[Episode] Mink-staken Identity
2 posters
- Yumiko
- [tracker=/t1347-yumiko#7408]
Name : Yumiko
Epithet : Kamaitachi
Age : 28
Height : 5'5'' / 165 cm
Weight : 128 lbs. / 58 kg
Species/Tribe : Human
Faction : Civilian
Devil Fruit : Ita Ita no Mi, Model: Kamaitachi
Bounty : [bel=r] 10,000,012
Quality Score : S
EXP Bonus : +0.20 (to all allies)
Balance : [bel] 2,916,996,298
[[baneoftheweak]][[dragonheart]][[childofdestiny]]
[[punchoutguru]][[dulcetvirtuoso]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 496
[Episode] Mink-staken Identity
Sun Dec 17, 2023 1:58 pm
Name: Mink-staken Identity
Category: Episode
Player Participants: Yumiko (+1), Aya Ruiz (+0)
Planned Location(s): Notice, North Blue
Planned Time Range: One day between April 18th 1829 and April 25th 1829.
Summary: After assisting the NRA, the wandering warrior finds herself on the run. She needs to flee North Blue before her new reputation reaches the news. For that goal, she makes a stop at Notice to rest, refresh and resupply.
Unfortunately, money is tight. The hunter has to make do with the gifts of nature. While bathing in a lake, some sneaky and cheeky youths steal all her belongings. ...Including the clothes. Thus, she is forced to assume her full weasel form to maintain some semblance of decency.
To make matters worse, the weasel woman immediately gets mistaken for a mink. Marines and Bounty Hunters chase after her, while she’s forced to hide like a criminal. Being big, unusual and highly visible makes sneaking around all too difficult.
Meanwhile, an aspiring artist has fallen into a rut. Tourists are easy pickings, sure, but... She finds herself wondering if there’s more to life than just lazily drifting through it. At this rate, she might start dreaming of spending her days beach-bumming and drawing caricatures of tourists.
Luckily, the mischievous Mink happens to catch the most interesting rumor. She hears of a weasel Mink causing trouble at the city outskirts. Of course, she simply has to check it out for herself. After all, she has gone far too long without minkship.
Brought together by fate, the unlikely allies team up to reclaim the stolen belongings. As there is no honor in beating up kids, violence is out of the question. Instead, they agree upon a daring heist. Sneak in, snatch the stuff and slip out. No mess, no fuss, no shameful conduct. Well, that’s the plan anyway. And as all savvy souls know...
No plan survives contact with the enemy.
Gentle winds played faint songs with the leaves and painted fleeting patterns in the grass. A forest lake glittered in the sun. Ripples washed over the serene surface, accompanied by soft splashes.
A pale woman carefully waded a little deeper into cool water. Long, dark hair cascaded like a curtain down her back. Toned muscles told a tale of a trained warrior. Scars shared stories of failures... A blade hung from a sash on her hip.
After all, a swordswoman without a sword was indecent.
Yumiko knelt down, shivering at the mixed sensation of soothing water against her skin. Bathing was always a double-edged sword for someone like her. While she enjoyed it, her curse did not. Unfortunately, money was a luxury she had run out of over a week ago. Not a single Belly to her name. Thus she had to settle for what she could get.
The samurai stared at her reflection and the reflection stared pointedly back. She could hardly even recognize herself anymore. Just weeks ago, she had been a noble Marine. Now, she was little more than a runaway criminal. Shameful. Disgusting. Vile. The toxic self-loathing bubbled inside her skull.
Lost in thought, the hunter failed to notice that she wasn’t alone. A pair of glinting eyes watched her from the shadows. They darted onto the pile of clothes left at the shore. Matching crescent grins gleamed in the bushes...
Eventually, the warrior dragged herself out of the water. While it wasn’t as pleasant as a hot shower, she cherished the chance to rest nonetheless. However, the rest was now over. She would get dressed and-
And...
Where were her clothes...?
Puzzled, Yumiko sniffed the air. She caught the scent of her clothing. It was rich on the ground. Yet the trail was mixed with two others she didn’t recognize. The realization sank in soon enough. Her cold expression twitched... Foul words dripped onto her tongue, eager to get unleashed. She swallowed them back down.
Without wasting a moment, the samurai rushed off. Hot on the trail, she burst through the bushes. Only the leaves brushing against her skin reminded her of something important. Wearing naught but a sword at her hip was hardly appropriate... She couldn’t show up in public like this...
Fortunately, a dark coat of fur solved the problem. Or so the weasel woman thought. It wasn’t until she reached the city outskirts that she found herself faced with a different kind of problem. As soon as someone spotted her, they screamed something about a Mink and ran for their life...
News Coo articles flashed before Yumiko’s eyes. She was painfully aware of the trouble caused by Firebear’d that led to declaring the entire Mink Tribe as criminals. To be captured on sight... She gritted her teeth at the thought.
Was there no end to the trouble caused by Marine zealousness?!
Soon, the city’s gossip circles were buzzing with a peculiar rumor. Supposedly, a weasel Mink was stirring up trouble at the city outskirts. Several bounty hunters and other greedy ne’er-do-wells were eager to investigate. There were several good reasons to capture a Mink. About 700,000 of them, if you knew the right people...
Words: 533
Total: 533 / 5000
- Pikasso
- [tracker=/t2393-aya-pikasso-ruiz#14697]
Name : Aya Ruiz
Epithet : "Pikasso"
Age : 25
Height : 4'5"
Weight : 120 lb
Species/Tribe : Mink
Faction : Civilian/Other
Alliance : Nox Prime
Crew : P.T.S.D.
Ship : Dead Air
Crew Role : Procurement Specialist
Devil Fruit : Suke Suke no Mi
Quality Score : S+
Balance : [bel] 302,000,000
[[childofdestiny]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 106
Re: [Episode] Mink-staken Identity
Fri Dec 22, 2023 1:06 am
The days were starting to blur together. Each time the sun's rays bled down into the waters around Notice it seemed a like more commonplace than the last. Where the streets once held the thrills of the unknown and the chaos of untrodden paths, they now faded into a monotone swatch of boring background.
Even the joys of people-watching and leaving newly painted works for others to discover had gotten stale.
Fits of yawns seemed to be plaguing a certain invisible onlooker with ferociously adorable tenacity.
Just this morning she had caught herself yawning midway through nabbing her breakfast, alerting a half-awake man to the stack of pancakes now floating above his plate. It only took long enough for him to rub the sleep from his eyes in disbelief for the breakfast to disappear completely.
Weaving her way through the streets to chase the tails of gossip among the locals was a welcome reprieve from boredom any day, but today's tones made the red panda's oversized ears twitch to attention.
The crowds teemed with hushed panic about recent run-ins with a familiarly-furred individual. The word 'Mink' lingered like sour fruit on the sneering lips of Lesser Minks so often that Aya could spot it from blocks away.
She would have been happy following any hints of excitement at this point, despite the chances of this being another example of Lesser Minks mistaking every strange animal that washed up onto their island for a furry fiend.
Still, the arboreal artist couldn't resist the mystery of another lone Mink wandering out there in the open.
And fortunately for Aya people around Notice didn't know how to resist blabbing about the interesting stuff. It was just a matter of sorting out the truth from the exaggerated hysterics of frightened humans.
Her first lead fizzled; the alleged altercation was simply a misremembered bar fight that had landed a rather hairy Lesser Mink in a heap in an alley outside a dive that smelled so strongly of alcohol that Aya almost mistook the burn for the scent of paint varnish.
The second story took her on a walk that merely alerted her to the uncanny silhouette of a sack stacked on top of a barrel just barely visible from the outside of a dilapidated building closer to the outskirts of the city. She had to admit that from a distance... if you kind of squinted... it did sort of look like a scruffy old canine Mink she once knew.
Despite the disappointing refuse there seemed to be something in the air that held promise. With a few deep draws of breath, the tiny investigator tried to focus.
A growl broke her concentration.
She set one paw on her stomach and gave a tiny squeak of a yawn. Maybe it was time for a snack.
Instinct brought her to the top of a gnarled old willow. The transparent climber scrambled up the boughs and sent a small cascade of leaves falling in her wake.
With a new perspective, she could now truly enjoy her scavenged lunch. Aya wasted no time in getting an eyeful of the trickling creeks of roads that the roaring city streets had waned into the closer they dared to get to the more natural parts of the island.
She only managed a single bite of apple before a noise in the distance quieted her munching.
Even the joys of people-watching and leaving newly painted works for others to discover had gotten stale.
Fits of yawns seemed to be plaguing a certain invisible onlooker with ferociously adorable tenacity.
Just this morning she had caught herself yawning midway through nabbing her breakfast, alerting a half-awake man to the stack of pancakes now floating above his plate. It only took long enough for him to rub the sleep from his eyes in disbelief for the breakfast to disappear completely.
Weaving her way through the streets to chase the tails of gossip among the locals was a welcome reprieve from boredom any day, but today's tones made the red panda's oversized ears twitch to attention.
The crowds teemed with hushed panic about recent run-ins with a familiarly-furred individual. The word 'Mink' lingered like sour fruit on the sneering lips of Lesser Minks so often that Aya could spot it from blocks away.
She would have been happy following any hints of excitement at this point, despite the chances of this being another example of Lesser Minks mistaking every strange animal that washed up onto their island for a furry fiend.
Still, the arboreal artist couldn't resist the mystery of another lone Mink wandering out there in the open.
And fortunately for Aya people around Notice didn't know how to resist blabbing about the interesting stuff. It was just a matter of sorting out the truth from the exaggerated hysterics of frightened humans.
Her first lead fizzled; the alleged altercation was simply a misremembered bar fight that had landed a rather hairy Lesser Mink in a heap in an alley outside a dive that smelled so strongly of alcohol that Aya almost mistook the burn for the scent of paint varnish.
The second story took her on a walk that merely alerted her to the uncanny silhouette of a sack stacked on top of a barrel just barely visible from the outside of a dilapidated building closer to the outskirts of the city. She had to admit that from a distance... if you kind of squinted... it did sort of look like a scruffy old canine Mink she once knew.
Despite the disappointing refuse there seemed to be something in the air that held promise. With a few deep draws of breath, the tiny investigator tried to focus.
A growl broke her concentration.
She set one paw on her stomach and gave a tiny squeak of a yawn. Maybe it was time for a snack.
Instinct brought her to the top of a gnarled old willow. The transparent climber scrambled up the boughs and sent a small cascade of leaves falling in her wake.
With a new perspective, she could now truly enjoy her scavenged lunch. Aya wasted no time in getting an eyeful of the trickling creeks of roads that the roaring city streets had waned into the closer they dared to get to the more natural parts of the island.
She only managed a single bite of apple before a noise in the distance quieted her munching.
{563/563}
- Yumiko
- [tracker=/t1347-yumiko#7408]
Name : Yumiko
Epithet : Kamaitachi
Age : 28
Height : 5'5'' / 165 cm
Weight : 128 lbs. / 58 kg
Species/Tribe : Human
Faction : Civilian
Devil Fruit : Ita Ita no Mi, Model: Kamaitachi
Bounty : [bel=r] 10,000,012
Quality Score : S
EXP Bonus : +0.20 (to all allies)
Balance : [bel] 2,916,996,298
[[baneoftheweak]][[dragonheart]][[childofdestiny]]
[[punchoutguru]][[dulcetvirtuoso]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 496
Re: [Episode] Mink-staken Identity
Fri Dec 29, 2023 9:15 am
Much like where rivers met the ocean, the line between the urban and the natural landscapes was teeming with life not often seen. Several stray cats serenaded. Nearby, a suspicious little bag traded hands and two shadows parted ways. A sloppy drunk who was late for a party -or far too early for it- stopped to relieve himself against a brick wall.
Wasn’t nature amazing?
Meanwhile, the distant voice got closer... Grew louder... And promptly multiplied. Furiously stamping feet kicked up a veritable dust cloud. A small army of hunters stormed right beneath the gnarled old willow.
The misfit group came to a screeching halt at the very edge of the city. They sniffed around, even turning some cobblestones over. Nothing.
Someone pointed out that the paw prints ended here. Another snarky voice thanked Captain Obvious for his valuable service. An argument sparked over how words could be hurtful. It was silenced by an open palm visiting the cheeks of everyone involved.
With the whiners silenced, the group turned to the fine, inebriated gentleman nearby. A disjointed chorus demanded answers. Had a big weasel run through here? Where had it gone? How long ago was that? Evidently they were fluent in sloppy drunk-ese, seeing that the answers proved satisfactory.
However, the group disagreed on which direction the teetering fellow had pointed, exactly. One guy took the initiative and dragged him off as their guide. Some chose to follow him, while others decided to take a shortcut. Then, the remaining handful of poor sods were simply lost, but they certainly didn’t let that slow them down.
The hunters scattered like cockroaches.
Moments later, a pile of trash resting against a brick wall rustled. Out popped the dark, furry head of a monstrously large weasel. ...Well, presumably the rest of the weasel was in there as well. However, only the head pivoted around like a periscope above waves.
Once the fugitive could be sure that the coast was clear, she emerged from hiding. Filth and trash clung stubbornly to her moist fur. A rotting banana peel sat on her head like an ill-fitting fashion statement. So much for the benefits of that bath...
Yumiko sniffed the air tentatively. Several scents, some stale and others awfully fresh, competed for her attention. It was tough to pick out the ones left by her belongings. The trail was little more than a bit of string in a storm.
The weasel woman peeked around the corner, only to spot one of the previous hunters wandering far too close. As she backed away, her ears twitched at another set of approaching footsteps from behind. She growled a curse beneath her breath.
Words: 444
Total: 977 / 5000
Wasn’t nature amazing?
Meanwhile, the distant voice got closer... Grew louder... And promptly multiplied. Furiously stamping feet kicked up a veritable dust cloud. A small army of hunters stormed right beneath the gnarled old willow.
The misfit group came to a screeching halt at the very edge of the city. They sniffed around, even turning some cobblestones over. Nothing.
Someone pointed out that the paw prints ended here. Another snarky voice thanked Captain Obvious for his valuable service. An argument sparked over how words could be hurtful. It was silenced by an open palm visiting the cheeks of everyone involved.
With the whiners silenced, the group turned to the fine, inebriated gentleman nearby. A disjointed chorus demanded answers. Had a big weasel run through here? Where had it gone? How long ago was that? Evidently they were fluent in sloppy drunk-ese, seeing that the answers proved satisfactory.
However, the group disagreed on which direction the teetering fellow had pointed, exactly. One guy took the initiative and dragged him off as their guide. Some chose to follow him, while others decided to take a shortcut. Then, the remaining handful of poor sods were simply lost, but they certainly didn’t let that slow them down.
The hunters scattered like cockroaches.
Moments later, a pile of trash resting against a brick wall rustled. Out popped the dark, furry head of a monstrously large weasel. ...Well, presumably the rest of the weasel was in there as well. However, only the head pivoted around like a periscope above waves.
Once the fugitive could be sure that the coast was clear, she emerged from hiding. Filth and trash clung stubbornly to her moist fur. A rotting banana peel sat on her head like an ill-fitting fashion statement. So much for the benefits of that bath...
Yumiko sniffed the air tentatively. Several scents, some stale and others awfully fresh, competed for her attention. It was tough to pick out the ones left by her belongings. The trail was little more than a bit of string in a storm.
The weasel woman peeked around the corner, only to spot one of the previous hunters wandering far too close. As she backed away, her ears twitched at another set of approaching footsteps from behind. She growled a curse beneath her breath.
Words: 444
Total: 977 / 5000
- Pikasso
- [tracker=/t2393-aya-pikasso-ruiz#14697]
Name : Aya Ruiz
Epithet : "Pikasso"
Age : 25
Height : 4'5"
Weight : 120 lb
Species/Tribe : Mink
Faction : Civilian/Other
Alliance : Nox Prime
Crew : P.T.S.D.
Ship : Dead Air
Crew Role : Procurement Specialist
Devil Fruit : Suke Suke no Mi
Quality Score : S+
Balance : [bel] 302,000,000
[[childofdestiny]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 106
Re: [Episode] Mink-staken Identity
Mon Jan 08, 2024 1:07 am
The dusty pall following an oncoming stampede of frenzied ferreters was a welcome sight for perhaps the first time since Aya had ventured away from home.
It meant she wasn’t too far off in her search… or she was just as confused as the humans hunting down this alleged Mink.
Either way, she wasn’t going to let them have all the fun.
With one last forlorn look at the sandwich in hand, Aya cut her losses and left the remaining half tucked in the crook of a branch. At least the birds would get a good meal out of it.
Aya followed far enough back from the would-be trappers to keep pesky dust from littering her fur. It wasn’t like she was going to lose track of the noisy bunch.
It seemed odd to her that they were heading back in toward the more populated areas, but this was certainly the easiest trail to follow.
Their sudden stop up ahead of her was even more curious still. It seemed her hopes for a competent lead were dashed quicker than she expected. Disappointing, but not surprising. At least it was worth a silent snicker to watch the frustrations build, especially knowing that there was in fact a Mink just out of sight of the scrambling searchers.
Aya kept a bit of distance between herself and the now-fractured posse, wracking her mind for a new idea to fight off the boredom and beginning to meander off herself.
Then, as if by some sort of divine intervention hellbent on keeping the little red panda’s attention, a pile of trash seemed to be given a breath of life.
Upon second glance and first reality check, a grin pulled across the invisible woman’s maw. She froze momentarily to assess the situation.
This didn’t seem to be someone simply causing havoc for the Lesser Mink population on Notice. There was a certain air of desperation required for most to bury themselves in garbage. Though she knew Minks with some unique tendencies, the trash-loving types were often rather unmistakable.
That was all the confirmation Aya needed to turn tail and head toward the kindred stranger. Her pace picked up as her excitement redoubled.
The tiny red panda appeared out of nowhere. If greetings were an art, Aya was a pioneer in Fauvism.
Like a cannonball of fluff and tittering laughter wrapped up in an oversized tropical-print shirt, she threw herself with open arms toward the other woman.
Where most might expect a vicious mauling, there was only the delighted nuzzling of fuzzy crimson cheeks to dark fur.
"GARCHUUUU~!!"
It seemed like much too long since she'd shared the greeting with another Mink. It was almost enough to bring tears to her eyes.
"...Youteia have no idea how happy I am to see you!"
And see her Aya certainly did. After the blindness of the initial excitement, she gave a few thoughtful blinks as she looked the other woman over.
"...Are youteia.. uh, some kind of naturist?"
" And... why are you wet?"
It meant she wasn’t too far off in her search… or she was just as confused as the humans hunting down this alleged Mink.
Either way, she wasn’t going to let them have all the fun.
With one last forlorn look at the sandwich in hand, Aya cut her losses and left the remaining half tucked in the crook of a branch. At least the birds would get a good meal out of it.
Aya followed far enough back from the would-be trappers to keep pesky dust from littering her fur. It wasn’t like she was going to lose track of the noisy bunch.
It seemed odd to her that they were heading back in toward the more populated areas, but this was certainly the easiest trail to follow.
Their sudden stop up ahead of her was even more curious still. It seemed her hopes for a competent lead were dashed quicker than she expected. Disappointing, but not surprising. At least it was worth a silent snicker to watch the frustrations build, especially knowing that there was in fact a Mink just out of sight of the scrambling searchers.
Aya kept a bit of distance between herself and the now-fractured posse, wracking her mind for a new idea to fight off the boredom and beginning to meander off herself.
Then, as if by some sort of divine intervention hellbent on keeping the little red panda’s attention, a pile of trash seemed to be given a breath of life.
Upon second glance and first reality check, a grin pulled across the invisible woman’s maw. She froze momentarily to assess the situation.
This didn’t seem to be someone simply causing havoc for the Lesser Mink population on Notice. There was a certain air of desperation required for most to bury themselves in garbage. Though she knew Minks with some unique tendencies, the trash-loving types were often rather unmistakable.
That was all the confirmation Aya needed to turn tail and head toward the kindred stranger. Her pace picked up as her excitement redoubled.
The tiny red panda appeared out of nowhere. If greetings were an art, Aya was a pioneer in Fauvism.
Like a cannonball of fluff and tittering laughter wrapped up in an oversized tropical-print shirt, she threw herself with open arms toward the other woman.
Where most might expect a vicious mauling, there was only the delighted nuzzling of fuzzy crimson cheeks to dark fur.
"GARCHUUUU~!!"
It seemed like much too long since she'd shared the greeting with another Mink. It was almost enough to bring tears to her eyes.
"...Youteia have no idea how happy I am to see you!"
And see her Aya certainly did. After the blindness of the initial excitement, she gave a few thoughtful blinks as she looked the other woman over.
"...Are youteia.. uh, some kind of naturist?"
" And... why are you wet?"
{505/1068}
- Yumiko
- [tracker=/t1347-yumiko#7408]
Name : Yumiko
Epithet : Kamaitachi
Age : 28
Height : 5'5'' / 165 cm
Weight : 128 lbs. / 58 kg
Species/Tribe : Human
Faction : Civilian
Devil Fruit : Ita Ita no Mi, Model: Kamaitachi
Bounty : [bel=r] 10,000,012
Quality Score : S
EXP Bonus : +0.20 (to all allies)
Balance : [bel] 2,916,996,298
[[baneoftheweak]][[dragonheart]][[childofdestiny]]
[[punchoutguru]][[dulcetvirtuoso]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 496
Re: [Episode] Mink-staken Identity
Wed Jan 10, 2024 5:07 am
All of a sudden, something appeared out of thin air. Faster than the warrior could react, an unseen assassin pounced. With the speed of a trained shinobi -or kunoichi- a blur of red closed the distance. A fierce, foreign battle cry split the silence.
In a flash, Yumiko found herself pinned against a wall. Sneaky arms snaked around her, trapping her in a tight squeeze. A single thought shot through her mind. ‘Sumo?!’ She was not prepared for someone so well-versed in martial arts to target her. Gritting her teeth, she braced herself for a vicious mauling...
Instead, she was hit with something far more... confusing.
“Happy...?”
Blinking, the weasel woman repeated the most unexpected word. With fumbling paws, she tried to return the hug. Despite the sickle-like claws, she managed to match the friendly tenderness somewhat.
Now that the initial adrenaline rush died down, the warrior got a proper look at the strangely dressed kunoichi. As soon as she got past the rather odd attire, the reality hit her like a frying pan to the face. The fur, the ears, the notably fluffy tail... Her hackles bristled at the sight. A mink! She had orders to...
Orders to...
...No.
There were no orders, not anymore. Thus, the former Marine relaxed her tense stance. Forced the prejudice out of her skull. Hid the surprise behind a layer of ice.
It was short-lived.
The sudden question pierced the samurai’s cold composure, like an arrow through paper. She was caught with her pants down. Rather literally. Her jaw dropped. Ears flattened. “Wha-? Nay, I... This one...” Instinctively, she crossed her paws in a weak attempt to cover herself.
Unfortunately, there was just too much weasel to hide behind lean limbs and large claws. It was foolish to even try. A true samurai was proud of his body! Her body...? No, that made no sense. Samurai couldn’t be... Gah, her thoughts were all scattered!
Yumiko hurriedly cleared her throat. She steeled her resolve and held her head high. It was only embarrassing if she let her shame get the best of her. “Ahem... I mean, I was taking a bath and some fiend stole mine clothes.” ...For some reason, admitting that didn’t make the situation feel any less embarrassing.
Unfortunately, the chance meeting was interrupted all too soon.
A curious hunter, dressed like an outlaw from News Coo comics, peeked into the grimy alley to check the commotion. “Bah gawd, ahm seein’ double!” He declared with a wide accent, rubbing his eyes. “Fourrr minks!” Even from several dozen feet away, his breath reeked of firewater.
The hunter tugged his wide-brimmed hat, adjusted his hefty gut and brandished his thick boomstick. “Jimbob’s gunna be rrrich, yessirrrree!” His three remaining teeth twisted into a malicious grin. “Com’errre!” If he pulled the trigger, the narrow alleyway would turn into a beehive.
And the whole town would know where to come looking.
Words: 484
Total: 1461 / 5000
In a flash, Yumiko found herself pinned against a wall. Sneaky arms snaked around her, trapping her in a tight squeeze. A single thought shot through her mind. ‘Sumo?!’ She was not prepared for someone so well-versed in martial arts to target her. Gritting her teeth, she braced herself for a vicious mauling...
Instead, she was hit with something far more... confusing.
“Happy...?”
Blinking, the weasel woman repeated the most unexpected word. With fumbling paws, she tried to return the hug. Despite the sickle-like claws, she managed to match the friendly tenderness somewhat.
Now that the initial adrenaline rush died down, the warrior got a proper look at the strangely dressed kunoichi. As soon as she got past the rather odd attire, the reality hit her like a frying pan to the face. The fur, the ears, the notably fluffy tail... Her hackles bristled at the sight. A mink! She had orders to...
Orders to...
...No.
There were no orders, not anymore. Thus, the former Marine relaxed her tense stance. Forced the prejudice out of her skull. Hid the surprise behind a layer of ice.
It was short-lived.
The sudden question pierced the samurai’s cold composure, like an arrow through paper. She was caught with her pants down. Rather literally. Her jaw dropped. Ears flattened. “Wha-? Nay, I... This one...” Instinctively, she crossed her paws in a weak attempt to cover herself.
Unfortunately, there was just too much weasel to hide behind lean limbs and large claws. It was foolish to even try. A true samurai was proud of his body! Her body...? No, that made no sense. Samurai couldn’t be... Gah, her thoughts were all scattered!
Yumiko hurriedly cleared her throat. She steeled her resolve and held her head high. It was only embarrassing if she let her shame get the best of her. “Ahem... I mean, I was taking a bath and some fiend stole mine clothes.” ...For some reason, admitting that didn’t make the situation feel any less embarrassing.
Unfortunately, the chance meeting was interrupted all too soon.
A curious hunter, dressed like an outlaw from News Coo comics, peeked into the grimy alley to check the commotion. “Bah gawd, ahm seein’ double!” He declared with a wide accent, rubbing his eyes. “Fourrr minks!” Even from several dozen feet away, his breath reeked of firewater.
The hunter tugged his wide-brimmed hat, adjusted his hefty gut and brandished his thick boomstick. “Jimbob’s gunna be rrrich, yessirrrree!” His three remaining teeth twisted into a malicious grin. “Com’errre!” If he pulled the trigger, the narrow alleyway would turn into a beehive.
And the whole town would know where to come looking.
Words: 484
Total: 1461 / 5000
- Pikasso
- [tracker=/t2393-aya-pikasso-ruiz#14697]
Name : Aya Ruiz
Epithet : "Pikasso"
Age : 25
Height : 4'5"
Weight : 120 lb
Species/Tribe : Mink
Faction : Civilian/Other
Alliance : Nox Prime
Crew : P.T.S.D.
Ship : Dead Air
Crew Role : Procurement Specialist
Devil Fruit : Suke Suke no Mi
Quality Score : S+
Balance : [bel] 302,000,000
[[childofdestiny]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 106
Re: [Episode] Mink-staken Identity
Tue Jan 16, 2024 2:36 pm
The awkward tone of the embrace seemed completely lost to the delighted artist, but the attempted cover-up was not. Aya’s head tilted to one side, fluffy ear twitching.
“Stole your clothes? Who would do something like-”
The irony of the mink dressed in fully ‘borrowed’ clothes questioning such a thing was cut short by the inebriated alleyway intruder. Instinctually the red panda’s paws lifted as if she’d been caught red-handed.
“...Oh, great. “ Aya’s shoulders sunk along with her mood. “Let’s not be too hasty now, alright?”
Being perceivable was such a pain.
Not as much of a pain as being riddled with ammunition would be, though.
With a sheepish grin and a few cautious steps away from her new furred friend and closer to the hick at the end of the path, the red panda blinked out of sight. The already wavering aim at the four furred visions now searched desperately for the missing half of the targets. The sounds of footsteps bounced off the walls of the grubby alleyway.
“What in the-”
As the backwater assailant tried to cut his losses and settle on the remaining prize, his gun seemed to have a sudden change of heart.
The barrel jerked towards the sky, the drunkard’s trigger finger aligned shoulder suddenly slumping following a crackle of static.
With half of his grip now slipping from the firearm, Aya’s nimble paws liberated it fully from the hunter’s grasp.
“..Gimme that. These things aren’t toys, youteia know.”
With all the practiced tone of a disapproving older sister, the little red panda showed herself again and turned the barrel towards its stammering owner.
“...Now scram.”
Hoping desperately that the man would be too confused and overwhelmed to recognize that Aya had very little idea how to handle a weapon like this, she took a quick glance back towards Yumiko and gave the man time enough to make himself scarce.
“Let’s find a less conspicuous place for introductions, shall we? Are those big claws youteia have any good for climbing?”
In a surprising show of tenacity and a significantly less surprising display of skullduggery, Aya’s thoughts reduced to dazed nothingness as a nearly empty bottle made contact with the top of her head. Broken glass and cheap booze littered her hair and dribbled down her face.
The tiny mink stood stunned as the laughter of a drunkard who thought he had the upper hand rang through her ears. With a little huff, she tried to blow sopping wet strands of red out of her face.
“...Ow.”
“Stole your clothes? Who would do something like-”
The irony of the mink dressed in fully ‘borrowed’ clothes questioning such a thing was cut short by the inebriated alleyway intruder. Instinctually the red panda’s paws lifted as if she’d been caught red-handed.
“...Oh, great. “ Aya’s shoulders sunk along with her mood. “Let’s not be too hasty now, alright?”
Being perceivable was such a pain.
Not as much of a pain as being riddled with ammunition would be, though.
With a sheepish grin and a few cautious steps away from her new furred friend and closer to the hick at the end of the path, the red panda blinked out of sight. The already wavering aim at the four furred visions now searched desperately for the missing half of the targets. The sounds of footsteps bounced off the walls of the grubby alleyway.
“What in the-”
As the backwater assailant tried to cut his losses and settle on the remaining prize, his gun seemed to have a sudden change of heart.
The barrel jerked towards the sky, the drunkard’s trigger finger aligned shoulder suddenly slumping following a crackle of static.
With half of his grip now slipping from the firearm, Aya’s nimble paws liberated it fully from the hunter’s grasp.
“..Gimme that. These things aren’t toys, youteia know.”
With all the practiced tone of a disapproving older sister, the little red panda showed herself again and turned the barrel towards its stammering owner.
“...Now scram.”
Hoping desperately that the man would be too confused and overwhelmed to recognize that Aya had very little idea how to handle a weapon like this, she took a quick glance back towards Yumiko and gave the man time enough to make himself scarce.
“Let’s find a less conspicuous place for introductions, shall we? Are those big claws youteia have any good for climbing?”
In a surprising show of tenacity and a significantly less surprising display of skullduggery, Aya’s thoughts reduced to dazed nothingness as a nearly empty bottle made contact with the top of her head. Broken glass and cheap booze littered her hair and dribbled down her face.
The tiny mink stood stunned as the laughter of a drunkard who thought he had the upper hand rang through her ears. With a little huff, she tried to blow sopping wet strands of red out of her face.
“...Ow.”
{423/1,491}
- Yumiko
- [tracker=/t1347-yumiko#7408]
Name : Yumiko
Epithet : Kamaitachi
Age : 28
Height : 5'5'' / 165 cm
Weight : 128 lbs. / 58 kg
Species/Tribe : Human
Faction : Civilian
Devil Fruit : Ita Ita no Mi, Model: Kamaitachi
Bounty : [bel=r] 10,000,012
Quality Score : S
EXP Bonus : +0.20 (to all allies)
Balance : [bel] 2,916,996,298
[[baneoftheweak]][[dragonheart]][[childofdestiny]]
[[punchoutguru]][[dulcetvirtuoso]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 496
Re: [Episode] Mink-staken Identity
Fri Jan 19, 2024 11:28 am
The warrior’s stance tensed. Her claws dug into the street. Winds began to whisper. Robbed of clothing, dignity and now escape routes, she was almost ready to resort to desperate tactics... But hesitation froze her muscles.
Yumiko’s eyes focused on the cannon. It wasn’t aimed only at her. Was she fast enough to cut it apart, before it could fire? And if she failed, was she strong enough to withstand the blast without endangering the stranger by her side?
...She didn’t want to answer those questions.
Fortunately for everyone involved, the trickster stole the initiative. ...And the gun.
The weasel’s eyes bulged and her jaw dropped. She wasn’t sure what she was seeing anymore. Or rather, wasn’t seeing. It looked like the girl just vanished into thin air, only to reappear elsewhere. What manner of sorcery was this...?
Stunned by the display of guile and skill, the warrior had to shake some sense into her head. A less conspicuous place. Yes, of course. “Agreed. I can-” The sound of shattering glass cut her words short.
Yumiko’s fur bristled. A threatening snarl crawled past her sharp teeth. “Tch, despicable coward! Begone!” Rushing between them, she whipped her scythe tail in a wide, dangerous arc. It carved the foe’s bristly beard in two. Honestly, an improvement.
Following the slash, a sudden whirlwind erupted from nowhere. It sent the drunkard tumbling backwards. Trash cans clattered in rhythm with creative cursing. The circling winds whipped up a blizzard of old newspapers that filled the alley.
In the confusion, the warrior deftly scooped up the trickster. She was large enough to act as a strange steed. “Hang on!” Her claws scraped against the wall, finding just enough traction on the bricks. By the time the trash stopped flying, she was already gone.
After a hasty scramble across the rooftops, the monstrous weasel took shelter in the shadow of a slanted chimney. She cast a worried glance at the surrounding streets. “I pray the fiends think not to gaze upwards...”
More importantly...
Yumiko turned her attention to the brave stranger. “Are thou alright, young Miss Tanuki?” She tried to get a good look of what she feared was a devastating injury. Was that dripping alcohol or...? A single sniff made her recoil. Eugh. Yes, definitely alcohol.
Like a worriedmother older sister, she fussed over the shorter girl. “Do thou require bandages? Medication? Uh... Sake to numb the pain?” She blurted out haphazard suggestions. First aid had never been her strong suit, but that wasn’t going to slow her down.
Words: 424
Total: 1885 / 5000
Yumiko’s eyes focused on the cannon. It wasn’t aimed only at her. Was she fast enough to cut it apart, before it could fire? And if she failed, was she strong enough to withstand the blast without endangering the stranger by her side?
...She didn’t want to answer those questions.
Fortunately for everyone involved, the trickster stole the initiative. ...And the gun.
The weasel’s eyes bulged and her jaw dropped. She wasn’t sure what she was seeing anymore. Or rather, wasn’t seeing. It looked like the girl just vanished into thin air, only to reappear elsewhere. What manner of sorcery was this...?
Stunned by the display of guile and skill, the warrior had to shake some sense into her head. A less conspicuous place. Yes, of course. “Agreed. I can-” The sound of shattering glass cut her words short.
Yumiko’s fur bristled. A threatening snarl crawled past her sharp teeth. “Tch, despicable coward! Begone!” Rushing between them, she whipped her scythe tail in a wide, dangerous arc. It carved the foe’s bristly beard in two. Honestly, an improvement.
Following the slash, a sudden whirlwind erupted from nowhere. It sent the drunkard tumbling backwards. Trash cans clattered in rhythm with creative cursing. The circling winds whipped up a blizzard of old newspapers that filled the alley.
In the confusion, the warrior deftly scooped up the trickster. She was large enough to act as a strange steed. “Hang on!” Her claws scraped against the wall, finding just enough traction on the bricks. By the time the trash stopped flying, she was already gone.
After a hasty scramble across the rooftops, the monstrous weasel took shelter in the shadow of a slanted chimney. She cast a worried glance at the surrounding streets. “I pray the fiends think not to gaze upwards...”
More importantly...
Yumiko turned her attention to the brave stranger. “Are thou alright, young Miss Tanuki?” She tried to get a good look of what she feared was a devastating injury. Was that dripping alcohol or...? A single sniff made her recoil. Eugh. Yes, definitely alcohol.
Like a worried
Words: 424
Total: 1885 / 5000
- Pikasso
- [tracker=/t2393-aya-pikasso-ruiz#14697]
Name : Aya Ruiz
Epithet : "Pikasso"
Age : 25
Height : 4'5"
Weight : 120 lb
Species/Tribe : Mink
Faction : Civilian/Other
Alliance : Nox Prime
Crew : P.T.S.D.
Ship : Dead Air
Crew Role : Procurement Specialist
Devil Fruit : Suke Suke no Mi
Quality Score : S+
Balance : [bel] 302,000,000
[[childofdestiny]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 106
Re: [Episode] Mink-staken Identity
Tue Feb 27, 2024 12:03 am
Stars.
A whole miniature galaxy at her feet.
Aya's bleary eyes and the rough-edged glint of the shards of glass that lay scattered around her boots collaborated to fill her sight with indistinct points of light.
A shake of her head made the other glass particles twinkle down to join the others. She might have been lost in the artistry of her own misfortune, had a growl not perked her ears.
When she raised her gaze, she was still convinced her brain was too shaken up to make sense of what was going on. The Mink's striped tail wrapped around her frame as she tried to understand where the sudden surge of wind and rubbish had come from.
Her maw opened to question aloud but before she could form the words she was lifted by the weasel woman. Clinging was practically second nature to Aya at this point, so the stranger's instruction was certainly not lost on her.
Neither was the smell of trash and old alcohol, unfortunately. It certainly wasn't helping her dizziness.
Aya had been silently considering whether this was all some sort of strange, cruel dream egged on by loneliness when her heroine turned her attention back to her. It took a few absent-minded blinks before the red panda reached both paws up, one to adjust her shades and one to run her claws through scarlet strands of hair.
"...Me? I'm sure it looks worse than it is. Don't worry about it too much..." Aya seemed to take heart suddenly, grinning and motioning lightly bloodied hands at her savior.
"But look at youteia!! That was- I mean, how did youteia-" The excited little fluffball circled, taking the chance to get a good look at her.
"They really make 'em different outside of Zou, huh?" She tittered, staring up to marvel at the mustelid madam.
Within mere moments, the affectionate runt was upon her in another thankful fluffy frenzy.
"GARCHUU~! Youteia really saved my fur down there! "
"...Oh! Speaking of..."
After a couple of steps back, Aya removed her backpack. She rustled through the artist's tools, holding a few articles of clothing up one after the other in the other woman's direction.
A bikini top adorned with strawberry designs. A small pair of shorts. A glitzy but slinky party dress.
Each time she paused to consider, then set the apparel to the side.
"You're welcome to these, Miss-... Uh..."
Hesitating, Aya turned back to quirk a round brow.
"...What's your name, friend? Mine's Aya."
A whole miniature galaxy at her feet.
Aya's bleary eyes and the rough-edged glint of the shards of glass that lay scattered around her boots collaborated to fill her sight with indistinct points of light.
A shake of her head made the other glass particles twinkle down to join the others. She might have been lost in the artistry of her own misfortune, had a growl not perked her ears.
When she raised her gaze, she was still convinced her brain was too shaken up to make sense of what was going on. The Mink's striped tail wrapped around her frame as she tried to understand where the sudden surge of wind and rubbish had come from.
Her maw opened to question aloud but before she could form the words she was lifted by the weasel woman. Clinging was practically second nature to Aya at this point, so the stranger's instruction was certainly not lost on her.
Neither was the smell of trash and old alcohol, unfortunately. It certainly wasn't helping her dizziness.
Aya had been silently considering whether this was all some sort of strange, cruel dream egged on by loneliness when her heroine turned her attention back to her. It took a few absent-minded blinks before the red panda reached both paws up, one to adjust her shades and one to run her claws through scarlet strands of hair.
"...Me? I'm sure it looks worse than it is. Don't worry about it too much..." Aya seemed to take heart suddenly, grinning and motioning lightly bloodied hands at her savior.
"But look at youteia!! That was- I mean, how did youteia-" The excited little fluffball circled, taking the chance to get a good look at her.
"They really make 'em different outside of Zou, huh?" She tittered, staring up to marvel at the mustelid madam.
Within mere moments, the affectionate runt was upon her in another thankful fluffy frenzy.
"GARCHUU~! Youteia really saved my fur down there! "
"...Oh! Speaking of..."
After a couple of steps back, Aya removed her backpack. She rustled through the artist's tools, holding a few articles of clothing up one after the other in the other woman's direction.
A bikini top adorned with strawberry designs. A small pair of shorts. A glitzy but slinky party dress.
Each time she paused to consider, then set the apparel to the side.
"You're welcome to these, Miss-... Uh..."
Hesitating, Aya turned back to quirk a round brow.
"...What's your name, friend? Mine's Aya."
{ Post: 417 / Total: 1,908 }
- Yumiko
- [tracker=/t1347-yumiko#7408]
Name : Yumiko
Epithet : Kamaitachi
Age : 28
Height : 5'5'' / 165 cm
Weight : 128 lbs. / 58 kg
Species/Tribe : Human
Faction : Civilian
Devil Fruit : Ita Ita no Mi, Model: Kamaitachi
Bounty : [bel=r] 10,000,012
Quality Score : S
EXP Bonus : +0.20 (to all allies)
Balance : [bel] 2,916,996,298
[[baneoftheweak]][[dragonheart]][[childofdestiny]]
[[punchoutguru]][[dulcetvirtuoso]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 496
Re: [Episode] Mink-staken Identity
Wed Feb 28, 2024 8:51 am
Yumiko heard and immediately failed the instruction. If anything, such a claim only made her more worried. Her eyes were especially drawn to the motioning hands. Was that blood on the fur...?
However, the sudden mood shift blew the worries away. The warrior struggled to keep up with the energetic artist’s pace. Her scythe-tipped tail curled, trying to cover... something. She wasn’t even sure what she was hiding anymore.
“Wait, did thou say... Zou...?”
The baffled traveler blinked at the reveal. “But is that not...” A fable, she almost said. Just a children’s bedtime story, her rational mind insisted. Yet, for some, Wano was exactly that - a land of legends somewhere beyond the oceans. “...quite far away?” She eventually decided.
“Garchuu...?” The weasel repeated, puzzled by the peculiar... word? Noise? Sneeze? This girl had said that earlier as well. A greeting of a sort, then?
When the peculiar traveler dug into the backpack, the wandering warrior couldn’t help her curiosity. She peered over the girl’s shoulder. ...Only to recoil at the sight.
With each article of skimpy clothing presented, the weasel woman flinched further. Her conflicted expression shifted between pity and pain. Somehow, the growing blush on her cheeks burned through even the dark fur.
Yumiko’s heart ached for this poor girl. Anyone forced to wear such flimsy rags had to be exceptionally unfortunate... They could hardly even be called clothes with how little they covered. Pieces of a proper kimono, they most certainly were not.
But...
Perhaps they were better than nothing... Just barely...
Thus, the warrior reluctantly accepted the gifted garb. “Uh, I... I am in thy debt...” She muttered, while starting with the shorts. They seemed like the safest option.
One clawed paw at a time, the monstrous weasel squeezed into the tiny pants. They hugged her figure far too closely for her liking. If she had to think of something positive, though, at least they sat comfortably beneath her tail. Clearly they had been picked by someone who had to consider such comfort.
Between the motions, the embarrassed woman gladly welcomed any distraction. “Well met, Miss Aya.” Holding her head high, she puffed her chest. “Mine name is Kamaitachi no Yumiko. This one is a samur...” She caught herself. “Apologies. I misspoke. This one is naught but a humble wanderer anymore.” Her head dipped into a deep bow.
Yumiko’s attention shifted onto the strawberry-decorated top. She picked it up gingerly with her sickle claws. “This is... a breast band...?” There was a long, hesitant pause. A true swordsman could cut precisely what they wished to cut...
But few were the swordsmen who could secure a bikini top with only blades.
Words: 444
Total: 2329 / 5000
However, the sudden mood shift blew the worries away. The warrior struggled to keep up with the energetic artist’s pace. Her scythe-tipped tail curled, trying to cover... something. She wasn’t even sure what she was hiding anymore.
“Wait, did thou say... Zou...?”
The baffled traveler blinked at the reveal. “But is that not...” A fable, she almost said. Just a children’s bedtime story, her rational mind insisted. Yet, for some, Wano was exactly that - a land of legends somewhere beyond the oceans. “...quite far away?” She eventually decided.
“Garchuu...?” The weasel repeated, puzzled by the peculiar... word? Noise? Sneeze? This girl had said that earlier as well. A greeting of a sort, then?
When the peculiar traveler dug into the backpack, the wandering warrior couldn’t help her curiosity. She peered over the girl’s shoulder. ...Only to recoil at the sight.
With each article of skimpy clothing presented, the weasel woman flinched further. Her conflicted expression shifted between pity and pain. Somehow, the growing blush on her cheeks burned through even the dark fur.
Yumiko’s heart ached for this poor girl. Anyone forced to wear such flimsy rags had to be exceptionally unfortunate... They could hardly even be called clothes with how little they covered. Pieces of a proper kimono, they most certainly were not.
But...
Perhaps they were better than nothing... Just barely...
Thus, the warrior reluctantly accepted the gifted garb. “Uh, I... I am in thy debt...” She muttered, while starting with the shorts. They seemed like the safest option.
One clawed paw at a time, the monstrous weasel squeezed into the tiny pants. They hugged her figure far too closely for her liking. If she had to think of something positive, though, at least they sat comfortably beneath her tail. Clearly they had been picked by someone who had to consider such comfort.
Between the motions, the embarrassed woman gladly welcomed any distraction. “Well met, Miss Aya.” Holding her head high, she puffed her chest. “Mine name is Kamaitachi no Yumiko. This one is a samur...” She caught herself. “Apologies. I misspoke. This one is naught but a humble wanderer anymore.” Her head dipped into a deep bow.
Yumiko’s attention shifted onto the strawberry-decorated top. She picked it up gingerly with her sickle claws. “This is... a breast band...?” There was a long, hesitant pause. A true swordsman could cut precisely what they wished to cut...
But few were the swordsmen who could secure a bikini top with only blades.
Words: 444
Total: 2329 / 5000
- Pikasso
- [tracker=/t2393-aya-pikasso-ruiz#14697]
Name : Aya Ruiz
Epithet : "Pikasso"
Age : 25
Height : 4'5"
Weight : 120 lb
Species/Tribe : Mink
Faction : Civilian/Other
Alliance : Nox Prime
Crew : P.T.S.D.
Ship : Dead Air
Crew Role : Procurement Specialist
Devil Fruit : Suke Suke no Mi
Quality Score : S+
Balance : [bel] 302,000,000
[[childofdestiny]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 106
Re: [Episode] Mink-staken Identity
Mon Mar 18, 2024 11:38 pm
The short panda's ears twitched at the question.
"Of course Zou is far away!" With a snicker and a shake of the head, Aya turned her attention toward the direction of home. Her focus lingered there momentarily.
"...Youteia can't feel it?" Her voice hushed as she thought about it. Was it because this Mink wasn't from Zou? In her mind, that was the only probable answer for all this confusion. The idea of being so cut off from the welcoming arms of so many other Minks was almost enough to bring a tear to her eyes behind those dark lenses.
She resolved to simply try to pack all the Minkship she could into the cuddly thank-you hugs.
The way Yumiko hesitantly accepted the gifted clothing did catch Aya's attention, but perhaps not for the right reasons.
Instead, the young woman was convinced it must have been because her new friend was feeling embarrassed about not having her own clothes available to trade in return. It was a show of amity, after all.
"...Don't worry about it! I trade most of my clothes out when I visit a new place anyway. Youteia can keep them if you'd like."
Aya tucked the dress back into her bag, watching as the other seemed to struggle with the clothing.
"Ah... It's called a 'bikini'. There's usually a bottom piece, too, but uh... the one with it didn't have tail room. Lesser minks don't consider that sort of thing."
" Here, let me help youteia. It's a wonder you can do much of anything with claws like that."
She cautiously swiped the top back from sizable claws and circled to step behind the weasel.
"... Recent change in occupation then, Yumiko?" A soft sigh came from behind as Aya pulled the top into place on the taller woman. " We're in the same boat there." That change was why the little thief had ended up back in Notice in the first place.
Nimble little fingers worked to tie the bikini on securely.
"Wandering itself isn't anything to be sad about though," Aya paused to consider her choice of words, "...New perspectives reveal the beauty in the unknown."
She stepped back around to admire her handy work with a tilt of her head and the discerning eye of a creator, then gave a delighted double thumbs-up.
"You'd almost fit in with the tourists now!" Something about her discomfort told Aya that this wasn't quite the style the weasel woman would have preferred, though.
With her hands now free, the Mink fished a booze-dampened cigarette from one of the pockets of her backpack, lit it with a spark between her fingertips, and took a breath of the clove-spiced smoke.
" ...What kind of selfish jerk would go and steal your clothes, anyway?"
"Of course Zou is far away!" With a snicker and a shake of the head, Aya turned her attention toward the direction of home. Her focus lingered there momentarily.
"...Youteia can't feel it?" Her voice hushed as she thought about it. Was it because this Mink wasn't from Zou? In her mind, that was the only probable answer for all this confusion. The idea of being so cut off from the welcoming arms of so many other Minks was almost enough to bring a tear to her eyes behind those dark lenses.
She resolved to simply try to pack all the Minkship she could into the cuddly thank-you hugs.
The way Yumiko hesitantly accepted the gifted clothing did catch Aya's attention, but perhaps not for the right reasons.
Instead, the young woman was convinced it must have been because her new friend was feeling embarrassed about not having her own clothes available to trade in return. It was a show of amity, after all.
"...Don't worry about it! I trade most of my clothes out when I visit a new place anyway. Youteia can keep them if you'd like."
Aya tucked the dress back into her bag, watching as the other seemed to struggle with the clothing.
"Ah... It's called a 'bikini'. There's usually a bottom piece, too, but uh... the one with it didn't have tail room. Lesser minks don't consider that sort of thing."
" Here, let me help youteia. It's a wonder you can do much of anything with claws like that."
She cautiously swiped the top back from sizable claws and circled to step behind the weasel.
"... Recent change in occupation then, Yumiko?" A soft sigh came from behind as Aya pulled the top into place on the taller woman. " We're in the same boat there." That change was why the little thief had ended up back in Notice in the first place.
Nimble little fingers worked to tie the bikini on securely.
"Wandering itself isn't anything to be sad about though," Aya paused to consider her choice of words, "...New perspectives reveal the beauty in the unknown."
She stepped back around to admire her handy work with a tilt of her head and the discerning eye of a creator, then gave a delighted double thumbs-up.
"You'd almost fit in with the tourists now!" Something about her discomfort told Aya that this wasn't quite the style the weasel woman would have preferred, though.
With her hands now free, the Mink fished a booze-dampened cigarette from one of the pockets of her backpack, lit it with a spark between her fingertips, and took a breath of the clove-spiced smoke.
" ...What kind of selfish jerk would go and steal your clothes, anyway?"
{ Post: 465 / Total: 2,373}
- Yumiko
- [tracker=/t1347-yumiko#7408]
Name : Yumiko
Epithet : Kamaitachi
Age : 28
Height : 5'5'' / 165 cm
Weight : 128 lbs. / 58 kg
Species/Tribe : Human
Faction : Civilian
Devil Fruit : Ita Ita no Mi, Model: Kamaitachi
Bounty : [bel=r] 10,000,012
Quality Score : S
EXP Bonus : +0.20 (to all allies)
Balance : [bel] 2,916,996,298
[[baneoftheweak]][[dragonheart]][[childofdestiny]]
[[punchoutguru]][[dulcetvirtuoso]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 496
Re: [Episode] Mink-staken Identity
Sat Mar 23, 2024 2:10 pm
Much to the swordswoman’s relief, her new friend was quick to offer a helping paw. “Thank you.” She nodded, while silencing the voice in her head that tried to rant about honor and strength. Accepting help was not a weakness. She would do well to finally understand that.
After the skimpy garment changed paws, the weasel knelt down. “A true swordsman cuts only what he chooses.” She explained. Granted, mastering her claws had taken years... Even now, they sometimes surprised her with their sharpness. It was almost... supernatural.
Letting the nimble girl work, the warrior simply listened. All of this was... a little much to digest, honestly. Not unpleasant, mind you. Just... Overwhelming. “Yes...” She sighed heavily at the question. “I... disgraced mine former master... And had to leave...” Her head drooped in shame. The words died on her tongue. No, she shouldn’t... Couldn’t... say anything more.
In many ways, the two wanderers were alike. Both had come from a faraway land to a world that was oftentimes strange. Hostile. Insane even. People would hunt them down just for how they looked. Their deeds didn’t even matter. Where was the justice in that?
Yumiko closed her eyes and mulled over the short girl’s words. “Hm... Thou are very wise, Miss Aya.” She eventually decided, bowing her head. “I am humbled by thy counsel.” Perhaps... It wasn’t all that bad to be lost.
After all, wandering was how she had run into this person.
Standing back up, the weasel woman glanced down at her new... outfit. Something died behind her eyes. She returned an awkward grin teetering on the verge of a grimace. “Er... I... shall take thy word for it...” She felt like a... Well, the exact word was too inappropriate to even think, let alone say. Awkwardly, she tugged at the bikini top, trying to silently will it to cover a little more skin.
Didn’t work.
She still felt naked.
Desperate to find a distraction, the warrior stalked over to the edge of the building. “I wonder the same question...” Her keen gaze scanned the streets below. “I was tracking the scent of mine clothes, until these deranged hunters showed up.”
Speaking of whom...
Several shouts echoed from the urban maze. The hunters had doubled back and evidently found the drunken shotgun fiend. A heated exchange of blame ensued, occasionally accompanied by wildly inaccurate information.
Yumiko’s shoulders sagged. “If only I could disappear like thou. Mine search would be much easier...” She mused idly. It was wistful thinking, though. Such ninjutsu must have taken decades to train and perfect. Hardly something that could be learned in an afternoon.
Words: 439
Total: 2768 / 5000
After the skimpy garment changed paws, the weasel knelt down. “A true swordsman cuts only what he chooses.” She explained. Granted, mastering her claws had taken years... Even now, they sometimes surprised her with their sharpness. It was almost... supernatural.
Letting the nimble girl work, the warrior simply listened. All of this was... a little much to digest, honestly. Not unpleasant, mind you. Just... Overwhelming. “Yes...” She sighed heavily at the question. “I... disgraced mine former master... And had to leave...” Her head drooped in shame. The words died on her tongue. No, she shouldn’t... Couldn’t... say anything more.
In many ways, the two wanderers were alike. Both had come from a faraway land to a world that was oftentimes strange. Hostile. Insane even. People would hunt them down just for how they looked. Their deeds didn’t even matter. Where was the justice in that?
Yumiko closed her eyes and mulled over the short girl’s words. “Hm... Thou are very wise, Miss Aya.” She eventually decided, bowing her head. “I am humbled by thy counsel.” Perhaps... It wasn’t all that bad to be lost.
After all, wandering was how she had run into this person.
Standing back up, the weasel woman glanced down at her new... outfit. Something died behind her eyes. She returned an awkward grin teetering on the verge of a grimace. “Er... I... shall take thy word for it...” She felt like a... Well, the exact word was too inappropriate to even think, let alone say. Awkwardly, she tugged at the bikini top, trying to silently will it to cover a little more skin.
Didn’t work.
She still felt naked.
Desperate to find a distraction, the warrior stalked over to the edge of the building. “I wonder the same question...” Her keen gaze scanned the streets below. “I was tracking the scent of mine clothes, until these deranged hunters showed up.”
Speaking of whom...
Several shouts echoed from the urban maze. The hunters had doubled back and evidently found the drunken shotgun fiend. A heated exchange of blame ensued, occasionally accompanied by wildly inaccurate information.
Yumiko’s shoulders sagged. “If only I could disappear like thou. Mine search would be much easier...” She mused idly. It was wistful thinking, though. Such ninjutsu must have taken decades to train and perfect. Hardly something that could be learned in an afternoon.
Words: 439
Total: 2768 / 5000
- Pikasso
- [tracker=/t2393-aya-pikasso-ruiz#14697]
Name : Aya Ruiz
Epithet : "Pikasso"
Age : 25
Height : 4'5"
Weight : 120 lb
Species/Tribe : Mink
Faction : Civilian/Other
Alliance : Nox Prime
Crew : P.T.S.D.
Ship : Dead Air
Crew Role : Procurement Specialist
Devil Fruit : Suke Suke no Mi
Quality Score : S+
Balance : [bel] 302,000,000
[[childofdestiny]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 106
Re: [Episode] Mink-staken Identity
Tue Apr 09, 2024 11:22 pm
Aya's fluffy noggin nodded as she listened to the melancholy summary of Yumiko's recent bad luck. Though curious, she was polite enough to bite her tongue and not poke into what was obviously a sullen subject.
Instead, she focused on the ill-burning smoke between her teeth. The uneven smolder and the sound of the Lesser Minks below made her scrunch up her nose distastefully.
When her new friend's little wish graced the artist's ears Pikasso nearly choked on stale smoke as she gave a sputtering snicker.
"...Is that right?"
The tip of her sharp canine decorated a delighted smirk.
"Sounds like youteia are about to end that run of bad luck then, my friend."
Finally, a decent puff. A thoughtful look overtook the red panda as she considered her next words.
"...I'll lend youteia just that and help youteia find your belongings. In return, all I ask is that youteia help me with my more creative talents."
Aya recalled an earlier offer and rested a paw on her chin as she pondered it.
"...Maybe over sake? Modeling tends to make people a little rigid anyway. It's always easier with drinks."
She let the other Mink have the moment to consider, using that time to display her side of the offer more transparently. She held up the dark cigarette for Yumiko to view before it vanished briefly. Smoke still trailed from the place where the ember once glowed.
"It works as long as I'm touching whatever needs to disappear. Helping youteia out would be no problem."
The excited grin on her face nearly divulged the fact that Aya would have likely helped just for the fun of it, but with this deal she'd get mystery-chasing and inspiration.
This was just too good to pass up.
"...What do you say?"
Instead, she focused on the ill-burning smoke between her teeth. The uneven smolder and the sound of the Lesser Minks below made her scrunch up her nose distastefully.
When her new friend's little wish graced the artist's ears Pikasso nearly choked on stale smoke as she gave a sputtering snicker.
"...Is that right?"
The tip of her sharp canine decorated a delighted smirk.
"Sounds like youteia are about to end that run of bad luck then, my friend."
Finally, a decent puff. A thoughtful look overtook the red panda as she considered her next words.
"...I'll lend youteia just that and help youteia find your belongings. In return, all I ask is that youteia help me with my more creative talents."
Aya recalled an earlier offer and rested a paw on her chin as she pondered it.
"...Maybe over sake? Modeling tends to make people a little rigid anyway. It's always easier with drinks."
She let the other Mink have the moment to consider, using that time to display her side of the offer more transparently. She held up the dark cigarette for Yumiko to view before it vanished briefly. Smoke still trailed from the place where the ember once glowed.
"It works as long as I'm touching whatever needs to disappear. Helping youteia out would be no problem."
The excited grin on her face nearly divulged the fact that Aya would have likely helped just for the fun of it, but with this deal she'd get mystery-chasing and inspiration.
This was just too good to pass up.
"...What do you say?"
{ Post: 298 / Total: 2,671 }
- Yumiko
- [tracker=/t1347-yumiko#7408]
Name : Yumiko
Epithet : Kamaitachi
Age : 28
Height : 5'5'' / 165 cm
Weight : 128 lbs. / 58 kg
Species/Tribe : Human
Faction : Civilian
Devil Fruit : Ita Ita no Mi, Model: Kamaitachi
Bounty : [bel=r] 10,000,012
Quality Score : S
EXP Bonus : +0.20 (to all allies)
Balance : [bel] 2,916,996,298
[[baneoftheweak]][[dragonheart]][[childofdestiny]]
[[punchoutguru]][[dulcetvirtuoso]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 496
Re: [Episode] Mink-staken Identity
Sun Apr 14, 2024 4:05 am
Yumiko’s ears twitched at the voice of an unexpected opportunity. She cast a curious glance at the snickering girl. “Hm? What, pray tell, do thou mean?” It sounded, well, rather unlikely, in truth. And that smile was a little difficult to trust...
Nevertheless, the samurai set her suspicions aside for the moment and listened to the offer. “Uh... Creative... talents...? Modeling...?” She echoed the peculiar word choices, still feeling kind of lost. It didn’t quite cross her mind that she was dealing with an artist.
Still, the offer of sake would stand now and forever. The swordswoman would never deny someone a cup -or several- of the elixir of life. “Well, thou are free to have mine sake, as long as we recover mine belongings.” That part was already decided. The rest, though...
Seeing the burning stick of vice vanish into thin air made the warrior’s jaw drop. “Incredible sorcery... Thou truly are a kunoichi...” In her eyes, turning into an animal was mundane compared to vanishing from sight. If the smoke hadn’t constantly tickled her sensitive nose, she would’ve believed that the cigarette disappeared completely.
Falling silent, Yumiko folded her paws and closed her eyes. A deep, pondering hum rumbled in her chest. On one hand, she knew many tales of tanuki playing tricks on unsuspecting travelers. Yet, on the other hand... Every Wano kid had once dreamed of becoming a fearsome shinobi or an enchanting kunoichi. Herself included.
Surely, even a trickster would honor her word the same way a samurai did?
Yes, absolutely.
After brief consideration, the weasel woman’s eyes flashed open. “Very well, Miss Aya. Thy terms are acceptable.” She nodded sternly. “Together, we shall hunt down those scoundrels and make them regret their dishonorable ways.”
Dropping onto all fours, the warrior knelt before the artist. Her eyes were burning with peculiar fervor. “Come, ride me.” She offered, nay, demanded.
Words: 314
Total: 3082 / 5000
Nevertheless, the samurai set her suspicions aside for the moment and listened to the offer. “Uh... Creative... talents...? Modeling...?” She echoed the peculiar word choices, still feeling kind of lost. It didn’t quite cross her mind that she was dealing with an artist.
Still, the offer of sake would stand now and forever. The swordswoman would never deny someone a cup -or several- of the elixir of life. “Well, thou are free to have mine sake, as long as we recover mine belongings.” That part was already decided. The rest, though...
Seeing the burning stick of vice vanish into thin air made the warrior’s jaw drop. “Incredible sorcery... Thou truly are a kunoichi...” In her eyes, turning into an animal was mundane compared to vanishing from sight. If the smoke hadn’t constantly tickled her sensitive nose, she would’ve believed that the cigarette disappeared completely.
Falling silent, Yumiko folded her paws and closed her eyes. A deep, pondering hum rumbled in her chest. On one hand, she knew many tales of tanuki playing tricks on unsuspecting travelers. Yet, on the other hand... Every Wano kid had once dreamed of becoming a fearsome shinobi or an enchanting kunoichi. Herself included.
Surely, even a trickster would honor her word the same way a samurai did?
Yes, absolutely.
After brief consideration, the weasel woman’s eyes flashed open. “Very well, Miss Aya. Thy terms are acceptable.” She nodded sternly. “Together, we shall hunt down those scoundrels and make them regret their dishonorable ways.”
Dropping onto all fours, the warrior knelt before the artist. Her eyes were burning with peculiar fervor. “Come, ride me.” She offered, nay, demanded.
Words: 314
Total: 3082 / 5000
- Pikasso
- [tracker=/t2393-aya-pikasso-ruiz#14697]
Name : Aya Ruiz
Epithet : "Pikasso"
Age : 25
Height : 4'5"
Weight : 120 lb
Species/Tribe : Mink
Faction : Civilian/Other
Alliance : Nox Prime
Crew : P.T.S.D.
Ship : Dead Air
Crew Role : Procurement Specialist
Devil Fruit : Suke Suke no Mi
Quality Score : S+
Balance : [bel] 302,000,000
[[childofdestiny]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 106
Re: [Episode] Mink-staken Identity
Sun Apr 28, 2024 11:14 pm
The thrill of revealing an ability that usually went unseen and unnoticed was a delight that prickled Aya's fur like goosebumps, especially when it had such a mesmerizing effect on her audience.
"...Kunoichi?" Aya was used to being called a myriad of things, many not fit for such polite company, but this was a first. "Youteia flatter me... It's not that cool. " She laughed, waving off the weasel's awe to keep it from getting to her head.
The brewing excitement was difficult to keep under wraps, but Yumiko's answer in no way disappointed.
"Perfect! Then it's a deal."
With a puff of smoke the artist let herself revel in the delight of the new undertaking.
But when the smoke cleared from in front of her face, she certainly hadn't been expecting her new friend to be at her feet.
"... I..."
Words failed her for a long moment. Nothing could have prepared her for things to have blossomed into the moment now laid out before her.
Being picked up or carried was commonplace for the furball, but Yumiko was proving to be full of surprises.
Aya scuffed her cigarette out on the rooftop and laughed to herself, shrugging off the bewilderment.
".... Well, who would pass up an offer like that?"
The runty Mink shook off any hesitation and carefully clambered aboard her companion's back.
"Just be careful of your footing... Not being able to see yourself can get confusing if you're not used to it."
A pang of pain ran through the stripes of her tail as she recalled recent run-ins with those inexperienced with invisibility. For safe measure, the sensitive fluff wrapped around her steed's waist.
Anchor point now established, Aya let the visage of the two wash completely out of sight.
"...Alright, ready!"
"...Kunoichi?" Aya was used to being called a myriad of things, many not fit for such polite company, but this was a first. "Youteia flatter me... It's not that cool. " She laughed, waving off the weasel's awe to keep it from getting to her head.
The brewing excitement was difficult to keep under wraps, but Yumiko's answer in no way disappointed.
"Perfect! Then it's a deal."
With a puff of smoke the artist let herself revel in the delight of the new undertaking.
But when the smoke cleared from in front of her face, she certainly hadn't been expecting her new friend to be at her feet.
"... I..."
Words failed her for a long moment. Nothing could have prepared her for things to have blossomed into the moment now laid out before her.
Being picked up or carried was commonplace for the furball, but Yumiko was proving to be full of surprises.
Aya scuffed her cigarette out on the rooftop and laughed to herself, shrugging off the bewilderment.
".... Well, who would pass up an offer like that?"
The runty Mink shook off any hesitation and carefully clambered aboard her companion's back.
"Just be careful of your footing... Not being able to see yourself can get confusing if you're not used to it."
A pang of pain ran through the stripes of her tail as she recalled recent run-ins with those inexperienced with invisibility. For safe measure, the sensitive fluff wrapped around her steed's waist.
Anchor point now established, Aya let the visage of the two wash completely out of sight.
"...Alright, ready!"
{ Post: 297 / Total: 2,968 }
- Yumiko
- [tracker=/t1347-yumiko#7408]
Name : Yumiko
Epithet : Kamaitachi
Age : 28
Height : 5'5'' / 165 cm
Weight : 128 lbs. / 58 kg
Species/Tribe : Human
Faction : Civilian
Devil Fruit : Ita Ita no Mi, Model: Kamaitachi
Bounty : [bel=r] 10,000,012
Quality Score : S
EXP Bonus : +0.20 (to all allies)
Balance : [bel] 2,916,996,298
[[baneoftheweak]][[dragonheart]][[childofdestiny]]
[[punchoutguru]][[dulcetvirtuoso]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 496
Re: [Episode] Mink-staken Identity
Sun May 05, 2024 4:03 am
Seeing someone fade out of sight was nothing compared to actually experiencing it for yourself. Yumiko could hardly believe her eyes, even as she watched her paws turn clearer than glass. In moments, she was gone, yet still there. It felt peculiar... And oddly exciting. She felt like a kid again, reliving a more carefree portion of her childhood.
The samurai took the kunoichi’s well-meaning warning to consideration... For about five seconds, before deflecting it. “Fear not, Miss Aya. A samurai never loses himself.” Sneaking over to the edge of the roof, she steadied herself for a mighty leap and...
...Where were her front paws, again?
Approximately a single panicked heartbeat later, a hefty thud shook the street. Trash cans rang like broken church bells. An alley cat screeched. Gulls scattered. A rolling lid wobbled out of the alley, before eventually stopping with a noisy clatter.
An equally wobbly apology limped in its wake.
“Mine... apologies...”
After the humbling experience, the unseen weasel took far greater care in sneaking about. She followed her nose into a maze of less fortunate living. Over broken fences, past poor panhandlers, across narrow streets... This was an area where tourists would never wander.
Before long, the invisible duo arrived at an abandoned factory of some kind. Letters had fallen off the sign a long time ago. Only a logo of a fish remained, painted by an artist who had never seen a fish in their life. Its paint was peeling as well. Dozens of poorly spelled signs were telling ‘terspasers’ to ‘kep oot’.
Yumiko stopped to sniff the air. Even now, the wind was haunted by the ghosts of countless fish. Despite the lingering stench, though, she was absolutely sure that this was the place. “Mine blade... It is inside there...” She muttered beneath her breath.
Luckily, the lesson from earlier was still fresh in the samurai’s mind. Tread carefully... Thus, she spoke up. “Miss Aya... I smell four... Nay, five scents around here.” She snuck closer to the chain-link fence. “I know not what manner of monster has made its den there... A fight may be unavoidable.” Her invisible claws carved several shining slashes in the air. The fence fell apart.
“May I rely on thy support?”
Words: 374
Total: 3456 / 5000
The samurai took the kunoichi’s well-meaning warning to consideration... For about five seconds, before deflecting it. “Fear not, Miss Aya. A samurai never loses himself.” Sneaking over to the edge of the roof, she steadied herself for a mighty leap and...
...Where were her front paws, again?
Approximately a single panicked heartbeat later, a hefty thud shook the street. Trash cans rang like broken church bells. An alley cat screeched. Gulls scattered. A rolling lid wobbled out of the alley, before eventually stopping with a noisy clatter.
An equally wobbly apology limped in its wake.
“Mine... apologies...”
After the humbling experience, the unseen weasel took far greater care in sneaking about. She followed her nose into a maze of less fortunate living. Over broken fences, past poor panhandlers, across narrow streets... This was an area where tourists would never wander.
Before long, the invisible duo arrived at an abandoned factory of some kind. Letters had fallen off the sign a long time ago. Only a logo of a fish remained, painted by an artist who had never seen a fish in their life. Its paint was peeling as well. Dozens of poorly spelled signs were telling ‘terspasers’ to ‘kep oot’.
Yumiko stopped to sniff the air. Even now, the wind was haunted by the ghosts of countless fish. Despite the lingering stench, though, she was absolutely sure that this was the place. “Mine blade... It is inside there...” She muttered beneath her breath.
Luckily, the lesson from earlier was still fresh in the samurai’s mind. Tread carefully... Thus, she spoke up. “Miss Aya... I smell four... Nay, five scents around here.” She snuck closer to the chain-link fence. “I know not what manner of monster has made its den there... A fight may be unavoidable.” Her invisible claws carved several shining slashes in the air. The fence fell apart.
“May I rely on thy support?”
Words: 374
Total: 3456 / 5000
- Pikasso
- [tracker=/t2393-aya-pikasso-ruiz#14697]
Name : Aya Ruiz
Epithet : "Pikasso"
Age : 25
Height : 4'5"
Weight : 120 lb
Species/Tribe : Mink
Faction : Civilian/Other
Alliance : Nox Prime
Crew : P.T.S.D.
Ship : Dead Air
Crew Role : Procurement Specialist
Devil Fruit : Suke Suke no Mi
Quality Score : S+
Balance : [bel] 302,000,000
[[childofdestiny]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 106
Re: [Episode] Mink-staken Identity
Sun Jun 30, 2024 12:02 am
To share the first-time giddiness of invisibility with others was a uniquely beautiful moment. Yet, it was uncanny how often these things turned South in an instant.
As the pair plummeted toward the ground all the little panda could do was cling to the weasel for dear life. Being visible was most assuredly more dangerous than a fall for the two, right...?
Dazed and taking a sputtering moment to recover the breath knocked out of her, the rider managed a less-than-reassuring squeak.
"...A-all good... S-Samurai..."
Even with the initial misstep, if all she had to do was stay stuck to Yumiko it certainly wasn't an unpleasant way to travel.
The weary world of the downtrodden passed in one long rollercoaster ride of a panorama. It was more comfortable than most of the rides she had hitched and Aya found herself struggling to fend off sleepiness during moments.
All that drowsiness vanished when the excursion slowed and a fishy smell burned its way into her senses. She clamped one paw tightly over her nose.
"...How can you smell anything through that?"
Despite the funk surrounding this place, it seemed like the task ahead wasn't too daunting. They were outnumbered but the clatter of twisted metal that moments ago had been an obstacle was both alarming and reassuring about the duo's chances in a fight.
" Five? That's not too bad. They probably won't notice if we take a peek around."
A lingering glance at the signs made the artist shake her head with pity.
"...They don't seem to be too bright, anyway. I've got your back. But... I have to wonder what someone would be doing with stuff they stole from youteia in a place like this..."
"... did youteia say blade?"
As the rusted remains of the building's few remaining un-boarded windows loomed hollow above, Aya would have sworn she saw something peeking over one of the sills. As she tried to focus, the shape disappeared.
Her fur bristled and she hugged herself to her furry companion. The company was certainly reassuring. With every step into the maws of the unknown, she was more thankful this was not a solo exploration.
Another hesitant attempt at sniffing through the stink of trash and rot made the rider reel back.
"... D-do youteia smell- No... " A shiver ran through every hair on the little red panda's body."No... It can't be-..."
Another sniff of the air, and the smell was gone. That didn't reassure her.
"...Youteia don't smell... candy, do you?"
The way her voice quieted with the question conveyed a seriousness not often associated with confections. She interjected before waiting for an answer.
"Ahah-... N-nevermind, it was... probably just my imagination..."
As the pair plummeted toward the ground all the little panda could do was cling to the weasel for dear life. Being visible was most assuredly more dangerous than a fall for the two, right...?
Dazed and taking a sputtering moment to recover the breath knocked out of her, the rider managed a less-than-reassuring squeak.
"...A-all good... S-Samurai..."
Even with the initial misstep, if all she had to do was stay stuck to Yumiko it certainly wasn't an unpleasant way to travel.
The weary world of the downtrodden passed in one long rollercoaster ride of a panorama. It was more comfortable than most of the rides she had hitched and Aya found herself struggling to fend off sleepiness during moments.
All that drowsiness vanished when the excursion slowed and a fishy smell burned its way into her senses. She clamped one paw tightly over her nose.
"...How can you smell anything through that?"
Despite the funk surrounding this place, it seemed like the task ahead wasn't too daunting. They were outnumbered but the clatter of twisted metal that moments ago had been an obstacle was both alarming and reassuring about the duo's chances in a fight.
" Five? That's not too bad. They probably won't notice if we take a peek around."
A lingering glance at the signs made the artist shake her head with pity.
"...They don't seem to be too bright, anyway. I've got your back. But... I have to wonder what someone would be doing with stuff they stole from youteia in a place like this..."
"... did youteia say blade?"
As the rusted remains of the building's few remaining un-boarded windows loomed hollow above, Aya would have sworn she saw something peeking over one of the sills. As she tried to focus, the shape disappeared.
Her fur bristled and she hugged herself to her furry companion. The company was certainly reassuring. With every step into the maws of the unknown, she was more thankful this was not a solo exploration.
Another hesitant attempt at sniffing through the stink of trash and rot made the rider reel back.
"... D-do youteia smell- No... " A shiver ran through every hair on the little red panda's body."No... It can't be-..."
Another sniff of the air, and the smell was gone. That didn't reassure her.
"...Youteia don't smell... candy, do you?"
The way her voice quieted with the question conveyed a seriousness not often associated with confections. She interjected before waiting for an answer.
"Ahah-... N-nevermind, it was... probably just my imagination..."
{ Post: 450 / Total: 3,418 }
- Yumiko
- [tracker=/t1347-yumiko#7408]
Name : Yumiko
Epithet : Kamaitachi
Age : 28
Height : 5'5'' / 165 cm
Weight : 128 lbs. / 58 kg
Species/Tribe : Human
Faction : Civilian
Devil Fruit : Ita Ita no Mi, Model: Kamaitachi
Bounty : [bel=r] 10,000,012
Quality Score : S
EXP Bonus : +0.20 (to all allies)
Balance : [bel] 2,916,996,298
[[baneoftheweak]][[dragonheart]][[childofdestiny]]
[[punchoutguru]][[dulcetvirtuoso]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 496
Re: [Episode] Mink-staken Identity
Thu Jul 04, 2024 6:28 am
The hunter hesitated, when her ally voiced a fair question. It was something she didn’t like thinking about, much less discussing. “I am... used to picking out faint scents among foul stenches...” She fell silent, refusing to elaborate. Some of her secrets would only sully the bright-eyed artist’s opinion of her, she feared.
Was it odd to worry about that...?
Sneaking across the muddy yard, the hunter kept her eyes peeled. Rudimentary traps were hiding in the patches of brown grass. Broken bottles, empty cans, rope suspended at ankle height... It would take more than the contents of a trash heap to stop them.
Yumiko’s nose twitched, when her compatriot piped up. “Candy...?” She stopped to filter more of the fishy air. Is that what that was...? I thought I smelled something strangely sweet just now...” It sparked a dozen questions, but she quickly smothered every single spark. Only regaining her hono-er, her belongings mattered now.
Inside, the forgotten factory was a depressing sight. Sunlight snuck in through stray holes in the roof. Rust and cobwebs decorated every corner. Broken machinery and fallen pipes formed a veritable maze. Behind every corner they found only more filth and decay.
Yet, the mythical weasel’s claws scratched against the stone floor with determined steps. “The scent grows stronger...” She was now stopping at every crossroads, sniffing cautiously. There hadn’t been any traps inside, at least not intentional ones. “We must be close... Keep thy eyes peeled, please...” She whispered in the eerie silence.
---
Meanwhile, at the grim maw of darkness, two shadows were huddled together.
The bigger one of them quivered like a leaf in the wind. “I tells ya, I keeps hearings like these... scratchings and tip taps a-and whisperings...” A husky voice insisted. Tiny eyes glanced around nervously. “Ya thinks it’s... a g-g-g-ghost...?”
Kneeling down, the smaller one brushed the stone floor cautiously. “Nah, I ain’t believe in no ghosts...” A scratchy voice rejected the idea. Narrow eyes peered at the muddy paw prints leading into the darkness.
Swallowing nervously, the bigger shadow took a look as well. “T-th-then what’s makings those marks?”
Getting up, the smaller shadow had nothing to offer, aside from a suspicious hum. “Hrm...”
---
Inside, the unseen intruders came across what was presumably an office once. Now, it looked more like a bedroom. ...Or rather a very unfortunate imitation of one. There was a mattress, yes, but it had a weird stain and a couple of springs poking out. The few pillows laying around were flat like depressed pancakes. Crayon drawings of flowers and animals decorated the peeling wallpaper.
In the middle of the sad sight stood... A thief. To the untrained eye, the fiend may have seemed like a street urchin, a young girl whose presumably blonde hair had never met a hairbrush. Some may have even taken pity on her, simply because she looked like her previous meal had been last week.
Yet, Yumiko knew a hardened criminal when she saw one. How could she tell? Why, the villain was wearing her kimono! And swinging her sword around like it was some toy! The nerve!
The weasel’s hackles raised at the same rate as her blood pressure, tickling the small rider. Her claws dug into the stone with an eerie scraping sound. Ominous winds began swirling around her, drawing spirals of dust in the air.
Still, the samurai tried to keep her composure. There was no honor in attacking a child, she told herself... Repeatedly. Like a mantra, it echoed in her skull. Now, if only she could see a child and not a filthy thief making a mockery of her dearest belongings. She desperately needed someone more level-headed to talk her out of this...
Words: 620
Total: 4076 / 5000
Was it odd to worry about that...?
Sneaking across the muddy yard, the hunter kept her eyes peeled. Rudimentary traps were hiding in the patches of brown grass. Broken bottles, empty cans, rope suspended at ankle height... It would take more than the contents of a trash heap to stop them.
Yumiko’s nose twitched, when her compatriot piped up. “Candy...?” She stopped to filter more of the fishy air. Is that what that was...? I thought I smelled something strangely sweet just now...” It sparked a dozen questions, but she quickly smothered every single spark. Only regaining her hono-er, her belongings mattered now.
Inside, the forgotten factory was a depressing sight. Sunlight snuck in through stray holes in the roof. Rust and cobwebs decorated every corner. Broken machinery and fallen pipes formed a veritable maze. Behind every corner they found only more filth and decay.
Yet, the mythical weasel’s claws scratched against the stone floor with determined steps. “The scent grows stronger...” She was now stopping at every crossroads, sniffing cautiously. There hadn’t been any traps inside, at least not intentional ones. “We must be close... Keep thy eyes peeled, please...” She whispered in the eerie silence.
---
Meanwhile, at the grim maw of darkness, two shadows were huddled together.
The bigger one of them quivered like a leaf in the wind. “I tells ya, I keeps hearings like these... scratchings and tip taps a-and whisperings...” A husky voice insisted. Tiny eyes glanced around nervously. “Ya thinks it’s... a g-g-g-ghost...?”
Kneeling down, the smaller one brushed the stone floor cautiously. “Nah, I ain’t believe in no ghosts...” A scratchy voice rejected the idea. Narrow eyes peered at the muddy paw prints leading into the darkness.
Swallowing nervously, the bigger shadow took a look as well. “T-th-then what’s makings those marks?”
Getting up, the smaller shadow had nothing to offer, aside from a suspicious hum. “Hrm...”
---
Inside, the unseen intruders came across what was presumably an office once. Now, it looked more like a bedroom. ...Or rather a very unfortunate imitation of one. There was a mattress, yes, but it had a weird stain and a couple of springs poking out. The few pillows laying around were flat like depressed pancakes. Crayon drawings of flowers and animals decorated the peeling wallpaper.
In the middle of the sad sight stood... A thief. To the untrained eye, the fiend may have seemed like a street urchin, a young girl whose presumably blonde hair had never met a hairbrush. Some may have even taken pity on her, simply because she looked like her previous meal had been last week.
Yet, Yumiko knew a hardened criminal when she saw one. How could she tell? Why, the villain was wearing her kimono! And swinging her sword around like it was some toy! The nerve!
The weasel’s hackles raised at the same rate as her blood pressure, tickling the small rider. Her claws dug into the stone with an eerie scraping sound. Ominous winds began swirling around her, drawing spirals of dust in the air.
Still, the samurai tried to keep her composure. There was no honor in attacking a child, she told herself... Repeatedly. Like a mantra, it echoed in her skull. Now, if only she could see a child and not a filthy thief making a mockery of her dearest belongings. She desperately needed someone more level-headed to talk her out of this...
Words: 620
Total: 4076 / 5000
- Pikasso
- [tracker=/t2393-aya-pikasso-ruiz#14697]
Name : Aya Ruiz
Epithet : "Pikasso"
Age : 25
Height : 4'5"
Weight : 120 lb
Species/Tribe : Mink
Faction : Civilian/Other
Alliance : Nox Prime
Crew : P.T.S.D.
Ship : Dead Air
Crew Role : Procurement Specialist
Devil Fruit : Suke Suke no Mi
Quality Score : S+
Balance : [bel] 302,000,000
[[childofdestiny]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 106
Re: [Episode] Mink-staken Identity
Sun Sep 08, 2024 10:09 pm
This new friend managed to weave mysteries into everything she spoke, but maybe it was best to let sleeping weasels lie. While the phantom sweetness put Aya's mind ill at ease it was easy to leave the other Mink's mystery to herself and scour the surroundings.
The highlights of the scenery were probably not what Yumiko had intended for her to keep her eyes peeled for, but it was a difficult habit for the artist to break. Even the most dank and decrepit places held something worth seeing.
Luckily, one of them seemed to be hot on the trail.
Continuing into the building only made her glad to have a companion here. The nervous tree climber clung tighter at every bump or creak in the hallowed structure. The closeness only made the upset prickling beneath her more noticeable.
The little panda had been taking the liberty to squeeze her eyes shut knowing she couldn't be seen to be judged for it, but when she peeked sheepishly into the strange room things still didn't quite add up.
Why would her stoic companion be so upset about some kid playing dress-up? For her, it brought back memories of shoddily costumed battles between her kit brothers (wherein the victor was more often than not determined by one opponent inevitably tripping over their own ears.)
"...Wait..."
Nearly silent, Aya shifted upwards despite Yumiko's ruffled mink and the updraft that seemed to be rushing into the room all of a sudden. She leaned closer to where she approximated one of her invisible counterpart's ears to be.
" ... Youteia have got to be kidding me. There's no way. That's the stuff youteia were looking for? That means youteia are... "
Her voice was barely audible, but excitement bubbled in the whisper. How good could a little Lesser Mink's hearing be, anyway? They always seemed so helpless when small. Besides, this was a very important matter.
One didn't have to be able to see her to find the excited glimmers in the inspired artist's eyes practically palpable.
"...A Badass Wandering Mink Swordswoman??"
The clingy fluffball could hardly contain this dreamed-up vibrant wash of fantasy and seemed unable to hide her thrill. Even her hushed tones were awestruck.
"...That's so cool...!!"
Without a second thought, good-natured habits seemed to take over and the smaller woman affectionately bit onto what she approximated to be the weasel's shoulder. The faintest hint of a "'garchuu~' was muffled into the affection.
Aya thought to open her eyes again after the initial shock passed, and suddenly she recognized the error of her excitement. The gaze of another cut through her with a chill.
Prying eyes stared right through the still-clear duo. A terrifying realization dawned on the red panda as she stared back into the void. The task at hand suddenly became much more complicated than a retaliatory smash and grab.
Whether Yumiko was reaching the same conclusion was still worryingly unclear.
Halfway between pleading and concerned, the rider clung tighter as if it could hold the force of nature back.
" ...W-..we can't fight a kid..."
The highlights of the scenery were probably not what Yumiko had intended for her to keep her eyes peeled for, but it was a difficult habit for the artist to break. Even the most dank and decrepit places held something worth seeing.
Luckily, one of them seemed to be hot on the trail.
Continuing into the building only made her glad to have a companion here. The nervous tree climber clung tighter at every bump or creak in the hallowed structure. The closeness only made the upset prickling beneath her more noticeable.
The little panda had been taking the liberty to squeeze her eyes shut knowing she couldn't be seen to be judged for it, but when she peeked sheepishly into the strange room things still didn't quite add up.
Why would her stoic companion be so upset about some kid playing dress-up? For her, it brought back memories of shoddily costumed battles between her kit brothers (wherein the victor was more often than not determined by one opponent inevitably tripping over their own ears.)
"...Wait..."
Nearly silent, Aya shifted upwards despite Yumiko's ruffled mink and the updraft that seemed to be rushing into the room all of a sudden. She leaned closer to where she approximated one of her invisible counterpart's ears to be.
" ... Youteia have got to be kidding me. There's no way. That's the stuff youteia were looking for? That means youteia are... "
Her voice was barely audible, but excitement bubbled in the whisper. How good could a little Lesser Mink's hearing be, anyway? They always seemed so helpless when small. Besides, this was a very important matter.
One didn't have to be able to see her to find the excited glimmers in the inspired artist's eyes practically palpable.
"...A Badass Wandering Mink Swordswoman??"
The clingy fluffball could hardly contain this dreamed-up vibrant wash of fantasy and seemed unable to hide her thrill. Even her hushed tones were awestruck.
"...That's so cool...!!"
Without a second thought, good-natured habits seemed to take over and the smaller woman affectionately bit onto what she approximated to be the weasel's shoulder. The faintest hint of a "'garchuu~' was muffled into the affection.
Aya thought to open her eyes again after the initial shock passed, and suddenly she recognized the error of her excitement. The gaze of another cut through her with a chill.
Prying eyes stared right through the still-clear duo. A terrifying realization dawned on the red panda as she stared back into the void. The task at hand suddenly became much more complicated than a retaliatory smash and grab.
Whether Yumiko was reaching the same conclusion was still worryingly unclear.
Halfway between pleading and concerned, the rider clung tighter as if it could hold the force of nature back.
" ...W-..we can't fight a kid..."
{ Post: 515 / Total: 3,933 }
- Yumiko
- [tracker=/t1347-yumiko#7408]
Name : Yumiko
Epithet : Kamaitachi
Age : 28
Height : 5'5'' / 165 cm
Weight : 128 lbs. / 58 kg
Species/Tribe : Human
Faction : Civilian
Devil Fruit : Ita Ita no Mi, Model: Kamaitachi
Bounty : [bel=r] 10,000,012
Quality Score : S
EXP Bonus : +0.20 (to all allies)
Balance : [bel] 2,916,996,298
[[baneoftheweak]][[dragonheart]][[childofdestiny]]
[[punchoutguru]][[dulcetvirtuoso]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 496
Re: [Episode] Mink-staken Identity
Mon Sep 09, 2024 9:33 am
Under any other circumstances, the samurai would’ve been over the moon to be called a wandering swordsman bad of ass. ...Actually, even now the compliment made her heartbeat quicken. She tried to keep her cool.
Still, the crime happening right in front of them had the weasel on the edge.
Deep down, Yumiko knew that Miss Aya was right. “I know! I know...” She hissed back hurriedly. Her deeply wounded samurai pride just made it difficult. It demanded justice. But what justice was there in assaulting someone who couldn’t defend herself...?
“But what can we do...? I cannot abandon mine belongings...”
While the unseen hunters whispered, they garnered some unwanted attention. First, there was the girl, staring at the empty room, sure that she had heard something just now. Then... There were approaching whispers.
“I told ya, I ain’t believe in no ghosts...” A small shadow insisted, inspecting a small tuft of dark fur.
Another voice sounded in agreement. “Johnny is right. No such thing.” It carried the hard-boiled tone of authority, the kind granted by decades of raw experience. “However, I do believe in rodents with... unusual abilities...”
Suddenly, a snap of fingers rang in the air, sharp like a gunshot. It was accompanied by an equally decisive command. “Dust ‘em, Vinny.”
Right on cue, a burly boy splashed his face with a handful of black powder. His nose twitched and chest heaved until... “Hyah-ah-haaAACHOOH!” A violent gust of snot blew across the room. It whipped up decades worth of dust that clung to the invisible figures like a bagful of flour, revealing their silhouette.
Three of the kids squealed in surprise at the sight.
Yumiko’s fur bristled. Her instincts took over. The scythe claws scratched against the floor, ready to carve their way through the thieves.
However, the commanding voice stopped the tragedy before it could start. “Not so fast.” Before the revealed duo stood the fourth kid, a scrawny boy dressed in a tattered and ill-fitting suit. His hair had been slicked back with spit. A lollipop rested between his lips like a cigarette.
The boy regarded the intruders coldly. Such a grim, weary expression belonged to someone far older. “You’re strong, I can tell... But...” He clicked his fingers again. “Strength is only... relative... when proper leverage is applied.”
Right on cue, a pint-sized boy in ragged overalls stepped up, chewing furiously. Defying all ideas of lung capacity, he blew a bright pink bubble the size of a beach ball. It wobbled threateningly close.
“Bubble Trubble Triple Deluxe... Pink Cherry flavor... The chewiest, stretchiest and stickiest bubblegum on the market. This stuff is outlawed on fourteen islands for a reason.”
The leader of the crew held up a sharp needle. It gleamed like a blade. “You can imagine what it does to clothes, hair...” His gaze felt like it could’ve pierced armor. “...Fur.”
Finally, the realization struck the stubborn samurai. She had walked right into a trap. Her eyes narrowed with utter contempt. “Thou would not dare.” Yet, despite looking like a coiled spring, she stayed put. The threat of sticky retaliation weighed heavily on her shoulders.
Words: 521
Total: 4597 / 5000
Still, the crime happening right in front of them had the weasel on the edge.
Deep down, Yumiko knew that Miss Aya was right. “I know! I know...” She hissed back hurriedly. Her deeply wounded samurai pride just made it difficult. It demanded justice. But what justice was there in assaulting someone who couldn’t defend herself...?
“But what can we do...? I cannot abandon mine belongings...”
While the unseen hunters whispered, they garnered some unwanted attention. First, there was the girl, staring at the empty room, sure that she had heard something just now. Then... There were approaching whispers.
“I told ya, I ain’t believe in no ghosts...” A small shadow insisted, inspecting a small tuft of dark fur.
Another voice sounded in agreement. “Johnny is right. No such thing.” It carried the hard-boiled tone of authority, the kind granted by decades of raw experience. “However, I do believe in rodents with... unusual abilities...”
Suddenly, a snap of fingers rang in the air, sharp like a gunshot. It was accompanied by an equally decisive command. “Dust ‘em, Vinny.”
Right on cue, a burly boy splashed his face with a handful of black powder. His nose twitched and chest heaved until... “Hyah-ah-haaAACHOOH!” A violent gust of snot blew across the room. It whipped up decades worth of dust that clung to the invisible figures like a bagful of flour, revealing their silhouette.
Three of the kids squealed in surprise at the sight.
Yumiko’s fur bristled. Her instincts took over. The scythe claws scratched against the floor, ready to carve their way through the thieves.
However, the commanding voice stopped the tragedy before it could start. “Not so fast.” Before the revealed duo stood the fourth kid, a scrawny boy dressed in a tattered and ill-fitting suit. His hair had been slicked back with spit. A lollipop rested between his lips like a cigarette.
The boy regarded the intruders coldly. Such a grim, weary expression belonged to someone far older. “You’re strong, I can tell... But...” He clicked his fingers again. “Strength is only... relative... when proper leverage is applied.”
Right on cue, a pint-sized boy in ragged overalls stepped up, chewing furiously. Defying all ideas of lung capacity, he blew a bright pink bubble the size of a beach ball. It wobbled threateningly close.
“Bubble Trubble Triple Deluxe... Pink Cherry flavor... The chewiest, stretchiest and stickiest bubblegum on the market. This stuff is outlawed on fourteen islands for a reason.”
The leader of the crew held up a sharp needle. It gleamed like a blade. “You can imagine what it does to clothes, hair...” His gaze felt like it could’ve pierced armor. “...Fur.”
Finally, the realization struck the stubborn samurai. She had walked right into a trap. Her eyes narrowed with utter contempt. “Thou would not dare.” Yet, despite looking like a coiled spring, she stayed put. The threat of sticky retaliation weighed heavily on her shoulders.
Words: 521
Total: 4597 / 5000
- Pikasso
- [tracker=/t2393-aya-pikasso-ruiz#14697]
Name : Aya Ruiz
Epithet : "Pikasso"
Age : 25
Height : 4'5"
Weight : 120 lb
Species/Tribe : Mink
Faction : Civilian/Other
Alliance : Nox Prime
Crew : P.T.S.D.
Ship : Dead Air
Crew Role : Procurement Specialist
Devil Fruit : Suke Suke no Mi
Quality Score : S+
Balance : [bel] 302,000,000
[[childofdestiny]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 106
Re: [Episode] Mink-staken Identity
Mon Sep 23, 2024 7:40 pm
With this new fresh coat of grime the pint-sized ruffians may as well have brought a dust bunny to life. The powder puff panda sat still, terrified to breathe.
Before she could even make sense of the situation unfolding, the squeak of a sneeze shook a little drift of dust back into the air. Though paled by muck, Aya gave up the ghost and the two became visible once more.
" ... L-look kits, let's not be too hasty here... We don't want any trouble!" The panda sniffled, palms raised.
With honeyed tones usually reserved only for trying to get through to her brothers when they were being particularly hare-brained, Aya gave her best shot at diffusing the bubblegum pink bomb in the room.
"... We... We were just.. Looking for some things that my friend lost, and.... youteia seem to have found them! Lucky for us, right?"
Sweet words aside, it was impossible for her to ignore the fact that Yumiko's items didn't just walk off all on their own.
" After all, it's not nice to take things that don't belong to youteia... And youteia all seem like nice kits..." Flashes of the numerous things she had stolen in the last day alone came to mind. A chill ran up her spine. If someone could drop dead from hypocrisy, Aya would surely be two steps away from becoming a fur coat at this very moment.
And, lying? To children?? She could practically hear her mother tutting that she really had been hanging out with the wrong crowd. A glance over at Yumiko's claws was enough of a reminder that there were worse options for the situation at paw.
"A-and, youteia know, my friend really likes her stuff, so if youteia could please give it back... n-nobody has to get all sticky ...or... poke-y, r-right?"
The nightmare of trying to work bubblegum out of her precious fluff was almost too awful of a thought to bear. Yumiko's instinctual approach evoked similar horror, even if it was the.. direct approach.
Aya smiled a plea toward her companion, the artist's paws still raised defensively against the gummy menace.
"...Right? And then we'll just be on our way-..."
The rag-tag chorus of children's laughter that followed drained the expression into a pitiful pout.
Before she could even make sense of the situation unfolding, the squeak of a sneeze shook a little drift of dust back into the air. Though paled by muck, Aya gave up the ghost and the two became visible once more.
" ... L-look kits, let's not be too hasty here... We don't want any trouble!" The panda sniffled, palms raised.
With honeyed tones usually reserved only for trying to get through to her brothers when they were being particularly hare-brained, Aya gave her best shot at diffusing the bubblegum pink bomb in the room.
"... We... We were just.. Looking for some things that my friend lost, and.... youteia seem to have found them! Lucky for us, right?"
Sweet words aside, it was impossible for her to ignore the fact that Yumiko's items didn't just walk off all on their own.
" After all, it's not nice to take things that don't belong to youteia... And youteia all seem like nice kits..." Flashes of the numerous things she had stolen in the last day alone came to mind. A chill ran up her spine. If someone could drop dead from hypocrisy, Aya would surely be two steps away from becoming a fur coat at this very moment.
And, lying? To children?? She could practically hear her mother tutting that she really had been hanging out with the wrong crowd. A glance over at Yumiko's claws was enough of a reminder that there were worse options for the situation at paw.
"A-and, youteia know, my friend really likes her stuff, so if youteia could please give it back... n-nobody has to get all sticky ...or... poke-y, r-right?"
The nightmare of trying to work bubblegum out of her precious fluff was almost too awful of a thought to bear. Yumiko's instinctual approach evoked similar horror, even if it was the.. direct approach.
Aya smiled a plea toward her companion, the artist's paws still raised defensively against the gummy menace.
"...Right? And then we'll just be on our way-..."
The rag-tag chorus of children's laughter that followed drained the expression into a pitiful pout.
{ Post: 369 / Total: 3,933}
- Yumiko
- [tracker=/t1347-yumiko#7408]
Name : Yumiko
Epithet : Kamaitachi
Age : 28
Height : 5'5'' / 165 cm
Weight : 128 lbs. / 58 kg
Species/Tribe : Human
Faction : Civilian
Devil Fruit : Ita Ita no Mi, Model: Kamaitachi
Bounty : [bel=r] 10,000,012
Quality Score : S
EXP Bonus : +0.20 (to all allies)
Balance : [bel] 2,916,996,298
[[baneoftheweak]][[dragonheart]][[childofdestiny]]
[[punchoutguru]][[dulcetvirtuoso]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 496
Re: [Episode] Mink-staken Identity
Wed Sep 25, 2024 11:01 am
Quiet winds painted dust spirals in the air, whispering promises of violence. The mythical weasel was nearing her limit. She wanted to snap at the underage hooligans. In her eyes, they were a product of an upbringing that lacked discipline... And discipline she was eager to provide.
Fortunately, the more level-headed of the furry duo actually had experience in the art of dealing with mischievous kids. Some would say hands-on experience... And it paid off. The tension remained... But it didn’t pop.
Instead, the hard-boiled boy scratched his chin with a weary grimace. “You come to me on the day of my sister’s birthday... Demanding what my boys have rightfully stolen...” He gestured broadly at the uneasy kids by his side. “But you don't ask with respect, you don't offer friendship.” He shook his head with a tired sigh.
As the leader lifted his gaze again, his piercing squint dug into the red panda. “You disrespect me, little raccoon. You disrespect my family.” One of those got special emphasis.
Yumiko’s entire body twitched at the particular word choice. “Speak not of respect, thou vile leader of vermin.” She protested with a guttural growl. “Lest I cut thee down in a blink...!” However, she suddenly shrank back when the needle got threateningly close to the bomb again.
“And will that solve your problems?” The cold-blooded boy asked without a hint of hesitation. “Will spilling our blood clean your soiled clothes and sticky fur?” A rhetorical question. They all knew the answer.
Behind the steely gaze, the leader didn’t show even a trace of fear. “If you are so desperate to have your belongings back, then you would do well to trade something better in return. A gift for a gift... Fair, no?” He wasn’t an unreasonable ma-er... kid. Life was all about compromises, after all.
Since the big weasel clearly wasn’t the negotiating type, the boss focused his attention on the more reasonable critter. No sense in talking to the brawn when the brains of the operation was right there. “Go on, make me an offer I cannot refuse.”
Words: 348
Total: 4945 / 5000
Fortunately, the more level-headed of the furry duo actually had experience in the art of dealing with mischievous kids. Some would say hands-on experience... And it paid off. The tension remained... But it didn’t pop.
Instead, the hard-boiled boy scratched his chin with a weary grimace. “You come to me on the day of my sister’s birthday... Demanding what my boys have rightfully stolen...” He gestured broadly at the uneasy kids by his side. “But you don't ask with respect, you don't offer friendship.” He shook his head with a tired sigh.
As the leader lifted his gaze again, his piercing squint dug into the red panda. “You disrespect me, little raccoon. You disrespect my family.” One of those got special emphasis.
Yumiko’s entire body twitched at the particular word choice. “Speak not of respect, thou vile leader of vermin.” She protested with a guttural growl. “Lest I cut thee down in a blink...!” However, she suddenly shrank back when the needle got threateningly close to the bomb again.
“And will that solve your problems?” The cold-blooded boy asked without a hint of hesitation. “Will spilling our blood clean your soiled clothes and sticky fur?” A rhetorical question. They all knew the answer.
Behind the steely gaze, the leader didn’t show even a trace of fear. “If you are so desperate to have your belongings back, then you would do well to trade something better in return. A gift for a gift... Fair, no?” He wasn’t an unreasonable ma-er... kid. Life was all about compromises, after all.
Since the big weasel clearly wasn’t the negotiating type, the boss focused his attention on the more reasonable critter. No sense in talking to the brawn when the brains of the operation was right there. “Go on, make me an offer I cannot refuse.”
Words: 348
Total: 4945 / 5000
- Pikasso
- [tracker=/t2393-aya-pikasso-ruiz#14697]
Name : Aya Ruiz
Epithet : "Pikasso"
Age : 25
Height : 4'5"
Weight : 120 lb
Species/Tribe : Mink
Faction : Civilian/Other
Alliance : Nox Prime
Crew : P.T.S.D.
Ship : Dead Air
Crew Role : Procurement Specialist
Devil Fruit : Suke Suke no Mi
Quality Score : S+
Balance : [bel] 302,000,000
[[childofdestiny]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 106
Re: [Episode] Mink-staken Identity
Mon Nov 25, 2024 10:39 pm
Aya's tiny brows knit in confusion as the small one refused to relent. At this size, her younger brothers would have been begging that she not tell their Mother had she caught them stealing.
The look the kid shot her might as well have been a loaded gun with the way it was unnerving the runty panda. It showed clear as day across her grime-dusted face. For a moment the threat of getting all gummed up might as well have been a distant memory.
One that came ricocheting right back as Yumiko spoke up again. Didn't she understand how long it would take to get that stuff out of her mink? It could take weeks and still never quite be the same.
The relief of the de-escalation was fleeting at best.
" ...A gift? Uh.." With one glance it was easy to assume these kids weren't used to a lot in the way of luxuries. Somehow, it didn't seem like this could really be that simple of a deal, though. But they were kids.
Surely they couldn't be as bad as the creeping feeling this one was giving her would lead her to believe. As her mind worked through ways of covering their tails with this sort of negotiation, Aya opened her mouth to speak.
She gave a sharp inhale.
The panda's open palms shot up and over her maw, her short frame shuddering and then freezing completely.
Her panicked gaze moved from the bubble, then the children, then Yumiko, then back to the bubble. The shuddering demand of the looming sneeze stole another inhale as Aya tried to hold it back.
" D-ah...D-... Deal!" The little panda gulped back air as she struggled to get the word out without losing the struggle against her own body. Her eyes were beginning to water.
".. W...weh-we'll... t... trah.. ah-!... Trade!" Aya nodded, trying her best to ration out the words to expedite the removal of the looming sugary disaster.Through lack of oxygen to the brain or sheer desperation, an obvious miracle of thought hit Aya like a light at the end of the tunnel.
"... C-... cuh-... uhhh... AHH-! C- "
"...Candy?"
The look the kid shot her might as well have been a loaded gun with the way it was unnerving the runty panda. It showed clear as day across her grime-dusted face. For a moment the threat of getting all gummed up might as well have been a distant memory.
One that came ricocheting right back as Yumiko spoke up again. Didn't she understand how long it would take to get that stuff out of her mink? It could take weeks and still never quite be the same.
The relief of the de-escalation was fleeting at best.
" ...A gift? Uh.." With one glance it was easy to assume these kids weren't used to a lot in the way of luxuries. Somehow, it didn't seem like this could really be that simple of a deal, though. But they were kids.
Surely they couldn't be as bad as the creeping feeling this one was giving her would lead her to believe. As her mind worked through ways of covering their tails with this sort of negotiation, Aya opened her mouth to speak.
She gave a sharp inhale.
The panda's open palms shot up and over her maw, her short frame shuddering and then freezing completely.
Her panicked gaze moved from the bubble, then the children, then Yumiko, then back to the bubble. The shuddering demand of the looming sneeze stole another inhale as Aya tried to hold it back.
" D-ah...D-... Deal!" The little panda gulped back air as she struggled to get the word out without losing the struggle against her own body. Her eyes were beginning to water.
".. W...weh-we'll... t... trah.. ah-!... Trade!" Aya nodded, trying her best to ration out the words to expedite the removal of the looming sugary disaster.Through lack of oxygen to the brain or sheer desperation, an obvious miracle of thought hit Aya like a light at the end of the tunnel.
"... C-... cuh-... uhhh... AHH-! C- "
"...Candy?"
{ Post: 361 / Total: 4,294 }
- Yumiko
- [tracker=/t1347-yumiko#7408]
Name : Yumiko
Epithet : Kamaitachi
Age : 28
Height : 5'5'' / 165 cm
Weight : 128 lbs. / 58 kg
Species/Tribe : Human
Faction : Civilian
Devil Fruit : Ita Ita no Mi, Model: Kamaitachi
Bounty : [bel=r] 10,000,012
Quality Score : S
EXP Bonus : +0.20 (to all allies)
Balance : [bel] 2,916,996,298
[[baneoftheweak]][[dragonheart]][[childofdestiny]]
[[punchoutguru]][[dulcetvirtuoso]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 496
Re: [Episode] Mink-staken Identity
Wed Nov 27, 2024 7:37 am
“Candy...?”
The word cut through the heavy atmosphere, as the little mobster echoed the offer. He raised a curious brow. “You would offer a feast of sugar in exchange for all this?” Despite trying to mask his feelings, the unmistakable glimmer in his eyes betrayed the obvious interest. There was no little sibling in the world who wouldn’t be swayed by such a sweet promise.
Nevertheless, it was the tough role of a leader to drive a hard bargain. “Hm...” The urchin boss scratched his hairless chin thoughtfully. “I won’t say ‘no’... But I won’t say ‘yes’ quite yet either.”
Turning around, the kid gave two gestures. The first silently told his goons to put down their sticky weapon. Quietly. No popping, this time. The second beckoned the intruders to follow. “Come, Miss Raccoon. Let us talk business.” He cast a glance over his shoulder. “You can bring your burly bodyguard along. Consider it a... show of good faith.”
Yumiko’s eye twitched at the word. “Whom are thou calling burly?” The decidedly lithe and limber weasel questioned.
However, the young man silenced the complaint with a single look. “Quiet, brawn. This conversation is for the brains.” His steely gaze shifted onto the panda. “And we have much to discuss.”
Reluctantly, the so-called bodyguard followed along, with the mink in tow. She didn’t recall sibling relationships being like this when she was young... Where was the respect towards the elders, hm? The quiet reverence and good manners? Kids these days were rotten. Everything was so much better back in Wano. Mumble, grumble...
Quiet fuming aside, the stroll took the odd group through the grim bowels of the abandoned factory. Through collapsed corridors, up twisted stairs, past broken doors... Before long, they entered what must’ve been the office of the biggest chief around. The large desk was a dead giveaway. Mahogany. Very nice, even with the scratches.
The young mobster took a seat behind the desk on a broken office chair. His crisp finger snap called for attention. “Vinny, two glasses of the cleanest water, please.”
“Ya got it, boss!”
While the lackey hurried off, the kid turned his attention to the smaller guest. “Please, take a seat.” The presented options were a kitchen chair missing the backrest or a beanbag chair leaking beans. Whichever the panda chose, her comrade would curl around her protectively, like a giant guard do-er weasel.
Leaning forward in the ruined seat, the steely-gazed boy spoke up. “My friends call me Don Bambino. I will allow you the same kindness, young miss.” He gave the ‘raccoon’ an expectant look. “Now, with whom do I have the pleasure of negotiating?” If you wanted something from someone, it was good manners to introduce yourself first.
Words: 456
Total: 5401 / 5000
The word cut through the heavy atmosphere, as the little mobster echoed the offer. He raised a curious brow. “You would offer a feast of sugar in exchange for all this?” Despite trying to mask his feelings, the unmistakable glimmer in his eyes betrayed the obvious interest. There was no little sibling in the world who wouldn’t be swayed by such a sweet promise.
Nevertheless, it was the tough role of a leader to drive a hard bargain. “Hm...” The urchin boss scratched his hairless chin thoughtfully. “I won’t say ‘no’... But I won’t say ‘yes’ quite yet either.”
Turning around, the kid gave two gestures. The first silently told his goons to put down their sticky weapon. Quietly. No popping, this time. The second beckoned the intruders to follow. “Come, Miss Raccoon. Let us talk business.” He cast a glance over his shoulder. “You can bring your burly bodyguard along. Consider it a... show of good faith.”
Yumiko’s eye twitched at the word. “Whom are thou calling burly?” The decidedly lithe and limber weasel questioned.
However, the young man silenced the complaint with a single look. “Quiet, brawn. This conversation is for the brains.” His steely gaze shifted onto the panda. “And we have much to discuss.”
Reluctantly, the so-called bodyguard followed along, with the mink in tow. She didn’t recall sibling relationships being like this when she was young... Where was the respect towards the elders, hm? The quiet reverence and good manners? Kids these days were rotten. Everything was so much better back in Wano. Mumble, grumble...
Quiet fuming aside, the stroll took the odd group through the grim bowels of the abandoned factory. Through collapsed corridors, up twisted stairs, past broken doors... Before long, they entered what must’ve been the office of the biggest chief around. The large desk was a dead giveaway. Mahogany. Very nice, even with the scratches.
The young mobster took a seat behind the desk on a broken office chair. His crisp finger snap called for attention. “Vinny, two glasses of the cleanest water, please.”
“Ya got it, boss!”
While the lackey hurried off, the kid turned his attention to the smaller guest. “Please, take a seat.” The presented options were a kitchen chair missing the backrest or a beanbag chair leaking beans. Whichever the panda chose, her comrade would curl around her protectively, like a giant guard do-er weasel.
Leaning forward in the ruined seat, the steely-gazed boy spoke up. “My friends call me Don Bambino. I will allow you the same kindness, young miss.” He gave the ‘raccoon’ an expectant look. “Now, with whom do I have the pleasure of negotiating?” If you wanted something from someone, it was good manners to introduce yourself first.
Words: 456
Total: 5401 / 5000
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