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Post by Kyubey on May 6, 2013 2:40:01 GMT -5
Lynwood did not show any feelings whatsoever to the destruction of the robot, merely standing back and letting her crewmates take charge of the situation. She sensed no life from the mechanical creatures, and thus, did not feel anything from their demise.
The masked man, though, was very much alive, it seemed, though she was less certain about it. His logic was strange to her, about as opposed to her own as possible, and it appeared as though he based his entire thinking around symbols that, as he himself pointed out, was completely foreign to her, and might as well have meant nothing. Lynwood didn't show that she didn't recognize most of the symbols, though, and when Kusu said that she couldn't possibly understand math as well as a man, she was quick to reply with a self-assured "That isn't true, Captain! I can most definitely count!"
What was most strange about Jackal's speech was the part about "almost complete control." Lynwood could hardly understand how someone so apparently educated could possibly dream of controlling so much, when it was so clearly impossible. It was her belief that an individual who wanted everything, in actuality, understood nothing, and she wondered if the same was true for the masked figure. When he guessed that she understood what he meant, he could not have been more wrong. She couldn't comprehend it at all. She thought of telling him this, and perhaps asking him to elaborate, but decided that, whatever his explanation would have been, she was probably better off not hearing it. Her time on Breakwater alone was enough to show her how tragically misguided some men could be.
Matters of logic and ambition aside, Lynwood had a multitude of other questions. But first, introductions were in order. Jackal was kind enough to give the pirates his name, and so she saw no harm in following his example. "Greetings, Jackal. My name is Lynwood, and I am sure I will be the only Urdian you will ever see. Before you continue any further, there is something I need answered. The contraptions that were used to threaten us said that we are dangerous elements to this country. This is not true, but we are pirates so I know why the people here would think that. But yet, you would let us pirates talk with you like this. Why? Is this how you treat all pirates that come to this island?"
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Post by Hitotsumami on May 6, 2013 22:30:44 GMT -5
Wolf was surprised to see his attack did not phase the robots, but relieved when Kusu took control and slashed them. He wondered why his electromagnetic attack had failed, but he'd have to wait for answers to that question. Though, he wouldn't have to wait long.
The elevator reached its floor and Wolf stepped out with Lynwood and Kusu. They walked into a room full of numbers and symbols, and Wolf immediately went into overtime, recording every piece of information he could. Amazingly, however, even Wolf's powerful processing could not figure out what the significance of these numbers were.
They then met the man behind the numbers, Jackal: A strange man with an even stranger mask. Kusu and Lynwood asked their own questions, and Wolf paused to think of what he wondered the most. Perhaps the other two weren't as interested, but for Wolf, his question was very important.
"What do all of these numbers mean?"
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Post by Kuro on May 9, 2013 18:20:43 GMT -5
"Kind of cool? This mask is one of the most valuable, most beautiful things you will ever see. It represents everything that I am and ever was; do you not see the hunger in its crooked smile, the glee in its slit eyes, can you not hear the hiss-like laughter coming from its mouth? Well, I don't actually laugh like hissing, but that is unimportant. I can see perfectly well, Ms. Kidd, although I appreciate your concern. As for your question, I will answer that one last. Just wait a bit."
There was a slight tinge of annoyance in Jackal's voice at Kusu's comment, but besides that he sounded relatively calm, perhaps a little excited. He looked at Lynwood and outstretched his arms, not as a gesture to hug but as if he was seeing something extraordinary. "Ah, the last Urdian. An impressive title, a splendid one in fact. It flows right off of the tongue, it does. I've never heard of your race, but i'm sure that they were a splendid people all the same. After all, you do not seem such a bad specimen; you sound patient, polite, and educated. I assure you that such a manner of talk is much better than what I've had to endure for so many years. However, we shall answer your question later. Say, after this large man's but before Ms. Kidd's. Yes, that will do quite nicely. In that case, let us both end and begin with you, Mr. Wolf, with the end referring to the responses and the beginning referring to the answers."
And with that, he jumped out of his chair and onto his desk. With an enthusiastic yell, he spun around in place with his arms spread out wide, sending the towering piles of paper everywhere into the air. The space above the four in the room was now, like the walls, covered in numbers and graphs that were coming down towards them like neverending rain, the amount of slowly-falling sheets of paper seeming endless. As the papers floated to the ground, Jackal snatched one at a time from the air and excitedly spoke on each one's meaning, grabbing a new sheet of falling paper each time he did so.
"The hundreds of numbers on this paper say that I've been getting more customers than ever before!
This black-and-white markings on this one say that I've been running my shopping centre perfectly because there were no incidents or complaints at all last month!
This big zig-zaggy line says that there is no rhyme or reason to the rate at Victoria is funding me and this nice jumble of random numbers, numbers, numbers told me several days ago that the Phantom Hawks, the great little Phantom Hawks, were heading to my island and that they would be here any moment. But look", and he thrust the last paper into Lynwood's face, "look and tell me what you see. As I said, lines and lines of random code, not a single word or picture to say anything. But here you are, three of you ready to listen, completely at my mercy! Thank you for coming."
The rest of the paper finished its descent, all of the paper that had once been on a desk now all over the floor, with Jackal left standing on the desk with his arms raised dramatically in the air. After a few moments of recollecting himself, the lights in the thin holes in his mask aimed at Wolf. "...And that is but a taste of what I have lived in for 12 years, 13 days, 4 minutes aaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnndddddd....43 seconds. A life in which I spend most of my time in this chair, seeing only the numbers that speak to me, that tell me of their secrets. I've learned to read past the lines, to see the code behind the code, to only learn what really matters. And for quite some time now, it's been telling me...things. Awful, glorious things. But never mind that for now, let's save that for later!"
He landed back into his chair and looked at Lynwood next, his cracked, inhuman grin now fixed on her. "Oh, as I said before, you do seem the most knowledgable out of this lot. I suppose that you are the one I shall speak to on important matters. Now then, let me make at least one thing clear: Pirates are just as valued and treated well as any of our other customers. We do not isolate pirates, we do not discriminate through prices, we do not bar them access to any of our facilities or stores. Thousands of pirates are walking about in this building as we speak, buying their little black hearts out. The fact that I am talking to you three has less to do with your pirate occupations and more to do with your special talents.
While I have no doubt that you, Lynwood, are in possession of most unique and useful abilities, I was more excited for the arrival of Ms. Kidd, one of the most accomplished and privileged people to ever walk into my building. And a child, at that; my, how the times have changed. Great things are ahead of you, Ms. Kidd, great opportunities. I trust you remember Regala, no? How could you not, after all? It was no doubt your finest work and indeed, one of the finest works of art that the world has ever seen. It is admired by all Victorians and seen as a masterpiece worthy of recognition, despite its origin of a small girl and her motley pirate crew. To have a foreign effort be so recognized and loved by the Victorians is quite a feat; the walls around our homeland are impenetrable for a reason after all."
He cocked his head to one side, having turned to Kusu at one point in his praise of her past achievement. "Oh yes, Ms. Kidd. Now, after only being able to admire the execution and results of your great work, I have you in my office, speaking to me. It would be humbling if I didn't know that nothing is too awe-inspiring to humble me. Now, I have the business proposal of your lifetime, the only contract that will ever matter, the only codes and words that will ever give you as much as you will receive."
Jackal got out his chair again, beginning to walk around the room, not caring about all of the paper that he was stepping on. As he spoke, he moved his hands and arms about in intricate gestures to tell his story.
"I will try to keep this brief. Victoria is the capital of Arkady Industries and is home to the richest, most powerful and most technologically advanced race on the planet. Forget about the World Government and their petty nobles, the disgusting Celestial Dragons; that precious government and its marines have made hopelessly little progress in maintaining order in their regions and their nobles are so laughably dull and incompetent that they couldn't even blink without assistance. Victorians are so much better than that trash; we are intelligent and refined. We have no need of others and each of us is able to command the articulate craft of calculation and economy without any worry or trouble. We don't even need to use slaves; we are just that good. Combined with our marvelous technology, we are capable of turning the entire world into a perfect place, free of trouble and concern, a utopia under our wise and everlasting control!" He raised his arms into the air, yelling now, fully enveloped in what he was saying. "But...the others don't see this. They don't see my world, my vision, my paradise. Arkady Industries is going to take over the world, no doubt on that matter, but what they would do with it? They would simply turn it into a plaything. Of course we have the right, but why do such a thing? Why waste so much potential? Besides a global boost in technology, the Victorians would leave the world as it was. They don't care about the state of the rest of the world, they just want to control it. What they don't see is that we can control it and make it a better place, a perfect place. We can give everyone access to service robots so that no one would have to physically toil in the hot sun anymore, so that no one can risk their lives in dangerous manual labor. We can give everyone access to airships, let the trading between regions and peoples be boosted worldwide by 800% percent! Everyone can be wealthy, everyone can be comfortable, everyone can have a perfect, happy life! It's brilliant, can't you see? We can't get rid of every problem, but through my vision, the vision of Jackal, mastermind of the century, we could rid this world of an entire 57.457182% of it! Everyone will be equal and everyone will be happy, as it should be. After all, why not make the world a better place? If we can, then why shouldn't we?"
He looked towards the three pirates and took a few steps toward them. "But for that to happen, Victoria has to change. Victoria is ruled by Slythe Arkady and his Board of Executives, who see the world as nothing to be conquered. There is so much more we could do to it, but they would not believe me. No, they would just as likely demote or humiliate me for my genius. It is a shame that they could never understand my glorious mind, but there is little I can do. What I must do is change Victoria's leadership. Victoria must follow a new path - my path - and go forward into the future. Unfortunately, as powerful as I am, it would be far too risky to try and overthrow them through regular Victorian power plays and mind games. With each Victorian I involve in my schemes, I run a greater risk of being exposed.
So that is where you come in. My precious toppler of kingdoms. I will take you and whoever you need into the paradise of Victoria and once we are in inside, we will begin the great change of Victoria. The world will only benefit from this plan. Imagine everyone being richer and not having to risk their lives everyday in physical work. Imagine a paradise for not just the Victorians, but for all. For your friends, your loved ones, and most importantly, yourself. I'll even pay you and your friends more money than you've ever seen in your life, something for you all to enjoy as you wait for my vision to be fully installed once I come into power."
His mask smiled at the three pirates, the lights still shining in the darkness of his unblinking, gleeful eyes.
"Well? Do I have your cooperation?"
Silver was still oblivious to any discomfort that Kalen was going through in her vice grip, but a thoughtful look did appear on her face when he asked her what she wanted. She stopped and looked down, not out of embarrassment now but of thinking. It was a while before she looked up again and even then, she sounded reluctant in her choice of words, as if she was still thinking of an answer as she spoke. "...I...want...er..." She looked at the shelves surrounding her and seemed rather apathetic to what she saw. "...I don't see anything I want in here. This is a medical store, so I don't know if there's anything I can really use in here...I know little of the medical practice."
When they had gone through all of the shelves and had all products in hand, Silver started to skitter towards the cashier and froze up. The man behind the counter was staring at her out of curiousity, but that wasn't the problem; the problem was that she would have to...talk to him. Interact. It had been difficult enough to talk with Kalen, and he had initiated the conversation. To talk with another person...
No. She had to be brave. Kalen was doing so much to help, so she had to do her part. She would try at least once to go without his help. She squeezed Kalen tighter like a teddy bear. The help of physical comfort and security did not count as the help she was thinking of.
Slowly, slowly, apprehensively, she approached the counter, extending one spidery leg at a time. The cashier didn't say anything, still confused by what was going on. She shook as she now stood in front of him, unsure what to do. The cashier looked back and forth between the spider-girl and the poor-looking boy, also unsure of what to do in such an odd situation.
"..Uh...Will that be paper or plastic?"
Silver walked towards the next location on the list, a food market. This store, while as organized and clean as the medical store, was much more full of people; busy, loud people who bumped into each other in the crowds as they looked for what they wanted. Silver was petrified; her eyes were wide and afraid.
"...Kalen...A-are you sure that we have to shop here? Perhaps, we can find food another way, or look for another store, or.."
She stood still in front of the entrance, Kalen still in her arms.
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Post by CJ on May 11, 2013 14:10:32 GMT -5
"Don't worry," Kusu waved her hand at Lynwood. "I didn't ask you to be on my crew for your math skills. You don't have to lie. Sqwee."
The young captain tapped her foot annoyingly when Jackal said he would answer her question later. She sighed, crossed her arms and looked down.
Meanwhile, much to her expectations, Wolf asked about the strange symbols on the wall. She nodded approvingly to him.
Throughout Jackal's glorious speech, Kusu's head was held low. Her bangs covered her eyes, making her seem like she was in deep concentration. When he asked for their cooperation, she was coldly silent.
About ten seconds past since the question was asked that Shitty Sword again removed itself from its sheath. It used the butt of its hilt to lift Kusu's chin up, revealing that she had actually fallen asleep sometime during Jackal's sleep. She snickered as drool rolled down her chin onto the sword. Grossed out, the sword backed away from her and floated behind her as she snapped awake.
"Sqwee! Oh, uh. What did you say?" she asked Jackal in a daze.
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Post by Shark a' Pult on May 12, 2013 6:47:49 GMT -5
"...Kalen...A-are you sure that we have to shop here? Perhaps, we can find food another way, or look for another store, or.."
"..."
Looking like a cross between a boneless fish and a wacky arm flailing inflatable tube man, Kalen swayed this way and that, almost completely removed from the situation. It wasn't until some time after that he noticed where they were and what was going on, and after he processed what Silver had said. Eventually he sort of kind of straightened up though but not really, and adopted a very manly and confident expression to accompany his thumbs up
"Hell yeah baby. I got this, just follow my lead. A pretty girl like you along, this'll be a piece of cake."
Re-affixing his makeshift red captains jacket, Kalen acted in a manner he thought a captain should act in this kind of a scenario. Or that is, how the only captain he had ever known, would act in this kind of a scenario. A task as simple as shopping, for groceries? He had this in the bag.
"One side people, my girl needs room to walk! Don't want to be stepping in the way of world-famous artiste Silverella de Belle, or she might be tripping all over your uncultured selves!"
In his limited experience, from what he had seen, little else had a better crowd clearing potential than fame and fortune. A big shot artsy celebrity like what he was making his arachnid friend out to be, would be enough for most people, and what he was saying wasn't even entirely wrong. It wasn't like they were trying to sneak into an embassy, they were grocery shopping. Chances were their appearance might be enough alone, regardless of whatever wild story the shepherd might cook up.
"We're in need of the items on this list, for use in her next great work of art! My girl here has a refined taste, and we've picked this shoppe to fill the role. Who's in charge here, why, we might even be able to work something out! Anybody who's willing to help, well me might be willing to help out in return, put in a name here or there and add in a face or two to a famous portrait. Little win-win for everybody!"
Kalen was a silly doofus, but if they believed even half the stuff he was saying it might work, because he believed all of it.
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Post by Kyubey on May 12, 2013 20:02:56 GMT -5
Lynwood paid close attention to every word of Jackal's grand speech, and yet still most of it was lost on her. She was flattered at his words of praise for her, albeit a little confused by them as he didn't even know anything about her, and yet she couldn't think on the scope that he did, she couldn't even comprehend how far his plans reached. His words made it apparent to her that the worlds the two of them came from were entirely different, and Lynwood didn't know at all if she wanted to spend the slightest amount of time in his. All that time, in a chair? How could he get any sense of fulfillment from such a life? She had never heard of Regala, and didn't know what truly happened there, and as such, nothing he said regarding that place made any sense to her. As such, a great deal of his speech she didn't understand at all, but the parts she did were more than enough for her to form a response.
What sort of people would want to rule the whole world at all? The world was too big a place for any man to claim ownership of it. How could the lives of so many be reduced to nothing more than numbers? Such a world, controlled by so few, was not meant to be. And even if it were, how could a man, who's vision was limited to the numbers at his own desk, be worthy to take such responsibility upon himself? As worrying as Jackal's opinions were, though, the man he mentioned, Slythe Arkady, seemed far more fearsome and dangerous. If there really was a man like that, who had power but also had such a foolish grasp of it, there was no doubt that he would have to be stopped. That is, if Jackal was telling the truth at all. It was hard for Lynwood to decide, when the man she was talking to was hidden behind a mask. Faceless figures deciding the fate of thousands of innocents... the simple concept of it gave her too many bad memories, and her first thought was to distance herself as far away from it as possible. But if Victoria did mean to rule the world, would that even be possible, in time?
She wanted to give a clear answer, but she remembered that, whatever she would say, she wasn't just speaking for herself. This was a matter that would be of great consequence for her whole crew. And yet, who else could she turn to? The obvious solution was Kusu, but the Captain was but a little girl. If Lynwood could only barely grasp the concepts Jackal was throwing about, how could someone so young hope to do the same? Breakwater was enough to teach Lynwood the folly of placing so much faith upon the little bird. Wolf seemed wise and fair, but Lynwood hardly knew him, and therefore, she had doubts about trusting him with a matter so great. Her mind went to Kalen, who Lynwood had grown to trust greatly during the time they spent together, but he wasn't in the room, so she couldn't rely on him either. At least Mr. Dark was not there, she shuddered to think of what he would say. Having time to talk it over with the crew would have been ideal, but it was only those three in the room, and Jackal was waiting on a reply. She had to say something.
"I do not like those who say others are anything less than equal," she said cautiously, yet assertively. "And I can't allow anyone who oppresses others for the sake of conquest to go unstopped. I do not know if I fully support your ideals, but if you really do want to help people, if that is truthfully your intention, then we are friends. I would like to see Victoria for myself. If it is what you claim it to be, then it must be changed, and I will do what I can to help. But only if my shipmates agree." She looked to her two friends, and then back to Jackal.
"Is this acceptable?"
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Post by Hitotsumami on May 12, 2013 22:21:35 GMT -5
Wolf listened to what Jackal, taking in everything he said. At first, all he heard was random babble, at least to him that is what it was. However, when he mentioned Arkady, his jaw nearly dropped. He remembered when Mr. Dark told him just earlier that day that Arkady was someone he probably wouldn't meet for a long time, but now was his chance. Not only to meet the individual, but to get answers as well.
Answers he wanted ever since he discovered he wasn't really who he was.
"I'll absolutely go," blurted out Wolf, perhaps too enthusiastic. He then cleared this throat and looked over at Lynwood, nodding. "I mean, of course. If it's for the good of the world, then it's necessary."
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Post by CJ on May 13, 2013 15:29:18 GMT -5
Kusu looked up at Wolf and Lynwood with tired eyes. Her wings twitched as she shook her arms and legs in an odd stretch. Shitty Sword's hilt peered behind one of her wings and seemed to almost be trying to look at Jackal.
"I'm not sure what we're talking about," Kusu chirped, "but I trust my crew members to make a good decision. Listen to them, Mask! Now, can we get something to eat soon? I'm hungry!"
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Post by Mise™ on May 13, 2013 16:09:40 GMT -5
After winning the race across Breakwater prince Karalisk went his own way once again. He didn't have a destination in his mind, after all that wasn't very important, the journey was. This time His Highness' road took him to an island known as 'Sector 11', what a boring name. Like most visitors this island had, the prince went out to do some shopping, though the way prince Karalisk did his shopping was very different than that how most people did it. He did not carry any money with him; he didn't need to as he had mastered the art of haggling. When met with the question will they give some of their goods for free or get beaten most people choose the former and even if someone was dumb enough to decide otherwise the end result wouldn't change much. His Highness would still get whatever he wanted, spiced with a bit of excessive violence. "Let's see..." The prince was looking at the various shops here. He was a very impulsive shopper, he didn't know what he was after; Karalisk really did not need anything at the moment, his magical pockets were filled with everything a man could ever want as as well completely useless junk some people would pay to get rid off. Luckily for the shopkeepers their goods didn't catch the attention of His Highness and he just passed them by, for now. "*cough*" ... Oh wait wrong thread... How am I supposed to make my posts seem long without much content in them? Maybe just one last time... "*cough*" ... After a moment Karalisk heard a familiar face telling people to step aside for the sake of some 'famous' artist the prince had never heard of. "Make me, fucker!" was his response to this. Predictably the prince was not going to make way for this 'Silverella de Belle' and instead firmly stood in the way of the arachnid lady and her escort, who he soon recognized as he saw his face. "You are that fucking asshole I beat in that shitty race." If Kalen wouldn't avoid His Highness would the shepherd's face soon meet with his mighty fist.
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Post by Kuro on May 13, 2013 17:44:22 GMT -5
Jackal slammed his hands down onto the table when Kusu asked him what he had just said. "WHAT?! Are you joking?! I just explained everything that was important, you little..." He paused and slouched into his chair with a sigh, looking down at the floor with that smile still on his mask. "...I even made it brief..."
Thankfully Lynwood had more to say than her captain. "Oh, it is completely acceptable, Ms. Lynwood. I do want to help people, and we surely can't let Slythe Arkady undo everything that I, and by association, we want to accomplish. With Victoria under my wise and benevolent rule, the world will be upgraded in ways you cannot imagine. Do not worry, you will see...in time."
Wolf's answer was rather sudden, but that only meant that he wanted to go very badly. Which was, of course, good for the Victorian offering the trip. "Yes, yes, very necessary. I'm so glad that you all see things my way. How very smart you all are..." And then Kusu started speaking again. "And a good decision they made, Ms. Kidd. But don't call me Mask! I am Jackal, and Jackal will be the name that everyone remembers and praises for centuries to come. And as for food, a feast worthy of saviors of the world such as yourselves will be available just for you and your friends soon enough. It will be in the vehicle that will take us to Victoria, my own personal airship. I am almost 100% certain that none of you have ever ridden such a thing, so I will have the pleasure of giving you your first sailing of the skies. Once the entire crew is united, we shall embark, on a trip to save the world!" Picking up the quill dabbed with ink, he began to write something on one of the blank sheets now scattered across his large desk. "Such a fantastic adventure; i'm sure that they'll devote thousands, millions of pages to it throughout history." Once finished, he rolled it up and tied it together with golden ribbon. He got up out of his seat and walked over to one of the walls, plucking off some sheets of paper that were hiding something. When the papers around that spot were gone, a hole in the wall could be seen. The Victorian sent the scroll into the tunnel in the wall and watched it fall down, down, down a long pipe to its receiver.
Silver wasn't sure what to think.
At first she had been curious as to what Kalen was going to do, and then he started to say things. Things. Things that shocked her.
He was yelling to everyone about how she was a world-famous artiste. She had always wanted to be called an artiste, but she wasn't sure if she wanted it like this! That is, it was great to be called that and Kalen was saying such nice things, but, she, he, it all...
On the outside, Silver was speechless and her pale skin was now tomato-red. This was not she had expected, although she supposed she didn't know what to expect. She certainly didn't want to be the center of attention, which is why she wasn't completely appreciative of her guardian's...introduction.
The people in the food market were just as confused. Each of them had the same thought: I've never heard of Silverella Belle before. But what if everyone else has? I don't want to seem stupid; better act like I know who they're talking about. And so, the people in the market cleared a path for the classy spider-girl and her loud, annoying friend. When he mentioned that they could be spoken of by a celebrity or put in a portrait though, a lot of them suddenly rushed to Silver's spokesperson to see what was on the list, frantic to get whatever it was Silver wanted.
"Apples? I got apples, apples here, remember this face, yeah?!"
"Milk, plenty of milk, i'll put in the bag for you, the name's Ferenti, say something good about me to those higher-ups yeah?"
"Here's all the broccoli you need, straight from this face, okay? Do you need to stare at it or draw it right now or -"
Almost half of the huge crowd in the food market were running about and rushing the world-renowned Silverella to hand their groceries to her spokesperson, with some of them being decent enough to put the goods into shopping bags for the boy. Silver herself was terrified; everyone was suddenly surrounding her, yelling at her, everyone talking at once, never stopping. Her skin had turned pale again and was sweating. What was happening? What was happening? She wanted to get out as quickly as possible, but there was just so much everyone around her, too many people that she would have to crawl past, skitter past like a tiny bug.
And then another character appeared, who seemed very odd to the spider-girl. His whole apperance was rather silly, but she felt as if that was not his intention. People began to back out of the man's way and watched as he and Silver were face-to-face. Or at least, the man's face to Kalen's face. She didn't know what the profanity he was saying meant, but the man before her was scaring her even more than the crowd did. She managed to back up the slightest bit when she heard it.
click
The floor around Silver, Kalen, and Kara began to break apart into tiles, from which came the robots. They were summoned in a way that had them surround the three, although none of their weapons were yet raised. Now Silver was more confused and scared then ever, and what the robot said next wasn't clearing anything up for her.
"Hello. Please cooperate and follow us into the nearest Express Elevator. We are not here to arrest you, but to take you to superior beings who will be better able to fully appreciate your power and status. Please follow us or else you will be taken by force and having a criminal mark on your record for not cooperating with Arkady security."
"..W-w...what do we do...?"
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Post by Shark a' Pult on May 16, 2013 0:03:27 GMT -5
"You are that fucking asshole I beat in that shitty race."
"Race? What the hell are you talking about, race. Did you even win anything for 'beating' us?"
Having Kara just approach out of the blue caught Kalen off guard for a moment. His expression soon shifted from confused though, to annoyed. Normally he was always quite avoidant of conflict and trouble, but the way Kara was coming up here and acting like he was, it was weakening the position that he had put Silver and himself into. Thankfully the people in the store were helping out, but if Kara could just walk up and act however he wanted, how much longer would people buy the made up story.
As well, he didn't like how the only thing that seemed to matter to Kara was the race. As if that was something to be proud of. In the end though, it didn't really matter because the robot guards emerged on the scene to interfere with them.
"..W-w...what do we do...?"
"...I think we should just go along with what they say. Better than being treated like criminals or taken by force."
Looking left and right at all the guards, eventually the shepherd's gaze settled on the amassed supplies in his arms. As far as he could tell, he now had everything on the list.
"Besides, we can ask them where the rest of my friends are. I think it's about high time for a reunion with that dark bastard."
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Post by CJ on May 16, 2013 0:49:10 GMT -5
"And you can call me Roger!" she grinned at Jackal and pointed at her chest. "Or Kusu! Or whatever you'd like to call me! Except for Snake, my parents say it's an ugly name for someone who wants to be like a young maiden!"
Kusu crossed her arms cooly and pointed at her crew members.
"You can call these two whatever they'd like to be called. Acceptable adjectives are 'pretty' and 'cool.'"
Doing a lazy ballerina twirl, she balanced Shitty Sword from the hilt on the back of her hand.
"Shitty Sword and I have been in the sky before, but never on a ship that was meant for it. Lynwood, Wolf, you guys are in for a treat. Let's just hope the method doesn't involve Math so we all can understand what's going on. Sqwee."
With a sparkle in her eye, she twirled back to Jackal.
"Speaking of treats, what kind of food do you guys got?"
The captain's stomach rumbled.
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Post by Mise™ on May 18, 2013 6:37:23 GMT -5
”Prizes don't fucking matter, only winning does.” Karalisk responded to Kalen. He didn't win anything for winning the race at Breakwater, but just winning was enough for him; that, once again, proved that he was the greatest. As the shepherd did not try to run him over the prince, he didn't have to use violence either. It would seem like His Highness' actions from earlier today caught up to him as three of Arkady Industries' robot guards surrounded him, Kalen and that weird looking spider girl, telling them to surrender for an arrest. ”Oh shit, eunuchs!” It would seem like prince Karalisk was ready to fight these guards as he was clearly ready to pull a weapon, or at least something, out of his pocket, for the upcoming battle. However his mind changed quickly and surprisingly His Highness simply surrendered. ”Fine, let's fucking go.” Karalisk said, with a smug looking smirk on his face, some what different from his usual smirk. He was going to play it nicely, for now, and follow the robotic guards where ever they were taking him. He was so nice that His Highness was going to rob only one or two stores on their way and be very quick about it so that the guards wouldn't have to wait for him to finish his business.
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Post by Hitotsumami on May 20, 2013 14:52:35 GMT -5
Wolf raised an eyebrow at Jackal. "So, you've contacted the rest of the crew as well? I guess you really want to get this Arkady guy out of the way."
While Wolf was thinking about it, and since there wasn't anything else to do but wait for the rest of the crew, Wolf took the chance to ask some questions. "If you don't mind me asking, what do you know about Arkady? What can we expect from him when we show up at his doorstep? You seem to know an awful lot, so I think you should pass on that knowledge."
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Post by Kuro on May 20, 2013 21:33:19 GMT -5
"Oh? You've been in the sky before? I assume you're referring to your devil fruit, but do not think that this will be an ordinary experience for you! To sail in a ship as it pierces the clouds is far more comfortable and safer than flying through them yourself." Jackal chuckled when Kusu mentioned food again. "Oh, do not worry! On the airship, you will be fed the finest cuisine in the world! Beef that melts in your mouth, pork with a zing you will never forget, poul - er, and as the centerpiece, Sea King Roast. Only the finest will be served to my guests. Of course, if you think yourself too civil for meat, then we have the tastiest fruits and vegetables that you can imagine, ranging from broccoli to lettuce to fruits of far-off, exotic lands."
He turned to Wolf and the curiosity in his voice was unmistakable, as he made no attempt to hide it. "First of all, Mr. Wolf, I think that you should be less demanding of knowledge. I have no obligation to pass onto you anything more than you already know, so don't act like you deserve it. Still, I can tell you what I know. I know that he is my corporate superior, the chairman of Arkady Industries, the man who is responsible for bringing the most glorious technology of our time into the world. He made an industrial revolution and its soldiers of progress and success are unstoppable. He is the richest man in the world and has an entire supercorporation and army behind him, with that army having 40% of its troops being machines that can be manufactured easily and at will each and every single day.
The good thing is that he is proud, oh so very proud. He'll never believe that someone such as I has brought the envoys of his destruction into Victorian soil. I am far from ever behind his most beloved employee, but I have had to be very successful to get to where I am today. No doubt he knows that I am ambitious, as are all Victorians, but he will never see this coming. Expect for him to be surprised, Mr. Wolf. He will never know what hit him."
click
"Oh, and there are two more of our heroes now! The shepherd, the Coryphaen, and - What is that?"
Kalen, Kara, and Silver walked into the room, their robots escorts staying in the hallway. The door closed behind them with a small sound and just like that, the group had three more. Silver was still holding Kalen and seemed rather afraid or at least apprehensive of the new surroundings and people; her eyes were quickly glancing at all of the different people when they weren't stuck to the floor. The expansive room had more than enough room for everyone but even then, Silver's rather large thorax and legs and seemed like they were taking up a large part of it. She didn't know anything about these people, what they wanted, what they could do. For all she knew, they were all as scary as Kara. At the moment, they were all just as intimidating.
"...One more member than I had anticipated. She was never reported to be on your crew, so I assume that you made her acquaintance sometime between your last adventure and your arrival here, during the voyage on the sea. I think I would have noticed, after all, if such a being had been hiding in my centre. No matter. This is good, one more member than anticipated. Now we have even more resources to use in our grand quest!"
"...Grand quest...? I don't know what you're talking about..."
Silver wasn't sure to be afraid or confused in response to the masked man. He was talking and almost yelling about things she didn't understand, but he didn't seem to be insulting her. Still...
"...Are...Are we going somewhere? Is that why you...?"
"Yes! Yes, it will all be explained to you and the rest of the newcomers during the voyage. Speaking of which, I believe that they are making their way at this...very...moment."
Silver had flinched when Jackal suddenly yelled, but was left just as confused by his answer. So they were going on a voyage, but to where? And why her? Busy with her own thoughts, she didn't notice that the door had not opened behind her.
"...Annnnnnd now! And now! Now! Now! Wait for it...now! Agh!"
Jackal jumped a bit with each word, clearly anticipating for the door to open at his guess. Sadly, he failed each attempt and slouched back in his chair.
"...They should be here by n -"
click
"AND NOW! The rest of the heroes have arrived!"
Mr. Dark, Takai, and Kizuna walked through the door and into the office, each clearly having gone through some sort of battle. None of them looked wounded or even that hurt, but Mr. Dark's clothing had gone through significant damage. His gloves and boots looked as if they had partially melted, only black strands and straps of them left. The white bandages underneath were only barely touched, unlike his trenchcoat which was burnt in several places and looked like the gloves on those spots. Even the rim of his hat was singed and almost as tattered as his coat. The sunglasses and mask on his face, however, were perfectly fine.
"Before you take any regrettable action, Kalen, know that I sent you to the depths precisely because I knew that you were capable of retrieving the treasure inside. There were rumors that something valuable laid inside, and these rumors proved to have substantial evidence. It is clear that you have succeeded in your endeavor, as I predicted." Everything the boogeyman had just said was a lie, but while he had somewhat expected Kalen to survive, although he would have been content with the alternative, he had not expected him to bring back a person. The lie was formulated right when Mr. Dark saw the spider-girl and there was the possibility that it may suffice. If it did not, then it would only put Kalen in a negative light as Mr. Dark had given a reasonable and benign explanation, at least from his view.
"Greetings, Kusu and crew. Apparently, you all decided to go voluntarily with the strangers of unknown motives. In the usual case, that would be the gravest mistake, but it is obvious that now is not one of those times. Next time though, remember that our hosts may not treat us so well."
"Oh, and look at what you three did to my security force! Destroyed 72 of my robots and disabled three of my human enforcers! I understand that none of you had a reason to trust them, but I thought that you all would have had the sense to go along with my expensive little robots. No matter now, though; when I sent the order to announce that your friends were in my possession, you three came to their rescue. Well, worry not! Ms. Kidd, Ms. Lynwood, and Mr. Wolf have already agreed to go on the journey, so I suggest that you speak to them for any explanations. And do not worry! My goal is a noble one, and it most certainly has nothing to do with harming any of you. In the end, you will only have the bliss of knowing that you have helped save the world and of course, the payment of millions of beli."
Mr. Dark still had no reason to trust the masked man as he did not think it unimaginable that Kusu, Lynwood, and Wolf could be easily tricked in the name of a "noble goal". Still, nothing would come out of arguing at this point. They were in the Arkadian's clutches now and struggling would result in a flood of robots into one room. It would be best to go along.
"...Very well. We will cooperate."
"Perfect! Now, the voyage can begin!"
click
At that cue, the sounds of gears whirring began to quietly emerge, starting out as a mumble and turning into a cacophony of clicking of cogs. The sounds were coming from under the feet of the people in the room, eventually bringing the whistling of steam into its symphony.
The song of industry took only a minute though, and with another click, the machinery stopped, leaving the room appearing exactly as it was.
"...And now comes the surprise." Jackal walked to his office door and placed his hand on the doorknob. He looked back at the people in his room and even with the mask, it was clear that he was smiling. "Shall we?"
He opened the door to reveal a new hallway with two doors on each side, each leading to their own room, each about the same as Jackal's in size. The doors were, like the walls white with golden doorknobs and on the floor laid a bright-red carpet in stark contrast. At the end of the long, comfortably wide hallway were stairs that led to the real paradise of the ship. The floor above them was massive and as immaculate as the hallway under it. On it were the kitchen full of busy robots, the grand dining hall, steam-powered spas and baths, and an impressive library. All of this, and without a single stain.
The floor above that one consisted mainly of one massive room that served as the observation deck, with large windows surrounding the entire room for all to see the journey. And above that floor was the deck of the airship, where one could get a personal view of the sky as they sailed through the clouds. The entire crew as automated, not a single living soul on it besides those who had just entered.
"The trip to our destination will take quite a while, since this ship was meant more for pleasure than speed. I suggest that you all fully appreciate this wonderful, amazing experience that I have so graciously offered to you. The main food is not ready yet, but you may all ask the robots for any treats or wine you desire no matter what room you are in, whether that be bath or deck. If anyone needs me or more likely, you desire to be in my presence, then I will be on the deck to make sure that if any of you decide to go up there, you won't end up falling over in excitement. Toodle-oo, and have fun!"
The ship had not started up immediately when the office had gone into it. Once it did, everyone inside would be able to hear the beginning of the perpetual hum of the engines and the occasional sound of steam. The rumbling might have been unbearably loud at first, but once the enormous vessel successfully propelled itself into the air and began to move forwards, everything became smooth. There were no signs of the ship shaking or losing any balance as it went straight through clouds, the island of Sector 11 not even a dot below them anymore. The ocean itself couldn't be seen; clouds were the seas of this ship. It was all working nicely, as it should. The ship, after all, was meant entirely for either a fun or relaxing time for Jackal's guests. For them, there was no expense spared.
Mr. Dark stayed in the library, writing in his journal at one of the desks. He suspected the robots of fulfilling surveillance duties, so he preferred to stay in the library, the only room with no robots in it. Even if it had robots though, the library was the only place for him; he had no desire to be in the spas, observation deck, or on the top deck of the ship itself. The grand feast of which Jackal had spoken of was not yet ready, so he had no reason to be in the dining hall or kitchen at the time. He could have written in his room, but he expected there to be surveillance in those chambers most of all. He did not care to inform the others though; it would be for the best if they lost their tension and raised their morale. Or so he thought. On that note, he contemplated Kalen's actions in response to his lie. An interesting reaction indeed...
After long last, Silver eventually let go of her cuddly sheep. It was when she walked into the nearest room and dropped him out of shock, bringing her hands up to her mouth with a small gasp. The room was almost as large as the one she had just been in and it looked much cleaner, not having paper tacked all over the walls which, like almost the rest of the ship, were white with golden decorations and trims. The beds, of which there were two large ones, were as plush as could be. She tried lying on her side on one and somehow managed to be comfortable, the bed being so huge as to have her lying on the middle and not have any of her limbs hanging off of the edge. She smiled and closed her eyes, enjoying the nice sensation. It was more comfortable than she could have ever imagined. There was no cold metal or warm water. There were only the velvet pillows and soft, soft blankets.
As she laid on the bed in bliss, she softly spoke to Kalen, who she assumed to still be in the room with her.
"Kalen...Kalen...Thank you. The adventure is...not as bad I had thought it would be. It is scary, but...I am glad that you are here."
She pulled one of the blankets over her and exhaled a quiet, gentle breath.
"I will be with you shortly, Kalen. Some minutes is all I require, and then we will go where you wish. It seems as if there is much to do in this place; I would not hold you back from it...my sweet."
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