Vincent, "You don't have any enemies here. Not at the moment. But you stand to make quite a few over one bad decision."

Spoiler

Actions (1/3):

1) Move to a spot 15ft away from Bigs and try to convince him to lower his weapon.
​

​

 

[LocalFloridaman]

The Stand off at the Glen.

Bigs kept the rifle aloft, evaluating his choices. He had one shot ready to go in the Springfield, 8 in his .45 and good confidence he could out draw anyone of the gathered new comers, except maybe the strange anthropomorphic cat child thing. For a brief moment he felt his mind wonder back as to it search his mental inventory for a fragmentation grenade. Suddenly he was snapped back to the world by the words of the Women.

A...samurai? She spoke the truth, and with no clear malice or venom on her tongue. She was actually trying to deescalate the situation. Keeping his eyes on Vince's, as is if boring through his soul with the eyes of a man who had seen far, far to much combat in his day, he grunted. Lowering the Springfield but not letting it go, nor rendering the hammer to half cock. What he did do was un-peel him self from the thicket of trees and, slowly, reach in to his pocket to retrieve a pack of smokes and his zippo. With a flick of the pack against his arm and the soft chink chink of the zippo, the small flame of the zippo illuminated his face for the first time, casting dim orange tinged shadows across his scraggly beard face.

Taking a few puffs to get a good cherry going, he stowed both the pack and zippo, letting the Camel dip in to his lips as the cherry at the end of the cig cast an even dimmer light on his features. "So then tell me, ye band of merry...somthings, I dead? Tripping Absolute Balls? Or some combination of both?."

Taking a puff, he continued. "Cause last I recall, I was staring down the metaphorical barrel of the reaper and the very literal engine block of a Mac Diesel. I don't recognize the plants and sure as shit can't read the stars overhead...So, as I said, tell me. Just where in the blue hells am I?"

 

[Karcen]

Katja Galinka
languages: common

​

Katja hadn't headed back to the village, she wasn't the kind to run for shelter, or seek to avoid the fighting she was the kind that ran right for it. She did fear people would get hurt if things were as bad as she could imagine and thus while her ability to heal was nothing at least she could protect the others. She didn't think to protect herself or think her skills would be helpful away from combat, she never had she was not going to wait and let others get hurt and sacrifice themselves if she could help it. On thing she hadn't expected was a rather buff half naked water walker fox man to just kind of show up as she and yukan were heading down the river towards the shot. She had been confused but he knew Yukan so there was little need to worry if he was a friend or foe. Neco arc was being well the chaotic creature she seemed to be and Katja was starting to assume it wasn't of this world. Well aside from it not matching the looks, the way it spoke was like it was in a comedy even if it was missing its straight man. So that was another person from another world that had wandered in. Katja could only confirm herself and Vincent as people from other worlds and now Neco arc was added to that list.

Katja, yukan, neco arc, and the fox beast man arrived at the scene and found a man pointing his gun at Vincent who was also armed. The gun looked... modern, to modern. Katja wondered if it could be, if the mystery man was like her. Neco arc was doing well her thing of putting on a comedy show that lacked a grounding influence to really make it funny and seemed to be doing references no one got now. The situation was both tense and had lost all tension thanks to Neco arc being unable to be serious. Luckily it seemed that the man saw some reason or rather the lack of it to a normal person in this situation.

now was the time for reason for an explanation and Katja felt she was the one best suited to explain. " You have been moved from your to another " Katja said her voice sweet and holding no room for deceit " I know it is hard to believe, but it is the truth. I also came from another world, though i merely turned a corner and was in a field. Vincent " She gestured to Vincent " Like wise has come from from another world. Though it is funny but i have yet to actually ask anyone the name of this world, the lord has brought me here that is enough for me a name is but a minor detail"

Katja really did wish she had more clothes now as well she was beyond soaked and unlike being in the cool river the soaked fabric weighed down on her and every slight breeze some how made her feel chilled tot he bone. She wasn't worried about getting ill despite not being able to cure herself she could at least make it so she was not slowed down by it latter one. Still it would be nice to be in some dry clothes, it would feel less silly.

 

[TheTimePiece]

Yukan Kokyake
​

Languages: "Common", "<Beastial>"

Maxxob Karcen LocalFloridaman Gwen_Temi Maverick Six NachoGod SixSense Spoiled Bread

Yukan was surprised to see Kota, who was apparently different more ways than one. However he was also glad to see the ally from before, giving him a nod with the situation unfolding there wasn't a ton of time to chat about what had happened prior.

"<Thank you Kota, your assistance is appreciated." He'd leave it brief, speaking in beastial.

Yukan was still surprised at just how inappropriate this Nico's attitude could be regarding the shooting situation they had found themselves in, being as casual and tone death as ever given the situation talking about how nice people looked and doing it's over exaggerated gestures which generally didn't have a place in polite Kuridan beast culture outside of maybe comedy routines and or theatre , but even then now was far from the time for that sort of thing.

Yukan, Upon seeing Okami gave a nod also, she was more predictable, checking out the gunfire as he knew she was one to take action as well when there was a possibly nearby threat.

"No obviously wounded from the gun user is good, however we cannot be too cautious until we see the full picture, there may be more of them."

He'd still grip his Su-Yari. He'd likely take the front of the little group that had formed along with Okami, beside her similar as to what they had done back in the cave and the first battlefield together not all so long again.

Yukan held a defensive stance, and listened at first, observing the situation carefully, waiting for any quick movements and looking around for any possible other glints of guns or signs of people with his Dark Vision
feature.

Thankfully Vincent did not appear to be injured from this encounter thus far. He also took note of Rei who had arrived on scene, giving her a nod.

When the gunsman came out finally and asked where he was..Yukan almost felt a bit relieved, could it be another other worlder? He had been wanting to bring Katja and even Neco arc back to the village encase there had been an army of marauders or something not wanting them to get hurt before he came back to intercept the group probably with anyone else but she had made her choice clear..and it seems the others had explained well enough what would happen if this guy decided to get hostile with them.

another other worlders who perhaps wasn't actually an enemy but just someone lost and confused? that would probably be the better scenario than a group of criminals or something else who were here to do harm, but they still didn't know.

Yukan was quick and to the point. "You're in the Republic of Kuridan right now." He asked this question to judge if it would be familiar to this person or if his reaction would seem genuine, if he wasn't from this world than it was unlikely he knew where or what it was.

He then continued,

" You spoke of feeling like you were on death's door with what you remember last, Tell us as much as you can about what you remember of this."

"While my ally speaks the truth, we have no qualms about spilling more blood if it is necessary, it would be preferable if we could resolve this peacefully..I would also like to know why there was gunfire over here."

 

[LocalFloridaman]

Mathias Bigsby.
Stand off at the Glen...resolved?

Bigs, seeing the odds shift even further from his side of the proverbial table, sighed. Holding up a hand in the dim light, he gently let the hammer back down to half cock, rendering the rifle safe before gently slinging it over his shoulder. This situation has clearly gotten well and truly beyond what the rather ragged looking mountain man has experienced. "Republic of...Kuridan. Sounds Japanese, like something I'd hear about during rotation out to deployment at Okinawa." Swearing in a strange tongue, not his native English nor the strange tongue he found that came to him almost eerily naturally. There was also the fact he was talking in the general direction of not one, but two Samurai...and one was a man sized Racoon.

"As for how I got here...I was in the backwoods of Tennessee, it was near dark, I had just taken a fresh buck, just barely bigger then a yearling. I was hoping to cash in the last of my tags and make enough to pay off the moving costs of getting out of Tennessee. It started to rain and I didn't want to dress a dear in an open clearing and was halfway across what I thought was a deserted back road when I turned to see the...I think it was a Publix truck hauling ass at me."

He, of course, left out the bit about him seeing the old man again, the same old man he still had flashes off during his nap.

"Next thing I know, I'm here. Something spooked me and I will admit I sent the shot out in to the bush. In retrospect, probably a hare or something similar." Ending his recollection of things, he cast his eyes skyward again. "Strange stars...strange stars indeed...Faen i helvete." There it was again, that strange tongue. His Opa's native Norwegian, of course, he didn't speak the full language but had grown up with the man and he possessed a mouth that'd put the hardiest sailor to utter shame.

He'd turn back to Vince. "You at least seem like you and I have similar origins. Tell me, this all for real, or am I sitting in the woods near Gatlinburg tripping out of my fuckin skull on some bad chronic?" He awaited his response in particular, seemingly singling out the question to perhaps the only man who some what resembled "Normal" to Bigs. Of course, there was the other mostly Human looking women, one in full War gear and the other in...soaked? Nun's Habit.

 

[Karcen]

Katja Galinka
languages: common

​

It seemed things were settled no one was hurt and Katja wasn't really needed. She had only wished to talk to Yukan tonight and she had done that. She had said she would go with him but she was unused when or how long she would. It was by the lords will that she wandered and that she stayed. She dud wonder how needed she was as while she had protected others she was in her mind just covering for her own now lacking healing power. It was a gift from the lord, but perhaps her faith was to weak to do more or she in truth only needed this level of healing, but still she wanted to help. Perhaps it was that most deadly of sins pride than made her feel useless but she wasn't so sure she helped beyond in the most minor ways. Still the wind blew and it was almost winter and Kstja was now soaked to the bone thanks to getting dressed in her soaked robes. Every little breeze made Katja shiver just a little the cold of the night made worse by water and wind. The man also served to want vince to speak to him so it seemed she wasn't needed.

" I will head back to town Lord Yukan, thank you for answering my questions " she said the reason she was heading back hopefully clear to the others. With that she would head off to hopefully find a nice warm area to sit till she dried.

 

[SixSense]

Kota
Titles: Fae, Beastman (Mundane), Kitsune, Isekai, Delver, Striker, Floating Fox, Republic Adventurer E, Floating Fox, Striker, Champion of Holy Water
Character Sheet
Mentions: Maxxob TheTimePiece Karcen Gwen_Temi LocalFloridaman Maverick Six

​

It was safe to say that the Fox had never met an Individual quite like Neko-Arc. Their behavior, appearance, and antics resembled that of an old cartoon. Kota would give a questioning look to the others whom he had joined however they seemed to just accept that Neco-Arc was here to stay so who was he to have qualms.

Kota would nod his head in response, they were battle brothers, bonded by blood and war. Having his back was a given. As the group advanced toward they would find Okami along with some other people.

“I didn’t expect to see you either Minashigo, hope you can forgive me for my tardiness.” Kota would reciprocate the greeting with Okami, placing his hand on her shoulder. “You’re tougher than most so I’m sure you managed” the brief smile he had on his face would disappear as he turned to the situation at hand. Arms folded, Kota would just observe, allowing the others to speak.

The kitsune was glad to see Bigs put his gun down, if arbitration was an option he much preferred thet choice. He was just a man plucked from his world, a story a few of the individuals present shared.

“This is very real, go ahead and pinch yourself.” The kitsune would move to the front of the group, “My name is Kota, i too was also brought from a land where the landmarks you’ve mentioned existed. However, I grew up from an infant.” He’d attempt to level with the man, “I too suffered at the fate of what some people called, ‘Truck-kun’. Though I don’t believe I looked quite as good as you did at the end of it.” Kota would turn back towards Okami and Yukan, with the immediate concern being cleared up. The fox would turn his attention to a more personal matter.

“I’d like to know what you two have been up to since the last time we’ve seen one another. Perhaps we can sit down in town?” he’d begin to walk in the direction in town though before he would depart he’d extend an olive branch for Bigs.

“You should come into town, perhaps seeing more of this world will help you adjust.” He’d smile once more before looking back to Okami, his stomach would release a loud grumble. “Think we can get something to eat as well? It’s been a while since I’ve had Kuridan food.” He would smile sheepishly while scratching the back of his head.