[ Sevudia - The Nameless Forest ]
[ Alsanna Shirafuji / Koike Hon - Played by @DeliciousFood and @Gerontis ]
[ Tools are meant to be used, and Alsanna is sure to make some use of her new toy. The reasons as to why remain vague, but she does get quite the chance encounter with someone under a different banner. ]
From Rot to Life
Kyriaki Fungi - Unknown Family
"Mushrooms are by far the most peculiar of plant life. And the Kyriaki are eccentric among the outliers. They only grow in a very specific climate, at a very specific season under precise circumstances. They can only grow over the graves of not only fallen men and women, but also of once lush lands, consumed by the tempests of nature and having passed centuries until new life could bloom once more. The Elixir it can produce is intensely concentrated and can cause a wide variety of delusions. But it's more intriguing aspect is its reaction to the chakra of those around it, and chakra that is added to the elixir. I've yet to find out more about it, as I've only encountered one batch in the entirety of my life …" -Page 94 of Alsanna's Book on Botany.
The taking of Bagladan had opened up many new acres of land for the Jirian army. One large patch in particular seemed to be avoided by most. A deep, thick forest with inordinately large trees and frequent clouds of mist made for quite a perilous prospect to consider. And yet a certain Genin seemed dead set on exploring it. There were many other things in Alsanna's journal that likely had more value than the fungus she sought, but there was something about it that intrigued her. Readied with her messenger bag, a hood'n'cloak and the necessary gear to survive, she parted with the fortress just as dawn came to be.
The Forest had no name, and yet had such a history according to scattered documents and rumors. Although a temperature check and soil study made it a prime suspect for a potential Kyriaki Fungus growth, even if unlikely. The time of year made it perfect to give it an attempt.
When she ventured through the foggy, disorienting forest, Alsanna kept whistling rather loudly. A small, brief tune on repeat. It served to alert whatever roamed this forest of her presence. But she wasn't alone. A small, bluejay-like avian frequently roosted on branches near her, chirping from time to time and keeping its guard up as would any wild critter.
The fog would cast an atmosphere that seemed near mythical; as if some wise bearded geezer was just waiting to spring forth from his hiding place to bestow knowledge and a queste upon the curious Jirian. However, past any tree was no old nor bearded individual that was waiting for discovery. Time even seemed to avoid the forest, seconds painfully striking by.
Most of the inhabitants also seemed fond of keeping an elusive nature, avoiding contact with this strange intruder that seemed keen on studying and continuing her handiwork. Peace seemed to reign supreme with a tranquil silence following the girl's expedition deeper in the woods.
An intangible sensation would seem to grow as a soft sound made its entry. The deep sound was far from friendly but not one too uncommon in a woodland scenario. A pair of yellow-coloured eyes seemed to fixate on the young woman, wide open as it moved like a silent shadow. The precious light piercing the canopy of the forest wouldn't reveal immediately the shape of the predator that slowly threaded closer - its steps barely audible. The aura of killing intent seemed to spike as the creature came in sight, its build betraying the potential to move and kill. A quite large wolf came into sight, its fur black as the obsidian night. Its barred fangs large enough to tear and shred the flesh of its victims.
A masculine voice suddenly erupted, speaking in a tongue different than what would be used by Jirians. The voice caused the predator to lift its head and twist it in a direction, from which the voice came. Throwing a hasty glance at the girl, the predator seemed either unwilling to proceed further or having lost its prior interests. As sudden as it had appeared, the large canine would turn and move back to the shadows.
Roughly at the same time, an adult man would come into sight. The dull brown cloak prevented much sight of his attire while his hood was pulled down.
He flashed a disarming smile and said something, awaiting a response as if his cryptic language would be understood with ease. Only for the man to hastily state something in Taika.
"Ah, Taika?"
A predator was nearing the lone traveller, and in turn an odd coo came from the nearby avian stalker. This prompted the lithe figure to stop in her tracks and peer over to the direction of the beast. Much like the soon-to-emerge older entity, the cloak concealed most of the humanizing features of this female. Her expression seemed to remain adamant, body perfectly still with only a blade silently sliding from her sleeve down onto her gloved hand. Nishi's little education did have some use.
And then it was made to just leave with the manifestation of a far greater threat: A human. One that seemingly didn't speak the same tongue as the researcher. The smile only seemed to raise some unseen suspicion in Alsanna. But when 'Taika' was brought up, she pursed her lips and rose her hand to reveal her feather-shaped blade, "
Who is Taika and how tight is her rear?" she chuckled just as she immediately stabbed the blade into the nearest tree trunk. From there, she seemed to try and peel out some bark, aiming to get a nice, long strand.
Meanwhile, the Akinian newcomer could be made very much aware of a second presence. The bluejay that had been keeping watch would take off and descend, only for its shape to quickly morph into a pristine copy of the hooded Alsanna. It did not hesitate to approach the male and gave a thorough checkup without actually touching him. Sniffing, staring at every angle, and making odd cooing sounds. No sudden movements beyond the rapidly shifting pupils that could just barely be seen from the man's position. All the while, the curious explorer resumed her whistling during her inspection of the now severed bark.
Surprise seemed to overtake the disarming smile as the unknown individual threw a look at the action of Alsanna. A soft whistle followed as the surprise flooded away, followed by a simple nod.
"I wouldn't have a clue. Not much rears around these parts, I fear," the man responded, his brow forming a frown.
"Eh," he seemed not entirely content with the copy of the hooded girl checking around him. But neither did he present any threat.
"Judging by that, I assume you are one of those Jirians. You're awfully far from the fortress. I would have mistaken you for a local. Almost, at least," the man stated, his accent betraying a different heritage and origin than Alsanna.
"What does someone like you do so far and alone? Hardly seems safe with a war raging on, does it now?" He continued posing questions in a friendly tone.
"
Hmmm. Way too damp." she tossed the bark behind her to dispose of it, with her free hand gesturing over to the copy. In response, it stopped its scan and scurried over to the original, only to turn back into an avian, although this time it resembled a pigeon that landed on her shoulder. There it 'whispered' to her ear, which Koike could hear ever so slightly as oddly human-like, though the contents were intelligible. A few nods in silence before she resumed her attention to the man before her. "
No, you're just confusing the Rong accent with Jirian." she smirked, "
Heh, get it?" though she didn't laugh.
The blade was retreated back into her sleeve and the bird took flight to keep a decent vantage point on one of the branches, "
Isn't it obvious? I have a crippling addiction to tree bark and can only satiate my sick desires in odd, probably deadly forests. I'm afraid it's terminal." she started to pace forward, as if nothing had changed during her adventure. She still had one, specific goal after all.
Alsanna's first comment did little to provoke a laugh from Koike, yet a subtle hint would become visible that he seemed amused - as the corner of his lips tugged upwards ever so slightly.
"I get it, no worries," he said, his head slightly tilting to the side as he observed what the other was doing. Once more a soft whistle escaped his lips as his expression shifted - the multiple scars making his expression seem more stern than worried.
"Tree bark, eh? Can be useful to fend off scurvy. Not my favorite ingredient for soup. But to each their own."
Seemingly curious, Koike threw a look around before he would follow suit - keeping a respectable distance between himself and the hooded Jirian. As if they were old friends, the scarred-faced man spoke again.
"Honestly, I can try to suggest other edibles than what you're addicted to. Granted, I was out here for wild game. I never enjoyed soup with just vegetables or roots." Pausing, he seemed to ponder about something.
"What's your name? I can hardly have a friendly conversation without asking that, after all."
A little ways ahead, when Koike mentioned the usage of bark to purge ailments, Alsanna replied with her eyebrows furrowed, "
Bark? To eat? Ew, gross. What do you people live off?" she said in full-on gaslighting, even giving the newcomer a squint of suspicion. Then, a new stop was made at a different tree. A bigger one than the last and quite intimidating in size too. This one here actually had some rows of mushrooms growing along the wood, which she'd sample and fit into a vial filled with a transparent liquid. A little shake and it started to sizzle into nothing, leaving a transparent fluid completely intact, "
Darn."
She had put her unlikely companion at the back of her mind for the moment, though with the test now complete she'd actually address him despite keeping her face forward. Her hand extended to the side and gestured for him to see, "
Eh? Me? My name is ..." shifting her eyes from side to side, she had taken a very conspicuous pause, "
Yukimi Hirashima. Yeah, that's my name." with that response she snapped her fingers, "
Bit out of the way to find small or big game. Why so deep and alone, Captain Akino?"
"Usually way more tasty food, no worries. That and not all bark is edible. It is just one of those trivia that can be useful when you find yourself starving," Was the rather amused response of Koike. The halt made Koike observe the girl, before his gaze travelled to the tree. He didn't make any comments but seemed most satisfied to just observe and let her conduct her affairs without further interruptions or questions on his side.
"Yukimi Hirashima, huh," Koike repeated as another frown appeared on his brow.
"You didn't strike me as a Yukimi. Bit too cheeky for such a posh name," he half-joked, before he deigned to answer her question in return.
"I suppose I like to hunt alone. Or more so in silence. My hunting companion tends to remain silent. Well, most of the time, at least." The last being added with Koike throwing a sideways glance, despite no sign of the previous large beast.
"Besides, not everyday that I find a bark-addict in a wood. If you would perhaps humour me, I could aid you. Then again, my knowledge regarding flora is most basic. I can recognise certain edible and poisonous elements. Other than that, I suppose I could try to offer anecdotes."
"
Teenage rebellion." she replied with the usual inclination of her tone that oozed sarcasm. And then she started to whistle again as she had done since she entered the forest. Deeper in the grove, it seemed the sunlight had a harder time getting through with how thick the bundles of leaves were getting and how large the trees were in general. "
Was that cute dog yours? It had quite nice fur." she clicked her tongue, her index now wagging toward the east, which she'd then change her trajectory toward. The darker it was, the more likely quality fungi was to be found, especially with how damp the air was getting with this fog.
They were now descending down into a grove, almost completely obscured from sunlight, but instead illuminated by many bioluminescent plants and insects. As awe-inspiring as it all was, it did little to distract the scientist, "
Humour someone that hasn't introduced themselves upon requesting my name. Interesting." she left that remark at that, as she kneeled to sample a new sort of mushroom. It wasn't shining like some of the bigger ones, though it caught her intrigue. Small, white shrooms, one was put into the same vial, only for there to be no reaction whatsoever. "
Double darn." the contents were emptied and vial put back in her bag, "
One would think a hunter would know their flora too, no?" she peered over at the Akinian, "
Leave the sniff out to me, I came prepared, Captain Akino. Although that makes me think of something ..." another snap of her fingers as she'd then wag that usual pointer finger toward the adult male, "
Do you like to get high?"
"Of course," Koike mumbled, finding the sarcastic response quite amusing. While trailing behind, the space between him and Alsanna quite consistent in safeguarding a sense of respect and faint wariness, Koike's features shifted slightly. The path that he followed wasn't one of his choosing but neither one he seemed to like either.
"I suppose you can call it that, yeah. Obedient if his stomach is full. Less so when it isn't," Koike casually remarked.
The sighting of the grove made Koike fall back in silence. Observing the rather beautiful sight, he crossed his arms out front of his chest. Despite being curious, he made no inclination to inspect any of the plants or insects.
"I have to find one way to make myself intriguing. Else it will be hard to find that 'Taika', after all." Was his retort before he became somewhat more serious.
"Perhaps, you are right. Then again, I suppose that I am not that great of a hunter. Eating tree bark and what not, you know." The last question provoked a puzzling expression before a chuckle escaped his lips.
"No. I sadly had my first bad experience. No need for another. Though, if you desire to indulge, go ahead. I have no bad intentions. Nor do I have any intent to carry your sorry ass back to your comrades, sorry."
So much foliage would come about as further progress seemed necessary to push on to the task's end. The blade she had drawn earlier was once again solicited to cleave through some of the vines and branches in the way, "
Tsk, bugs. Bugs everywhere. You wouldn't happen to have some convenient and controllable fire ability, by any chance?" she even got a couple of these small insects in her hair that still remained within her hood. There were just that many.
"
Yeah but you're some weird guy following a young girl in a forest. I mean, I think the mysterious aspect may not exactly play in your favour when everything is put into perspective, no?" she stopped to look over her shoulder, the faint glint of her blue eye reflected by the yellow glow of the nearby massive shroom was just barely visible. Consistent rustling could be heard from above too; the bird was still hovering about, just not in this dense maze of plants, "
And so willing to leave said defenseless girl all dazed in the middle of a forest! You certainly are a grand inspiration for my next romance novel, Captain Akino. Ho man. I can see it already, you telling the princess to descend from the tower on her own because your wolf requires extra pampering. So manly and elegant." she continued to nag, and nag some more. Until they would reach a clearing. Well, a 'clearing', it was fully illuminated by a sort of blue 'crystal' at the center, though upon further inspection, it was actually an oddly shaped mushroom, with the crystalline part being actually a form of gelatine, "
Huh, what do you reckon that's called?"
"No, sadly, I don't," was his response upon Alsanna's request of conjuring flames to destroy the bugs. With a subtle movement of his left hand, a small gust was produced that harmlessly blew some of the insects away from himself.
"It sure would be so handy, to rid oneself of bugs wouldn't it?" He asked, turning his attention to their surroundings.
"Then again, you are eager to indulge in some dubious matters like tree bark. I could even believe you were to consume a bug. But I should warn that I would judge you slightly for such an act," he added further.
"Precisely," Koike replied, snapping his fingers upon hearing her nagging.
"It is one big dilemma isn't it? Whatever I would do, it may gain frowns. It is best to just make sure that it is clear that little miss tree bark won't accidently start to think I am just a mysterious random stranger. Best to leave after I proved my worth, so that you can complain about that instead," he further replied, his tone revealing he was far from bothered about the whole possible judgement and ordeal.
"Honestly, not sure." Observing the mushroom, Koike looked at the surroundings. There were less bugs going about, as if they avoided the fungus for a good reason. Becoming silent, he then observed the surroundings from where he stood.
"Honestly, I can say that I wouldn't try to sniff or eat that. It sure is pretty though," was his initial observation regarding the mushroom. The amount of light that radiated from the fungus seemed also quite different, not alone in colour but providing a softer hue than the previous fungus or insects.
"Besides, if you aim to write a romantic novel, I doubt that this is the best setting. Maybe it is better to let this one just stay where it is. Before, you know, something will be upset." Koike further stated, not entirely content on how the blue shroom was presented as avoided by the insects.
"
Indulge in bark? Me? Are you Akinians all so bizarre in your ideas of people?" taken aback in an overly-dramatic fashion, she'd squint over Koike while walking backwards to close the distance between her and the massive mushroom. As she was digging into her bag to retrieve something she continued to talk, "
A lot of words to justify not saying your name. Kind of mega weird. Not even bothering to make one up either. It's like a triple super ultra insult. Y'know what we do back at home to the tripler super ultra insulters?" whipping out a book, she'd start skimming through pages, though it didn't stop her rant, "
We uh … First cover them in expired fish carcass sludge and uh ..." she stopped the page flipping for a moment before resuming, "
We feed them to the man-eating millipedes in Death Island. Yeah. Pretty bad huh? Inconsiderate of you to be this insulting too!" she shrugged in an exaggerated manner as she'd then gracefully direct her index onto the page she had stopped on, and she commenced reading, "
The Agros-Complex! Unlike many mushrooms, it doesn't release spores!" Alsanna added some faux-enthusiasm to her tone, as if she was reading to some kindergarten class.
"
Instead it spreads its roots throughout a very large area, sometimes taking over a WHOLE forest, kilometers in acres, as a single organism. Of course, one can't tell if the flora is rooted by the fungus without cutting it open." she continued to read and then opened to the next page, only to look confused, "
Huh, looks like the information is incomplete. Though! It's marked as non-poisonous and that jelly here is actually ..." she poked her blade into it, only to cut off a small piece of the jelly, "
Apparently very nutritive, albeit disgusting to eat." she motioned the blade toward the Akinian, "
Hungry?"
"You can't blame us, to be honest. It is practically the fault of you Jirians," Koike retorted casually,
"I have enough dealings with your superiors to know that I wouldn't be able to just trust a girl from the islands."
While Alsanna closed in the distance to the shroom, Koike remained where he was. He shrugged lightly when she addressed the situation that he hadn't even given a false name.
"You never bothered to ask. I was even growing used to 'Captain Akino'. Perhaps I should get myself a fitting outfit, so I will be easier to recognise by that title. But if little miss is insulted, then I suppose I can try to offer a fake name. How about," his right hand raised to his stubbled chin, striking it as a serious expression flowed over his face. He even enlisted a long pause before even responding in return, letting her exclamation and statement of the strange fungus linger and echo.
"Lee? Then again, that is so dull, I wouldn't even like to be called Lee. Just keep using that grand title you bestowed upon me earlier. It has a much nicer ring to it," he nodded to emphasize his conclusion.
Turning his attention to the small cut held up by her blade, Koike made little effort to hide his dismay at the suggestion.
"No thanks. I have some rations with me. I think I will resort to those if my stomach aches then, well, that stuff. But please, ladies first if you have to." He replied, only to have his head twist to the right. A more genuine and serious expression came visible but no words parted from his lips.
"Perhaps, we should leave it be. Maybe you can talk more about how you strange islanders treat misunderstandings better? What was that about man-eating islands or whatever?" He asked, his right gloved hand slowly descending to the handle of his blade.
"
Suit yourself." she let the piece of goo drop to the ground and wiped her blade against some of the nearby leaves. "
I did ask when I noticed your conspicuous lack of reciprocity. But now you've had to make it all 'Ahhh, bad Jirians can't be trusted' when I'm pulling your leg with all this bark bullcrap. No wonder you're all up your own ass about giving your name." for a moment she hummed the tune she had been whistling for a while as she circled the massive fungus. There wasn't what she was looking for, nor would it grow on another mushroom. It had to be on a tree or other living being that was parasitic, "
Lee. That's also a typically … Ugh I'll never get used to that appellation, but it's Jirian. Doesn't fit. Maybe Zeno? No, too original." heading to the 'back' of the shroom, she kneeled down to take a look at the crown of this 'crystal'. An earthen bed of sorts, with very much some mushy, organic tissue below it. Curious as even, she'd actually pass her blade over it, and sought to slowly open up the the 'core' of the mushroom, "
So you're following me around, but treat me as though I could use your name for nefarious purposes and then end up in some very strange mushroom nest. Well, hope you know what you're doing with your time, bud." a titter escaped her lips, though from her position she was actually hard to see beyond a light reflection of her through the crystal.
No response came from Koike. He glanced around, as if he had lost something or required to find what had him on edge. A pair of yellow eyes seemed to once more fixate on Alsanna, creeping ever so slowly from her right side. The difference with the previous pair of yellow eyes was that this beast wouldn't be halted by a mere whistle or warn both humans with a low growl. The pupils also seemed to betray a more feline nature before it dashed forwards.
Before the sharp claws or fangs could embrace and pin the rather talkative Jirian to the ground, a powerful gust slammed in the side of the large feline.
Releasing a sigh, Koike observed the shadow-black feline. It managed to get on all fours relatively swiftly. Its features allowed it to blend much easier with their surroundings as faint white stripes seemed to cause a vague resemblance to that of a tiger. The predator hissed loudly, curling as its gaze shifted between Alsanna and Koike; keenly deducing that it wouldn't be able to just attack the shorter humanoid without the taller one moving in its defence.
"See what you made me do, little miss," Koike complained loudly in a sarcastic fashion, pointing with a short blade at the dangerous creature,
"I had to attack a perfectly innocent critter for your safety. Perhaps before it will make another attempt, best to leave its likely nest in peace?"
However, Koike made no attempt to move or attack the likely dangerous beast - a soft hissing radiating from his weapon.
Like before, when a predator got close and was in Alsanna's blindspot, a familiar caw could be heard from above. Despite the leaves, the owl's duty remained. Although it would be a bit of an improvised move, she would still reach for her wrist and prepare to conjure her parasol to at least serve as an object to put between her and the beast. But it seemed it would not be necessary. Still, the beast paced about, which prompted Alsanna to conjure her umbrella anyway and open it over herself. She seemed bigger and taller now to the creature, added to the fact that she stood straight as well, "
An animal lives by a creature that feeds off other living beings? Kind of odd, even if the goop here is nutritive." the 'bigger' Alsanna leaned in a little to get a look at the darker creature as to see if anything out of the ordinary stood out, "
Hmmm. I'll sample the core, then yeah sure, let's leave this odd anomaly." which she would do if the kitty didn't get too fussy, a decent piece of the shroom's core taken and stored in a jar.
"Odd is quite a natural occurrence today, ain't it?" Koike remarked as questioned, his gaze fixated on the hostile creature. It easily rivalled his direwolf in size, which meant that the beast probably was more than capable to hunt rather than to thrive on jelly or carcasses.
"You intend to go a tad faster? I have more places to be, sadly," Koike stated as the feline's eyes widened when Alsanna would make an attempt to turn to the large fungus. The white markings on its ravenblack fur would almost seem like it wore a certain mask in the strange lighting of the large mushroom.
It continued to pace for a bit before it suddenly turned tail and disappeared with a rather eerie but remarkable silent stride in the shadows. Lowering his drawn weapon Koike waited for a few seconds before sheathing the blade as dispelling the wind chakra surrounding it.
"You know, no need for a thanks. Just another ordinary day for Captain Akino, saving little cheeky misses from impending deaths." Throwing a look at Alsanna's direction, Koike considered briefly if he could perhaps not take some of the jelly with him. Perhaps it would be intriguing to conduct some experiments with it, he considered in his pondering.
Alsanna seemed far less perturbed now that the threat was assessed, and she did keep an eye to her side while sampling. Though with the critter's disappearance, there was a bit less tension in the air. "
Uh-huh." would be her answer to the little rant from Koike, the closest thing he'd get to a thank you, as she'd reach for some of those mint herbs she enjoyed chewing from her bag. No proposal to share, likely because this was her last batch, but at least her breath was now minty, "
Can't rush this sort of job. It's like expecting someone to fish faster. It just doesn't happen," she snapped her fingers despite the gloves, "
like that. Same for hunting, I suppose. How can you hunt faster if you've got nothing but a barren land? You came here for that, actually, so I can only assume you've got nothing but time!" a bright, shit-eating smile was dedicated to Koike!
"
This big thing is nice, but not the novelty I'd venture into this hole for." with that, she packed up, with her parasol vanishing the same way it appeared. Before she'd decide where to go, though, she whipped out what seemed to be a mercury thermometer, and paused for a moment, "
We're certainly at the right temperature … I would assume a little deeper and it should be fine." she mostly spoke to herself, and with little warning she started to walk one direction, one that was different from the feline's, of course.
Despite his previous comments, Koike waited for Alsanna to finish her affairs. His gaze almost lazily moved over their surroundings, still remembering that the danger of the black-furred feline could be lurking in the shadows and observing the grove's intruders.
"Hm, you are quite the bugger aren't you?" Koike replied, throwing a look at Alsanna.
"I would even be okay with sharing a hunt with you, if you wouldn't already send me to this miserable island where… I forgot it already," he stated, visibly pondering on what she had told him again how they dealt with people that insulted her or such. Shrugging, he hooked his thumbs behind his belt.
"Right temperature," Koike repeated, quite puzzled about it and only more so when she would walk in a direction.
"Gods, why," he mumbled in his native tongue before striding forwards to catch up with Alsanna, this time closing the distance between them with a brisk pace.
"You could, you know. Say something like, hey shall we go?" He casually stated, throwing a sideways look at the girl.
"Besides, what do you mean with the right temperature. At least, try to humour me with that."
"
Death Island. I know, it's hard for you to remember, very advanced Jirian lingo and all. Fear not, I'll spare you the gruesome fate." a gaze wasn't even conferred to the Akinian as she was already wrestling with foliage again now that the clearing was abandoned for a different game. More humming came about, even when an answer was expected of her, Alsanna just seemed a bit disconnected from everything. There was something on her mind and it superseded manners or even any semblance of a good idea. But she'd eventually reply, "
The right temperature. As opposed to the left temperature, of course. The left temperature is particularly cursed and revolting. We must stay on the right path, that leads us to the right temperature." she rambled on with the nonsense, keeping her eyes open for what she was looking for.
Before long, they're actually reach quite the lineup of trees, and where sunshine could have some beams pass through, which in turn lowered the quantity of shining flora, "
Plant growth of many sorts depend on temperature, humidity, lighting, fauna, quality of soil, and most of all, nutrients below us." and so the course began now that she seemed a bit more focused, "
This is especially true with fungi, and why they're uniquely difficult to cultivate, some practically impossible and instead the wild areas are 'preserved' and 'worked' to yield as much wild mushrooms as they can." another row of strange, flat mushrooms, and they too would fail the test, "
Did you know that this land has actually experienced three different wars? Or rather, that is what my trusty little book says. Three wars. Three generations of bodies feeding this land. And three different landscapes. A lush, tropical forest, to a more barren tundra, albeit not as cold as the North, and now this forest. Can you imagine just how much decomposed food is below us? The quality of it being eaten and shit out so consistently for centuries?" she continued her scan, until they got to quite possibly the biggest tree they had seen in their lifetime.
The corners of Koike's lips tugged downwards as he provided no banter in return, this time. Drawing his short blade from before, he would start cutting the fauna in front of him with minimal effort to carve a suitable path for himself.
The answer that finally came made him shake his head, though he had to hold back a hint of a chuckle. The nonsense had its charm but he wasn't sure how long his patience was allowing him to endure it. For now, he saw little harm to venture further and oversee what Alsanna had in mind. When the more genuine answer came, Koike did pay attention as they continued through the rather troublesome pathway.
"I haven't actually," he replied, sounding genuinely curious,
"it would explain a few things I had encountered before. Though, come now," he briefly halted and seemed to wait,
"you can't expect me to be your guard if you don't explain what you're looking for exactly. Intriguing as this trip is or as amusing as I find you, I rather not," using the blade's tip to point at nonchalantly at Alsanna while stating what held him back,
"get too much delved in saving you from whatever may lurk further here or there. Perhaps you should consider getting, I don't know. Your babysitter or teacher to aid you? Team members?"
"
I'm looking for a mushroom, if my flora descriptor wasn't sufficient enough to indicate my motive. Although, I never did ask you to come." she was quite dry on this one, just as she started to thoroughly inspect the whole area of the tree, at least up to her height. A big fat circle was made to see what sorts of fungi had grown on the bark. Most seemed to be 'failures'. "
Huh? I see these people way, wayyyy too often, why would I bring them during my time off in my little adventures? Awful idea. Instead, I have a bird and a stranger. That sounds more fun now, doesn't it?"
It was there that a strange row of shrooms caught her attention. About ten feet upwards near a branch. A little chakra wall walking was in order to get a better look. They were flat fungi, of course, and looked as brown as any other. The only unique element about them how they formed a perfectly straight platform, no irregularity like nature would normally have, "
Why hello there." a small piece was sampled, and when it was dropped into the vial, and in a flash, the fluid would 'explode' and splash all over the place. Harmless, of course, it seemed to be the intended effect, but still messy. She smiled, wide.
"Yeah, the quest for the special fungoid. But for what end? You can, at least, try to tell me that." Koike stated as he watched her walk up to a tree. Once again his arms folded as he observed her inspecting some fungus again.
"Huh, I suppose if you bring it like that it nearly seems like a compliment," Koike replied, rubbing his chin as he waited a second.
"I suppose I have no better alternative, rats."
Watching her scale the tree to just observe a different fungoid, Koike started to absentmindedly 'play' with his short blade. Tossing and catching the weapon, he threw a look upwards to see what Alsanna was up to.
"Have you," the second word trailed off as Koike closed his eyes. The fluid splashed on his cloak as well on him, resulting in a heavy sigh escaping his nostrils.
"And to think I was charmed by your display of knowledge, ugh," raising his left hand, he snapped his fingers as the fluid would be sent with a sort of shove from him. A few stains remained on his cloak that earned more and softer grumblings from Koike.
"I suppose that was an accident? Or a mere mistake?"
The smell of the fluid made it obvious that it was pure ethanol. Alcohol in its purest form, and yet it had such a bizarre reaction to many things. There was also chakra laced with it, though the subsequent explosion had nullified it due to the odd reaction the mushroom had with chakra. Alsanna was anything but displeased by this, with a toothy grin reigning on her expression. The vial was put away and she immediately went to carve the bark out of the tree, careful to properly sever the roots of the fungi so as to not damage them. This wasn't too difficult, but then came the careful process of taking out a specific container, one about half the size of her pretty hefty messenger bag, and very cautiously setting the fungus-riddled bark into it. Once sealed, a seal designed for preservation was activated. Certainly more advanced than the mass-produced stuff, which would indicate this individual inclinations for the art. "
Nay. Exactly what I wanted." she responded once the box was carefully set back into the bag and she'd descend down, all giddy.
"
What makes these so special, you ask, Nameless Akinian Captain?" she kept her mouth agape, eyes peering diagonally upwards for a moment, "
They make the best fuckin' stew ever. But they need super prep. Nothing I can do in some shitty camp." she tapped her bag, clearly energized by this sudden success.
Pursing his lips, Koike seemed ready to deliver something back at the address of Alsanna. However, he kept his 'cool' and sheathed his blade. Inspecting the various stains, his mood didn't improve much further. Not that he was overly fond of the cloak but the scent wasn't much to his liking. Glancing upwards again, the other's grin did little to make his disappointment ebb away. Witnessing the seal, Koike's eyes narrowed for a mere moment but then seemed like he ignored the action.
"Oh? Really?" He began, the sarcasm almost tangible,
"Actually, no, now I am slightly curious. But I do fear that your countrymen won't really appreciate it if you bring a completely nameless Akinian back for dinner. Imagine the gossip, dear gods, the gossip would be terrible." He scoffed, turning half around to inspect where they came from.
"Then again, a stew would be quite great to remedy my sour mood. Too bad that neither of us have anything to boil. That and," turning back to Alsanna, his eyebrows knitted a frown on his brow once more,
"I hardly doubt you came all this way to find a fungus to brew a stew. Unless, you actually did. That would actually amaze me."
There was this blissful ignorance as to how much Koike's reaction could be taken the wrong way, the young adventurer was completely absorbed by her achievement. That and, well, nobody knew what to do with this mushroom. However, she'd raise her index, as she often did, to get Koike's attention, "
It also serves as a powerful hallucinogen, though you can find plenty of mushrooms doing that. Cooked right and … It is more than a mere narcotic, I'll say." she tittered at that part, peering down at her bag with unending glee over the fact that she had obtained some Kyriaki, "
Now of course what kind of stew I'm talking about is up in the air. But! It is a very, very special ingredient. And, the best part is, few people in the world know of its value! So, minimal competition." with that bit of information, her foxy gaze rose up toward the Akinian, "
Are you going to mug me or is it about time we leave this shithole forest? I'm afraid one may make the other difficult."
The question was met with silence, that bred tension briefly. Then Koike chuckled as he shook his head lightly.
"Mug you? That would be a waste of time, I fear. You also are a strange one yourself. I also had venture to hunt different quarry, so no. I won't mug you. Quite strange you would be suspecting me of that," Koike replied, turning already to the direction they came from. But that also meant once more threading in the turf of the previous angry kitten. Not the best of ideas.
"I will help you get to the forest's edge. Then I will return to my own affairs. How does that sound?" Koike asked but already turned to another direction as he utilized his chakra to carve a path, the blue hued energy sharp enough to cut through branches without much resistance. A soft humming sound radiated from the manipulated energy as Koike continued forwards. After some distance, Koike would speak up again.
"You actually remind me of someone. Shame you are a Jirian. I suppose that I could have been okay with doing these little ventures with someone that actually seems knowledgeable about what they are searching for." He stated, though no hint of regret or other sad emotion seemed to surface with the statement.
"Who is your mentor, if you wouldn't mind sharing that with me?"
"
Oh, well, when I flaunt shiny stuff like this, people tend to want them. And well, it'd be pretty funny, since the seal wouldn't last long without me around. And did you know these mushrooms release quite a bit of spores when they start to decompose? You'd have quite the trip! And … Probably die from the dose I'm carrying." she went from giddy to nonchalant as she justified her reasoning, once again starting to chew the minty goodness she had kept in her cheek, "
We are going the same way, so yeah, 'help' me until the end, captain no name." a gesture forward, it was time for them to retrace their steps.
"
You won't give me your name but you want me to give up my mentor's? Tell you what. Tell me of the person I remind you of, because I find it hard to believe there's a second Yukimi out there," she almost snorted there, "
let alone in Akino. And I'll tell you my mentor's nickname."
The chakra of Koike continued to pave a way for them until they seemed to return to less dense vegetation that didn't warrant such a method. Dispelling the manipulated chakra, Koike threw just an amused glance at Alsanna upon her answer.
"Hey, you nicked me as Captain Akino. I already told you that I had taken a liking to the name. The ring is just so… heroic? Hmm," he didn't answer right away to her suggestion as they would continue onwards.
"You remind me of someone I used to work with. Granted, she is less cheeky than you but that used to be quite different. Saki is her name. I doubt you two are acquintated." He decided to indulge the other.
"And indeed, I don't know a Yukimi. Doesn't sound like a name belonging to a rather splendid individual anyways. Much like how I probably wouldn't expect much from the likes of anything too posh. Though, you mentioned a name before? Zeno? Huh, perhaps I should use that one as a cover name. Zeno." Repeating the name as if it provided some satisfaction over his pallet, Koike nodded before he turned his attention back to Alsanna.
"So, your end of the bargain."
"
Saki. Saki, Saki." she repeated the name a few times before stopping in her tracks, eyes wide and breathing intensifying. Fingers wiggled as if they were ready to seize something. And then, she started walking again, "
Yeah you're right, no idea who that is. But she sounds amazing and deserving of a lot of stuff. And did I tell you I'm very much like myself and thus very much like Saki? Yes, indeed." she nodded thoroughly. Now came her time to deliver and she sucked in her cheek before delivering, "
Well, she is quite the individual, known under many names and aliases, but the one I think fits the most would be ..." lips pursed, she rubbed her chin a little bit before giving her answer, "
Super Hardass Bitch Sensei. Or some mild variant of this. Tends to depend on the region. Very up for interpretation, thus is the magical strength of the Taika language in the Islands. One word can mean many things ..." her voice was silky smooth, and obviously taking the piss.
"I suppose I should feel a bit dumb for expecting someone like you to be serious," Koike replied, not sounding all too sour that Alsanna took the piss with her end of the bargain.
"I already feel sorry for your mentor. Or any stranger that has the unfortunate fate to cross paths with you," he further added while they moved to the forest's edge. The vegetation became sparcer, indicating that they were nearly there. Coming slowly to a halt, Koike half turned to Alsanna.
"Well then, I suppose this is far enough for me to guide you without suffering any complaints from your side. I guess this was most," considering the word effective to describe the situation and encounter, Koike seemed genuinely entertained,
"educative. I wish you well with your stew and future expeditions in these woods. Do try to stay out of too much trouble. I already fear that whatever tries to gobble you will suffer a horrible stomach aching afterwards."
Alsanna raised an eyebrow, "
Yeah, see, if you knew her, you wouldn't be questioning the seriousness of my claim. And the best part is she probably doesn't disagree with it." and finally they had made it to the 'safe' part of the forest, where Aristedes could be seen hovering in the air without much issue, "
Uh-huh. Cool. Was fun picking mushrooms with Captain Kumo or ..." she smirked while snickering, "
Oh, yeah, think fast, buddy-o." just as she was walking beyond Koike's limits without even looking back, she'd actually toss a fresh water bottle backwards, landing approximately his way. Approximately. It was cold and preserved. No signs of tampering. "
Ah fuck, who shit there?!" she wailed out, looking as though she had stepped on something unsavoury.
Catching the bottle, Koike glanced at the not so significant object. Shaking his head, he would store the item away as a large shadow seemed to appear from his flank. Panting with his tongue outside, the dire wolf seemed to stare at the wailing Alsanna with an expression that could be described as neutral.
"Well, back to business," Koike mumbled as he turned back and headed once more into the woods. The dark-furred canine didn't follow immediately, almost as if it required taking in the sight of the girl trying to get rid of his 'trap'. Then it turned its large head and followed Koike back into the vegetation, out of sight.