#knynormal

Amel: So Sarah and the pest actually went off to clean the inn. I can't believe I'm stuck with you again.

Kaito: "... What's with that look?" Not that Kaito isn't shooting a particularly nasty one back at Amel.

Amel: "...Nothing." He's so upset. "There's a bigger problem at hand, why are you looking at me? I don't recall ever giving you permission to breathe in my direction."

Kaito: "Oi... what am I supposed to do? Hold my breath just because your highness is in the vicinity?" He thinks there's plenty more to worry about here, such as Amel's bad attitude! Wow!

Amel: "Hold your breath and die, yes." Kaito is catching on... nice! "Anyway, are you just going to sit around all day? Why don't you run back to Sarah?"

Kaito: Ignorance is bliss and Kaito would much rather be ignorant than answer his need to pick a fight. "What? No, Sarah's off cleaning beds or something. I'm not going to do that."

Amel: "Ah right, you'd probably dirty the place even more just by being there. Smart. Then, why don't you run an errand for me?" Do my quest for me, Kaito...

Kaito: "I'd rather step on a cow pat." Kaito grumbled, flicking open his phone and looking through the available quests. SOOOO many of these warned of sleeping and advised bringing a partner, why! Aoba wasn't here! Ugh.

Amel: "I'm glad to see that you're cooperative. So, there's this guy who wants me to kill a big tree for him, but I think such a savage task would be better suited for you. All you need to do is kill a tree and bring back what it drops, and I'll... give you a pat on the back." Sounds like a good deal!!

Kaito: "Why." He started, sardonically regarding him. "Are you too young to let go of your blaaanket and do some fighting yourself?"

Amel: Wow, piss off? "I'm the youngest, you all should be looking out for me." Man, if only he could pull the 'I'm just a cute 12 year old!!' card right now... "But if you have a phobia of trees, I guess there's only so much you can do. How lame."

Kaito: "Why would I do the quest for you when I can just do it for myself?" Kaito rolled his eyes, actually marking it on his list despite clear avoidance.

Amel: "I'm telling Sarah all about how you peaked up the skirt of a 12 year old girl." Binch. "Well, to be more on topic, are you sure you can handle it all by yourself?"

Kaito: "Go ahead, tell him." Bleeeh, he doesn't care! He's pretty sure Aoba's done worse in his life... probably. Now that Amel mentioned it, taking on a tree with a gun probably wasn't the best course of action. "I dunno." Shrug. "Guess I'll find out when I get there."

Amel: Why are you so rude... "Then, before you leave, tell me your last words to Sarah, so I'll know what to say when he asks me what happened to you."

Kaito: "You don't die in this game, iiiidiot." Which Kaito accented by sticking his tongue out. "If you're so worried, just come with me."

Amel: "I'm not worried. Why would I worry about someone like you?" He'll tag along anyway... he's not worried... he just wants to see Kaito struggling with trees.

Kaito: "I don't want to be worried over by someone like you, anyway." And he's going to brush it off and start heading towards the area. "I sure hope your sister's not as bad as you."

Amel: "Tch, I wasn't planning on ever worrying about you in the first place." Follows behind Kaito. "I hope you get a concussion from the trees."

Kaito: "Oi... do you always put people down?" Speed walking because wow he doesn't like this guy! At leas the forest is looking to be pretty so far... pretty ominous.

Amel: "Put people down? I'm just being honest." He shrugs, picking up his pace to keep up with Kaito. "Everyone is just too sensitive."

Kaito: "Have you ever tried looking in a mirror and saying those things to yourself?"

Amel: "Huh? That's just a waste of time. I don't have to." Because everyone insults him, even his own family. RIP. "Anyway, how are you going to take down that tree? Do you have any plans?"

Kaito: "Do other people do it fooor you?" Now he's grinning, but then shrugging. "Beats me. Maybe if I slice off enough branches it won't have anything to hit me with anymore."

Amel: "Hmph. I hope you run into a tree." Okay, but cards? Squints. "What are those cards made of, anyway?"

Kaito: "Seeecret!" I don't actually know.

Amel: "...Well, good luck when you're fighting the tree." Is Kaito really going to be okay... he can't help but worry a little bit. "I'll sit back and watch you suffer when the time comes."

Kaito: "I think I might have to fight it twice." He ponders aloud, holding up his phone and following the beeping dot ahead of them.

Amel: Twice? "Why twice? Isn't that a bit..." Dangerous? Stressful? Tiresome?

Kaito: "Yeah! It drops something magical, and this guy wants to make a watch outta it, see?" Gestures to the phone. "But if we get two drops, we can make something cool too."

Amel: "Well, good luck fighting it twice." He's not offering any help. "What are you planning on making?"

Kaito: "I don't think I can make anything." Kaito shrugged. "Maybe we can get you a staff."

Amel: "Eh... get me a staff? I don't think that would be necessary because..." Snaps his fingers and bam, there's a fancy magic circle and out comes his staff. "My sister is letting me borrow her staff. Why don't you get something for, I don't know, Sarah or Pesky Glasses?"

Kaito: Unsurprisingly, Kaito doesn't even look towards Amel's fancy lil trick, doting over his phone and deploying his gun from his bag. "I dunno, maybe- where is your sister, anyway, and why'd she give you something she might need?"

Amel: Looks off to the side, sweating. Don't look his way while he desperately tries to create another story, Kaito. Keep staring at that phone. "She said she'd rather pick flowers than fight monsters... uh, this week is usually when she's on her menstrual break, so she's spending her time sightseeing the island."

Kaito: A believable story. Not really. Amel did sort of... give off that vibe when they met, but then again, they'd met in a shopping district? Heck if he knew. "Does this kind of thing run in your family or--" Kaito cut off for a second, glancing down at his foot and shooting an offending vine going for his ankle. "Is it just the hair colour?"

Amel: Was he being insulted. Why does he feel so insulted by everything that comes out of this guy's mouth. Also, was it really necessary to shoot at a vine. "I have no idea what you mean. What kind of thing runs in my family? Where I'm from, everyone has this kind of hair color, or something similar to it, anyway. What are you trying to suggest?" Fight me.

Kaito: Absolutely, it was going to attack him. "Look, all I'm saying is, people with your hair colour from my place... dye it." Kaito shrugged, going back to walking. The whispers in his ears were seriously irritating, if only because they were insulting and... demoralizing, really.

Amel: "Is that so?" Not really a serious question, because he's been away from home for four years now. Long enough to realize his hair color makes him stand out from the crowd, quite painfully so. "Are we almost there yet? I'll be hanging around in the back, ready to insult you as you fight." This is a very healthy relationship going on between them.

Kaito: "Why are you coming, anyway?" He stopped in his tracks, almost pouting at him. "I'm pretty sure these trees do enough insulting, thanks."

Amel: Good question. "Why are you making that face? I'm coming because I want to. Why are you listening to a bunch of trees, anyway? What do they know? Nothing, so nothing they say is valid. Stop being so soft."

Kaito: "I'm NOT listening to them." Kaito arrogantly threw his head in the other direction, getting closer towards their target. As far as lighting went, it was awful, and he really should have thought about taking a candle. "The trees are actually way nicer than you, thaaank you very much."

Amel: "Hm? So they're sugarcoating things even when they're insulting you. Also, you're about to run into a tree... no, that'd be funny to see, keep going." He starts taking a couple steps back. Go Kaito, you can do it... beat the tree.

Kaito: "They're nice to you at the beginning, idiot." They were getting close enough that he'd memorized the path towards the big baddy, now using his phone as a light. Wow. He nearly DID hit a tree. "You sure you wanna be here?"

Amel: Squints at Kaito. "Honestly speaking, I don't have anything better to do. I don't like you, but I prefer you over everyone else right now because you're stupid in an entertaining way, I guess." And now that he has his staff out, he might provide support... but that felt like effort, and he wasn't feeling it today.

Kaito: Kaito TWITCHED. Oh great, now he was the class clown?! ..... Okay, he didn't mind that in class, but not outside of class, especially when he wasn't trying to be entertaining. "I ain't saying that, but the second we confront this tree, it's all psychological. If you've got anything bugging you, it's gonna hit you with it." And maybe a leaf or two. Or eight.

Amel: Well shit. He has so many issues. "...I can deal with my own problems just fine. Shouldn't you be worrying about yourself?"

Kaito: "Pft, like I'm gonna let a tree get to me." He waved a hand nonchalantly, putting his phone in his pocket and shifting out the extra gun. Nnnot really, he isn't all that ready for the daddy issues to arise from the grave.

Amel: His mommy issues are very intense. They have something in common now. "Are you sure? Well, whatever. I don't really care what happens (to you), but do your best." It shouldn't be much longer until the giant tree comes to ruin their lives, anyway.

Kaito: It's really not, because within seconds of walking into the messy, ominous clearing, there's a giant tree looming over them, its branches waving creepily in the wind. Such suspense. "Can you hear it?"

Amel: All he hears are the insults of the trees and his mommy issues slowly coming back. But not really, because his mommy issues have always been there. "I don't know what I'm supposed to be hearing, but sure. Yeah. Totally." He sends a spark to a tree behind him, reducing a branch to ashes and smoke. That tree was getting really personal. Now he hates trees.

Kaito: "I dunno either, but-" The first attempt to shoot the much larger willow in front of them is a success. The card slices through the branch and it falls heavily to the floor, but within seconds comes the sudden wave of accusations, much worse than the others. Shit. So this was a timed battle.

Amel: Watches Kaito actually succeed in life. Wow, those cards are so cool. "Ehh, not bad." He just stands by and watches. Look how helpful he's being...

Kaito: It's hardly a success when all these thoughts are stringing through his head. It hurts, really, being forced to think about his dad's death at a constant pace, but it doesn't stop him from hitting the tree in revenge. Stupid stupid tree. How dar-- Oh okay there's a bunch of leaves coming at him. Is he listening out for Amel anymore? Not really, he's too busy trying to dodge the leafy shurikens.

Amel: And Kaito said he wasn't going to let some stupid tree get to him. Uhh... should he do something? Nah, Kaito's handling it pretty well! His dodging skills are literally goals. He's feeling some lowkey admiration.

Kaito: After shedding half the branches on the tree, he comes to realize it sucks the life out of the leaves on said branch. Awesome! Not that he can do much about the leaves going for Amel, but he's sure it'll go fine. Kaito eventually retreats for a moment, rubbing the side of his neck with his wrist and groaning. "Okay, I've got no idea how to stop this thing."

Amel: Wow! He can dodge too?! And his defense is high enough to survive being bashed against walls repeatedly by some superhuman clone of his mother, okay. The leaves are kind of annoying, so he burns off a couple branches with his magic, but he feels like he might've just made the tree angrier. "Ehh? Well, maybe if you toughen up and stop listening to its insults... what's bothering you? Just deal with it." Amel gives out such good advice, honestly.

Kaito: Considering the tree just started moving towards them, he bets that Amel did make it angrier. Thanks. Good thing is wood and fire don't go well, so the tree is starting to freak out under the flames. That gives Kaito some time to start working on snapping off the other half of the tree, branch by branch. Pew pew. "Oh, thanks, you're such a supportive guy, Latte."

Amel: See, this is why he'd rather work alone. No one sasses him when he does something stupid. And, was that sarcasm? How rude?! "I know. I'm amazing. Way better than you'll ever be." Shrugs.

Kaito: "Uh hu-- UH." No time for sass when you have to dodge so many of these leaves. He really needs to buy new clothes after this, these ones are so tattered now. Kaito huffed and decided to go for the other side, so thankful he didn't have limited ammo anymore. There were only a few more branches to take out now... god bless. Except the chanting in his head was just getting worse. "Uuugh, I wish it'd shut up already!"

Amel: Meanwhile, he was sparkly clean in comparison because he had Kaito deal with all the troublesome things. "Well, I can't do anything about it, but..." Whacks Kaito in the head with his staff and sends a couple sparks toward the tree to burn off a couple more branches. "I don't know, everything will be fine."

Kaito: "OW?" So, after much battling, they were now stuck with a relatively naked tree, but also an angry tree who was getting more insulting. There was also a thick fragrance in the air that was hard to ignore, but it wasn't really relevant anymore. "What the hell was that for?!"

Amel: "To clear your head in a twisted way. Now you can focus on how much your head hurts than pay attention to the insults. Probably." Shrugs. And he wanted to do it, as revenge for lying about being Okuta, when he wasn't Okuta. "What's so hard about ignoring the stuff its saying, anyway?" Well, his fears kind of motivate him to work harder, but he didn't know about Kaito...

Kaito: Grumble. Kaito rubbed at his head, shrugging. "I dunno. Lack of closure, I guess." Which was the only way he could come to explain it, really. "Do you wanna finish it off, flame princess?"

Amel: "Hah?" Lack of closure? What did that even mean? And why was he being called princess? "Tch, I'm not a princess?!" But, he might as well just end it now that the tree was weakened to this extent. He shoots a series of sparks toward the tree, but he's more concerned about Kaito than the currently dying tree. He's glaring now. "Don't give me such an offensive nickname."

Kaito: "Flame prince?" He arched a brow, resting a hand on his hip after depositing one gun into his (stolen) pouch again.

Amel: Sends a couple more sparks for good measure, and aims one at Kaito. "That still sounds terrible, and it makes me want to fry you. Blanket Man and Latte are enough, I don't need any more nicknames. Okuta."

Kaito: "Would you rather I just stick to Amel?" Kaito snickered while dodging the stupid spark, using the push in footing to head towards the now withering tree. It grumbled away, leaving a lingering hunk of wood that sparkled a little.

Amel: Freezes. First of all, how? He needs to dispose of this guy... but the thing is, no one can actually die here. "Again, what part of me makes you think I'm a twelve year old girl?! I can't just change my age, height, and gender!" The tree is no longer relevant to him, now.

Kaito: "I was kidding." Snort. "But I mean, you're a mage, can't you just change that if you wanted to?" After shoving the wood into his bag, he took a few steps back and cocked his head. "I wonder how long it takes to respawn."

Amel: Now he has to hold back a sign of relief. Don't scare him life that, you jerk... "That falls under the category of a remodeling experiment, which is taboo. No one has tried it yet. It's not possible. Throw that thought away."

Kaito: "That sounds kinda strict... you can't even be like, a cat if you wanted to?"

Amel: "No. If that happens, the daughters of the ladies are sent after you. In fact, it's their job to hunt down those kinds of things." Life sucks.

Kaito: "..." He gave it more thought. "Can you turn other people into cats?"

Amel: "..." Did he really give it more thought. "I'm already being risky, using magic like this. I don't wanna. I already said that it's illegal."

Kaito: Kaito laughed. "I'm glad I'm not into this whole real magic business, then. It doesn't sound fun at all!"

Amel: "...It really isn't." Kind of jealous, actually.

Kaito: "Do you wanna go get a bite to eat before we attempt this thing again for funsies?" Funsies, sure. Emotional trauma aside.

Amel: "Meh, might as well." He'll contribute more next time, because, wow, he really made the process longer by just standing around and looking pretty in the background. "And let's have Sarah sit down and talk to you about how to cope with your issues, because you really need the lecture."

Kaito: Blink blink. "I don't have issues." Kaito grouched, waving the poor wrecked tree bye bye before starting to head back out of the clearing.

YilesseMegane: Yet it was not, and so the quest they are planned on is decided. "So...the quest said the fox is everywhere trying to take things. It may be a difficult task to track him down...a thief never stays in one place long..."

Aoba: "... Because we're supposed to help each other. Come on, red head."

Amel: "Eh, if they have fur or something from the crime scene, Aquila can smell the guy out." That'll be his contribution, lay off, Sarah.

YilesseMegane: Pauses to blink at Not-Amel. "You really are...a very curious mage, you know." He's never met a mage THAT relaxed, even Henry isn't that chill.

Kaito: Mutters 'swiper no swiping' to himself.

Amel: Why wouldn't he be chill? It's not like he's dying. He's seen so much shit. "I have no idea what you mean."

YilesseMegane: "....Ah, but the quest hint said, that contrary to popular belief, sir Kaito...that does not work. Why would a thief stop stealing just becaue you asked nicely?"

Aoba: Wistfully thinking that it would have been a lot better if Ren was here. "But. We should get to work, then."

Kaito: "So!" He's blissfully going to ignore Amel's suggestion to do it all himself. Though, he paused at Laurent's chiding and snickered. "I dunno, I guess it's just in the back of my mind to say it anyway..."

Amel: That's okay, he and Aquila are a-okay to be on standby for the rest of the day.

Kaito: "I was thinking-" Kaito begins, pulling up a map between Maidenhair and Holly Town, turning his phone around to exhibit it. "Have you guys been out here yet? It's warm out there, like, desert warm, but it's a two hour trip."

YilesseMegane: That said, he adjusts his glasses and looks more serious than usual. Time to get to work. Also muses to Amel: "I mean no offense by it. But I'm sure if Ricken heard you helped us with this, he would smile a lot, yes? Wouldn't that be cute?"

Amel: Why are we bringing Ricken into this, noooo. "He's a friend of my sister, not mine. I have no idea who he is besides that." Shrug. Keep cool.

Aoba: "... No. I have been in the inn." His head tilted to the side, leaning in to look at the phone. "It's not that far, I guess."

Amel: Twos hours is not far? Sarah, what have you been through?

YilesseMegane: "Well...I have not been that place yet." He...doesn't like being reminded of deserts, but for the sake of the kibble, he will do this. "Hm. So you say. But I do believe you are fond of him and consdier him a friend, just as I do. Please. Just do this one quest, for his sake. Then you can laze about as much as you want." To Amel, there.

Aoba: He walks through the old resident district every day. There is no other way to go by in there. At least not for him. And part of his work is delivery.

Amel: "...Do I look like a little girl that much to you?" But fine, he'll endure a two hours walk if he has to.

Kaito: "It was hot and I ended up not coming back til this morning, so it's pretty far." Kaito muttered sardonically, pinching the screen to zoom in on the area better. "Either way, Swiper's got himself a big hiding spot. We'll have to split up if we even wanna find him to cover more ground."

YilesseMegane: "Thank you." Nods appreciatively to Amel. Yes, that is the faint hint of a smile from Laurent, there. Two hours is nothing to travelling through a desert for five years, though....but Kaito has a good point. "How should we split up, then...?"

Kaito: "Groups of two. That way we can..." Sort of mumbling to himself now. Sorry, he's not really a team player, so he forgets to speak out loud.

Amel: "I can't hear you anymore, and I'd rather work by myself." Unless you count Aquila as one whole other person, then he'd be okay with working in groups of two.

YilesseMegane: "Ah....sir Kaito. I cannot hear you, either...but if people are not sure who to pair up with, we could call heads or tails to decide..."

Kaito: "Oh." He laughed nervously. "I wanna go with Blanket Man."

Amel: Why this. "But I thought you liked Sarah better?"

Aoba: "Fine by me." He didn't know who blanket man was, but hey, it didn't matter to him- oh there it was. He just wanted to get started with the quest.

YilesseMegane: "Ah, I see...I shall go with sir Aoba, then, if that is alright?" Turns to the blue-haired one. You now have a bespectacled nerd looking earnestly, if not a bit seriously, at you.

Aoba: "Of course it is." He smiled to Laurent, placing a hand on his hip. "Let's find this fox quickly, Laurent."

Kaito: "I do like Sarah better, but I wanna try something." Kaito shrugged. "Do you guys wanna start heading towards Maidenhair, then? Blanket and I've got something to do here."

Amel: He is having a hard time believing this. Why did he always end up getting left behind with Kaito.

Aoba: He has a feeling Kaito isn't being upfront about just what he wants to do with Blanket Man, but he's not really going to ask. The kid can be responsible, after all. "Sure. We'll call if we find anything."

YilesseMegane: "Indeed. Maidenhair it is...though I do not know the way. But I shall quickly follow your lead, sir Aoba. Sir Kaito, Coffee Mage...do stay safe."

Kaito: Kaito's grinning and whether or not its a malicious or totally innocent grin is probably beyond even himself. "Gotcha! We'll give you a call if we get any leads, too."

Amel: Blanket Man or Coffee Mage, he was always stuck with the worst names and worst partners.

Aoba: It's never innocent. But he still nods to Laurent, placing his hand in his pockets as he starts to walk. "Let's get going, then."

YilesseMegane: Well, you did ask Laurent not to call you Amel. That said, he nods seriously to Aoba - he's ready to get going whenever the other starts walking.

YilesseMegane: After all, given he does not know the way...he'd just get them both LOST if he led the way, which wouldn't do at all!

Aoba: He pulls up the map of the island on his coil and leads the way, looking at the map for a moment before closing the application. "What kind of ability do you have so far?" Better know, just in case.

Kaito: The communication is few between the two and Kaito's already pulled his phone back up, starting to walk and expecting Amel to follow through. "So, let me get this right, you said your bird can pick up something as long as it's got some sorta scent to go with, right?"

YilesseMegane: Keeps his gaze on the other male so he can keep pace, but answers the question in a sensible, logical way, as he would any question. "I can use my fire tome as a means of attack...it is not strong, but I can use it more times before it vanishes. Also, it has a higher chance of burning a foe. I can also heal people! ...F-for a tiny bit of health, not much at this point."

Amel: "Yeah." Just answering the question, what else was he supposed to say.

Kaito: "What's your bird-- wait, you never answered me last time, what's your name?" Blanket Man's what's in the guild chat but really, is that his name? Or just some lame handle?

Aoba: "Huh, that's useful," he remarks, smiling slightly. "Healing like that... we don't have that sort of magic back where I come from. Technology, yeah, but that's all just stories." While they were still in the village, there wasn't much to worry about - but outside, they would probably start encountering monsters. "It's probably more useful against some of these monsters than a kick."

Amel: "Blanket Man." Even he's embarrassed by his lame naming skills.

Kaito: "Blanket man."

Amel: "Blanket Man."

YilesseMegane: "Well, to be honest...they don't have such scientifically fascinating tek-know-ledgedy back home at Yilesse, either - so that makes both of us curious about something the other has, eh? That aside, it is handy, but...because I specialize in long-reach attacks, I take...er...a lot of damage physically speaking." Squishy wizard boy.

Kaito: "... So I'm gonna call you Latte." Stops right in front of a merchant's stall.

Aoba: "Really?" He was growing used to people not being used to technology as advanced as his, but to someone not have one... "I can show you some. You'll like Ren when you see him, I think-" Better not think of that for now. "Well, I got you covered, then. I can handle some hits, and I think I can keep monsters distracted enough. Just burn them up."

Amel: Latte sounded cooler than Blanket Man. Updates his information in the mean time. "Why are we stopping here?"

Kaito: "This is the guy who put the ad up. My guess is that he's the most frequent victim." Murmurs this as he peeks inside the stall, but he guesses the guy has gone home for the day. Well, that beats ass. Whatever. "You think you can get your bird to pick out fox scent from his stall?"

Amel: "...Sure, he can try." Go Aquila, sniff out that fox. 「It's headed toward Maidenhair. There's no use staying around here any longer.」

YilesseMegane: "Ah, really?!" His eyes have lit up. He's excited, really. "That would be wonderful, thank you - err...but I do believe the current task at hand comes first. I shall strike down with flame any monster that comes near."

Kaito: "Can you track it?" Now he's pretty intrigued by the bird, but it makes him miss his doves. Time to pull up the guild chat.

► swiper's heading towards maidenhair so you guys should keep a look out for him.

YilesseMegane: ...! Is that a 'tehxta'? Yes it is. Reads the thettxa and types back. Even though his typing is terrible.

Aoba: "Mm. I'll introduce you to him when I get him." He smiles a bit, but, it's better focus on paying attention to his surroundings. Better not get struck by a monster without warning. But, the coil beeps lightly, and he opens the message.

 ► Whe shell keep a cloh123 eye out, ind33d!

Amel: 「The scent is all over the place and the trail is relatively fresh, he may have been meandering around before departing, so he shouldn't have gotten too far. Head toward Maidenhair first, that's where his scent is leading to at the moment.」

 ► Got it. Try to have Aquila find him, we're following the road.

► thats the birds name? well anyway yeah he's doing that. we're gonna catch up to you guys. laurent, take one glove off at least

YilesseMegane: Adjusting his glasses with determination, the mage nods grimly to Aoba, and readies his tome as he walks in case.

Kaito: He snatches a fishing net from one of the nearby stalls, just in case. Although the objective was to beat the fox, they still had to catch it. Off he goes.

Amel: He's just going to, subtly ditch Kaito. Too impatient to wait any longer.

Kaito: WOW BYE LATTE.

 ► Whell, iff the fox ish possibly nearby, it wodhle be more senseebl3 to keep both glovehs on..

Amel: Awwww he's caught up already...

► you could just put them on when you see him??

► And reesk the fhox getting away, poss3bly? Goodness, no. (well, laurent did have a point there.)

Aoba: He nudges Laurent, nodding ahead before murmuring in a low tone. "There's noise." Turning down the sound from the coil, he adjusts the plastic brass knuckles, moving more quietly ahead.

YilesseMegane: JUST AS HE TYPED THAT....nods. Puts phone silently back in his robe pockets and keeps his tome at the ready, his long robes allowing him to tail Aoba in silence...

Amel: 「So as long as we continue to walk in this direction, we should be able to find the fox shortly. The fox seems to be taking its time.」

Kaito: "It's going slow? Maybe it's got something?" Currently messing with the gun and his net.

Amel: 「Perhaps it picked up something heavy from the stall. Whatever the case may be, it works in our favor.」

Amel: Kaito what are you even doing. Amel: Should he offer him a helping hand and take some of that load off of Kaito's hands? Nah.

Kaito: "I guess you're right... Laurent and Sarah can't be far." He doesn't want help. 

YilesseMegane: Keeping his sharp, bespectacled gaze on the foilage and greenery ahead, Laurent silently places a gloved hand on Sir Aoba's shoulder, then pointing. A flash of unmistakable orange, pointed ears...and....oh. You have GOT to be kidding me. The fox....was carrying a box of snacks. Scooby doo would be ashamed. Whoever that modern dog is.

Amel: 「At this rate, it's possible those two have already encountered the thief.」

Kaito: Missing his binoculars so much right now. "Good point. Let's see if they can keep up with it."

Aoba: He felt the hand on his shoulder, but he had caught sight of the thief already - and his loot. The dog's kibble... how dare he take it from the noble animal that was Waldo. Frowning, Aoba gave Laurent a nod and rushed to battle. Time to deliver some justice ass kicking. The others better rush.

Amel: "Well, have they sent us a message yet, Kaito?" Are you still struggling.

Amel: Lord, why was his partner so LAME and annoying?

Kaito: "Nope. Guess they're caught up with the fox. Even Laurent stopped and... well, y'know, Laurent." Shrug.

Kaito: Your lame partner has had enough of your sassy narrative commentary and has started running away.

YilesseMegane: Nodding, the mage paused to leave one simple texzta: 

► Heh is HERE. Come hyre quickly. 

YilesseMegane: And then leapt into action. Those two better hurry or they'll beta the fox before they even GET there.

Amel: Good bye space Kaito...

► distract it if you can. its probably fast. there's a good reason people haven't caught it.

Amel: Well, there's so much he can do now. They've already tracked down the fox. His work is done. He'll take his sweet time now.

Amel: Except he's bored already, he'll probably have a better time if he just observed his group from afar

Aoba: You engaged the Wilder Fox! The Wilder Fox was caught by surprise, so you managed to hit him with a fox drop kick! Alright, maybe narrating it this way isn't the best. Point is, the fox was unprepared, a kick came flying, and so went the fox, leaving it to hit the ground before quickly gathering itself up, rubbing its muzzle and growling at the attackers.

Kaito: Oh man he is so glad he ran all the way here because seeing that was so cool. Wow.

Kaito: I mean, you just kicked the snot out of an animal and that's pretty gross but that aside.

YilesseMegane: It is clear that this fox isn't too happy about it's potential treat being stolen. Engage the Foxy motherfucker. Fires a ball of flames aty the growling fox. The flame strikes the fox, doing a tiny bit of damage - but it yelps in pain! A sucessful burn. The fox darts forth...aiming for Laurent in a Shadow Rush Attack...intervene?

Kaito: While it's cool and all to just watch these two engage in battle, and he could just sit back and enjoy the ride, he did just almost mess up his gun for no good reason. Kaito crouches down and has to practically measure the velocity and length between it and Laurent before he can shoot the gun, a card flying out but carrying the net in its wake. Once it hits, the fishing ropes tangles around the poor thing. NOW you can beat it up right.

YilesseMegane: The Attack was sucessfully intervened! Laurent took no damage - and he shoots Sir Kaito a thankful smile. Yes, he smiled again. But he can't act again yet this turn RPGS DON'T WORK THAT WAY IT'S AMEL'S TURN (probably to do nothing but hey)

Aoba: So, beating the hell out of a wild animal is a no-no, but tangling it up in a net to beat it up is okay? You know- in general, that's a big no. In RPG world, we're a pretty good team.

Amel: Comes in five minutes late with an eagle. What did he miss. Nothing important, probably. Wow, look at the team go.

YilesseMegane: - TURN END - AOBA'S TURN ONCE MORE -

Kaito: Please get his card back when you're done with the fox?

Aoba: The animal properly tied up and ready for a beating, Aoba- looks around. He's supposed to beat up a tangled up animal. Alright. He can... do that? Stopping next to it, he kicks it - gentler than the first time. The fox rewards him for his kindness by trying to use Crunch on him through the net, successfully reminding him that it's not a normal fox and earning itself another kick. Bad fox.

Amel: Wooooo go Sarah go! Rocking those kicks!

YilesseMegane: Laurent approaches the net. Laurent found...the strange card bullhet that Sir Kaito fired? Laurent obtained one Card. He's not going to risk the fox breaking out fo the ropes by him using fire on them, so...just stands. The fox struggles to get free...but the ropes still hold. Thre fox took burn damage!

YilesseMegane: Laurent hands Kaito his card back too.

Kaito: Thank you! Kaito lodges it back into his cardgun again.

Amel: This has got to be one of the most courteous battles he's ever seen.

Kaito: "Hey..." Murmurs to Amel. "You think we should stop here? I mean, they did say we could just scare him off..."

Amel: He kind of feels bad for the fox. So... "Yeah, I think this is a nice stopping point."

Amel: He'd be scared too if he was trapped in a net and constantly kicked and burned.

Aoba: He starts untangling the fox from the net.

YilesseMegane: "Yes...I believe we've done enough here to teach this thief a stern lesson. Also, he dropped the treats, so...it would be cruel to make the creature overly suffer."

Amel: I think you two are the most cruel here...

Kaito: ... Haha, oh maaaan he is so glad these guys don't know he's a thief. "Yeah! The poor guy was probably just hungry, I think catching him was the only thing we had to do..." 

Aoba: "Why didn't you guys just say we could let him go before." He's glaring. Come on, he didn't want to hurt the little guy more than he should have.

YilesseMegane: Picks the box of treats up from the ground and tucks them away safe before helping untangle the net. But....it seems this kindness is on a bad sort. The fox breaks free due to the ropes being loose. and uses Crunch on Laurent! Laurent cries out in pain...he took a critical hit!

Amel: "I was under the impression that you were already aware of the requirements." Shrugs. Oh shit. Laurent got attacked.

YilesseMegane: Laurent is in pain and cannot move again this turn...

Aoba: "I was kind of busy, you know. Dealing with it-" Oh. Shoo. He shakes the net to scare off the fox.

Kaito: "Because it's a monster and the objective is to beat it for EXP?" Oh no, Laurent! And none of us even have healing potions.

Amel: Man, we came here so unprepared. He only has a bunch of sleep powder and paralysis powder. Oh, actually, these things could've been handy earlier.

Aoba: "... We did get a bit carried away with the video game line of thought." By we he means him, probably. Maybe Kaito. But him. It's easier if it's a video game. "But still-"

Aoba: Blanket Man, you're a disappointment.

Amel: I'm trying my best here. Team work is so hard.

Aoba: "Good thinking on the net, Kaito."

Aoba: "And good work, Laurent." The fox is probably still here, though.

Kaito: Can I just shoot at it until it gets the idea and gets the hell away.

YilesseMegane: The fox bares it's teeth at the net flapping, but winces at taking more burn damage. The fox pauses to deliberate the situation...and even now, at such a disadvantage, decides to try and strike again, this time aiming a shadow Rush for Aoba. Laurent, meanwhile, is wincing and trying to recover his bearings...

Aoba: Please do. He just keeps shaking the net, making shooing noises. Go away, fox.

YilesseMegane: He's kind of bleeding from the bit. Ow.

Amel: So I was thinking, we just dunk some paralysis powder on that fox and get our butts out of here. We can pretend that we scared it off.

YilesseMegane: Laurent managed to recover enough to cast a quick 'Heal' on himself - not much health restored, but enough to stand straight again.

Amel: It's getting kind of late and he's so hungry, be considerate for him, guys.

Kaito: While it's soaring at Aoba, Kaito gives in and sacrifices a few cards. He shoots once, the projectile zipping past the fox's face. Naturally, it recoils only for another card to strike where it just landed in warning. At the very least, shooting all these cards keeps the fox distracted and on its feet. Now would be a great time, Laurent.

Amel: Starts drawing pictures on the sand. Guys finish this quickly please.

YilesseMegane: A long sigh from Laurent, there. "I believe the fox did not consider one thing...attacking us so much also takes up his own energy. Now...that I feel better....get the heence, fox!" Fires a ball of flame, not at he fox, but it's feet. The fox finally seems to realize it's going to lose here, and doesn't want to be burnt again...and finally flees. Team REN GETS WIFI WINS THE BATTLE! (but u get no exp points becse the monster fled.)

Kaito: ........

Amel: Claps for their achievement. Nice group work, everyone! They can finally go back now.

Aoba: No we get exp points because we failed at shooing it. "Good job... Kaito and Laurent." And sort of himself. "Thanks for keeping it from hitting me, Kaito. Are you okay there?" The last one is for Laurent.

Kaito: Shoots the fox. It had so little HP. The fox faints. EXP for everyone.

Aoba: Good job, Kaito.

Amel: Wow, I get no good job for tracking down the fox? THANKS SARAH.

YilesseMegane: "I...I could be doing better." His arm is bruised, but the bleeding stopped thanks to that quick Heal. "Do...any of you have a bandage or a piece of material I could use to bandage this until it heals?"

Kaito: Makes a little victory sort of noise, sounds sorta like 'pchoo' and 'yaaay' all at once before he goes to retrieve his cards. Good thing the fox burst into little EXP points so he can get THAT card too.

YilesseMegane: "But we all did it, in a brighter note! Excelisor! Wonderful job, everyone!" What a dorky, kind mage....he even thanked AMEL

Aoba: He takes off his jacket, offering it to Laurent. "That's the best I have, I'm afraid."

Amel: Only Laurent appreciates him. So much mixed feelings, because it's also Laurent who keeps insisting he's Amel. Well, he is Amel, but he has to be lowkey about it.

YilesseMegane: Bows his head in thanks. Gently takes the jakheet - it is so different from his mage robes. It is nice to have the arm bruise covered, though.

YilesseMegane: ....Does this count as a gift froma friend? He'll have to give it back when his arm is better, but he's all red at realizing this.

Aoba: And he picks up the bag of snacks. Loot recovered!-

Kaito: "Guys. Look." Wags a blue mask that he found on the floor alongside the EXP.

YilesseMegane: "....Ah, so that is the...asethatic....mask?" You STILL pronounced it wrong.

Amel: It looks tacky, just like Kaito. But also matches Sarah's hair.

Aoba: "We should get back, then?"

Amel: "Yes." Please.

YilesseMegane: "Indeed....we should turn this quest in, after all that trouble."

Kaito: "Think so. Latte can wear it."

YilesseMegane: "...May I borrow the mask for a moment, before you give it to Coffe mage?" What is he gonna do with it.

Aoba: "Alright, let's get going-?"

Amel: "Haha, very funny, get that away from me."

Amel: "You can keep it." Keep it Laurent, keep it. It's a gift from my heart.

Kaito: "Eh? Sure..." And he hands it over, although he has full intention of slipping it on Amel when he's sleeping.

Amel: And why are you assuming he's actually going to sleep and have a good, healthy sleep schedule for once?

YilesseMegane: ...! TAKES THE MASK. Puts it on over his glasses. He looks dorky. especially so when he does a pose and says: "Avast, and so we have struck down thew thief as masked heroes!" ....he gives the mask back, turning red. He...he had to try that at least once...

Amel: That was pretty edgy. Slow clap.

Aoba: "..." And he has to laugh at that, covering his mouth to try to spare the mage - but, ok, that was pretty funny, and actually kinda cute, too-

Kaito: That was so lame. Kaito has no idea what to say. He pushes it back towards Laurent, his smile twitching. "You keep it." He decides, starting to walk away.

Nicolette: ❝ I can't believe we're the only ones here today. Everyone else is slacking!! ❞ How dare the rest of the group just fuck off while they're at the guild... sitting around. This is hard work. Sure, she might be sitting at the bar drinking, but it's still Guild work. Probably.

Espresso: "...If I recall, what you consider hard work is..." Gestures to her. Drinking. She's drinking too. But. Well. Actually there is no excuse. "...I am sure they are out trying to find something to do."

Espresso: Cough cough, "should we find something to do?" A quest? Something. Espresso is bored too. Even nobles get bored.

Nicolette: Wow, it was a really good idea to put a bar in this place, wasn't it? ❝ Not even Luffy's here. I don't expect jack to be but — aaaaaaaaaaaaAAAA!! ❞ Suddenly, she'll down the rest of her drink and stand up. ❝ This boredom is starting to kill me. You're right. We need to go do something or — ... something. ❞

Nicolette: ❝ How dare they leave us here and go off on their own — we can do that too! And we'll make lots of money. ❞ There's nothing two beautiful ladies can't accomplish.

Espresso: "We can do without ruckus." She could do without Nicolette too, but she isn't gonna say that. She needs to socialize sometimes. "...Is there any jobs for us to do?"

Espresso: "Very true, heh."

Espresso: "Do we need the money? ...We have a bar here, and Luffy brings in leftovers...sometimes."

Nicolette: ❝ I'm sure there's something. I heard some rumors about an Inn across town. That should be the first place we check. ❞

Nicolette: ❝ The money can be used for potions at least... those might come in handy. ❞

Espresso: "Very well." Gets up from stool. Empties drink into Nicolette's cup. "We shall go, yes?"

Nicolette: Oh. Well, she'll finish the rest of that drink too and toss the cup ???? somewhere. Who cares. They're doing this. ❝ Right. I've passed the Inn a few times so I can take us there. ❞

Espresso: Ignores her comment. Luffy or Killian could steal those. "Yes. Lead they way, Lady Nicolette." Walks in front of her anyways.

Nicolette: Well, they'll probably need money for SOMETHING at some point. It has to be there for a REASON?

Nicolette: ROLLS EYES LOUDLY. Without much thought, she'll grab a bottle of rum from behind the bar — she'll need it — and walks after Espresso.

Espresso: Sad she can't conjure jack shit, only has a shitty wooden staff she would never have to use if her ass wasn’t weakened

Nicolette: ❝ It's quite a walk, I hope you're prepared for that. ❞ Yeah, TELL HER about it. This nerf shit is BS.

Espresso: "Feh. Are you doubting me? I could walk to the other side of the world in these heels." That's a lie. "Do you intend on sharing that cheap excuse of alcohol?"

Nicolette: ❝ Ooooooooof course not! Why would I ever? ❞ She's being sarcastic, but whatever. Espresso can rock a pair of heels, that's no lie. ❝ Sharing is caring, Ms. Beans. I'm sure it'll come in handy. ❞

Espresso: Squints, what is sarcasm. People don't use sarcasm with a homicidal maniac. She'll steal it from Nicolette if she's super thirsty. Kill her? Probably can't beat a girl with a stick, when that girl has a shitty but better dagger. "...Do you want something from me? Or do...you mean you plan on sharing the rum?"

Nicolette: She just did, didn't she? They're both homicidal maniacs so it's probably fine. Yeah, good luck with that. They're both pretty much on equal terms, but Nicolette has blood powers. At a time like this, Nicolette could probably beat her in a fight. ❝ Normally, yes, but I'm feeling generous, so I don't mind sharing. ❞

Espresso: Shakes her head and sighs. Whatever. Free rum. She's okay with that. She looks at the sky. Why is it only the afternoon. Why did it storm. Fuck her life. "...Is there anything in particular that you want to speak about." Dies inside. she hates speaking, but staring at trees isn't any better.

Nicolette: Um... wow... this is. Okay. Uhhhh — ❝ I dunno... tell me... about your... self??? ❞ That's what you're supposed to say to people, right? This'll take some getting used to. They're both so much alike it makes things difficult.

Espresso: Stares up into the sky. Why. Why is she going to talk about herself. "I have a daughter. ...Do you have one?"

Espresso: "...You have to have one, right?" Squints, if she didn't, that would be weird.

Nicolette: ❝ Oh, right. Amel. I've met her a few times. Um — me? No... no kids. Not really my thing... plus there's never really been an... opportunity. ❞ Well, excuse her for being abnormal, but a kid isn't really the reason WHY.

Espresso: "...You are twenty, or so...right?" She's so confused. "Your family had to pair you with someone at a young age...did he die or something?"

Espresso: "And yes...Americano. She is my daughter."

Nicolette: ❝ Yeah, but — ❞ Aaaaaaaaaaaa. ❝ Not... necessarily. Actually, it was my family that died. It happened during an earthquake when I was pretty young so... I guess they didn't have a chance to pair me up with anyone. ❞ She'll put this in terms that Espresso will understand. ❝ The person that took care of me after well... eeeehhh he was scum of the Earth, so... ❞

Nicolette: ❝ Amel is... she's a strong girl, I can say that much. We don't really get along, but I respect her headstrong personality. ❞ Wow, that was the nicest thing she has ever said about Amel. Holy shit???

Espresso: Squints. Oh she's from Earth. "Ah, I see." Sorry for her caretaker being shit, but she won't say that.

Espresso: Holy shit? Espresso won't even say that? Whoa bro, high five. "On my planet, you have children around the age of sixteen. Usually you only have one child though."

Espresso: "Americano and I have an endearing relationship," lies, "We often go out to lunches together. She is much more friendly if you get to know her." Lies-

Espresso: "...You either have a possible ruler child, or you spawn many slaves." Shrugs. She was supposed to be a peasant but no one needs to know that.

Nicolette: ❝ You gotta live with the hand you're dealt, I guess. Sadly, you can't choose family. ❞ Running a hand through her hair, she listens with genuine interest??? ❝ Wow... that young? That's must've been shi — sucked. ❞ Nicolette doesn't believe that last part, obviously. She's seen the two interact, but she won't comment. It's not like she would be a much better mother. ❝ Huh... that sounds like a mess. ❞

Espresso: "I live through hardships," She gives a fake ass smile, like the usual. "After all, being a ruler itself is a rather hard job. Americano works hard to do me good." Now her turn to be normal and socialize. "...Do you have a favorite hobby of some sort? Most people do...er, right?" They suck at this thing.

Nicolette: ❝ Right... same. Aside from the ruler part. ❞ She's been a fucking bum for most of her life so, she can't really understand the other side of the spectrum. ❝ Hobby... ❞ Ummmmmm. ❝ Does murder count? I — shit, okay... I like to... fight?? ❞ No that doesn't sound right either. ❝ I like to cook... I'm just not very good at it. What about... you??? ❞ WOW this is HARD.

Espresso: "...I shop." She buys so much shit it's kind of horrible. "Or I...I too, do a bit of, er. Fighting. But only when necessary." Or when a certain someone spills ice cream on your coat. "Sadly I do not have my weapons for that." Frowns at her hobby though. "There is a cooking class in Koi. I have been meaning to attend. Would you like to join me? It's only 200 Koins for two people. I will pay."

Nicolette: ❝ Oh, I like to do that too! I didn't even think of that. ❞ Nicolette WISHES she could buy so much shit. That's a good hobby, Espresso. ❝ It's nice, huh? Though I'm a little too reckless sometimes. ❞ She gets the shit beat out of her so much, but she always wins in the end so it's fine. She has some cool scars, wanna see? ❝ Yeah, this place is fucking stupid. I don't see the point in trying to make us weak. ❞ Wow?? Espresso?? Holy shit. ❝ Oh — yeah, that'd be cool. We'd be better than anyone in that class, obviously. ❞ I — It's not like i want to go or anything... b — baka!!

Espresso: No. Scars are gross. She can show you the jars of blood from her dead and fallen enemies though. Not like she collects them. Whistles. Totally doesn't. "Shopping is rather enjoyable, it's stress reliving." Grins for real once. "I'm glad you would like to go. I will arrange for Americano to purchase two class seats...although they might be full." Chuckles. "I can arrange space," wiggles her staff around. Totally not implying she would murder for a class spot.

Espresso: Looks around. "...Are we almost there?"

Nicolette: Nicolette would actually like to see that, yes. She would be very interested, in fact. ❝ I agree — though I usually have to steal first before I get a chance to buy anything. ❞ Wow look at that they're both grinning. Amazing. ❝ Wonderful. I like the way you think! ❞ Even if it wasn't full... kill them anyways? ❝ Yeah, actually. I can see it now. It's just up the street. ❞ Right on time!

Espresso: Nice, she sees it with the smoke coming out of the chimney. "Perhaps I shall take you shopping in the luxury district. The eggs there are rather hard shelled. Apparently a sport is "egging people" on Earth. Is this true? We can purchase eggs and egg...uhm," Thinks of a random person in her guild, "Killian. I'm not sure what egging is, but perhaps he would enjoy it." She would probably for fun, anyways smh. "What do you think the owner will have us do?"

Nicolette: Nice!!! Cooking class?? Shopping?? Amazing. ❝ Yeah, actually. I've taken part in it a few times. It's fun, you'd enjoy it. ❞ Now THAT is an idea she can get behind!! She'll grin. ❝ That's a great idea. I think he'd really like that. ❞ Two hot girls egging him? he won't know what the fuck to think. ❝ Hopefully kill something. I want to fight monsters. ❞ Upon arriving at the Inn, she'll open the door and walk inside ( holding it open for Espresso as well ) — ❝ Yooo!! Anyone here!? We're here for a job!! ❞

Espresso: Smiles. She kind of cares for her guild. She wants people to enjoy themselves before she kills them—leaves back for Koi. "I am glad. Shall we surprise him or tell him in advance?" Rolls her shoulders as she walks into the inn, nodding her thanks. ...The innkeeper comes out, lookin' old and wise, but they're carrying a mop and bucket.

Espresso: Shit. "...Ah. You want us to clean?"

Espresso: She's a rich ass lady who murders people for fun. You expect her to clean? Stares at Nicolette because she doesn't know what to do.

Nicolette: That's so great. Espresso is so caring. So kind. ❝ I think we should surprise him. That makes the excitement all the better! ❞ And also he won't try to hide from them if he doesn't know. ❝ Uh... ❞ Haha, how are they supposed to kill with THOSE?? HAHA WHAT. ❝ ... ❞ Looking back at Espresso, she considers leaving, bit first — ❝ What do we get for it? ❞

Nicolette: The wise old man tells them they'll both get a free weeks stay at his Inn and Nicolette considers this. That might come in handy. She'll look towards Espresso for her opinion. ❝ What do you think? ❞

Espresso: She's tired of hearing Luffy snore. No one cares about his god damn desire for ham. Holy shit. It's so annoying. "We have walked quite far, what do you say? I will take it."

Espresso: Jots down: Surprise Killian with Nicolette. Buy hardshelled eggs.

Nicolette: ❝ Yeah, I need a break from staying in that place with a bunch of loud, obnoxious men. I'll do it. Hell, how hard can it be? ❞ Good, their plan is coming together. Perfect.

Nicolette: The old dude tells them they need to mop, dust, sweep and clean windows. Sure this is... fine.

Espresso: She doesn't even know how to do half of those. She has fucking maids for heaven's sake. "...I will." She doesn't know what she's going to do. "...I er." She's not going to admit it. Stares at the mop placed in her hand.

Espresso: "...How do you do this, Nicolette?" Very serious face.

Nicolette: Nicolette stares back at Espresso, wondering for a moment if she's joking or not. It doesn't look like it. ❝ Uh... okay, right. Well how about I do the mopping and you wash windows? ❞ Grabbing a rag and submerging it in the bucket of soapy water, she pulls it out and wrings the water from it before handing it to Espresso. ❝ All you need to do it scrub this over the glass and that should be good enough. ❞ If only this place had windex. This SUCKS.

Espresso: She only knows how to scrub herself free of blood, not the fucking windows. She kind of stares at it. "...I will try my best," awkwardly places the towel on the window.

Espresso: Turns around to look at Nicolette. How does she know how to do these things.

Nicolette: Just think of it like that. Nicolette doesn't do much cleaning herself, but she's seen it a lot on tv. One doesn't really have to clean when they're homeless. She'll get the mop wet, wring it out too, and starts pushing it across the floors.

Espresso: She doesn't even watch TV. Awkwardly scrubs windows.

Espresso: "The dirt is coming off..." She's so amazed, she sparkles. "Is this the work of magic?"

Nicolette: ❝ No it's... well, sorta. It'd be a lot easier with Windex but they don't have that on this stupid island. ❞ She grunts and begins cleaning the other half of the floor. ❝ This bastard better be thankful for us doing this. ❞

Espresso: "He is giving us a free room." She could kill him and they could have a free room but SHhHh h .

Espresso: Stares at her. "What is windex?"

Nicolette: ❝ That free room better come with free breakfast. ❞ If only this were Koi and then they could just do that. This stupid island has too many dumb rules. ❝ It's a chemical cleaner. It works better than soap. ❞

Nicolette: Dumping the mop back into the bucket of water, she wipes sweat form her forehead. ❝ Jesus... this place needs AC. ❞ It's too HOT. Frowning, she moves to the front door and props it open with a piece of wood to let from air in. She then starts looking around for a duster or something.

Espresso: "...I will purchase twenty pounds for my maids at home then." She makes note for that. "I will force him to make us breakfast." She scrubs the window as she stares at Nicolette complaining. She is truly a wonder.

Espresso: She moves onto the next window and frowns, this is so boring, but a week away from Jack is truly freedom.

Espresso: "How did you meet...er, Handsome Jack?" She needs some kinda entertainment, she HAS to talk.

Nicolette: ❝ I'm sure they would appreciate that. It'll make your house look better too, I'm sure. ❞ Speaking, of breakfast, she's hungry. They'll have to grab lunch after this, cleaning is hard work. Grabbing another rag form behind the counter, she begins to dust the many knick-knacks in the Inn. ❝ Uh... hmm. Let's just say I didn't have anywhere to go and he took me in. It wasn't as pretty as that sounds, though. ❞

Nicolette: ❝ I was basically a bum, but I guess Jack saw my uncontrollable violence as a talent. He gave me food and a place to stay, so I guess he liked that I was loyal to a fault, too. He hired me as his assistant, but instead of paperwork or phone calls, I killed and tortured his enemies for him without question. That was a long time ago, though. We only just met up again when he arrived in Koi. I resumed my work as if it had never ended. ❞ Humming, she carelessly places the oil lamp she'd been dusting back in its place.

Espresso: "Ah, I see. ...Well, thanks to you, I believe Jack and I will be working together more in the future." Scrubs thoughtfully as she thinks, "You are his er, right hand woman...correct? What is it that he does, exactly?"

Nicolette: ❝ He does seem to have taken a liking to you and Killian. ❞ Moving to a shelf, she'll begin dusting there as well. ❝ Yeah, I guess you could say that. Jack is... well, just ask him and he'll tell you: a Hero. ❞ She rolls her eyes. ❝ He was CEO of Hyperion. Don't know much about it myself, I only really followed Jack's orders. ❞

Nicolette: ❝ But he's planning something big for Koi, that's for sure. ❞

Espresso: Raises eyebrow, "Hm. I like I lady who doesn't ask questions. Americano and you are similiar in a few ways, it seems." Whatever big is planned, sucks shit she's stuck in it now. "The...er, pirate, as he is called...he is rather interesting too. What is a pirate if I may ask? I mean, we don't have those in my homeland."

Nicolette: ❝ Trust me, I'm not some worker bee that does whatever I'm told — Jack's the only exception to that, but that's loyalty for you. I give him his fair share of grief, though. I'm the only one ALLOWED TO, after all. ❞ She takes a certain pride in her role. It's nice to feel special, even if it for shit reasons. ❝ The pirate... right, Killian. Yes... interesting is a word to describe him. ❞ She smiles to herself. ❝ We've got a bit of history too — not all of it is very good. Pirates they... they sail the seven seas in ships and pillage towns looking for treasure. At least, that's the storybook version. I don't know much about Killian... he is a man of many secrets. ❞

Espresso: "Oh? So we're in a black market-type business?" Not like she hasn't done her share of crime but still, okay then. "...As long as you know where the line is, you can obey him with ease." Nod nods as she scrub scrubs. Finally finished a second window, like eight more to go WOOO boy. She wishes she had magic. "...He plunders though, Jones? I noticed he only had...one hand?"

Nicolette: ❝ Sure, in a way. I'm not entirely sure about Jack's plans yet... but he'll tell me eventually. ❞ It's all very exciting, isn't it? ❝ Jack has learned to put up with a lot of my shit, I think. And so have I. Thank God for that. ❞ She's finished mopping, but still has half the Inn to dust. Sooooo fun. ❝ I'm assuming. I never really got to see him at work on his ship. Not sure what happened to it, never asked. And his hand, well... ❞ She's only heard very brief mentions of it, and wonders if it's really her place to speak about it. ❝ All I know is that it was taken by his mortal enemy, or something. ❞

Espresso: "Oh? He fights hand to hand I see." She probably could kick his ass unnerfed. She chuckles, "It seems like an endearing partnership, I'm sure you two have your moments," Winks mentally. She wishes she didn't accept this quest, but free room and food. "...Do you regret accepting this quest?" Cue sigh.

Nicolette: ❝ Yeah, ask him about his sword. ❞ She has to stop and laugh about that one. Haha, she's hilarious. ❝ Sure, I suppose we do. I kick his ass weakly at PPP. ❞ She dominates him... in the game. ❝ Yeah, I mean, cleaning it boring, but it's not all bad. We're both learning shit we didn't know... even if it's pointless stuff. ❞ In a way it's nice, she thinks. It's not often she gets to have this kind of casual talk with someone.

Espresso: She doesn't casually talk with anyone. Ever. She's a noble. No one even blinks in her presence, not even Americano. She's glad someone is so at ease around her. "His sword? Can I ask about such things so easily? ...Just go up to him and ask, Killian, show me your sword and tell me about it?" Tilts head, weird, she wouldn't want people asking about her snakes. "True, I believe it is a good opportunity." Okay, three out of ten windows down! Scoots over to the next, "what's PPP?"

Nicolette: They're both Queen Bitches. Nicolette doesn't care about that bullshit. Surprising how things work out. ❝ ...Sure. I mean, it's probably fine. KIllian loves to talk about his big sword. ❞ Oh Espresso, kinky. Nearly finished with her dusting, Nicolette continues the rest rather half-assedly. With that finished, she'll move to the other side of windows and begin scrubbing them as well. ❝ It's a boardgame. Killian got it in his welcome package. ❞

Espresso: She's innocent how dare you make her ask Killian to show her big sword. She scrubs the window, wow, she's done practically nothing. "His sword can't be that large, unless he is an idiot. Then, he deserves to have one hand." She tilts her head, "A board game? What type of game is that?"

Nicolette: Oh come on! Killian is too much of a gentleman to just whip it out... probably. ❝ He is an idiot, but that's beside the point. ❞ Go ahead and tell him that, then. ❝ It's like... a game you play sitting down at a table. There's usually a board with spaces on it and you're trying to get to the end so you can win. ❞

Nicolette: She's already finished one window. Now they're down to four windows.

Espresso: Espresso is so bad and so slow at this. She prefers paperwork, honestly. Are there bills to be paid or reviewed? She could probably do better with that. "Well, intelligence doesn't matter if you can fight, I suppose." She's finished her window, now onto the next, woohoo. Four. "How do you have time to sit around and play games?"

Nicolette: That's okay. Nicolette honestly didn't expect much from her to begin with. Luckily, their almost done, and then it's an entire week away from the Guild base. ❝ Yeah, I guess you're right about that. ❞ Nicolette has started on her second now. The end is in sight. ❝ I dunno, how do you NOT? There's nothing in the City of Love keeping me all that busy. ❞

Espresso: "..." Well she had shopping to do, and listening to her son babble on. "Don't you work? Or shop? I do not find myself...talking to people or sitting down so often."

Nicolette: ❝ Work? Sure, but not for Koi. ❞ She works for Jack, remember. ❝ And I don't make enough money to shop all the time — believe me, I wish I did. ❞ And by make, she meant steal. ❝ Neither do I, but that's because I usually fill my time with violence. Talking is nice once in awhile though. You should try it more often, you might like it. And you learn a lot more... useful information that way. ❞

Nicolette: Second window down. Now onto the third.

Espresso: Shrugs, "Americano tells me everything I need, she's responsible. I often end up sitting in my thr—er, office chair, filing paperwork from her research or doing personal meetings."

Espresso: Now onto her fifth window, TWO MORE, freedom is soon.

Espresso: "I promise we'll shop, egg, and cook together after this," nods her head. She needs a friend or two anyways.

Nicolette: ❝ Is that so? I guess I'll have to watch out for that if I plan to keep my secrets... secret. ❞ Poor Amel, that's some fucked up shit. Not all of us can be working members of society, Espresso.

Nicolette: ❝ That's good to hear. I don't ever want to clean again after this. ❞

Espresso: If you want to work for her, it's 24/7. "...I could hire a maid as well, if you need one." She's spoiling Nicolette more than she spoils Americano.

Espresso: She moves onto her sixth. She has never felt so free.

Nicolette: No offense, but that sounds awful. ❝ A maid? Shit... ❞ A maid to clean her apartment? ❝ I'll have to check with Jack on that first, since we're partnered up. If he saw some stranger in the house he'd probably kill them. ❞ Stuff!! Things!! Spoil her, please.

Nicolette: ❝ You're better at this than I thought you'd be. No so bad, for your first time. ❞ She did better than Nicolette expected. They're both on their last window now. Amazing, they actually did it.

Espresso: "Do you have to get his permission?" Americano doesn't even obey HER rules. Can she kill Jack and take Nicolette. What the hell. "I can use a dead corpse, I'm sure there's a spell for that...just a dummy to clean, not pry." She won't mention she can control it, lel. She scrubs the window. "Thank you, I do not plan on doing this again... And thank you for showing me, and inviting me. I will enjoy being free from Allen and Luffy's meaty desires."

Nicolette: ❝ Not really, but it'd be best to give him a heads up. I don't need to come hope to a dead maid. ❞ What a waste of money that would be. And then SHE would have to clean it up. No thanks. Please don't kill Jack. There's enough Nicolette to go around. ❝ Wouldn't that start to stink? ❞ She's not a fan of rotting corpse. ❝ Yeah, no problem. I didn't really expect to be cleaning, but hey, if it gets me out of that place for a week I don't care. I think we deserve a week of sleep and our food not being stolen. ❞

Espresso: "Perhaps I can ask them to find us wine too, something to relax a bit?" She's done. FREE AT LAST. Espresso drops her towel in the bucket. "I don't know, I haven't tried it myself." She doesn't even know if pulling dead bodies from their graves and resurrecting them to clean was legal in the magic books. It's not like that stopped her before, but she didn't wanna throw poor Nicolette intro trouble.

Nicolette: Speaking of alcohol — she tosses the rag aside to pull the bottle of rum form her bag. ❝ I guess we'll be saving this for later, then? ❞ She almost forgot! How foolish! ❝ Guess we'll have to test it out then, sounds fun. Haha, I bet it's scare the SHIT out of people. ❞ That sounds awesome, imagine someone seeing a dead maid cleaning their house — they'd piss their pants!!! ❝ Let's get this old bag to give us our reward now. My hands are all pruny. ❞

Espresso: She chuckles, it sounds like a good idea if Nicolette seems so thrilled. "If anyone gets scared, it's not my fault." She doesn't need to indirectly kill someone when she can do it herself. "We can drink that for a good night's rest."

Espresso: She claps in agreement. "I would like a meal...and some rest." She had to walk here, even if she did no work, she needs her eight hours.

Nicolette: ❝ Of course, we can't be held accountable for a... harmless trick. ❞ Anything to have a good laugh. If they lived, they could always be killed later. ❝ Sounds like a plan to me. I need to be constantly drunk in this place to keep form losing my mind. I don' know how anyone can put up with this shit sober. ❞

Nicolette: And with that, their quest was complete. Obviously with enough intimidation they'd get their free week AND meal.

“Y’ want me to find yer’ dog?” A thin eyebrow shifted upward at the request, but the reward was tempting enough for him to accept. “Alright.” He needed the money to update his shop anyhow as it was very much lacking in decor, money that, at the moment, he did not have. He wanted fabric, paper, beads, anything, to make the umbrella shop alive, filled to the brim with his crafts. He would create his niche in this strange new world and hopefully live out his life in peace. Well, in whatever world he’d end up in.

That morning, he had woken up in, yet again, another place of unfamiliarity. He thought it strange that the bed he went to sleep in the night before had hardened by the time he awoke. The room had changed as well. Although it was different, Shiro felt more at home in the inn. The apartment room was bleak, sharp, and atmospherically a completely differing time period while the wooden inn room was cozy and reminded him (a little) of the houses in Gento. The change in venue didn’t strike him very prominently as he hadn’t felt much attachment to his initial place of rest and it didn’t seem like something he wanted to greatly concern himself with. The world would figure it out by itself. He had his own burdens to bear.

He ventured out into town. “Waldo-saaaan?” It wasn’t a very effective method, but the boy had to start somewhere. A pleasant breeze ruffled his kimono and he heard the sound of bells. Only a few steps away lied a fabric shop. On display were beautifully patterned fabrics, very different from those Shiro normally used. He forgot about the quest and glided over to the store.

It wasn’t very big inside, but all types of fabrics were packed to the ceiling. Some were intricate brocades while others sported thousands of hand-sewn beads. Patterned ones hung from the ceiling and an array of patched fabrics lined the back. It was a wonderland for Shiro as he traveled up and down the aisles. Delicate fingers caressed a bright red silk, one of his favorites. Next to it was a deep blue with elegantly painted dragonflies. He held a bit of both in his hands and imagined decorating the entrance to his store with perhaps a small curtain-like overhang, red and blue intertwining in streams. Closing his eyes, he could see the beautiful craft in his mind, how the wind would blow when someone entered and the ribbons would fly above in chaotic flaps. He could even add some fish ornaments and attach some chimes. It would be splendid and--

“Ah?”

Something wet lapped at his ankle. “N-No! Stop!” His foot fidgeted as he tried to pull away from whoever or whatever was licking at his leg. He let go of the fabrics and pulled the side of his kimono to reveal his foot. The culprit? A dog. He knelt down and saw that a red and white striped swatch was caught on the bottom of his geta. Striped...ah, right! The man mentioned that his dog was fond of stripes. This must be Waldo. He had forgotten about the quest but here it was, lapping at his ankle, practically asking Shiro to complete it. He picked up Waldo and the striped swatch, put the piece of fabric in the dog’s mouth, and carried it like a baby out of the fabric shop. “Yer a high maintenance dog, aren’t ya?”

Luffy: Barely remembering to open the door, Luffy practically bounced in - never mind that he wasn't rubber anymore. "Hey guys! This Lady will give us donuts if we stop the foxes! We have to get her tools, okay?"

Nicolette: Looking up from her place at the bar, Nicolette barely has time to roll her eyes at Luffy's ridiculous behavior before he's rambling on about shit that makes no sense. ❝ Real helpful, Luffy. What Lady are you talkin' about? ❞

Allen: Although previously preoccupied by working out the mechanics and weight of his flimsy sword, Luffy's announcement cut like a siren: specifically, the portion about donuts. Performing an about-face, he raised his hand. "I'm in!"

Nicolette: Now that she thinks about it, she might've heard some rumors about that. Of course these two fools would accept such a job without hesitation — it in involved food, after all. ❝ Was it that chick that's always takin' a nap? What kinda dumbass passes the fuck out and then feels surprised when her shits stolen. I say she deserves it. ❞

Luffy: Luffy laughed as Allen immediately was on board for the quest, good to know people knew what was really important! The donuts! All the other stuff was boring. But, he tried to answer Nicolette's question anyways. "You know, the Lady!" He thought for a moment to think of better ways to describe her, luckily he was able to without turning red in the face. "The baker Lady! Baker Rilly??" He grinned as Nicolette helped give more information about the Lady. "Yeah! Her! She sleeps as much as Zoro! Shishishi. But, we have to help her!! We don't get donuts if we don't! Please Nicolette!"

Nicolette: ❝ Haaaaaaah? You're really asking me to help out this dumb broad? ❞ Sighing as if terribly inconvenienced, Nicolette finishes the rest of her drink and stands up. Looks like she doesn't have much of a choice, does she? These idiots wouldn't stop talking about donuts until they stuffed their mouths. ❝ Well, whatever, I guess it's fine. Donuts sounds good anyways. Let's do it then. ❞

Allen: Allen returned his sword to its sheath as it became apparent their departure was imminent. "There's a safety in numbers. Besides, we need all the food we can get." He then turns to address Luffy. "Do you know where to go?"

Nicolette: ❝ Yeah, because YOU TWO eat as much as an entire army!!! ❞

Allen: Twitch. "There's nothing wrong with that." His tone was unyielding.

Luffy: "Yeah!!" Luffy cheered and threw his hands up in the air upon hearing Nicolette's agreement. Donuts were always good. Maybe not as good as meat, but still really good. "I can't wait until we get the donuts! I hear they are supposed to be really good. I wonder if the baker lady would give us meat too if we do a good job?! I really would like some meat too!" He continued to ramble about food, not even hearing Allen's question or Nicolette's remark.

Nicolette: ❝ The entire Guild would starve sooner than you two could eat enough to feel full! ❞ Nothing wrong? Yes, of course Allen. Denial is definitely not a good look for you, but fine. Nicolette scoffs, grabbing a small knife from the bar, shoving it into the small bag at her hips.

WHATEVER ALLEN you're such a baby. ❝ If you're too loud you'll scare the stupid foxes away. ❞

Luffy: Eventually getting out of his food rambles, Luffy turned to Nicolette again. "Hey, why are we still hanging around here for? The sooner we finish the quest the sooner we can get donuts!" He just conveniently forgot that he wasn't paying attention for the last couple of minutes.

Nicolette: ❝ I dunno, YOU are supposed to lead the way. ❞ There she goes, massaging her temples. ❝ I can't believe nobody else is here today. Idiots. Anyways let's go then, I'm hungry and full of alcohol. There's no better time to go kill shit. ❞

Killian: Just then, the one and only Captain Hook arrives and steps into the room or whatever location their in. "Sorry I'm late," he apologizes with a smirk. "I got caught up in some other business."

Luffy: "I was?" Well, that was news to Luffy. "Yosh! I can lead the way then!" He completely ignores Killian's not so impressive entrance and turns to go out the door he just came in through. "....Where were we going again?"

Nicolette: ❝ Wow — were you like... waiting for me to say something? Were you LURKING, Killian? That's kinda creepy. ❞ Thank God someone else is here to help her deal with these fucking idiots.

Nicolette: ❝ 'Other business', right, sure. ❞

Killian: "Of course not, love. I just happen to have good timing," Killian smiles. Also, wow Luffy. Wow.

Allen: ... Oh! It's... him! This guy. The name escaped him -- how unmannerly. "Ah, welcome back. Luffy was going to--" Oh. Perhaps they weren't about to be led. Is this quest Luffy spoke of even real--?

Nicolette: ❝ Okay, wow. This is — ❞ Covering her face with her hands for a moment, she'll step beside Luffy... and slap him over the head. ❝ Don't ask us to go on a quest with you if you can't take us there, dumbass! You're lucky I know where this place is. ❞

Nicolette: You're not rubber anymore Luffy, she can actually hurt you. How nice!

Luffy: Luffy blinked at Killian, only noticing he existed when Allen pointed him out. "Oh! It is him!" He didn't even try to remember the other pirate's name. Not that he had much of a chance since Nicolette smacked his head. "Ouch! That actually hurt! Not being rubber sucks." Though Nicolette's comment did get him back on track. "Ah! Right the quest! Shishishi silly, of course I know where it is! It's at the Holy Place!" They would probably lessen the risk of getting lost if Nicolette just lead them.

Nicolette: The Holy Place... is Luffy taking them to Heaven, what the fuck is happening.

Killian: Hook looks around at the few people that actually stand within the room. "Aren't we still missing quite a few members? Where are they?"

Nicolette: ❝ Probably fucking around like you were while the REST OF US bust our asses working. ❞ Okay, well she was just drinking but...

Luffy: Luffy looked around the room, just realizing that they were in fact missing some people. "Ahh, maybe they got lost? Oh well, us four is more than enough to take care of some foxes!!"

Allen: --And he took the leap to point that out. "... But you were drinking."

Nicolette: EYESZOOMS AT ALLEN. ❝ And you were stuffing your face as usual, fatass. ❞ OOOOOOOOOH got 'em.

Allen: LET'S FIGHT. "At least eating is better than drinking away my problems." Two can play at this. He knows about people like you. He's ready.

Luffy: Luffy just laughed at the two's antics, used to seeing such arguments on his own ship, "You two are funny! But come on, we need to get to the Hoil Place and beat up foxes!"

Luffy: He just really wants the donuts

Nicolette: YOU BITCH. ❝ I'm an adult I can drink away my problems if I want to! At least I don't stress eat like some angsty teenager! ❞ Back OFF Allen, what the fuck. Why are you BULLYING ME.

Killian: "I have to say, drinking is my preferred course of action." Hook shrugs, pulling out his container of rum.

Nicolette: THANK YOU, Killian. This is why Nicolette likes you, among other reasons. ❝ I hope you plan to share that. ❞

Luffy: "Donuts! Donuts!" Luffy was close to leaving everyone behind and doing the quest himself for the sake of donuts if everyone didn't stop fighting.

Luffy: "Let's go already!"

Allen: Ah... they could not forget what was important here. The donuts. Turning away from the other two and joining Luffy, he clenches his fist. "I won't stop until those donuts are ours."

Luffy: Luffy nodded at Allen's words. He could always count on the exorcist for remembering what's really important.

Allen: He's got your back, bro.

Nicolette: Wow?? Don't fucking turn away from me like that? Fucker. Whatever, okay, she grabs Killian's flask from his hand and takes a swig before handing it back and following them. ❝ You're both fucking stupid. Stop walking so fast. ❞

Killian: "What else do we get besides donuts, exactly?" Killian is slightly concerned that everyone finds the donuts as the most important reward they could get.

Killian: Also, thanks for taking the flask, Nicolette.

Nicolette: SHE GAVE IT BACK.

Nicolette: She ASKED for a drink and he never responded SO.

Nicolette: ❝ Money. ❞

Luffy: "Ah! Right, there was something about that."

Allen: He stops dead. Money is involved in this, too? A fire lights in his eyes.

Luffy: "Shishishi let's go! To the Holla Place!"

Killian: "Now that is the reward I'm interested in." He takes a sip of his rum again and hands it back over the Nicolette. He doesn't mind sharing that much.

Luffy: "Yosh! Everyone follow me!" Luffy cheered and started running. If they took too long they might lose the foxes and won't get the donuts after all! "Let's find those foxes!"

Nicolette: Wow, I'd sure hope he wouldn't mind sharing. ❝ It's not a lot of money, I'm sure, but money is money so I'll take it either way. ❞ Thank you for being so kind, Killian.

Nicolette: ❝ Yeah yeah, sure. Lead the way, Captain. Don't eat the foxes if you see them. ❞

Allen: Impetuous action! He raced after Luffy, easily managing to keep pace. There were little stars floating around him.

Allen: "We'll find them. It won't take long." The last statement was presented rather menacingly.

Nicolette: Wow. Please chill, Allen.

Allen: This is the no chill zone, Nicolette.

Luffy: Luffy didn't respond to the 'no eating foxes'. He couldn't see why he couldn't eat them, foxes were tasty! He grinned as Allen came to his side and then turned to look at Nicolette and Killian, a bit annoyed he had to actually turn his entire body and couldn't just twist his neck anymore. "Come on! You guys are slowwww!"

Allen: While so tempting it was to join Luffy in his calls, all he could see was the road ahead of them--an all-consuming importance lay ahead--drowning out his sass for a small flicker of hope.

Killian: "Not all of us have as much energy as children like you," the captain frowned. Yes, he called you a child, Luffy. That might just be because of his personal dislike of you for being a... lesser pirate captain.

Nicolette: Ooooooooh throwing mad shade, aren't we, Killian? Luffy is a child though, it's true. She won't take sides on the pirate thing though.

Luffy: "Then we'll just leave you behind, old man!" Luffy called back, not really bothered by being called a child. He didn't really care what Killian thought anyways.

Killian: "Who is he calling old?" He asks, turning to Nicolette with an offended facial expression. Maybe he's a little over 200 years old, but come on, he doesn't /look/ old or anything.

Luffy: He definitely looks old. He's an old, old man. Allen looks younger than him and Allen has white hair!

Nicolette: FUCK. This is hilarious. ❝ Aww, Killian, don't look so sad he's just being whiny. ❞ Touches Killian's shoulder and looks upon him with sympathy. ❝ I don't think you're old... grandpa. ❞

Allen: White hair is the stamp of old age, 'tis true.

Killian: BRUSHES HER HAND OFF OF HIS SHOULDER. "Oh shut up," he grumbles, downing some more rum. He can't deal with these people.

Luffy: "Shishishi." Luffy was enjoying himself, this was exactly how the start of an adventure with his team should be like! Boring adventures weren't adventures at all after all. "The lady said she saw the foxes go out of town! So if we hurry we should catch up!" He called back, finally giving some useful information.

Nicolette: Nicolette laughs, nudging his shoulder with hers before taking the flask from his hand. ❝ Aww come on! You know you like me. Take a joke, Captain. We gotta babysit these kids or they'll destroy the entire town and we won't get paid. ❞

Allen: Ah, out of town! Although still unfamiliar with most of the island, relative to their position, he (miraculously!) knew where to go; so, saying nothing, he accelerated, gradually moving ahead of Luffy.

Nicolette: ❝ Towards the forest, right? ❞ That might've been a helpful tip to add, Luffy.

Luffy: "Oh, right. That too." Hey, he gave SOME useful information. You should be glad he gave any at all.

Nicolette: That's true... Nicolette will take what she can get.

Luffy: He allowed Allen to take the lead, not really minding as he started to run backwards to keep an eye on Nicolette and Killian. It wouldn't do to have those two get lost after all.

Nicolette: WOW!!!! I don't think WE are the ones you have to worry about getting LOST. That's YOU.

Killian: Hook is just following Nicolette. He doesn't trust Luffy's directions.

Luffy: What are you talking about? Luffy would never get lost. Really. The fact that he couldn't walk in a straight line that one time meant nothing.

Nicolette: Why!!! Nicolette has done NOTHING WRONG. GOD!!!!

Nicolette: Luffy gets lost all the time. Nicolette can vouch for that.

Nicolette: HES STUPID.

Allen: Allen has no sense of direction either but you can trust him on this. Maybe.

Nicolette: NO.

Nicolette: NO!!!! Neither of you are trustworthy!!!!!

Luffy: Luffy continued to run backwards, though it really wasn't such a good idea because he couldn't see where he was going. He couldn't tell how fast Allen was going either, it was hard to get used to not using Observation Haki anymore. He unfortunately misjudged out fast Allen was going and ended up running right into the poor lad, getting his legs tanged with Allen's and causing them to fall to the floor.

Allen: He PROBABLY knows the way. That's, like, at least 40% sure.

Luffy: What are you talking about. Luffy is trustworthy. Everything he does is proof of that.

Luffy: Wow 40%!! That's impressive. Much more than Luffy's 5%

Nicolette: HAHA WOW WOULD YOU LOOK AT THAT. And there go Nicolette and Killian, passing up two idiot children on the ground.

Allen: Everything was fine. The road was clear, the forest was in sight, he was-- he was /falling to the ground./ With an unholy thump and a loud 'OW', gravity took them both down, piling them in a twisted heap. "Why...?"

Allen: Why do things happen.

Luffy: Luffy huffed, not being rubber really sucked! Everything he did hurt! "I want to be rubber again." He grumbled before turning to Allen with a grin, "Oh, sorry about that by the way!" He really did mean it...even if he was still smiling and looked as unapologetic as you could get.

Allen: He peeled his ground-struck face up, the rest of him slowly following suit; it felt as though his head had just been taken by the hands and shaken, but there was no blood, so-- be positive! The expression Luffy wore as he apologized, though, was... questionable. "It's... alright." He phrased it as more of a query than anything.

Luffy: Luffy's grin only widened more, believing that Allen really did mean it was alright and that was that. With a shove against the ground he sprung up on his feet, even if falling hurt he has taken more damage before so it wouldn't slow him down in the least. "Yosh!" He said cheerfully, offering a hand to Allen to help him stand.

Killian: Killian turns to Nicolette and whispers, "Interesting how we're the drunk ones and they're the ones falling." He chuckles to himself.

Allen: Allen took Luffy's hand and returned to his feet, a tad baffled by his undaunted enthusiasm but otherwise regarding it as embattling. With a deep breath, the forest ahead, he took off, motioning for Luffy to follow. Those foxes will still be theirs!

Luffy: Luffy followed Allen, though only now did he notice that Nicolette and Killian went ahead. "Ah hey, no fair you guys!" He called out, "You guys just want to eat the foxes for yourselves!"

Nicolette: Covering her mouth and laughing, she replies, ❝ I guess we're just better at hiding it. Too bad they can't hide stupidity. ❞

Nicolette: Holds up a hand and flips Luffy off!!! ❝ Try and keep up then, dumbass!!! Or we'll eat all the foxes without you! ❞

Luffy: Luffy didn't take any offense, but instead took it as a challenge and sped up even more. "Come on, Allen! We have to hurry or they'll eat everything!" He may have forgotten the objective was to reclaim tools and not get a meal.

Killian: "Aye, I can taste all of the food already." He's just teasing Luffy, considering he doesn't actually care about the food.

Nicolette: She didn't expect him too. That's the nice thing about Luffy — he's not a little bitch about things. ❝ Well, come on then, Captain, if we don't hurry they'll beat us. ❞ And now she's running ahead. Don't fall behind, Killian.

Allen: A menacing glint shined in his eyes, and he accelerated accordingly. "I won't allow our meal to be taken." He'll fight you two. He'll do it. Gotta go fast.

Luffy: Killian is an old man who 'doesn't have the energy as children' so of course he'll fall behind

Killian: Are you kidding? This is childish, immature, unprofessional..........​... Just kidding. He's running too; he can't lose at this point. Fuck you, Luffy.

Nicolette: Wow, really, Luffy? Because right now her and Killian are in the lead. Hmmmm... interesting!!!

Luffy: You guys had a head start so it's cheating. Luffy and Allen will catch up soon! Just you wait, Luffy is a master at running for his meals. Growing up in the mountains means if you can't keep up and catch your own meal you don't eat. And Luffy would not stand for not eating.

Killian: Wow, I hope you don't get too much dust in your eyes, Luffy. Killian's boots are definitely kicking some up off of the ground as they run. Oops.

Nicolette: Ooooh!! Good plan!!! Nicolette starts to knock over barrels and carts as she's running. Haha FUCK YOU TWO.

Allen: Parkour will only make them STRONGER.

Luffy: Nah don't worry about him, Killian. Luffy doesn't have to worry about anything you throw their way. You aren't a threat after all. Ah, though those barrels Nicolette is throwing is cheating!! Not that he complains. He just jumps over them and laughs, catching of the of barrels so he can hurl it at them. Mostly Killian.

Nicolette: WOW DON'T!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Allen: Allen will stick to the parkour, occasionally ducking over projectile barrels.

Killian: He's not that slow! He can run out of the way just in time to avoid getting hit by a flying barrel.

Nicolette: Nicolette has resorted to throwing fruit from random food stands!!!!

Nicolette: Throws a cabbage at Allen's face!! In the distance one can here a man cry out in agony 'My cabbages!!!' Haha whoops.

Luffy: EATS THEM AS IT FLIES TO THEM. WOW NICOLETTE YOU ARE SO NICE LUFFY WAS GETTING HUNGRY FROM ALL THIS RUNNING TOO.

Allen: The foxes were hiding in the barrels! They're free! There's everywhere! The floor is gone!

Allen: He is SLAMMED in the face with a cabbage. Oh, so that's how it's going to be. He plucks his own cabbage and hurtles it back.

Luffy: "Eh? Where did the foxes come from? Why are there foxes here?"

Nicolette: NO!!!!!! Nicolette shrieks and ducks!!! ❝ haha nice try, ASSHOLE!!! You MISSED! ❞

Allen: He follows up the cabbage with a mighty apple pie. NO ESCAPE.

Luffy: Doesn't want to throw food because he wants to eat it all so he plucks a sign from the ground and throws it at Killian again!

Nicolette: SHIT!!!! The apple pie hits her right in the face!!! GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nicolette: ❝ GODDAMMIT! YOU BRAT!!! ❞

Allen: Talk shit get hit.

Allen: "Too bad you're just too SLOW to dodge it!"

Nicolette: Wiping pie from her eyes, she picks up a bucket of dirty water and ??? mystery contents and tosses it at Allen! No getting out of that.

Killian: Hook gets hit in the back of the head by a sign. "Ow! You brat..." He growls and grabs the nearest bystander and shoves them towards Luffy. Oops.

Allen: And suddenly... he is drenched in water and--... ??????? ?! The bucket hits him on the forehead, hurling him backwards and back onto the ground.

Nicolette: ❝ BOOM!!! HEADSHOT!!! ❞

Nicolette: And the crowd goes wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiild​!!!! They are cheering her name!! They love her! Adore her! FUCK YOU ALLEN!!!!

Allen: He landed on a fox which was carrying something heavy, so, without much thought, he grabs the thing, sits up, and throws it straight at her face. The underdog is better anyway!

Nicolette: WHAT THE FUCK SHE COULD DIE!!!!!!!!! STOP THIS!!!!

Luffy: Just runs over the bystander and falls on his face. "Ouch!" He got right back up, rubbing at his flatten face and not even apologizing to the bystander. "Get back here you bastard!"

Nicolette: CATCHES THE THING!!! OH LOOK — IT'S A TOOL!!!

Nicolette: NICE NICE NICE!!!!!

Killian: HOW MUCH MORE RUNNING DO THEY HAVE LEFT??

Nicolette: Waves it around!!! ❝ Look at this Killian! Grab the foxes, they have that dumb broad's tools! With this we can win! ❞

Nicolette: NONE if you catch the foxes!

Luffy: Keeps running at Killian in an attempt to full on body slam him tbh

Nicolette: Speaking of which, steps on a fox's tail as it run past her and grabs another tool from it. SCORE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Allen: He realizes what he has done. "AHHHH?!? Luffy, get the foxes! The donuts-!" He charges after another fox and yanks another tool. +1!

Nicolette: And look at that, using her blood to make a shitty dagger she'll stab the thing in the head, killing it. They ARE monster after all, not real foxes.

Luffy: Donuts?! Right! How could he forget about donuts?! Forgetting about Killian, Luffy chases after a fox, jumping at it before grabbing the tool he got. "Yosh! Got one!"

Nicolette: She already has two! ❝ Killian, stop them!! Don't let them win!! ❞

Nicolette: Chases after another fox with her dagger!!!

Killian: Killian lunges for a fox scampering away and grabs the tool that he needed to get. Score.

Luffy: Luffy immediately gets off the fox and lunges to grab another one, but misses and it heads to Allen. "Ah! Catch him!!"

Luffy: He forgot he can't make up for distance by stretching anymore

Nicolette: Kicks another fox in Killian's direction!!!

Nicolette: ❝ Kill it!!! ❞

Allen: With a mighty leap, he manages to catch the thing with a few thumps on the ground. He pulls the tool and holds it high! "Got it!"

Killian: Oh, that's for him! He swings his hook at the fox and, before you know it, he has that tool. Nice.

Luffy: "No!" Luffy tries to grab at the fox before Killian can reach it. Luffy and Allen has to win!!!

Killian: Too late.

Nicolette: Too BAD SUCKERS!!!!

Luffy: Oh look he can't stop his momentum. He's about to collide into Killian.

Nicolette: Throws a fox corpse at Luffy!!!!

Luffy: "Oof." Is hit by the corpse and ends up falling to the ground next to Killian.

Killian: Hook lifts up his leg and holds his boot up, so Luffy can crash straight into it.

Luffy: Well

Nicolette: Shoves her tools in her bag!!!!! They have to get their tools back to that stupid Lady. ❝ Killian — RUN!!! ❞

Nicolette: Takes off in the direction of the bakery!!!

Allen: The final sprint--! Dashing toward Luffy, Allen offer him a hand and the moment he's back on his feet, Allen goes running.

Luffy: Luffy takes the hand and then spring up, double checking he still had the tool he managed to get, not bothered at all that it scarped against the ground. "Allen! We have to beat them tot he bakery!"

Allen: "We won't lose!" Allen is reaching terminal velocity!

Luffy: As soon as he is close enough he reaches for Killian's shirt and pulls on it.

Nicolette: ❝ STOP CHEATING, LUFFY!!! ❞

Killian: Why are you pulling on his shirt.

Luffy: "It's not cheating! He just needs to fall so we can win!"

Allen: Grabbing one last piece of fruit from the stands, he hurtles it at Nicolette.

Killian: Hook turns and swings the not-sharp part of his hook at Luffy's head. Take THAT.

Nicolette: And suddenly she turns around!!! And kicks the fruit out of the air!!!! WOW AMAZING!! SHE'S SO COOL!!!

Nicolette: Legs 4 Days. Fuck off Allen. She's way ahead of you!!

Allen: ?!? How did she do that?! It's sailing toward the sun--!

Nicolette: GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO​OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO​OOOOAL

Nicolette: COME TO BRAZIL ( please )

Luffy: Is hit by the hook but only makes him stumble before he is back to running at full speed. "Hey!" He shouted, kicking some dirt at Killian so it would dirty his pants. "Stupid!"

Allen: Alternative action! With one monumental boost of speed, he manages to reach her side and begins pushing on her shoulder with his, valiantly trying to push her down.

Nicolette: No what the fuck!!! How dare you try to push a beautiful lady down!! Fuck you!!! She starts pushing back, kicking at his legs to trip him!!!

Allen: Pushes harder! Performs fancy footwork to evade her kicks!

Allen: But they were so distracted that they nearly passed the bakery-- had it not been for the owner opening the door right on their face. Nice!

Nicolette: WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nicolette: BOOM. HEADSHOT. RIGHT IN THEIR FACES!!!!

Nicolette: ❝ aAAAA!! ! !! SHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!! MOTHERFUCKER — ❞

Nicolette: AND THERE THEY GO... falling to the ground. Nicolette is holding her face IN PAIN!!!!!

Luffy: Luffy laughs at the two of them. "Shishishi, what are you guys doing?! How did you not see the door?" Not that he would have seen it either.

Nicolette: THIS IS NO TIME TO JOKE!!!!!!!!!!! HER FACE!!! HER PRECIOUS FACE!!! THE PAIN!!!!!

Allen: It's up to Killian and Luffy!! At least for a moment while they recover. "OWWWWW..." Allen is also clutching his face. It feels like FIRE.

Killian: Luffy how dare you try to ruin these pants? That's just low. Hook spots the bakery and runs straight for the door himself, trying to block the other pirate's way.

Luffy: Has not qualms to just run right into Killian. He doesn't care what's blocking his way as long as he can break through it.

Nicolette: THANKS FOR THE HELP KILLIAN, YOU BITCH.

Nicolette: SHE CAN STILL... DO THIS... EVEN THOUGH HER NOSE IS BLEEDING A LOT!!! GETS UP AND... PUNCHES ALLEN IN THE STOMACH!!! STUMBLES INTO THE BAKERY, STILL HOLDING HER POOR FACE!!

Killian: Killian tries elbowing Luffy in the face numerous times to knock him off balance. He has to win this and keep Luffy from entering the bakery!

Allen: "OOF." His STOMACH. Was that really necessary?! He staggers to his feet and wobbles into the bakery, a hand to his stomach. "That was... dirty..." he wheezes.

Luffy: "Ouch! That hurts you bastard!" Luffy responds by trying to bite Killian's arm. He needs to win this too!

Nicolette: ❝ I could... I could say the same to you!!! LOOK AT MY NOSE!!! You are SO LUCKY it's not broken. ❞ Pinches her bloody nose and dies a little on the inside.

Killian: Good luck biting through his heavy leather jacket, Luffy. Now Killian tries kicking him down, too.

Luffy: Luffy bites through steal???? I don't think it'll be much of a problem. But he'll kick at Killian too. He's hanging off of Killian completely now.

Allen: "How is it my fault the door hit your nose?!" Well. It was his fault for, you know. Trying to push her. But that doesn't matter.

Luffy: Just like a monkey.

Nicolette: ❝ IT'S ENTIRELY YOUR FAULT!!!! ❞

Killian: Killian is aggressively trying to reach for the door to open it, but Luffy begins weighing him down. "Get off of me!"

Allen: "Please tell me how!! Or are you too SLOW to come up with an excuse?!"

Luffy: "Don't wanna!" He clings tighter. "Stop hitting me! I'm not rubber anymore it hurts!"

Nicolette: Okay. PUNCHES ALLEN IN THE FACE.

Nicolette: She has to help her TEAMMATE NOW.

Nicolette: Staggers towards the bakery door and starts prying Luffy off of Killian!!!!!

Allen: FRICK. He falls to the floor. AGAIN.

Luffy: "NIcolette!! No fair!" Wishes he had rubber arms to wrap around Killian. "Stop it! I'm losing my grip!

Luffy: "

Nicolette: ❝ Luffy — LET GO, LUFFY! DROP IT — STOP BITING THE PIRATE CAPTAIN!! ❞

Luffy: "Allen! Help!"

Luffy: "I'm a pirate captain!!!"

Killian: "Pry this idiot off of me!" Hook shouts, trying to elbow Luffy in the face again.

Nicolette: ❝ WELL LET GO OF THIS ONE!!! ❞

Nicolette: ❝ I'M TRYING!!!! ❞

Luffy: "Ow that was my eye you bastard!"

Nicolette: STARTS HITTING LUFFY IN THE HEAD!!!

Allen: Getting back onto his feet, joins Luffy in pulling Killian back. HEAVE HO!

Luffy: No!! He's losing his grip!!! "Ouch! Ouch! That hurts!!!!!!"

Nicolette: ❝ LET GO OF HIM, LUFFY OR I'LL BE MAD!!! ❞

Nicolette: ❝ YOU WON'T GET ANY MEAT!!! ❞

Luffy: His grip is slipping! It's slipping! It's GONE! Killian is free of a Monkey D. Luffy.

Nicolette: SHOVES KILLIAN INTO THE BAKERY!!! AND FOLLOWS SUIT!!!

Luffy: "Allen just go into the bakery now!"

Nicolette: PRACTICALLY THROWS HER TOOLS AT THE BAKER!!!

Luffy: WOW CHEATERS

Nicolette: ❝ TAKE THEM YOU BITCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ❞

Allen: "Right!" BUM RUSHES THE BAKER.

Luffy: Throws his tool at Killian who is in the bakery

Nicolette: THE BAKER LOOKS TERRIFIED, BUT ACCEPTS NICOLETTE'S TWO TOOLS.

Nicolette: TRIPS ALLEN!!!

Nicolette: HAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!​!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!​!!!!!!!

Allen: NOT AGAAAAIN-

Allen: HE'S HAD ENOUGH OF THIS DAMN FLOOR

Nicolette: ❝ KILLIAN!!! END THIS!!!!! ❞

Luffy: Throws a rock he found on the floor at Killian too!

Nicolette: ❝ LUFFY STOP!!!!!!!!!! ❞

Killian: Killian throws every last tool into the bakery and-- gets hit in the head by a rock.

Luffy: "Don't wanna!"

Luffy: "Shishishi!"

Nicolette: ❝ WE WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!​!!!! ❞

Nicolette: GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO​OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!!!!​!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!​!

Luffy: "You cheated!!"

Nicolette: ❝ WE WIN!! ! !! WE WON ANYWAYS!!! ❞

Allen: N-No... how could it end like this...?

Nicolette: SHE'S IN PAIN AND HER FACE IS BLOODY BUT THEY WON!!!

Luffy: Luffy huffs for a moment, before turning to the baker, not really bothered by the outcome. Not when he finally gets his donuts! "Hey, Baker!! Give us donuts!!"

Nicolette: SHE'S SO HAPPY!!! LOOK AT HER SHE LOOKS SO HAPPY!!!

Killian: He sits down on the ground, out of breath and sweating a lot in this leather outfit. He does not have enough rum to make up for this.

Allen: Allen stumbles back to his feet for the UMPTEENTH TIME and lands his arms heavily on the counter. He looks positively evil. "DONUTS."

Nicolette: You did it Killian!!! They're such a good team! Man, she could just kiss you right now!! WINNERS!!

Luffy: Gets up from the floor and finally goes into the bakery, maybe almost stepping on Killian on his way. "Donuts!"

Allen: The baker wants to run far from here. But Allen won't stop GLARING and it's holding her in place. Slide us those sweet donuts. Please.

Allen: The donuts are all he has left.

Luffy: "Donuts!!"

Allen: She slides them 52 wonderful donuts. Oh, he could cry. They're so beautiful.

Luffy: "Yosh! Let's eat them all!" Luffy is satisfied with this. Well, he could use more donuts but. He forgot all about the money they were supposed to get

Nicolette: Kneels in front of Killian, GRINNING!!!! ❝ You shouldn't look so defeated!! We won!! ❞ Leaning closer, she'll slip the flask from his pocket and finish its contents. ❝ Cheer up! Maybe you get a reward for a job well done!! ❞ Now time for Money.

Nicolette: ❝ Hey Luffy, wanna do a trade?? ❞

Luffy: "What kind of trade?"

Nicolette: ❝ I'll give you my share of donuts if you give me your share of money. ❞

Nicolette: It's a fair deal!!!

Killian: I'm sorry, did you just tell him to cheer up while stealing the last of his rum? You're really pushing it today, aren't you, Nicolette?

Nicolette: She'll make it up to him, promise. 

Luffy: Luffy grinned at Nicolette, happy to trade his money for more food. "Deal!" He didn't even think about it.

Nicolette: NICE!!!! Look at that, she's 1200 P richer now.

Nicolette: She'll even use some of that money to replace all the rum she drank from Killian.

Luffy: [[anyone want to add anything?? of write something for a nice end?]]

Nicolette: Something nice? Allen sucks.

Nicolette: There we go.

Allen: RUDE.

Nicolette: uwu

Allen: Nicolette is a pisshat'

Nicolette: WOW!!! 

Nicolette: NOT TRUE!!!

Nicolette: ヽ(｀⌒´メ)ノ MEET ME IN THE PIT, ALLEN.

Allen: I'LL FITE YOU BRING IT!!!!!