|
Post by hoodwink on Mar 8, 2023 10:46:42 GMT -5
The First District in Traverse Town was usually the most lively. Not only was it where the world's entrance sat, an old looking wooden set of double doors that sat tall and stained from years of frequent use and weather, but it also housed the main plaza. Lighting up the cobblestone courtyard with the soft glow of street lanterns in the world's perpetual nighttime, the First District was home to many local businesses and acted as a warm greeting and gathering spot for weary travelers and busy residents alike.
With a restaurant, bar, shops, mailbox and more, the district was only one of three in the area, but due to its safety and amenities, it tended to be the most frequent gathering spot for all. It was because of this that Vasch had chosen to set up shop here. Crammed in among other business fronts and local shop owners, the ex-Master had managed to secure a venue right between the Moogle Workshop and Gepetto's House. It had taken the rest of the savings he’d arrived with on this world three years ago, after being a Mercenary-for-hire for too long due to a miserable defeat.
Originally a vacant building thought to be abandoned and even hosting some nasty rumors at first, Vasch had cleaned up the small yet cozy bungalow and added a crude sign to the door decorated with line patterns. It had been a slow start, at first, but after sticking around the same area for a little while, they'd finally started to get some reputation going with the locals of this world. Yes, it was here that the ex-Master and prior Merc-for-Hire had given up their past, instead trying to move past their grief by picking up the mantle of 'Odd Jobber'!
Urgh...my head. Vasch's head felt like it was going to split in two as he stumbled through his cluttered and messy 'office', hunting for caffeine. Yes, he ran his business while living out of the same space. Inside the single story building was an initial office space, housing an old and sturdy wooden desk, chair and heavily worn-in couch with a stained coffee table and other basic furnishings. Towards the back, only separated by a half-wall that most would be able to easily see beyond with even the barest level of curiosity was the chaotic mess of a tiny kitchenette littered with dirty dishes, a linen closet to store the bedding used to sleep on the pull-out couch and store the spare futon and a crammed mini-hallway leading to the only tiny bathroom.
"Coffee first...then the wizard's place." He practically fell over himself as he stumbled through the crowded space, fumbling with the clasps of his armor as he finished putting on the final pieces over his clothing. Vasch had hardly had a chance to wake up and get dressed before being bombarded by some of the loudest locals he knew. The older warrior had just accepted a request (very reluctantly) from the triplets, shop owners in the same district who were well known for both good and bad reasons, depending on who one asked. Though they were too energetic for the hungover and overslept man's liking, the young ducks Huey, Dewey and Louie, had offered some hefty bags of Munny in exchange for a simple courier job.
Most likely due to the fact it involved going to the Third District...specifically, to Merlin's Hut. Merlin was a powerful wizard in his own right, though not many in Traverse Town had met the old man personally, due to the fact the Third District was one of the most dangerous in town and rampant with Heartless. It was so much so, in fact, that the door leading to it from the First District had been barred and locked altogether. "Whatever...gotta pay the bills." It wasn’t like the ex-Master was worried about a few Heartless, after all. He’d seen dozens during his time in that place…
Yawning as he poured hot water into a cup of instant coffee, Vasch stood in the cramped kitchenette in the back of his office, slowly nursing the hangover he'd managed from his time at the Casino the night before. Grimacing as he sipped at the dark steaming liquid and burnt his tongue, the ex-Master turned and leaned against the counter, his mismatched eyes landing on the dull and rusted Keyblade that rested propped up against the wall, near the door of his office...acting currently as a coatrack.
"Well, you useless hunk o' junk...looks like we'll be busy today, after all." He sighed over his pale blue coffee cup, his eyes lifeless and defeated as they locked on the tarnished silver of the White Dwarf. The rust on the old weapon only made it look even more pathetic and worthless.
Like it was mocking him...
|
|
|
Post by Machiko Tetsu on Mar 8, 2023 16:24:35 GMT -5
A portal ripped open from the skies as a lone woman with her red panda friend Rocker.
"Rocker where the hell?! AHHHHH!"
The portal had them begin directly over a set of railings, which she quickly snapped her skateboard to attention onto her feet and began to skid downward. Sparks flew from the sudden inertia, once she had gained some ground she attempted to steer herself which was difficult as there were people in the way. Ducking low and out of the way of a grumpy looking merc, then moving to the side for a mother and their legion of kids. The path lead her to the run down portion of town, to which where her board finally began to ease up in speed. She came to a halt at last, although curiously in front of what looked to be a something of an odd jobs building, was someone trying to tell her something?
Glancing over to Rocker, her gave a little nip to her chin, then pointed to the door.
"You really need to start just telling me about these things. I know you can't talk, but still."
Machiko grumbled as she knocked on the door, looking to each window; the place looked abandoned, was this a bad part of town? Luckily she hadn't drawn any kind of bad actors from her sudden drop.
|
|
|
Post by hoodwink on Mar 8, 2023 17:05:03 GMT -5
Knock! Knock! Vasch jolted a bit, having slumped down in the worn-in couch while nursing the coffee he’d made to wake himself up. The hangover caused the knocking at his door to seem louder than it truly was, making the pale-haired warrior groan as he forced himself up. Another client? This early…? Of course, it wasn’t early, considering Vasch had managed to sleep through most of the morning and had already missed several house calls before the triplets had appeared. Shuffling his way over to the front door of the bungalow he worked and lived in, the ex-Master’s steel boots clanged! heavily against the hard-wood, feeling ten times their weight as he finally managed to yank open the entryway.
”Yaaaaawn—Vasch Odd Jobs, at your service.” Expecting another local, the lightly armored man blinked in surprised as they opened the door to greet a woman they’d never seen in Traverse Town before. Oh. Guess I got a straggler, today… He should have known…locals hardly ever knocked. The dark-haired woman carried a skateboard, a mode of transportation Vasch had only become more recently familiar with in his later years. An odd animal companion perched on her shoulder that resembled something mixed between a bear and a fox, but he'd never seen the likes of it before and had no idea exactly what it was.
”Er…you lost or something? Haven’t seen you around town before.” Sighing a bit, Vasch stepped aside, giving room in the doorway for Machiko to step through if she wished. ”I already got a job to get to, so if you got a request, come on in and make it quick—otherwise, the welcome committee is usually somewhere in the Second District.” Nodding with his head and gesturing indoors to the messy scene behind him, the wavy haired warrior’s lifeless eyes hadn’t seemed anything other than mildly puzzled by the sudden stranger at their door. Preoccupied with their current task and still ailed with a mild hangover, it was clear the ex-Master was hardly in a sociable mood.
Despite this, he wasn’t one to turn away possible new clients, especially if it meant earning some extra Munny…
|
|
|
Post by Machiko Tetsu on Mar 8, 2023 23:57:16 GMT -5
Machiko looked up to the man, tilting her head as she looked past him and into his abode. Shrugging she'd duck under his arm, luckily due to being so much shorter it wasn't much of a problem.
"Not a client, too broke for that. Wanted a job, figured you had one avaliable for someone who could deliver things for you real quick-like. Name's Machik- gods this place is a mess."
She winced as she looked over at the pile of dishes, a memory of their mother screaming at them to clean their own pile; then coming back to it. No, that wasn't her memory, that was Mako's memory. Machiko was in a bit of a daze for a moment before Rocker the red panda prodded her cheek causing her to come back to the land of the living. Turning about she'd lay onto the couch, not particularly caring for its state as she kicked up her legs.
"Hell I could even help you clean up a bit, although that might be extra."
|
|
|
Post by hoodwink on Mar 9, 2023 1:07:10 GMT -5
"Not a client, too broke for that." Vasch's face fell into an expression torn between surprise as he went stiff at Machiko's words. Stunned to silence as the woman mentioned looking for work, the wavy haired warrior's mouth only stopped gaping to form into a frown as he lazily shut the door, leaning against it and crossing his arms at the mention of how messy the place was. What? She's here to work?
That...he really hadn't been expecting.
She wore vibrant clothes of a style that reminded him more of some urban worlds he'd seen in his travels, though the red animal that chirped and mewed at her side seemed to hint at some sort of natural bond? "Hell I could even help you clean up a bit," Sighing a bit at now the second mention of the state of his office and home, the partially armored warrior scratched at the back of his head while taking in the character sprawled on the worn-in green couch.
"You always start job interviews by insulting your potential boss?" Vasch's voice seemed tired and dull, but there was the faintest hint of a smirk at the edges of his mouth. Something about her brazenness reminded him of...he shook the ghostly thought off, before it could depress or anger him. She's got a dagger of sorts, on that belt, at least... That being said, if Machiko was new to Traverse Town, had their world recently been lost? Was she familiar with the Heartless? They seemed calm enough, so maybe it wasn't something so fresh, but still...
"I've got work to do. Do whatever you want..." Sighing once more as he rubbed at the bridge of his nose, the ex-Master decided there were too many unknown variables and too little time. Besides, he still was fighting off a mild hangover and hardly enjoyed the thought of splitting profits for jobs. Not like I need the help, anyway. Glancing next to the door he leaned against at the rusted Keyblade perched there, Vasch scowled before grabbing the creaky and haggard weapon.
"I'm off to see a wizard...don't touch my beer." Shouldering the White Dwarf and opening the door, Vasch hardly gave Machiko a parting gesture besides a grumble before heading out. It seemed the older warrior didn't care about leaving a total stranger in their home unsupervised. Did he trust her, or just not care about his home and possessions (besides the beer)?
Machiko would be left to her own devices as Vasch exited their messy bungalow and emerged into the eternal nighttime of Traverse Town. The First District was quietly active at this time, with some locals milling about the plaza while others tended to their shops or businesses. Wonder how the old coot's been, anyway... Distracted as his armored boots clanked! against the cobblestone, Vasch dug around the pockets of his dark haori until pulling out a heavily beat up pack of cigarettes, a modern vice he'd succumbed to in the recent years.
As the ex-Master smoked and headed towards the Second District, he'd be too distracted to realize he'd forgotten the parcel he was meant to deliver to Merlin! Wrapped in a bright blue wrapping with red stars, sitting on the messy kitchenette counter, the package rested among the mess of the morning with a simple note reading 'To Merlin, from the Triplets'...
|
|
|
Post by Machiko Tetsu on Mar 9, 2023 1:37:48 GMT -5
Damn, he really was out of sorts if he was leaving her of all people to muck about in his home. She started by digging around for any actual juicy things, but all she found were old transcripts and food wrappers.
"This guy really needs to clean."
She'd murmur to herself, that was when Rocker leapt over to the parcel left behind. Biting down onto the strap and waddling his way over to Machiko and staring up at her. She'd glance back over at the little thing, pondered then eventually sighed.
"Geezer left the damn thing he was supposed to deliver. Well, guess this is as good a time as any."
Rocker leapt onto her shoulder as she took her skateboard under her right arm and headed out the door parcel in her faithful companion's maw as she skid off. It probably wouldn't take too long to catch up, doing some kick flips and eventually treading down an iron bar and eventually caught up with her soon-to-be employer.
"You know it'd be a lot better if you didn't end up there empty handed!"
She'd call out behind him, as she got close however purple and ebony manifested between the two as a massive creature formed out of nothingness. One of those fat heartless which she slammed right into and fell onto her back, skateboard flying. Wincing as it glanced down to the stunned Machiko, all the while more were popping up, four soldiers and four shadows.
|
|
|
Post by hoodwink on Mar 9, 2023 11:57:58 GMT -5
((OOC: Transcripts and food wrappers was a nice touch lol))
Time to get serious... Cigarette still hanging from his lips, the freckled man seemed half asleep as he made his way into the quiet district filled with Hotels, houses and the Gizmo Workshop. He wasn’t new to this world, he knew what the other districts had in store… Vasch had hardly made it past the Fountain of the plaza beyond the stairs before hearing a shout echo throughout. "You know it'd be a lot better if you didn't end up there empty handed!"
Machiko was skating through the Second District, the star patterned parcel intended for Merlin in her hand! The vice fell from his teeth, though it took a second for his brain to process what he saw. "What're you—“ How had he forgotten the package!? The realization hit the man like bricks, causing him to stagger and sway for a moment in a stunned disbelief.
Guess I really did overdo it last night... He'd lost a lot at the slots, after all. Swoosh! Before Machiko could close the gap, an all too familiar and sickening presence filled the plaza. It was sudden, like an earthquake. Darkness pooled and manifested, translucent shadow solidifying into imposing demons. "You've gotta be kidding me."
Heartless always had the worst timing.
Within the blink of an eye, the place was swarmed. Machiko crashed right into a Large Body, while Vasch was surrounded by clawed and taloned enemies! Ignoring the smaller Heartless he could literally see over, the ex-Master aimed the White Dwarf at the Large Body Machiko had barreled into with her skateboard.
"Halt!" A blinding gold pyramid emerged in the eternal night around the Heartless—acting as a cage of light. "Ignore that one. Don't let them ruin the package!" His Pyramid spell would hold off the biggest threat, but they still had a lot on their plates...and Machiko still had the delivery! It would be her job during this fight to make sure it was protected. Grumbling with annoyance as a Soldier leapt for him, Vasch swiped out with his rusted Keyblade in a rather mundane and basic attack.
WHAM! Despite the lazy movement, the small Heartless was thwacked away with such force that they flew across the plaza all the way into the opposing Gizmo Shop! Slamming into the brick wall with a crunch!, the armored enemy dissolved in a dark mist immediately as a faint heart was released into the sky. ”Screw this! Just worry about getting to the alleyway, back there…” He pointed with a free hand towards the end of the plaza, where a small alleyway could be seen just around a corner that led to the Third District.
Vasch seemed more bored than bothered, though his mismatched eyes were lingering on the parcel in Machiko’s hands, more than anything.
[[ENEMIES: 1 Large Body (incapacitated), 3 Soldiers, 4 Shadows]] [[Mission: Protect Merlin's parcel!!!]]
|
|
|
Post by Machiko Tetsu on Mar 9, 2023 16:45:59 GMT -5
Damn. What the hell was that spell? It was really cool, seemed to take care of the literal and figuratively biggest threat as well. Although Machiko wasn't quite out of the trouble quite yet, two shadows flattened to the stone and made their way to the girl as they manifested. Sharp claws slashing at her, although luckily Machiko had seen this coming and taken out a spray can that she shook and aimed toward the ground. As soon as they manifested she'd press her finger onto the spray can, a sudden gust of wind exploding beneath her feet and slamming into each of the heartless causing them to tumble and crash into nearby walls; dispersing into nothing.
Meanwhile Machiko was up in the air now, package still within her left hand. One soldier winding its arms and launching itself toward her. Taking her blade she'd lift it to parry the incoming blow but the force was more than she expected, throwing the parcel up into the air as she collapsed onto the ground with a yelp. Rocker luckily leapt from her head to grasp onto the parcel once more, making his way back to the grounded Machiko as she attempted to gather herself.
[[ENEMIES: 1 Large Body (incapacitated), 3 Soldiers, 2 Shadows]]
[[Mission: Protect Merlin's parcel!!!]]
|
|
|
Post by hoodwink on Mar 9, 2023 18:34:18 GMT -5
While Machiko worked on evading the Heartless by taking to the air, Vasch remained on the ground—his eyes more trained on the parcel than the enemies themselves. If that gets ruined, I’m screwed! With how much of his munny he’d gambled away the night before, the ex-Master really needed the large sum the triplets were offering for the job he’d accepted. Hell, it had been the only reason he’d taken any work today!
”Oi, watch it!” Seeing a rogue Soldier leap into the air after the skateboarder, Vasch shouted out in warning as Machiko was pushed back to the ground and the parcel tossed unceremoniously. While Rocker managed to secure the important package, the wavy haired warrior’s rusty weapon was shimmering in a wavering and faint golden energy. ”Stay back!”
Hurling his Keyblade using his Strike Raid ability, Vasch aimed at the airborne Soldier, leaving himself temporarily unarmed. As the light-cloaked weapon boomeranged through the air, slicing through the Heartless in one swoop and causing it to erupt in a dark vapor, a Shadow had crept up from behind… ”Argh, tricky bastards…!” Wincing as claws swiped and clanged against his steel boot, Vasch staggered from the blow to his calf.
Good thing I kept the armor… Just as the Shadow was about to press its advantage, the White Dwarf had made its way back to its owner. Swoosh! Slamming the rusted weapon down onto the tiny enemy, Vasch grimaced as he watched another heart release into the sky, his eyes merciless and empty. If only all of them would just disappear. With a sigh, he turned to assess the situation at hand. There were still a few enemies, but the parcel was safe with Machiko and her odd animal companion.
”C’mon, that won’t hold it forever…ignore these small-fry.” Dodging another swiping claw from a Soldier, Vasch hollered out to Machiko, gesturing to the Large Body that was currently bashing its large fists against the walls of the light pyramid uselessly. Thankfully, the two of them (three, counting Rocker) had managed to clear out enough enemies to make the plaza more empty. There was more than enough room to head towards the back alleyway now!
Shouldering his weapon, Vasch headed towards Machiko, able to duck and weave through the straggling Heartless’ attacks with apparent ease. ”If you’re hellbent on fighting, at least toss me the package…” He sighed as he got near, unsure if she’d simply ignored his suggestion to flee earlier, or been unable to maneuver past the Heartless. Either way, he’d been mildly annoyed in the moment…but now, he couldn’t help but recognize the fact that she’d held her own. Not only that, but it seemed like she had some resourceful magic, too.
Not many of the locals could say that. Well, not the ‘civilians’, at least. Regardless, Vasch wanted to get out of the plaza before the Large Body could escape his spell, or before more Heartless decided to show up. He knew how the Second District could get ‘crowded’ fast, after all…
[[ENEMIES: 1 Large Body (incapacitated), 2 Soldiers, 1 Shadow]] [[Mission(s): Protect Merlin’s parcel from the Heartless!, OR Flee to the Third District!]]
|
|
|
Post by Machiko Tetsu on Mar 10, 2023 1:29:17 GMT -5
Rocker looked over to Vasch, leaping from Machiko's shoulder and onto his. Standing up from her fall, it seemed the old guy still had a lot of tricks up his sleeve, considering her had just gotten done dispatching so many heartless. Ducking from another soldier's spinning cyclone kick overhead she shook a red can and pointed it toward the large heartless currently occupied in its pyramid prison. Pressing down onto the top as flames burst from the can in a cone, washing over the captured being and since it was trapped it burned within the encasement only increasing the heat. It'd disperse, leaving only small fries, a smile forming on her lips only to have another cyclone kick coming at her.
Due to there not being enough time to blink forward, she blocked it with her dagger causing her to tumble backward only for the other soldier to follow in a pincer and slam into her back. Falling forward and tumbling onto her face with a groan, a bruise forming on her lower-back as she attempted to get up only to feel the presence of all three heartless looming overhead. Pooling their darkness into the ground, attempting to swallow up the battered skater.
[[ENEMIES: 2 Soldiers, 1 Shadow]]
[[Mission(s): Protect Merlin’s parcel from the Heartless!, OR Flee to the Third District!]]
|
|
|
Post by hoodwink on Mar 10, 2023 13:57:26 GMT -5
((OOC: Buckle up, time for an angsty old man Time to work that charisma, Machiko! Lol ))
Stopping short of the skateboarder as Rocker landed on his shoulder, Vasch sighed in relief as he saw the parcel. "Phew...good job." Taking the parcel from the tiny critter, the ex-Master gave a gruff nod in approval. He still had no idea what kind of animal the fuzzy beast was, but they did save his pay-day. "Alright, let's go—oh, shit..." Staggering as he saw Machiko pull out one of the cans she used for her magic, Vasch shouted out a warning too late as she aimed directly for the imprisoned Large Body. "Wait!" Flames erupted from the spray-can, washing over the pyramid of light trapping the Heartless. The ex-Master's spell was indeed a helpful one, but it had its own flaws. The pyramid acting as a cage was practically invincible on the inside...the outside, on the other hand, was fragile. As Machiko's flames roared over the entire cage, it would crack and shatter like glass. Vasch had already begun to run towards it and aimed his Keyblade in the direction of the broken pieces. "Shatter!" Shards from the broken Pyramid began to wobble and rattle on the ground, others still in the air freezing entirely. All at once, every shard moved together and shot out towards the Large Body wreathed in flames as Vasch used his Fragment spell. It was enough support damage with Machiko's burning assault for the massive Heartless to explode in a burst of dark vapor, defeated. Tch—she's reckless. Annoyed with how events had unfolded, the wavy haired man shouldered his weapon and huffed a bit. He'd wasted more time fighting than he'd wanted to. WHAM! Hearing a harsh collision and a groan from behind him, Vasch spun on his heels to find the recent applicant surrounded! This is why we should have left already... He was getting aggravated, a darker part of him tempted to simply take the parcel and leave her there to fend for herself. Until the pool of darkness began to form underneath her. The remaining Heartless were trying to swallow her whole! Her heart...! Images flashed before Vasch's eyes, though all of them were from a different life—one he'd lost years ago. An annoyingly hot-headed boy with spiky orange hair, always getting himself into trouble by taking on more than he could handle. An endless landscape of Keyblades, stuck in the desolate ground of a dead world. Countless yellow eyes, swarming him in the darkness as he fought to escape from that realm... "GET AWAY FROM HER!" He couldn't see straight anymore. Clang! Clang! CLANG! Indignant rage had clouded Vasch's heart as he stomped across the plaza, the White Dwarf disappearing in a ray of light as he kicked out with an armored boot at the first Heartless he could reach. Crunch! Stomping on it mercilessly, the man had a vicious look on his face, pummeling it with his foot until it was nothing but a stain. The remaining two enemies had hardly paused, less interested in the older warrior now that the Keyblade was gone. It had abandoned its wielder, who had succumbed to their darker thoughts and lost themselves to their past. "Get lost." Vasch's voice was twisted and choked as he leapt across the gap and clear over Machiko. With a spin, he kicked the Shadow with his heel and launched it away, slamming it into the fountain. Slowly, the pool of darkness beneath Machiko had disappeared—only a single Soldier remained. Sensing its own impending demise, it fled in a small portal of darkness. Vasch stood there for a moment in the plaza, huffing and breathing ragged, his back turned. "Just what were you trying to do, huh? I told you to run..." Though his voice was returning to normal, as he turned to look over his shoulder at her, there was still something lingering in his eyes—anger. "You think you're tough? Strong? Too strong to get your heart swiped from under you?!" Scoffing a bit, the older man turned fully, a serious expression fixed on his angular face, making it sharper than usual. "No one's special. Not when it comes to those bastards..." Already his expression had changed, though. His eyes were already fixed on the ground. There was shame there, too. Now I'm taking it out on her... He really was the lowest of the low. Didn't he used to chastise—no, he couldn't think of that now. I need a drink. Vasch's heart had gotten heavy, all of a sudden. With a tired sigh, the older man would 'shoo' off Rocker (if they were still on his shoulder at this point), the parcel in his own possession now. "Whatever." He wasn't good with people. This is why he couldn't hire anyone to begin with. On top of that, he was unreliable...his own past could highlight that. Vasch seemed to slump as he walked away from the plaza towards the stairs by the fountain. He'd head towards the Hotel, tucked away on the side of the elevated section above them, where he knew he could find some peace and quiet and cheap but strong drinks at the bar inside. He needed to 'clear' his head before working any more...
|
|
|
Post by Machiko Tetsu on Mar 10, 2023 16:28:46 GMT -5
It was so cold, the shadows that began to trail over to her fingers and shoes. Was this what it was like, succumbing to the darkness? It was unreal, she was too tired to even acknowledge it was happening to her, maybe it was time to sleep. After all, there was nothing she could do about this situation, although a part of her began to cry, a single tear rolling down her right cheek as she waited for the end. And then the bellow of a beast came, screaming in fury and anguish as she saw the heartless above her mauled to the point of obliteration.
Machiko sat up as Rocker moved from the grumpy old man to her, sitting on her shoulder as she attempted to process everything. Barely able to process each and every syllable that came out of his mouth, but she knew what he was saying. The tone and posture said it all, he was blaming her for it happening; but it was more so out of concern than any form of hatred. She could sense the loss coming from him, the demons that settled in his closet. She'd watch him drift off, panting she'd move to stand, wincing as the bruise on her back turned into a sickly purplish-blue.
"You think...after saving me...and going all crazy that I'll just screw off?"
She'd stumble after him, eventually pressing up and into him to force him to support her weight. She had scratches on her hands, arms, shoulders, and that bruise on her back. She looked like she had been through it, but her expression was stoic.
"That was cool. You're a cool old geezer and you're gonna help me get better at this stuff. Got it?"
She'd point a finger up at him all the while, attempting to poke his nose.
|
|
|
Post by hoodwink on Mar 10, 2023 17:51:40 GMT -5
Damn it... Why did things always end up like this? He worked alone for a reason, after all. If there was one thing Vasch hated most, it was his own weakness. No wonder it left me again. The ex-Master hadn't chosen to recall his Keyblade, it had vanished. It did that, from time to time—it was why he usually lugged it around with him in the first place like a normal weapon.
The White Dwarf hadn't been faithful to him for some time...or was it the other way around?
"You think...after saving me...and going all crazy that I'll just screw off?" Just as Vasch had made his way up the stairs in the plaza, Machiko's voice echoed out, bringing him to a halt. He'd definitely expected her to take the hint and bail. Both the Heartless and himself were bad news all around...
Thump! Just as he'd turned around at the top of the steps, she'd made it to him. Forcing Vasch to support her weight, it wasn't until then that the man realized just how beat up Machiko had gotten during the battle. Gritting his teeth, his instincts made him not drop her, though his own guilt made him want to run from her. It looked like his plan to shirk his work and start day-drinking would have to wait.
"That was cool." Machiko's following words and the boop! to his nose made Vasch gape in stunned silence, similar to their first encounter. Did she understand what had just happened? The enemies they faced hadn't even been menacing! They were basically all bottom-tier, if anything...yet look how beat up she was! He would have left her there to fend for herself, if he hadn't witnessed her heart almost getting taken. He'd been so close to simply taking the package and heading off on his own to Merlin's...
Didn't she understand he wasn't the 'good guy' here?
"This isn't a game, you know..." Grumbling a reply, Vasch helped Machiko to a nearby railing where they could sit. Setting down the wrapped parcel, he began to rummage through his pockets. "Drink this." Sighing as he pulled out a Hi-Potion, Vasch handed over the bright green bottle with a disgruntled look.
"I'm not a teacher, or some knight. I'm just a middle aged dude who does odd-jobs to make a living..." Resting both hands on his hips, the wavy haired man sighed, his expression blank and tired. Why's she reminding me so much of everything? Shaking the thought off, Vasch pinched the bridge of his nose.
"You're clearly new in town…so let me explain a few things to you.” Crossing his arms, the man in the dark haori frowned a bit. His mismatched eyes scanned the plaza. ”It’s dangerous in the open, though…” He had his armor, the gauntlet and boots he wore, but those were no real substitute for his Keyblade. If Heartless appeared now, it would be an even worse battle than before. For a second he paused before an idea seemed to strike him, causing him to eye Rocker and raise an eyebrow slightly before looking back at Machiko.
”How do you feel about dogs…?”
|
|
|
Post by Machiko Tetsu on Mar 11, 2023 13:52:15 GMT -5
It really did feel like the guy just needed friends at this point, but she wasn't judging; if anything he saved her life after some rather major faults of her own volition. Settling down she'd take said hi-potion and chugged it down, the bruise on her back beginning to diminish along with the scratches on her arms and legs. Rocker moved up to her head now, pressing his paws to her hat causing it to dip a bit.
"I'm okay with 'em. I had one...well...someone I knew had one."
Mako had the dog, not her, but she remembered it spiraling around, barking obnoxiously, and constantly asking to be pet. It seemed similar to Rocker, but Rocker did a lot more than just nap and bark. Sitting up a bit and yawning, fatigued from all of the fighting they had to do. She began to inspect herself for anything else she might need to brush up on. Unfortunately her shorts had some tears along with her top, probably looked more like she got mauled by cats more than heartless.
"Sorry if I made the job harder by the way, figured I'd be helping."
|
|
|
Post by hoodwink on Mar 11, 2023 14:55:04 GMT -5
"I'm okay with 'em." Machiko's answer was somewhat vague, causing Vasch to raise an eyebrow. He didn't pry, knowing that most who ended up in Traverse Town had pasts littered with hardships and loss—considering the very nature of the world... "Sorry if I made the job harder by the way," Her apology caught him off-guard.
Heh, looks like they're more different than I thought... The person Machiko had reminded him of had never been the apologizing type. "I was just worried about the package getting damaged, is all..." Rubbing at the back of his neck, Vasch turned away. He was thankful that the healing potion had done its work, as the woman seemed to be in a better state now than she had earlier (clothes aside, but Merlin could fix those easily enough).
"Hopefully you can walk now...I know a place in this district that's safe for us to talk." He'd linger for a moment, in case she still needed assistance. Afterwards, the ex-Master would lead Machiko and Rocker down the steps back into the plaza, keeping an eye out for potential threats as he led them towards the back of the district...
Bark! Bark! Yip! The house of the Dalmatians was beyond grandiose. Sticking out like a sore thumb compared to the rest of the more humble Victorian style buildings in Traverse Town, the mansion-like home was a brilliant blue with stain glass windows and an ornate door that had seemed to welcome any without ill intent.
Having been in and out many times during his time in Traverse Town, the countless spotted pups that littered the many rooms within rushed to greet Vasch and the new friend he'd brought with him as he entered through the Second District into the Dalmatian's Den. The ceilings of the home were impossibly high, with luxurious furniture and accessories that put the Odd-Jobbers own home to shame.
"Oi, settle down! Pongo, Perdita—we're going to rest for a bit." Two adult Dalmatians had entered the room side by side, herding some of the pups and trying to reign them in while walking up to Vasch and Machiko with wagging tails and licking tongues. It seemed these were the parents of the dozens of puppies and had already known the Odd-Jobber.
"These two have way too many pups. I accept jobs for them all of the time, finding them all over town..." Despite the mild annoyance in his voice, Vasch smirked a bit as he explained to Machiko. "This house is safe. We should be able to rest and talk here without the Heartless attacking." Petting one of the adult dogs with a blue collar, Vasch set to work at making himself at home, stepping over yapping puppies and making his way through the crowded room.
"Pongo, Perdita, this is..." Though he went to make introductions, he faltered for a moment as he turned to Machiko. Shit... He hadn't really bothered learning her name before...on top of that, the introductions had been cut off due to the way they'd met! "Well...you don't really need to introduce yourself. They're just dogs..."
Pongo bared his teeth at Vasch and gave a low growl at the comment, while Perdita's ears fell and she gave a low whine. "Tch—alright, alright...I forgot her name! Are you happy now!?" His own shame and embarrassment was palpable, as both dogs immediately whimpered and hid their heads beneath their paws. "Don't judge me! I didn't think this was going to happen..."
Sighing a bit, Vasch crossed his arms and could hardly look at Machiko. "Okay...cat's out of the bag, now. I'm Vasch, Traverse Town's Odd-Jobber. Your name was...?" Pongo and Perdita sat on each side of Machiko, shaking their heads at the man in the haori and armor. It was clear they were not impressed or amused.
For dogs, they had rather strong personalities...
|
|
|
Post by Machiko Tetsu on Mar 11, 2023 17:02:29 GMT -5
Machiko followed along, she was content to not think for a bit as she put most of the navigation into his hands; not like she knew where she was going. Although portions of her own mind began to question her own motives; why did she risk her life for a package she knew nothing about? Was it for the thrill alone, or was there some other piece of information she was missing? Mind wandering, she could feel traces of thoughts that weren't her own, as if they were dethatched from her own line of reasoning. As the barking commenced however it disrupted her thoughts, smiling to the gathering of canines within the rather extravagantly large home.
The girl chuckled as Vasch began to get flustered, she wasn't quite sure why he was embarrassed; especially when she was the one who even intruded into his living space.
"My name is M̸̯̻̭̫͖̑͛̀̔̀̈́̽̽͊a̶͉̟̠͓̜͈̰̣̟͐͂̏͗k̸̢̡͔͈͔͎̪̲͍̘͐͆͝ọ̶̤̹̩͓̜̪͖̈́͛͗̚"
Machiko gasped as she felt it, that presence from before; it was her past life. Yet, how did it still manage to manifest itself? How was it even still even independant? The sound that came from her lips was almost like static from a television, she'd speak again, giving a chuckle.
"Sorry, I think I had my disguised voice slip for a moment. I'm Machiko. Nice to meet you."
Machiko moved to caress each of the taller dogs heads, gently pinching at their ears as well as she did so.
|
|
|
Post by hoodwink on Mar 11, 2023 19:55:41 GMT -5
"My name is..." The sudden voice change and static crackle that escaped Machiko's lips caused Vasch to straighten and the hairs on his neck to raise. What the...? Even the Dalmatians in the room seemed to bark or whine in response to the frequency of the odd voice for a moment before the woman recovered herself. Raising an eyebrow as she began to apologize, Vasch's posture relaxed a bit, though it had piqued his interest.
"I'm Machiko. Nice to meet you." Pongo and Perdita had recovered as well, wagging their tails now and enjoying the pets and scratches they were receiving from her. Just what was that...? What did the skater mean by 'disguised' voice? There were a few questions Vasch had of his own now, but it was hardly the time to address them, especially with the Dalmatians present. He'd brought Machiko here for a reason, after all.
"Right, well—let's get to it then." Waving a hand as he tried to act nonchalant, the Odd-Jobber headed towards the back of the den to where a white door would lead them into a Living Room. "Let's talk in here..."
The Living Room had the same high ceilings as the den, though it had a warm fire place crackling with warmth and cozy chairs and couches scattered in a much more lackadaisical manner. Countless pups sprawled and rested here, while others had scrambled to follow the interesting 'outsiders'.
Swatting at a few who tried to clamber into his lap as he took a seat on the yellow couch perched on a lush yet minimalistic blue rug, Vasch motioned for Machiko to take a seat and get comfortable. "So...welcome to Traverse Town." The tired expression on his face and the sigh he exhaled while saying it hardly made it sound like something to celebrate.
"This is a world where the lost gather...most aren't here by choice." Vasch's mismatched eyes fell on the puppies littered across the room. Some were listening to him, their ears dropping a bit. "Some have been here for so long they can't remember anything else. Others are more like you—recent drop-ins who show up out of nowhere."
He paused for a moment, leaning back and staring up at the ceiling. His expression didn't change, but his mind and heart had grown heavy. He was one of these 'lost' himself, after all. "You've seen the Heartless. They're monsters born from the darkness in people's hearts...demons who eat the hearts of people and worlds alike. When a world is overwhelmed and devoured, survivors are spit out here."
At this point, Pongo and Perdita had made their way into the Living Room as well, taking a seat at Vasch's feet with faint whimpers and whines. "These dogs lost their world, too, just like everyone else. They're strong, though, to have made it here. Not everyone can escape a dying world, you know?" For a moment, he reached out and pet the head of one of the adult Dalmatians, though his face had darkened a bit and his mouth had formed a faint scowl. He was remembering parts of his own past, while explaining the present...
"You'd think after everything, this world would be a safe haven for poor souls like that...but life isn't that convenient. The Heartless are here, too. It's not just them, either...this world is too close to the Darkness. Enemies can show up practically anywhere outside of the First District. Locals have come up with systems and schedules to avoid too many casualties, but it's still a dangerous place, if you aren't careful..."
He turned and looked at Machiko, his expression stern and serious. "Do you get what I'm trying to tell you? Odd jobs aren't some easy task here. Even something as simple as mail delivery can mean a battle between life or death, if you aren't vigilant. The people here live in a state of constant fear..." Sighing a bit, Vasch eyed the parcel for Merlin that he had rested on the arm of the couch.
"I'm sure you haven't had it easy, if you're here yourself. Must be strong, too...but you should stay away from this world if you want to try and get any sense of normalcy back." It was about time he filled her in on the rest of the dangers, too. "Following me around isn't smart. That weapon I use...the weird shaped one? It attracts those monsters: they're drawn to it. I'm a target for them because of it." It was one of the few unspoken reasons Vasch had remained here of all places, where the presence of the Keyblade helped protect the locals by drawing attention away from them and towards him.
Pushing himself off of the couch, the armored man rested his hands on his hips and stared at the fire. "If you get it now, you should leave this world. There are plenty of others. Sure, the Heartless are everywhere...but this world in particular is bad news." Not only that, but it was depressing. He come here after years of searching countless worlds, working as a mercenary for hire after failing to save what he cared about most. It was his intended grave. He wouldn't drag anyone else into it...
Turning to Machiko, the stern expression hadn't left Vasch's face, though the lifeless look in his eyes had seemed to soften somewhat. "So, how about it? I'll guide you to the Third District...that's where I'm delivering this package for Merlin. He's a pretty powerful wizard, so he should be able to get you off this world with his magic. Sounds a lot better than some chump change and living in a messy office with some geezer, right?"
|
|
|
Post by Machiko Tetsu on Mar 11, 2023 20:07:59 GMT -5
It was good that the Dalmatians were quick to move past what had just happened, but she could tell the old man was holding onto it. She followed along, settling up beside Vasch as he listened to him intently; he was more of the expert on this world anyways. Hm, so she popped up in this world because the previous one she was on was swallowed by darkness, strange, she couldn't even remember where she was before she came here. Glimpses of a world filled her head suddenly, where tall buildings that stood to the heavens resided. Casting their shadows over the lone figure, it felt so...empty. Where the hell was that place even? What was it?
H̵̲̗̆̂̀̍̉͌̎̾́̚̕͝o̷̡̳͎͕̪̩̫̘̮̖͌̑m̸̭̤̠̟̳̥͍̀͌̀̓̏̈̕e̶̛̞̬͗̒̈̏̈́͌͊͊̅̽̚̚͜͠
Machiko shook her head, what the hell was that voice? Why was it constantly following her and filling her head with nonsense? Anyways, heartless, well, they seemed to be bad news from the confrontations she had the past few hours. Drawn to the rusted old weapon Vasch carried, what was so significant about it anyways? Why did it seem so...familiar? She winced, another memory splitting into her head, a similar blade in one of her hands, no, two, why two?
"Yeah well, might be dangerous, but it's the kind of thing I need to get used to if I want to survive, yeah? So if you teach me all the ropes, I can really start helping out around here. Besides, how am I going to get any practice if I cower away? Nah, I'm gonna stay. Gonna learn under you, and that's that."
|
|
|
Post by hoodwink on Mar 11, 2023 21:58:17 GMT -5
((OOC: Mobile post again 😅 No font colors or format for now.))
Vasch watched Machiko as she sat in silence for a moment, processing everything he'd told her. Wonder what happened to her world... There were some who ended up in Traverse Town by chance, rather than their home being taken...but the older man hardly wanted to plant the seed of false hope. Crossing his arms, his mismatched eyes scrutinized the woman before him, analytic and curious. Wonder where she came from, anyway?
It wasn't like the Odd-Jobber was crude enough to ask, though. Having spent a few years in Traverse Town and having a rather rough past himself, Vasch knew better than to ask certain questions. Machiko flinched on the couch suddenly, causing Pongo and Perdita to raise up in alertness and rest their heads on her lap in an earnest attempt of comfort.
Just what was she thinking about?
"Yeah well, might be dangerous, but it's the kind of thing I need to get used to..." Machiko had recovered, quick to reassert her demand of making Vasch show her the ropes. Grimacing a bit, the Odd-Jobber put his face in a hand and shook his head. She won't take no for an answer, huh? In some ways, she really was just like...
Shaking off the depressing thought, Vasch sighed. Frowning at the skater who sat on the couch with the Dalmatians, he wasn't sure what to do next. It was clear that she needed some training, after the last battle—but she definitely had a knack for it. She hadn't flinched to jump in the fray when the Heartless arrived...that alone spoke volumes.
"Fine—follow me around if you want. I'm not the one to blame if you get yourself killed." His heart was heavy. There was nothing he could say to shake this woman off, and clearly if he left her to her own devices her heart might get taken sooner rather than later. Damn It. Once again he was stuck as a failure, unable to protect anyone. He'd be drinking a lot tonight, that was for sure.
Pongo and Perdita seemed to sense his emotions, whimpering a bit from their spot on the couch. Vasch ignored them as he held out a hand in an attempt to summon his Keyblade to no avail. Figures. He was stuck with Machiko unarmed for now...though his armor could deal some damage to compensate. "So, you rely a lot on magic, huh?"
Vasch remembered the spray cans Machiko had used during the fight. If she had an affinity for magic, maybe stopping at Merlin's would be a good idea beyond just the job at hand... "Merlin's a pretty powerful wizard...how about we drop off this package and convince him to help us train your magic a bit?" It wasn't ideal, since the Third District was dangerous even with his Keyblade—but once they got to the Hut they'd be safe.
"There will be Heartless on the way, but Merlin's place is safe, too. Once we're there, we can train without worrying about enemies. Sound good?" It was clear the wavy haired man was still slightly begrudging Machiko's stubbornness, but he'd caved to their request.
It looked like they'd be able to make some Munny and level up a bit!
|
|
|
Post by Machiko Tetsu on Mar 11, 2023 22:12:24 GMT -5
"Sounds good. Not gonna die, I'm way too good for that. Got lots of stuff I wanna do, like learn how to use magic on my skateboard, maybe learn how to use your rusty blade too someday."
She'd place her hands behind her head, kicking her legs to and fro with a smile. Push it down, push down those foreign thoughts and feelings. Taking a deep breath as she'd try to do so, but it would linger; it always did. Moving to stand with a stretch of her arms and legs, a loud yawn following afterward with a smack of her lips. Reaching over to kick her skateboard up and into her right hand.
"I kind of want to take a nap though. How about this, I race you to Merlin's and if I get there first you gotta carry me back to your house for a nap."
Another toothy grin, this girl was all over the place. Rocker decided to just flop onto her shoulder lazily.
|
|