[open]

[topkong]

Who: Wukong and (insert your name here)!
When: Early April
Where: Capablanca
What: Someone's really enthusiastic about gathering up various food supplies... with mixed results, of course.
Rating: None for now, but will edit if needed...?



A. An apple a day keeps...

[ Juggling a few apples in his hands, Wukong at least looks the part of an entertainer as he tries to show off the few applicable personable skills that he has. In front of the farmers, however, it's more likely they're surprised by the fact a walking, talking monkey is a Hero rather than him trying to get information from them. Three apples, in perfect condition, looking like they'd never touch the ground if the monkey could keep his concentration...

And then, noticing you approach, he tosses one in your direction. Think fast, because the other ones will be coming too! He hopes you can juggle, otherwise there might be a few disappointed farmers and their children. ]


B. If you teach a monkey to fish...

[ But with his newly acquired information, he's told that fishing might be the better option when it comes to finding fresh and delicious food. The apples, safely stowed away in a basket he acquired from earlier, friendly folk, sit nearby as he swings a net around. It looks like that he would be using something that isn't a rod for some reason, though one sits next to the apples looking like it could picked up and used immediately.

Looking out at the river, the water sparkling as the sun hits it just right... Wukong's a little concerned that he might not be able to catch as many fish as one who may be skilled at the fine, patient art of fishing. Mostly because he's not exactly patient, practical, and a little too energetic for his own good. ]

You know, I've never gone fishing before. I have a much better idea.


C. Honey, I've made a terrible bee-stake...

[ The clouds are coming and soon, the sky is dark and threatening a terrible storm. The wind is picking up and the smell of ozone lingers on the senses. Then, suddenly, a horrible buzzing. It's nearly louder than the wind, and it's bearing down on you quickly because... ]

RUN! RUNRUNRUNRUN!

[ You're in the way of Wukong, who doesn't even try to be nice as he pushes past you roughly. Then again, there's probably a reason for his rudeness and it comes swiftly, on many irritated wings. A swarm of bees, hurtling toward you and the monkey, who is already past---

--- you better catch up because this is going to bee-come a huge problem for you. ]


D. Wildcard

[ When not being a dumb, Wukong is locating fruits for another purpose! He's even keeping them separated, because he has a taste for banana nut bread that only one can sate. Or, perhaps you see him resting in the shade of a tree--- either in the sun, or dodging the storm, being particularly thoughtful. Either way, come at me scrub lord. I'm ripped? Or, come fight me at aslyfox ]

Comments

B

[forbothofus]

Really?

[Most people wouldn't be surprised by a lack of fishing skills from a talking monkey. Then again, most people don't hang out around talking animals who fish. This passerby just happens to be an exception.

Emil casts a tempted look at the rod. He's never fished with a real rod before... um, a rod that wasn't a shapechanger. He wants to try it. But... it would to rude to pick up one else's property. Interest curbed for now, he's studying the net in Wukong's hands. His voice is politely hesitant.]

Ah... I don't think catching fish is like catching butterflies. Using a net in water is different.

[topkong]

[ His eyebrows furrow for a moment as he tries to quickly think of another plan. How did Emil catch on so quickly? Was it really that obvious that he was going to dive into the water and try to piteously swing a wet net to catch much, faster fish that were in their element?

... yeah probably. Okay, got him there!

Wukong is able to catch Emil's gaze. Well, if at least ONE of them is competent, then it means if he fails his new, way cooler, and much improved plan that he's not currently finalizing in his brain?

Might as well try. ]

Actually, I'm hoping you'd be able to help gather some of them. You see, I think I know a very fast way to 'catch' a bunch of fish.

[ Holding out the net in one hand, Wu slides his weapon: a red, painted bo staff with gold caps, into the other with his tail. ]

[forbothofus]

[… Okay. That makes more sense. And judging by that smile, you’ve caught his interest.]

You'll have to be careful not to bruise the fish if you're going to use magic or force.

[They won't sell if damaged, and why else would you want to catch so many fish at once? Despite the warning, Emil looks curious to hear this plan. Without his monster entourage, he assumed he'd be fishing the standard way... by himself. And while using a fishing rod is tempting to be sure, there's a certain satisfaction from using more efficient methods.]

What’s your idea?

[topkong]

[ Erk... did Emil somehow figure out his plan? Wukong knows force and magic better than fishing, so he thought about just slamming right into the water and hoping for the best. But bruised fish, that'd be pretty awful--- he saw that chef screaming earlier, about something being TOO ROTTEN and something else being TOO FROZEN...

... last thing he wants is a loudmouthed, angry guy yelling TOO BRUISED at him. Is it worth it?

...

It's worth. ]

Oh, don't worry! 'Careful' is my middle name. So, I'm going to charge up as much mana as I can and hit the water. The best part is, I can do it all from here!

[ He demonstrates by tapping Emil on the nose, the staff stretching out from his side. ]

All we'd have to do is just make sure the fish are collected, and we're good as gold! You with me?

[forbothofus]

[He's seen too many bad fishing attempts in his life not to make such guesses. The people of Luin were competent enough, but his young aquatic monsters are forever flinging bashed fish onto the shore.

Emil arches his shoulders back but doesn't evade the tap. The resonance of the weapon's mana moves through his skin and he analyzes the signature. Those green eyes are crossed a moment as he focuses on the staff’s tip, then Wukong. He does not doubt his power but… this method of fishing begs consideration. Emil’s smile and tone suggest he’s hoping this won’t turn out tragic.]

Yeah. Let's try it.

[He'll shrug out of that pristine white jacket first and leave it folded neatly by the basket before joining Wukong at the river bank. Though he's figured out the goal, he makes no request for a cut of the profits. If Wukong is honorable, it goes without saying. If not, money is of little interest to him. But good food is, and if the fish end up battered, Wukong may have to hear Emil's complaints before the Chef's.]

[topkong]

[ Well, at least one of them has to be the voice of reason, logic, and common sense. Not necessarily all three at once, or heck--- even just one of them. It's going to be up to Emil to keep Wukong from going too over board with his plan.

But he does notice the other hero carefully take care of his uniform, which does cause him to think about doing the same! Funny, as he never prioritized his appearance (or really cared for it, outside of looking cool)... so to see Emil fold his jacket at least puts the thought in his head for the future.

Taking care of your own personal things is a thoughtful thing, isn't it? Wukong should also be considerate... ]

Oh, and just in case--- if it goes well, then I'm happy to split up some of the colle. If it doesn't... [ and he reaches to scratch the back of his head ] ... well, I'll see what I can do anyway. I'll take an earful even if it includes less money, too.

[ In short, he won't let Emil take responsibility for Wukong's experiment. He's a good monkey, a noble monkey!

But he'll pull his staff toward him, holding it over the water. The mana flows from his body, into his weapon, which oddly vibrates as it stretches to its limits. He's only done this a few times, imagining an orb that gathers at the very tip of the staff...

Hopefully Emil is ready with the net, which sits by Wukong's feet. ]

A

[carptricks]

[THINK FAST, KUROBA]

[fortunately, Kaito is far too used to having objects thrown at him with little to no warning]

Oi--!

[he glances up from his own basket of fruit just in time to see the apple careening towards him. when he moves, he moves on instinct. the basket crashes to the ground, fruit spilling over the edges, as he drops it in favor of catching the rogue apple before it can bean him across the forehead]

What the. . . what are you do--

[-- ing? but he doesn't get to finish his question as more apples follow. and in order to catch those, he has to toss the apple he is holding into the air to make room in his hands. which means he's sort of automatically sliding into an impressive juggling performance of his own, although it is done completely on accident]

[but accident or not, it counts! right? right.]

[topkong]

[ Well! Color him surprised, Kuroba. You're doing something pretty awesome!... even though it's obvious that there's a bit of improvisation going on.

Before he continues, Wukong makes sure to clear the area around Kaito's feet, putting the displaced fruit where it belongs and pushing it off to the side. Safety First, after all! ]

What am I doing? [ He looks around. There's gotta be something to add to the 'WOW!' factor of this awesome, definitely-not-accidental juggling act of a stranger who Wukong's never met! But he'll pass it off as if he DID know him. ] Well, trying to find you better things to juggle!

[ There's nothing that seems reasonable... well, actually... ]

Here, let's try this!

[ As one apple is tossed up, he quickly replaces it with an egg, the most hardy of tossed objects! Hopefully Kaito has soft hands. Real soft hands. ]

[carptricks]

[it's a good thing improvisation is one of Kaito's strengths!! he shoots his fellow hero a flat expression, gaze flickering from him to the farmers who are watching the impromptu act with great interest. in that split second, he makes the decision to play along. what kind of performer would he be if he passed up the chance to charm an audience, anyway?]

I'd say you could've asked first--

[he takes a step back, attention now fully focused on the eggs Wukong is tossing his way. he manages to catch them and incorporate them seamlessly into the juggling pattern as they come]

-- but I s'pose it's a li'l more impressive this way.

[topkong]

[ Not bad! Not bad at all. Wukong claps along with the children, who are getting the most entertainment they've probably had in a while with the other hero juggling the mix of apples and eggs. The monkey shrugging as he gets close, just within whispering distance to keep his words a secret. ]

Well, if you want to see impressive... I've got one more thing to add. Don't worry, after seeing what you can handle, I'm sure you'll do just fine!

[ He quickly runs off somewhere behind Kaito, the sound of his steps disappearing...

Then, a shout: ]

Here I come!

[ It's exactly what one might think is going to happen. ]

[carptricks]

[OH]

[MY]

[GOD]

-- no wait whatareyoudoingstop!!

[Kaito is a talented juggler, sure! he taught himself so he could incorporate the impressive stunts into his magic effects. but although he could effortlessly juggle apples and eggs, juggling giant talking monkeys was. . . a different matter entirely]

[so if Wukong is going to come at him in a running leap, then the magician is totally going to snatch the food items out of the air and attempt to sidestep to avoid an imminent collision]

D

[sugegasa]

[Shunsui had meant to gather food. Truly, he had! Or at least to train some more. But the riverbank was just too relaxing, and he found himself seeking out a tree under which he might be able to catch a short nap.

And that was when he saw the...monkey, was it? He wasn't terribly familiar with them, but did know of their existence! And this one looked pretty relaxed himself under that tree there.]

Hello! I hope your're not terribly opposed to some company; this looks like the perfect tree to take a short nap under! I'm quite old and need a rest break, you see. Can't be working all the time!

[Would the creature even understand him? Only one way to find out!

[topkong]

Hm? [ A thoughtful sound as he looks up at Shunsui, caught up in reflection. Wukong blinks, clearing his mind as he thinks for one second... two seconds... three seconds... before smiling and patting the ground next to him.

He looks like someone he knows? Knew? Still... ]

Sure. Take a seat, old man.

[ His reaction would tell him what he needed to know, Wukong's tone light and

With a heavy exhale and slow inhale, he closes his eyes and chiding himself with only his tail thwacking the ground next to him as an telltale sign. ]

[sugegasa]

Oh good! Thank you; I very much appreciate the hospitality!

[He really wasn't all that old, but he was lazy, and that was more than enough. Shunsui didn't miss the hint of...well, something in the air in his new friend's attitude, but didn't take it to heart. No sense doing that before he knew him, after all!

He plopped down rather unceremoniously and smiled at Wukong easily, happy to have met someone who seemed agreeable.]

[topkong]

[ Looking over at Shunsui, he doesn't really notice anything unusual about him. The politeness is refreshing and his smile seems genuine--- still, it never hurts to be a little wary.

Wukong supposes he can be honest with a stranger, or at least, another hero... right? ]

It's not like I own the place, you can sit where you want. [ He says this casually, waving a hand nonchalantly. ]

So! Where are you from?

A

[troyhard]

[ Although it isn't something Slaine would brag about, his reflexes are pretty good! The first apple that's tossed his way is caught with ease. The second one? He struggled with as it keeps jumping out of hands before he just lunges forward to catch it with his arms. And what about the final apple?

Well, with both of his arms occupied, there's no way he could catch it. In fact, as the fruit sails towards his direction, it ends up SMACKING HIM IN THE FACE before joining the second apple in his arms. ]

Ow!

[ Well, this is comedic entertainment in its own way. Hopefully the farmers and children aren't too disappointed by Slaine's inability to juggle on the spot. There's even a red apple-shaped print on his face now. ]

[topkong]

[ Oof. Even Wukong has to wince, even though he's the one who inadvertently caused Slaine to eat an apple (so to speak). That's not entertainment, though his efforts prior were pretty good... he'll have to go over and see if he's alright!

As Wukong gets closer, he blinks before realizing he's only inches away. Even less as he focuses on the familiar looking guy in front of him before whispering with slowly squinting eyes as he realizes: ]

It's you.

[ Guess whose memory hasn't been erased yet? He wishes he had more apples to throw... and that there weren't any witnesses spectators around. ]

[troyhard]

[ Is that any way to apologize? If Wukong kept hurling more apples at Slaine, he'll probably suffer from more than just a concussion.

As for the memory erasure, he's still working on it!! He hasn't found the right solution yet. ]

Were you trying to knock me out?

[topkong]

[ There will be no apologies here! But with a sly grin, he places a hand on Slaine's shoulder and winks while keeping a hushed tone. ]

Trust me, if I wanted to knock anyone out, it wouldn't be by fruit.

[ Still, he'll give Slaine a once-over. No bleeding, no immediate bruising, and the apple didn't explode--- so he'll probably live. Last thing Wukong needs is to be reprimanded for Assault by a Nutritious Foodstuff. ]

So, do you know how to juggle? Or is there another way we can make these kids happy? I'll split the knowledge and some fruit with you if you'll help.

[troyhard]

Ah... right...

[ If Slaine remembered correctly, Wukong was the one who suggested using a blunt object to remove people's memories. He definitely could have done way worse... ]

I-I'm glad that's not the case then...

[ His face still really hurts though... But it's true, he'll live. Not to mention, the apples didn't suffer either. They're really firm and didn't suffer from bruising either. ]

To be honest, juggling isn't one of my expertise, but I'm willing to learn.

[ This can lead to slapstick comedy, too. That's always a winner with the children. ]

D - Under the tree

[buildyourworld]

[ He's not here for the job, which you should absolutely worry about if he is, but Tieria also happens to be resting under the same tree after a vigorous session of sword practice. Seeing the monkey so thoughtful is somehow strange that he couldn't help but ask. ]

What are you thinking about?

[ He's curious... ]

[topkong]

[ Sure, Wukong could easily be sarcastic or unnecessarily witty or even produce the lamest of answers but... no. Maybe he's surprised by the question, as lame as it sounds?

It takes him a few moments. ]

About home. About whether I like it better here or there, actually.

[ He glances at Tieria with a guarded half-smile. ]

You want an apple? I think I have a few extra with me.

[buildyourworld]

[ Tieria doesn't rush him, giving Wukong all the time he needs to answer or not. He wouldn't press him if he doesn't want to disclose anything. His answer however, is interesting. ]

Why? Was the condition back home that bad that you'll prefer a foreign world over it?

[ He considers Wukong's offer for a short while before nodding. He's tired, might as well eat something. ]

Sure.

[topkong]

[ Producing an apple out of the basket beside him, he gives it a once-over. Last thing he wants to do is give Tieria a rotten one, or even one with blemishes. He did offer the apple, after all. ]

Not necessarily. Different problems, same solution.

[ Rolling his staff in his hands, the monkey hums in thought. What is it that he likes about his change of environment? ]

Where there may be a war going on, I get the sense that the fighting isn't as... dangerous? Perhaps I'm underestimating the enemy or overestimating my own abilities.

[ But also: ]

More often than not, I get to work with others. I like that. Doing things alone isn't always as fun.

[buildyourworld]

[ He mutters a quiet thanks for the apple and takes a bite as he listens on to what Wukong has to say. ]

Noir hasn't used even a fraction of their actual power if what I read from the old war logs are true. I believe the troops they sent are scouts, because we're an anomaly they have no information about.

[ Once they do, he's sure Noir would start sending her actual troops. ]

True, there's merit to having more available hands and diverse sets of skills to utilize.