The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden;Sakuro)

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden)

"That's not my department." she sighed. "Slimes are tough to kill because chopping away at their body takes forever, and their core is impossible to hit with physical means. Suika and Ryoko would best handle slimes." she said, still lying down.

 

[Sakuro]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden)

Aiden gave the warrior woman a nudge when she commented on how futile direct physical conflict with a Slime would be. He wanted an edge, something that wouldn't make him useless if a fight had to happen. Since they had time, they could prepare, and he wanted to be prepared. So he didn't settle for the 'not my department' response.

"Ryoko said fire and lightning hurt them. You've worked with fire. You had to to make that sword, right? Maybe we can make something that'll allow us ... you and me ... to use fire in a fight. Such as small clay jugs with flamable oil ... or something ... in them, and a whick that can be lit. It isn't a fighting technique, or magic, but that sort of thing might make us more useful if we have to fight Slimes. We have half a month to work on it too."

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden)

"Human tools are often used to combat slimes. Such as fire against slimes. Even knights of the Order would throw bottles of flammable oil at slimes to fight them, though from what I saw, it was three men trying to scare off a single slime. The slime only ran away in fear of the fire, so I doubt it's very effective against actually holding you ground on your own, or even against more than one... Though in all honesty, if you are facing more then one mamono, you're at a severe disadvantage anyway. In other words, don't do it." she advised him. "Even great military leaders, veterans in combat, and educators to greenhorns have been defeated by simple orcs when outnumbered three to one, and those guys could put up a fight. But they failed to acknowledge one simple rule, and that's to not get cocky. As a human being, you have one advantage over most mamono. You can adapt and fight intelligently. A mamono will always try to play on her strengths, but if you can overcome their strength, you will win. When it comes to a slime, there's just no fighting it unless you're a magician of some kind. So... What's it's weakness? Well, the average slime is quite dimwitted, so outsmarting it will be easy. Lead one into a trap, or if one blocks your path, retreat and move around it. Always, always remember... That surviving an encounter with a mamono is always a victory. You should avoid them if you can."

"Well." she leaned up. "There's so much to fighting that I just can't explain on my own, but hopefully you learned something by fighting me. You held good defensive ground among the trees, and attacking from above, I'm ashamed to admit... Is my weakpoint. If you ever face someone like me, try to attack from above, and out of reach, granted that fighting is required."

 

[Sakuro]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden)

His lips pursed together when Maria explained that even mundane fire weapons weren't likely to be effective. Which would make the effort nearly a waste. He seemed displeased by the picture that was painted. Most forms of resistance were futile, and running or evasion weren't going to get you anywhere but away. That too was unlikely, unless you were both cunning and fortunate. Irritated though he may have been, the bleak future he had seen for humanity reinforced, Aiden was not demoralized.

"Then it sounds like the best thing we can do is either run interference for the spellcasters, or just stay out of their way while they deal with the Slimes."

As Maria gave her pointers and tip Aiden let his lips relax. A subtle nod was given to express his understanding of what she had advised.

"Sounds like a good stopping point for today's lesson. Thank you for taking the time to teach me. We're on for tomorrow morning, right?"

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden)

Maria blinked, before looking over at him. "A-again...?" she asked. "Um... Well, spending time with Ryoko and Suika will only tax your body, so it's best to avoid them if you want to train." she said with a slight blush.

 

[Sakuro]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden)

Aiden was quiet for a bit when Maria advised avoiding Ryoko and Suika. His own feelings aside, he doubted either woman would take that well. The idea was thought on for a while in silence, which Aiden mainly searched for a middle ground on the matter that wouldn't exclude any of his companions. At length he decided it was something best talked over with the women in question. When he spoke next it was half to himself, as though thinking aloud.

"Maybe I can convince them to go easier on me so I have more energy in the morning for training sessions. They've already agreed that you and I should have some alone time."

Leaning over to Maria, Aiden bumped his shoulder against her's and flashed the woman a playful smile. After the moment of physical contact the youth rose to his feet and started to walk back towards their camp.

"Unless you want to finish that almost-kiss you attempted we should help break camp and get ready to cover some ground while there's still daylight."

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden)

At first Maria frowned at Aiden when he suggested going back to the two lustful women regardless of what she said, though the shoulder touch combined with his expression sent her face blood red when she turned and looked at him. Suddenly, she pushed him away with her hands as she herself retreated. "P-pervert!" she exclaimed. "Don't act so flirty right after talking about having sex with those two! Sometimes you really disgust me..." she said with a grumpy tone before regathering herself and walking off back to camp.

 

[Sakuro]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden)

Pushed by the warrior woman Aiden didn't have time to prepare himself, given how sudden the assault came. The shove sent him staggering a few steps to the side. His arms flailed a little as he fought to maintain balance and keep from falling over. The wild arm flailing worked, and he stabilized his stance. By the time he'd regained himself Maria was already walking ahead of him. Following after her me made a mental note aloud.

"Right. Next time no other women. Just flirting."

Sometimes he felt like he needed a manual just to talk to Maria.

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden)

"Later in my life..." Maria said aloud, following Aiden's words, "I want to get married. I want to lay down my sword and settle down with a nice husband who will help raise our children. Other women don't fit into that kind of life, Aiden..." she said, her tone of voice sounding as if she almost wanted something from him, before showing that she was eager to move on as she walked ahead.

At the camp, Suika and Ryoko were sitting together, apparently getting along, while Venice was doing pushups with one arm behind her back, and using only a single finger against the ground to keep herself up. "98... 99... 100! Just in time!" Venice said with a happy announcement. "How is your training coming along, Aiden?" she asked curiously, as if her kind of training could compare to a normal human's.

 

[Sakuro]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden)

Aiden didn't interrupt, or even verbally respond to Maria's comments. She was sharing her hopes. Arguing with someone's hopes was not only futile, it was rude. But Aiden was eighteen. His life was just beginning, and he wanted more than to be married and have children. What Maria was looking for, that devotion to one person, he couldn't give her. Not now, maybe not ever. But, again, he didn't say anything. Instead the young man quietly regarded her until she was ready to get moving again.

Back at camp Aiden took stock of what was going on. On his way to get a drink of water he paused to admire Venice's strong fingers. But his response to her request for an update on his training would have to wait until he moistened his throat with a drink.

"It was a beginning. Maria thinks I'm going to need more energy if we're to continue and make any real progress."

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden)

"Oh? That's interesting." Venice replied with a grin. "So, you need a certain few lustful maidens to withdraw their hungry maws. If I understand how such power works correctly, they've been overfed from you." Venice revealed, while Suika and Ryoko looked anything but not guilty.

 

[Sakuro]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden)

Aiden went silent and thought about the information Venice shared with him. He didn't think to call the two women, who had been siphoning off his life force for their own bellies, greedy monsters spoiling themselves and getting plump on him. Well, maybe for a few seconds. But he'd been warned. So he didn't fault them for indulging while they could. Besides, he'd enjoyed himself too.

What really made him think was what that meant about him. Suika had had said she'd gained more than the usual amount of energy from him their first night together. She also mentioned a fragment of Fate's power resided in him. He didn't dwell on it too long, however. A smile was offered to Venice, and then he looked over at Suika and Ryoko.

"Then there should be no complaints."

A pause was given as he looked between the two women and noted how they seemed to be getting along better. A pleased expression lingered on his face as he noted the improvement since yesterday. They'd nearly started fighting at dinner. Though he didn't know how common that was amongst Mamono, his human sensibilities favored unity.

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden)

"I will complain as I wish, Aiden," Suika responded. "We are allies, and I let you be on top out of grace, but you hold no power over me. Not now, not ever." she reminded him.

"But you can hold power over me, Aideeeen~" Ryoko called out. "If you don't give me punishment, then I'll just have to be naughty~"

"Sex addicts, may I have your attention?" Venice announced. "Aiden you may not fear, so fear me instead. Behave." she instructed them, and both went silent, staring up at Venice. With that, she rose a finger and swirled it about. "Lets get moving! Everyone pack your things!"

 

[Sakuro]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden)

Without interjecting Aiden listened to Suika and Ryoko's response. As each spoke up his attention shifted to that woman. He was a little surprised by Ryoko's desire to be punished further though, and raised a curious eyebrow, even if he didn't say anything about it at the moment. Yes, he was turned on, and almost gave her a lusty growl. But he had enough self control to avoid that kind of counter productive display.

Aiden let his silence drag out and observed their reaction to Venice's directions, and was reminded of something Suika said earlier about Mamono responding to her power. Was it social engineering or something more instinctive, Aiden would wonder. He didn't like her giving orders, and it was obvious she was ordering the group around; which caused his brow to furrow briefly to express his displeasure. Still, he'd had been thinking the exact same thing.

"We've had a good long morning. It is about time to pack up."

At length he nodded in response to Venice rallying he group to pack up and move out. Then Aiden broke away from the conversation to break down his tent and stow his belongings away. When he was finished, if anyone needed help and wasn't just being lazy he'd offer to assist them so they could start on their trek all the quicker.

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden)

Everyone went about packing their things, except Suika, who had Ryoko do it for her in exchange for Suika whipping her bottom during the trip. Neither party seemed displeased with this arrangement, and Venice ignored it entirely. Regardless, everyone packed up and began traveling towards the slime fields. They embarked from their camp on what felt like an entirely different journey. There was so much that happened that it wasn't simply an endeavor to reach the next adventure, as there were so many other conflicting characters to deal with. Even Aiden himself was a conflict with Venice, both figures of leadership, while Aiden clearly did not seem to appreciate her taking the banner for herself as she so naturally and often did. When it came to traveling on it's own, the group got along well together, since everyone was quiet and looking out for any dangers. Just based on that alone, it seemed that only through some kind of distraction or separation could everyone get along. Based on Venice's expression as she looked back at everyone, she seemed to be thinking exactly that.

Over a hill, and there was their first sighting. There was slime on the ground, some on the trees, left behind by careless passing slimes. Said careless slime was moving around seemingly in a circle. Stupid creatures indeed, at least the lesser ones. "Now is you chance to shine, Aiden." Venice announced. "If my education serves me proper, then slimes like that one keep unworthy mates to themselves, but if you prove strong, you're taken as a candidate to become one of the slime queen's harem."

Maria nodded, coming up and patting Aiden on the shoulder. "Show me what you learned! Remember, capitalize on the weakness of your opponent!" she insisted, just when the slime, in her ignorant bliss, saw Aiden standing over the hill. "Ooooh!" the slime moaned aloud like a simpleton, before she began slowly slime-ing up to him, a big grin on her face.

 

[Sakuro]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden)

During the quiet of their travels Aiden had a lot of time to think. One subject that occupied a lot of his thoughts was the group's conflict, and how they were a mirror of what it would be like to bring various Mamono groups and humans together. As the group was held together by a common goal, so too could the cultures they tried to bring together. In peace they would need a distraction from their differences. He often wondered what that could be. Perhaps their travels would inspire him.

When they got their first sightings of a Slime trail Aiden opted to disrobe, shedding his clothes and packing them away. Though Maria probably wouldn't be happy, he didn't have enough spare clothing with him that he could easily allow one set being dissolved by a Slime carrying him off to it's queen. From the hill top they spied the Slime, and immediately Aiden began scanning the terrain for something he could use to his advantage. Could Slimes climb trees? Probably. As the Slime took note of his Aiden dropped his pack.

"Just make sure Ryoko and Suika don't 'misplace' my clothes."

Smiling, he waved at the approaching Slime in a polite fashion. Then he bolted away from his female companions and the oozing monster. He'd see a log nearby, up on the hill. If he could gain the proper leverage, and maneuver the Slime into approaching him from down hill, he had a chance of rolling it down onto her. He just needed a sturdy lever, which he found in a fresh branch that he scooped up while running, and time.

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden)

As Aiden distanced himself, the slime seemed to care little for the other girls present, making a line straight for her target. Thankfully, she moved impossibly slow, allowing Aiden to move at a jog and yet still outrun her, which the slime didn't seem to appreciate, struggling to go faster. That's when he saw his goal, the log on a hill. With branch in hand to get it rolling, Aiden would discover the method which slimes use to manage to capture their prey.

Suddenly, he'd spot five, no, nine other slimes about, each of them making the same noise, "Ooooh!" as they rushed at him. That simple sound they emitted seemed to catch other slime's attention, and draw them towards the scene. The result was a fair perimeter of slimes all around Aiden, blocking any route on foot as it would lead straight towards one of the slimes. The hill was still some distance away, and Aiden's resources were limited. There was a fairly large rock he could throw, climbable trees, the sturdy branch in his possession, and a thick patch of bushes and grass, thick enough for a human being to conceal themselves inside of.

 

[Sakuro]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden)

That was unexpected. Aiden paused in stride and stared for a few second, grasping the scope of the horde that had rallied against him. Surprised, but unshaken, he only needed to add a couple extra steps to his plan. That is ... if there were enough trees to implement the idea he had.

As he thought things out Aiden started moving towards a cluster of trees that there progressing towards the hill with the log he wanted to try and squash some Slimes with. Fortunately he had a lot of practice climbing trees. Scaling the first of the bunch he ascended to branch that would allow him to leap to the next tree. But he didn't.

Not right away. Instead he waited, drawing the ring of Slimes in. Or at least he hoped they would all come in close. Enough for him to get over their perimeter by moving from tree to tree until he could drop to the ground and jog the rest of the way to his goal.

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden)

As Aiden went to climb the tree, he'd get a better scope of the situation. Namely, how spaced out the slimes were. Able to look about, he'd notice that the ones at his feet would be upon him in the tree while the others were still spread out. They covered a fairly wide area, and his plan may end badly. On that same token, the slimes didn't seem terribly smart either. One that had not seen him climb the tree, but did see him prior, looked all around the spot he was prior, but didn't wonder where he could have gone. Line of sight seemed to be something important to them.

 

[Sakuro]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden)

Aiden, upon gaining his new vantage point and seeing just how spaced out the slimes were, thought he might have made a mistake. Even if he'd gained an advantage in broadening his vision. However, he was able to take note of how one of the slimes seemed to have lost sight of him and did little to expand it's search beyond where he was last seen. He could use that.

Instead of athletics he'd have to rely more on stealth. Fortunately he'd had some practice in sneaking around the woods with hunters and other folk working in the woods. While he continued to climb Aiden now began to break off leafy branches and lay them out behind him in a crisscross pattern so that the leaves would help obstruct visibility of anyone following after him.

All the while he planned out a route that would lead him to a branch close to another tree. One he could leap onto and swing around to the opposite side so that he was hidden from anyone in or focused on the other tree. As all this happened, the planning and climbing, Aiden was painfully aware of his lack of shoes ... and where pants might protect his manly bits from bark as he hugged treelimbs he would wince now and again at his present lack of such material barriers.