[PP-F2] I'm In Your Debt [Part 2] << Feeding The Enemy >> (Takeshi and Dominion)

[Takeshi 0]

Kaname, the white lion cub is still fresh in Takeshi's mind as he is having a meal of venison stew and lemonade in the inn. He is really eager to rescue him, but he isn't sure where he can find the uncle's home. Since this is where he had his dream, Kaname saying that he is nearby the location he should find may indicate that it is accessible somewhere within the city, or its own walls...

Takeshi leans against the chair as he finishes his meal, looking at the players and NPCs discreetly. The latter do what they are typically programmed to do: eating, cleaning utensils, finalizing payments and so on. The players today make almost no discussions regarding the front lines or anything else that are related to finishing the game. It is as if they had embraced their lives in this fantastic realm, just like Takeshi. He stops glancing at them as he takes out a cigarette, lights it up and blows out a smoke. With the cigarette between his lips, he surveys his equipment as he wonders on whenever he should continue his works in Homunculus or not today.

Edited February 6, 2017 by Takeshi

[Dominion 0]

Dominion was not accustomed to staying at inns or even traveling to different inns for that matter. He was, however, wanting to go to the second floor. He had done much on the first floor, and would need to begin moving up to the other floors. He arrived on the second floor from the teleport pad and entered the first inn available. There was a fairly equal ratio of players to NPC's, which Dominion had become more and more accustomed to seeing. At one table, Dominion recognized Takeshi, and his cigarette. However, Dominion knew better than to disrupt someone's breakfast and purposefully walked past that table and up to a counter. He waved over a NPC and asked for a hot cup of green tea. However, they were running short of green tea and asked if Dominion would like another beverage. Dominion settled with just hot tea and sat down at a table.

[Takeshi 0]

Takeshi looks around and notices @Dominion, noting his monk-like appearance as he determines that maybe he can help him in rescuing Kaname. Whoever his uncle is, he senses that he is a powerful lion with tough flesh, sharp claws and fangs, and maybe high or low intelligence. Soloing sounds like a bad idea at this point, especially when Takeshi never met Kaname's uncle yet. He blows out another smoke as he stands up and walk towards the table where Dominion is sitting at.

"May I sit here..?" Takeshi speaks as he grabs a chair and glances at the monk's eyes. "And will it be okay if I ask for help today? There is someone I want to rescue."

Looking at Dominion's current level, Takeshi have high hopes that he can be a very useful support in defeating the uncle and, if possible, finding the location where Kaname is imprisoned.

[Dominion 0]

Dominion took a sip of the hot tea when Takeshi got up and walked over. "Why, is it not Takeshi! Has your shop started to sell more?" Dominion said smiling with a positive tone. "Of course you can sit here. I haven't gotten good company in quite a while." Takeshi's next statement took him by surprise. Dominion hadn't been asked for assistance yet, even though that was his main goal. When Takeshi asked Dominion if it was ok to ask for help at rescuing someone, Dominion lost his smile. "No need to ask, I am always willing to help." Dominion thought for a brief second as Takeshi sat down. "If you are wanting to rescue someone, you must know who the enemy is, whatever may be putting endangered someone in danger, and a general location to look. Do you have any of these for starters?" Dominion asked his question and took another sip of hot tea. "If you know anything about the threat, it would be a safer rescue..." Dominion placed the cup down on the table as well as his elbow and put his hand on his chin to listen and think.

[Takeshi 0]

"Kaname...has an uncle, the one that imprisoned him. I don't know him but...I had a hunch that he may be strong and tough, maybe like a Nemean Lion," Takeshi explains as he blows out a small smoke, away from your direction. "According to Kaname, his uncle lives somewhere that can be accessed within the town, or its walls. The passage should lead to a forest of some sort."

Though he still isn't sure of whether he has the information @Dominion asked, it is the best he can think of so far. He waits for his answer as he stares at the window briefly, muttering that "I am low on materials. The shop so far have two useful potions and one ipsum..."

The sad thing about his business is that he never receive any sort of orders from customers, perhaps due to the fact that they already have what they need. Takeshi starts to think that even ipsums may not be very impactful to serious combatants, other than for s**ts and giggles.

[Dominion 0]

Dominion took in the information. A path inside the city that would lead to a forest. That was where they would find the "uncle" that they would defeat and rescue the cub. That was the best case scenario, and that was exactly what was going to happen. Dominion removed his hand from his chin and lowered his elbow to his side.  "Alright, we shall leave immediately, unless there is something we must do between now and rescuing that... lion?" Dominion realized that the someone was a lion of sorts, described as some sort of Nemean lion. Dominion drank the rest of the tea, still somewhat hot, and began to stand up. He pushed his chair under the table and opened his menu. He didn't want to equip his stuff yet, but he needed to make sure it was all with him and not still on the first floor. After double checking to make sure that he had his equipment, Dom waved his goodbye to the NPC and prepared himself for the journey. "So, where should we start looking?", Dominion asked Takeshi.

[Takeshi 0]

"The back alley," says Takeshi as he dons his chainmail armor and his great helmet, having his entire afro hair fit into the latteror . As he arms himself with his sword and shield, he starts walking towards one of the said alleys, hoping that there is a clue to the path to the uncle's home. The amount of people and noise gradually reduce as he keeps on walking further with @Dominion. It only takes a few minutes for both of them to reach one of the alleyways, which leads to nothing but a dead end in the form of the city walls.

That part of the wall, though, is fragile. Takeshi thinks that some thieves or refugees forgot to seal that spot properly after making their escape or entrance. Ahead of the hole is a grassy path leading to some trees, and then the forest itself.

"Should be this way," Takeshi speaks with a tone that shouts out 'confidence'.

[Dominion 0]

Dominion trailed a few feet behind Takeshi, keeping his eye out for a hidden path. The glare from the sun was blocked by the buildings to both their sides. They had made there way to an Alleyway, so the path would likely be hidden or non-existant. The commotion of players dims behind them as they walk. Dominion swipes open his gear and equipped his Monkey King Armor, Monkey Ring, and Monkey Semblance, a few pieces of gear that serve him well. His shirt was beneath his armor, still unbuttoned and slightly dirty. Looking forward, Dominion just sees the dead end. Takeshi speaks, "Should be this way". Dominion couldn't know for sure if he was right, but they would be wasting more time by going back the way they came. Alright, you lead the way until we spot this thing... Are you able to produce a lot of damage?" Dominion asked as Takeshi lead through the "fragile" wall.

[Takeshi 0]

 

"I don't believe so," says Takeshi. "But I can make do." 

He keeps on walking forwards, venturing deep into the forest as the entire area is awfully quiet. Usually he would hear the sounds of birds chirping, crickets or any other typical forest ambient noise. This time, everything except the rustling of leaves are silenced, as if the sources are entirely eliminated. Feeling a little uneasy, Takeshi draws out his sword as he keeps looking around for clues leading to Kaname.

As he passes a tree covered by moss, he notices large footprints trailing ahead to the diagonal left direction. Confident that this is the path to the supposed location, he follows it with his shield raised. As he reaches the end of the footprints, he hears an onminous growling above him, it sounds like a mix of a lion and a bear. Haven't Takeshi jumped away from where he is standing, he would be mauled by a lion that was somehow perching on top of a large branch.

He quickly turns around and back away as he set his eyes towards the aggressive creature. It is old and frail, but still has enough strength for one fight. Its mane is very messy, and for several occasions it would huff out angrily, as if Takeshi stole something from it. The lion's claws are similar to a small sized dagger's blade, potentially causing a victim to bleed out (+1 Bleed). The lion lets out a frail, but unnerving roar as Takeshi immediately charges towards it.

Spoiler

ID: 76855

BD: 1

MD: 10

Takeshi: HP 92/100

Old Lion: HP 26/26

 

Edited February 7, 2017 by Takeshi

[Dominion 0]

Dominion followed behind Takeshi as they walked deeper into the forest. Upon entry, the forest was somewhat quiet, but only became more quiet as they walked. This eerie silence was causing Dominion to look around with some anxiety. Something was definitely off about the second floor forest. Dominion just continued to move at the same speed until Dominion saw Takeshi draw his sword. Dominion made certain that he was absolutely ready for combat, right before a old lion jumped out from the shadows of a tree. The lion must have somehow scratched Takeshi, because his health bar had dropped by a little. Dominion decided to have a bit of fun and activated his first aid ability. He reached his arm out and touched Takeshi's armored shoulder. Dominion then scanned the terrain for any place he could use strategic combat.

ID: 76860

CD: (11+3)=success (+16 HP)

Dominion: HP 360/360 (3 EVA)

Takeshi: HP 100/100 (+16 HP)

Old Lion: HP 26/26

 

Edited February 7, 2017 by Dominion

[Takeshi 0]

The attack took Takeshi by surprise, and if he isn't wearing the gambeson beneath his chainmail, he would have a serious cut at his back. Parts of his chainmail are torn off in addition to a bleeding, scratched back, and for a moment he quickly steps back and raises his shield up in a way that an army would do to form a shield wall. As the old lion growls while grinding the ground with its claws, Takeshi feels a tap on his shoulder and sees that his HP has being restored fully. He immediately realized who healed him and smiles as he mutters, "Thanks."

 @Dominion is useful for this particular fight, after all. With his calm state combined with high confidence, he slowly advances forward as the old lion lets out another growl before both of them sprint towards each other. Claw and shield clash against each other as each of them exchange blows, all attempts are avoided or blocked by them. It would take a while before one of them may actually land a hit against the other.

Spoiler

ID: 76900

BD: 8

MD: 4

Takeshi: HP 88/100 (Bleed)

Old Lion: HP 17/26

Energy: 5/10

Sword Art Used: Snake Bite

 

Edited February 8, 2017 by Takeshi

[Dominion 0]

Dominion heard Takeshi mutter "thanks" and Dom looked up at the forest canopy, as well as scanned the general environment. Everything, the trees and undergrowth, would prove to be in close proximity to one another. This had more perks, as long as they didn't get pinned by the lion. Dominion got a slightly better look on the lion, seeming to be old in age. It must have had a lot of combat experience, which gave Dominion the expression that this place was where it dwelt. Takeshi charged forward, which gave enough of a gape for Dominion to dart through. Dominion darted beside the lion and grazed his hand against the lion's mane. Dominion was truly lucky that he was unscathed by such a foolish action. He did minimal damage, but that was better than just standing and doing nothing. Dominion took a half step back, since it seemed as though the lion would continue to attack Takeshi over himself.  

Spoiler

ID: 76905

BD: 6 (hit) 2 DMG

Dominion: HP 360/360, EN: 9/10

Takeshi: HP 100/100

Old Lion: HP 15/26

Energy 5/10

 

Edited February 8, 2017 by Dominion

[Takeshi 0]

By mere chance, the blade lands onto the soft paw of the old lion, severing it as it bellows at a loud volume. Takeshi quickly unleashes his Sword Art against it by slashing its neck and face simultaneously in three quick successions. At the same time, he notices @Dominion preparing to strike with his own attack, and steps back as he lets him do so. Though his damage isn't as high as Takeshi's, at least it still brings down the old lion's health even by a margin. At this point, he isn't fully aware that he himself is still suffering from the bleeding effect.

The old lion grits its sharp teeth as it recovers quickly and attempts to knock Takeshi's body with its head. So far, it only succeeded in banging against the sun shield. Takeshi also relies on his speed as he dodges some of its incoming attacks. The old lion then retreats at a small distance and, in desperation, pounces towards Takeshi's direction with a formidable roar.

Spoiler

ID: 76931

BD: 6

MD: 4

Takeshi: HP 76/100 (Bleed)

Old Lion: HP 6/26

Energy: 2/10

Sword Art Used: Snake Bite

 

Edited February 8, 2017 by Takeshi

[Dominion 0]

Dominion was still rather close to the lion as it pounced toward Takeshi. Dominion knew that he would have a choice and here it came. He was able to catch a glimpse at Takeshi's health, which dropped again. He could either heal Takeshi again for close to full HP, or he could take out the lion. After very short time span to make up his mind, Dominion jumped up. He grabbed a vine, climbed up a foot and propelled from a tree toward the pouncing lion. Dominion let go of the vine and made a solid strike to the side. A Critical Success sign appeared as the health bar dropped to near nothing. The lion would be no more in a mere few seconds. Dominion was able to make a pretty stable landing from this, but found more concern with Takeshi's health. "We need to find that someone pretty quick if your health will maintain its steady drop. Where would you say the someone we are trying to rescue would be? I don't see anything else... or hear anything else here for that matter." Dominion said as he straightened up his posture.

Spoiler

ID: 76931

BD: 9 (Critical Success) (2+1)=3 DMG

Dominion: HP 360/360, EN: 8/10

Takeshi: HP 76/100 (Bleed)

Old Lion: HP 3/26 (-12 on it's turn from bleed, and is paralyzed) (0/2 BLD, 0/1 PAR)

Energy: 2/10

Sword Art Used: Snake Bite

 

Edited February 8, 2017 by Dominion

[Takeshi 0]

The lion coughs up blood as it falls onto the ground, dying from the rapid loss of blood thanks to the injury it received from @Dominion. As quickly as he can, Takeshi heads to its small cave and looks around. Unfortunately, there is no sign of Kaname, and judging by the size of the cave, Takeshi determines that the lion he fought wasn't the uncle at all. If it was, Kaname would have been here, imprisoned in whatever cell he is trapped in. The old lion was either just protecting its territory or it was ordered by the uncle to kill any rescuers. 

He walks towards Dominion as he shakes his head, his expression shows a mix of disappointment and frustration. They practically fought the lion for nothing. At this point, Takeshi decides whether he calls it a day, or keep searching. He has the feeling that the monk may be conflicted into choosing such options.

Spoiler

ID: 76977

LD: 7

Old Lion: HP 0/26 (Died from bleeding)

Obtained no familiar...

 

Edited February 9, 2017 by Takeshi

[Dominion 0]

Dominion waited in the area beside the lion that soon pixilated. He was needing to think. As he stood next to the combat zone, he saw Takeshi returning. He held a disappointed expression on his face, which told him that the "Someone" was not nearby. Dominion looked down as he tried to think of another place the familiar could be. Dominion couldn't think of any other places on the spot, but he had the idea that he could continue for hours, as long as Takeshi didn't have anything he had to do with/in Homunculus. Therefore, Dominion lifted his head with a smile. "Are you still up for finding that Someone? I have more than all day and I would surely like to help. We could fight a bit further into this forest and see what we find, we could go to a different side and search, or if you have to go back to the alchemical stuff we could call it a day." Dominion sounded rather enthusiastic until the last part was mentioned.

@Takeshi

[Takeshi 0]

He smiles in his helmet as he looks and listens to @Dominion's suggestion. He has nothing to create in Homunculus despite having three materials remaining, since he is simply waiting for someone to hopefully drop an order into the shop. He gives him a nod and holster his weapon as he moves along. The day is still long, there is virtually no way that he can give up now. The hopes of finding Kaname dawns upon Takeshi's mind once more as he ventures deeper into the woods with Dominion.

But now he is expecting some more lions to probably guarding this whole area and attacking any random passerby, and if this is true, the uncle must have being really desperate to keep his toy from being taken. Takeshi clenches his fists as he feels the desire to beat the s**t out of the uncle, somebody like him do not deserve to live in his perspective. 

[Dominion 0]

Dominion looks around, expecting the answer to be to continue. He checked around the surrounding area, looking for any obvious route further into the woods. The last time he had ventured into the woods, he came across a blue haired character. It was only for a short time, but it was still confusing. The same could be said in this part of the woods, since when Dominion turned the corner, he noticed another lion patrolling a small grove. The area seemed to be much more open, which was not that good. If he moved much more, he could be easily spotted by the lion. He would most certainly not commence combat with a lion, especially an old one. Those were the ones that were most accustomed to battle, and would be a huge disadvantage to him. He just moved to the side and raised his arm to point at the lion, hoping that Takeshi would answer that this lion was the one. They could always battle it to find out...