You will still get the benefits, however of the 1,999 words.

Learning Bukujutsu

IC:

~Dammit think girl, think. You've been in stickier situations than this~ ponderred the changeling girl as she slid first the dragonball, and then the dragon radar into her clothing, contemplating her next move. She was a changeling, and could go without air for a month at a time if she had the proper time to prepare, though thrust so suddenly into the water she had two or three days at best, and it was clear that struggling to try and fight through the goop that coverred the top of the lake was well out of the question. Trying to do so was apt to get her stuck in there, with her head trapped in the gunk, doomed to die a disgusting death as her body slowly dehydrated, before finally dying by suffocation, inhaling... whatever that filth was up there.

~Wait... I know what I can do...~ She thought, pulling the radar out once more and adjusting it to maximum brightness, holding it infront of her as a flashlight as she began to swim her way around the lake, though it proved to be a fairly small one, with scarcely a single square mile of surface area, and at most 200 feet deep. Eventually, she found what she was looking for, a cave in the lake-bottom. Swimming into the cave, she found herself travelling down a fairly narrow channel until she had enterred an expansive chamber. After a thorough search, the girl found that, despite all her efforts, there was nothing to be had in here. There was no way out. Settling down onto the surface of the bottom of the chamber, Snow withdrew the dragonball from it's place in her pocket, lining up the light to shimmer off the dragonball, at last getting a clear view of it's golden beauty shimmering off the light.

Seated there, on the hard stone of the bottom of the water cave, Snow closed her eyes, slowly entering a medetive state, focusing on the past, her memories, her life. Desperately seeking some sort of answer to the predicament she had found herself in. The seconds passed into minutes, which in turn passed into hours as everything she knew, everything she had been taught flashed before her eyes, when at last it hit her. ~Mike... Mike said something about the stronger fighters being able to fly, he had energy he used sometimes to show off to people and occasionally punish incompetent works with... that's the ticket. If I can learn how to fly, I can get through that muck.~

And so, gradually withdrawing from the meditation, Snow found her vision resting still where it had been, focused on the glowing golden sphere, six organge stars staring her in the face. With her focus still maintained, the girl began to focus on the energy that flowed within her, her chi, or life force, on harnessing it. She could remember Mike demonstrating the power, manifesting it as a red energy that proved extremely destructive. In a flash of understanding she could feel herself floating upwards, and controlled the movement, gliding up, and down, left, and right in the water, practicing the ability in the safety of the liquid, growing in her control and strength.

When at last she felt confident in her ability, she pocketted the ball once more, 'flying' through the water filled passageway that had led her into this chamber before making her way to the bottom of the lake, pocketting the dragon radar as well. Closing her eyes, she raised her arms directly above her head, hands forming a spear-point to penetrate the water and gunk with minimum drag as she began swiftly accellerating upwards, kicking fiercly with her legs as she swept her tail side to side, massing every ounce of speed she could gather before locking her body perfectly straight as her hands struck the goop, slowing down as they sliced through it, her body forcing itself up and up, forcing it's way free of the confines.

Finally, after a struggle that seemed an eternity Snow felt the tip of her tail at last pull free of the muck, her graceful white body sailing into the darkness, set free of the confines of gravity like a bird thrown from the nest.

OOC: 707 words, Learned Bukujutsu.

Added (03.04.2010, 10:38 Am)
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March Great Con and 2 star ball

Finally free of the muck that had threatened to end her life, Snow soared high into the sky, clear of the dark and disgusting forest that had encased her, and into the evening sky, surprised by how many hours she had meditated in the under water cave. "I feel great, I'm floating on air, I got the first ball, everything's working out amazing!" she exclaimed to the world, trully happy, thrilled to be alive. A glance down to see just how much of the goop had remained on her bestowed a shocking revelation to the young changeling. Her body, previously dull and functional, now glistened in the moonlight. Her scales shimmerred like brand new, to the point that she could actually make out the lines where one scale ended and another began, something she had never seen before. And her crystal plating... the red 'armor' gems shined in the moonlight, fiery and alive with all the brilliance of a Blood Ruby.

~This is incredible!~ She shouted in her mind, in awe of the cleansing properties of the substance, how it had ripped away years of worn and faded skin to reveal this shimmering fresh layer. Back on Icer all the layers were a necessity of survival, keeping the frigid cold out of the body to protect it's native peoples. But here, on earth, there was no need for such excessive bulk, revealing the clean new scales underneath. A tug of her shirt revealed the impossible, somehow it had gotten under her clothes and done the same to the rest of her flesh. Grinning like a child on christmas morning, the girl withdrew the dragon radar, checking for the next location. "Due south it is." She spoke, checking the position of the moon before heading off to the south, to find the next dragon ball.

It wasn't long before the forest began to thin, becoming far more menacing as it revealed patches of clearings, and what appeared to be small roads through the woods, easily wide enough for a horse drawn cart to pass. Tired from her ordeal, and feeling her inner energy reserves beggining to fade, Snow slowly floated herself down onto the path that went the direction she was headed, cautious of danger before touching down on the ground. As much pleasure as it was, flying in the air, it was a comfort to have her feet flat on the surface again. A strength to be gathered from the security of the earth beneath her. In moments, Snow was on her way once more, listening both to the beeps and for trouble as she continued the journey, checking the radar from time to time when she came to a fork in the road, making certain to take the correct path.

In time, the path began to grow wider, taking the form of a true road, and the forest began to further thin, showing well tended farmlands down each of the side-paths, her feet carrying her casually in the direction of some kind of settlement, some place where she could find a place to rest, a hot meal, and, unless her instincts were mistaken, the next dragon ball.

As the her legs ate away the miles, she found herself entering into rural housing, home's set on plenty of land, with large private gardens and occasionally a goat or some sheep. Inside some of the homes she could see the flickering light of candles, hear the soft hush of mothers reading bedtime stories to their children, of fathers saying prayers for the continued safety of their families, and of thanks for the aid of the one called.... Absit... and for the gracious mercies of "La Resurreccion," whatever the hell that was. Checking the radar once more, finding, to her relief, that the ball was nearby, drawing ever closer as she strode down the deserted street.

There, in the center of town, lay a church, clean and well kempt, though clearly run down with age. According to the radar, the object she sought lay within it's walls. "Hello... is anyone in here?" She called as she slowly pressed the door open, only to find a rather rotund man kneeling at the altar in the front, deep in prayer. The dragonball she sought was somewhere within this church, but the radar's signal was disrupted by something, and could not pinpoint it. If she wanted the dragonball without the work of tearing through every nick and cranny of his building, she was going to need his help, and something in her gut told her that threats would be of no use in this.

"Why hello yourself." he called out to her cheerily as he rose to his feet, turning to face the young woman. A slight look of surprise showed on his friendly features, before they were swallowed in a warm, welcoming smile. "Welcome to my humble abbey, my name is Absit, and you?" He inquired, going to a sink at the side and reaching into a cabinet, withdrawing a two cups, and a pouch he tore and placed into each, before sliding the cups one after the other through the steaming water. "Here, drink, you must be cold..." spoke the man, taking a sip from his own cup as he welcomed the young female, sitting at a table and bidding she do as well.

"Thank you for your kindness.... father Absit..." she began, setting the cup at the table and taking a seat across from him, too cautious to risk ingesting something that could turn out to be a poison. "But I come from a place far colder than the early springtime here on earth. I'm perfectly comfortable, but thank you."

"Certainly child, but I would hardly consider myself a father. I am but Brother Absit, a humble friar serving the people as best I can, spreading the love of La Resurreccion to those in need." Ignoring her curiosity at the mention, again, of that organization, Snow pressed onward. "Brother then... you know Brother Absit... I never had a brother..." Those knowing eyes listened carefully with practiced ears, encouraging her to express her pains and troubles. "... infact, I never had a father either. My father left us when I was young." A look of pain could be seen nearly swallowing the brother's features as he rose, walking around the table to wrap his arms around the girl's shoulders.

Tensing a moment defensively, Snow relaxed, realizing this man was harmless, and wished nothing but to help, in his peculiar ways. "I'm so sorry to hear that child, it is wrong of men to abandon their families. I know nothing can replace the loss of one's father completely, but know that you have a brother in me child. As well, know that you have a father in Hachi, the leader of La Resurreccion, a champion of justice and freedom, who seeks to set the people free from the chains that bind them. Tell me... Snow, I believe you said, what have you come to me for? What can I do for one in so much pain, other than to be a friend."

Small tears of sorrow welled up from God knows where within Snow, reliving her sorrow for the first time in a long time, her shields of confidence and independence shatterred like so much glass, reaching out to hug the brother back, releasing her pain as a child to a beloved uncle. It took her a few moments, but eventually the pain faded, and the girl managed to restore her barricades, strengthening her resolve beyond what it had been. ~I will have to kill this bastard before I leave. No one sees me cry, nobody.~ She thought, a sharp toothed grin spreading across her face. Releasing the grin, and then the hug, the girl looked up into the man's eyes once more. "Brother Absit, I have come here seeking an artifact, an item known as a dragonball."

Reaching into her weighted clothes, the changling found and withdrew the sphere, showing the starred face to the friar. "They look like this, but the one I seek would have a different number of stars." A small smile could be seen upon Absit's face. "Ah yes, the dragonballs. Certainly I know of them dear, most students of the divine know of such artifacts. As a matter of course, not long ago a grateful farmer bestowed such a gift upon me, as thanks for my aid with his crops the last year." Looking her over, the man took careful note of her clothing. "Those are weighted training clothes, are they not?" he inquired, to which she could only nod. "I knew fate would smile on this poor village. I have the ball you seek child, carefully hidden and encased in lead to prevent it's exact detection. I need a favor from one of your strength, and once you return, you shall have your dragonball."

~An assignment huh... well I am here for training, and besides, the old man gives a damn about me. Nobody's done that but Mike. I guess I can induldge him, give him what he wants before I kill him.~ She ponderred, before nodding. "Whatever it is Brother Absit, if it is within my power it is yours. How could I not seek to help these people, when I've been welcomed peacefully into their village." A glance out the window into the moonlit night showed the peaceful village at rest, waiting for the next day's labors, happy in their work, and their love for one another.

"Well you see, last month, I led a trip to the city, to sell off some spare livestock to tend to the families during the wait before the spring crops, but we were cheated out of our full earnings. When I tried to speak up for our rights and fair trade they struck me and lowered the price yet further. I'm humiliated to say that there was naught I could do for these people when they needed me most. We were shortchanged by 1,000 zennie, and now, despite our best efforts, the funds we recieved are running out. Please help us Snow, I would be forever grateful."

Thinking back to her time on Icer, Snow could remember the way some of the changelings were completely destitute, depending entirely on the generosity of others, what little they gotten often being ripped away from them by the demons that were filling the planet during her youth. The children were always hurt the worst, feeling lost, alone, hopeless. When they'd been able, her mother had given some of them jobs, giving them a chance to earn some money and hopefully take a step into a better life. As much as she despised her mother, the woman was not without her good traits. "I'll do it." With that, the friar gave her the directions to the building of the butchery he had been cheated at, and bid her good luck.

It was not long before the changeling warrior found the place, taking full advantage of her newly discoverred flight, shifting back into her hideous third form and assailing the cheapskate's and torturing them in the most... devious of ways, until they surrenderred the money that was due the friar, without mentioning the man, nor the village, nor the proper amount. Not only did they give the 1,000 Zennie, but they offerred a total sum of 3,500 Zennie, begging her to spare them and leave them be. With the friar, and a good night's rest waiting, she decided to let the men live, preferring not to draw excessive attention to the attack. Once clear of the city, she returned to her true form, grateful to be herself once again, and returned with the 1,000 Zennie. "Thank you so much Snow." spoke the Friar, turning to get the dragonball. "Wait..." she interrupted him, adding the 2,500 to the table. "What ever is this for?"

"When I captured the men, I couldn't tell them how much I needed, or why, or they'd have come here to get revenge. They gave me all the money they had on hand, a full 3500 Zennie of it. At first, I'd planned to keep the money for myself, but when I thought again of all the children here, of how those on my own home sufferred, and of the way this spring hasn't been warming up as it did last year, I felt it best I surrender the money to La Resurreccion, to continue to help these people." A slight blush could be seen spreading on Snow's face. It had been a long time since she'd done something truly selfless, and the sensation was unusual and embarrassing. "I will use it well Snow, thank you. But there is something you do not yet know about this organization. It is centerred on Icer, managed by the brilliant and peaceful warrior Hachi, and with every growing day our strength grows. In time, we shall be the guardians of the galaxy, maintaining peace and prosperity for all. And you, my child, are a part of that grand design, a part of our vision, if you will have us."

Hardening a bit against the man's preachy attitude, the changeling only nodded curtly. "Sure, whatever." ~No way. There is no way something so peaceful and kind started on Icer, it.... it's not possible... is it???~ "If you return to your home planet Snow, you should seek Hachi out. He is a strong and good man, and I am sure he will be pleased to meet you. You may rest the night here, in one of the spare rooms, and in the morning you may do as you wish." Those words finished, the man turned, opening the floorboard and withdrawing a lead chest, opening it and handing her the two star ball. "This, belongs to you. Use it well child, and may fate smile you in whatever you do in life." After pocketting the ball, Snow found a room to her tastes, locked it up, opened the window to the crisp night air, stripped away the weights, and collapsed, exhausted, into the deepest and most peaceful sleep she'd had since her arrival on earth.

OOC: 2362 words. (1250 don't count for PL since they are March's great con) So 1112 words that will count for training (including finding the 2 star dragonball.) She's currently sleeping in a spare room in the abbey in a small farming village.

Added (03.04.2010, 10:41 Am)
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OOC: (also, she's officially joined La Resurreccion and gave the rewards of her con to Brother Absit, who will be transferring those 2500 to Hachi for use as he desires.)

Eventually the android’s eyes noticed something in the distance. A town of sorts. A small farming community surrounded by hills and a large forest just north of it. AREU didn’t really have much use for human towns. Being a machine he did not need to eat or drink. Or even rest, for that matter. But still, he felt compelled to approach it. You never really know what you might find. And the journey to Korin’s Tower could always be put off until a later time. It wasn’t like the tower was going to move or anything.

Slowly, the android descended from the sky, touching down in the middle of the town square. Many of the various people stopped what they were doing, staring at the green skinned android. Such a thing was not unusual for AREU. Being a green humanoid tended to get him a lot more attention that he would prefer. And of course, the fact he was flying did not help either. Very few on this planet was capable of the feat, even if to the android it was a fairly easy task.

Looking around the village, he was able to make out one building that stood above the rest of the smaller homes and businesses. It was intriguing to say the least. What purpose would there to build a place so large? The curious android decided to check it out, making his way over to the other side of town.

He eventually arrived at the front of the building. After a brief pause to admire the structure of this fine door, AREU reached out and opened it, entering the room. His eyes scanned the place, examining the various people. Most of whom immediately turned to face the strange, green man.

Straightening his glasses, AREU stepped in, walking down the aisle.

words: 399

Outside her room, she found herself viewing several people in the room, smiling and waving to a peculiar green man, wearing glasses and a lab coat no doubt. "You got a name?" She inquired to the man, putting a hand on her hip as she leaned against the wall of the foyer, watching what was going on with interest.

Turning his attention to the unidentifiable creature, and essentially ignoring the rest of the crowd, AREU responded in a calm, monotone voice. “I am Artificial Research and Exploration Unit Nine Nine Nine Six. Otherwise referred to as A.R.E.U. What are you?” The android did not realize it, but he had placed a bit of emphasis on the ‘what’. His goal wasn’t to seem mean or aggressive, but it was certainly the most prominent question on his mind.

words: 247

The night's work collecting money had worked her scales, beginning the process of building up a full insulating layer once more, but for the time being her fresh scales were clearly visible, a notable difference to the usual changeling appearance. "So... Areu..." She said, pronouncing the acronym rather than spelling it as she continued her motion towards him, reaching towards his arm gently, in a casual, non-threatening manner, intent to take the arm and guide him with her. "What's say you come with me outside and we have a chat about some things, leave these people to their own affairs." ~And find out what help you can be to me.~ She added mentally, knowing full well from her talks with Mike that most of these things were built to be capable fighters.

As the two exited the building, AREU felt more free to speak. In all honesty, the kind hearted villagers were rather unnerving to him, and he was glad to be out of their company. “What is it you wished to speak of, exactly?” He questioned.

words: 270

At last releasing the heavy arm, Snow turned to face the 'man' once more, meeting his eyes unflinchingly, cautious to a fault, but interested in the truth. She knew little of androids, but from what she had read of them they didn't seem the type for subtlety. If she were being hunted for some reason, odds favor he'd have killed her in her sleep. "As for what I am, I am a native of the planet Icer. If you have data on that planet's inhabitants, you should have little trouble linking me to them."

As the space cow explained where she was from the android immediately began to search his memory banks. Regrettably he was not able to download the information on celestial locations and planets as of yet. Dr. Hisakata’s lab and main computer having been completely destroyed prior to his coming on line. He had only a basic understanding of the universe. “No information on the planet Icer can be found.” He exclaimed, his voice sounding more robotic than usual. Most likely this was a prerecorded file within his mind that had not yet been edited, as it was simply meant to be an automatic response.

words: 191

Briefly scanning the area to be sure none were watching, she reached into her clothes and withdrew the two dragonballs she had found so far, the six star ball and the two star ball. "These, are called dragonballs. They are rumored to be magic, and have the power to conjure a magical dragon when all seven of them are gathered together in one place. My papa challenged me with a Research task of my own. To find and test them, discover if the legends are true." Sliding the balls back into their pouch, she leaned in and up towards his ear, stretching clear up onto the tips of her toes with the aid of her tail for balance. "Would you be willing to help me with my Research, Artificial Research and Exploration Unit Nine Nine Nine Six?"

“I will assist you in gathering this dragon’s balls.” He said, blissfully unaware of the obvious innuendo he just made. His emotionless and monotone voice making it rather apparent he felt no humor in the bad pun. “How will I locate them?” He asked, now just trying to get information that would be required for him to optimize his search.

words: 246

"Oh, and one last thing, according to the manual I was given with it. A dragon radar alters the signal of dragon balls in close proximity to it, such as within one meter. This is to keep these balls off the screen, as well as prevent allied seeker's from accidentally coming after one-another, and able to focus their efforts on the task as a whole. If you want to find other hunters, you press this button..." she said, pointing to one of the buttons on the surface of the tool, "and it will display any gathered dragonball's directions from you. I've heard capsule corps sells them to those who ask, but they keep them off the shelves to prevent possible public relations problems concerning the legend."

What Snow did not know, was that within the android’s body countless tiny, nanobots were working diligently. His internal body scanning the device and examining it layer by layer. Every component observed from every angle. Piece by piece, the machine was analyzed. And soon after, replicated. The nanobots used various spare components within AREU himself to use as scrap metal, melting it down and reforming it in much the same way termites use earth and saliva to form their own buildings. And soon, an entirely new device, completely identical to the first, was created.

On the outside of AREU, the android would hold up his right and left hand to his mouth. Soon spitting out two different dragon radars, one in each hand. They weren’t salivated on, of course. As an android AREU did not produce bodily fluids. And both radars were in perfect working order. Holding the original radar in his right hand, the green skinned researcher would hand it to Snow. All of this seemed perfectly normal. At least to AREU. The few passers by who happened to witness this feat stood in place, staring blankly at the strange occurrence. Not quite afraid. More so just weirded out.

words: 292

"Um... that worked... I guess..." Still grossed out by the experience, though grateful there hadn't been any fluids, she took a quick glance around, noticing that they had acquired a bit of a crowd during the transaction. "Alright, I'm going to go say my goodbyes to my host for last night, you go ahead and follow the radar to the nearest ball, I'll head the opposite direction until I find the next one. And so on. Since there are 5 left, hopefully we'll be meeting up again at the last, but if you find that we've gathered them all then come to me and we'll meet and see if this legend really is true."

Turning away at that point, she headed towards the church before pausing, thinking to try a direct command and see how the machine would respond. "Artificial Research and Exploration Unit Nine Nine Nine Six, execute operation as follows: secure the stated objects, and rendezvous with me as soon as possible." With the command given, she continued on her way into the church, to say her goodbyes and leave the android to his task.