Basuke

The woman chuckled, nodding gleefully. "That's good. That's what I'm hoping for. Ohoho!" 

She pulled out a bag of creature feed from the side of her seat, a paper orange package with an image printed on it. “You see this?” A hand to gesture towards the item in her hands, underneath the bag, her grip upon the rolled up opening. Basuke nodded in return. “With these, you can treat any animal you find, to convince you to help you in your adventures.” 

The wrinkled hand lowered the bag into her lap. Her sights were cast onto the boy. “I’m sure you’ll make good use of it. I only ask that you return the bag to me when you’re done. It… might be my last one, I wouldn’t want to be rid of it so soon.” A smile, in addition to her words. “And perhaps, you could let me take a look at your familiar too.”

"What?" Basuke echoed, turning back to see her in the short hallway, having had made some tea ready for the two of them to drink. "Was-- Oh [sh]..." The boy groaned in embarrassment, burying his face into the back of his hand. "Is this not what that's about?" 

"N-no," the lady replied, walking over to the coffee table and setting her tray down. "Though I must say, you have eccentric interests, young man." She beckoned him along, to take a seat by one of the arm chairs as she began the conversation with another cup of tea. "You're not by any chance going to hurt the creatures you find, are you?"

"I would never," the boy pledged, wearing a look of determination that was clear as day on his face. "I just think they're neat, that's all. I wouldn't attack them unless they did so to me without provocation."

No one. Good. Then they wouldn't be able to see him do this either.

He stepped forth into the caravan, up the unsteady wooden steps that creaked, and nodded to the old woman. "Yeah, I'm down," he replied with a smirk, voice hushed. "Just don't tell anyone about it, okay? Some people really get a kick out of making fun of people like me." The madame seemed surprised to hear that, as she ushered him inside, stepping over to where her living quarters are. "I'm so sorry to hear that, dearie, I couldn't possibly imagine why they would want to!"

"They just think it's weird, I guess. But like, I like animals." He patted the large wolf with a soft and open palm, the creature's big yellow eyes still staring back at him. "What's wrong with a costume and pretending to be one?"

This time, it was the old woman's turn to be flustered. "What?"

He furrowed his brows, gesturing between the two of them as he stepped around to face her. "Between... us?"

"No, no," the woman chuckled, waving his concerns away. "Friends that are much more furry and ferocious in nature!" 

As she pushed open the door beside her wider, the sunlight from the outside crept onto the darkened floorboards, before dancing onto the fur of a large, dire wolf, unveiling it from the shadows. It pushed forth, brushing the woman aside with a gentle shove from its snout, its eyes watching the small boy carefully.

Basuke had nothing to say, stuck in awe of the majestic canine. They exchanged gazes, and the wolf flickered its ear as the woman interrupted them with a laugh. "I see you're already familiar with the idea, young man!"

"I-- uh, what?" Basuke blushed, scratching at his scalp and looking around nervously. If he wanted to give an answer, he needed to check if anyone was around.

Question: What's the first thing a warrior should do when they first get out of a 2-year hold up?

Basuke's answer was to start looking for a friend so he wouldn't feel alone anymore.

So, there was this old woman, right? Down at the Town of Beginnings. She lived in a pink wooden caravan with a purple roof and turquoise wheels, pulled along by two horses who weren't there at the time; so she was essentially parked in her home during her stay in the town on the first floor.

And then Basuke came along, hearing a holler from her door. "Hello, sweetie," she spoke, a delightful expression pulled on her wrinkly face. The boy couldn't help but look over to her, in surprise, then with a little more hesitation when he realized the true nature of the person. "Oh," he echoed, "Hey!"

"Would you like to talk about making friends with me?"

"Is okay," Basuke managed to reply to them with a nod. They were talking about some... weird, unpronounceable thing... what was it? To help with the quest or something, right? "Playing more. Just a bit." With a cheeky smile, he pinched his fingers together, hoping his message would get across. "Can do on my time. But thank you for ask!" Couple the message together with a deep bow, to show his gratitude.

"Ah... I should be on my way. Going now," the boy informed his new friends, with a nod, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "Cold, Floor 1 better. And..." a cheek scratch, as he looked sheepish. "Look around festival just now. All was cool! Nice food, maybe I--" and he patted his chest for a moment with a fist "--will try tomorrow. Lunch. Oh--!"

Before he forgot, he sent Skeleton a friend request. "Need to remember you... As an OKAY!! dude." His gaze shifted over to the player, accompanied with a smile. "Nice to meet you, Ske-le-ton."

With a bow and a wave, Basuke then took his leave from the group. First, something from the hot cocoa shop to warm him up. Anything would do, really!

@Skeleton @Randal # i have 0 excuses for my delayed reply, but i thank you for your patience nonetheless _/\_!!

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+ Sharp Hot Cocoa (1)

"Oh--" The boy had a bright smile on his face when the shopkeeper had said hello. It was rough on the edges, sure, but he appreciated the effort nonetheless! "Bangapseubnida!*"

A chuckle, before accepting the spyglass from her possession. With the fluency the merchant spoke English, it was clear that she likely wasn't Korean either, so he spoke up to clarify. "It's okay! I can speak bit of English too." Basuke bowed back in turn, trying to be courteous. "Discount?" He tilted his head, erring for a moment before shaking his head. "No, is okay! I will be okay." His grin was sheepish but radiant, trying to put on a brave, confident act. "Thank you so much for the -- uh -- Spyglass!"

The boy strode over to the door, taking his leave with a wave to the shop keep. What a nice interaction he had today! Basuke could get used to it.

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+ Spyglass (1)

* # nice to meet you! its pretty informal, and also im not a korean expert

Oh? Looks like a new shop opened up right by the back alley. The boy had been wondering for a bit if his shoes were completed, but was distracted for this moment to check out this store instead. The sign barely gave Basuke any idea as to what was inside -- but it smelled like a bakery. Surely that was what it would be, right?

Unfortunately, he was wrong. It seemed like a general goods store, from the looks of it. No stranger to the concept, he began to wander in, looking at the available items on sale. Most of the items were for adventuring, rather than sustenance. He hummed, his eyes settling upon what looked to be a tiny telescope.

-- It looked amazing. Gold rims and trimmings on black, marble on it polished to a tea, he brought up its details with a few finger movements. So that's what it's for. Dungeons sounded like a good way to start leveling up in... though he'll have to gauge his own strength with time to do it.

"Hey, uhm..." Basuke looked down at the spyglass, pointing over to it. "T-this. This please. One? How much...?"

Ouch. It would wipe out all his savings. With a hum, he brought out his col window, creating an item pouch with the money in it. He could always get it back. The boy was used to this, after all.

@Ceres 

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> Sending 1,000col to Ceres for Spyglass (1).

Basuke looked at Anise and Zandra, tilting his head curiously. The English came at him hot and fast -- there wasn't exactly time for him to process their words with care. I mean... what the heck is a 'black market'...?

There was one thing he didn't appreciate, though. Being called stupid and noob. It was a gentle reminder that even in this virtual space, other players could be mean, even if it might've been unintentional.

He followed the two over to another goop puddle, a little put off by Anise's attitude specifically. A nod and a hum to her words, uncertain about what she had said, deciding to piece together the language together at another time. What he could do at the moment though was fulfil what task they had decided to embark on earlier. A little more tentative this time, he grabbed a hold of one of the women's hands, closing his eyes to pray.

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Objective: Close Portal
ID: 133645
BD: 5
Group Members: Zandra, Anise, Tsurei, Basuke
Cumulative BD: 9 + 4 + 5 = 18

Portals Closed: 2/3

When Basuke opened his eyes, he saw not the pitch black pool anymore. Instead, he was looking at a bunch of mulch on the ground. Was this supposed to be relieving? To be honest, he didn't even know what had transpired during the time he was asleep.

The boy beside him seemed to be excited, though. That got him pumped! It was so nice to feel joy radiating from another person -- incredibly contagious, if you'd asked Basuke. With a hand, he'd pointed over to the other murky pools. There were more?

The boy looked over to the two other players -- Zandra, Anise -- and shrugged with a toothy grin. "Let's go! Wonder what they do!"

As Tsurei shuffled along, Basuke followed. "Not sure. Teleport every floor, saw this. Not normal, sure, so came to..." Ugh, what was the word? "... look around. Yeah, look around!"

They'd stopped at another puddle, and as before, Basuke took his acquaintance's hand in his, reaching out towards one of the other players that had followed along. "Hope this works again."

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Objective: Close Portal
ID: 133551
BD: 10
Group Members: Zandra, Anise, Tsurei, Basuke
Cumulative BD: 10 + 10 = 20

Portals Closed: 1/3

Nothing, huh? Basuke's face scrunched up, as he looked back down on the portal. If anything, that just means he'll have to T-pose harder--!!

As stiff as he could be, he stretched himself, straining from the effort. Before he knew it, a boy beside him took his hand into his own, relaxed as could be and closed his eyes. He was surprised at the initiation, but also, what was he doing?

The boy watched as the few other people around the portal began to link their hands, and suddenly Basuke understood. Instead of tensing himself, he let go of his efforts, and with one long exhale, he closed his eyes. His thoughts-- let's not beat around the bush. He had nothing to think about. The wails and haunting screeches were all that filled the void between the group...

... And suddenly, with a high-pitched squeal, the portal closed right by their feet.

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Objective: Close Portal
ID: 133541
BD: 8
Group Members: Zandra, Anise, Tsurei, Basuke
Cumulative BD: 28 || The portal has been closed!

Only Basuke could nod off to sleep in the middle of a warzone. The thing that woke the boy up was the droning hum and ghoulish wails of an indescribable entity beside him -- one he pinned down as appearing to be a black hole. He yelped, cursing in his native language, before spotting a youthful lady approach the questionable pit on the floor, stretching out her arms towards it.

It. It kinda looked like she was T-Posing.

A snort from the boy, along with a childish grin. He sure didn't know what was going on at this point, but he was willing to find out. Standing up from his corner by the wall, hands in his pockets, he went over to the player named Zandra, and stretched out his own arms, looking down at the black goop for a moment before glancing at the woman. "What's this gonna do, anyway?"

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Objective: Close Portal
ID: 133465
BD: 3
Group Members: Zandra, Anise, Tsurei, Basuke
Cumulative BD: 8+3+3 = 14

Oh okay. That was fast. The boy let out a surprised grunt as he watched the potion he'd just set down get taken away. That's not fair to him, he couldn't let his efforts go to waste just like that--!

A short grumble, and a tilt of his cap, before he turned around, taking off into a sprint. Back to the alchemist's he went, and out once again, the boy pacing his jogs as a free man. When he reached the warzone, he put the potion in the spot where he'd placed his last, humming to himself.

There. At least he had something to show again for his efforts. The boy took a seat a little ways away, stationing himself to prepare the potion run once more if need be. There was something about today's coincidental knowing about the battle that bothered him, as he sat to wait. A part of him hoped there would be a community for him, so things like these wouldn't feel so... sudden. Or he wouldn't feel so out the loop.

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Objective: Heal Citizens
ID: 133299
Final CD: 8

> Stockpiling Potion (1) for Heal Citizens.

Like a fire sprite, Basuke would often be seen hopping from floor to floor, curiously going through the different environments with a flash, just in case anything cool was to be taken note of. Today, it was the events of Floor 17 that had caught his attention. What was once a white-marblish pristine floor had turned into a hellscape of brimstone and fire. The boy was nigh uncomfortable with the scenario, for sure, and so decided to investigate.

And then help.

He couldn't really do much, as a small-time player, and he hadn't exactly been up to anything interesting as of late either. But Basuke was determined! Observing the other players hard at work, he decided a potion would suit their needs -- to invigorate the masses, wounded physically or otherwise. One quick trip to the apothecary and back, and the site of emergency had yet another potion ready for the taking.

He placed his two hands on his hips, standing proudly, beaming to himself.

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Objective: Heal Citizens
ID: 133296
Final CD: 5

> Stockpiling Potion (1) for Heal Citizens.

"Hate rocks. No more," the boy chipped in, with a hard shake of his head. "Won't fight them. Not anymore." Instead, his ears perked up at Randal's offer to go training, and then again when Skeleton had said something about a familiar.

"Fa... familiar?" Basuke tilted his head. "Ah... family? Like friend?" He put a hand to his chin, thinking. There was a quest like that, he thought he'd seen. Something about a pet. Surely that can't be it, but he never was good with words. "Like small cat? Dog? Looked COOL, want to look into it." He nodded back at Skeleton, pointing at him. "Same like him. But want to... ah, play more."

Then again, his friends sure were working hard. Basuke sighed, trying to grapple with getting himself ready for action and just relaxing for a bit longer, what with the rock breaking tearing at his spirits. He slung his arms over his head, resting it against them before looking towards the two men. "What's your thoughts?"

@Randal @Skeleton

"Patience?" Basuke frowned, thinking on the word. "Patience, patience... I would not call it that, but thank you. It was a.... tough. Struggle." His expression then shifted from one of disappointment to relaxed. "More feeling of 'I have to do it, or rock will beat me', if you understand."

Skeleton extended his hand, and it was language that was more up his alley. Basuke shook it with both hands, shooting him a nod and a grin that seemed sharper than intended.

"I am doing okay," he replied to Randal, stepping back and letting go of the hand in his. "Taking a break. Think of training soon, but I'll need to prepare." The boy fiddled with his cap further, before stuffing his hands in his front pockets. "Same for you?" He posed the question towards Randal, but then his finger also went towards Skeleton. He smiled in contemplation. "Everyone moving fast. Hard to catch up, but happy with friends all the same."

@Randal @Skeleton

They usually say speak of the devil and he appears, but Basuke seemed to already be there.

That is to say, the boy had zero malicious intent. Instead, what he was up to was disc throwing. Finally! Any bit of activity that wasn't breaking a rock was right up his alley.

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Brandy's Disc Throwing

ID: 132392 | BD: 6 | Target: 3 | Hit! (+4 points)
ID: 132393 | BD: 7 | Target: 3 | Hit! (+4 points)
ID: 132394 | BD: 8 | Target: 3 | Hit! (+4 points)
ID: 132395 | BD: 6 | Target: 3 | Missed

Total: 12 points >>

• New Life Song, Support Song, antifreeze for 4 turn, 40 HP regen * Tier 

In fact, he'd say he was pretty good at it! Look at all those snowmen he'd hit! The boy beamed, receiving his prize, before being interrupted by a buzz from his inbox. Who could it be?

It was Randal. Hey, it was issued to NIGHT too. Did that mean the two were here? He hoped they were enjoying the festivities. He sent back a "Yes!" to @Randal, hoping that was enough of a message for him, until he actually spotted the man himself, waving excitedly over to him. "Yo! How you doin'?"

Oh, it looked like he had company. Trying to be cordial, he adjusted his hat before bowing deeply. "Nice to meet you! I'm Basuke! English... not my first language. Hard to speak, but I try my best!"

Huh. He'd expected NIGHT to be amongst the possy. Maybe she had other things to do?

@Andromeda @Skeleton

It's done! Basuke couldn't wait to test it out. He'll finally have seen the swarming effects on animals upon hearing running water. Then, when they were all there in a pack, he'd be able to pick out one that matched his aesthetic. It was gonna be great!

"Hey hey!" He sang, as he came in through the door again. The sounds he'd wanted were tied to a lovely blue cuboid of a crystal with silver fragments on it. Perfect! The boy didn't even think to ask for instructions and picked up the item with a bright smile. "Thank you very much, Tala!"

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+ Song of Furry

Basuke fumbled with the squares as he swerved and dived to catch them, letting out a "Woah!" when he thought he was about to fall. Thankfully, the two items he'd received appeared to be fine; unwrinkled, even. He unpackaged them both on the spot, intending to wear the pin and examine the extra, to find that it was a wooden charm for good luck. "Hey, I remember a thing like this!"

He stashed it in his pocket, with a big grin on his face. "Thank you so much! This means a lot to me!" And kicking off the wooden flooring, he busted through the door, a little more gentler this time. "See you next time!"

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+ Tri-Hexagon Metal Pin, Wooden Omamori

By the time Basuke had finally managed to catch his breath, Randal was done with his order. "Wow," he panted, in a forced voice. "You are fast... And kind!" The boy exclaimed with a bright smile, noticing the extra lunch the man had prepared for him. Leaning against the wall, he decided that the most polite thing to do was to eat the meal right on the spot.

The boy stuffed his mouth full, managing to muffle out a quick few "Thank you"s in between his eating. When Basuke finally had his fill, he returned the cutlery to the man, setting it on the counter before walking off.

It took him a beat to realize he'd forgotten his bags of tarts he had ordered earlier, and rushed back to get them.

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+ Eggtarts (4)

What stopped Basuke from strolling down the streets was the blacksmithy sign. And then he examined his sword, shaking his head, but turning the corner.

Then there were music notes. Perfect! There was a really silly, incredibly dumb idea he wanted to try out, and he burst through the studio doors in excitement. "Bro--!"

Oh right he was in public. Two years absence, and he'd already forgotten his manners. He cleared his throat, trying to calm himself down, and sauntered up to the request counter. More lodu scribbling later, and he submitted the paper over to the artist, twiddling his thumbs in awful joy.

His last stop for the day was over to Randal's. It'd be good to see the man again, especially after getting his freedom back. His cart was by Horunka, right? It was a short trip over, with Basuke running at top speed to see his friend again.

By the time he got there, he was completely out of breath, barely managing to scribble on the request papers when he got there. But he kept going, making scrawls out of the sheet, and submitted the singular document over by the counter, slumping against his cart's wall to steady his breathing. Poor Basuke.

Right next to 'The Evening Star' was another shop, this one a tailor's. Basuke excitedly dashed inside, hoping to find some branded goods, only to find... nothing. He pouted, registering the goods as, dare he say it... retail.

"What the heck is this...?" The boy muttered to himself, examining the goods. Then his sights turned to the store owner, a menacingly tall Bahr, and he felt his blood run cold. "U-um..."

"S-sorry..."

He shuffled awkwardly to the request papers, scribbling down as best he could what he wanted out of the transaction. It looked nigh undecipherable, but he hoped the man at the counter would get the gist of what he was going for.

It didn't take long before Basuke came running down the streets to look for his two friends. With him being out of the running for two whole years, it'd take forever to catch up if he didn't start from somewhere! He skid over to NIGHT's shop first, taking note of the lovely exterior before barging in, sounding the chime.

"Yo! Are you in?" He shouted, forgetting his language for a moment. "It's Basuke!" The boy clambered down the stairs, noticing the request sheet at the counter. Well, if she wasn't here, at least she'd take his request, right? He scribbled down the words with the best English he could muster, and set about the scrawled paper to the side, leaning against the counter wondering where the woman was.

The final day was over, and Basuke quickly washed his face off with some water from a nearby creek, clearing the whisker marks from his cheeks as the quest log had instructed him. He heaved the heaviest of sighs, feeling the most relieved he'd ever felt in his life. The great rock burden had finally been lifted, and he had never felt so free, so thankful for his being before this singular moment.

He would have so much to be able to do. He'd be able to go seeking new friends again. Find some new shops and see what they had in store. An adventure -- a proper one, this time, where he'd be able to help out other players in their time of need. Just the thought of it made his heart race, a brilliant, shining smile returning to his face, a great big smile pulling his cheek bones up higher than he'd ever thought they'd been.

With a spring in his step, he made his way over to the teleporter, the sky overhead still a bright azure blue.

And with a flash of white, he was gone, on his way, finally, back to Floor 1.

- End.

- - - - -

Thread Summary

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[Total]
+ 5SP
+ 1,200col
+ <<Martial Arts>>