Post by Juch on Dec 25, 2022 19:45:34 GMT -5
Nelgae: Combat Rune, Gem of Telepathy
Juch: Combat Rune, Guide: Lost Sparring Regime x2, Telepathic Link
Nel WC: 1009
Juch WC: 1259
Nel VS Juch
Juch — 12/20/2022 9:46 AM
After the whole debacle with Baba's Crystal Ball and the ensuing tournament, the next time Juch came over to Roshi's island was a few days later. Carrying a tin of cookies, a brief rap on the door before he opened it, regardless of whether someone actually gave him permission to go in or not. After all, Roshi constantly had students--potential and otherwise--moving in and out through his house and his training equipment all the time.
The knock was more of a courtesy more than anything else, as well as warning anyone standing too close to the door to move away, lest the door knob would twist into their back. Juch walked into the living room, seeing if there was anyone around.
Rei — 12/20/2022 9:53 AM
The door was to Nelgae's back, though at least he had learned over time not to stand directly in front of it like he'd done when he had first arrived years ago during Shaoran and Yua's training periods on the planet. But this time, he stood just outside of the range. The knock ensued, and Nelgae didn't sense who it was. No signature meant android. And the android that he had met recently was... a handful for him.
He turned slightly as he moved his body out of the way. Oh great, it was Juch. It was likely a good thing for the both of them that he couldn't make a face that either of them recognized that well, because if he did, then Juch would have noted that it was disgust. Luckily he had learned to not narrow his compound eyes when he did so, much reducing the ability of non-insectoids knowing that he was irritated, "Juch." It was a word of acknowledgement, nothing more.
Juch — 12/20/2022 10:03 AM
"Ah, it's you. Nelgae."
A curt acknowledgement was returned with one from Juch. Whatever feelings the android had, he didn't express it either, with his serene expression unwavering. But other than a nod towards Nel, Juch moved past him, more of an afterthought compared to why he had traveled back to Roshi's in the first place.
But still, looked like that he was still around. After what had happened, Juch had half expected the giant Ant to have simply scuttered off from sheer exasperation. Especially the incident with the glow stick. No one should in good faith ever bring up the glow sticks ever again.
"Is Roshi around? Or has he gone for one of his 'private' training sessions?" Juch peered around the corner, having seen no one other than Nel thus far in the building, the tin of cookies dangling from the festive ribbon in his gloved hand.
Rei — 12/20/2022 10:11 AM
"One of his students took him out to find a suitable roomate," Nel replied as he looked at the android with some curisosity. The tin of cookies took his eye, though one could not say if it was for the sweets that lay within, or from the glint that seemed to get any kind of insectoid's attention, nine foot tall or mere inches large. Primitive instinct or no, the Ant was not about to bring up that glowstick.
"What brings you here? That shiny box?" He asked as he pointed a hooked finger at the tin. As he was familiar with the planet and the things that he ate, the Ant was not quite as familiar with the customs of the planet. As much as he would like to not know them, he thought perhaps Juch would indulge him. At least for the moment.
Juch — 12/20/2022 10:26 PM
"That sounds like a bad idea all around," was Juch's only remark about what Nelgae had to say about Roshi's absence. He only poked his head around just a little while longer before turning back to the former champion.
Whoever thought that Roshi needed a roommate was out of their kai damned minds. Because there were only a few that could fit his rather specific criteria. From what Juch knew, it could only end with an incident. What sort of incident...well, there was bad. And then there were worse. He didn't want to know which one would happen, if it would happen at all.
That was when Negale pointed out the cookies, "Hm, these?" Juch turned around before pointing at the tin with a raised brow, "Yes, it's the holidays. I'm not going to stay on this planet forever. So I thought I'd at least give the old guy a present before I leave. He'd be sad it's not any dirty pictures, but I haven't heard anyone who would turn down cookies."
"Do you have cookies back at Arlia? Baked dessert, sweet, flat, crisp--or chewy."
Rei — 12/21/2022 12:12 AM
Nelgae couldn't disagree with his assessment about the roommate thing being a bad idea. However, it was just another way that the old master got his kicks, the Ant assumed. It was rather an annoyance to the bug, but he supposed that it was fine to not really bother too much about it. That was when Juch pointed to his box after the bug had questioned him, to which he received a nod.
"Holidays are not as much a thing on Arlia," he replied, once Juch was done with his explanation, "Never mind in my day as Champion. I suppose that gifts for the powerful were, but after the Planet Trade Organization took the planet over. Cookies are an off world treat that only the privileged would be able to afford." After all, the mothers of Arlia weren't really all that wealthy. Only the royal children had such fine things in life.
"I've had a cookie or two, but that was also roughly twenty years ago before I quit the arena. I'm sure the confection has moved forward in such a time." His reasons for that had never been publicly named, though speculation and buzz about his reason was always speculated on in the papers. Some thought that he had grown weak and weary, though that was far from the truth. Indeed, he had pushed himself in the arena until he felt that his growth had slowed to a crawl. But what he took from it was experience. "I'm no longer in that class of person. You must understand that Arlian society has been dominated by the Changeling clans and their little squabbles over what to do with the Arlian race. Mostly just a working race, that gets very little in compensation, other than that they get to live and continue to populate the world that they live on." However, it was the tone that Juch would note: the disgust with which he spoke. It wasn't clear if it was for a hate for Changelings, or for the weakness of the Arlians.
Juch — 12/21/2022 12:41 PM
Worlds that are truly far apart. Juch paused, before setting the tin of cookies down on a nearby table. The soft cling of the gift wrapping that held the metal container close allowed for a soft landing. Instead of a harsh clank of metal meeting wood that rose above the Arlian's words, it was a dull thud that barely made a dent in Nelgae's clicking chatter as the alien talked about life on Arlia.
Not just life, but the social structure of within, even before the Changelings had arrived. Resources were thin and the broods were many. Perhaps that was one of the fundamental reasons why the gladiatorial Battle Arena was created. Both warriors and politicians would participate in there as the final grounds for debate, whether it be the question of who was stronger or which bill should be proposed to the King and Queen.
And then the outside influences. First it was the Saiyans. Then it was the Changelings. Now it was a tourist attraction for the bloodthirsty and a military playground for the Planet Trade Organization as much as it was the Arlians' home. Rather, especially from Nelgae's tone, how much of Arlia could even be considered their own at this point?
Nelgae finished talking. Juch didn't speak at first. He just studied the former champion in silence, peering over his glasses with his chin down. What was he thinking about was uncertain, as his usual poker face left his thought processes rather opaque, "...come on," he finally spoke, nodding to the window, where the outline of his spaceship stood on the beaches, "I have some time. I'll bake you something before I leave."
With the invitation to his ship extended, Juch turned on his heel to walk out towards the exit of Kame House and onto the beach, where the ramp to the space vessel had already began to lower even before the android had pushed open the door of Roshi's home.
Rei — 12/21/2022 4:56 PM
Had h said too much? In some ways, the weakness of the Arlians was only to be expected. The Klaxxi, their predecessors, had been a true terror to the galaxy. They were meant to erase worlds of population to restart it, at least according to the Celestial Beelzebub. But his design, the queen of the Klaxxi, had rejected that destiny for her children. No, instead of being slaves to the Kai, they carved out their own means of existence. And that was what caused their downfall.
It's what made Arlia as it was today. A barren, hard to cultivate world where the already sparse resources were further split. The PTO demanded tribute from the kingdom, and their price was only offset by the ability of anyone to go there and slaughter the sons of daughters of the Arlian people. That was abhorrent to Nelgae, to see his once glorious race dwindled to millions of weakling cowards. He had tried to show them his potential, for a hundred and sixty years he continued to pop up in the arena, under different aliases. He gave up on that twenty years ago.
And so now he found himself staring down at an android, who he gave information to. The man didn't flinch, and he didn't even seem to mind. He'd half expected Juch to walk away and to tell Roshi who the tin was from with the sugary treats were from. Sugar was an addiction to the Arlians, but it was not as bad for Nelgae. His taste buds were more aligned with meat, though because he adapted by consumption (and he had eaten quite a few many humans the last time he was here) he thought that perhaps he'd get to enjoy those treats himself.
Though he didn't understand the offer, the nine foot tall Arlian tilted his ant-like head and then chittered, "Okay." He then decided to add a bit of a joke, though he was unsure how this would land with the android. "Just don't drop a finger in the batter." Of course, this would have gotten him a riot of laughter from a Klaxxi crowd.
---snip @ 4---
Juch — 12/21/2022 5:27 PM
While it didn’t draw the uproarious, knee slapping laughter that Nelgae would normally expect from his joke, Juch didn’t let the situation deteriorate into an embarrassing one that an unaddressed joke would bring.
So he smiled. He waggled his fingers at Nelgae, “If I do, I’ll just attach some new ones. Good thing we won’t be making lady fingers. Now, come on.”
The android walked out onto the beach, ascending the ramp and entering his ship. Removing the overcoat that dangled on his shoulders, he moved to the relevant part of the vessel. As he walked in, the dial on the oven began to turn, preheating the device.
Juch stood in the kitchen, apron tied around his waist as he gathered the ingredients for his cookies. He had always been fascinated by cooking, and the holiday season was the perfect time to try out new recipes.
He carefully measured out the flour, sugar, and other dry ingredients, mixing them together in a large bowl. As he worked, he hummed a cheerful tune, feeling a sense of joy and contentment wash over him.
Next, Juch cracked open some eggs and added them to the bowl, along with some melted butter and vanilla extract. He used his telekinetic powers to mix the ingredients together, swirling them around with a flick of his wrist.
As the dough came together, Juch used a small spoon to scoop out small rounds of dough and place them on a baking sheet. He used his powers again to flatten the dough slightly and smooth out the edges.
Finally, Juch placed the baking sheet in the oven and set the timer. While he waited for the cookies to bake, he cleaned up the kitchen, humming the same cheerful tune.
When the timer went off, Juch used his telekinetic powers to carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. The cookies were golden brown and smelled heavenly. Juch couldn't wait to taste one, but he knew he had to let them cool first.
As he waited for the cookies to cool, Juch couldn't help but feel grateful for the simple pleasures in life, like baking cookies and spending time with loved ones. He knew that these were the things that truly mattered, and he was grateful to be able to experience them.
He always liked the small details in life. Well, at least some of them. And Nelgae would get some sweets that he hadn’t had in twenty years. With his sorrowful story that he had told earlier, simple platitudes would have just seemed shallow. Perhaps with these cookies, he can express his sympathies in a more palatable way. Packaging them up in another tin, he handed this next present to the giant Ant, “Well, Happy Holidays,” he spoke, reaching out to pat Nelgae on one of his arms, “I’ll see you around, okay?”
Juch: Combat Rune, Guide: Lost Sparring Regime x2, Telepathic Link
Nel WC: 1009
Juch WC: 1259
Nel VS Juch
Juch — 12/20/2022 9:46 AM
After the whole debacle with Baba's Crystal Ball and the ensuing tournament, the next time Juch came over to Roshi's island was a few days later. Carrying a tin of cookies, a brief rap on the door before he opened it, regardless of whether someone actually gave him permission to go in or not. After all, Roshi constantly had students--potential and otherwise--moving in and out through his house and his training equipment all the time.
The knock was more of a courtesy more than anything else, as well as warning anyone standing too close to the door to move away, lest the door knob would twist into their back. Juch walked into the living room, seeing if there was anyone around.
Rei — 12/20/2022 9:53 AM
The door was to Nelgae's back, though at least he had learned over time not to stand directly in front of it like he'd done when he had first arrived years ago during Shaoran and Yua's training periods on the planet. But this time, he stood just outside of the range. The knock ensued, and Nelgae didn't sense who it was. No signature meant android. And the android that he had met recently was... a handful for him.
He turned slightly as he moved his body out of the way. Oh great, it was Juch. It was likely a good thing for the both of them that he couldn't make a face that either of them recognized that well, because if he did, then Juch would have noted that it was disgust. Luckily he had learned to not narrow his compound eyes when he did so, much reducing the ability of non-insectoids knowing that he was irritated, "Juch." It was a word of acknowledgement, nothing more.
Juch — 12/20/2022 10:03 AM
"Ah, it's you. Nelgae."
A curt acknowledgement was returned with one from Juch. Whatever feelings the android had, he didn't express it either, with his serene expression unwavering. But other than a nod towards Nel, Juch moved past him, more of an afterthought compared to why he had traveled back to Roshi's in the first place.
But still, looked like that he was still around. After what had happened, Juch had half expected the giant Ant to have simply scuttered off from sheer exasperation. Especially the incident with the glow stick. No one should in good faith ever bring up the glow sticks ever again.
"Is Roshi around? Or has he gone for one of his 'private' training sessions?" Juch peered around the corner, having seen no one other than Nel thus far in the building, the tin of cookies dangling from the festive ribbon in his gloved hand.
Rei — 12/20/2022 10:11 AM
"One of his students took him out to find a suitable roomate," Nel replied as he looked at the android with some curisosity. The tin of cookies took his eye, though one could not say if it was for the sweets that lay within, or from the glint that seemed to get any kind of insectoid's attention, nine foot tall or mere inches large. Primitive instinct or no, the Ant was not about to bring up that glowstick.
"What brings you here? That shiny box?" He asked as he pointed a hooked finger at the tin. As he was familiar with the planet and the things that he ate, the Ant was not quite as familiar with the customs of the planet. As much as he would like to not know them, he thought perhaps Juch would indulge him. At least for the moment.
Juch — 12/20/2022 10:26 PM
"That sounds like a bad idea all around," was Juch's only remark about what Nelgae had to say about Roshi's absence. He only poked his head around just a little while longer before turning back to the former champion.
Whoever thought that Roshi needed a roommate was out of their kai damned minds. Because there were only a few that could fit his rather specific criteria. From what Juch knew, it could only end with an incident. What sort of incident...well, there was bad. And then there were worse. He didn't want to know which one would happen, if it would happen at all.
That was when Negale pointed out the cookies, "Hm, these?" Juch turned around before pointing at the tin with a raised brow, "Yes, it's the holidays. I'm not going to stay on this planet forever. So I thought I'd at least give the old guy a present before I leave. He'd be sad it's not any dirty pictures, but I haven't heard anyone who would turn down cookies."
"Do you have cookies back at Arlia? Baked dessert, sweet, flat, crisp--or chewy."
Rei — 12/21/2022 12:12 AM
Nelgae couldn't disagree with his assessment about the roommate thing being a bad idea. However, it was just another way that the old master got his kicks, the Ant assumed. It was rather an annoyance to the bug, but he supposed that it was fine to not really bother too much about it. That was when Juch pointed to his box after the bug had questioned him, to which he received a nod.
"Holidays are not as much a thing on Arlia," he replied, once Juch was done with his explanation, "Never mind in my day as Champion. I suppose that gifts for the powerful were, but after the Planet Trade Organization took the planet over. Cookies are an off world treat that only the privileged would be able to afford." After all, the mothers of Arlia weren't really all that wealthy. Only the royal children had such fine things in life.
"I've had a cookie or two, but that was also roughly twenty years ago before I quit the arena. I'm sure the confection has moved forward in such a time." His reasons for that had never been publicly named, though speculation and buzz about his reason was always speculated on in the papers. Some thought that he had grown weak and weary, though that was far from the truth. Indeed, he had pushed himself in the arena until he felt that his growth had slowed to a crawl. But what he took from it was experience. "I'm no longer in that class of person. You must understand that Arlian society has been dominated by the Changeling clans and their little squabbles over what to do with the Arlian race. Mostly just a working race, that gets very little in compensation, other than that they get to live and continue to populate the world that they live on." However, it was the tone that Juch would note: the disgust with which he spoke. It wasn't clear if it was for a hate for Changelings, or for the weakness of the Arlians.
Juch — 12/21/2022 12:41 PM
Worlds that are truly far apart. Juch paused, before setting the tin of cookies down on a nearby table. The soft cling of the gift wrapping that held the metal container close allowed for a soft landing. Instead of a harsh clank of metal meeting wood that rose above the Arlian's words, it was a dull thud that barely made a dent in Nelgae's clicking chatter as the alien talked about life on Arlia.
Not just life, but the social structure of within, even before the Changelings had arrived. Resources were thin and the broods were many. Perhaps that was one of the fundamental reasons why the gladiatorial Battle Arena was created. Both warriors and politicians would participate in there as the final grounds for debate, whether it be the question of who was stronger or which bill should be proposed to the King and Queen.
And then the outside influences. First it was the Saiyans. Then it was the Changelings. Now it was a tourist attraction for the bloodthirsty and a military playground for the Planet Trade Organization as much as it was the Arlians' home. Rather, especially from Nelgae's tone, how much of Arlia could even be considered their own at this point?
Nelgae finished talking. Juch didn't speak at first. He just studied the former champion in silence, peering over his glasses with his chin down. What was he thinking about was uncertain, as his usual poker face left his thought processes rather opaque, "...come on," he finally spoke, nodding to the window, where the outline of his spaceship stood on the beaches, "I have some time. I'll bake you something before I leave."
With the invitation to his ship extended, Juch turned on his heel to walk out towards the exit of Kame House and onto the beach, where the ramp to the space vessel had already began to lower even before the android had pushed open the door of Roshi's home.
Rei — 12/21/2022 4:56 PM
Had h said too much? In some ways, the weakness of the Arlians was only to be expected. The Klaxxi, their predecessors, had been a true terror to the galaxy. They were meant to erase worlds of population to restart it, at least according to the Celestial Beelzebub. But his design, the queen of the Klaxxi, had rejected that destiny for her children. No, instead of being slaves to the Kai, they carved out their own means of existence. And that was what caused their downfall.
It's what made Arlia as it was today. A barren, hard to cultivate world where the already sparse resources were further split. The PTO demanded tribute from the kingdom, and their price was only offset by the ability of anyone to go there and slaughter the sons of daughters of the Arlian people. That was abhorrent to Nelgae, to see his once glorious race dwindled to millions of weakling cowards. He had tried to show them his potential, for a hundred and sixty years he continued to pop up in the arena, under different aliases. He gave up on that twenty years ago.
And so now he found himself staring down at an android, who he gave information to. The man didn't flinch, and he didn't even seem to mind. He'd half expected Juch to walk away and to tell Roshi who the tin was from with the sugary treats were from. Sugar was an addiction to the Arlians, but it was not as bad for Nelgae. His taste buds were more aligned with meat, though because he adapted by consumption (and he had eaten quite a few many humans the last time he was here) he thought that perhaps he'd get to enjoy those treats himself.
Though he didn't understand the offer, the nine foot tall Arlian tilted his ant-like head and then chittered, "Okay." He then decided to add a bit of a joke, though he was unsure how this would land with the android. "Just don't drop a finger in the batter." Of course, this would have gotten him a riot of laughter from a Klaxxi crowd.
---snip @ 4---
Juch — 12/21/2022 5:27 PM
While it didn’t draw the uproarious, knee slapping laughter that Nelgae would normally expect from his joke, Juch didn’t let the situation deteriorate into an embarrassing one that an unaddressed joke would bring.
So he smiled. He waggled his fingers at Nelgae, “If I do, I’ll just attach some new ones. Good thing we won’t be making lady fingers. Now, come on.”
The android walked out onto the beach, ascending the ramp and entering his ship. Removing the overcoat that dangled on his shoulders, he moved to the relevant part of the vessel. As he walked in, the dial on the oven began to turn, preheating the device.
Juch stood in the kitchen, apron tied around his waist as he gathered the ingredients for his cookies. He had always been fascinated by cooking, and the holiday season was the perfect time to try out new recipes.
He carefully measured out the flour, sugar, and other dry ingredients, mixing them together in a large bowl. As he worked, he hummed a cheerful tune, feeling a sense of joy and contentment wash over him.
Next, Juch cracked open some eggs and added them to the bowl, along with some melted butter and vanilla extract. He used his telekinetic powers to mix the ingredients together, swirling them around with a flick of his wrist.
As the dough came together, Juch used a small spoon to scoop out small rounds of dough and place them on a baking sheet. He used his powers again to flatten the dough slightly and smooth out the edges.
Finally, Juch placed the baking sheet in the oven and set the timer. While he waited for the cookies to bake, he cleaned up the kitchen, humming the same cheerful tune.
When the timer went off, Juch used his telekinetic powers to carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. The cookies were golden brown and smelled heavenly. Juch couldn't wait to taste one, but he knew he had to let them cool first.
As he waited for the cookies to cool, Juch couldn't help but feel grateful for the simple pleasures in life, like baking cookies and spending time with loved ones. He knew that these were the things that truly mattered, and he was grateful to be able to experience them.
He always liked the small details in life. Well, at least some of them. And Nelgae would get some sweets that he hadn’t had in twenty years. With his sorrowful story that he had told earlier, simple platitudes would have just seemed shallow. Perhaps with these cookies, he can express his sympathies in a more palatable way. Packaging them up in another tin, he handed this next present to the giant Ant, “Well, Happy Holidays,” he spoke, reaching out to pat Nelgae on one of his arms, “I’ll see you around, okay?”