setting: some weirdass fantasy place with dragons and shit

[bearestofthemall]

...What poor excuses for men, leaving me to go hunt down that dragon...

[As much as Kai tries to convince other people (and apparently herself?!) that she's not cut out for this whole 'JRPG Questing' business, the sword-whip she's holding does look mighty sharp. Not to mention threatening, now that she's trotting towards you with it in hand.

Kai's choice of clothing and done-up hair certainly makes her look like she doesn't suit a job that basically entails 'hunt down and stab a bitch dragon'... except for her face. She doesn't have the happiest expression right now, and is almost glaring... quite a fitting face for a warrior.

Or a growling bear. Either could work.]

Oi. [oh god she's talking to you] You look like you're free! Interested in chasing down a dragon?

It's been too long since something interesting happened, after all.

Comments

[thirdarrow]

Well, if you find it impossible to tolerate my presence, just say so and I will leave. The option is always open to you; I am merely providing some strategic counsel. [ Courteous as always - although water was not fire, it could still scald.

He continued walking for a few seconds before continuing, holding the lantern up in front of him. ] Has it ever occurred to you to perhaps, ah, employ a little foresight in combat? It could certainly save you a lot of strain.

[ It would be unwise to use a technique that summoned geysers against someone who had control over water, for example. ]

[bearestofthemall]

You're lucky your powers are still useful now. When we get out, though, you'll definitely feel my wrath! Your life will depend on whether I feel generous enough for your help after we're done!

[She grits her teeth even more at that second statement.] What do you mean by that?! Of course I do! Just because I'm confident since my victory is almost always assured from the beginning doesn't mean I'm cocky! Being cocky is unbecoming for a refined lady of my standing.

[keep telling yourself and everyone else that, kai

In any case... they're beginning to creep closer into the cave, and her trust in Takakage, instead of being reaffirmed, is only becoming weaker. There's a crouch in her step, and she advances extremely cautiously, taking a few extra seconds with each step to make sure her soles touch the ground with minimal sound.

...And if Takakage peers in close, he can hear her whispering to herself:] I can do this... I'm strong, I'm strong, I'm strong...

[thirdarrow]

[ It seemed that this mentality is ingrained too deeply into her psyche - he knows well enough to drop the subject. This cannot be changed at short notice, so plans will have to be changed.

But of course, he did take Kai's threat to heed. He could understand her reaction, after all, they were on less than good terms to begin with. Though he doubts that she will harm him significantly - after all, he is stronger than he looks. ]

Please be careful.

[ He follows Kai silently - making little sound is easier for him, since his clothing bear no metal embellishments. The lantern he holds had been shuttered before they went deeper - its red light giving everything a curiously flat appearance.

There is no sign of said dragon... so far. ]

[bearestofthemall]

[Of course she'll be careful! ...And Takakage actually looks pretty cute too, which makes Kaihime a bit less inclined to attack him when they're not on enemy sides anymore.

Fighting could still happen, obviously. But she's not out for the kill.

She gives him something of a look when he says those three words, a cross between a glare and an expression of curiosity. Then, she goes back to sneaking in.]

...Hold on. I see something. [It's... machinery...? Takakage, have a look.]

[thirdarrow]

[ He approaches the object carefully. It's motionless, but that doesn't exclude the possibility of it attacking...

... a box made of metal, with a nozzle protruding out on one end, and some kind of opening covered by black cloth on the other. It certainly doesn't seem like a dragon. ]

I... haven't a clue what this is for. But it seems important.

[ Perhaps this was what made the roaring sounds, or fire? ]