MISSION #02 A MAN OF WORTH EXECUTION PHASE

[vivalamods]

EVENT #02: A MAN OF WORTH EXECUTION PHASE

At the appointed time, a lavish fleet of airships begin to descend upon the islands of Elysium. Departing from the Maikrecht port, the heraldry on the central ship marks a noble general of extreme renown. His airship is surrounded by 3 other airships in a protective triangular formation, as well as a flight of 2 Zepter and 3 Feder armors. As they descend, the Flotsam fleet set sails, hoisting black flags as one over every single ship in the fleet. Flotsam has but 4 functional airships to their name, and all are present today as they take flight. As the airships climb in altitude, the Flotsam fleet begins firing upon the escort group from below.

It is above this salvo of cannon fire that the Corsairs begin to board. Descending on the escort airships via glider, they have but one goal - destroy the ships. Meanwhile, a smaller strike force quietly descends on the main ship with their own mission: secure the VIP and get him out alive.

CORE MISSIONS

Attack the Ships:Combatants will need to attack and sink the 3 escort ships and armor escorts, as well as ensure the elimination of any soldier within the escort party.
Conflicts: The fighting will be bitter, with lots of powerful soldiers. There are 3 Feder and 2 Zepter armors that will need to be contended with, the Feder Armors carrying gattling guns and the Zepter armors piloted by powerful lightning mages. The soldiers manning the ships are elite, and cannot be easily dispatched.
Requirements: To participate in this mission, your thread header should read ATTACK THE SHIPS.

Capture the VIP:Infiltrators will need to sneak aboard the main ship and capture the VIP. The man himself is an aging noble in rich robes and with graying hair who goes by the title of Lord Gundhir. They will need to capture and subdue him, as well as get him off his ship and onto a Corsair vessel.
Conflicts: Lord Gundhir is not a fighter, but he won’t come easily. Additionally, he is accompanied by his son, Adolfus Gundhir, who is a powerful warrior known for fighting with a massive greatsword. While the private and sumptuous appointed quarters the two nobles are in aren’t great terrain for using the greatsword, the younger Gundhir is an extremely accomplished warrior and if encountered directly will take the combined might of the entire team to threaten.
Requirements: To participate in this mission, your thread header should read CAPTURE THE VIP.

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[singlemilletgrain]

((Not entirely sure if I'm OK to post here since I apped in after this log was posted, but... /shrugs Hope you don't mind!))

Why is Shu here?

This is an excellent question. Despite any popular slang of the day that might or might not describe a mission going successfully, 'cooking' is clearly not in demand for this operation. Neither does there seem to be a need for knowledge about the correct mixture of fertilizer for plants in the nightshade family or the number of days before the autumnal equinox to begin planting root vegetables. Yet she is here nonetheless, examining the contents of some pouches she has attached to her belt, which, if anyone cares to take a look, is filled with various types of seeds.

It seems possible she got mixed up with the wrong group. The more suspicious might also entertain the possibility that she is here to make sure Donnie doesn't have to kill anyone.

"You are full of surprises." Shu adjusts her mask to her face carefully. "Is it a compound of opium? Or another sort of narcotic?"

Without much hesitation, she cracks the door and peeks through.

"I believe the correct terminology is 'all clear.'"

[purplexing]

((OOC: I'm certainly not complaining!))

Having Shu along is both surprising and somewhat of a comfort. Even if Donnie's only just met her not too long ago, he knows more about her than a lot of the other Corsairs, and in that short span of time, he's come to feel that she's someone he can trust. That's just as important as anything, especially when it comes to such missions.

He checks his own equipment just to make sure things are where they should be and accessible, namely the short metal rod tucked into a holster on his thigh. He closes up the front of his jacket so it won't snag on anything, glad that if anything, his experience on airships has taught him that they things get chillier than he cares for, particularly outside- and nobility preferred things regulated at a comfortable temperature within where they won't be in danger of breaking a sweat. Beneath his mask his snout wrinkles at old memories trying to sneak their way to the surface, and he shakes his head, looking to Shu as she checks the door.

"..." It takes him a moment to turn those words over in his head. He's still not that versed in formal terms nor plant names, but he's been trying to get better at it, if only so he can be on the same page as other people. "A...what do they call it. Se... Sedative?"

At the all clear, Donnie nods, moving closer to open the door and slip on out. He doesn't go far, head tilting as he tries to listen over the general hum of the airship for any signs of movement before he looks back. "Private quarters should be down the hall, where the engines won't be as loud and most activity's relegated on the upper and lower levels."

[singlemilletgrain]

They probably have time to discuss the precise details of the offensive application of inherent plant compounds later. Shu will table that inquiry for now and follow along as silently as possible, gently closing the door behind them. She has foregone her usual attire of flowing robes and Yan-style elegance in favor of what amounts to a pair of bland dungarees. ...She is a farmer, after all.

"The intel -- " Despite outwardly showing no emotion, Shu feels a certain amount of satisfaction in the opportunity to use these kinds of words. Even god proxies have occasional daydreams about being secret agents. " -- suggests that Lord Gundhir returns to his quarters for refreshments most afternoons about this time. With the majority of the crew distracted by the attack, this is the best opportunity to catch him with a minimum number of guards. He is unlikely to join the direct salvo himself, though it is almost a certainty that he will be accompanied by his son."

Shu is transparently reading off note paper, but she still thinks that sounded pretty suave.

"Mission leader, let us proceed as you instruct. How best to accomplish this task? My combat experience is most suited to defending points of access and preventing passage."

This does not in any way appear to be her strength, but looks might be deceiving.

[purplexing]

No, no, information is good. Data helps him calm down, and even if it's more or less a review of what they'd heard at the mission briefing, Donnie appreciates that Shu had taken notes. He would have too, if it didn't take him so long and if he knew how to spell half the words that were being thrown around.

"Right. We might yet have to deal with those guards. His son might be the real problem though..."

Hopefully he doesn't look too startled once he realizes Shu's calling him the mission leader. That's not- okay, so maybe he's kind of unofficially taken point on some parts of this but that didn't necessarily mean he was, was he?

Don't think about it, just focus!

Once he's managed to school that quick deer-in-headlights look (or era-equivalent thereof), Donnie frowns thoughtfully as he calls up a mental map.

"If they manage to call for reinforcements, we'll have to make sure they can't get to the private quarters. There's a corridor parallel to this one, and they're joined by another shorter one, which is where the door to our target will be. Hopefully the number of troop will be little to none but either way, we'll have to make sure at least one of the halls isn't blocked so that once Lord Gundhir is secured, we can head towards the stern, give a head's up over the ENC so they can get into position, and then we bust out a window."

This is also review, but things are a lot different between looking at diagrams and hearing words, and actually being on site.

[singlemilletgrain]

Shu maintains a poker face as she allows Donnie his momentary internal struggle. Though one might accuse her of being deliberately provocative (to bolster Donnie's self-confidence rather than to cause him mental anguish), it was also the truth. She had been here all of a week, and the rest of their compatriots were well-meaning but otherwise unexperienced off screen NPC greenhorns. Whether he wished it or not, Donnie would be the one they looked to for leadership.

"Then I will secure the escape passage when we pass by. Let us plan to retreat the same direction we come, for we will have scouted most of those passages on the way."

Speaking of diagrams, the back of Shu's notepaper also has a little sketch of the schematics. She gives it a brief glance and notes their current location before tucking it away.

"We should proceed now."

The smoke bomb effects probably wouldn't last forever, either.

[purplexing]

While Donnie has no idea how well Shu can fight, there's something to be said for the confidence in her own words. He nods at her. That he knows she did not start off as a fighter also holds some weight, and he has to wonder if she's gone through similar experiences as Nephenee. Part of him wishes the lancer was here with them, but given the impression she'd left on him the last time, he's not sure how well he'd be able to operate with her. Except you'll likely be going against more Imperials here, so pull up your big-boy pants and suck it up already.

He slips out the dark metal rod, fingers curling around it for whatever comfort it offers. "That'll be for the best. All right then, let's move," he agrees. Another look about and he starts skulking along the edge of the corridor, quick and quiet. Sneaking around is definitely something the turtlekin's used to, it seems.

[singlemilletgrain]

There is something about Shu that doesn't lend itself well to stealth. It isn't as if she's glowing or manifesting an aura or anything absurdly conspicuous or supernatural - and it's not even that her much-too-long tail drags yards behind her, for she keeps it twined up carefully behind her. It's more her presence, the way she walks, the utmost security and confidence with which she carries herself. This is a person who has been completely self-assured for as long as she has been alive and has never had any reason to hide it.

Still, she does her best. Shu does not comically trip or alert the guards at any inopportune time, but there is definitely a great deal of room for improvement. She follows behind Donnie with measured steps and a careful sense of the positioning of her body despite doing absolutely nothing to hide or to make herself smaller.

Thankfully, they proceed without being harassed down several paths and round a few corners, the distant echoes of cannon fire resonating around them.

"...We are nearly at the passage to his door. Do you hear anything ahead?"

[purplexing]

The only reason Donnie ever looks back is to make sure everyone's kept up. Shu's method of following is...a bit weird considering they're trying to be stealthy about things, but she's been quiet and hasn't drawn attention, so he can't really complain. Maybe it's just the fact that she may as well be taking a leisurely stroll that makes Donnie wonder a bit.

The closer they come to their destination, the turtlekin stops, crouching and cocking his head to listen. He closes his eyes, mentally trying to separate the sounds of the ship's engines from anything else, which is at least easier here.

He holds up a hand, edging closer towards the corner before he quietly backtracks to the others.

"Several guards. But if we engage them in the hall, it'll alert Gundhir..."

[singlemilletgrain]

"Then we must not engage them in the hall."

That same quality of self-assurance shows in the gentle smile she bestows upon Donnie as she opens up her pouches.

"If I am able to draw them into this area, will you be able to disable them? Necessarily, they will all be forced to engage at once, so if the answer is no, do not hesitate to say so."

[purplexing]

With everything so chaotic outside and the potential for it to spread internally, Shu's reassuring air is such a contrast and a much needed one at that. Donnie blinks, taking a quick look around, perhaps picturing how any fight would go in such a space. It's still narrow, but the corridor here is wider than the one beyond.

A tap of a switch and a flick of his wrist is all it takes to extend the metal rod he'd been carrying into a full-length staff. He gives it a single spin before tucking the upper length of it beneath his arm.

"Can do," he says, nodding at Shu.

[singlemilletgrain]

Her smile broadens into a beaming expression, much as a proud auntie might level on a child showing off a pristine report card. Though perhaps a slight hint of condescension can be read in such an attitude, it is noteworthy that Shu accepts this statement at face value without question.

"Be ready. It will happen quickly. Right -- here." She gestures towards a space about three feet in front of Donnie. "On three."

Shu takes a step forward. Her right foot is visible now in the guarded hallway, but no one notices.

"One."

From her pouch, she takes a handful of seeds and low to the ground, sows them exactly as one might sow seeds into a tilled plot of land.

"Two."

And despite the fact that they are on a ship floating in the sky, the seeds instantly take root and sprout into little buds. The guards have no choice but to notice now as a blanket of greenery spreads down the hallway in the blink of an eye. Shu scatters some more seeds around her own feet and around the vicinity of their infiltration team. As the carpet of plant life thickens around them, they feel a strange surge of energy and strength, enthusiasm and vitality...

"Three. I claim this land for my own. Shall I plant you into the ground to grow anew?"

The guards cry out -- a choked cry that is immediately stifled as the plants creep around their ankles and yank hard. In the blink of an eye, they are pulled straight into the floor and are regurgitated out exactly three feet in front of Donnie, disoriented and confused.

It is now understandable why Shu believes her forte is in defending important points of access.

[purplexing]

What an effect such a smile has! It may not be verbal praise but he wouldn't have expected it anyway when he hasn't really done anything yet, but the approval effectively chases off any lingering anxiety for the moment.

Donnie nods, glancing curiously at where Shu has pointed out, unsure of what to expect, but he settles into an at-ready position with his staff.

There is no way he could have been prepared for what was to come, a breathless gasp escaping him as suddenly the hallway erupts in greenery. There are so many questions that whirl in his mind at this impossible phenomenon, and not without awe- but he can't be nerding out about plants now, it is simply not the time!

The sensation from whatever Shu's magical plants have done refreshes his focus as he looks, jerking his head up at the sound from the guards around the corner, and then suddenly there they are before him. It's more out of reflex that the turtlekin moves then, his staff a blur, the sound of metal whistling with his fluid motions as he dances between two of them to get around, taking full advantage of their disorientation. He connects one strike into another, the faint ringing of each staff's impact not given time to fade until all the guards are slumped on the floor.

[singlemilletgrain]

Shu will refrain from patting Donnie on the head for a job well done, although there is the sense that she has the urge to do so. She covers with a nod of satisfaction.

"Not bad. You have fine instincts."

The little sprouts remain seeded along the hallway and beneath their feet, seeming to sway back and forth in an invisible wind as Shu steps towards the unconscious guards. She retrieves some items from another pouch, showing a length of thin rope and a few of the handkerchiefs she had used to secure Donnie's lunchboxes. The former she uses for the obvious task and the latter she stuffs into their mouths, though they are certainly too high quality to waste on this. ("When they wake, perhaps they will be inspired by the expert embroidery and appealing animal designs to take up a life as a peaceful seamster.") Shu begins to tie knots with as much precision as if she took hostages on a daily basis.

"I can only do this in a limited area." If she could, she would have just teleported their target straight into their arms. "However, consider the length of the hallway secure. No one can pass in or out of the space whom I do not allow. We should be undistracted as we work."

Gagging the last of the guards, she stands.

"Which leaves the target and the swordsman."

[purplexing]

The nod suffices, the comment making him practically glow as he tries not to bounce on the balls of his feet. The adrenaline's kicked in and he figures he'll be needing it once they get through those doors.

He watches as Shu takes care of securing the guards, but his attention keeps wandering towards the lovely plants at his feet.

"That is amazing," he whispers, enjoying the feeling between his toes. "You have got to tell me more about how this works later."

But first, business. The turtlekin gathers himself as he looks back towards the doorway, then back at Shu and the others before he nods and takes point again, rounding the corner and stepping carefully along the grassy corridor as though wanting to avoid as much damage to the pretty plants as possible. Which...would be part of it, yes. He eyes the door, locked, most likely, but doors have never been a problem for him.

[singlemilletgrain]

Shu follows behind, abandoning all pretense of stealth whatsoever. Given that there are now plants growing on a ship, it would be hard to conceal the presence of intruders, regardless. The remainder of their infiltration team huddles on both sides of the door, some pressing their ears against the wall and others taking up point across the hallway.

Unarmed until now, Shu retrieves one final item: a rod resembling a policeman's baton or possibly something like a scepter with a broad, flat end. From another point of view, it has a faint resemblance to a farmer's spade. They can be staff buddies.

Shu calmly stands beside Donnie and gently touches his shoulder in reassurance. She takes in a long, steadying breath, as if encouraging him to do the same. Then she nods.

Ready.

[purplexing]

There are always automatic points given for people who are fellow-staff wielders.

Donnie takes that cue, his own breath only evinced by the rise of his shoulders as he still tries to be as quiet as possible. He looks at the others in position before his eyes focus on the door, and he holds a hand up towards the lock. Time for his own brand of magic.

A spark of glowing magenta light forms just before the keyhole, outlining a slender, translucent bar just wide enough to fit. Donnie grasps it between finger and thumb, pushing it into the opening as he closes his eyes, letting the 'edges' of his mystically constructed key soften to conform to the spaces it needs to before he hardens it and turns. There's the faintest snkt of locks opening, and beyond, the subtlest sound of movement. The turtlekin lets the key dissipate, grabbing hold of his staff with both hands while one of the team pushes the door open so he can move inside.

The interior of the quarters are considerably decorated, the walls a rich wine red trimmed with gold and liberally decorated with paintings where space, and the furniture pieces suggested high quality and included a large desk and bookshelves (-tantalizing, forbidden books!) Luckily (?) Donnie doesn't have too much time to entertain any bad flashbacks, not when he sees Lord Gundhir sitting there looking (satisfyingly) somewhat surprised at the intrusion- but before Donnie can gauge where the younger Gundhir might be, he hears the movement before he sees it, Adolfus coming from the side, bearing down with a swing of (what the hell why is that such) a huge sword!

The lengthy blade catches the ceiling, slowing some of the initial momentum before it eventually tears free and down, Donnie catching it with his staff and nearly buckling at the force yet behind it.

[singlemilletgrain]

It is her turn to watch in fascination. The first thought that flits through her mind (Originium arts...?) is quickly discarded in favor of a different term she had heard bandied about in this world. Ether-derived magic. There is no Originium here, she reminds herself for the umpteenth time. Hence no pollution, infection, nor development of arts. This was a purer manifestation of energy, derived solely from the innate properties of the inhabitants of this world. That this could be possible for those who are not Feranmut is a source of wonder.

When the lock clicks open, Shu murmurs almost soundlessly, "I am equally intrigued."

There is no time to consider the aesthetics of the private quarters. Before Shu can even enter the space, she sees the flash of movement to the side of the door, and her cry of warning comes too late to save Donnie from having to bear the brunt of the blow. Thank goodness, as she had only just lauded, for his quick instincts. Either the son stood at constant attention as a guard at the door or they had made just enough noise to cause suspicion. Either way, the easy route was no longer in play.

"Donnie!"

In a rush, the remainder of their team tumbles in behind Shu, two of them dashing towards the slow-witted seated Lord who has only just leapt to his feet while the remainder rush to Donnie's aid. Shu herself slides under the crossed blades (or -- crossed blade and pole) to aim a sharp crack with her baton at the man's knees. Other assailants target his face, his dominant hand, his temples, with the overall effect of a swarm of mosquitoes harassing an angered bear.

But no matter how ineffective the individual blows, even a bear cannot swat an entire swarm at once. A guttural growl in his throat, Adolfus Gundhir takes a step back and counters with a wide, horizontal slash that sends Shu diving for safety to one side.

[purplexing]

The moment Donnie feels the pressure of the blade begin to shift, he pushes away, his own dodge from the sweep of Adolfus's sword hardly graceful as he lands heavily on his back with a wince. He's quick to roll onto his side to get his feet back under him, looking frantically towards Shu and the others to make sure they hadn't gotten hurt.

There's no way he'd be able to fend off a direct hit with that sword, the scratches on his staff more than a little concerning. He scrambles out of the way as the man comes at him again, metal scraping against metal as Donnie barely angles his staff in time to divert another slash.

It's still strong enough to drive him against the wall, but Adolfus's sword lodges into the doorframe and the turtlekin doesn't hesitate to reestablish his personal space, ducking away. After seeing how easily he'd dispersed them, Donnie has a feeling direct tactics won't get them very far. His mind races as he moves closer to Shu, casting a look around.

Lord Gundhir hasn't done anything yet but he still looks entirely too confident even with Corsairs flanking him, his attention upon the engagement against his son. The room is a fair size but limited for maneuverability due to all the furnishings.

"We need to spread out more. That sword is stupid-huge. Use the obstacles to our advantage."

[singlemilletgrain]

Paying heed to the commands of Mission Leader, the team cautiously creates distance, taking up positions behind sofas, beside cupboards, and in doorways. The tension thickens; the expressions are universally somber as they consider their enemy. This was close to a worst case scenario. That the swordsman was immediately on guard to defend his father was a predictable outcome, but the mere strength he had exhibited in merely three blows was beyond what they had anticipated.

It is possible they will not all make it off the ship. But the Corsairs are an organization greater than the individual, and the mission took priority. The two Corsairs move to seize Lord Gundhir before he can do anything tangible to aid his son as the others face off in a impasse with the Goliath.

Shu, after checking to ensure that Donnie has not taken a hit, begins to gravitate in Adolfus's general direction, one step forward, one step sideways, keeping a chair and a tea table between them. They don't need to defeat him. They just need to distract - evade - create enough space to abscond with the VIP and leave these rooms behind. Her eyes flash backwards briefly towards Lord Gundhir.

"Come."

She takes up a defensive position with her baton.

"Your father will come to no harm if you drop your weapon now."

[purplexing]

Knowing you were potentially going to encounter an accomplished warrior and actually encountering said person are two completely different things. Seeing Adolfus in action, Donnie can fully understand how someone could be so strong- you had to be if you were swinging around heavy metal that large. The only other person Donnie knows that could probably manage that sort of feat is Raph, not that Raph cared for using swords when he could use his fists. But Raph had never been in an actual battle outside of their rough-housing and sparring, and what's more, Raph, aside from any of his brothers, are simply not here.

Not that Donnie would want any of them to be here. This is dangerous, and while the other Corsairs may be prepared to face the fact that some could possibly die on this mission, that's not something the turtlekin's allowed himself to think about. It's not an option. And if he's supposed to see this thing through, he's not losing anyone if he can help it.

Most of the furniture is secured, with few exceptions such as the chairs, so Donnie knows they'll be difficult to get around when you couldn't just shove them out of the way. Unfortunately, they've moved from the most ideal position to keep the exit open since they'd had to evade Adolfus's strikes.

Gundhir's son finally pulls his weapon free, turning deliberately to face the room and the Corsairs scattered within, but it's his father who responds with a quiet, gravelly chuckle.

"You won't harm me," he sneers. "That would defeat the purpose, wouldn't it? You Corsairs are all high risk, high reward. Let's see how willing you actually are to pay for it."

[singlemilletgrain]

"You were not addressed."

Shu's voice, normally warm as the rays of the vernal sun, now bites like the chill of winter frost. It appears she is capable of being ruthless when the situation demands. Her tail betrays her tension, twitching violently before entwining around the chair, as if soothed by the grounding motion. Another quick glance backwards with cold eyes before she issues the only command she is likely to give in this mission.

"Gag him."

The Corsairs hastily do as she demands, leading to a muffled exclamation of outrage from the lord and a sharp intake of breath from the son.

"...You and your father have caused the ruination of countless lives. Outlanders seized in labor camps, settlements plundered and raided, citizens forced into debts and starvation. Our guests shall be treated with much more courtesy than you have ever considered, I promise you. How do you respond?"

The frigid tension that blankets the room quivers palpably as a second ticks by... two seconds. A third.

Then many things happen at once.

Adolfus Gundhir leaps forward at Shu with an unerring thrust across the furniture, Shu's tail lashes up and out and smashes the chair straight into his face, the two Corsairs begin to drag a flailing Lord Gundhir, and another voice cries out, "Go go go!"

It is possible Shu intends to stay behind and distract long enough for the remainder to make their getaway, though it is difficult to tell if any intended stratagem will come through in this chaos.

[purplexing]

Where he stands, Donnie swallows. This isn't a side of Shu he ever wants to be on the receiving end of.

Things happen so quickly that it feels like it had all been rehearsed. One must always be prepared for the unpredictable just as much as the predictable in battle, his father had told him and his brothers once. It had been an infuriatingly nonsensical thing to Donnie at the time for the words alone, but he was finally beginning to understand. Not that understanding makes it any easier.

Donnie nearly jumps as Shu counters Adolfus's sudden attack with a chair, dancing aside as their hostage is moved towards the doorway and out to the hall. He has no idea how strong Shu is but he's more anxious to leave anyone behind. Adolfus has staggered back, leaning heavily against the desk, and the turtlekin wouldn't be surprised if he was being fueled by pure rage. Really, what is this guy made of??

Looking towards the door as the last of the Corsairs filter out, Donnie thrusts a hand into his beltpouch to pull out a small smokebomb. It's smaller than the ones they'd packed into the vents, more potent to work faster.

"We're going," he says, his voice managing to sound steadier than he feels, but he hopes Shu can figure that he has a plan at the very least. The display of his magic is brief this time, but a spark of glowing purple by his hand, the faintest wisp of smoke trailing up from his fist.

Should Shu meet his eyes then, he'll nod before jerking his head towards the door, but he won't fling the smokebomb until Shu's on the move. Already he's having second thoughts, wondering if it'd be enough as Adolfus is already pushing away from the desk, blood streaming down his face and only sharpening that look of rage.

[singlemilletgrain]

Under normal circumstances, Shu would have repulsed the attack, leapt for the doorway, met Donnie’s gaze, and facilitated his plan. But today… she is a few steps behind. As Donnie tries to meet her eyes, he will find that she is gazing down, mouth partially open in an ‘O’ of surprise, eyes wrinkled in a frown of seeming disbelief. A crimson flower has begun to bloom through her overalls. The greatsword had struck true. Blow for equivalent blow had been exchanged, and the blood streaming down Adolfus’s face is matched by the pooling liquid beneath Shu.

This did not happen.

Operator file: Nongye Tianshi Shu of Yan, ever happy to impart all the agricultural knowledge there is.
Position: Melee
Tags: Defense Healing Support
Medical Records: No Originium infection detected
Branch: 6* Guardian Defender
Trivia: Of all Defenders, Shu is the only one to use nothing in place of a shield.

When queried, she had simply responded, “I don’t need one.” And she did her job admirably. Certainly, Feranmut could die. Certainly they could be injured. But the force necessary to truly cause her harm with a simple blade was something that few individuals on Terra could muster, and she had never truly considered herself to be in any real danger. Not in Dahuang and not ten thousand feet in the sky on a floating warship.

How stupid of her.

The rules were different here.

When she finally glances up to see Donnie, the self-assurance is absent for the very first time. It is replaced, for the most fleeting of moments, by fear.

Just one solitary moment.

Then she is stirring to action. Her non-dominant hand staunching her wound, she vaults the table between her and the door as Adolfus staggers sideways, trying to seize her as she passes. Her tail, so useful mere moments before, becomes a liability as he manages a tenuous grip and attempts to yank.

cw: dismemberment I guess

[purplexing]

"Shu!"

Donnie barely hears his own shout over the sudden, loud thudding of his heartbeat. Everything sounds miles away, and for a brief moment it feels like nothing is real.

And then everything comes rudely rushing back when he makes eye-contact with her, that look seeming to have no business on Shu's face, and it triggers something in him that demands a response, demands action. His shock is honed in an instant, sharpened into a well-familiar emotion: Anger. Anger at being used by the Imperials, angry at them for thinking themselves so much better than anyone else, angry that this bastard had hurt his friend...!

As Shu moves to escape, Donnie rushes forward. The bomb wasn't meant to be a weapon but he hurls it with all his might anyway- the only way he knows how to throw anything- at Adolfus's face. The moment his hand is freed up, the turtlekin brings his staff over his head in a spin, that flaring, unnatural glow that seems trademark to his magic tracing a circle as a blade forms at one end, still a brilliant blur of neon purple as he brings it down on and through the offending arm and the hand that dares try to hinder Shu's retreat.

[singlemilletgrain]

Echoes of the words she had spoken just days before ring through her mind as each individual moment flashes by.

Alas! Alas! What crime have the men of today committed that Heaven sends down upon them confusion and death?

She is stumbling, feet unsteady beneath her as she feels a force pulling her back. She is looking wildly around, a hiss of pain and anger escaping her as her tail lashes back and forth. A blur of green and purple flashing by. The barest glimpse of a wild expression of raw hatred. An explosion of smoke. A thrust of her hand.

“No, Donn — “

And then a hideous crack.

…

Adolfus has fallen somewhere behind the smokescreen. Shu does not care to look.

She focuses her eyes on the turtlekin instead, reaching with her free hand towards his shoulder as she clambers to her feet. If he allows, she will pull him gently towards her, something close to an embrace. When she speaks again, it is with the same calm assurance that he knows.

“Let’s go.”

Her smile seems to say, “It will be alright.”