For the Trees!...Animals I mean! [Brad/Mao/Salrynn Jerb]

Jerb:

Standing before the large portal Mao gave a small sigh. Rather than tiredness or anything it was one of pity and sadness. Animals ripped from their homes all for the sake of promoting status and acting like trophies. She could understand if they were being used for perhaps food (as long as they didn’t suffer needlessly, even predators didn’t purposefully elongate the deaths of their prey), but these ones were being used for sport and other illicit purposes. Things that left the creatures suffering until the bitter end and undoubtedly confused. It…well…it reminded Mao of her people in fact.

A soft nudge at her back still sent the girl stumbling a bit, the ever imposing Nocshanks not far from her presence when requested. She smiled at the beast as she readjusted her hood – holes for her long ears keeping it more or less in place - though the smile lacked happiness. His kind suffered a very similar fate currently, one she hoped to someday rectify even if she remained at a bit of a loss as to how. She didn’t share her story with the guild mates though, leaving that knowledge purely to Aiyana amongst them. More than anything Mao didn’t want it to twist their vision of her, more ashamed of it than anything regardless of her lack of control over it.

Not once had Nocshanks ever blamed her though, somehow the beast realizing her position hadn’t been much different to the enslavement of his kind as beasts of burden, warriors, and quite often: mounts. Through loopholes thanks only to the one sibling that cared for Mao had she been permitted to keep the large and burly horned canine, the creature possibly sporting a bit of drake in his lineage. The race itself had been classified as chimeras given their wide range and yet similar genetic coding, leaving her advanced people baffled at them.

However presented with the ability to at least save some creatures Mao jumped on it alongside her faithful companion. She’d been a bit nervous how he might react about it, but he’d been game, no doubt viewing this in sort as “practice” for when he could someday help his kind back to their homestead. Nervous at the idea of going about this venture alone the people assured her others mentioned interest in helping for one reason or another, going so far as to mention Black Rose and Infinity Hydra. With one headed by an ex-guild mate and the other on friendly terms with Pharaoh’s Call Mao found her worries dissolving rather quickly. ’I wonder what they’re like,’ she pondered near the Wakusei Portal, intent on not missing either person, though they’d more likely notice Nocshanks before her.

It seemed as if nothing could go wrong! The trio would slice through these smugglers with their teamwork and save the animals! At least that’s how it played in Mao’s imagination, tail twitching a bit in excitement and ears alert.

Brad would never have thought of going out to deal with the problem that the current job he had taken wanted him to deal with. If this had happened in his country of origin a group of the Magitek Weapon Masters would have been sent out to deal with the problem. The issue with that was that he was not on Caelum, nor was he the one in charge. Brad, in his current situation, was simply another member in a guild of mages that went by the name of Infinity Hydra. Needing work, and to better himself so that he could eventually take back his kingdom, the man had taken the job after a long bit of thought and internal arguing. The job required him to go through a Wakusei Portal to an entirely different planet, a planet that went by the name of Tetsukazu, and take care of a major animal smuggling problem that was going on. Magical creatures were being smuggled and sold on the black market when the creatures were actually meant for the freedom of the wild. The illegal activities were known, and the person putting up the job stated they could even keep a legal animal as a pet so long as it was not highly dangerous.

The thought of walking still frustrated him when he was used to being brought places by other means of transportation. Maybe he should try to get some kind of vehicle, something fancy to drive around and make him feel more at home. But then he would need to learn to drive! He had never even attempted to learn, having no need to drive himself anywhere in his life thus far. That would mean taking the time out of his schedule to do so, not that it would be difficult to do, and find a place that gave the test so that he could attempt to pass it. It should not be too difficult to do. It could not be much harder than the combined lessons of all the weapons and physical training he had gone through, right? It would not be long before he arrived at the Wakusei Portal that was to take him to Tetsukazu, a few hours at most after leaving the Infinity Hydra guild hall, and there he would find an interesting mix of people that gave him an even more mixed variety of feelings and facial expressions.

The first thing he would notice is the giant beast that was in the open area near the portal. This was worrying until he noticed the girl that seemed to be with it. The 'girl' appeared to have rabbit ears poking out of her head, though that was the easiest thing to see from such a distance. The other thing he would notice would bring a great frown to his face; Summer Guiyang. Why must she be here as well? He had already decided he never wished to see her face again, not after what she had caused last time. Not to mention the horrid smell of fireworks and gunpowder she left everywhere. It had taken hours to get the smell out of his hair and clothing! Knowing he had come too far to back out of this job now, having walked all the way here after letting the guild know he was actually going to do the job, the Prince of Caelum would have to get over her presence so that he could be successful on this job. An overhead wave would be made as he spoke loudly so that the girl with the large beast would hear him properly. I assume you are here for the animal job as well? My name is Brad, it is a pleasure to meet you!" The man would walk ever closer, though not all the way to give himself room to maneuver if they were not as friendly as they seemed. That was the last thing he needed, to get murdered by a girl and her pet that was working for the smugglers they were here to deal with. The man would completely ignore Summer, not even glancing at her once they were close enough to know that he was doing so.

Confidence grew in Mao, the dark haired woman sighing internally in relief. For starters neither greeted the duet with an attack to Nocshanks as she often forgot that he could appear…”intimidating” at first impressions. Whether they could sense his gentle soul or banked on the fact that neither would attack mattered little: either were positive enough for her. Combined with their friendly greetings Mao smiled at both, bowing a little, ”Thank you both for coming, it is an honor to work with both Golden Phoenix and Infinity Hydra! I am Mao of Pharaoh’s Call and my friend here is Nocshanks.” At his introduction the large, chimeric canine-like creature gently bowed his head, acknowledging both of their temporary partners.

”There is something I would like to ask of you both, awkward and odd as it may sound…” This was probably the largest worry the woman faced dealing with strangers. Such a request might even sound odd to the right ears, but as it’d been a problem in other cases Mao felt it prudent to try anyways. It was better to find out now if either was bloodthirsty. ”One of the creeds of my guild is to avoid killing if possible, though we won’t be blamed for dire circumstances, and I know it may be rude to request either of you to try and adhere to this…but know I do not ask this simply because of the creed. As it should be safe to guess you both know the details of this job; that we’re looking for poachers, and it’d be a quick solution to merely do away with them. However it is my hope that in taking them alive we might create the possibility to find the lost creatures – even if not personally – and such a chance becomes lost if we kill all our leads. At the same time it is my thinking…that if we take as many alive as possible this increases the number of leads as well as further possibilities for authorities to find more suspect people. I know it rude to insinuate either of you may be murderers…I suppose it is merely my cautious nature speaking so know I mean no insult and apologize if you take it as such.”

Oh gods she’d gone and started rambling, a small blush blossoming as she smiled nervously. A small snort from Nocshanks reminded the girl of a second part of her request, another thing that left her tiny bit nervous, albeit less so due to an interesting aura. The aura even reminded the girl a bit of her lost magic, though for now she shoved away such memories with an important task before her.

”At the same time these animals have suffered quite a bit at cruel hands, families torn apart. I won’t ask you not to defend yourselves, merely to keep in mind their aggression isn’t without reason.” As the tailed girl paused this time her face took on a more serious expression, eyes locking with the pair’s filled with determination, ”Though you may take this part as a small warning: I won’t abide any unnecessary cruelty to the animals either. I may not be a vegetarian, but I see no reason to torture my food either.” Hopefully they could understand her perspective even if they couldn’t whole-heartedly agree with it. Ultimately though she’d feel more inclined to protect the animals and the poachers only if she found them dragging out some suffering. In some sense they might deserve it, but…no. As someone who’d suffered at the whims of others, even family, there existed no instances where she’d consciously agree to torture. Consciously.

The introductions between himself and the woman he had never met until this moment had gone as well as they could have for such a meeting. He mentioned his guild in the midst of the introductions and found out theirs as well. So Mao was from Pharaoh's Call, a guild that was apparently run by an old guild mate of Ardere's from his time spent in Sabertooth. That was if the hearsay and rumors were true of course. The other woman, Summer, claimed to be from a guild known as Golden Pheonix. It sounded like a joke at first. What kind of guild was it? Some kind of casino running sideshow? After all, the only member of it that Brad Clad had seen was one that used strings and fireworks. It smelled of carnies and jokes. Ah well, it was not his concern. He would ignore the woman for now, but would not bite his tongue if he felt the need to say something over anything idiotic she might do in the future of this job. Rather than leave the conversation ending with just the introduction, the Prince of Caelum would choose to respond to Mao's words and requests as well.

"I must admit, Nocshanks seemed more like something that would eat me the moment it caught my scent. I am glad to know he will be accompanying us for this mission rather than making us his next meal. As for the creed of no killing. What the people of this country call magic is not something that I use. The closest comparison would be what you call a 'Requip Mage' though it's a mix of magic and technology, focusing on the technology more and runes and magical orbs added to the weapons to grant them more powerful. A lot of it is focused on killing, but I will attempt to stay my blade to refrain from killing blows when possible. I can not guarantee someone I fight will not dodge improperly and throw themselves on my blade by mistake, though, and I am sure you will notice if that happens and not blame me for such an occurrence." The man would speak diplomatically as he normally did when he did not quite know how a person was yet. If he got to know Mao a bit better he would be more personable, but until then he would be the professional throughout the job. Summer would give her response to the creed and request as well, Brad frowning a bit as he wished she would suddenly become a blind, deaf, and mute so that he could leave her here and continue on his way as she died to the environment in a panic caused by lack of senses other than taste and touch.

"Now that we have introduced ourselves, shall we enter the portal that will bring us to the planet of Tetsukazu? I would love the pleasure of treating these people to a lesson in pain and regret for the activities they are doing." The man would say these words as he looked up at Nocshanks. It was a curious creature that seemed like something they could create with a mix of magitek and summoning crystals. Maybe he should get someone to sneak in and steal a few of the magitek creations so he could use them alongside his weapons. That would make for some very interesting combinations in a fight.

While a relief to know the other female of the group wouldn’t kill Mao’s nose couldn’t help twitching at the smell of her. It was…strong to say the least, and a small sniffle she hoped might be discreet enough to not insult would save the short woman from a sneeze. ’I wonder what that’s about?’ Even Nocshanks couldn’t help arching a brow, though hard to notice as it might be on the great beast. Her admittance calmed them odd as it might’ve been to admit, though it did raise some curiosities what the powder might involve. Still it wasn’t as if neither mage nor beast couldn’t empathize as Nocshanks often relied on his strength and size while Mao…

A small snort left the large canine at Brad’s statement and Mao offered a polite smile: ah so close and yet a miss remained a miss. They wouldn’t fault the fellow though: between the two Nocshanks came off as the apparent predator. Nodding Mao readily accepted that accidents would possibly occur as a person could only be responsible for themselves. Even now she could still recall a certain crystal-make mage ending his life upon his very own spell. As long as neither took life with great pleasure and reckless abandon that was all the tailed woman could hope for in the end.

There existed a strange sense of animosity, the man’s aura – as best as she could put it – spiking whenever Summer seemed to speak. ’Strange,’ Mao thought, unsure why someone who presented themselves so respectably would show ire to someone so cheerful, ’perhaps a story I don’t know?’ Either that or he disliked cheerful people for some reason? Too many possibilities and now wasn’t the time to become lost in speculation.

Once on the other side of the portal Mao sighed with a small hint of pleasure. ’This air smells wonderful…’ Ears twitched, turning a little this way and that to catch a myriad of sounds from birds twittering to squirrels chasing each other around trees and so much more. One part of her wanted to explore and bask in this delightful place, and another part…wanted to chase. ’Perhaps I should’ve eaten more before coming here…’

“I forgot to say…” Mao spoke up, meeting Brad’s eyes before shifting to Summer’s, ”My magic…well it’s a bit hard to describe as it can be destructive too…but I guess you could say it’s portal-based?” Claiming she basically “ate” things didn’t sound comforting in the slightest and it really was hard to describe her biology in relation to the magic. Mao chalked the weirder parts up to her Cheshire heritage, though the nastier parts likely came from the Barghest…hard to say really. ”But it’s not without its creative potential either.” The real issue might be the animals as herbivores wouldn’t exactly trust something that tickles their “carnivore” senses, but with all that’d happened thus far she doubted they’d trust humans and humanoids regardless.

Nocshanks’ nose was already to the ground, picking up plenty of hints of other humans, though the entrance of the portal was likely to be rife with them regardless. ”The stronger smells seem to move forward,” Nocshanks pointed jerked his head forward, ”though I suppose we can simply follow the broken branches and badly chopped bushes for now.” There appeared a bit of a beaten path, some marks fresh on the flora. Bits of bush and small tree branches that’d begun to grow onto the path found themselves now cut and left strewn on the ground from possible annoyance to someone deciding to keep the place a little trimmed. While most of the path remained greatly grass-covered there existed a few “trails” where the blades found themselves forced to the ground, patches of dirt showing a few tire tread imprints ahead.

The planet on the other side was a place of beauty, though he was not here for the view. They had a job to do and he was quite ready to get on with it so that he could be rid of Summer's presence and head back to the Infinity Hydra guild hall and go back to his plots of revenge on those that had ousted him from his true home. He was close to getting more of his weapons, he was sure of it, and after this job he would attempt to summon a few more of the more powerful weapons he had had access to mere months ago. If he could just get access to more of the explosive weaponry he would be a monster to those that tried to fight against him, and once he got access to the shield of ruin he would make the best of attacks seem like they were but a pebble when hit by them.

The woman named Mao's pet seemed to begin sniffing around even as she told them about how her portal magic could be dangerous, yet creative. It would interesting to see in action alongside his own requip magic. Summer's magic he already knew about. It smelled horrible, was very flashy, and did not seem to be too useful in the long run with how she used it. Speaking of Summer, the stupid child would ask her what he thought about the place as she kept up her cheerful demeanor.

"It's all right. I would not want to stay here for long, though. I much prefer the large cities like the ones I grew up in. Now, shall we get down to business? Mao, I'll let you and your pet lead the way. I assume you two are good at tracking given the physical traits you guys have?" It wasn't too much of a guess, given the animal traits on Mao and the fact that the other was her 'pet' and was already sniffing around. While Brad had a decent tracking ability he was not sure he would be able to do much good in a planet that he had no clue about. Someone part animal would be a much better choice, in the long run, so he would rely on them as a job partner like he should be. He hoped he was right, cause it would be really awkward if he was completely wrong on it. They had no clue what all they would be fighting here, and with that kept in mind, he would prepare himself mentally so that he could draw any of his weapons at any time. Anything could be out there. Wild animals, poachers, mysterious creatures from other worlds that may have come the same way they had. He wasn't worried about it, he was just curious as to what they would be fighting.

The member 'Brad Clad' has done the following action : Dice Rolls

---

'Monster Dice' :

Mao smiled at Summer’s enthusiasm, unsure how to tell her they may want to calm down just a smidgen. Well, not that scaring away animals was a worry so much as garnering too much attention. Would the poachers run though? ’No, if they hope for a good haul they’ll likely fight back, though if there is one they may try to delay us too…depending when we find them.’ Not an uncommon tactic with her people when they decided to take as they pleased, at least if they didn’t plan outright war and suppression of a people.

If she were an uppity person or easily offended then Brad’s statement could’ve made for some easy rebuttal and complaints. However Mao wasn’t one to kick up unnecessary fuss, simply nodding as Nocshanks already appeared on the case. For one more moment the woman enjoyed the over-encompassing aroma of the place before allowing her senses to more strictly hone in on the invading presence. Whereas the planet and nature itself tended to harmonize in ways the woman couldn’t even begin to describe to normal humans, “man” brought about a stark contrast. Slick oils, cologne, molded metals…there existed so many layers that clashed with the world around them not unlike trying to mix oil and water. Over time they would meld and fade away, but it stood out so freshly that the large canine-like beast hardly had to keep his nose to the ground.

It didn’t end at simply “sniffing them out” for Mao however, the act little more than the beginning. As she’d become more and more accustomed to her proper magic the world opened up in some odd ways, or perhaps…closed? All around them a wonderland spread and yet the spatial devourer focused on the scent of “hunters” with their mechanical traps and loaded pistols and it wasn’t unlike squinting or narrowing one’s eyes. Each sense remained open and yet a distance grew to everything that wasn’t her intended target. Any sounds of birds twittering or leaves scraping against one another in the wind turned muffled, vision noting the life around them and yet it began to pale as eyes sought out the invaders, her nose quickly sifting out the other scents into an “unnecessary” category. Soon she’d experience that pulling sensation, as if another sense existed entirely merely to seek prey beyond her usual range. Skin prickled as a small rush filled her, eyes glittering as they became aware of places the group had yet to reach on foot.

Fingers twitched a little as Mao unconsciously felt the trees around them, leaves, vines, petals, even the furs of smaller critters trying to hide from more invaders. Try as the smaller mammals might to stow away inside trees and holes she could feel them all the same right down to the tiny shiver of dread skittering down their spines. Instinct informed them of her “presence” even if they couldn’t quite figure out what to do beyond raise hackles at a faceless foe, but she quickly moved on from them, allowing the little critters a chance to calm down.

After some time of walking Mao stopped, Nocshanks taking only a few more steps beyond her before his large head turned and grunted questioningly. Long ears swiveled atop her head, eyes glazed with a faraway look though eyebrows slanted in concentration. A deep breath filled the short mage’s lungs, her tail twitching as it hovered closer to the ground. ”There’s many of them up ahead…scattered a bit though…” Mao paused, her awareness continuing to ghost over things and send a few shivers up spines, ”Some are cornering a pack of wolf-like creatures, other’s are trying to move cages…”

Without properly seeing it for herself Mao could only surmise potential situations. It could be that the wolves sought to expunge the intruders, though they could’ve just as easily have had their prey stolen by accidentally directing them into the very cages housing some deer, or perhaps they stumbled upon the capture and became the hunted themselves? Vaguely she could sense other animals watching with fearful curiosity, likely pondering if they’d suffer similar fates soon enough and hoping beyond hope that perhaps the strong predators of the forest might in turn protect them all?

All might not be lost though the groups were beginning to break apart as some went with the mobile cages and other’s kept the pack at bay. ”They’re starting to split up. Half of them are taking caged animals to the northwest towards a fast moving river…they might be aiming to ride it down back towards the portal. The other half are dealing with a pack of wolves, though some are already falling prey to the men’s weapons…” Thoughts flew through the girl’s mind, quickly trying to discern the best course of action. Instinct told her to help the wolves, unsure if they’d accept assistance and if not…well Mao felt confident in her ability to move at least so she could help them whether they wanted it or not and could dodge any attempts on their part. Nocshanks was a sturdy and large beast and could potentially communicate a little more readily with them even if through action more than voice.

Though…a small, niggling worry nibbled at the back of Mao’s thoughts. Despite Summer’s cheeriness Brad seemed intent on ignoring her presence as much as possible. Would they be able to work together to free the other creatures and take down the poachers? Was splitting up even a good option then? Though if they didn’t then who would be best to save first? If they ignored the transporters then that group might very well make good on an escape, but simply leaving the wolves to face a beat-down and netting didn’t sit well with her either.

”I think we should split up, if only temporarily. I can get you both to the second group very quickly and provide the opportunity for a surprise attack, though focus on freeing the creatures first so they may make a safe escape. If the group proves too strong try to lure them back towards the others. I’ll see if Nocshanks and I can’t help the wolves defeat the others in the meanwhile, and we can clean up any stragglers thereafter.” She’d wait for their input, willing to alter her plans accordingly, though Mao didn’t wish to dawdle too long either. If they opted for the “surprise attack” method she’d let them prepare as they needed and then open a portal for them. Unlike the usual portals one might expect this one opened as though a tear appeared in the sky, widening enough for them both to enter comfortably at the same time, though if one observed closely enough they might be able to make out tiny fangs lining the edges. She tried to hide the “mouth” like components as best she could, the portal otherwise appearing little more than like a black abyss and would drop the duet off from whatever angle they wanted be it above or near the second group of smugglers.


(Note: opted for 1 strong to be the group of shizenookami, the other to be smugglers, and all the normies are more smugglers. I'll leave it to you guys how the smugglers are split)