Mollusc awoke..he was not sure how long it had been since his encounter with Usumi and Gandigan. He would slowly pull himself out of his cave. "Ha.....ha.....ha..." Mollusc was in utter pain especially in his head. He got fucking nailed by Usumi by the back of her sword. But despite the pain he needed to go war the Dragon Caste. He tried to fly but he couldn't. He was too injured to fly. Dammit. Mollusc began to walk from the cave. If he headed south of here he would hopefully find a village at some point.
He would walk out of the cave and into the Outer Plait. Where were they now? Gandigan and Usumi could of already wrecked a ton of village. Because he was weak! Dammit all! He needed to protect his people. He had failed to do so five years ago, he became the enemy. But now even after five years he couldn't protect his people. At least this time he tried. Mollusc would begin to slow down from a slow walk to an utter crawl. He was really exhausted..staggering he'd fall over collapsing to the ground. He couldn't move a muscle. He had tried to reach a village far too soon. He needed to keep resting. He grabbed the ground to try to drag himself forward. "I must...I must reach the dragon Clan." He was not going to give up despite his pathetic state.
Gandigan had promised himself that he'd try to check in on Mollusc and see how he was doing after Usumidori had blindsided him. He knew that his brother would be upset; hell, there was a decent chance that he'd go ahead and attack him on sight. But Gandigan wasn't at all worried about that. He felt as though if he were to properly explain the situation to Mollusc then there was a chance he could defuse the situation, and maybe he bring him over to their side.
It may have sounded crazy, but Mollusc was still an outsider. Although Gandigan never got the chance there must have been a reason why he decided to leave the greater Namekian society. Even if there was only the slimmest of chances that he would actually help himself and Usumidori in their assault, he didn't see any downsides. Either Mollusc would fight with them, or against them, and seeing as he already know that they were hunting villages broaching the offer wouldn't give him any information he didn't already have.
He flew around the Outer Plait for what felt like hours, trying to find where Mollusc had ended up. Eventually Gandigan picked up on his energy, though he could immediately tell that his life was faint. Gandigan rushed down to the surface near the cave that Mollusc lived in, and soon caught sight of his fellow Namekian. Gandigan was slow and careful with his approach, not wishing to spook the wounded Namekian. "Mollusc... it's me, Gandigan. Before you try and strike me I want you to listen: I'm here to talk."
Mollusc felt an energy he had felt only a few days ago. It was Gandigan. He wanted to get to his feet and say a lot to the Namekian man. But he could not get to his feet. Gandigan arrived and called out he just wanted to talk. Mollusc really couldn't say no to his request. "As you can see, I don't have the ability to stop you from talking. My wounds are still quite fresh. I assume it has to do with our meeting with the Demon? What did you find out? Have you decided to truly help her? Or are you still on the side of Namek? She cannot be trusted. Just like most outsiders, they come here to plunder our land, hurt our kin and cause chaos. Even if she can help you is it worth the price for the people of Namek Gandigan. You must know how dangerous the road you are taking."
Mollusc would push himself up to lean agiasnt a rock to look at Gandigan. He didn't fully know the Namekian's story but he had said he was cursed. Mollusc felt bad for Gandigan understanding he must of felt he was between a rock and a hard place. Usumi could cure him of his woes but at the same time he may curse him to be a foe of Namek. His own people? Was that what he wanted? Mollusc felt a duty to convince him otherwise.
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Mollusc was understandably upset with Gandigan, though not as much as he had feared. There was a still chance that he might be able to reach out to him and explain why he was doing what he was, and perhaps even convert him over to his side. It was a risky proposition all things considered, but he and Usumidori were going to need all of the help they could get. Gandigan slowly walked over and sat down next to where Mollusc was.
"I will try to tell you the whole story. When we left I took her to a small village where the elder accepted us into his home. There he attacked me with a binding artifact, and would have killed me had Usumidori not stepped in. She was dissatisfied with his collection, claiming that none were what she was looking for. She described to me powerful, spherical artifacts which have the ability to grant any person's desire. She does not know what they look like, though she did mention that they hold an important place in Namekian society."
Of course with his memory being mostly gone he couldn't say what they were or where they were; the Elder Village was simply a guess due to it's importance. "I know that this is dangerous; I would not think to side with someone like Usumidori if I had another choice, but... I'm afraid that I don't. If this artifact is truly as powerful as she says it is then it might be the only thing that can save me. I don't trust her, but I do trust that she'll work in her own self interest. If I assist her then it could be what sets me free."
That was a big unknown. Chances are they'd probably lose the battle, which is why he needed to try and gather help. "Help us in this fight. You claim that I'm against Namek? What side are you on? Why do you choose to live away from our people?"
Gandigan began to speak and tell his story. He and Usumi had ventured into a small village and found an elder. He could of killed Gandigan but Usumi protected him. Guess these Namekian dragon clan member could be quite dangerous. Apparntly, Usumi was looking for some powerful spherical objects.Something that could grant anyone’s desires. He had never heard of such orbs. But, maybe it was something only a few people knew about. After a few moments he would shake his head. “I’ve never heard of such things and her quest to try to find them seems to be a fool’s errand. Even if such things exist, she could use them for reckless intent. Why help her when her getting such power could be the doom of Namek? You must realize if the stories you heard are true, then they should not be in anyone’s hands.”
Gandgian had already seemed to be aware of the danger but he was fully focused on on his own perils. He wanted to cure himself and if he helped Usumi then he would be able to be saved. “You only care for yourself. I am not sure how bad your curse is but, it can’t be worth working with that demon. The price Namek will have to pay will be far greater then the reward you will reap. I am telling you this. Get off this path while you still can!” Gandigan when he asked him what side he would be on. Mollusc quickly responded. “On the side of Namek. Which side will you be on?” He didn’t answer why he was fighting for Namek. He seemed to just ignore it as if it was just an obvious answer that he didn’t need to respond.
Mollusc made a fair point. Usumidori could easily choice to destroy Namek should she collect these artifacts, but then so what? He was already doomed as it was if he couldn't get a hold of a cure to his curse; whether it be by Usumidori's wrath or by his own inner demons he would die in that case. Getting a hold of the artifacts at least gave him a chance to survive. Of course from Mollusc's point of view he was being selfish, and perhaps he was, but without Mollusc suffering from his curse he'd never understand.
"What do you suggest I do instead? Without the aid of Usumidori I'll die; I'm sure of that. It may not be tomorrow or the next day, but it's coming soon. What path do I have?" That was when an idea clicked into his head, though he wasn't sure if it was a good one or not. Maybe there was another way.
"Help me. When the time comes and Usumidori calls for me, follow. We can obtain these artifacts, and then after she's weakened from the fighting we defeat her. Allow me to use the artifacts to cure myself, and then we won't have to worry about them or her any more."
Mollusc glanced up at Gandigan he was hoping to get his point across to the Namekian. But it seemed the words were still falling on deft ears. A shame. Gandigan pointed out that in the next few days if he didn’t have Usumi’s help, he could die. What would he do if he was not going to use this power to help himself? “There may be others on Namek who can help you. Or across the stars. But is your life so valuable that the lives of others can be crushed underfoot? I used to believe that I, was special and destined for great things. But I was like any other soul. I am not special, and neither are you. We don’t get to decide the fates of others.” That is why he banished himself. He believed he was the chosen of Porunga. But in his desire to prove himself, he killed one of his fellow Namekians. And he never forgave himself for it. Hopefully, his wisdom would get to Gandigan.
Gandigan seemed to want to keep convincing him to join Usumi’s cause. They would get these artifacts and defeat her afterward. “That will still result in many Namekian’s dead. Have you considered just asking about these artifacts in the city yourself without Usumi gaze. You can just see if they are real. You are a Namekian, if you explain your situation I image our kin will do what they can to help you.” He didn’t have to tell them he planned to steal them. But maybe they would use this power if it existed to help him if he explained his curse. If he attacked them and failed, then he would lose any chance of being healed by this supposed power.
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The more that Gandigan spoke with Mollusc, the less likely it seemed that he could get the Namekian to agree with his cause. He couldn't really explain to him why he was so afraid about going to the Dragon clan directly without risking his ire, so he again kept things as vague as possible. "Maybe you're right... maybe they can heal me, but what then? I've already promised Usumidori my help; should I choose to betray her then what? She'll kill all for these artifacts, including me, including you and every other Namekian."
He found his comment about thinking himself special to be a little insulting. "You think I want to live because I think myself better than others? That's ridiculous. All living creatures want to survive; I am no different." He seemed insistent on not wanting to help as it would result in many Namekian dead, though the way that Gandigan saw it there was no avoiding that. "Usumidori will attack, whether or not she has support. But with Namekians by her side we might be able to convince the others to give up these artifacts peacefully; if we stand against her then it's more likely that she'll kill, not less."
Another sudden pain forced Gandigan to keel over; whatever that terrible creature was inside of him was making it's presence known once more. It wanted to eat, but Gandigan had to try and force that feeling away. He tried to fight it, moving away from Mollusc and rolling onto his back, though as he did he felt a burning sensation on his chest. Looking down he could see some sort of symbol being burnt into his chest, though he couldn't make out what it was. "Its... I don't have much time left..."
“Namek must have other strong warriors? Have you considered seeking their aid? Namek has faced threats before, and someone must of been able to defend the planet from those threats. Usumi is strong, I admit. Maybe there is no one else that can face her. But, it is worth checking yes? To find if someone can protect the planet. Usumi asked for your help, I feel like she must know there many people that can be a threat. So having you on their side can give her a higher chance of success.” Mollusc was not sure anyonew as strong as Usumi. She seemed to be all powerful. Mollusc before that comforation thought he was quite powerful. But running into Usumi made it clear that he was a big fish in a small pond before that point.”
Gandigan pointed out that all beings should live and survive. Gandgain believed if they joined her that less people would die rather then before. She was planning to attack. Mollusc grunted, “I concede that is possible. In the moments of attack it is possible that if we help her less will die. But what happens when she gains acess to that power? Do you think she was not harm again? Maybe it won’t be Namek? Or maybe it will be Namek? In a short term maybe less will die but in a long term? Can you say with confidence that will be the case. Plus, I won’t betray the people of Namek. I refuse to do so. I was trained as a warrior of Namek, to protect its people. Even if it cost me my life, I must fight in Namek’s defense.”
Mollusc paused in his speech when he saw Gandigan come down. He could see the symbol glowing on his chest. He had never seen anything like it. And the pain it caused seemed to be great. He was starting to see why maybe he was forced in a position he believed he had to help Usumi. “I can see your in a lot of pain brother.” He would glance up at him. “Don’t throw your honor away. I cannot stop you from what you plan to do. But if you do it, I will not allow you to be forgiven so easily. You will be betraying the people of Namek.” Mollusc knew it was a risk, Gandigan could just try and kill him. But at the same time, he’d rather die then back down on his words. Mollusc was too stubborn to put his life over his principles.
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Gandigan had grown frustrated by Mollusc's answers. He was simply too stubborn in his ways to see reason. From Gandigan's perspective the only way to could control the situation was by aiding Usumidori; if she was destined to win then being on her side was the only way to have a say in what she would do with the artifacts. Going against her would only mean death, and then who would protect Namek? But Mollusc had made his point clear.
Slowly Gandigan climbed back to his feet, looking down upon the wounded Namekian. "You might, but we'll never know if we fight against her. She'll take out the weakest of our kind first, which means you an I will surely face her wrath. You may do as you please, but I will not sacrifice my life for Namek. It is because of Namek that I am this way!"
Gandigan looked down upon Mollusc, and briefly considered how to proceed. The wise thing to do would probably be to kill him, though he felt uncomfortable doing so. Another thing came to mind however; something he had not thought of yet. He hadn't asked Mollusc about his history; about the details he had learnt on Konats. If Mollusc had any information then perhaps there was still time to find another cure before the attack.
"When I was on Konats I found parts of my memory. It had been on Namek where I was experimented on after all, not Konats. I saw a group of Mazoku transform me in the old castle the lies within the Outer Plait. Do you know anything about this gang? If I can find them then maybe they'll be able to undo this curse."
Mollusc glanced up at Gandigan as he noted that Usumi would not only harm the weakest of the people if they stood against her, but that maybe could be saved with them siding with her. Second, he was not going to protect Namek because Namek was the reason he was this way. Mollusc closed his eyes for a moment. "Fair enough I suppose. If you feel that way I can't do anything to stop you." The only thing he could do is survive. Hopefully, to reach the Namekians to warn them of the peril they were facing. Gandigan and Usumi were really strong. He was sure he couldn't defeat Gandigan even if he faced him at full power. And Usumi he had no chance of even pushing. She was far too powerful.
Gandigan however wanted to know a bit more information. He asked about the Mazoku in the Outer Plait. Did he know anything about them. "I can't say I know much about the Mazoku. Being out here of course somtimes I'd run into Mazoku running into my cave. They were mostly not that friendly. They are quite isolationist. Some of them have faced prejudice from the other tribes of Namek. They are out in the areas north of here so i'm sure you can find at least some Mazoku who will speak to you." Mollusc looked to the sky. "That all I know we done here? Or you gonna kill me?" He was blunt and stubborn so he might as well ask what his fate would be.
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Unfortunately Mollusc wasn't able to help him with his Mazoku problem. If he was going to find them he was going to have to track them himself. By now he had a decent understand of the Outer Plait, but still it was going to take some time to find where they were hiding, and that was assuming that they were even still on the planet. Still, that was the only hope he had left to cure himself in a way that didn't involve Usumidori. If he could do that then maybe he could escape of world and away from her wrath.
Gandigan looked down upon Mollusc again, contemplating his fate. He knew that killing him now would be what Usumidori wanted, as there was no chance of him helping in their battle, but still he felt some degree of debt to Mollusc for aiding him when the fight against Usumidori first started. He wouldn't kill him today, though if they were to cross each other when the next battle began... he couldn't be so sure of the outcome.
Instead he extended an arm down to where Mollusc was sitting. "No, you won't die today; not if I can help it. But you will if you insist on trying to move around in this sort of condition. Why don't I help you back to your cave so you can rest?"
Mollusc glanced at Gandigan as he seemed he was not going to end his life. He instead offered to take him back to his cave. Considering his options were to drag himself to his death or return to the cave to recover he decided that it was best to take Gandigan offer. "Fine, I can stand if barely. If you grab my hand you can help me back on my own two feet." Mollusc would slowly pull himself to his feet and offer his hand to Gandigan. he was going to need some help to get back to his cave of course. But he was going to put a little work into returning to the cave himself. He couldn't just let Gandigan carry him around. Maybe Gandigan was lying. He doubted that was the case but he had to be on guard. He didn't want Gandigan to decide to grab him and bring him to Usumi considering him a threat. So he was on guard even as he offered his arm. If Gandigan gave off a hostile intent then he would try his best to defend himself. Even in the state, he found himself in he was still a warrior of Namek. He would fight to the death if he had to to protect his people, even in a broken condition.
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Gandigan could tell that Mollusc was a little apprehensive, though that was very understandable given the situation. He waited until Mollusc got up to help, slowly assisting as the two made their way back inside of his cave. He waited until he found somewhere comfortable looking until he placed Mollusc back down, preparing to leave as the two evidently had nothing more to discuss. He had tried his best to make the Namekian see his cause, but he had failed in that.
"It's time for me to leave. I hope that maybe you'll think on what I have said; maybe you'll see that the best way to help our people is to assist Usumidori rather than let our people fall under her path. I assume that when things go down, you'll have word of it. For now I must go, as she may call upon me at any moment."
Gandigan left without saying another word. He wondered whether or not Usumidori had more success in her efforts to recruit, as she did mention that she would be searching for the dark forces that Gandigan had felt arrive to Namek in recent times. Hopefully she did, else their battle would be over rather quickly.
Mollusc would nod as Gandigan indeed helped him out. He was not going to kill him at least at this moment. It was good to see if he kept his word rather than dragged him off to see Usumi. Gandgian noted that he hoped he'd see that helping Usumi was the best for the people of Namek. Standing against her was only going to cause more problems. "Hm. Your word is hollow. Your actions will speak for you. But for now, I'll see if you keep your word. I won't allow her to harm the people of Namek. You should do the same." He knew it was not going to reach through to Gandigan but even as he left he was still trying to convince him. He only wished the Namekian would listen instead of letting this battle come to pass. But he was going to have to wait sometime. Because despite his desire to head to the main village to warn his kin his body didn't respond to his will. He was utterly exhausted and had been returned to the cave where he started. Deciding it best to take Gandigan advice for the time being he would allow his body to drift into sleep. Once he awoke through he was going to make his second attempt to reach the Dragon Caste.
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Last Edit: Dec 29, 2022 14:47:12 GMT -5 by Mollusc