For such a peaceful, discreet people, Zaffran thought it strange that the namekians would worship this fierce-looking monster: the statue had a long winding snake body that swelled into a bodybuilder's torso, topped with a comparatively miniscule and unintelligent reptilian head. From the crown of horns, the spiked shoulders, the carnivorous fangs and claws, every part was rendered in life-like perfection. And its size! Even from the distant mound where the demon was having her picnic, the shadow reached out to shelter her from the suns.
"I could beat him up."
Zaffran returned her eyes to the food laid before her, over the green grass. An antennaed fish dripping pond water, two of jarfuls of cold tea taken from pilgrims, Mazoku grave soil, a pile of eggplants. She felt this banquet was earned, even deserved. The locals got her number -- a demon looking for a particular someone, willing to steal, bully, and make disappear the bodies of people. Many came to stop her, few returned alive, a handful fended her off, but none could defeat her outright. She still relished in the challenge.
Today, however, was a lazy day. Zaffran wanted nothing more than eat a meal, look at the stone Porunga, and think up ways to deface it.
TWC: 213
ITEMS AND RESOURCES Dark Departure, Otherworld Training, Tenacious, Raw Talent
The affliction was getting worse. With each passing day he could feel this terrible demon inside of him growing thanks to the warm flesh he provided it, yet at the same time his own life was dwindling away. He thought that maybe if he was able to track down the people who did this to him, they might be able to take it away... but it was no use. His best chance lay with Usumidori, as loathe as he was to fight the others with her. Her magical artifacts would be the key to saving him.
Until then he had resigned to pray at the only God he knew: Porunga. Maybe the ancient Namekian God would be able to provide his body with some degree of rest before what could be his final battle. Making the trek through the Scar was simple enough, as he knew he could handle any rogue Mazoku who might wish to test their might against his. More worrisome was the villages which he did his best to avoid; the fewer Namekians who knew his face the better.
As he neared the mighty stature of Porunga he could sense that he wouldn't be alone today. He slowed his movements, attempting to catch a glimpse of who was already here, though as the creature came into view he quickly realized that it was no Namekian. He had no idea what sort of alien this could be; certainly no Konatsian or Saiyan or even Kashvar.
He looked upon it with scornful eyes; he could feel the demon inside of him perking up as though to greet the stranger, though Gandigan fought it's urges. Instead he made himself tall and approached the horned stranger, eager to find out it's cause. He thought back to what he and Usumidori had discussed, about how they needed to find allies for their upcoming fight. As far as he was concerned any one of the non-Namekians he encountered was a potential ally in that fight.
"You there. Who are you, and what are you doing here? State your business quick and true else regret ever coming here."
Between the eating and ruminations, Zaffran was at peace, the kind that quickly unsettles a young demon and drives them into escalating acts of mayhem -- so she grabbed the fish, planning to slap someone in the face with it. A namekian came to her, so she needn't find a victim! Turning at the voice, the goat remained sat and smiling.
"Why, aren't you a delicious find."
She bit off the head of the fish, really taking in the sight of this future casualty. It was the armor, she realized, looked grown over the skin rather than worn, and wouldn't that pauldron look great on Dad's mantlepiece? More the reason to trick this man.
"My name is Zaffran, a pleasure to meet you. And I'm just having a picnic with my friends." she gestured at the nothing around her "But it seems that I've forgotten to invite them... Care to join me instead?" Zaffran tossed the more decorated pot of tea at Gandigan, not knowing that the clay craft was meant for Porunga, nor that a Dragon Clan member would never give it away to an 'outsider'.
"Maybe we can talk about that look on your face. As though you never smiled. Would you happen to be Mazoku, or just cursed?" etiquette required demons not to toy with another demon's mortals, but being a princess and bored, Zaffran knew she was above such bounds. And she felt something greeting from inside the mortal, similar enough for her to swallow the remaining fish whole and wipe her hands on the grass.
TWC: 473
ITEMS AND RESOURCES Dark Departure, Otherworld Training, Tenacious, Raw Talent
Gandigan remained silent as the goat spoke to him, eventually revealing it's name to Zaffran. The stranger tossed over a pot of his tea in his direction, though as Gandigan caught it he hadn't much idea of what he should do with it and so he simply held it in his hand while continuing. The mention of curses sent a shiver down his spine, as though the goat knew something that it wasn't letting on, though maybe he was just being paranoid.
"Both, as it just so happens. You know a thing about curses?" The Mazoku moved closer, taking a seat just a few feet away form Zaffran. The thought that perhaps he was speaking to a Demon did cross his mind, as this creature was unlike anything he had seen before. Perhaps this was one of the recruits that Usumidori had managed to find? He wasn't sure whether Namek having more Demons was a good thing, but if it aided in their fight then he'd just have to shut up and be thankful.
"It's hard to smile when your time is almost up." Gandigan looked up at the statue of Porunga, hoping that it would come to life and carry him away from all of this, though that was about as likely as Usumidori using her precious artifacts to wish for something that'd be good for Namek. Gandigan placed the tea back into the grass just in front of him. "I'm afraid I haven't had much a taste for something like that in... quite some time."
Once again the Namekian felt something quelch inside of him, quickly moving his hand over to press down on his chest. Gandigan tried to deflect away from his pain by starting a new topic. "Tell me about these friends of yours... do you count Usumidori among your lot?"
Yes, Zaffran knew a thing about curses. Many things, in fact. But she thought it'd be more mysterious to wink slowly, then nod emphatically, in case the sign was too subtle. Cursed people tended to be too wrapped in their woes to pick up on such things...
The man's time was almost up, he said. To which the goat wondered if he wasn't wasting what he had left, surely the Mazoku would bring him back! Or he'd be born anew and stronger. She followed with a stare as the Namekian sat, stolid, more of a statue than Porunga.
"Better to fill your last few days with smiles, don't you think? Than chatting up strangers having picnics."
She cleared her throat, popped the lid of the pot Gandigan returned, tipped with both hands and drank the tea in one loud gulp. Then, she burped, and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.
"You do have some days in you, don't you?"
Of course not, otherwise Gandigan wouldn't entertain the presence of someone so clearly Otherworldly. The way he cradled his chest, as though it was bursting from the inside, was very curious... More curious was the mention of another demon, more powerful than Zaffran, perhaps even of a higher rank. Her posture turned straighter, even if her face affected that same wily smile.
"My kind doesn't make for good friends-- present company excluded, of course. But Usu's interests never clashed with mine. That is as close to friendship as I can suffer-- towards a demon. All my friends are mortal." she gave another wink.
How desperate much a mortal be to make a pact with a demon, and converse with another? It was a breach of etiquette rarely taught to their lowly kind, which made it all the more interesting.
"For a sword, Usu's not the sharpest tool in the smithy, is he? Should've turned to a hammer. He just can't hack it! But if you need a cutlass, you need a cute lass." WINK
TWC: 804
ITEMS AND RESOURCES Dark Departure, Otherworld Training, Tenacious, Raw Talent
"Some days, maybe, but who's to really say? All I know is that my strength is... fading." Whatever was going to happen, it was going to happen soon. Usumidori had told him that it'd only be a day before they struck, and yet that deadline had come and gone. Had she abandoned him? Or had the whole thing been some sort of ruse just to build his hope up? That sounded like something she'd enjoy, though her conviction to find these artifacts did seem true.
Zaffran all but confirmed that it did know of Usumidori, even affectionately referring to her as 'Usu' for short. How cute. Though the goat didn't mention whether or not it was here to help with their plans, only mentioning that it's own goals hadn't clashed with Usumidori's. He had to wonder what goals Zaffran could have on Namek if not aligned with Usumidori. Interesting enough Zaffran referred to Usumidori has a 'he' which had Gandigan awfully confused.
"You do know of what's to happen soon, don't you? If you know of Usumidori then she must have informed you." Zaffran seemed to pass judgement on his decision to assist Usumidori, referring to her as 'not the sharpest tool' which may have been true.
"In my situation I had little choice in the matter. Usumidori promised that she would assist me, and close to death I had to oblige... unless you think you know of a better way?" Gandigan could feel where this conversation was heading. He didn't want to turn his back on Usumidori though at the same time he'd prefer not to assist in her attack if he could help it. At the very least he figured that he should pursue the idea, and try to figure out whether or not Zaffran could even help him.
The namekian's fading strength was likely just age, and the beastie within him could just be a minor imp summoned to wreak bodily havoc and depression, nothing that'd warrant the man's conflict with the nearing recycling of his soul. The goat snickered at the puny mortal and his puny mortal problems -- she found them so fun, so engaging, that she hungered for more of the succulent tragedy.
"I know what's to happen soon and not so soon, what's never meant to happen, what will always happen, and what might as well have happened... despite it not have happened. Got many of these in many pies, I do." she wiggled her fingers before doing rubs of grave soil on her gums "Let me put it this way: Usu's a nice sword, the nicest. But she's only interested in lost causes! You not being one rather complicates things."
Old legends and recent news agreed that Usumidori was powerful and conniving, rebellious yet renowned, capable of the highest degree of violence, peerless in evil. But Gandigan needn't know that. Or know that Zaff rather admired Usumidori, but never had the courage to meet with the prince -- royal to royal, of course! Was 'Usu' drawn to lost causes? It suited the goat to say so.
Also, she couldn't fathom what had brought such a powerful demon to this green-stained mudball. Couldn't be the beautiful sights and charming locals, as those could all be destroyed in a day.
"I know a better way, for myself. As for the way that'd suit you best, I've been given nary a glimpse from either you or our dear Usu. She promised me entertainment, and I'm guessing she promised you... the world."
TWC: 1087
ITEMS AND RESOURCES Dark Departure, Otherworld Training, Tenacious, Raw Talent
Gandigan was getting sick and tired of the goat speaking in riddles. If it had answers which could help him then why not just spit them out already? His interactions with demons had been mostly the same so far, with their kind clearly enjoying tormenting others before helping them, and that was if there was any help to come which was far from a guarantee. Unfortunately Gandigan was a desperate Namekian, which was the only reason he hadn't gotten up and left already.
The comment about lost causes did interest him. "What do you mean me not being a lost cause? I'm dead without her aid, or at least... that's what I believe. Her artifacts are what will save me, should she find what she's looking for." Zaffran confirmed that it knew of what was to come, though in the same twisted tongues as it always seemed to speak in.
Entertainment was on the cards, which Gandigan didn't like the sounds of. This was supposed to be a necessity; not something for others to revel in. It seemed as though Zaffran would not be assisting in their cause then, which meant it probably had it's own end game to go after. "If you're not here for the power of these artifacts then what? Just looking for a good time? Do the base urges have such a grip over you?" At least Gandigan was fighting for his life; what was Zaffran after?
Zaffran loved speaking in riddles -- the balancing of truth and fiction, knowledge and ignorance, play and effort, genuine life advice and sheer nonsense, made for lively conversation and pleasant picnics. She had this man wrapped around her little clawed finger; Gandigan had meant to intimidate her, now shared his own and another's secrets and wanted to tell more. How fun.
But what artifacts were these Usu was after, and what role would the poor slug play once they were found? He'd die in the process or not long after, it was unlike older demons to let mortals live past their use.
"You are being remarkably difficult! But, you're still my friend, and you're not a lost cause to me." she made a quick hand heart before reaching for a eggplant to crush over the remaining pot of tea. Then, she started stirring the slurry with a finger, simulating mystical intent, mouthing soundlessly for added effect. It seemed a safe bet to assume the namekian knew as much about the artifacts as her, the lie only had to be kept small "Well, fine, maybe she did promise me a bit more than entertainment. You see this here horn?" she hesitantly pointed at the hewed lump of bone sprouting from her skull, ringed like a tree's trunk "No, you don't, and that's because my dad needed it to get better. The ataraxia's not eating him up as fast, but now I'm one horn short! And, without a horn, I may not to get to see my son ever again." Zaffran stopped stirring and gazed into the cloudy, useless concoction with all the pretense attention of someone divining the future.
"I needn't worry. Usu will come through for me. I am the lost cause." she forced a cheery life, affecting despair too masterfully for her own comfort. That should get the namekian off her case, the conscientious boor! "Which reminds me, you got family that'll bury you?"
TWC: 1410
ITEMS AND RESOURCES Dark Departure, Otherworld Training, Tenacious, Raw Talent
HELLBOUND SORCERY ZAFFRAN "An itsy-bitsy favor! A little, widdle murder."
Friend? Ha. Gandigan may not have been the wisest of Namekians, but even he knew that was a falsehood. If there's anything he had learnt about demons its that they just want to use you for their own ends. But that doesn't mean that sometimes you can't mutually benefit from each other. He hoped that maybe he could get that with Usumidori, who had at least given him some semblance of a promise. Zaffran... he still didn't know what this one even wanted.
Gandigan gazed about the stump which Zaffran pointed out, trying to figure out where the demon was going with this. The story of her family gave him reason to pause, trying to figure out whether or not she was being genuine here. Could be that she lost it in a battle; probably more likely than sacrificing it for a loved one, but he decided to play along for the time being, just to see where it might lead. "Artaraxia? I've not heard of this illness... Is it something belonging to your realm?"
That statement. 'Usu will come for me.' What did that mean? Was this an admittance of an alliance between the two? "You're here for family then? Usumidori... she can help you see your son again? I don't understand; does she hold him hostage? Or is he trapped on this planet somewhere? Why not go after him yourself?"
His own family was something he wasn't even sure how to answer on. Did he have a family? If so then none had come looking for him. Of course in a way every Namekian was related closely to each other, though it wasn't really the same as other species. "No I... I don't think so. No sons or fathers if that's what you mean. My memory... well, it's mostly gone, which was probably my own doing as I've learnt recently. I might have had something like a family in the past, though not any more. If I am to be buried then it is Porunga who will mourn for me... I hope."
Would Porunga mourn this remnant? Probably not! With his dinosaur head and grotesque muscles, the creature looked more likely to eat the souls (and bodies) of worshippers than give a snail's shell about their afterlife. Not that Zaffran would say as much, pitiful as this man was -- so pitiful, in fact, that it was starting to bum her out.
"Hopefully..." the word dragged into silence, as the goat tried to imagine a world without sons, brothers, fathers, just the vague promise that something, anything, would come. It struck her that in this alien world, this entire Realm, she might as well have no family at all! Just these little nonsense plays that lost their charm once one asked for their purpose, breaks from loneliness that couldn't last. "Hopefully, well, you're getting a proper send-off. Mourners, drinks, funeral cake. These adorable little things." she prodded a tea pot. She held it, contemplated it. Surely she had a relative who would care for this thing... Then, as she stared, came a most wretched realization! That she had spoken without malevolence, wordplay, a scheme in mind! This was bad, horrible, the sort of behaviour that could prolong her exile forever! "What are these even for? You probably don't remember! Sell them! Tourists will love them!"
"As for my family," Zaffran stood up with a slap on her knees, intent on leaving just as capriciously as she had started conversation. She dusted her robes, shook off grass and dirt, patted down her pockets to make sure every bit alchemical ingredient was in place "Usu is key to the end of their ills. And yours! And for ataraxia to never come to your charming little Realm. It's likely that it escaped her notice, but this thing she's doing? It's just so great. For your people, for my people, of course, for all people, really. You should get those artifacts! Don't rest a moment! You don't have many of those and you should spend them better!"
Zaffran gave Gandigan a wink, even did that little hand wave Erebos had mastered, before breaking into a whistle. Two shrilling notes, and the side of the meadow opened, a gaping maw sized for her. She would listen to the parting threats, before slinking away in a hurry.
Thread Exit!
TWC: 1872
ITEMS AND RESOURCES Dark Departure, Otherworld Training, Tenacious, Raw Talent
A proper send off? What... Gandigan thought for a moment. The feeling that this demon knew more than it was letting on came to the fore once more. But just as quickly as Zaffran let slip a bit of clarity for a change it quickly went back to speaking in tongues, infuriating the Namekian. He was sick and tired of playing this game, and quite ready to leave. Zaffran seemed to have the same idea, stepping up and preparing to make leave.
A final word from the goat, telling Gandigan to seek out these precious artifacts before his time ran out, only served to strengthen his anger. He couldn't help but feel like he was playing some part in this demon's game; some part that was yet to be reveled to him. He hated it; he hated all of this. He was sick and tired of being the plaything for these vile creatures.
Before Zaffran could leave through it's maw Gandigan would give his own parting words. "I'll live my own life as I see fit. And you? When this happens... whatever 'this' is... I don't want to see you there. We already have enough demons on Namek as it is. If I see you again it won't be so cordiale. Do you understand?" The trip to Porunga had been a terrible idea. He took his own leave, departing from the statue in the hopes of finding somewhere else to calm himself.
Oct 20, 2024 18:31:30 GMT -5
Marimba: Yep. Better than ever too.
Oct 20, 2024 21:26:39 GMT -5
Rhuba: I wish I saw Marimba talk more in the Discord.
Oct 21, 2024 16:21:05 GMT -5
Yakito: Marimbus will perish by my hands.
Oct 22, 2024 2:13:57 GMT -5
Chomei: Marimbus will persevere by my hands.
Oct 22, 2024 4:38:31 GMT -5
Rhuba: Why is he preserving your hand?
Oct 22, 2024 15:18:52 GMT -5
Pom: Maybe he likes it?
Oct 22, 2024 17:04:34 GMT -5
Marimba: It'll come in handy some day
Oct 23, 2024 12:26:15 GMT -5
Mister Steel: Chomei's estate is vast, and marriage into the family can only benefit Marimba with access to cattle, pasture land, and much grain to feed his armies.