Powerlevel:33,000 Wc:211 Crotona kept exploring Namek, trying to find more about the planet. She had not made a lot of progress in that regard. Crotona had been training a bit, and trying to learn about the culture. She was pretty sure both of those things would help in the long term. But in the short term, she felt she had hit a wall. She had not been able to find any guru candaites or really any namekian of great power at all. Crotona wished this would be a lot easier but guess nothing was going to be made that easy for her. Crotona decided as a result, to take around the northern scar. She had mostly seen the Dragon Caste and the Warror Caste. She had not seen any of the Mazoku which she didn't understand. On her way to find the Mazoku however, she ran into the First Scar. She walked around looking massive scar her wandering in shock and horror. This place stood out compared to the peaceful namek. Why was this place was so destoyed. "What happened to this place like this? I don't understand." Was this the type of place the Mazoku went. And how did this all happen to Namek? She had so many questions that needed answers.
Nero had recently been approached with a request from some colleagues to look into sightings of a strange creature in the First Scar. Now, that wasn’t normally a strange thing to be asked to look into given the kinds of things that stalked the area because lots of native creatures that made the Northern Scar their home weren’t exactly of a mild or docile persuasion. The thing is though; a vast majority of them had something in common; magic.
This time, it was different. The description that Nero was given led him to believe it was something artificial, mechanical— technological and an allegedly mangled and broken down creation of science rather than magic or evolution. There was a unique opportunity to perhaps learn something while seeking this elusive entity, should it even be real at all; surely Pankaa or Acous would be interested in what Nero found, and would additionally be able to make better sense of it if enough tangible information was collected.
After a substantial amount of time into his current investigation, Nero heard a voice nearby; it was obviously someone that hadn’t been here before and they definitely didn’t match the description of a shrouded mechanical nightmare. Nero approached calmly and figured that it would be good to let this stranger know the dangers of this area at present. “Hey there.” Nero began with a friendly wave. “Quite the shocking contrast compared to everything else isn’t it? To answer your question, nobody really knows how the First Scar came to be; but I can imagine it was quite an ordeal.” He sighed, since he had often wondered what this part of the planet looked like before this.
Nero bowed politely afterwards for a more formal greeting “I am Nero. May I ask— what brings you out here of all places? I can sense you are quite strong, but this area of Namek is noticeably more perilous than others.”
Crotona was thrown out of her shock as a voice overcame the noise this place created. Someone else was here. Crotona turned her head to look at Nero as he explained that no one exactly knew how this scar came to be but it had to be some ordeal. "Yah I imagine it was. Quite the ordeal indeed. It is a place of pain on this planet. And you are right it is such contrast that I must admit I'm very shocked to see something like this on this planet."
Crotona would step away from the side of this scar just so she didn't fall in as Nero pointed out how perilous this place was. He also even introduced himself which was nice. Someone to talk to which was good. As for his question Crotona shrugged. "Well, I been looking around the planet with some friends. We are looking to find a namekian that could be the guru. Guess for something about these seven orbs and mythology with dragons. I don't quite understand it. But we not had any luck. I decided to go looking around across the planet maybe I'd of found someone up here that I couldn't find down there. But what brings you over here?" Crotona paused for a moment then realized she forget to say her name, "Oh it's Crotona, it's nice to meet you." Crotona would offer her hand to shake Nero's hand.
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With a quick nod, Nero indicated that he fully understood the newcomer’s shock at seeing such a landmark. “Many view it the same way when they first take a look. It isn’t surprising that you would find it to be such a shock.” He continued, keeping his wits about him all the while, calmly tuning his senses and listening for any signs that something was out of place. “However, it holds significance all the same. The wider region here is called the Northern Scar for a reason; scars are reminders of past ordeals... Though, it is typically what one chooses to do with that reminder that makes a difference going forward. It isn’t the most hospitable region, but some see it as home; namely the Mazoku Clan as I’m sure you’re aware...”
Nero idly scratched the back of his neck with a free hand before continuing. “One day I would love to see this region be more than what it currently is; more hospitable but still unique and representative of those that call it home. It just needs time and the right sort of nurturing help, an understanding of sorts.”
This newcomer had apparently arrived with some friends in search of a Guru candidate, to which Nero quizzically raised a brow. “I’m sure someone will rise to the occasion when we need them to. I personally don’t think one’s place of origin would play a big part so long as they display other essential qualities.” As for the Dragon Balls and Porunga? Nero chose to not go into detail about that— at least for now. “Being the Guru is an immensely important job. It kind of shouldn’t be too easy to find someone fit for the position, at least that’s what I think.” He shrugged lightly before accepting Crotona’s offer of a handshake.
As for why he was here; Nero saw nothing wrong with talking about it— perhaps Crotona may have seen what he was looking for. If she didn’t then at least she would be warned to be on her guard just in case she did come across a beast even too strange for this land. “I’ve been told a strange entity has been sighted in this region of Namek; something that doesn’t quite fit in. From what I’ve gathered so far; it is mechanical in nature, seemingly broken, or faulty in some way. It hasn’t done anything bad as far as I know either, but I do think it should be found before it does. There is also the chance that it is lost and without some help that it desperately needs. In either case, I know some people that can make better sense of it. I just need to confirm that it does indeed exist first of all. Have you come across anything like what I have described by any chance?”
Crotona listened as Nero gave a brief explanation on the Northern Scar. It was an example of the chaotic past that Namek once had. But what was important about the Scar was what you took going forward. While it was not the nicest place it was home to people like the Mazoku, “I see. I imagine a message of the divide between the people. That this is a representation of the chaos and darkness under the surface of this planet.” From what she had seen Namek was very disorganized. It didn’t have any true rulers. Nero then explained he also wanted to see this place changed to become somewhere more hospitable to be grown by the people of this planet. “That makes sense. Yah this place may be far different but that does not mean people can live here and change this place.”
As for the question about the Guru, Nero pointed out that someone would probably rise to the occasion of leading and where they came from but it was about the qualities they had. “So it is not just a caste position. I assumed it was a position always held by the Namekian who represented as a spiritual leader on the planet. “ Still it made sense, it would not be easy to find someone that just fit all the boxes. But that was not gonna make her give up. Afterall, it would be good for the planet but also could help her find what she was looking for. Nero then explained what he was looking for, some sort of mechanical entity. Not that it has done anything, but he wanted to find it and asked if she had seen that before. “Can’t say I have but why don’t we go look for it. The two of us can cover a lot of ground. Maybe we can find it?”
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Last Edit: Aug 30, 2021 12:54:36 GMT -5 by Crotona
Crotona’s assessment of the Scar’s symbolism was... Not entirely inaccurate, just incomplete in Nero’s opinion. What she said had merit of course, Nero had considered that she was on the outside looking in. “To a point, yes. There is a divide of sorts, though I can assure you that it isn’t a simple issue— there is a lot of nuance to it.” He smiled though, optimistic that such adversity could be overcome one day and he was eager to help where he could. “I know quite a few people that live in the Northern Scar’s more accommodating areas, they’re part of what gives me hope that things will be okay.”
On the topic of Guru, Nero tilted his head from side to side. “As far as I’ve known, Guru has typically— if not always— been a Namekian; most commonly from the Dragon Clan. I believe there was at least one from the Warrior Clan. Though sources on that are unclear. Either way; you are correct that Guru acts as a sort of spiritual leader for the planet and its people.” Nero sighed, he was still somewhat sad about the Guru that recently passed away. “It’s unfortunate that the last Guru passed quite suddenly, but we can’t stew in grief, we must move forward— stay determined. That is the reality of the situation.”
Glad to have Crotona’s assistance, Nero began formulating a plan on how to search more efficiently. “Thank you, I appreciate it. Let’s see what we can find; keep your eyes peeled and senses at the ready.” Nero gave Crotona a nod and waited a moment until the duo chose a direction to search first.
Eventually, there would be some obvious clues that something had been wandering about. The evidence included a metal cone-like object lodged in a rock that had a gash in it, a lost flickering lightbulb on the ground with a few frayed wires attached. “... Okay, something was definitely here.” Nero knelt down on one knee next to the flickering bulb and leaned a side of his head towards it... As if he was listening to it. Nero looked quite focused while doing this, so Crotona would be free to examine whatever else she wanted or thought was of particular interest.
After Nero was satisfied with what he investigated, he waited for Crotona to make a discovery of her own before pocketing the lightbulb and walking over to her, speaking up again. “Judging by the strength of the static sounds that the remaining electricity is creating in this bulb, I guess what we’re looking for was here about ten minutes ago. Did you find anything?”
Crotona nodded as Nero pointed out that what she said before was not so simple. There was a lot of nuisance in terms of the issues on Namek. There were three clans but it was not as simple as combat between them or this was a sign of that conflict. They were people who lived here and had good lives. Crotona gave a nod, “Of course. It is not that simple. Cause even in the chaos and destruction there is good. This particular place is just an example of the evil that does exist. But hopefully, people will be able to unite together.” That was the hope in all of this anyway. Everyone is on the same page and making Namek a better place.
Nero explained that indeed, the Guru was usually a Namekian from the Dragon Caste however, this didn’t mean there was no precedent with a warrior caste once being the guru according to him. It seemed that Nero knew a lot about Namek. He must have been some sort of local? At least that was what Crotona was going to assume. He even notes it was a shame that the Guru died which was true, if he was alive then this trip would be a lot easier for her. But also it would be better for the people. “From what I know, this planet the three clans seemed to have been somewhat in conflict with eachother is that true?”
Anyway, now it was time to help Nero. Crotona would follow along letting Nero take the lead. It didn’t take them too long to find . There were a few signs of technology in this area. Crotona mostly let Nero take the lead while she looked at the stuff all around. It was quite odd to see this type of stuff on Namek. It seemed to be not that technology savvy of a planet. Yet now there was all this stuff lying around? When Nero asked if she found anything she snapped her head at him, “Not really no..I’m just suprised there actually is this stuff it is very odd. Hopefully, we will be able to keep tracking whatever is going on.”
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“Basically, yeah.” Nero nodded. “To me, the good comes from those who are kind and wise, those that are guiding others within the chaos to escape it, pushing back against the destruction— whatever form it may take.” A united Namek that worked as a positive structure in the greater galaxy would be the ideal outcome. “I think there is a lot of positive potential in the people of Namek, and I’d like to see it realized.” Nero had seen proof of this potential time and time again in many people, some needed more of a push or guidance of course but that was to be expected.
Crotona’s understanding of the interactions between the three Namekian Clans was minimal, sure, but not inaccurate. Her basic understanding was good enough to build more information on top of. “Yes, that is true in a few ways. Since each Clan has an individual set of ideals, philosophies and tenets, it leads to stark differences of opinion, and that is only logical. The issue is when those differences start to cause tangible harm to others, indirectly or not. Aside from that, quite a few individuals are stubborn in their beliefs which leads to further conflicts.” Nero sighed a little before perking up. “However; some see the ways of their Clan more as a guide and are generally more open to the others.”
Nero figured Crotona would also benefit from at least a basic understanding of the three Namekian Clans, so he would begin with those that called this region home. “The Mazoku Clan are hardy individuals; generally passionate and inquisitive, more likely to explore knowledge and abilities others might shy away from— some become warlocks, wielding magic to fight their foes and teach others to seek knowledge for themselves. This does lead some to darker paths if they are an individual of nefarious intent that simply wants power.”
Next, he would explain the Dragon Clan, effectively an ‘opposite’ to the Mazoku. “The Dragon Clan are natural born mystics; generally taught to be philosophical and thoughtful, which in turn helps develop their healing abilities— some become sages with great powers of creation and restoration that can help those around them, and others become wise elders that help others emotionally. However, sometimes an individual might end up with a warped sense of self-importance as if others are beneath them.”
Finally, Nero would touch on the Warrior Clan, where some might see them as simply fighters, Nero knew better. “Lastly, the Warrior Clan are keenly disciplined, often stoic people, but they are also much more than that. While formidable in battle, they are also taught to be strong enough to be gentle, camaraderie and friendship with a member of the Warrior Clan is one hell of a marvel. That said, the stoicism some individuals develop can get out of hand and cause them to disconnect from others, feel like outcasts and perhaps even lash out where they should not, and this often causes a downward spiral for them.”
It was intentional that with each of these descriptions Nero mentioned something that could cause each to become at best unpleasant and at worst just evil. But of course, there was still more to it all as he mentioned the positives as well. “Now, I’m sure you can tell how things might get problematic across the board, but all is not lost. Just as anyone of any origin can grow to be cruel, they can grow to be kind as well. Like I said earlier, there is great potential in the people of Namek. Did my explanations help? Or is there anything you would like me to go over more?”
When it came to investigating the area for the mystery mechanical entity, Nero noted Crotona found it just as strange as many of the locals did. There were many questions worth asking about the entity, and how it managed to get here was definitely a big one. Of course, they would need to find it first. “Hmm. There is a chance that it can be sensed. From my experience it isn’t common for mechanical beings— but some give off a force that can be picked up. It should be easy to differentiate it from the wildlife or other people for me, but the two of us reaching out might make it easier anyway. Do you know how to sense energy, Crotona?”
Crotona nodded as she agreed with what Nero had to say. Everyone had potential everywhere. You could not assume that people were not going to be evil. “Yeah, I like to see that too. Most of the people I’ve met have been pretty nice but it also this planet seemed to not be moving forward. Things seem to be changing really quickly. I’m not exactly up to date with what going in the universe but there are a lot of strong people and a lot of bad people in the universe. So this planet has to be careful. And it has to advance to avoid being controlled by others.” She had heard stories from Konats of aliens arriving to try to take control of the planet, in its ancient history or at tales. The point was everyone had to be prepared for those who used power to control others.
Nero then went on to explain about each clan, he seemed to have a lot of knowledge about them. From what she heard, the Mazoku seemed to be somewhat like the Kashvarr or darker alleged Konatsians. That didn’t mean they were fully evil of course, as he said they were also according to Nero, were inquisitive and passionate. As for the Warrior Caste and Dragon Caste, Crotona was more aware of them. Dragon Caste was the mystic magic user on Namek but sometimes they had an air of over importance to them. Finally, the Warrior Caste were disciplined warriors who sometimes have stoicism to them. Nero finally pointed out, that despite where people could come from anyone could be born cruel or good. “That makes sense everything you said has given me a far more clear idea about each of the clans thank you very much.” Crotona bowed her head to Nero and kept following.
But now it was time to focus on this Mechanical entity that Nero asked for help to go look at. Nero explained that there was a chance the machine could be sensed. Crotona glanced, “Well I’ve never tried. I can try to sense it. I have sensed someone before. At least I think it is hard to explain.” Crotona was certainly willing to give it a go even if it would take time. That was if Nero wanted to wait for that. If not then maybe they could just keep looking around normally. Or maybe Nero could sense ki? If he was asking this then she assumed that he had at least heard of the ability and maybe could use said ability.
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“I’m glad your visit has thus far been relatively pleasant; though I do agree, in some respects things here aren’t as great as they can be.” Chaos had already come in the form of a rogue Dragon Clan Namekian, though that one seemed to become quiet. Good riddance, as far as Nero was concerned. “There are some things that won’t work for us going forward, but the delicate balance in that is; we cannot lose our identity.” All in all, a nuanced and complicated situation to be in.
“In addition, I’m glad to have filled in a few blanks for you, if you’re ever curious later down the line, I would be happy to direct you to various sources.” Nero smiled and bowed his head to Crotona as well as a show of respect.
Now focused on their mission, Nero nodded to Crotona. “Better to give it a go rather than not trying at all, I think. It doesn’t matter if you’re new to it, it’ll be helpful to this investigation” Since Nero had years of experience in being able to sense energy, he could bring out the ability as easily as blinking. Even though he knew what he was looking for in a way, it would take a bit of time if the entity’s power was weak, if it had any to sense at all. Nero sensed a lack of the normal fauna in the immediate area, which made sense considering what was found nearby; the mangled machine would likely have scared other things away from here... “Hmm. I can make a guess as to which direction it went in, because the local animals seem to be intentionally avoiding it as if they’re afraid of it. That said, I don’t see signs of any creature being harmed exactly. I suggest we move with calm caution; I get the ever increasing feeling that we are seeking something that is simply acting in fear and self preservation.” Nero gave Crotona a nod and began walking onward carefully once she was walking with him.
Eventually, Nero’s ears picked something up, and he began hearing something faintly with his enhanced hearing, it was a sort of metal scraping in the distance. “Do you hear that?” Crotona would be able to hear it herself to some degree if she focused quietly as well since that sort of sound’s pitch carried decently. If she needed any help such as where to focus on, Nero would quietly point in the direction he heard the distant sound. “I think it’s that way. I cannot sense its energy from here very well, so I don’t think it’s in good shape...” Nero frowned, somewhat worried about this entity. It was clearly in a foreign place it did not understand, in a rather shoddy state if the collected evidence gave any indication. “How do you think we should approach?”
Things were not perfect but Nero seemed to be quite aware of that. There was struggle but what was important was not to lose one identity. “And plus knowing that things are not perfect is why you make things progress, to become better. To try to reach that perfection.” Crotona's hand would reach out to the sky as she talked with Nero. That was how things were, if everything had reached perfection, then there would be no struggle. But without struggle what would life be. What was important was trying to do the best you could because no matter how strong, wise, tough or cool you were, you couldn’t do everything. That was just how things were. Being able to recognize that, was a good talent to have.
Now they needed to focus back on this quest, they were still looking for the machines. Yes, she could not forget about that. Now about this ki sensing thing. Crotona would close her eyes trying to imagine the world around her, to just sense what was going on around here. She could sense some things around her, she could feel Nero’s strength, he was about one-third as strong as she was. That was a neat ability. She kept stretching out her sensing to try to reach farther but it seemed she could only really focus the ability really close to her. That was ok, she would just need to do more training.
Anyway, Nero seemed to have some idea where it was going. Something about beasts being worried about something. Guess this was where their machine went. “Right lets go check it out.” Crotona followed Nero to see more about this machine. Crotona followed Nero, as eventually he stopped and pointed out that they were getting close to the machine. “Ok that is good.” Crotona nodded before walking towards where the machine would be. Nero did want to make some sort of plan but Crotona was just gonna walk and see what was going on the machine. He was sure it was friendly to go out and find this machine. No need to make some sort of plan. If it was dangerous then she would deal with it. She was quite sure she could handle it.
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Last Edit: Sept 6, 2021 22:30:57 GMT -5 by Crotona
“Yeah that’s pretty much it. The first step to fixing a problem is acknowledging it.” Nero nodded, watching Crotona reach for the sky. He didn’t say so, but thought it was funny— delightfully symbolic as well. “Do you know the saying; ‘practice makes perfect’?” Nero inquired, with a pause just to get Crotona thinking about it. “I think it’s an inherently flawed saying. Perfection isn’t really a thing that can be obtained; it also implies there’s an end to growth— and there simply isn’t an end.” Instead, Nero had a different saying that he quite liked. “A better way of putting it is ‘practice makes progress’.” It was a nugget of wisdom that for several reasons came naturally to him, perhaps Crotona would benefit from it too.
Nero took note of Crotona’s focus, she was definitely new to it, but disciplined enough for gaining proficiency in the skill to be little or no trouble at all in the long run. Nero let her practice and progress, just like his wise saying championed. In the area they had reached, their combined senses kept zeroing in on what they were seeking. As far as plans went, Crotona elected to simply go forward with confidence— and it was confidence rightfully placed in this scenario, because even with her basic grasp on energy sensing, the closer she got the more obvious it would be that the machine somewhere nearby wasn’t very strong, nowhere near either herself or Nero. Speaking of Nero, he shrugged and followed Crotona.
Eventually, the duo would be able to see something, sparks and blinking lights flickering in the darkness of some gnarled trees and boulders. Metal scraping and a terrifying yet also terrified mechanical shriek could be heard as the mechanical creature dashed away, further into the gnarled forest. It didn’t get far however, as it’s hasty departure was followed by a heavy thud, clattering of metal and a high pitched whirring of gears and servos. Nero winced, feeling bad for the poor thing “Ouch... Okay, yeah, it needs help, for sure. Let’s proceed with calmness and caution.”
"Yup we just need to know about the problem." Crotona nodded, as Nero noted about the saying practice makes perfect. "Yah I know that saying. I wonder where it came from." Crotona kept walking as Nero explained that that saying was not that good since you can't obtain perfection. There is not simple an end, a better saying would be practice makes progress. That she agreed with. That was a much better saying. Crotona though was still focused on walking to find the machine. Nero seemed to not mind and didn't complain as they headed down. As they headed down seeing a sparking lights and gnarled tree and boulders. That was pretty odd, and what was even more odd was a mechanical shriek as she watched the mechanical dog rush around and slam into something creating a pitch. "Woah that is pretty odd. I've never seen a machine like that. Konats has nothing like that." She didn't even see anything like that on Earth. That was really interesting to say the least. She did feel a bit bad about hearing the creature pain from slamming into whatever it just slammed into it. But Nero was right they needed to focus and proceed with caution. Which she began to do once more keeping her eyes open as they scanned the area looking for more machines.
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“I do believe that the original saying came from a well intentioned place since it is commonly used to positively reinforce... But ultimately, as I said, it can often lead to an unhealthy mindset.” So, sensibly, Nero constructed something else out of the saying to go by that was far more healthy for someone to go by.
“I think I’ve seen something similar somewhere... Not sure where though.” The mechanical entity was no longer running away and instead was simply curled up cowering in fear, shuddering and twitching oddly. As such, the duo could approach even closer. It was, in fact, modelled after a canine sort of creature... However, it would be pretty hard to discern what manner of canine it was exactly given how busted up it was. Nero inched closer and spoke softly to the entity. “Hey, we won’t hurt you, it’s okay.” The creature let out a static-y whine, but it didn’t react with hostility at least. “We have some pieces you lost.” Holding out his hand, Nero showed the light and wires he found earlier, which garnered some interest from the mangled metal canine. “You’ll be safe with us, I promise.”
While Crotona was keeping a watch on things, there were several lights nearby, similar to the ones that this creature possessed. They too were flickering erratically and didn’t move closer or further away, so it could be possible that those were other similar mechanical beasts or just other lost parts strewn about.
Even so, something was off. Crotona’s ki sense might be new to her, but even a novice could sense something unmistakably eerie was in the opposite direction of the other lights. Something angry, definitely malicious and so full of hate. It would take some time, yet even so... it was slowly but surely coming their way. Nero furrowed his brow, and took a protective stance by the injured machine. Looking to Crotona, his tone became serious. “Do you feel that? Whatever it is, I don’t like it.”
Nero didn't exactly know the place but that it came from a good one but slowly overtime it created more of an unhealthy mindset as opposed to the goal of making a healthy mindset for everyone to follow. Things like that sometimes happen, it was not the fault of the creator. At least most of the time, she could think time that maybe whoever made something should of taken a bit more care to consider the consequences of what they were about to do. Like the Kashvarr or someone who cooked a Mcbao. Those things were pretty nasty on her trip to earth. She was getting off topic agian, she focused back on what Nero was doing, who went over to help the machine dog getting it back some of the parts that lost when it ran off into the tree. A nice gesture but unless he was a mechanic all he could do was offer what he lost, not fix it.
She looked around the area they were in and saw the lights, But what stood out to her more was the energy she could feel. She didn't know how strong it was but it felt like trouble was coming there way. When Nero asked if she could feel the energy, she gave a stern nod. "It still hard for me to sense things but that I can feel." Crotona would draw out the stump of a sword she carried, ignoring her actually sharpened and good sword. With some focused energy, the stump would light up ki forming the blade. The Z-Sword would be what she'd need to use in this fight. She was ready to fight whatever was coming there way.
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Last Edit: Sept 16, 2021 18:29:22 GMT -5 by Crotona