Haupien wandered through the wastelands, sword in hand. Unfortunately for him, he had no idea how to fly, and he didn't fancy using his spacepod for planetary travel. He had left the old machine at his landing site, hoping that no one would touch it. His meeting with the Saiyans had given him a lot to think about. His plan of course was to find someone willing to pay for his blade in the war, but he was still undecided. His plan now was to go to the mercanary outpost he had heard about. There he could feel it out more, seeing if there were any better offers and if the Tuffles were hiring as well. Hopefully, there'd be one or two people offering a pretty penny and he could meet up with Mayze to figure out their plan. While Haupien was indifferent to the two sides, only caring about the pay and benefits, he wasn't sure how Mayze felt. The Saiyans of course were his people, but from what he know of the Saiyan he had left on bad terms. He wasn't sure what he would do in a similar situation with his own people.
He suddenly spun, crouching low and holding his blade in front of him. His eyes slowly moved across the bog, searching for the source of the sound. It could have been some gas escaping a pocket maybe, but there were far more dangerous things in the wild. He had heard tale of Saibamen, and even something called a Saibabeast. Whatever that thing was, it didn't sound like something he wanted to meet.
Korado was hard at work collecting supplies for the coolant that'd need to make a ship be able to fly. He was also considering making a bigger ship. He had been focused on making an attack pod but that maybe was not exactly what he wanted. Korado and Sickle traveled through the waste grabbing some scraps they could find lying around. It was not a lot and they had not even found the three items he'd need that Cheri listed. He glanced at the list observing the three things. Right now he was hunting Mercury, he felt that would not be too bad to find. But so far he was not having any sort of luck.
Korado paused however as he heard something. Korado ducked down with Sickle following suit. It could be a threat? Korado was not sure how he should handle this situation. He had overall had neutral responses to people he had met. A lot of people he had met so far have been friendly. At the same time, he'd also meet a lot of people who have been hostile. So Korado wanted to be careful. He didn't want to come out if he was attacked. But he did feel a bit more confident. Most of the people he had meet had been kind. Korado decided to stand back up as Sickle attached his back. "Is anyone out there," Korado called and waited to see what happened.
Korado Powerlevel:5,000 Sickle Powerlevel:4,000 Items: (Not Using Scouter so None)
He slowly moved forward, eyes dancing back and forth looking for the sound. At the sound of Korado's voice, he turned to face the direction, and crept forward. Slowly moving to the top of a short hill, he spotted them. What appeared to be a Saiyan stood before him, along with some- some thing. He wasn't entirely sure what it was, but it didn't particularly appear to be a thread.
"Hey there," he said flatly, announcing himself. They already knew he was around, so there was little point trying to hide. He could hide himself well, but anyone with a scouter or the ability to sense energy would still recognize him. While his sword was still raised, he wasn't holding a defensive stance or worried. The person in front of him, despite appearing to be a Saiyan, simply didn't alarm him. He scanned the scene, seeing a few piles of scraps that the man had seemed to be gathering. He frowned, unsure what this meant. "What're you doing out here, anyways?" He lowered his sword a bit, and walked down the small hill where the two were situated. While he was still sure to be cautious, he trusted that if they were hostile he could defend himself well enough.
Korado glanced at the man before him. He kind of looked like a mix of a saiyan and a tuffle to him. He had the size of saiyan warriors but he didn't have a tail. Maybe he was another race though, he never anyone use a sword. That was new. Not saying that a tuffle or saiyan could not use a sword but it was an odd sight. Regardless, the guy seemed to be on the defensive. He must of not know what he'd do. Korado also didn't wanna make the guy become hostile through his action. While he had grown stronger, fighting someone that he had no idea on the capabilities of. So he wanted to approach this caution.
He watched the man as he lowered his sword slightly and asked what he was doing out here. He could answer that he saw no harm in that. "I'm collecting supplies so I can leave this planet." Korado explained. He pointed around the planet, "Plant has nothing but war and chaos. The tuffles and saiyans have been fighting for longer then I have been alive. Everyday tuffles and saiyans fall in a endless cycle. There seems to be no end in sight. Even if there is an end to this war? I don't believe it may be for the best of this planet. So I need to scrap to leave. I need to go somewhere else."
He listened to the Saiyan's surprising words, and actually felt a tiny twang of guilt. While of course not everyone would be happy with the war, he expected to find this kind of sentiment on the Tuffle side not the Saiyan's. Now, this little feeling of remorse wasn't anywhere close enough to actually sway him of course. He was a mercanary, fighting in wars like this were his bread and butter. Did it get a bit messy sometimes? Sure, but that wasn't his concern. These wars would exist either way, might as well use his skills to capitalize on it.
There was one thing he could do for the Saiyan. He could help out. It didn't sound that hard, and making an extra ally never hurt. He sheathed his weapon, looking around the scene. He didn't have any experience with advanced technology, so he wasn't really sure what went into ship building, but scrapping was something he could easily do. He of course could simply offer his own ship, but just because he was willing to help this fellow didn't mean he was willing to compromise himself to do so.
Korado glance at Haupien confused. The man really didn't seem to be from this planet. The man asked how he could help out. Was he realy not from this planet? Korado tilted his head looking at Sickle who just made a shrugging motion. Korado was really sure how to handle this situation. How could this guy help? Hmm what could he say. Finally Korado sighed. "If you want to help me pick scrap that personally help me. I assume your more asking how to help the planet? You must not be around from here? From space?" That was the best assumption Korado could think of. Maybe he was someone who landed here. Maybe he arrived and crashed? Or maybe he heard of the conflict and looked to do something. Both options explained Haupien cautious nature. But what about the sword? Who the hell used a sword? He couldn't wrap his head around it. To him even if someone use it but what material could be used to make a great sword. "So how did you get the sword? It not something you see ever day. Can't you just empower your blows with Ki instead of using a blade." Maybe he could learn the purpose of it and just in general know more about Haupien.
"No, I'm not from the planet. I came here looking for... work. And for help, I meant with your spaceship thing." The Saiyan then brought up his sword. He supposed it was a fair question- from what little he remembered of his home planet, being skilled with the blade was a prized talent. Across the stars however, it was far rarer. For most common foot soldiers, various form of technological weapons such as blasters. More skilled fighters might rely on martial arts or various forms of combat. Beyond that, like the Saiyan mentioned, more powerful warriors would use their own ki to fight. Whether it be by launching dangerous blasts of energy, or reinforcing their own fighting style, it was a powerful weapon.
"The main thing it offers is reach. If I'm in a melee fight with someone, I can strike from a longer distance than they can. It's like having a longer limb- an extension of your body. It can cause issues if they get too close, but a good swordsman is still capable of defending himself in such a scenario." He pulled out his sword as he talked, showing various strikes and how it could offer a greater range than a simple punch or kick.
Korado nodded as Haupien confirmed he was not a local of the planet. That explained the sword and the get-up. It made him stand out compared to everyone else on Plant. He also notes for the help he was talking about was in regards to getting a spaceship. "Yeah, that what I meant too. I need to get scraps so I can get it working. Well, the main thing I need to supply for a coolant. Without it, the spaceship that I am working on I won't be able to fly. It will heat up and burn away. So yah I am really looking for it." Korado shook his head as he walked with Sickle. He doubted this guy would have that but maybe he'd have some ideas. Plus he claimed he came here, that meant he meant to have a ship at some point.
Anyway, Haupien then began to explain why he was using a sword. It offered reach in melee combat. It was an extension of his body. He nodded along, he understood all the advantages it brought but he was still a bit confused, "I mean it is just a sword. It not that advanced. How do you did get a sword that can be used at such a level? To not be destroyed by a really strong fighter." He was curious could maybe he could make use of that. Some type of Vibro weapon that he could use to slash a foe at close range. He really need all the advantages he could get in combat.
"Well," he started. He wasn't entirely sure what help he could offer to the Saiyan. He didn't know this landscape any better than him, and he didn't desire to spend an afternoon wandering the land carrying scrap. They continued talking, asking further about his sword. "I'm not entirely sure what exactly makes the weapon powerful. It's a- a family heirloom" he explained, stumbling over the mention of his past. "But I do know my energy reinforces it. When I'm fighting, my strength not only flows through my limbs, but to my blade as well. It makes it stronger, more durable, and almost impossible for most to break. You'd have to be much stronger than myself to destroy it."
As the two talked, a small creature lurked by. The green thing looked between the two- its simple mind recognized one as a Saiyan. and one as something else. Saiyans were strong. The other thing would be easier. With a shriek it lept from its hiding place, claws outstretched to tear at its prey's flesh.
Haupien turned around at the sound, swinging his blade in a wide protective arc. The sword cut effortlessly through the Saibaman before it could get close to reach him, and the corpse dropped to the ground. "See what I mean? Reach," he said somewhat as a joke, as he crouched down and held his blade in front of him in a defensive stance. This was surprisingly his first encounter with this variety of wildlife on Plant, and he knew little of their behaviors. For all he know, a group of Saibamen could be surrounding them at this very second.
Korado nodded as Haupien had no answer to his question other then it was a family heirloom. That made enough sense to him. He was just passed it on. Plus, this guy didn't seem a smith. Even if both were not the case it'd be foolish to just tell someone how to make it. Still he kept a mental note for it a blade weapon on some sort of Nano suit would be a good idea. That was a thought he had too, he needed more firepower. But that was a long way away, first was getting off the planet. If he did, he'd have much less reason for firepower. He did have some good points though. He could flow his strength into his blade to make it as strong as he was. Maybe that was the secret. That seemed quite an advanced ki Techquines though. Something Korado should consider learning more about.
Anyway as they walked some green creature was following them. A Saibaman. He turned to yell Haupien to look out but he easily cut it apart. "Woah." That was pretty impressive. He watched the Saibaman fall to bits with a single stroke. Not just anyone could so something like that. So not only was the sword useful Haupien really had a lot of skill. Still usually saibaman travelled in packs of six. Korado spoke "They probably more of those creatures. We best be on guard. They are good at hiding and attack when you least expect it. They also can explode and have the ability to shoot acid. So watch out for those." Korado took a fighting stance as Sickle pulled off Korado's back and onto his shoulder to scan the area.
The pair- or rather, the three- waited, prepared to strike at any threat that exposed himself. He nodded, listening to the Saiyan's words. He waited, his body still besides the slow movement of his chest. His eyes slowly searched, examining possible hiding places. His ears picked up an almost inaudible scratching, and he struck. His blade extended into a small pile of debris- and a screech confirmed he had hit his mark. He pulled back just as quickly as he had attacked, as a second Saibaman fled the now worthless hiding place. The creature and Haupien stared each other down, the konatsian waiting to defend himself, while the Saibaman gauged his strength. Deciding the create could take the warrior on, it shot acid at him while rushing at his legs to tear at them with his claws. He quickly raised his blade, shadows curling around it to ensure it wasn't damaged as he blocked the shot. No time to both block the shot and attack the creature with his sword, he opted to use a simpler technique as the green being leaped at his legs- his foot. He kicked it like a ball, launching it through the air and he heard a squelch as it landed further out.
A saibaman leaped out to face Haupien but Korado had his own trouble. He watched as a saibaman launched out to Korado. Korado caught it claw attack and slammed it down. "GRAH" The Saibaman cried out as Korado kicked the creature into the air. Sickle leaped off his shoulder spinning to create a blade like pseudo limb which he used to cut the Saibaman apart. The Saibaman body clasped before Sickle rolled back to Korado. "Right that is one down." Of course now he looked tough. Two more Saibaman launched out firing their acid. This force Sickle to leap to the left and Korado to the right. One Saibaman rushed forcing Korado to block a blow before being kicked back. Korado skidded back spitting on the ground. He rushed barraging at the Saibaman as the two rushed around the ground clashing blow for blow, 'These Saibaman are pretty tough. Tougher then most I've seen not sure how they can be this strong' Meanwhile Sickle rolled towards his Saibaman slamming into sending it flying back. The Saibaman launched down at Sickle forcing him to roll away once more as it chased him with glee firing acid from his head as he did. This kept Sickle running away before he spun forming a limb to bounce himself high into the air to avoid some acid and prepare his counter attack.
Haupien glanced back at the Saiyan, trying to keep track of how many there were. He had dealth with two, and it looked like three had come at the Saiyan. He looked forward again, waiting for one to strike. He suddenly jumped up, reacting to the vibrations he had felt below him. Another Saibaman burrowed out of the ground, clawing at the empty space where he had been. He fell back down, blade pointed downwards. The end of the sword impaled the creature as his feet touched the ground.
He was starting to grow tired of this place. The trek was already far longer than he had anticipated, the mercenary outpost still quite far away. If he had ever learned how to fly, it wouldn't have taken long to complete his journey. Mayze had shown him a few pointers, but he had never finished the process with him. He'd have to talk about finishing the "lesson" when they met up again.
A Saibaman, now a good twenty meters away from the fight, slowly got up. The weak prey might not have been weak. It had kicked him! The Saibaman was angry. The Saibaman no longer cared about its own life- what mattered was hurting the prey.
Haupien raised his sword at the sight of the Saibaman he had kicked, who had launched itself high into the air. He prepared his blade to defend himself, but it was too far away to attack with his sword. He considered blasting it out of the air, but he had no time as the realization came across him.
"Get down!" he shouted, as he dove to the ground. The Saibamen's chest swelled, energy building in preparation for the explosion.
Korado focused on his own clashing blow for blow with the beast. But his skill proved to be a deciding factor. The beast lunged at him but Korado ducked slamming his head into the beast gut. Nanobots began to cover his right arm as he swung punching a hole through the Saibaman chest. The beast coughed out. Korado let it fall to the ground to bleed out the acid from its body burning the nanobots that covered his flesh but eventually it stopped and his Nanobots retreated back to under his skin. "Hah." He relaxed. That was over with. Sickle leaped up as well forming two giant arms to swing down. They smashed down on the Saibaman he was facing. The Saibaman fired it acid up but Sickle separated itself into two smaller halves. Then they came down with an arm each and smashed the Saibaman into the ground leaving it dead.
While the battle seemed finished, The Two Sickles slimed over to Korado, "I forgot you could split yourself. Not often a good reason to do so." Korado picked up the two slimes and saw that Haupien seemed to be done. But then he yelled telling him to get down. He turned to see what he meant. "Oh shit." Korado though formed Nanobots on his body Sickle hiding behind him. Korado moved to protect Haupien as the explosion went off. The explosion blew some of the nanobots off and burned Korado but he just sighed. "that hurts but its dead. Glad it was just one of them exploding. These one would normally never break through my armor." Korado glanced at the Nanobots as they faded away. "You alright, you seemed to handle these guys pretty well." Korado moved some blood from his mouth. Despite what he said that move had done some moderate damage to him. Not enough to be worried but it was still a bit more then he let on.
The Saiyan lept over him, planning on taking the hit for him. Was he planning to sacrifice himself? He doubted the Saibamen's explosion was powerful enough to overcome one of his own attacks, or his shadow armor, he feared taking the blow without any protection. He felt a small shockwave travel through his own body, but besides that he was left unharmed. He stood up, somewhat surprised that the Saiyan seemed largely unharmed. Upon closer examination, he spotted what seemed to be tiny machines swarming over his body, filling in the gaps that he presumed had been left from the explosion. It reminded him of his own specialized technique- interesting.
After it was clear that the danger was gone, he resumed the conversation. "I actually think I need to get going. I've got somewhere to be, and I'm already far behind on schedule. If there weren't Saibamen running amok, attacking more the longer I'm here, I might have stayed but at this point I'd rather go." He didn't explain himself fully, but he didn't feel the need to. It was his business after all. He turned to walk towards where he thought his destination was, the mercenary outpost, frowning. Right about now he wished the Saiyan pair had been able to guide them all the way there, or that he had been able to fly there like Mayze. It shouldn't have been such a trek anyways, but at this point he was certain he was just moving in circles. Whatever- he would get there eventually, and might even meet more potential allies.
Apr 6, 2024 1:21:15 GMT -5
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