A Demand for Answers

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Gira
Team Z

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PL: 161,000
XP: 7,463
Awakened Fury (x5)
Super Saiyan (x18)

Tag: @gira
Posts: 509 Male

Item Malus: 3,875

Minion PL: 1,000
Minion Forms: #1 Fan (x3)

A Demand for Answers Feb 25, 2024 19:53:09 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Gira on Feb 25, 2024 19:53:09 GMT -5

Gira had landed her new Imperial Cruiser in a large expanse of wasteland in Namek's northern region almost a full day ago. She was here for a singular purpose; to get answers from Marimba. All this time, she had been kept out of the loop of a lot. How much, exactly, she didn't know. She was recently made aware by Otama that the Mazoku were planning planetary invasions and the wholesale slaughter of their enemies. As far as she knew before that point, the only "invasion" the Mazoku had planned was when she took the Saiyan throne. And that task would be accomplished by Gira alone. If what Otama said was true, and Gira suspected very much that it was, then Marimba had a lot of explaining to do.

After blowing up some virtual enemies on the training deck, Gira took the elevator down to the bridge, preparing to disembark onto the planet. The crew was all settled in to their jobs at this point, moving along quickly and efficiently. Noticeably absent from the crew was the First Mate; Kaci Barrows, Gira's best friend. The young Saiyan decided that her friend would not be going with her on this journey. She didn't know how this conversation was going to go. If it didn't go well, Gira didn't want Kaci in danger.

The ramp of the vessel opened up, letting the fresh Namekian air into the ship. This area was extremely hot and prone to dust storms, however, so the air that was let in was extremely dry and dusty. Gira took a few short leaps down the ramp, briefly touching down on the cracked, dry earth before taking to the air. She had her destination on her mind; Kyotei Fortress, the seat of power for the Mazoku clan.

Gira narrowed her eyes at the horizon as she contemplated what she was going to do. She wanted answers. And she wanted all of them. No more keeping her in the dark. She wanted their complete plan and what exactly they planned on doing before this whole situation with the Empire started. Quickly making her way to the Mazoku fortress, Gira touched down in the courtyard. She was very much recognized by those who lived and visited the fortress. She returned a few smiles and waves to the various denizens of Kyotei Fortress as she made her way to the castle. Gira entered through the main doors without issue. Being recognized as one of the elite Mazoku, the guards gave her no trouble as well when she entered into the audience chamber. Closing her eyes, Gira sent a simple message to Marimba telepathically.

"Marimba, it's Gira. I'm at Kyotei Fortress, in the audience chamber. Please come by. We need to talk." And with that message sent directly to the new Mazoku King, Gira stood in the center of the room and waited.

TWC: 480

Power Level: 108,000 (Base Form)

Hit Points
▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰ 270%

Ki Points
▰▰▰▰▰▰ 6 / 6

Momentum Points
▰▰▰▰▰▰ 0 / 6

Resources
Sparking (1 / 1)
Saiyan Pride (OFF)
Antisense (OFF)
Burning Ki (1 / 1)

Important Links

Gira's Ways and Means (Plotter)
Gira's Voice Claim
Gira's Theme

Marimba
The Orchestra

STATS
STUFF
SIDES

PL: 143,708
XP: 4,635
Great Namek (x5)
Caste Hero (x16)

Tag: @gamerishkt
Posts: 265 Male

Item Malus: 6,500

A Demand for Answers Mar 5, 2024 3:07:55 GMT -5

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Post by Marimba on Mar 5, 2024 3:07:55 GMT -5

After about 10 minutes of waiting, Marimba arrived through the same front gate entrance as Gira. He was adorned in his full royal dressings, which included a long crimson cape and his jagged Darksilver crown, adorned with red rubies. Upon entering, he speed-walked over to his throne and took his seat, laying his gaze on the Mazoku Saiyan. His eyes were neither angry nor impatient, appearing more melancholic if anything.

"It's good to see you again, Farria."

"I can tell your power has grown tremendously since I last saw you."

"But I can tell you're here for more than to impress me with the fruits of your training."

"You've come to know why a war with Arcose started while you are gone. And what it is that we are now fighting for?"

"A few months back, an unprovoked act of terrorism claimed the lives of everyone in Cornet Village. An entire tribe was wiped out for no discernable reason. These people had aspirations of becoming the first successful farming village in the Northern Scar, showing the other tribes that we could grow our produce on our own land."

"Their dream was for the Mazoku clan to become self-sufficient when it came to our vegetables, no longer needing to rely on trade with the warrior and dragon clan to fill our bellies. It was an ambition both peaceful and admirable that had set them on the map."

"By the I time arrived on that bloody day, every building was on fire, every single soul, extinguished, pilled up in a hill of corpses. The perpetrator was a lone cyborg whose power rivaled my own. I fought against him with all my soul, unleashing a cataclysmic rage that shattered the land and cremated the fallen around me. But in the end, they used dirty tricks to escape my hand, launching a bombardment of flash and stun grenades against me."

"Now, this month, I had my coronation to become Daimao. It was Gandigan's will that would take his place, his dying words, actually. But my rise to power was riddled with chaos and disaster. All of the elders and Hoken were allowed to speak their piece during the ceremony. But Cabasa had spoken to Ticoga behind my back, and he filled her head with lies that we are warmongers, planning on eradicating both the empire and Saiyan kind, and that I was an honorless cur that worked with Lottus, the destroyer in secret.

"Otoma objected, claiming that Cabasa had lost their mind, both for secretly fraternizing with Ticoga and launching such accusations. He then offered to execute her if I were to command such. A few others moved to her defense, thinking that he planned on killing her, while he continued expounding on how he saw the Saiyans and the empire as our primary threats."

"Then, during Otoma's speech, the same Cyborg who had slaughtered Cornet Village attacked, claiming to be an agent of the empire here to claim our lands. I defended the elders with my body while Otoma went on the offensive at my command. Once he realized how outmatched he was between Nero, Zhalla, Otoma, and me, he seemed to give up and allow himself to be crushed by Otoma's Dakron form. During the chaos, Cabasa fled rather than waiting for my answer, and I have been unable to contact them since. I fear that she has left the Mazoku clan for good by the words of that deceitful lizard."

"Anyways, Nero had expressed disbelief that Ticoga was responsible for the Cyborg's invasion and claimed that he must have been making it up. In secret, he also contacted Ticoga telepathically, sending him images of the Cyborg and Otoma, telling him about the attack on the coronation and Otoma's speech against him. Instead of unquestioningly trusting in a ruler whose empire has a history of conquering the weak, I vowed to find the truth behind the matter. I declared that If I found that Ticoga was truly responsible, the empire would burn for their transgressions."

"Ticoga responded by declaring war on the Mazoku kingdom, claiming that the Cyborg had acted against his wishes and demanded that both the Cyborg and Otoma be immediately executed, or else we were to be wiped off the face of Namek. I remained silent, not complying with his ultimatum. I needed to wait until the Cyborg recovered from his coma to interrogate him."

"Once he had awoken, Otoma and Saxon were the first to visit him. They showed him that the empire had betrayed him and was not only not going to rescue him but sought to silence the truth behind the matter through his death. After that, he became compliant and revealed that his name was Sen. So, I came down to speak with him, and he allowed me to read his memories."

"GUESS WHAT I FOUND?"

Marimba extended his palm forth, translucent orbs of psychic energy forming on his fingertips. Gira would feel them attempting to merge with the mind of another. As a user of mindwalk, she could quickly identify this as some form of memory-sharing technique. If she takes the hand, visions of past events begin to play in her mind.

Sen followed the Android assigned to him up the hyperlift as was instructed, before entering into the throne room. Sen was not one for pageantry or submission and so he skipped over any bowing and made his point known right away.

"Ticoga. Emperor. We have... business. Names I have... enemies.... Lottus. Jinx... the Novas... help me end then... and I shall repay you ten fold..."

Ticoga's back straightens even more, as if he hadn't already been standing rigidly.

"The Empire's forces are somewhat thin. Getting into a conflict with the Nova Corps. would be detrimental to our resources, and could enter us into a conflict we are not yet prepared to engage in." Ticoga says flatly.

"And now, we come to your promise - pay tenfold of what, exactly? What can you offer the Empire that we either do not already possess, or cannot attain ourselves? What is the value of your request against your promise?"

Ticoga claimed that the empire didn't currently have the resources to deal with them, before questioning what it was that Sen planned to bring to the table.

"Power... you need resources. I am... the greatest resource. I shall expand... your domain. Singlehandedly I shall add planets... let's focus on Lottus... the Nova's can come later."

"And I agree - power is a significant resource." Ticoga says, offering a curt nod.

"The Empire consists of four hundred worlds, so expansion is not wholly necessary, but new resources and recruitment options will always be an accepted trade."

Marimba's eyes darkened with rage, his sharp teeth gnashing as they both viewed the memory. His aura transforms into a hateful dark flame, the same he had when fighting Lottus. The temperature in the room becomes sweltering hot.

" HE SURE "ACTED AGAINST YOUR WILL", HUH, T I C O G A"

"HAD SEN'S INVASION BEFORE GANDGAN'S RETURN. BACK WHEN THE MAZOKU CLAN WAS WEAK AND IN ANARCHY, COUNTLESS MORE WOULD HAVE BEEN SLAUGHTERED, AND THE SURVIVORS BROUGHT TO THEIR KNEES AS SLAVES TO THE EMPIRE. WOULD THE CYBORG THEN HAVE BEEN REPRIMANDED! NAY, HE WOULD HAVE FULFILLED HIS DEAL AND BEEN REWARDED! ALL AN "ACCEPTED TRADE!" "

Marimba slams down his fist on the sides of his throne, damaging the arms and cracking the ground beneath it. Though still seething with rage, he would then attempt to reign in his dark aura and emotions, realizing his behavior was not becoming a king.

"That.. is why we must fight. To the death."

"Him and his empire WILL BURN for its crimes against our people. Or else we, and everything Gandigan worked for, will be wiped off the face of existence by this LYING SCHEMING CONNIVING POWER-HUNGRY FOOL OF A LIZARD EMPEROR!"

Tears begin to stream down Marimba's face as his rage subsides.

"Do you.. understand? Can you feel what I feel, Farria?"

"The shared hopes and dreams of Gandigan and the Mazoku people? The spirit of our sovereignty? The blood of the cornet villagers that cries out from beneath the ground?"

"Will you stand and fight with us until the end? Even if it means you might die for it?"

WC: 1138.

UT(s): Mind Link.

User can read minds or share their own memories via telepathy. Requires OOC consent to succeed when used on a PC.

Last Edit: Mar 5, 2024 3:24:40 GMT -5 by Marimba

Marimba's Plotter

Gira
Team Z

STATS
STUFF
SIDES

PL: 161,000
XP: 7,463
Awakened Fury (x5)
Super Saiyan (x18)

Tag: @gira
Posts: 509 Male

Item Malus: 3,875

Minion PL: 1,000
Minion Forms: #1 Fan (x3)

A Demand for Answers Mar 6, 2024 13:26:23 GMT -5

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Post by Gira on Mar 6, 2024 13:26:23 GMT -5

Gira had to wait for a little while, but Marimba eventually showed up. He was sporting his new, kingly attire, but Gira still recognized him beneath it all. He complimented her growth in power first, to which she smiled and nodded in acknowledgement. Her base form had more than doubled in power, and when she was a Super Saiyan, she could become way stronger than even that. She had gained a large amount of power in a short amount of time thanks to the help of her friends and mentors. It made her feel proud whenever it was acknowledged.

It appeared that Marimba knew exactly what Gira wanted to talk about, so he got right to the point. He began with an account of a massacre that occurred at a village called Cornet. According to Marimba, every last resident of the village was slaughtered by the hands of a cyborg that nearly defeated Marimba before bring forced into retreat. Gira was aware of this individual; Sen. The one who Ticoga claimed was using his authority without permission.

Some time after, during Marimba's coronation, it became known that Cabasa had spoken to Ticoga behind Marimba's back, telling them that they were planning war against both the empire and the Saiyans, and that Marimba himself secretly worked with Lottus. Gira was having a hard time keeping up, but she tried her best to process everything. One question was on Gira's mind, however; why would Cabasa say this if it wasn't true? Gira knew her to be trustworthy and counted the teal Namekian among her closest friends. She wouldn't just lie about something like that, would she?

But then, before a fight could break out over Cabasa's execution, the cyborg reappeared and a battle ensued. Cabasa fled the scene rather than allow herself to be captured. Gira couldn't believe it. Cabasa had abandoned them? But why? It didn't make sense. This did explain why the teen hadn't heard from her in quite some time. She didn't expect that something like this had happened, though. Gira couldn't help but be relieved that her friend managed to escape. She didn't want to imagine what would have been done to her if she had been captured. Sen was not as lucky, it seemed. He was successfully captured and imprisoned, where Marimba read his mind. As Marimba offered his hand to Gira, she would hesitantly take it.

Through a technique that appeared to work through a similar principle to her Mind Walk technique, he shared the intel he obtained directly with the young warrior. What she saw showed clear collaboration between Sen and Ticoga. She already knew this. After meeting with Ticoga, she got the details of their relationship from the Emperor himself. From what the Emperor told her, Sen offered to join the empire to help them expand their territories, and this was confirmed by the memories she was being shown. Ticoga's claim was that the decision to target Namek, and the Mazoku specifically, was entirely Sen's idea. Gira couldn't help but think that what Marimba showed her did not disprove that. Gira felt as though she had enough information to come to a conclusion about what she believed.

After being silent for a long while, considering what she was told by both Marimba and Ticoga, Gira finally spoke. "Marimba, I think you'll do whatever it takes to protect Namek and the Mazoku. I think Gan-sensei made a good choice when he decided to pick you to take his place." She paused briefly, collecting her thoughts for a moment before continuing in a lower voice.

"Thing is, I spoke to Ticoga before I came here. Based on what you've shown me, he told me the truth about Sen and what he was supposed to do. Ticoga did not pick his targets. I'm convinced that Sen targeted that village on his own. I'm pretty sure this is just a case of Sen not receiving clear orders and not knowing which targets were acceptable." She sighed and cast her gaze towards the ground sorrowfully.

"Marimba, I don't want our friends to get killed over something like this. Sen's the guy who killed those villagers. Just hand him over to the empire and maybe Ticoga can be convinced to leave Otama be. He seemed like a pretty reasonable guy when I met him. He even said he'd be open to a meeting between the two of you." She hoped that she could somehow prevent this war, as hopeless as it seemed. As far as she could tell with Sen, his crimes were not in doubt. He slaughtered that village. That was a fact. This being the case, Gira saw it an acceptable compromise to send Sen to Arcose to face punishment from his employer. Gira didn't like thinking about it, but the Emperor's punishment would likely look very similar to Marimba's.

TWC: 1292

Power Level: 108,000 (Base Form)

Hit Points
▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰ 270%

Ki Points
▰▰▰▰▰▰ 6 / 6

Momentum Points
▰▰▰▰▰▰ 0 / 6

Resources
Sparking (1 / 1)
Saiyan Pride (OFF)
Antisense (OFF)
Burning Ki (1 / 1)

Important Links

Gira's Ways and Means (Plotter)
Gira's Voice Claim
Gira's Theme

Marimba
The Orchestra

STATS
STUFF
SIDES

PL: 143,708
XP: 4,635
Great Namek (x5)
Caste Hero (x16)

Tag: @gamerishkt
Posts: 265 Male

Item Malus: 6,500

A Demand for Answers Mar 8, 2024 4:20:29 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Marimba on Mar 8, 2024 4:20:29 GMT -5

Marimba looked back to Gira; his eyes, though no longer crying, were still sad and wet.

"..."

"Thank you, Gira. Just- You've already shown more faith in me than Cabasa was willing to have."

"I-"

The mutant wipes the wetness from his eyes as he continues speaking.

"Ticoga will be visiting me this week for a meeting."

"I will be doing everything I can to restore peace between us. Trust me. Even with as much as I hate Ticoga, I DO NOT want this war."

"Giving over Sen will undoubtedly be on the table. Regardless of whether Ticoga holds a degree of responsibility, that Tuffle bastard can burn for eternity for what he did."

"Even if I would rather be the one straining the life from his eyes with my own hands, I know that my people will still be avenged, even if it is Ticoga who lands the finishing blow."

"But he has no right to touch Otoma, who has not lifted a finger against them. His only "crime" is speaking against Ticoga, ON MY BEHALF. He espoused the ugly truth about that snake to counteract THEIR trap laid to defame me."

"Otoma is truly one of us now. Even if he is a mean piece of work, they are every bit a Mazoku as you or I, and he has shown me nothing but good faith and loyalty since his return. I will die before I betray him."

The determination in Marimba's words was tangible.

He remembered his time on Konats, when Crotona, the person he trusted most, pulled the wool over his eyes. After a short conflict involving a mercenary job fighting for disputed territory on behalf of a Konatsian King, she claimed that Maxsuz and Marimba were allowed to leave in peace rather than fight her over the Job.

Marimba took the offer, to Maxsuz's great dismay, resulting in him storming off in a burning rage to go home. But after Marimba himself then left, Crotona pursued Maxsuz and slew him behind the Namekian's back, with the mutant only able to sense the betrayal from afar as it transpired.

It was the most horrendous guilt the Mazoku had ever held on to. That was until Maxsuz miraculously returned on the day of his coronation. A new desire now burned within Marimba: to never allow what happened that day to happen again. If the execution of Otoma could not be re-negotiated, then Ticoga would have chosen the WRONG HILL to die on!

"Is there anything else you wanted to ask me, Farria?"

WC: 425. Exit, unless Gira wants to continue.

Last Edit: Mar 8, 2024 4:59:07 GMT -5 by Marimba

Marimba's Plotter

Gira
Team Z

STATS
STUFF
SIDES

PL: 161,000
XP: 7,463
Awakened Fury (x5)
Super Saiyan (x18)

Tag: @gira
Posts: 509 Male

Item Malus: 3,875

Minion PL: 1,000
Minion Forms: #1 Fan (x3)

A Demand for Answers Mar 10, 2024 16:38:29 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Gira on Mar 10, 2024 16:38:29 GMT -5

Gira wasn't sure what to do about Marimba's tears, but her instinct made her place a comforting hand on his shoulder and give him a warm smile. She nodded as he spoke of his coming meeting with the Arcosian Emperor.

"Good. I don't want this war either. I don't think anyone involved does." She removed her hand, running it through her hair as she thought about her meeting with Ticoga. He didn't seem to want war, but she understood the position he was put in after speaking with him. Hopefully, simply giving over Sen would be enough to stop this whole thing. She could only hope. As Marimba spoke with conviction about Otama's place among them and how Ticoga had no right to punish him, Gira nodded in agreement again.

"He hasn't even done anything yet. Words are one thing, but until Otama does something like what Ticoga thinks he'll do, any punishment he gets should come from his clan. And... he's still my friend. Even if he says he isn't. I'll fight to protect him if I have to. Ticoga thinks he'll commit some kind of genocide, but I don't think that he has it in him. He's a little mean, yeah, but he's just... in pain." Gira would leave it at that. She didn't feel like it was her place to repeat what they discussed at her birthday party. It was all pretty personal to Otama.

When asked if she had any other questions, Gira shook her head.

"No, that's pretty much it. I understand stuff a lot better now. I got Ticoga's position on this, I thought it would be only fair to give you the chance to speak, also. You're my friend also, Marimba. We go way back. I'll fight to protect you too." Gira smiled and thumped her chest with her fist.

"So... let's just hope this all works out." She turned to leave, giving the King a smile and a wave as she did so.

"Take care. I'll see ya soon." Taking to the air, Gira flew out of one of the windows, heading back to her ship for some more training. She had to be ready. Though she had new hope thanks to her conversation with the two warring leaders, she had to be ready just in case things didn't go as she wanted. If the time came, and war fell upon Namek, she would fight to protect everyone. Even if, in the end, it would cost her life.

TWC: 1708
EXIT!

Important Links

Gira's Ways and Means (Plotter)
Gira's Voice Claim
Gira's Theme

DarkHero Administrator STATS STUFF SIDES Tag: @darkhero Posts: 1,089	A Demand for Answers Mar 10, 2024 18:07:59 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by DarkHero on Mar 10, 2024 18:07:59 GMT -5 Gira 1,302 XP: 830 > 2,132 Marimba 953 XP: 3,000 > 3,953
	Last Edit: Mar 10, 2024 18:09:20 GMT -5 by DarkHero

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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.

Oct 23, 2024 16:49:39 GMT -5 Rhuba: