|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 30, 2018 13:49:21 GMT -5
He felt at peace with the universe.
Closing his eyes sharpened the rest of his senses. The gentle sag of the tatami mats beneath him where he sat cross-legged on the floor. The cloying scent of heavy incense that clung to the air and tickled his nose. The smooth wood of the prayer beads clutched in his fingers.
He felt the familiar aura of his master, Lu Shao, as he tended the gardens, strong and flowing and good. He felt the soothing aura of Wua Lu, gentle and intimate, and the tiniest spark of life hidden within it -- the budding presence of his half-Saiyan child.
Even his own aura had changed over the months. No longer wild and unruly, it ebbed and flowed like water around him, taking on a soft white as it danced along his being. His aura's prevalent trait was its consistency, from one minute to the next. A prime example of the stability Null had found here at the Ox School of Stalwart Heavens, located in the surrounding farmlands several kilometers outside of East city.
There were other auras as well -- far weaker, but growing stronger with each passing day. The many other pupils of Lu Shao, as they tended to their daily routines of cleaning, cooking, and maintenance of the grounds.
Wait... there was one more.
It felt oddly discordant, as if it disrupted the natural flow of energy that pervaded within the dojo. A visitor, perhaps? Or maybe an intruder? It was not suspicion that filled his being at the thought of some unknown being entering their dojo, only a calm sense of duty. It was proper to greet them.
The main doors let out a raspy whisper as they slid open behind him. Uncertain steps filtered into the room. They sounded soft, perhaps a woman's? Or at the very least, a warrior quite versed in the practiced ease of quiet movement.
Palms pressed together, head bowed in contrition, Null gave thanks before the small altar emblazoned with the symbols of their school's tenets: Genki, Yuki, and Shoki. Only then did he open his eyes, his dark gaze swiveling the meet the approaching figure that entered the large room, the thin canvas of its walls sparsely decorated.
"If you're here for a curious visit, I owe you an apology. Our master is not of the ostentatious sort... there is very little to see here." He climbed to his feet, taking a moment to straighten the fabric of his orange and blue gi. Bending at the waist, he offered a deep bow that saw his long ponytail nearly sweep the floor in the effort. "If you're looking to become a student, I will introduce you to Master."
tag: Queen Kuueru // word count: 457
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Queen Kuueru on Dec 30, 2018 14:39:32 GMT -5
ICE COLD Kuueru never had a master. No school, book, or mentor taught the woman the skills she used to this day. There was no such organization in her part of the Demon Realm that is. In fact, one of the most damning traits of the place was its discord and disharmony. This was all Kuueru knew up until her escape from that place. Then, she was thrown into the organized structure that was living in this galaxy. She even went as far as to an organization, a military even. Her time in the Galactic Empire had been short in terms of a career, still—she appreciated the sense of duty and how it kept her on track with her own personal growth goals as well. She was so fascinated in fact, the demoness had been studying not only the mortal resilience and drive, but their ways of learning and budding into powerful warriors. Usually, there was one common denominator that came with people of strength. That was their learning structure. Most ranted of their schools or training. Others hung with loose clusters of other powerful warriors, such as herself with the Leviathans. Either way, they weren't too different, were they? To test her hypothesis the woman had been traveling the galaxy and making notes on the various dojos, martial arts schools, and even amateur fight clubs. All in all, having mentors or peers with likeminded goals made for improvement, or at least a little friendly competition to make one work harder. Today, she was visiting a dojo just outside of East City, of course after a stop for a glorious street sausage. She patted her slightly bloated stomach a few times after enjoying her meal, but now it was time to fly. She took off from the city and started out towards the more rural side of things. Usually the dojos were easy to feel out, clusters of stronger than average power levels led her to them like a beacon. Today was no different, she found one---one with a few particularly strong levels---and headed straight towards it. She found a quaint grounds, beautiful environment, and a dojo that looked like one of the more upkept ones she had seen lately. Most of the people around seemed to be entranced with their chores, but there was no doubt in the demoness's mind that these were all trained warriors. She tucked her hands into the pockets of her long tunic and strode straight for the entrance of the building. However, it seemed that someone had already expected the woman. Her eyes narrowed as she took in the man whose ponytail seemed to rival his own height. He addressed her rather warmly, unlike other dojos where they were all itching to fight. She nodded at his words, her lips parting to spill her own words. "Apology? Don't worry. Yes, I am here to visit…" Kuueru smiled and looked around the room they currently stood in. She almost began to laugh as the man mentioned her possible interest in becoming a student. Still, one always had room to learn. "I am here just to see the study structure of groups of likeminded individuals. Still, taking strangers as students? Do you have no threshold? Or can just anyone walk in and seek to be one?" Kuueru inquired before taking a few more steps into the dojo, and towards the greeter who so graciously met her at the entrance
@cress | words/posts: 574 |
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 30, 2018 15:49:20 GMT -5
Though time spent on Earth had mellowed his personality, his Saiyan instincts were as sharp as the fiercest blades.
Strength bubbled over the brim of this one's cup, spilling onto the mats where her dainty feet tread. His aura began to spike of its own volition in response to such a strong presence, but he had since learned to calm his warrior's heart. Tempering his resolve not to fight her on instinct, Null raised himself to his true height.
His eyes drank in her soft pink hair, which fell in tresses down her shoulders. A tunic graced her body, her hands hidden within pockets he could neither see nor detect. This woman seemed curious, more than anything else, confirming Null's assumption that she was here as a tourist to the dojo's grounds.
His brow furrowed at her question, his gaze pensive as he appraised the woman.
"Not exactly." He answered her with a half-shrug. "Granted, that was how I came to be a student here. But my circumstances were... different."
He felt no need to go into details about his embarrassing beating at Lu Shao's hands when he discovered Null tailing his daughter to the grounds. Of course now, Null had surpassed the master in strength but he saw fit to keep his true power subdued, for fear Lu Shao would send him away to further pursue training under greater masters.
The old bastard had plenty left to teach him, truth be told. And it was difficult enough that Wua Lu had begun urging him to return to New Sadla, the old seat of Saiyan power, to fulfill what she believed to be his destiny... the new Prince of the Saiyans, despite that he had not a single claim to it.
It was not a calling he wanted nor embraced. Null would remain right where he was, satisfied with life's gift of contentment.
"You'll be tested by Master, or a pupil of his choosing. Normally, that would be me. If I can determine that our dojo is a good fit for you, then you pass. Ultimately, it's Lu Shao's decision, regardless of what I think."
He released the string of beads in his hand. With a subtle twitch of his finger, it spun into the air and slipped over his head, adorning him as a necklace. His psychic ability had manifested itself one day during a period of deep meditation, and he had become rather adept at wielding it. Though never in a selfish manner, such as to intrude upon one's thoughts unbidden.
"But I must speak my truth -- I'm surprised one as strong as you would be oblivious to the normal procedures with joining a dojo. If you don't mind me asking... how did you get so strong?"
He kept his own power level at an even 10,000, around the same as Wua Lu and a bit short of Lu Shao's. But his instincts, instincts born of vicious battle and harsh combat, told him she was holding back more. Much more.
tag: Queen Kuueru // word count: 965
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Queen Kuueru on Dec 30, 2018 16:40:11 GMT -5
ICE COLD Kuueru let out a subtle sigh, the air was rather fresh all the way out here and away from the pollution of the city. One could get used to it, yet—the conveniences were lacking. She assumed most out this far were forced to farm or trade with local villages for resources. It sounded like far too much work for the demoness, yet---she was at ease. Perhaps it was the incense burning in the corner, or the natural flow of energies surrounding her. She wasn't dumb though, she clearly felt out of place. Her own malic filled the room and forces all the pure and clean auras to run around her like a rock in the middle of a river. Her heart was in turmoil, fighting chaos with peace and darkness with light. Still, on the outside her face only seemed tired and solemn. She brushed her long tresses of pink hair to one side of her shoulder as the man clad in an orange obi spoke about his master and the process of joining the dojo. While she had no interest in joining herself, she was rather curious of the set up and organization. "I see. There are tests involved. I see that you at least weed out the weak minded then. Admirable," Kuueru responded with a slight mischievous grin. Her back turned to the man as she gazed out towards the grounds and those busy at work. "Your dojo is quite beautiful and serene, it's nice to see that it is taken care of. Tell me, Lu Shao, what is this man's perspective on fighting. What does he use his style for? Is he one of those that believes only in self-defense? I am quite curious."The woman turned her head back towards the Saiyan, her face now stern and studious. She hoped he wouldn't mind her walking around the room. She examined all the trinkets, altars and miscellaneous items. She could feel there were several more rooms and chambers in this very building, after all, there had to be someplace to stay for the number of people she counted in the garden. "I'm not so sure anyone here would want to test me anyhow. But yes, you're correct in assuming my ignorance on the process of joining such a collaborative. I find this sort of fellowship. . . heartwarming." Kuueru finally turned to face the Saiyan's back and flowing river of ebony hair. He was tall, but she stood barely an inch shorter than him in height. She took a few steps forward, her head leaning over his shoulder as she inhaled sharply. "When you grow up, under shitty circumstances, you learn how to not be weak. If you don't learn, you die. . ." Kuueru chuckled and flared a bit of her power. She let it stop at a meager three hundred thousand. Still, that was enough to get her point across. "Still, there is always something to be learned from a master. What does this dojo teach, and is there some sort of secret move I can ste---pick up?" She smiled and let a soft chuckle play on her lips before pulling away from the man's rear side. She was implying a joke, but it all sounded rather ominous.
@cress | words/posts: 546 | 1120 |
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 30, 2018 21:12:25 GMT -5
"H-Hold on a sec."
He raised a hand in mild objection, eyes widening at her barrage of questions. They rolled over him in a verbal onslaught, far quicker than his mind could feasibly work up an answer to. A soft chuckle escaped him, hand rubbing the back of his head in a comical fashion.
"Whew! Sorry... if you haven't guessed, we don't get many visitors. I'll try my best to answer your ques... tions..."
She'd already wandered off, walking the perimeter of the room, observing the modest decorations -- busts of former dojo masters, wall canvas paintings depicting the tenets of the school, iron wall sconces that held lanterns to be lit as the sun dipped low and evening fell. Certainly nothing worth spending a substantial amount of time observing.
Though some of them were winners of local tournaments, notably himself, no trophies or medals sat proudly displayed in glass cases. Pride was mostly frowned upon within the Ox School. It was the largest area of struggle for Null. His pride, as a warrior and as a true born Saiyan, was an integral part of his being.
Wua Lu and Lu Shao tolerated it, but they would never truly understand his inability to observe the same level of humility they seemed to naturally exude.
That's where love came in, he supposed -- for it covered a multitude of shortcomings and failures. And his were miles long.
His words stopped short as she mentioned growing up in difficult circumstances. "Yeah... if you haven't guessed, I'm a Saiyan. In our society, you can't afford to be weak. Otherwise, you're discarded like trash."
Growing up as an orphan on the streets of New Sadla had been unbearable. He was lucky to have lived as long as he did, spending many a sleepless night in the gutters, living off the half-eaten scraps of those compassionate enough to toss them aside. Venturing into the thick, humid jungles was even worse -- just about everything, from plants to ferocious predators, seemed determined to kill him.
All of those trials paled in comparison to this woman's power level. It was startlingly high, probably edging him out if he were to push his limits to their maximum. But he'd stood in the presence of Queen Radia. He'd learned to grow accustomed to such marvelous displays of strength, over time.
"Coming here, I discovered something important... I'm not trash. I'm a proud member of the Saiyan race. My identity isn't tied into my ability to fight. My worth resides in the strength of my character. You want to know what style Master teaches here? He teaches humility of heart, plain and simple."
She wasn't the first to ask for special techniques, searching for a short cut to power. He'd done the same thing. Though Null discovered he possessed an even greater talent -- he was teachable, and willing to learn from his mistakes.
He was twice as strong as the power he exuded when fighting full-scale operations in the name of the Saiyan Dominion. He'd never have grown as strong if he hadn't come to East City.
"Out of respect for your power level, I guess I could show you... something." He was a Saiyan at heart. A small part of him wanted to show off, if only just a tad.
He raised a clenched fist, his brow furrowed in concentration. His aura began to bubble around him like a cauldron, his power rising in steady intervals. Muscles taut with tension, Null focused his energy into a certain point of his fist before thrusting it forward. It felt as if an explosion went off in his hand as a huge burst of kinetic energy erupted from his fist. Power rippled out in pulsing waves, shaking the entire room from the pressure of his fighting spirit.
Null tried to keep it to a minimum, though the subdued power from his fist turned over several mats and rustled a set of wooden chimes dangling near the main entrance.
"It's called the Stalwart Heavens style. In essence, you focus a great deal of your natural ki, releasing it in a single blow. It's devastating, but very taxing on the body. Aside from Wua Lu, I'm the only other pupil whose mastered it, thanks to my Saiyan durability. Though it's not exactly a secret... everyone around here knows of our unique martial arts style. We're a good school, full of good people. And that's about all you need to know."
tag: Queen Kuueru // word count: 1,713
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Queen Kuueru on Dec 31, 2018 10:22:52 GMT -5
ICE COLD "H-Hold on a sec." Kuueru's eyes widened just as she realized how much of a barrage of questions she really was slinging at the man. She cleared her throat and a long pause followed before she could manage to utter another word. She bowed lightly, her cheeks clearly red with embarrassment before the Saiyan warrior. "S-Sorry about that, sometimes I get carried away," Kuueru mumbled before averting her gaze from Null once more. She wasn't trying to be rude when she walked away, but still---she hadn't completely gotten accustomed to the mannerisms and talking terms of mortals. Often in the Demon Realm she was either alone or fighting. There wasn't much room in between to practice the social nuances that mortals grew up learning from experience alone. Still, as she pranced around the dojo and observed the minute number of photographs and trinkets, she stopped to see the same young man she was engaging with now. He looked the same, perhaps a bit less wrinkles, but the same. "Ahhh, a Saiyan huh?" Kuueru skipped a step and nodded excitedly towards Null. "I've happened upon quite a few of those as of late. An admirable and determined race if I were to stereotype." "Still, I can sympathize with you there. It can be tough growing up in a place with scarce resources or without proper guidance. To see you doing well today is a good indicator of that resilience I often see amongst the Saiyan people, again, not trying to put you into a box."Kuueru cleared her throat. She kept bringing up stereotypes or automatically assuming a person's traits based on their race or creed. Kuueru only brought it up due to the discrimination she had faced once revealing her own heritage to others. Most either wanted to stomp her out and challenge her to battle, or they wanted nothing to do with her. Hence why, she spent a lot of her time alone these days. "Humility huh?" Kuueru chuckled and thought about herself in that aspect. She wasn't the type to go around besting someone in battle just because she could, perhaps that was related to humility. She also didn't walk around transformed either, but that would be a waste of energy and much too tiring. Most of the time it was just easier to keep one's power hidden, to avoid the talking point all together. What happened next was surprising. A break in that modesty for the Saiyan whose name she hadn't she hadn't caught yet. He was at least going to show her something, albiet probably a skill she couldn't use herself. She circled back around to the front of the warrior to get a proper viewing of his demonstration. That was when she felt his power jump. The physically viewable aura around him was vicious and booming. His entire body was preparing itself for whatever was to come. Finally, once he had an appropriate store of energy the energy wave blew past her head, and with it a kinetic force that caused a disturbance in the room, as well as to cause her hair to fall, just shortly after she had tied it back to mirror the man's own ponytail. She supposed it wasn't meant to be. "W-Wow, quite the attack. How often do you actually get to use it? O-On like, an enemy…" Kuueru questioned once the demonstration was over and he continued his explanation on the style. All of these dojos she had visited all carried some sort of technique or fighting style that was unique to their school. "Still, a technique that is rough on the body seems to be a bit inefficient in battle, perhaps I could be wrong but…" Kuueru nodded with a subtle smile pressing on her plump lips. She didn't mean any offense by her words, but she wondered how many of those attacks he could get off before he truly felt the effects wear down his body. "I'm Kuueru, it's a pleasure Saiyan warrior of the Ox School. Tell me though, how exactly did you get to this school? I assume a Saiyan such as yourself was probably not born on Earth, not that it's not impossible. Most that I've met have been from New Sadla, were you born there as well?" Some more questions only made the demoness think back to how flustered the man was earlier with her interrogation. She tried her best not to let her curiosity scare the warrior off.
@cress | words/posts: 747 | 1867 |
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 31, 2018 11:53:25 GMT -5
"No, I wasn't."
He busied himself, flipping over the mats he disturbed to restore them to their proper places. Checking the wooden wind chime to ensure it's wooden screw was still securely in place.
Nothing else seemed to sustain any damage from Null's demonstration. Until he looked out the main entrance at one of the komainu that had toppled over, its bestial facade face down in the ground. Null hurried away before the two students tasked with setting it back upright could realize it was him.
"I was born elsewhere... I'm not sure where. But at a very young age, I lived on New Sadla with my mother and father. They were soldiers who died fighting the Frieza force." He leaned back against a nearby wall, folding his arms. His disposition grew sullen, perhaps even bitter. Eyes downcast to the mats at his feet as he recalled the memory. "One day, they just... never came home. Didn't take long to figure out what happened then."
"It's a long story, bit of a snore fest." He smirked, putting on a false smile. Desperate to change the subject. "It's nice to meet you, Kuueru of the... something or other."
He'd nearly forgotten she did not claim to be from any particular school. Bowing deeply at the waist, he addressed her in a formal tone.
"I am Null, first pupil of Lu Shao, master of the Ox School of Stalwart Heavens. It is a great honor to meet someone like you. Uh... if you don't mind... would you..." He averted his gaze, index finger scratching idly at the stubble peppering his chin.
He probably shouldn't even be asking this.
"...show me one of yours?"
After all, a Saiyan was a Saiyan, regardless. And nothing intrigued them more than a powerful opponent.
tag: Queen Kuueru // word count: 2,017
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Queen Kuueru on Jan 1, 2019 10:27:22 GMT -5
ICE COLD More prying words. Kuueru wasn't trying to bring up painful memories, nor was she trying to write a biography about the Saiyan she had just met. She was just a genuinely curious being. In all her travels in the Mortal Realm she relished in meeting new people, eliciting their powers, and helping them strive to great heights. It had become a trait of the Leviathans now. Alongside the Demon King Lute, she had brought some new faces to the club of power hungry beings. Some were weak, some were strong, but all were determined. In a way, it probably mirrored the ways of a dojo. Kuueru's eyes traced along the man's frame as he busied himself with the cleaning up of his mess. Perhaps he did practice humility, and this was the first time in a while he had used the technique. . . at least indoors. "I see, I'm sorry for your loss," the demoness uttered before turning her gaze to the toppled statue in the gardens, and how quickly the man rushed to correct the ornate piece. Still, there wasn't much of a story to go along with Null's past. In fact, he labeled his history as boring, Kuueru wouldn't argue. "Null, a---an interest name. . . Kuueru, of the Demon Realm," she interjected her homeplace and birthright which he seemed to ask for with his od wording. Perhaps she was the odd one to go around and proclaim to be a demon though. "Yeah, I'm not of a fancy school I suppose," Kuueru uttered following up after the introductions were passed around the room. The woman seemed a bit on edge as he worked up the words to ask her, still---there was a devious grin playing upon her lips now. "You wanna see? I mean---It probably shouldn't be in here though," The demoness let out a snide snicker before walking to the entrance of the dojo. Her aura jumped to life around her, it was cold, chaotic, and unnerving. Kuueru then rocketed off the ground and looked for a nearby clearing. Perhaps this was even where the students in the dojo practiced on the nice days? Either way, it was a lovely spot for her to show a few of her moves to the curious Saiyan warrior. She bounced to the ground with a spring in her step. Perhaps the excitement was getting to her. She awaited the man to follow, and once he was in tow, she turned to face him. She dug through her mind, trying to figure out which trick to show him. What was exciting to look at? What proved the full extent of her power? Kuueru began to wonder if she should even show that side of herself, still, she decided on something rather cold in nature. "You see, I am an ice demon, as the name suggests, I have an affinity for using moves and techniques based on that scale of the temperature range."
Kuueru explained whilst giving off a studious nod. Then, she uncapped her power. Her suppressed aura rocketed up, her entire body blowing off a frigid chill in the air. The grass beneath her feet hardened, and then ultimately was coated in frost like on a cold winter morning, only---it was Summer. Luckily for Kuueru, there was a tree nearby to use in her demonstration. While she didn't exactly like to harm innocent plants, she did plenty of that with Lute. He was a plant, right? "Right, so---I'm not the flashy type to name all my techniques or styles, so you'll have to forgive me."
With that the demoness inhaled sharply, her focused gaze on the blooming tree before her, then she exhaled. A chilling blast of air escaped her lungs and encompassed the unsuspecting tree. Quickly the branches drew taut. The leaves froze in place despite the gentle breeze rolling through the clearing. The entirety of the victim was encased in a block of ice about one inch thick on all sides. Then, she moved. With lightning fast speeds, the woman's body blurred from view. If one had an extremely good eye, they would catch her tresses of pink hair whipping behind her. As she approached the tree all it took was a single punch to its girthy trunk. It shattered. Thousands of bits of ice and frozen bark clinked to the ground. With that, the woman's aura dropped drastically, back to when she first approached the Ox School.
@cress | words/posts: 747 | 2614 |
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 1, 2019 13:27:43 GMT -5
The power had dissipated as quickly as it appeared.
The bucket in his hand clattered to the cobblestone path at his feet. Fresh, damp earth tumbled forth from its round opening, though the master of the Ox School did not seem to notice. A notable chill had pervaded the air and in such a manner that was far from natural.
Lu Shao tensed, turning from the patch of rhododendrons he was tending to. He held his fists behind his back and stared intently in the direction of the ominous aura he'd been sensing from the moment it appeared in his dojo. The master could sense Null's power, too, so there was not much cause for alarm -- he knew Null had more than doubled in strength since he'd gotten there. As a Saiyan, perhaps he possessed no natural limits -- only his mind and will serving as a barrier to keep him from achieving new heights of potential power.
Not even Null could handle this level of power though.
The discordant clack of the bamboo bead curtain rustled behind him. A stampede of footsteps, and soon, he was surrounded by his pupils. All of them were warriors -- all had responded to the tremendous spike of unfamiliar aura.
"M-Master?! Should we intercept?"
The fear in the student's voice was palpable. But Lu Shao could see grim determination on the faces of each of them -- ready to fight, perhaps even die, for the sake of defending their school.
It warmed his heart. Truly, it did.
Lu Shao held up a placating hand. "Put your minds and hearts at ease. You all know Null. Sometimes, the Saiyan blood in his veins gets carried away. It clouds his judgment, and foul characters step foot on these grounds an otherwise clear-headed warrior would turn away."
"That said, we must trust his instincts. For they are far sharper than any of our's. If this stranger is a true threat, I know that Null will deal with it decisively."
"But M-Master--" A second student piped in. "You felt that power, didn't you? Null is barely stronger than Wua Lu, and far weaker than yourself! How could he possibly--"
"Do not trouble yourselves with this. Return to your duties."
Malice tainted the air around her.
Her hand hovered over the cup of steaming tea she'd poured for herself, fingertips trembling against the smooth porcelain with its cherry blossom pattern.
Such... p-power...
Wua Lu stared hard at the closed door to her shared bedroom with Null. The spike in power had come and gone in an instant. She could feel her betrothed's aura. It did not feel gravely troubled, as she might has suspected.
Perhaps it was a good sign. Null was not the sort to remain docile in the face of such a threat.
She had to trust that her future husband could judge the depth of the situation correctly, and not allow his Saiyan nature to overwhelm the humility and wisdom his training under her father had gifted to him.
Wua Lu jumped at the sudden sharp pain in her side.
She giggled, slipping a hand between the folds of her yukata -- an informal summer garb donned only in the privacy of their bedroom, and at Null's behest as opposed to her beige gi and white obi -- to rub at the swollen mound of her pale belly. Even her child could sense its father's presence.
This was a good sign.
"Null... please be careful."
Tipping the cup to her lips, Wua Lu sipped her warm tea.
Ask and you shall receive.
His Adam's apple rose and fell as Null swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat.
The feeling of her true power, so raw and unbridled... it rivaled, maybe even surpassed the power of his former Queen. How could such a thing be possible? The only beings with such power should be the divine beings that governed their worlds, right?
But that could not be true.
For his people had their legends and myths. One prevailing myth was that of the Legendary Super Saiyan. But it wasn't a myth -- for Goku and even Prince Vegeta, the great King and warrior himself -- had fought such a being.
A legendary Super Saiyan could rival the gods with little effort.
"So... powerful..."
His limbs visibly shook in the sheer magnitude of the situation. He did not only tremble out of fear, but also out of excitement. His blood began to stir in his veins. His heart pounded against his ribs. Muscles flexed involuntarily, his hands aching to form fists.
Fists to fuel a barrage of punches he wanted to level at the pink-haired... demon.
Null tried his best to control his battle lust, forcing himself to take in deep, calming breaths, remembering his morning meditations. He pictured the roaring flame of his spirit being tempered by a gentle wind, reducing it to smoldering embers.
A long breath escaped him. Calm settled into his nerves. Null bent to retrieve a frozen fragment of what was once a beautiful cherry blossom tree.
"This was Wua Lu's favorite tree. Whoops."
He sighed, knowing he would receive an earful about this later. Dropping the fragment to the ground, Null appraised Kuueru in a new light.
"You're a demon? If you hadn't displayed your power, I'd never believe it. You're so... erm..." He wasn't sure what words to use to describe her. In truth, he thought her barely past adolescence. But he wasn't going to insult a powerful demon. "...different from what I would expect."
His tail swished about in an erratic manner, betraying the excitement building within him. He studied the spot where the tree had once been. Little more than frozen chunks of wood remained, emphasized by a large crater gouged into the earth. The tree had not technically been on dojo grounds, so it wasn't destruction of private property.
Null figured Master would have made an appearance if there were any issue with Kuu demonstrating her power. After all, he'd asked her to.
"You're amazingly strong! It's too bad you won't join the dojo. You'd be a prized fighter around these parts, probably the strongest East City has to offer. And that's saying something, considering some of the Z Force's members."
A seedling of a plan began to form in Null's brain. It sprouted, forcing its roots deep within his resolve. Wua Lu's words came to mind once more. He had a duty to uphold as a former soldier of the Dominion, once handpicked by the late Queen Radia herself. His betrothed believed there was a calling upon his life to be the Saiyan leader he was destined to be.
"I want nothing more than to rally my people." His confession was surprising, considering he'd only just met this stranger. "We need a leader, but not someone who simply wants to spark a war with the Empire or the Crusher Corps. A Saiyan whose strength and pride are tempered with humility and wisdom... if such a thing exists."
He stared her directly in the eyes.
"I'm not implying I am that leader. But I believe... I can be that leader, in Radia's absence. But I cannot do it as I am now. We're told stories in our youth about the fabled warriors of our race. If it's to be believed, Goku himself was killed defending this very planet. He trained in Other World with divine beings and gained incredible strength."
"Strength to lead. I have no right to ask you this, nor do you owe me anything. But... can you teach me? Can you train me to be as strong as you? Even if it means going to Other World to do it? I don't want to die. I just..."
Fingers curled into tight fists at his sides.
"I want the strength to lead the Saiyans, and to prove we are more than just mindless soldiers of war."
tag: Queen Kuueru // word count: 3,339
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Queen Kuueru on Jan 1, 2019 19:41:47 GMT -5
ICE COLD Kuueru was torn between the excitement of showing off a tidbit of her power, as well as modesty she felt she needed to carry. It was an odd situation to say the least. Perhaps even the stirring of goodness in her heart from her Shinjin roots was what elicited it. Nonetheless, she had done it. She had killed an innocent tree, and the look upon Null's face only confirmed the extent of her power."Yeah, so that was… ice punch fist? I…I don't know, I haven't thought of a name." Kuueru chuckled and turned to face the man with her new and minute power level. Once she had suppressed herself again, she had hoped the man would look at her in the same way as he did when she first entered the Ox School. Judging by his words however, he was much too impressed by her power to worry about that now.Everything about his body language screamed that he was a Saiyan. The clenched fists, the muscles twitching, she could even smell the blood rushing through his veins. She felt almost like a predator ready to pounce on an adrenaline-fueled prey. But Null seemed to think she would be the prey in his head. The look in his eyes was ravenous. The way he gazed upon her was something she couldn't put into words."Are you okay?" Kuueru took a few steps closer, her eyes shifting to his shaking limbs. A look of worry pressed into her brows as she tried to make sure she didn't show too much. Alas, he calmed himself and made note of the tree that she destroyed. She knew not of who Wua Lu was, alas it seemed to be someone close to this Saiyan. She would be sure to make things right again."Of course, I am a demon, this form however, is not what I naturally look like however. If that's what you meant---as for the typical Demons kill everyone and dominate everything. What's the point when I have everything I need in this physical world? I have money, I have power, I have some notoriety when I push for it that is… Everything in this life is mine, as can it be for anyone."
Kuueru smiled, her cheeks flustering as he continued to praise her. He mentioned joining dojos, wining tournaments, and proving herself on Earth. It was all a funny thought to her, a small bout of laughter even managed to press from her supple lips. Her hands dug into her hips as she tried to imagine the scene of her sweeping the floor with most of Earth's inhabitants. It wouldn't be very fun, but---funny was another thing."Your people? The Saiyan people. Admirable. They need all the rallying and support they can muster with the loss of Radia. What you seek to do is needed, alas---do you think you can influence the Saiyans where there are ones who surpass your own power? At least, the power that I've seen." It wasn't meant to sound as mean as it did. However, it was blunt. Kuueru stared at him with a curious gaze, all the while expecting him to answer with a flare up in his aura, or some sort of retort. Or maybe, he would answer her with a calm and determined answer. This Saiyan was odd, so his reactions could split into a multitude of directions. What he asked next was a bit of a shock to Kuueru. She wasn't asked favors very often, and this question was an odd one. Could she train him? Take him away from his school for a while to learn the extent of the mind and body. Sure, she could, but would he want to? What obligations did the man have here? She closed her eyes, nodded her head, and tried to imagine the Saiyan with humility as a pupil. She turned her back towards the man and looked at where the cherry blossom tree once stood. She whispered under her breath, something in a tongue one may have never heard, Demonic. She continued for a brief moment before sending out a bit of her aura towards the destroyed tree. All the pieces danced to life, and as if the world was in reverse, the tree pieced itself back together, then the ice dispersed. The ability of magic was something strong amongst demons, and the ability to materialize objects was intertwined with that."Sorry about Wua Lu's tree, I hope this …helps." It was almost as if she had forgotten his question, but soon she turned on her heel to face the scruffy looking fighter. "I like your ambition Null, I could teach you all I know---but whether you learn is another thing. I agree." Kuueru nodded and smiled gently at Null.
@cress | words/posts: 803 | 3417 |
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 2, 2019 14:57:42 GMT -5
"Thank you, Kuueru. I'm truly honored and grateful to you."
He bowed deep at the waist, arms straight at his sides in a show of utmost respect. His feelings toward the demon were ambivalent at best -- he did not fancy the idea of masquerading about with a being that was often the source of fear, chaos, and panic. Kuueru was different. She did not bare her fangs, nor did she seem bent on world domination.
She was no tyrant at all.
And how could he ask her to pass a fair judgment on himself, to not look at him like some bloodthirsty Saiyan brute, when Null couldn't get past the common stereotypes of her own race? Granted, she was the first demon he'd ever met. But he had the suspicion if her goal had been to destroy his school, his friends, and his family, she could have done it with frightening ease.
They were two souls who fell into the murky gray of life, shirking the pre-established patterns of their respective species.
"I know there are those who are far more powerful than me. True Saiyan warriors. Radia left a hole I could never truly hope to fill. And as far as I know, I don't have a drop of royal blood in me. But still..."
He'd raised to his full height, staring down at his open hands. Noting the rough, callous nature of them. The healed over scars of battles that nearly ended his life. Could these hands, which had wrought so much destruction in the past, amend the future?
When his gaze met Kuueru's again, it was filled with hope and determination.
"I've got to try. I promise I'll give it everything I've got to make this dream a reality. Someone's got to do it, right?"
His stern expression softened, and a small grin graced his face.
"I know you're not familiar with taking on students, but as I mentioned before, there's a sort of... ritual involved. A master often wants to better understand the abilities of his student, so that you can help me grow in areas where I'm weak. With that said..."
He dipped low, taking on a defensive stance. No longer able to resist his Saiyan instincts to fight a stronger opponent.
"Test me, Master."
His aura erupted around him, an explosive ripple of power spreading out from Null's being. It was bright and strong, dancing about him like white flames of energy.
If he could land just a single hit, Null would prove himself worthy of being her student. If she let him, of course!
tag: Queen Kuueru // word count: 3,830
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Queen Kuueru on Jan 2, 2019 16:19:07 GMT -5
ICE COLD Kuueru never expected people to trust nor regard her as a normal being after revealing her true race. Still, she could sense the uncertainty within Null. She tried to put herself in the shoes of those who she had told, all of them reacted very similarly. Most commented on her mild demeanor and general friendly attitude. Others seethed distrust that the demoness could taste in the air. Null was no different. Though he spoke of being honored to be a student of hers, she could still feel some apprehension about the man. Perhaps it was the thought of explaining who Kuueru was to people he knew? She had already been deep within the man's mind, so she retreated. "I believe you can do it Null. Even if your goals change, I know that you'll do your best in whatever goals you undertake," Kuueru uttered somberly. Her eyes traced over the warrior who came to a stand. He seemed more determined now however, especially after her agreeance on taking him as a student. Null interjected some, explaining the normal process of a master and student. It was odd to call herself that, when Null was the one explaining the processes. She felt foolish, but at the same time eager to take on such a roll. Null wanted a test huh?
Kuueru watched and felt the man's energy erupt into the air. Her eyes fell shut as she got a feel for the boy and the way he let his aura flow. It didn't take long for her to take in his scent, power and even his vital signs. She could hear the heart in his chest fluttering away, the excitement of a bout against her apparently elated him. "Very well then, try to hit me. I want to gauge your speed," Kuueru muttered while keeping her eyes shut. She stood without a stance, but clearly indicated she was ready with a lazy wave of a hand. She emitted no excessive aura like earlier, purely a substantial amount to handle the man's attacks, so she hoped. She didn't want to unleash her power. Not here on Earth. Not so needlessly close to his dojo. Her acting as a beacon would only bring those out which searched for a fight.
@cress | words/posts: 377 | 3794 |
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 2, 2019 20:39:41 GMT -5
"Gauge my speed, huh?"
His smirk broadened. He wasn't the fastest fighter in the universe. In fact, there were many who put his own abilities to shame. In truth, there was nothing special about him as a warrior.
Null simply fought to the best of his ability.
But he'd since learned a few new tricks.
"I'll have to admit, I'm flattered you're even giving me the opportunity to learn under you. I've never fought a demon. You guys probably have all sorts of fancy techniques? Particularly magic. Is that something you can teach, or is it an innate skill?"
He paused a beat, wondering if he would have any luck learning to wield magic. What sort of magic would it be? Would it aid him in his quest to become a viable candidate for the Saiyan throne?
His psychic abilities had manifested as a result of many months of deep meditation and harsh training. What other abilities might he possess? The possibilities were endless, and Null was excited to discover the true depths of his gifts.
"Guess I'll find out soon enough."
He began to flicker. One moment there before Kuu, the next moment gone. A tense few seconds passed, curiosity no doubt on the mind of his demon master. He flickered back to life right above her, moving at incredible speeds.
"Fast enough for ya?!"
His leg swung hard, a stiff roundhouse kick aimed directly for her side. Aside from Wua Lu, he was not accustomed to sparring with women. But history taught him not to underestimate her.
Roundhouse Kick, 1-10%: HkESyCYU1d100
tag: Queen Kuueru // word count: 4,100
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Queen Kuueru on Jan 2, 2019 21:06:12 GMT -5
ICE COLD Kuueru was eager to see how her new pupil would perform. Still, he seemed to like to integrate a nice chat with his spars. She chuckled herself, her hand now resting upon her lip in idle. She was waiting, but this boy seemed too eager to talk about 'secret demonic techniques' as well as how to learn them. If anything, Kuueru felt used by the man. He only wanted her for her skills, pity. "Fancy techniques. About as fancy as the techniques taught by the Ox School I'm sure. I was never formerly taught, so—I suppose my knowledge is a bit lackluster," Kuueru paused, her lips ceasing to move, but her words still invading the brain of the Saiyan warrior as her eyes flickered open to gaze at him. They were now an icy hue, a color that only made her seem that much more fearsome. 'My magic I learned from centuries of studying various tomes, rituals, and tarots. It took me a long time without a formal hand to guide me. Luckily, I have plenty of time to give,' the words moved from her mind to his telepathically. This was one of the magic skills she possessed. Or perhaps, it was something inherently demonic that she just took a while to absorb. Being a half blood demon had its downfalls when trying to learn Demonic spells and magics. Words were over for now, and the gloating began. Null spoke in a tone that reflected confidence in battle. Her gaze immediately met his own as he appeared above her in the air. She smiled, jumping as soon as his leg began its propulsion. The woman jumped high, her feet clearing over the roundhouse before she landed perfectly in place. He had missed, what a shame that was. "Nice distraction, however such a movement wastes that precious time you saved. You should aim for short quick jabs, at least then maybe one would land," The demoness spoke in a hushed ton before jumping back a few meters to put some distance between them once more. She was eager to see his next plan of attack however. Could he get her off guard? Perhaps he had some technique saved up in his arsenal?
@cress | words/posts: 372 | 4166 |
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 2, 2019 21:27:02 GMT -5
Her barbs were sharp, and her agility was phenomenal.
He hadn't held back on his attempt, moving as quickly as his body would allow him to.
"Heh... already being schooled. You might be better at this than you realize."
He decided to re-focus, slipping back into his fighting stance as he tried to determine his next course of action. Clearly he was not fast enough for the element of surprise, at least, not in a one on one sparring session like this one. He did not have the aided distraction of an ally, or another foe for the pair of them to contend with.
Think... think...
Got it!
He held out his palm. An orb of energy flickered to life. It was bright white, blue sparks dancing along its surface. Null condensed the energy into something solid, then fired it off at Kuu.
He took off at a sprint, running a half circle, looking for an opening. Skidding to a halt, he thrust off from the ground, changing his trajectory to make a beeline for her. His attack barreled at her from the front, while Null came at her from an angle. No matter which way she dodged this time -- and she'd be fool to take his blast head-on -- his blow would strike her dead-on.
He'd see just how well she handled the pressure!
Energy Blast, 1-10%: GmDkram|1d100
Surprise Punch, 1-10%: 1d100
tag: Queen Kuueru // word count: 4,340
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Queen Kuueru on Jan 2, 2019 22:53:06 GMT -5
ICE COLD "Schooled? Trust me, I do it not to humiliate you Null. I appreciate the complement nonetheless. For never having been a 'master' I aim to try my best for your sake."
The look on the Saiyan warrior's face shifted. Perhaps putting up a challenge for the boy only pushed him to work harder to meet the goal at hand. She wasn't dumb though. She knew that the chances of him getting a hit upon her were slim to none. Hell, she even thought to allow him to hit her for the sake of his ego, alas—she would wait and see what potential she could draw out with the intense emotions that she had seen and known his race to carry. With a sharp inhale she prepared herself at the sight of an energy salvo. "Hn, so you do know how to physically manifest your ki beyond that style you displayed earlier. That's something promising at least," Kuueru spoke absently while observing his every move. Then, the blast of energy whipped towards her head. The blast eerily stopped right before her face, and suddenly it went flinging off to the side before ultimately exploding. Telekinetics were useful in battle, and certainly had some flare behind it. Unfortunately, there wasn't much time before the man flanked her. He moved in synchrony with his earlier attack. The fist came and Kuueru's frame disappeared. It was close, too close. This time the woman even had to use her energy to propel her forward and out of the way of his blow. She exhaled a sigh of relief before turning to face the man once more. "Good one, now you're working on it. Combining two attacks of different natures and origins to throw me off. Now, I know you got this. Just once more. Who knows? If you don't hit me maybe I just won't train you after all?"Kuueru smiled deviously to ensure Null that she was only teasing him and had no intention of going back on her promises.
@cress | words/posts: 337 | 4503 |
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 2, 2019 23:12:36 GMT -5
Null chuckled, swiping a thumb across his nose.
He landed a few meters ahead of Kuu, his back facing her. Her words rolled over him, and though he could sense she was kidding, it was starting to bother him.
There was no question he'd grown stronger under the Ox School banner. But had he reached his limits?
He did not consider that facing a powerful demon meant he never truly stood a chance to begin with. Frustration began to pool within. He felt his pulse quicken in agitation. His jaw tensed, and his gaze hardened.
He bent down and swept his hand through the tall blades of vibrant green grass. It was soft to the touch, tickling his palms. How many hours had he spent lying in this very spot, gazing out at the swirling heavens above him? Contemplating his life, and his destiny. Was this truly a challenge he could meet? Or was his failure inevitable?
"I'll prove my worth to you. Of that, you can be assured. As far as landing a hit on you... well, I've got one last chance, don't I?"
Null spun and sprinted at her, charging with a battle cry. No tricks, no games.
His fists were a furious barrage of quick jabs and sweeping haymakers, even throwing a few kicks and knee thrusts if the momentum called for it. He would put everything he had into this last assault.
Hitting her would be the proof that becoming the leader the Saiyans needed was his destiny!
Desperate Barrage, 1-10%: 7NzXn1uc1d100
tag: Queen Kuueru // word count: 4,601
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Queen Kuueru on Jan 3, 2019 11:41:44 GMT -5
ICE COLD She could tell that her words were getting under his skin. Perhaps subliminally she wanted that. Rage seemed to be a motivating factor for most people. Probably for the Saiyan race more than any other. She had seen time and time again where a Saiyan was pushed into a corner or desperation and came out of their challenge victorious. Maybe this is what Null needed to achieve the task set before him. Still, she knew the man had deeper to dig. There was more power to unearth in his soul. The demoness stood idly, her gaze unwavering as she met his own. "I have no doubt you will Null. Give it one last go," Kuueru nodded and with that, Null was moving in. His voice shot through her ears, noting his desperation or eagerness to hit her. His fists moved in such a speed that it was hard to keep track of. The woman weaved between the punches and kicks, some managing to brush the elaborate and archaic tunics that draped her frame. He was fast, still—she could read his movements. Perhaps because she used a similar style to fight. Finally, she put moved from his point and came behind him. A arm attempted to slip around the boy's neck, pulling him into a chokehold if successful. Her embrace would be cold, her breath cold against his cheek as she leaned in to give one more piece of advice. "Nicely done. You remind me a lot of myself. We have much to work on, but I have no doubt you'll live up to my expectations fully. Right?" Kuueru questioned. If her grapple succeeded, she would tighten her grip around his neck before letting the Saiyan go. She took a few steps back and nestled her hands upon her hips with a grin.
Chokehold success 95%: UyXt6mEV1d100
@cress | words/posts: 303 | 4806 |
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 3, 2019 13:43:20 GMT -5
Her skin was velvet soft, and lightly perfumed.
But her grip felt as if it were made of katchin. An unbreakable vice that could so easily snuff out his life with the slightest bit of applied pressure.
The gap in their power was obvious.
Null staggered forward, a hand rubbing his throat as he coughed and gasped for breath. He turned to look at Kuueru, seeing her in a new light. Her icy blue gaze was cold and piercing, sending chills rippling through his very soul.
What have I gotten myself into? Does it matter... if I can get just as strong?
A hoarse laugh escaped him. His visage softened, his aura dwindling away until it reached its previous relaxed state. Null bowed deeply to Kuueru once again.
"This is the first of what I hope will become many pertinent lessons. I look forward to all you have to teach me. I just hope I prove to be a worthy student."
He plopped onto the ground, legs crossed beneath him. Rolling his sore shoulders around.
"Let me talk to Lu Shao and Wua Lu. I'm sure they'll understand my reason for leaving... in fact, Wua Lu encouraged me to do so. Perhaps this is a sign that it is my destiny?"
Destiny was a funny thing. One could see signs in a myriad of circumstances, but it did not mean it was the will of the gods.
The only way to know... was to plow forward.
"Can we eat first? I'm starving."
tag: Queen Kuueru // word count: 4,860
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Queen Kuueru on Jan 3, 2019 17:12:03 GMT -5
ICE COLD Kuueru was relieved that Null was able to catch his breath after she released the man. Perhaps the last bit was excessive; she had a point to get across however. It wasn't that she could easily best the Saiyan in battle, or that she was incredibly fast. It was about how hard she had worked to achieve this level and how he too was very much capable if the same. “Yes, don't you fret. I may be kind as a person, but I aim to make my lessons tough and thought provoking. I hope you're ready mentally as well.”Kuueru watched as the man plopped to the ground and spoke about his master and a person called Wua Lu. Apparently they all had encouraged Null to step out of the box and expand upon his skills. She could feel glad knowing that his friends and family wouldn't be holding him back while she trained him. The boy had a lot to worry about. Be it goodbyes and packing his things. Or in this case, worrying about his next meal. Kuueru smiled and nodded towards him. She would make sure that he ate and had his fill. For from here on, he may barely be able to stomach her training regimine.
@cress | words/posts: 210 | 5016 |
|
|
