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Post by Ryder on May 13, 2017 19:48:03 GMT
A tempest swept through the Bamboo Forest that night, bamboo and trees alike waving violently in the wind, as though dancing in gratitude for the rain. Crouching there balanced on the point of a single bamboo stalk was a beautiful woman of pale hair and full figure; eyes closed in meditation as she sought some deeper meaning within the storm. At the crack of thunder Ryder snapped open her eyes and snapped straight her legs, bounding off the swaying bamboo shaft and flipping through the air in a somersault. Deftly she grasped hold of another stalk in her path, allowing the momentum of her body to bend it in half before it snapped back sending her flying in another direction. Wind, Rain, Sound, Darkness, Wood and Lightning, six distinct elements of Natural Qi harmonized together within the chaos of the storm; a harmony Ryder immersed herself into with all of her being. To be one with the storm, and for the storm to become one with her. So focused was Ryder on this training that the woman- despite her years of military service as a special forces operative with highly trained situational awareness- would never have noticed an interloper until they were right on top of her... OOC: Tags Tulip Waterfield
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Post by Tulip Waterfield on May 13, 2017 20:43:54 GMT
Leaning against the wall of the damp cave she called a home, the young woman stared out through the wall of falling water into the storm outside. In a way, her ‘doorway’ helped keep the tempest from the other side from entering. But the lack of sunlight from above made the cave colder than the woman would’ve liked. On top of that, there was the draft from the abandoned tunnel cycling through the small cave. Sliding to a seated position, the woman stared at the wall of water. A member of the Blue Banner Army, Ki Assault Operations Squad. Where does that put me in the hierarchy of the Earth and its powerful members? I could barely hold a candle to Pieter and that other man. His partner left me that note...what could it all mean? The woman sighed and closed her eyes. It wasn’t going to help her at all to worry about the near-future and what it had in store. Laughing softly, the woman pushed herself onto her feet. Her blue jacket was in a pile on the side of the cave, along with her bedding and other clothes. The woman was only wearing a pair of shorts and black tank-top, which was probably why she felt so cold. She started to double-check her bed, to see how wet it had gotten from the air, when a small presence made her gaze drift upwards. Someone’s training. In the forest. In this typhoon. They’re either dumb, or extremely dedicated. I could kill them with only one strike… Her eyes widened in shock as the last thought crossed her mind. The woman looked down at her hands, realizing she was trembling slightly. Even the thought of death made her memories resurface, but the woman refused to let that stop her. Slowly standing up, the woman thrust one hand up. A huge blade formed in the air, splitting the waterfall in half to make an entrance. Locking her mind in on the small aura, the woman shot into the dark air outside. The blade dispersed behind her, letting the waterfall return to it’s normal pattern. Soaring through the rain-soaked wind, the woman narrowed her emerald gaze and searched for the small presence. Only seconds later, she’d found the person. Hovering in the air hundreds of feet over the small woman training far below, Tulip analyzed the individual. Their aura was too straightforward to be anything other than human or Saiyan; judging by their lack of tale and hair-color, this was definitely a human. Nodding to herself once, the woman released the ki holding her aloft. She fell like a rock, before slamming into the dirt path only a couple dozen feet away from the woman. Dirt and mud flew outwards in response, while the air from her impact sent a ripple through the bamboo stalks. She stepped out of the crater, kicking mud off her legs. Looking across at the blonde woman, the young hybrid would smile and wave. “Couldn’t help but notice you’re training in this downpour. Isn’t it too cold for dedication of that level?”
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Post by Ryder on May 14, 2017 1:55:40 GMT
Fully immersed in her training, Ryder neither heard nor saw the new arrival approach. It wasn't until she felt an intense ripple and splatter of mud on the bare skin of her legs, stomach and arms that she became aware she was not alone. Garbed in a simple training outfit of undyed brown leather shorts and top left much flesh exposed to flying muck, Ryder's bare skin was now covered by more mud than clothing. The only saving grace was the sheer intensity of the rain was bound to gradually wash it all away as the night pressed on. Ryder’s eyes snapped wide open the instant she felt the splatter, taking stock of her uninvited guest whilst grasping the next bamboo stalk. ~ She’s small, but to have created a shock wave like that there’s no way this is some ordinary girl. Fuck for all I know she’s could easily be stronger than I am. No point running away from it though, if she wanted to do harm she had no need to announce her presence.~ With a graceful twist of her body the hermit soldier flipped into a high arc in the air once more, only to come to an explosive three point landing in the mud a few scant meters away from the new arrival. Now that they stood near each other the contrast between their bodies became even more apparent, one tall, athletic and curvy, the other petite and gamine. “If I weren’t dedicated I’m not sure I’d get anywhere at all in my training. A storm like this in this environment was an opportunity I just couldn’t pass up. So tell me stranger, did you have another reason to interrupt, or just expressing concern? While you’re at it, what’s your name? You can call me Ryder.”
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Post by Tulip Waterfield on May 14, 2017 2:09:48 GMT
The young woman whistled in appreciation as the taller woman used a bamboo stalk to fling herself into the air, spinning twice and landing firmly in the mud in front of her. She began clapping as the blonde woman rose to her full height, looking down on the smaller hybrid. The woman walked forward, further emphasizing the difference between the two. Tulip resisted the urge to touch her own chest in slight irritation as she noticed the woman’s curves under her training garb. When the woman identified herself as Ryder, the young woman nodded and responded. “The name’s Tulip! Since I didn’t sense you in the forest four months ago, that makes me more experienced than you with life in this shady grove! You say you’re training; flipping around in the rain and wind isn’t really training. Unless you’re a professional gymnast or something else. But you’re not, are you?” Tulip eyed the woman’s body; ignoring her weak ki signature, simply the way she carried herself and the muscles the hybrid could see made the truth evident. This woman was a warrior. The question was how much experience the woman truly had. Thrusting her hand out, Tulip closed her emerald eyes and grinned happily. “So, let’s be friends! I’m not fond of the rain, but I could show you some tricks to make your punches a little harder. I don’t have much experience in winning, though.” Waiting for Ryder’s response, the young hybrid’s aura slowly began rising in power. She stopped it at almost four times the woman’s strength, just to see if the strange trainee could sense her ki and react. Come on, take the bone. I want to see what your experience translates into, Ryder.
Ki Setting Activated! Current PL - 1600 KP 3/3
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Post by Ryder on May 14, 2017 4:01:58 GMT
Just as Ryder was about to congratulate ‘Tulip’ on her breakthrough in her Spiritual Sense the crazy bitch went on to say she wasn’t ‘really training’ unless she was doing training to be a gymnast. “Hell no I’m not a gymnast, I’ve been here cultivating Ki control here in this forest for the past year.” It seemed that Ryder’s words fell on deaf ears, however, as her new companion prattled on about becoming ‘friends’ and showing some ‘tricks’ for punches. Before she had a chance to respectfully decline the crazy bitch plowed forward again, releasing an immense aura of power that broke down all the passive defenses and pride Ryder had. All of her hard work, and all of the- now clearly pitiful- power she had worked so hard to acquire was nothing but dried weeds in the face of the pressure Tulip now emanated. Desperately the woman gritted her teeth, her own white aura flaring to life in a dire struggle against the pressure. Barely, just barely Ryder managed to hold herself upright in place, neither flying backwards nor crumbling down under the onslaught of Ki that clearly carried far more than twice as much as Ryder herself was pumping out. “You might look young….” she grunted through those gritted teeth, refusing both to bend the knee and to bow the head “But you’re strong. Far stronger than I am.” Swallowing hard, Ryder lifted her right foot before driving it down into the muck, doing her damndest to give her stance a better grip. “You offered friendship, so I will not bow the knee and ask you to be my mentor. But….” rather than succumb to the energy’s continuous driving force, the woman thrust both hands in-front of her chest in the shape of a prayer, tips pointed forward. With her hands in position Ryder channeled her ki into them, using them as a wedge to deflect a large portion of the pressure away from her. “... I will gladly take you up on that offer to teach me a few things, Tulip.” OOC: Tag: Tulip Waterfield
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Post by Tulip Waterfield on May 14, 2017 6:59:00 GMT
The young hybrid’s gaze narrowed and her grin shifted into a smirk when she heard Ryder mention ‘ki control’. If the woman had spent the last year working on mastering her ki, and only had this to show for it...this would be a difficult task. As Tulip let her Ki flare up and surround the two, she could feel the older woman’s confidence and pride collapse. But, even without that, the woman remained standing under the hybrid’s slight push. The shorter woman nodded mentally, encouraging the taller human internally as Ryder summoned her own aura in an attempt to overcome the slight push Tulip had extended. The woman seemed to be struggling to stand, which kind of worried the hybrid. When did my aura get so fierce it could actually beat down people weaker than me? I’ll need to experiment with this...where is that idiot Cynthia when you need him? Or was his name Chad? Chris? Whatever, I’ll figure it out later. During the time the young hybrid had spent rambling internally, the woman Ryder had shifted positions, now thrusting her hands forward to ‘part’ the overwhelming ki Tulip was apparently emanating. “...I will gladly take you up on that offer to teach me a few things, Tulip.” “Awesome!” The young hybrid let her ki completely vanish, suppressing it to the absolute minimum she could. Walking past the taller woman without glancing over, the young hybrid walked to the bamboo stalks. Glancing up towards the wind and rain blowing the stalks every which way, the hybrid sighed and held one hand up. “Ki is present in all things! Even the rocks have their own ki, albeit that of a different variety than the energy present in living beings! In order to draw out your true potential, you have to figure out the most efficient way to visualize your ki overcoming any and every obstacle placed in front of you. The simplest task would be breaking a bamboo stalk with raw strength; but that’s only a show of physical prowess, rather than ki mastery!” To emphasize her point, Tulip slammed her hand into the largest bamboo stalk. A crack ran through the stalk, but the woman had to step back and clutch her hand in pain. Taking a slow breath and blowing on her injured hand softly, the woman spoke softly and muttered, “...see, strength alone won’t get you anywhere. Even I, the ‘powerful’ one, lack the body and physical strength to just punch through anything. But adding ki to the equation changes the entire situation.” Taking a slow breath, the small woman brought her hand back. She knew this section of forest; to the immediate north, the direction she was facing, there was nothing for over two miles. Clenching her hand into a fist, the woman slid her feet through the mud. After planting her stance firmly, the woman spoke firmly. “Adding Ki, the power of the spirit that can be trained, will multiply your strength a hundredfold with the proper training. You saw my punch without ki; now watch this.” Time to make a road! Her full ki flared to life, as silver lightning danced through the air around her arm and fist. Bringing her hand forward, the ground at her feet cracked inwards from the force of the recoil. The mud rippled outwards in a circle from the point of impact, as her punch slammed into the huge bamboo stalk. Silver energy sparked at the point of impact, before the force of her punch shot further into the forest, disintegrating everything it hit for over 2,000 yards. The plants, water, and mud for a 200 ft wide, almost 2 mile length crater had been cleared, while the vegetation on either side lay in tatters from the strength of her single punch. “Did you learn anything?” Tulip’s ki had already returned to the suppressed state, as the woman waited for Ryder to speak. "Even you can reach this level with a lot of dedication and training. Sparring helps, though."
PL - Set to 1600, except for Punch!, suppressed to 400
KP - 2/3
Activated [N1] Ki-Infused Strike for 53,250 PL
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Post by Ryder on May 14, 2017 18:39:59 GMT
Ryder subconsciously stiffened as her new ‘friend’ went on to explain the bare bones basics as though she were a complete amateur with no understanding of Ki whatsoever. Irritated though she was with the way she was being treated, Ryder had to acknowledge that the different in their power was like night and day. To Tulip she probably looked like an ignorant amateur given the gap in their strength. That, and Tulip seemed to intend no offense instead expressing what looked to Ryder to be legitimate sincerity in trying to teach. It was with these factors in mind that the soldier turned hermit gave Tulip face, listening to her teachings with neither interruption nor complaint. “Holy batshit!” Experienced and learned though she was with a full year of self education and secluded meditation behind her, Ryder couldn’t help but find herself dumbfounded by the sheer power Tulip released. There was no way this was the same power that she had withstood moments before. No, there were hidden depths to Tulip’s power that Ryder could not begin to fathom at this time. Slowly, the woman calmed herself before turning her attention to Tulip’s questions. “At the very least, I have learned that I have been but a frog at the bottom of a very deep well looking at what I believed was the whole sky. You were holding back for my sake earlier, weren’t you Tulip?” Striding forward with a serious expression on her face, Ryder took a position within a clump of bamboo numbering five stalks in total. Like the unsheathing of a sword she swept about with one finger demonstrating her level of ki control. Ryder’s first finger strike swept stiffly past a bamboo stalk, seeming to accomplish nothing. One flick of the finger sent Ki pulsing through the walls of the second bamboo stalk, fracturing the cellulose walls until it shattered like broken glass. One penetrating finger thrust filled the third bamboo stalk with Ki that burrowed up and up through the stalk. Force which continued to build momentum and explosive force until it began to erupt from the top… only for that Ki to suddenly implode in on itself, pulled back inside and detonating. Shards of bamboo flew out like grenade shrapnel with a where Ryder and Tulip stood shaped like a slice removed from a pie. The forth finger thrust in again delivering Ryder's ki to the fourth stalk's innards, not to explode its target stalk but to rocket downwards explosively until it made contact with the roots in an eruption that shook the ground in a twenty-meter radius. That stalk broke from its roots and shot through the air like a shell from a canon. Ryder’s final finger strike was more of a whipping motion, carrying powerful diffuse force which erupted on the surface of the final stalk, toppling it over and ripping it clean out of the ground by the roots. With a splash that final stalk crashed into the mud. Even as she turned back to face Tulip, the first bamboo stalk slid down off of its stump, sliced cleanly by the first finger that seemed to have done nothing. “I don’t believe my comprehension lacking, Tulip. I haven’t spent a year in secluded meditation cultivating Ki from the ground up for nothing. What I lack most is raw power." OOC: tag- Tulip Waterfield _
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Post by Tulip Waterfield on May 15, 2017 15:39:52 GMT
As Tulip let her fist drop and turned towards the taller woman, she could see traces of the shock written in the woman’s eyes. It quickly left as the woman composed herself, and she answered Tulip’s question with an empty but firm remark. The hybrid nodded in response to Ryder’s question, before watching as the woman walked over to a clump of bamboo stalks. Is she going to show me her strength? Or is there a special trump card she’s holding up her sleeve? This could be interesting… The shorter hybrid stepped forward, trying to get a glimpse of what Ryder was doing. The next demonstration was nothing short of perfection; thanks to the ability to sense ki and aura Tulip had honed over the last 3 years, she could fully admire the absolute control Ryder had over her small ki. As the taller, blonde woman made her way through the bamboo stalks, destroying each in a new and exotic manner, the young woman finally stepped forward as she finished. Nodding in response to Ryder’s last comment, the young hybrid held one hand aloft and made a fist. Grinning, the short woman looked up at the taller blond and nodded again. “I have an awesome idea! I’m part of this group, called KAOS! They help train people to become stronger, as long as they’ve got the spark of potential. If you want to be stronger before the actual application, I could help you. But it won’t be for free…” The young hybrid paused, before motioning over her shoulder towards the huge swath of destroyed earth. “...as you can see, I have that raw, overwhelming force. What I lack is that.” She pointed towards the five bamboo stalks that had been destroyed with precision and honed will. As if to add to the point the hybrid was strong, Tulip created a tiny knife of silver. Tossing it over her shoulder, the small blade arced through the air and came down point first on the cleared area. It shimmered then exploded, sending mud and earth soaring dozens of feet into the air. Tulip laughed softly and muttered. “Yeah, I definitely have raw power. Just lack the finesse to actually use it effectively. So, what do you say? Shall we team up?” PL Set to 400, suppressed to 10
KP 3/3, +1 for no actions taken
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Post by Ryder on May 16, 2017 0:15:10 GMT
Ryder had lived entirely too long to get suckered into KAOS purely on the initial benefits presented. Doubly so when presented by such a straightforward person as Tulip who seemed likely to take anything she was told at face value without giving too much thought to the consequences. It sounded good, but sounds can be deceiving. Thus, Ryder lead into her response with the *other* question she’d been given. "I don’t know for sure about this KAOS organization you mention, but I already agreed to be your friend, why the hell wouldn’t I be willing to teach you? Especially when you’ve offered to help be develop my strength in return. “Now regarding KAOS, you say this group supports the growth in power of its members? There’s no way that comes for free, what are the obligations of a KAOS member? What else can you tell me about KAOS?” Ryder was a suspicious person by nature. Hell even her talk of friendship now was only half sincere, she was open to the idea of cultivating a friendship but even so she was always looking out for number one. OOC: Tags- Tulip Waterfield
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Post by Tulip Waterfield on May 16, 2017 23:04:10 GMT
“So you are my friend? Awesome!” The young woman jumped forward and hugged the taller woman; even if Ryder attempted to avoid the attempt, it would prove futile due to the gaps in their strength. The smaller hybrid would let go and hop back, before musing over the rest of her questions.
“I’m not sure I understand everything about KAOS. It stands for Ki Assault Operations Squad, which is a group of really strong fighters who serve as the highest echelon of power within the Blue Banner Army! The leader of the unit is the Premiere, the strongest fighter on Earth. The goals of KAOS are varied, but all are centered around one key tenant: the protection of Earth and its people from those individual who would do them harm. As the Ki Assault Operations Squad, its our job to fight and take on enemies that could easily destroy half the earth’s population without breaking a sweat. Aliens, demons, otherworldly entities, really frigging strong people...all are punishable under the law should they take the wrong step in their actions. And it’s our job to ensure they don’t harm others with their strengths!”
“And about the training...I’m honestly not sure why it’s free, but the leader of KAOS said it’s so the members can be ready to take on any challenge that should surface. Basically, its a form of insurance to make sure that the Earth’s first and last line of defense is strong enough to take on anything that should oppose it.”
After the long explanation, the hybrid took a deep breath and glanced towards Ryder. She would smile and state firmly. “Well, what do you think? I’ll put in a good word at headquarters to try and get you in. On a stipend that you are full of potential and an awesome prospect. With your finely honed sense of control and my raw power...when we meet at the finish line, we’ll both be plenty strong enough to defend our dreams and those things we love from any enemy that tries to destroy it.”
OOC: Sorry about the wait; hopefully this is enough to work with.
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Post by Ryder on May 19, 2017 18:55:49 GMT
"Your friend? Yes and no. Friendship isn't something so simple it can be turned on and off, it's a process. But we've taken that first step." Time alone can be good for the soul, but too much of it can also be a poison. Ryder was not only coming off a year of mostly secluded meditation, from almost the time she joined the military she'd mostly held her true self inside, living a life of business and pleasure without any 'person' in it. If Tulip proved to be someone Ryder could let in, then despite the emotional risk the benefits would be worthwhile. "As to the matter of KAOS, consider me recruited. It's a funny story, I served in the military that preceded the Blue Banner Army, decided to take off and do things for myself after the takeover rather than join up with the BBA. It's starting to look like I could have learned everything I needed there, rather than need to come out here and be a hermit for a year. But..” she paused, circulating the ki through her meridians once more and allowing it to faintly crackle out through her pores like lightning, “...Perhaps I’ve gained something worthwhile during this time as well.” Casting a gentle smile down at the smaller, younger woman Ryder offered a firm nod of confirmation. “Let’s go get me signed up. Once we’re finished I will give you that lesson you’re looking for, and we can plan out a training regiment for the both of us to build up our weaknesses and turn them into strength. “Lead the way.” OOC: tags- Tulip Waterfield
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Post by Tulip Waterfield on May 23, 2017 3:34:41 GMT
Listening to the woman’s response, the younger hybrid just nodded with each point made. When the woman tried to demonstrate her strength by extending her ki, the hybrid had to suppress a laugh at the tiny display. Then Ryder ended her speech with a soft smile and a nod of confirmation in Tulip’s direction. The woman nodded, before looking upwards. The sky was still stormy overhead, rain pouring down on the two. Suppressing a weary sigh, the woman glanced back towards the taller woman.
"It's really pouring out here. I have a change of clothes in a capsule; you mentioned you've been living out here a while, right? Your place is probably a lot drier than the cave I'm currently camping in. Mind if I come over to change? We can continue our little discussion there." Grinning at Ryder, the short hybrid waited for the lady's response.
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Post by Ryder on May 27, 2017 22:02:52 GMT
“You’re camping in a cave? How long have you been living in this area Tulip?” Ryder inquired, surprised to hear that her new companion lived in the immediate area. A cave made for a decent shelter short term, but the dark and damp conditions there certainly didn’t foster a very pleasant environment. Figuring Tulip could respond along the way, Ryder led the way towards her cabin at a casual walking pace. Even so, each step seemed to carry her several meters forward, covering ground quickly. Before long the pair came into the clearing wherein the woman had made her home. The crisp sound of a cascade crashing into a pond could be heard as the two broke through the bamboo into the clearing. Cool mist caressed their faces as Ryder led Tulip through the clearing, through a walking path in her food garden- filled with a diverse variety of various crops [starches, greens and herbs]- and into her humble bamboo hut. Fortunately the monsoon had by this time fully washed the mud from Ryder, allowing her to enter the hut without any of the muck Tulip had splattered her with. The furnishings inside were spartan but comfortable, with a table and chairs for two, a small kitchen with stream-supplied-gravity-fed running water and cabinets on one side, a cozy looking bed on the other and a closet on the far side from the door. Said kitchen wasn't equipped for cooking only basic prep, cooking was done outside where it wouldn't heat the dwelling. Waltzing past the table Ryder cracked open the closet and grabbed a pair of towels, tossing one to Tulip before beginning to towel herself dry. “Welcome to my abode. It’s not much, but it is home. Built entirely by hand too.” OOC: Tags- Tulip Waterfield _
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Post by Tulip Waterfield on May 28, 2017 22:21:27 GMT
“A little under a year; if I counted the time I was dead...I’d say just over a year. It wasn’t bad, until a bit of temple-cleaning opened up a horrible draft.” The young woman dropped the bit about dying without a second thought, while walking next to the taller woman. Her gaze traveled around the shadowed forest as they walked quickly, easily making the distance seem only a short ways. When they entered the clearing, Tulip couldn’t help but mutter in awe. “Whoa...that’s awesome.” She first noticed the garden, a decent-sized patch of well-tended soil. It had clearly been tilled and worked over time to reach this point, a lush, huge garden. Off to one side was a smaller pond that the river split off into; how the woman had done this was beyond Tulip. The smaller woman marveled at the hut; simple in design, but strong in its foundation. Following Ryder down the path, she stepped inside the building when the blonde woman opened the door. The interior was as plain as the exterior, but had far more furniture than any of Tulip’s camps. She noted the bed; something the smaller woman hadn’t slept on in a while, since her stay in Hell, after further revelation. It was only a twin-bed; not strange, due to the size of the small hut. Maybe if Ryder doesn’t mind spooning, we could fit two people on… Her scandalous thought was interrupted by a towel slamming into her face. Snatching it out of the air before it hit the ground, the woman marveled at the softness of the practical cloth, before using it to wipe herself down. “Thanks for letting me in. I can tell you worked hard on this; kinda disappointed about the location. Two miles closer and I would’ve stumbled across you sooner than this.” The woman finished drying her hair and hung the towel over her shoulders. Without pausing, the woman pulled off her wet shorts. Setting the wet garment on the ground, the woman wrapped her towel around her damp waist and pulled off her tanktop. She was only in her underwear now, which soon came off as well. Dressed only in the large towel, the woman sat down in one of the nearby chairs and leaned against the table. It wasn’t the warmest, but it was dry. Tilting her head to one side, the woman muttered. “You wouldn’t happen to have a dryer? I forgot my capsules in my jacket; I don’t have any clothes other than the pile of wet ones behind me.” Motioning with her limp arm, the shorter woman flicked a thumb out towards the wet pile. Sighing again, the woman leaned back in her chair and stared at the ceiling. “Gah! I hate forgetting the minor details when I rush things!”
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Post by Ryder on May 29, 2017 3:13:39 GMT
~ Tulip’s been living here just as long as I have but we’ve never once crossed paths before. I guess that just goes to show how vast this forest really is. Wait… time she was dead!~ Ryder wasn’t sure she could believe what she was hearing. Sure she’d heard legends of the dead coming back to life, usually either as some form of undead monster or by some mystical religious power. ~ I will let that matter sit for the time being, my first instinct is to call it a load of bull shit, but she said it so casually as though she hadn’t even intended to say it at all. Even if it IS true, that’s not the sort of thing I should be asking about so soon after meeting this girl.~ A small flash of pride beamed on Ryder’s face at Tulip’s satisfaction with her home. She’d worked hard to construct this place and establish her garden here. In this climate, one didn’t repeatedly till the soil or the entire thing would be quickly depleted. Instead she had established the garden once and practiced a ‘chop and drop’ method of loading the top of the soil with biomass and growing the plants densely together to make the most of the powerful sun and prevent it from drying the soil. The stream didn’t split into the pond, it flowed into it and flowed out on the other side, a tranquil pause on its way to a river that would take it to the sea. Inside the hut Ryder watched on amused as Tulip marveled over the accommodations, only to dry off BEFORE stripping and inquire about a dryer. “I suppose this is as good a time as any to demonstrate some of that Ki Control you wanted to learn. When I first came out here I was reliant on the sun or fire, but I’ve learned a useful trick in the time since. Here, let me have those soggy clothes of yours.” Not waiting for an answer, Ryder turned and grasped the clothing before stepping back outside into the humble covered porch outside her door. She turned back to face Tulip and held the clothing aloft. “You said something about sensing my energy earlier right? Try to sense what I’m doing now” she instructed as she slowly began to circulate her qi within her body. Slowly- more slowly than usual for demonstration purposes- she sent her ki flowing into the fabric, forcing it through the gaps the water occupied and leaving behind only air. Two minutes later the first piece was dried, another minute later and so was the next, followed by the underwear that took less than a minute combined. Casually Ryder tossed the dried clothing back at Tulip with a smirk on her face. “Mission clear.” Making her way back into the hut, Ryder went straight to the cabinet where she pulled out her two cups. Filling those cups with water from the faucet, she handed one to the woman with her. “So tell me Tulip, why did you choose to live here, and why put up with a cave for so long? If you couldn’t build something couldn’t you buy a cheap capsule house?” OOC: Tags- Tulip Waterfield
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