She had to see it for herself. news of the battle island being attacked and destroyed came at the tail end of Jackie coming back from Namek after a good week training her brethren on the other planet. It seemed Earth never calmed down though. And she was going to beat herself up for not being able to be everywhere at once. It wasn't bust a few months ago she was here looking for that spark of life in her own power. And now many of her brothers and sisters were dead for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
"I can't.... Why can't I ever be at the right place?" She had touched down at one of the floating pieces of the main platform. Standing in the cloudy ruins of what remains. The harsh brackish waters beat against what was left floating in the seas up here. A cold, bitter wind reminded her just how desolate the place had become. This was almost a city in its own right, yet those among them couldn't stop the attack.
How long did Earth have at this rate?
She would lay in wait, meditating on this little platform. Not sitting, no, but raising into a criss-cross hover at level with her stand. Closing her eyes and taking deep breaths. Calming herself and sussing out the ruins for anyone else present with her. She doubted anyone with their right mind would stick around this scene, but she's been wrong before with places like the Lookout...
Thread PL: 92,000 Current PL: 1,000 (Suppressed) WC: 265
Post by Rhapsody Shade on Nov 21, 2022 17:32:28 GMT -5
Form: Base (x1) Base PL: 20,000 Current PL: 20,000 Trait: Anti-Sense = Active
Continuing her journey to learn more of the world and to take in its wonders, Rhapsody eventually found herself near the chilling sea. She was in search of the mysterious Battle Island, though in truth had no idea what it was she searched for; it was equal part curiosity and confusion that drove her, as Battle Island was a name that had simply come to her mind without warning, and worse yet she had no idea as to where she'd heard of it from. Questioning inhabitants of a distant snowy village would eventually lead her to where she was now, though due to her lack of an interest or even an understanding of Earth's media, Rhapsody would be met with an incredible lack of any island whatsoever.
"This is almost as disappointing as Mount Frappe's lack of ice cream." She would remark as she soared casually through the air above the ruins and debris, "No island, nothing but a whole lotta useless stuff bobbin' around. Someone should really clean this up." She'd continue, completely unaware of the events that led to the area being in such disarray.
As she flew over the remnants of what remained, her ear would twitch, causing her attention to deviate. There was another nearby, quiet, but with an interesting presence; they hovered above a platform and looked like they were sleeping. Ever the curious cat, Rhapsody couldn't help but to fly in for a closer look; not wanted to rudely awaken the individual if they really were asleep, she would draw near as quietly as she could, remaining in flight to prevent the metal of her boots from making noise with the platform. Much like the woman, Rhapsody would take to hovering to better examine the presumed sleepyhead; hr bright red hair was interesting and alluring, and the aura she exhibited felt soft and warm.
It was difficult for Rhapsody to explain, it wasn't as though the woman was displaying any powered up energy for a fight; what Rhapsody felt from her was more akin to a presence, or a merely presumption based of her intuition. Whatever it was, it made Rhapsody all the more interested in the woman, so much so that she paid little attention to her surroundings as she accidentally hovered headfirst into a metal pole nearby. With a clang that rattled the pole, Rhapsody would drop from her hover and slam into the platform; rubbing her head as she recoiled slightly.
"D'yow!! That really hurt!" She'd cry out, sitting up onto her knees as she rubbed her head; focusing her attention on her left ear that had smashed into the pole.
Jackie... Sure did sense a presence coming far before the incident occurred. Or, well, felt a disturbance by way of this peculiar sight before her. She heard them first. Jackie then opened her eyes and peeked a glimpse past the gloom to find a rather bright individual weaving over the debris. This outsider looked pretty striking. She was something akin to a mix of zoanthrope and what some humans would depict an angel as. Of course, having seen some Shinjin herself, it's not entirely an accurate depiction.
So, perhaps the depiction comes more from misunderstanding this girl here. Jackie was about to stand again and greet the confused lass with a smile, before watching her smack into some jutting junk and fall onto the platform not too far away.
"Huh?" Jackie frowned at herself for a split second. Then proceeded to instantly step out of her slight hover to jump over to this lady. Looking down at her with a smile and outstretched hand. It sounded like she was talking, sure enough... Hell, she'd even mimic the mouth movements while her voice boomed around Rhapsody.
"Hey! You... should pay some attention out here. Isn't exactly a safe place for people to be just flying by. There's no telling who you'd find out here..." Taken or not, Jackie would assist the bird cat lady's recovery. Looking her over as she either stood up or remained stunned and to the ground. Whatever the outcome.
Post by Rhapsody Shade on Nov 21, 2022 20:32:02 GMT -5
Form: Base (x1) Base PL: 20,000 Current PL: 20,000 Trait: Anti-Sense = Active
In spite of her rather rude sneaking about, the red head saw fit to render aid almost immediately. As she spoke, Rhapsody would find herself somewhat confused; her ears would twitch about sporadically as the sound of the woman's voice failed to come from the singular source that the woman acted as though it did, but felt rather as though it was all around. It was a strange sensation, and one difficult to adjust to due to Rhapsody's own biology being a hindrance for the moment; as the woman helped her to her feet however, Rhapsody's ears would fold back in an attempt to lessen the impact of the words that seemed to envelope her before responding.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean ta bother you while you slept in the air there." Rhapsody would begin, still with a bit of a strained expression as she rubbed at her ears, "Hehe, I guess it isn't too safe, that pole came out of no where!" She'd continue with a smile, "But I can tell you exactly who you'll find out here, you and I!" She'd exclaim cheerily, completely missing the point that the woman may have been trying to make, "It's a pleasure to meet you, my name's Rhapsody!" She'd introduce politely, before quickly covering her ears in anticipation for the woman to introduce herself in response.
It seemed no matter what, her precision in voice was... debilitating to those she wished it weren't to. She'd pull back her voice to herself, seeming now no different from her usual speaking volume as she kept her own smile and waved away the silliest of assumptions. Yeah, she could tell this one wasn't accustomed to earth if she thought Jackie was sleeping.
"Not quite correct. I was out here meditating on a loss... And making sure there weren't any stragglers getting in trouble near such a turbulent place. The waves seem to kick and break much harsher here like the seas know what happened to this place..." She had fluency in sophistry, as her masters before her did, but it was apparent from her age she was no wise lady. It was perhaps just the quick learning she needed from being this 'kami' that made her more and more introspective. She gives a proper bow to Rhapsody and pulls her hands back into a passive gesture on her hips. Keeping her eyes respectfully at Rhap's own gaze.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Rhapsody. The name's Jackie. Kinda wish I could meet people in better conditions... but it always seems I find the more unique personalities out in places like this..." She pauses for a moment, turning to look over at the end of the platform she hovered near. Watching the waves hit and subdue just under the exposed, cracked lip.
"What brings you out here, Rhapsody? Curiosity?" better to ask honest questions than assume. Using Telepathic Sonic Projection! WC: 263 TWC: 774
Post by Rhapsody Shade on Nov 22, 2022 18:21:03 GMT -5
Form: Base (x1) Base PL: 20,000 Current PL: 20,000 Trait: Anti-Sense = Active
The manner in which the woman spoke had seemed to change, her voice no longer felt all encompassing, but was now directed properly, making it quite easy for Rhapsody to listen without the feeling of ringing her her ears. Removing her hands, her ears would still twitch slightly, as if feeling something was amiss with the way Jackie spoke, but whatever the issue was it was easy to ignore. Jackie explained the situation and her own reason for being in such a location; as one who knew of the events of Battle Island, the weight was likely rather heavy, but for Rhapsody the place was no different than any other ruins she'd come across in either the desert of the snowy mountains.
When Jackie remarked on the threat of the waves below, Rhapsody would peer over the side of the platform curiously, finding it difficult to tell the difference between the waves here and anywhere else. It could have been a difference in experience considering the world as a whole was still new to Rhapsody in general, but she was at least starting to get the hint that the locale had a deeper history to it than she realized. When Jackie asked about Rhapsody's own business in the area, she'd guessed it pretty much immediately; still, the girl couldn't help but to further explain her reasoning.
"Exactly so!" Rhapsody would state enthusiastically, "I'm going to a bunch of different places, and learning all kinds of things!" She'd explain excitedly as her tail swayed happily beneath her dress, "I was lookin' for a place called "Battle Island", but I don't see any island at all out here! Just all this stuff floatin' in the ocean." She'd continue, crossing her arms with a slightly frustrated pout, "Hmm, do you know what all this stuff is?" She'd ask curiously, completely unaware of the severity of what had transpired here.
Jackie shows a little relief that she wasn't making another person uncomfortable by just speaking. In what way she could without feeling bad herself about... Well, things. She lets out a sigh as she continues watching the waves to the sound of Rhapsody's enthusiasm. Had she felt like it, she might have made some light fun poking at Rhapsody for being so otherworldly as to not get news like that before coming here.
"Looking for Battle Island, huh?" She turned back and kicked a piece of rubble free from its cling on the platform. Sniffing and rubbing her nose.
"Well, you don't have to look far. You're looking at it." Another small platform, as she says that, bumps up against the large piece their on and kicks some water up behind the girl. Promptly coating Jackie's back with bitter-cold water. It's but a little inconvenient, but she does look over at the offending piece before it goes its separate way.
"Or, more accurately, what's left of it. It's been all over the news for a while. Surprised you heard nothing about this." Pause. She holds herself a bit insecurely and turns back to the ocean. Seems she can't focus properly with a guest of Earth. There was a lot troubling her mind she'd rather not spill on a stranger.
"You're probably not happy with that news, huh." Using Telepathic Sonic Projection! WC: 235 TWC: 1009
Post by Rhapsody Shade on Nov 23, 2022 4:15:46 GMT -5
Form: Base (x1) Base PL: 20,000 Current PL: 20,000 Trait: Anti-Sense = Active
As the platform the two stood upon would wade and shift, Rhapsody would adjust as naturally as breathing; her wings would splay and fold, maintaining her balance unconsciously even as other floating objects would crash harshly against the platform. Jackie would answer the question about Battle's island location, reluctantly pushing through even as another object hit the platform, the impact of which dousing her with water. Rhapsody found herself confused at the matter however, while there was plenty of debris and devices floating about, she certainly saw nothing resembling that of an island.
"This is Battle Island?" Rhapsody would question, stepping up from the platform and taking to hover; finding herself much more comfortable in the air, "Hmmmmm, are you sure? This doesn't look like an island; islands have trees, and sand, and coconuts!" She'd explain, having a rather generalized view on what an island was meant to be, "Oh wait! Did someone sink it!?" She'd exclaim with a surprised expression, "Can islands even sink?? I guess they are surrounded by a lot of water." She'd question, attempting to make sense of Jackie's explanation.
As the tides began to pick up with a bit more ferocity, Rhapsody's concern would quickly change; while curiosity about the mention of an island she'd never been to had brought her here, that interest was quickly shifting towards the one she'd met here. The winds had begun to pick up, chilling the atmosphere as more debris seemed to crash into the platform, causing further waves of water to drench the area, potentially soaking Jackie further should she had refrained from avoiding the splashes. Rhapsody quickly allowed her curiosity for the island to fade, now finding herself concerned over Jackie's well-being. It was clear the woman had a particular mood about her, and it was made even more evident as Jackie had previously allowed herself to simply tolerate the oceans chilling water; she didn't believe there was any way she could help the woman, but that didn't mean she would simply ignore her.
"Miss Jackie?" Rhapsody would say softly, hovering in closely with a concerned expression, "Are you okay?" She'd ask plainly, remaining in a steady hover just slightly below eye level with the woman before her.
Jackie... Okay, Jackie can't help herself but laugh out loud at this misunderstanding. Cracking some of that mulling attitude she had coming here and talking with Rhapsody initially. The kami pulls herself away from the very edge and waves both hands the apparent alien among them.
"W-wait! It was... Mostly manmade! Think of it as a ship! of course, I think it could have done well with a few trees and some sand. Well, some parts have one of those now." The kami sniffs and tries composing herself in front of the guest now showing actual concern. Nope, please, she didn't need that right now! She didn't make the best liar.
"I'm good, real good!... Just, reminiscing. That's all. I shouldn't be loading off my own deep thoughts onto a friendly stranger like a sac of unwanted potatoes." Jackie pulled herself into that sitting hover again to match Rhapsody's slight one near her. Nodding and carefully pulling her form over the edge and above water. She'd pull the conversation back to Rhapsody's fascination instead.
"If ya really want to know what happened to the island, I'd suggest finding someone who was there. I only know second-hand from the news myself. I can make some very good guesses though. Just like every catastrophe that has plagued our home in recent times. A plague of power, I'd like to call it. Someone bad came and destroyed it. Either just because they could or for malicious reasons. They took plenty of lives." Using Telepathic Sonic Projection! WC: 257 TWC: 1266
Post by Rhapsody Shade on Nov 25, 2022 12:08:32 GMT -5
Form: Base (x1) Base PL: 20,000 Current PL: 20,000 Trait: Anti-Sense = Active
As Jackie explained the truth about the Islands existence, Rhapsody found herself both further confused and quite mystified. The idea that the island was in fact, not an island in the least, but was actually a ship was curious; what was even more curious was why anyone would choose to then call it Battle Island rather than something like Battle Ship. It was something Rhapsody wanted to ask about further, but as Jackie continued her explanation, Rhapsody finally began to understand why the mood seemed so heavy with this woman.
"Oh, there's no need to apologize Miss Jackie!" Rhapsody would say happily as she gave the woman a soft smile, "There's nothin' wrong with speaking about your feelings, and I'm more than willing to listen." She'd continue, giving the woman a polite nod before turning towards the open waters with the floating remnants of battle island.
Rhapsody would drop from her hover for a moment, falling silent as she let her feet touch back down upon the platform. Once more her wings would slightly splay and fold as they aided the girl in maintaining her balance upon the rocking platform; Rhapsody would place her hands together before her and lower her head as she offered a moment of silence towards those who had been lost as Jackie described. The girl didn't truly understand what it meant to lose someone, but she understood the pain that it elicited from those that remained and remembered.
"I'm sorry for your loss Miss Jackie." Rhapsody would begin again, keeping her eyes closed as she continued her prayer, "While I know I can't help you in any way here, I do so hope that those lost here have gone onto a better place." She'd say kindly as she finished her prayer; her ears twitching about as she attempted to listen to the not yet quelled sounds of nature.
In her ignorance, Rhapsody had been unaware of the pain around her as she selfishly focused on her own curiosity; with clarity now given by Jackie however, Rhapsody had begun to open herself to the truth. As Jackie had expressed before, the ocean waves that crashed against the platform and many floating objects told the story of a great disturbance. Pain and horror, along with a massive loss of life, both of those that were aboard the Battle Island and of the marine life that called the nearby area they're home. An unexplained explosion, and a vacuum of fiery debris and chaos; there was little more the ocean could tell, but its fury had not yet died down from the event. Rhapsody's feet would lift from the platform once more as she returned to a hovering position, though she remained facing the ocean as curious thoughts came to her mind.
"Miss Jackie? Could you tell me more of these "catastrophes" you spoke of?" Rhapsody would ask worriedly, "I'm quite sorry to admit, but I myself was apparently involved in one such catastrophe in a city to the far east, and... it left me with more than a few lapses in memory." She'd explain, admitting to her lack of knowledge when it came to any of the major events on Earth.
As Jackie watched Rhapsody over the edge, she could only wave away her worries about the kami. She undoubtedly didn't want every stranger she met worried about her well-being when that was the least of her concern. She was strong and could most certain pull through these moments. At least an understanding had been met.
"Just listening and understanding will be more than I ask for you, Rhapsody. It's I who should be a bit sorry for dumping my own problems, even only in telling, to a stranger." Jackie held herself above the waters still, even as Rhapsody took to her own hover near her. As far as catastrophes went... She had a lot to say, but she doubted all would be relevant to this question immediately. She apparently was there for East City, and had just missed Battle Island. She frowns and rubs at her chin, looking over the alien girl again.
"How long have you been on Earth again? Why, I can recall... The attack on the moon... The destruction of the Lookout... Assassination attempts on myself and the current president. A dragon trying to claim a mountain of his own for the world to see. I'm probably missing dozens of villages and smaller towns being attacked or abused by outsiders. Sometimes insiders. It'd be a lot to go over, so I wanna know if anything rings a bell." It was a lot to suddenly drop, sos he just listed the more obvious examples most would have seen news on from at least the past year. Using Telepathic Sonic Projection! WC: 266 TWC: 1534
Post by Rhapsody Shade on Nov 26, 2022 9:23:09 GMT -5
Form: Base (x1) Base PL: 20,000 Current PL: 20,000 Trait: Anti-Sense = Active
In spite of Jackie's reservations, Rhapsody didn't mind being told about the hardships that the woman had faced, let alone that the world itself had faced. Lacking in memories of her own, Rhapsody found herself searching for a place in this strange new world to her; misunderstandings had been aplenty, and to learn about things, whether they had been good or bad, helped give the girl a sense of belonging. Jackie would go on to question the length of Rhapsody's stay, which she unfortunately had no answer for; as the woman went on to explain the many hardships the world had endured however, Rhapsody's previous somber expression would become one of a wide surprise.
"My goodness, you've endured so much chaos." She'd remark, holding a hand to her mouth in a bit of shock, "I cannot begin to understand any of what you've said; the moons current appearance was due to an attack?" She'd question, "I know not what this "Lookout" is, but you say it too has been destroyed? And once more done by the choice of individuals?"
Rhapsody enjoyed the telling of stories, and the severity of what Jackie explained certainly sounded like stories from a book; she had no reason to believe Jackie would suddenly lie about such things however, the woman simply didn't have such a deceptive air about her. With that in mind, the only conclusion was that Jackie spoke true, which was far more concerning than if the woman had decided to simply spin tall tales.
"I've never met a dragon, though while such a creature sounds interesting, between the attempts on life you mentioned and all the destruction, I'm beginning to think this world is far more dangerous than I'd initially realized." She'd say in a somewhat defeated tone as her ears folded worryingly, "I wish I could help... I want to help even, but I would have no idea as to where to start." She'd remark her her gaze fell to the waters before the two, "I do not know how long I might have been here before my accident... and I do not know where my home could possibly be; I... thought of making this my new home, but now I fear I might not be as easily accepted as I had thought to be." She'd say worriedly, "If even you, who call this world home, have been forced to suffer such strife, it seems there would be little hope for one such as I without a home."
There were a lot of very old scars on Earth, so it was no surprise some newer and less familiar faces could confuse the more recent destruction with a natural history of sorts. Anywhere else, a shattered moon would fit right into folklore. Hell, here, it just might. Give it a century or so. Jackie's reaction to the information she already knew was less somber. Instead, she'd try casting a smile where Rhapsody might have felt a little under with the news.
"Indeed. Earth has rarely been a place of world-ending strife on the scale we've been seeing it escalate. Both native and foreign bodies have gotten to the point where they can wipe out entire cities with ease. Many of them not even needing a reason to do so. Wreckless Abandon for life, especially the small and frail humans. As I understand it, a lot of the Galaxy has always run on this display of might making right... But we've been getting targeted more frequently." She pauses and holds her arms over her chest. Crossing both limbs as she rests her eyes to focus for a moment.
"Afraid it wouldn't be much safer for you elsewhere. As far as I've heard our neighbors aren't doing well either. Not sure how long you've been out of it... but..." She hums to herself. Her hover slowly floated along the side of the platform before spinning around Rhapsody. The kami continued to face her like a camera, taking in small details. Peeking her eye open for a flash of visual as it was a bit hard with no energy to speak of.
"Help? Well, Rhapsody, are you a practiced fighter?" It was honestly the first thing that would give her ideas.
Using Telepathic Sonic Projection! WC: 289 TWC: 1823
Post by Rhapsody Shade on Nov 27, 2022 17:17:18 GMT -5
Form: Base (x1) Base PL: 20,000 Current PL: 20,000 Trait: Anti-Sense = Active
It was enlightening to hear of how the Earth had fared recently, as well as to hear about the explosion of those with power that had steadily come into play. Rhapsody found herself someone confused on the matter, even if she could understand the concept; she lack an energy of her own for which to gauge herself, and held no ability to sense the energies of others. A conversation from her past memory played into her mind, though sadly she could not recall whom it was from; the context of which however revolved about energy and it's workings, but said past conversation could not continue due to the illness that had plagued Rhapsody at the time.
"I wonder if my home is in the same straits..." Rhapsody would remark worriedly as she crossed her arms defensively and fell into a contemplative demeanor.
Her thoughts would quickly be broken however and Jackie sought to change the subject, likely for the better. The woman returned to the idea of lending aid as she moved around Rhapsody and attempted to size her up. It would be easy to tell how lacking physically the small girl was in comparison to the trained form Jackie sported, and the mere thought of how to answer caused Rhapsody to recoil slightly.
"I... can summon a weapon-" Rhapsody would begin, referencing the strange tool that had replaced a forgotten sword from her past, "-but I'm afraid I don't know how to use it, and I abhor violence." She'd continue in a defeated tone, "If there is a conflict, I believe that words would surely suffice! Everyone must have a reason for the things they do!" She'd exclaim confidently before immediately adopting a more sullen expression once again, "At least... that is what I thought, but if what you say is true-" She'd say somberly, referencing those who would destroy for no reason at all; with a quick shake of her head however, she would return to a confident expression as another option dawned on her, "Ah! But I can heal! I know it isn't much, but I've become quite proficient at it!" She'd explain, hoping the ability would be a strong substitute in place of doing battle; though in truth, Rhapsody was yet unaware of limits of her abilities.
No doubt in her mind there were always reasons for such things. Whether you can always just talk out those reasons was another matter. Many craved destruction and held malice they themselves don't even understand. Let alone want to express in any constructive manner. Jackie sighed, seeing that little bit in herself as Rhapsody explained her abilities. An abhorrence to violence was what made Jackie stable herself. It's not like she reveled in the days she had to step out and kick someone's ass for threatening cities full of people.
"You're not wrong to have reservations about it all, Rhapsody. It's a healthy thing to not revel in violence. It's not something I indulge in personally outside friendly bouts. And as much as some people can be reasoned with, others are too far gone as to not see it or invent their own world to live in. Better to be safe and try talking through things, but a lot can happen in a fraction of a second." She sniffs and rights herself in her hover, opening her eyes and watching her hesitate further along the thought process. She didn't want this to get twisted either. So, just like anyone else she's met with who had any aspiration to it, she cleared her throat and reappeared front and center for the alien.
"Nobody is requiring you to fight or battle evil. It's enough for people to just be good to one another... However, I do offer to train those who want to refine that talent. There will be times when words will fall on deaf ears. And then, only your force of will can save people. Be it raw strength, magic, or whatever it is you specialize in. This Universe has a cruel sense of justice that we have to keep strong to combat it's worst actors." It was as simple an offer she gave to most like her.
Using Telepathic Sonic Projection! WC: 318 TWC: 2141
Apr 6, 2024 1:21:15 GMT -5
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