|
Post by Robshi on Jun 30, 2022 21:57:25 GMT
As the kunai bit into his left shoulder, the hybrid grimaced and breathed sharply through his teeth as he carefully drew his weapon. Grr! That was a cheap shot! At least their aim on my head was lousy.
Hearing his comrades lackluster reply irritated him further, and he yelled back furiously. "There are thieves in here! Three of them! Stop being lazy and move!" Frato roared. Upon hearing their new plan, he then turned his fury onto the ninjas. "Running away when you have a numbers advantage? You cowards!"
He then saw he was in a standoff with the lead ninja, and the offer to run confused him slightly. They do realise I heard their plan right? If I'm fast I could catch up to his comrades with backup. Then again, given a chance to run they might cover their tracks and escape entirely. At least one of them taken prisoner will provide a lead.
"Whatever you stole is worth far more than that paltry gil offer." Frato snorted back. "A Dragon Knight worthy of his title would never accept a bribe like that anyway. Although... I don't know about you. Would you accept an offer of gil to tell me just who you're delivering that item to?"
Surely he won't be bold enough to take me on with backup imminent. I wouldn't expect him to accept this offer, but surely I could tempt him into fleeing to his friends with allies at my side.
|
|
|
Post by M&M&M on Jul 1, 2022 1:53:08 GMT
"Whoa, what was that you said?!" The 2nd ninja that the leader gave the order to retreat earlier suddenly shifted and stopped at Frato's taunt. "How dare you! How about I come over there and show you what a coward can do with his trusty katana?"
"You idiot! I told you to get your ass out of here!" The senior ninja turn his head for a second to show a scornful look.
"No way, I'm not leaving after hearing him say that!" The other ninja was staying put and was already unsheathing his katana. "He's a dead man!"
Frato can practically hear the leader's teeth grinding to the point of cracking. "By the gods, my soul for competent allies! Fine! Give the package over to her over at the window then help me!"
The second ninja did what he was told, but his anger blinded him slightly and the package missed it's mark and fell on the floor, forcing the ninja moogle outside to waste a turn climbing inside to get it. "Idiot!" He raged again, promising himself secretly to replace the fool once this job was over. Then he turned towards the hybrid again. "Dragoon, huh? Well like you, we have some honor ourselves, so we must decline your offer. However, I can give you a little hint; the person involved is important enough to make even us rouges quite miserable if we fail. It's too bad you won't be alive long enough to make use of that little tidbit!" He charged at Frato suddenly, his sword more than ready to drink blood.
Meanwhile behind Frato, a friendly voice can be heard. "Oh hey! The boss is right, he is in trouble! Get your fancy asses up here and help!" Jack was flying several feet away and was arming his pistol. He was trying his best to aim at the unknown assailant in front of his elader in the room hallway. "Yo Boss! Move a bit so I can get a clear shot!"
|
|
|
Post by Robshi on Jul 1, 2022 20:51:09 GMT
"You heard me. I called you a coward!" Frato retorted firmly as the second ninja reacted to his taunt. He couldn't help but smirk as the other ninja not only fell for his taunting, but also botched an attempt to pass the stolen item to his partner and delay things. "Heh, looks like you lack discipline. You honestly think you have what it takes to cut down an elite Dragon Knight?"
His brow then furrowed as the more competent ninja gave him a hint in response to his offer. He didn't have time to ponder about it though, as he tried to react to his attacker's charge. Jack's sudden cries made his ears twitch with alertness, and he decided to dodge to his right side to clear the way for the moogle. He kept his spear up and across his chest in a defensive stance in case the ninja tried to adapt his strike.
Finally some help!
|
|
|
Post by M&M&M on Jul 2, 2022 2:25:38 GMT
The senior ninja's charge drove his katana straight at the hybrid, biting deep into his chest. It wasn't enough to damage any of his precious organs thankfully, but it was enough to make the Dragoon regret taking the ninja's lightly. But thanks to his maneuver, Jack was able to get a clear shot inside.
"Fire in the hole!' He shouted, as if he wanted to say that for a long time, then pulled the trigger. The shot sped accurately into Violets room and embedded itself into the senior ninja's lower abdomen. The enemy recoiled back in pain, hardly able to keep standing from the surprise attack. But his ally nearby was already ahead of him and tackled Frato into the ground.
"How's this for being a coward, sucker?" the junior ninja raised his sword and prepared to stab downwards. Meanwhile, Frato's other allies were heard running towards them. "Hold on Sir Frato, we're coming!" Daisy's voice said, full of concern.
The senior ninja heard this and scowled. Now decided to make his other fellow ninja act as a distraction and knowing he'll be overrun soon, he turned and began to retreat so he can escape through the window. The third moogle ninja managed to retrieve the package and began to maneuver herself to escape out the window and will succeed unless something is done about it.
|
|
|
Post by Robshi on Jul 2, 2022 21:58:18 GMT
"Urk!" Frato gritted his teeth in pain as he felt the ninja's katana pierce him. He was still reeling from the attack as Jack made his shot, watching the senior ninja get blasted away. Before he could gather himself though, he suddenly fell to the ground as he got tackled by the second ninja.
D-damn it! This is going really badly!
The hybrid's eyes then widened as he realised a follow up attack was imminent, and would likely be lethal if he didn't act fast. He grabbed his foe's shoulders and tried to move his legs to attempt to kick the ninja over him in a kind of monkey flip, or at least knock him to try and make himself a less easy target and break out from being pinned to the ground.
"Never mind me! There are two others trying to escape out the back window! Stop them before they get away!" Frato called out to his colleagues, hoping they would be able to act quickly enough.
|
|
|
Post by M&M&M on Jul 3, 2022 1:56:25 GMT
"Can't get a clear shot!" Jack yelled out, annoyed at the hectic scene before him. He had already reloaded and was trying to aim behind Frato and his assailant but the two were still struggling against each other. "Fuck it!" He cursed again and shot blindly over the two and inside Violet's room.
A scream came from the female moogle ninja as she was just tumbling out of the window and towards outside. The senior ninja only winced at the shot but kept going. Jumping desperately into the open window, he was able to make it out and even picked up the package the female ninja dropped. There was no sign the moogle was getting up or the senior ninja helping her. Instead, he quickly began to run away out of view of the window sill and escape.
Meanwhile, Frato's maneuver to remove his assailant proved unsuccessful and the enemy was too stubborn to lose his advantage. He may have been foolish enough to fall for a taunt, but he was still a trained warrior. Once he was finally sure Frato had lost his chance to fight back, he raised his dagger once more and made an effort to stab down.
But then something whistled toward them and directly at the enemy ninja. An arrow engulfed in fire impaled itself into the junior ninja's right shoulder, causing him to recoil back and howl in pain. He began to get up and bat desperately at the flames before it spread throughout his outfit.
"Ha ha! That's what I call teamwork!" Daisy cheered triumphantly with bow at hand. Killy was right beside her, he right hand already preparing another fire spell.
"Big whoop. Aim and hit his head then i'll be impressed. Maybe if you aim over Frato head and singe a few hairs, THEN my opinion would change."
"Still, you gotta admit, fire arrow was a good idea." She began to notch another arrow into her bow. "Now hurry up and light me another one. Frato! Your turn to move! try not to block our view too!"
|
|
|
Post by Robshi on Jul 3, 2022 21:00:40 GMT
Damn it, I can't get this guy off me! Frato grunted as he strained to move himself out from under his attacker, but it seemed his efforts only bought him a few seconds. Oh crap! He's gonna... huh?
The dragoon then looked rather stunned as a flaming arrow burned its way into the ninja. He quickly sat up as he was freed from his predicament, and a glance back saw that Killy and Daisy had managed to combine their attack.
"Huh, thanks for the save ladies." Frato thanked them quickly, before struggling to move himself out of harms way and give them a clearer shot. "Jack, you'd better make a run for the rear window. We don't want that other thief getting away."
|
|
|
Post by M&M&M on Jul 4, 2022 1:26:38 GMT
"Uh...got it." Jack hesitated for a moment when looking inside and seeing the other two foes managing to escape. "Eh, I better idea, kupo. I'll just fly over the damn inn and follow 'em. Follow me when you get the chance, I don't wanna fight alone!" Flapping his wings, the little thief floated farther and farther up until it was hovering out of sight.
Frato was able to free himself effortlessly due to the junior ninja being so distracted by an embedded fiery arrow. As sure as Frato would be ready for the next attack, it would not be coming. The ninja's clothing began to catch aflame and now the ninja was running around in a panic trying to put it out.
"Uh oh...I think we did a bad thing." Daisy said, sounding regretful as she watched the scene unfurl. "Killy, you wouldn't happen to know Blizzard, do you?"
"No but that IS what I'm planning to get next, for cold drinks anyways." The black mage merely crossed her arms. "Anyways, let him burn. We got more important things to die, like catching whoever escaped."
"Uh yea, but if he accidentally burns down the Inn when it was us that set him on fire, who do you think the innkeeper and local law enforcers are going to blame and make pay for the damages?"
Killy's indifference quickly melted from the archer's logic, now replaced with instant dread. "Oh...shit. Uh...yea good point. Frato, probably a good idea to either split up between extinguishing that guy out and capturing the other guy or just everyone do one thing. And I don't have a spellbook on Blizzard or Watera, so better think things quickly!"
|
|
|
Post by Robshi on Jul 4, 2022 21:13:35 GMT
"Ok, Jack. I'll catch up to you as soon as I can." Frato assured Jack as he flied away. As long as we can catch them before they reach their client.
He then quickly got back onto his feet and managed to steady himself, ready to fend off his attacker once more. Heh, bring it on! Eh? Uh oh... this isn't good. Noticing the ninja burning up in front of him from Killy's fire spell, he shouted out desperately. "Stop, drop and roll man!"
He then heard Daisy and Killy arguing amongst themselves about what to do, and he thought on his feet on their next move.
"Killy, go and ask Mortimmer if he has anything to stop this fire." Frato told the mage. "Daisy, you'd best stay here and try to prevent things getting worse. Try to keep him alive if you can. I'd better find Jack and help him catch those thieves."
A thought then occured to the hybrid, and he couldn't help but voice it. "Wait a second, where are Firebrand and Ditz?" As my students, I thought they'd be the first ones to come to my aid!
|
|
|
Post by M&M&M on Jul 5, 2022 1:46:12 GMT
"What do we look like, your student's babysitters! Whatever, I'm going to get that stupid scientist! Don't let that inn burn down or I'm gonna blame you for making me use that fire attack!" As Killy ran off, Daisy stood back and answer for her.
"I believe Firebrand is still at Ditz's place. I still haven't seen her come out, probably still trying to wake the other up, I imagine. Wait what are you doing!?" The mole was now shouting at the ninja who was still flailing about, apparently he did not hear nor heed Frato's instructions. Through his panic, he managed to set a small fire to the bedding. Despite the disruptions, all of Violet's charmed minions were still on the floor unconscious and in danger of becoming casualties the farther the event escalates. Daisy decided to put away her bow and unsheathe a dagger. "No time anymore Love! You go ahead and either get Firebrand and Ditz or follow Jack hunting that other guy. I'll take care of this one and try to minimize the damage he's doing! Go, hurry!"
|
|
|
Post by Robshi on Jul 5, 2022 21:56:19 GMT
As he got ranted at by the black mage, Frato frowned. Once again, she blames everything on me, regardless of the circumstances. He then turned to Daisy as she explained where his pupils were. Eh? I guess Ditz must still be sleeping, but just what the hell is Firebrand up to? Sbe'd better not be pulling a stupid prank.
He then looked alarmed as he realised the burning ninja hadn't listened to him and was still flailing around. Oh crap, this idiot could set the whole place ablaze!
Nodding at Daisy's prompt, he decided to run towards Ditz's room to enlist the help of his two students. Those ninja are no joke. They've already done a number on me, I just hope Jack can keep track of them for long enough.
|
|
|
Post by M&M&M on Jul 6, 2022 2:59:15 GMT
Jack can still be seen flying in the air above the city following his prey, but even Frato can see that time is of the essence and that the moogle is getting farther and farther away heading towards the city outskirts and even to Cleyra itself.
While Killy and Daisy handle the frantic enemy ninja, Ditz's room happened to be right next to Violet's, so it was a short trip. There, the Dragoon finds a frantic-looking Firebrand right on top of Ditz laying down on the bed while still wearing it's armor. The armoured burmecian's snoring can be heard quite loudly.
"Wake up! Wake up you stupid nap-happy moron!" The red head was practically banging the poor nezumi's helm like it was a bell with her hand. "I keep hearing stuff happening next door and I coulda sworn I heard Teach call for us! And if we're missing some sweet battle action, I'm gonna tell Killy it was YOU that accidentally used her toothbrush and not..TEACH!" She finally noticed her mentor at the door. "I can't wake Ditz up! It's like the bugger's been drugged or something! You know what, I don't care anymore! Did I miss a good fight!? PLEASE tell me you left someone for me!"
|
|
|
Post by Robshi on Jul 6, 2022 22:33:27 GMT
The dragoon was surprised to find Firebrand struggling to wake up her companion. Whoa... Ditz really is out for the count. What happened? I doubt the ninjas could've done this. Rrgh... I hope Killy and Daisy can stop that fire. It'll be hell to carry Ditz outside with all that armour.
"We don't have time to try and wake Ditz up." Frato stated after hearing the redhead's frantic rant. "Just follow me!"
The dragoon then tried to lead Firebrand outside, moving as fast as he could and looking in the air for signs of Jack.
|
|
|
Post by M&M&M on Jul 7, 2022 3:30:50 GMT
"What!? No time? What's going on!?" Firebrand didn't get an answer and only saw her mentor out the door. She cried out in frustration and ran after him.
The two kept their sight on the little moogle in the sky until they got close to the town entrance. By the time they arrived, Jack was already circling back and flying downwards. Once the moogle saw them, Jack flew down faster until he bounced on the ground in front of them exhausted.
"Well!? What happened!? Did you see where he went off to?" Firebrand was hungry for answers and was almost choking the thief's view.
"Cripes, gimme a second to breathe! Kupo..." After a moment of heavy breathing, he was able to speak without rest again. "Man, been a while since I exercised my wings. Anyways, that ninja got away on a chocobo real quick and is heading through the desert, tho I don't think he'll make it in time. You can thank me and my perfect aim, the poor sod's been holding his gut and losing lots of fluids. He'll be leaving a trail for some fiends to sniff out and chew him out. I don't think we gotta worry about him anymore."
Firebrand just gave him a dirty look. "Well why didn't you just shoot him to make it easier for us?"
"I AIN'T SHOOTIN INTO A TOWN OF PEOPLE, YA DUMB CHOOCH!" Jack wanted to bite her head off more but quickly ran out of breath. "Dammit, don't have the kupo's for this. Anyways Boss, let's just grab the gang and find his corpse before the fiends starts fighting over the scraps and mistake his goods for dessert, eh?"
|
|
|
Post by Robshi on Jul 7, 2022 22:35:44 GMT
Rrg... Jack's gotten quite a way out. I hope that ninja hasn't already gotten away. After catching up to the moogle, the dragoon listened to Jack's explanation and looked rather frustrated with the turn of events. Great. So now we have to hunt this thief in the desert. Good thing I picked a vehicle with viewing windows.
"Good job shooting him down Jack. Hopefully you're right and he won't get to deliver to his client." Frato nodded his thanks, before tilting his head towards the inn. "Come on, let's head back. Thanks to Killy we now have a fire to deal with."
The dragoon then started rushing back towards the inn. It would've been nice if one of those ninja was still alive so I could question them, but that doesn't seem likely now. I have a feeling this was the Countess's doing. She knows Violet and she'll be eager to see this wedding go smoothly. Was she aware of Violet's plan? In any case, I do hope the inn is still in one piece.
|
|
|
Post by M&M&M on Jul 8, 2022 0:51:51 GMT
When Frato started to head back to the inn, Jack took the initiative by floating up and clamping onto Firebrand back. "Hey, since you got me all worked up, ya gotta piggyback me til I feel like my old kupo self again."
"Screw that! Do I look like a carrier service to you?" The female nezumi flashed her teeth at him.
"Fine, how abouts I gives you a free game next we play cards then, eh?"
Firebrand actually thought it over for a second. "...2 free games."
Jack instantly agree'd and the two walked back with both having the same tight lipped grin screaming 'sucker..' on their face.
The trio arrived at the inn to find Mortimmer and Killy speaking with the city authorities and the innkeeper, no doubt trying to explain their situation from their side of perspective. Smoke can be seen coming from Violet's room but thankfully everything looked fine and even her charmed slaves are sitting down outside dazed but alive. Daisy was nearby with the authorities but when she saw Frato and the gang, she immediately ran over to greet them.
"Oh thank goodness you're ok! Everyone's fine on our end, but I'm sad to report that the two bad guys there are dead. The ninja moogle took a bullet in the heart just as she was escaping and the other one wouldn't listen to us trying to calm him down so I was forced to shoot him because I feared he would cause my damage than whatever we could prevent. I'm sorry, we have nothing to go with now. I hope you at least got that one ninja that escaped earlier."
"Naw, that one's gonna bite the dust in the desert soon." The moogle answered for Frato. "He was last seen escaping to Cleyra on a chocobo but I can tell he won't last the trip. We just gotta pack up and find his corpse before the fiends get it."
"I see..." The mole archer rubbed her chin with worry. "Then we have no one to question on the motives. Maybe we can search that head ninja's belongings when we find him then. What's the plan?"
|
|
|
Post by Robshi on Jul 8, 2022 22:39:33 GMT
Sounds like Firebrand hasn't learned anything from her humiliation earlier. Frato sighed as he heard the exchange between the pair.
Arriving back at the inn, the dragoon quickly noticed the smoke coming out of Violet's room. Is that fire still raging? At least Daisy managed to contain it, and it looks like all of Violet's slaves will be ok. Heh, I bet Killy is having a tough time explaining herself. He then noticed Daisy rushing up to him and smiled at her.
"It's alright Daisy, I have a suspicion on who might be behind this." Frato reassured her. "Our plan is the same, we need to head to Cleyra promptly anyway. We'll just need to be alert for any sign of that ninja on the way so we can reclaim that stolen item." The hybrid then looked concerned as he tried to spot his other student. "Uh... is Ditz still sleeping in the inn? I'm wondering if some of the sleeping bombs those attackers used on Violet's slaves seeped into Ditz's room, since even Firebrand couldn't wake that sleepy head up."
Hrm. It's a shame Mortimmer is talking to the authorities, since he might have some smelling salts or something to wake Ditz up.
|
|
|
Post by M&M&M on Jul 9, 2022 2:55:56 GMT
"Yea, sounds about the best explanation for Ditz." Daisy crossed her arms. "There are vents and windows between each room so it's possible he...she...er...Firebrand, what does Ditz go by?"
The red headed nezumi did a nervous double take. "Er...well. I don't know what to say to that, but Ditz always said I can say whatever I wanted to refer, so I just treat him like a guy. Hasn't complained since."
"I see..." The mole decided not to pursue the matter any further and change the subject. But before she could, it appeared that the authorities were done and Killy and Mortimmer were walking back to the group exhausted.
"Ugh, I hate dealing with lawmen. Not only you have to go over every single detail so you don't get in any trouble, but we gotta be careful what we tell them so we also don't get in trouble." Killy rubber her only visible eye before saying something else. "That reminds me, Dragoon. I'm adding that to your bill for keeping us out of trouble. It takes alot of persuasion skills to get out of a 'burn someone else's room' argument. Also, we took a look at the ninjas pockets and found nothing but a few potions. I guess since you're the leader, you can take it." Frato's receives two potions.
Mortimmer turned his head curiously. "Hmm? Excuse me but didn't you also pilfer their wallets and found a substantial amount of Gil as well? I believe you seemed quite happy at the time of the findings, yes you did."
The black mage then quickly turned her head towards the Nu Mou and was silent. Frato and the others can't see it with her hood barring their view but it appears Killy was making a face that made even Mortimmer flinch suddenly.
"...Yes! Of COURSE! How could I forget!? Thank you SO much for reminding me in front of everyone.." It didn't take a expert to know what the expression the woman was truly expressing. She was now digging into her pockets once more and brought out a hefty lump of coins and handing it to Frato. (430 Gil in total). No one in the party commented on this.
"Er...that's good at least." Daisy once again tried to command the discussion back to neutral territory. "All we need now is to get Ditz up and ready to go. Um. Dr. Mortimmer, would you be able to do the honor?"
It took a moment for the scientist to shake off his earlier stupor. "Hmm? What? Oh. Yes? Yes! I can do that! I have much in the way of awakening remedies. there's even been one I've been dying to try out on someone! Oooh I hope I have enough GiganToad bile to try it, I must go back to my room and see!" The thought of another experiment put haste under the nu mou's boots and put him into a sprint back to the inn.
Daisy seemed no happier from asking. "Oh dear...I kinda regret not trying out other options now..." All that's left for Frato to do now is for him to order anyone to do a particular action or check any where in particular.
|
|
|
Post by Robshi on Jul 9, 2022 22:19:31 GMT
I'm glad I'm not the only one wondering how to refer to Ditz. Frato mused as he heard the exchange between the two ladies. He then turned to Killy as she approached them, and he couldn't help but roll his eyes when she mentioned adding to his bill. You were the one who thought throwing fire around indoors was a good idea.
"Oh, thanks Killy." Frato said as he took the offered potions. He then looked a little startled as the nu mou spoke up and bore the wrath of the black mage. Oh boy. I'm guessing Killy was hoping to keep that gil for herself. I have a feeling I'll be paying it back to her anyway once she finally settles on a bill for her services.
The dragoon took the handful of coins from the one eyed nezumi and put it into his gil pouch. He then grimaced as he heard what Mortimmer planned to use to wake up his student.
"Urgh, yeah. I feel rather sorry for Ditz." Frato commented, before composing himself. "Well, I guess we should take our things and head for the chocobo ranch. Daisy, do you mind hanging back so you can show Mortimmer and Ditz where to go?"
|
|
|
Post by M&M&M on Jul 10, 2022 1:54:42 GMT
"Sure!" Daisy was more than happy to aid her lover and be of any use. "You can count on me! Just uh....don't count on me being any help on healing any mental trauma poor Ditz might go through, heh heh." She said, half joking, then waved them off as Frato and the rest of the party went to the chocobo ranch to see to their transportation needs.
Arriving at the ranch, Hans the cleyran and head honcho walked up to greet them once again. "Hello and greetings once again!" He started. "You came in at the right time. Your armoured carriage is over yonder at Gulch lot 4, over where are workers are putting the finishing touches." He pointed to a wagon a small distance away where several moogles and nezumis were outfitting chocobos to their respective harnesses.
"Everything is going along smoothly, as you can see. Also, here is your complimentary emergency flare in case you get stuck. As I said before, you may use it should you ever need help in case of emergency. I will be frank that emergency services will cost at least 500 Gil for repairs should your wagon become too damaged to ride and we'll also charge an additional 100 Gil per chocobo replacement as well. Alright. I believe that is all there is, is there anything else you need?"
|
|