Scene #8021: AFAD: Prologue

Owner	Pose
Midway	Lost Angles, the Great Ocean Once upon a time this was a vast megalopolis, though it has since been consumed by the sea through tectonic activity. It now stands as a forest of abandoned, hardy skyscrapers protruding from the water; lower floors gutted by waves but sturdy pillars eagerly supporting the upper works. Only the weakest have collapsed below the waters, leaving the location as a landmark for shipping but not a location that ships tend to visit. It's here that reports of unusually evasive Abyssal fleet girls have been cropping up lately. A passing cruise liner once, a transport later on, even a security cutter trying to investigate has seen them but none were approached or attacked. Arrival is easily facilitated by a modest ship provided and crewed by traders associated with Ryukyuden and the White Dragon who oversees that place. She is here as well, standing upon the ship's bow with her arms folded while the sea breeze teases through the layers of her ornate kimono. Her shikigami are already in the air; small paper slips that have transformed into propeller-driven aircraft, patrolling the perimeters of the Lost Angles region. It's been some time of silence before, at last, she speaks. "There." Turning slightly, the White Dragon raises a hand to indicate one of the taller structures, "Halfway to the top. Broken window, port side. They aren't human." For those with obscene vision or the benefits of binoculars or telescopes; the indicated window definitely has movement. A humanoid figure with visible, glowing blue eyes, a silhouette of ghostly pale white and deep black. As they move, smaller things rush past them, only briefly visible in the frame. Her hand lowers, "Proceed with caution. I will maintain the perimeter and prevent escape."
Sarracenia	The modest ship is joined by a gaudy Spanish-style galleon that is has propellers instead of sails on its large masts and a golden effigy of the princess who has brought it here on its bow. The princess herself is standing on top of her golden figure's head, looking down into the water as they approach the flooded city. Strange plant people with big tulips full of teeth for heads are scampering about on deck. Unfortunately Princess Sarracenia does not have enhanced vision, but she peers at the indicated window anyway. "I can't see anything..." she mutters, then turns to her ship's captain. "Run out the guns just in case. These are abyssals after all. There's no telling what they are up to." The captain, just another plant but in a large hat, gives a salute then growls some orders. Slots open all along the sides of the ship and a few dozen cannons are deployed. The ship stops at the edge of the city, then the thrum of the propellers increases and the ship rises from the water and into the air, coming to a hover over the city. As it rises, Sarracenia pulls out a fluffy white wing. She gives it a squeeze and a set of racoon ears and a tail appear on her, along with a flashing P on her chest. She hops off the boat and flies with only medium speed toward that window.
Kirishima	Evasive ship people are one of Kirishima's many weaknesses. After barely escaping the clutches of her own masters, hearing about others potentially like herself strikes a chord within the ninja-presenter's heart, and it's enough to get her to come out to investigate the matter. A general unfamiliarity with the area isn't enough to stop her from poking her nose in, after all, and she arrives in her bright white ninja-gear to get her head in the right mindset for a more aggressive investigation. Joining those on the ship, then, is someone that looks more at home in an office rather than a ship off to search for mysterious visitors. Pushing her glasses up slightly, Kirishima watches the shikigami-planes flying off overhead with a curious glint before turning to the White Dragon. "Ghosts, perhaps? Or... Are they like us?" She asks while squinting at the indicated structure, trying to figure out what that distant thing is. She can see the movement of something rushing past the still thing, but that's all she can make out without getting closer. "If they're planning on escaping... Well. We shall assess their motives once we find them!" She announces, then lets out a loud 'NIN' sound before jumping up and disappearing in a puff of smoke. She reappears off the ship and standing in the water with her hands held in front of her in the classic ninja-seal pose, furrowing her brow at the guns on Sarracenia's ship once she looks back that-a-way. "I'll have to move quickly, then. Let us proceed!" And so, she starts disappearing and reappearing rapidly in her approach towards the sunken city, always maintaining that standing pose each time she reappears. It'd probably be faster if she just ran across the surface of the water normally instead, but... That's not how ninjas work.
Midway	"If it is Abyssal Fleet, than-- like us, I suppose," the White Dragon answers Kirishima after a moment's thought, "Although vengeful spirits would also describe them, as far as I understand. Be watchful, nonetheless." Her eyes narrow towards the structure she'd singled out, resting a hand on the topmost of her daisho. The sword is not, however, drawn. Her shikigami at least maintain a respectable distance, but they appear to have been noticed. Dashing amidst buildings or flying above them, there are occasional signs of activity. Figures moving beneath the water or within structures, obscured by shadows and indistinct. Approaching the building that the White Dragon called out is a good way to get a better idea of what is going on inside; the woman standing in the frame of that floor-to-ceiling window is a tall, heavily built figure in long black pants, tattered top,, and with unkempt black hair. The skin on her bare arms, face, and other visible places is a ghostly white. Like a drowned corpse. Her back is to the window at first, pointing as figures move past her in pairs and triplets. All of them inhuman, animalistic things with glowing eyes and backs resembling the husks of insects. One pauses, opening a jaw of unpleasant teeth to make a noise which prompts the human figure to glance over her shoulder; with glowing golden eyes. Flagship Ru-Class turns fully, spreading her arms while the Abyssal destroyers behind her scatter back into the building. One comes back, dragging one of the infamous cannon-shields the Ru are known to wield, but its owner makes no effort to collect it.
Kirishima	EARLIER, TO THE WHITE DRAGON "Kindred spirits, then! A most heartening answer." NOW, AT THE CITY As Kirishima closes the distance to the building with the mysterious figure in it, she finally gets a better look at who and what it is. She doesn't recognize the figure, but she does recognize her just enough to recognize Ru-class as a person rather than an immediate threat. It doesn't rule out her being a ghost, but... There's ways to determine that quickly enough. She takes a moment to adjust her glasses and make sure her scarf-mask is over her mouth properly, and then she stops in her rapid advance to raise an open hand towards the Ru-class. "Greetings! Are you traveling through these parts, or is this your territory? If it's the latter, I apologize for encroaching upon your home!" Ninja that she is, Kirishima is quite good about shouting almost every single word while she's still so far away. The sight of the smaller figures has Kirishima pausing for a moment, but she still has enough sense to continue speaking after not too long. "I am Kirishima, founder of the IFAS and Chevalier of the Paladins! May I ask your name and reason for being here?" There's a longer pause before she finally remembers to ask something else. "... And may we approach? It may be easier to speak if we're not shouting from this far away!"
Captain Hook	"Tick, tick tock goes the crocodile clock o/" Tap, tap tap, tap tap, tap tap. It's rhythmic. Like the ticking of a metronome. Each boot-step is a tap-dancer's grace, the tip of the boot clicking against the floor. The song is oddly cheerful - but that ominous sort of cheerful, that sort of cheerful where you can imagine the person on the other end is a slasher or a monster or some sort of psychopath. Certainly, though, not a handsome blue-haired pilot with a rakish grin, a hook hand, and a proper pirate hat with a feather in it, a coat slung over his shoulder. He comes up behind the Ru-Class. For a moment, people might think he's reinforcements. And in many ways they're right. But when he walks past the Ru-Class, stands next to the cannon, and puts one foot on the windowsill with that same broad smile on his face, twirling a flintlock pistol in his hook (how does he do that), it becomes extremely apparent who he's working for. "Ahoy there!" He calls down at the party, "Captain William Hook, at your service." With his free hand he doffs his hat and bows his head low, sweeping the hook hand out to the side - the pistol still spinning around it. He pops the hat back on his head. "Well, no, I suppose at the moment I am not at your service. Terribly sorry. Pleasure to meet you, though. Except you, Miss Ship-With-No-Name. We've already met. May I say you're looking quite shipshape? Very well built. Sturdy, fine craftsmanship. A lady worth sailing." He flicks a cutlass out from his belt and settles it over his shoulder as Kirishima calls out to Ru. He smiles over his shoulder at the Ru-class, then turns to look at the party.
Sarracenia	It takes Sarracenia a minute or two more to reach the window, but she comes to a hover a short distance away from it as Kirishima is addressing the Ru-class. "And if we may not approach, my apologies. We were not entirely sure there would be anyone here. But, since there is I can ask you why you Abyssals are gathering here. What are you up to? And...since when do you work with regular people?" she asks, her raccoon tail wagging to keep her in the air. It takes her a moment, but she recognizes Hook's voice from the radio. "Oh! So we meet in person! I am Princess Sarracenia Sundew, Crown Princess of the Sundew Kingdom." She curtseys in the air, then pauses. "...so...you're helping them with something? I was under the impression that Abyssals were the enemy to all humans."
Captain Hook	Hook's smile never shifts as he taps his cutlass against his shoulder. "To be perfectly honest, my dear Princess, that's hardly my issue. I'm a pirate, madam - treasure and adventure are all that I care about, and the Abyssals and I get on..." He purses his lips. "Pardon me for saying so, swimmingly. -goodness, that felt positively American." "They pay, they have things I want, and I'm happy to help such beautiful ships."
Midway	The voice from behind her prompts Ru to glance back. Her arms lower and she steps aside so that Hook can occupy the skyscraper window alongside herself, casting her expression back down towards Kirishima. As it becomes clear these interlopers aren't arriving to start a fight, she lets out a sigh while closing those glowing golden eyes. Beside her, the destroyer who tried to be helpful creeps up to the window ledge, peering down with its own glowing blue eyes. The jaw opens and a voice comes out, scratchy with static like an ancient radio transmission: "---Nan---ode---sss---" Sarracenia's landing prompts the little ship to screech much like a spooked dolphin, whirling about and dashing deeper into the building. It had been so focused on Kirishima that it hadn't noticed the princess' approach at all. Ru follows the skittish thing's flight with her eyes, then glances at Hook. His pun gets a sag of her shoulders, the barest hint of a sigh before she relents. With a gesture, she beckons Kirishima to join the rest who have invaded her space. "...Ru Class," Much like the destroyer's, her voice is inhuman. Clearer, but scratchy and static-filled. Communicating via ancient, waterlogged radio. And by the cadence of her speech, she is new to speaking this way. Or, perhaps, new to speaking at all, "Battleship. Surface Standard." "Fleet..." she pauses, thinking it over, before settling on, "No fleet. No Princess. We are... Anchored here."
Captain Hook	"If it helps I assure you I am far more ashamed of that Colonialism than you are," Hook says cheerfully to the Ru-class.
Kirishima	"Nanodes...?" Kirishima mouths to herself as she tries to make sense of the scratchy transmission, eventually dismissing it mentally in favor of turning her head and coughing lightly at Hook's pun. Luckily, she's wearing a mask, so it's hard to see her snickering behind that. Once she sees that invitation, meanwhile, Kirishima nods and approaches the building, sliding over to the the part where its outer wall meets the sea before starting to walk. That walk becomes a run, and Kirishima's hands once again go into that classic ninja position with one held in front of her face with two fingers up while the other trails behind her. Upon reaching the top, she jumps straight up into the air and starts somersaulting forwards rapidly through her descent. It's a needless maneuver, but it means her scarf is flapping all over the place every time she does a full spin, so it's totally worth it by the time she lands in that heroic three-point pose. "You are a battleship as well, Ru? A fortuitous meeting, then! I was starting to think it would take years before I encountered another spirit like myself." Rising to her full tall girl height of just over six feet, she immediately dips into a brief bow to Ru. "This is your home, then. Or..." She pauses, glancing over at Sarracenia and Hook as if trying to figure something out. They had all come here by choice, but for Ru to be here without a fleet or any allies beyond the strange animal-like things... "Were you stranded here? Do you require assistance finding your friends or... Allies?" There's a sympathetic tone as she asks that. "Is someone chasing you?"
Sarracenia	Sarracenia eeps in surprise herself as the destroyer goes running off, and she falls through the air a short distance before recovering and flying back up. "I see...so that is why your group has not been attacking anyone." she says aloud to herself. Hook's pun just draws an eyeroll from the princess. "I should hope so." she says, though can't help a small snicker. Since it seems they are gathering for an amicable talk instead of a fight she floats her way into the window and smiles. "Ru Class. Would it be alright if I just called you Ru? Or perhaps something cute like Ruru?" she asks, trying not to be a put off by Ru's drowned appearance. As Kirishima joins them Sarra is met with another woman who is her height or better. The princess has always thought herself overly tall, but lately she's actually been feeling short! She is not sure how to feel about it, either. The princess listens to Kirishima and blinks a few times. She hadn't considered that these people might need help. What would her future hero say?!
Midway	Hook's comment about colonials produces a perplexed look on Ru's face. She doesn't say anything; but largely because she's not quite sure how colonies came up. She does step back to give the intruders some space to land in; though the White Dragon remains where she is on the ship they'd arrived with. Whatever disaster claimed this city has left the building's interior in pretty bad shape. Whatever was left after the theoretical evacuation has long-since deteriorated, leaving bare concrete floors and skeletal walls of rusted metal trusses. It does seem however that the Abyssals living here have been making themselves at home, with a few modifications and quarters made with salvaged materials. "Ru is... fine," the battleship states when Sarracenia needles her about what to call her. She crouches, collecting the cannonshield left at her feet and easily lifting it to plant the tip beside her feet, "This is. Our anchorage." Her free hand lifts and she turns, gesturing to to the makeshift nature of the structure. Within the shadows, shapes and figures move, dotted with various eyes, glowing mostly blue, some red. None show gold like those of Ru-Class, though. "We hide here. From prin-cesses." Her gaze rests on Sarracenia, "Not. Like you. Like. Samar. Jutland. We-- choose this." Her eyes shift sidelong towards Hook, "He. Helps. Material. For pearls." "We choose. Not to fight. Someone else's wars."
Captain Hook	"I rather like pearls," Hook says cheerily as Ru speaks of him, "They're quite lovely. Now, pearl jewelry, that's the best sort, but there's something appealing about a raw pearl, don't you think? Unprocessed, and yet still smooth and circular the way naught else really is?" He produces a large, fat, opalescent pearl from nowhere, the cutlass balancing on his shoulder as he spins the pearl on his knuckle. "And I rather like ships, and as I did say, a sunken ship full of treasure is a pirate's romance." "Now, I do believe I've told you that I do business with the Princesses," Hook asides to Ru, "But if I had not, allow me to assure you that I don't break contracts. Ungentlemanly thing to do, break contracts." "And, frankly, not fighting another's war is something I am quite in agreement with. Ought never to fight for a government. Terrible things, governments." He leans over to Ru. "That said, have you considered piracy? I feel like you would be excellent at it. I've quite a few pointers to give on the subject, were you interested." The pearl disappears back into his...sleeve, maybe?...and he claps Ru on the shoulder cheerily. "And people do so love a pretty girl pirate. Much more willing to forgive pretty girl pirates than gentleman pirates, I've found." Then he finally grabs his cutlass again from where it's balancing. "And what about you, Miss Ship-With-No-Name?" He calls, "Have you yet considered a career in piracy? Quite good for finding yourself, not being told who you are and all. I've no ship at the moment, and you've no history - wouldn't be a bad match, I should think!" He smiles a charming smile at Sarra and Kirishima. "I hope you don't mind the sales pitch. I've no doubt neither of you are intrigued by the life, save perhaps by bodice-rippers about handsome captains and maidens fair and all that rot."
Sarracenia	Sarracenia also perks up at the mention of pearls. "Oh yes! Pearls are quite lovely! I do not wear them often because they are not the most sturdy of jewelry options, but I have quite a collection at home." she says cheerfully. Once Ru's explanation is finished...Sarracenia actually bounces lightly on her feet. "That is wonderful, Ruru! And here I thought all of your normal Abyssals were mind-slaved servants that didn't think on your own!" she exclaims. "But, if you are trying to break free of them I am more than happy to help!" Hook's piracy pitch lands quite flat with Sarracenia. She frowns lightly at it and hmphs. "Pirates. I am a fan of the 'bodice-rippers' as you call them, but real pirates are quite high on my list of miscreants. They are only slightly higher than thieves and muggers, and only because they tend to have some style about what they do. But, stealing from those who have worked hard just to line your pockets and support a life of aimless wandering is terrible. Especially if you hurt people in the process." she says, then looks to Ru Class. "If I were you, I would find a better supply line. The Sundew Kingdom would be happy to support war refugees -without- the added baggage of law bringers possibly coming down on you just because you associate with a pirate." She smiles amicably to Hook after that. "I hope you do not mind a counter sales pitch~"
Kirishima	Now that Kirishima's gotten a better look at the ruined building, it quickly becomes more obvious that the place kind of sucks. Kirishima doesn't seem particularly worried about Ru's weaponry, at least. If anything, she actually looks somewhat reassured by her apparent ability to defend herself, and even Hook's recommendation that the Abyssal begin a life of piracy gets a small chuckle from her. "Not at all, Captain. I would be a hypocrite if I demanded someone follow a way of living even I could not maintain myself. That said, I would like to believe I have more class than to rip anyone's bodice, no matter how handsome or fair they may be!" Hook, Sarracenia, and Ru all get knowing looks and mask-hidden smiles (still partially visible from eye movement alone) at that, but it's not clear what Kirishima actually knows. "If this is a hiding place from another's wars, though... Would you prefer to take refuge somewhere more... Stable?" Kirishima asks as she gestures at the group's surroundings. "This area seems like it would be difficult to defend. Would you consider staying with another group that may not have an interest in such wars as well? Like..." She pauses, then turns to Hook and Sarracenia again. "You've worked with the madam White Dragon before, yes? Has she ever struck you as a warmonger?" She's unfamiliar with the region, after all, so she's counting on the experts here!
Midway	From the distance, the White Dragon raises a hand to her mouth and calls out, "Recall my stance on pirates, Mister Hook. I shall not be joining your piratical endeavors. And I will thank you to continue your good behavior during your visits to Ryukyuden," Yeah, she heard that. The Ru-Class battleship does pay attention, though. She listens remarkably intently to Hook, then Sarracenia, and then Kirishima, each in turn as they make their separate cases. Each seems interested in taking the abyssals in, in some fashion or another. She lifts her free hand to her chin, clearly deep in thought. Which, given her speech pattern, might take a minute. It is only by virtue of being a Flagship that this Ru-Class is even able to communicate, after all. It is as Sarracenia says; most are loyal, drone-like warriors in service to their Princess. It takes some doing to reach this level of autonomy. "We are. Safe," she says after a moment, "We can. Defend. We avoid. Others. But..." Her head turns back to the groups of other ships watching from the shadows, "...We do lack. Purpose. Like this. Some of us; grow listless. With nothing to do." After a moment, she nods once, returning her attention to the trio, "I will. Ask those who are with me. Volunteers. I will ask you; also. For volunteers. From each of your-- organizations." "Send your representatives...in one week," Ru states simply, "...I will assign to them; a flotilla. To be in their care for a time. The experiences these flotillas have... I will make my decision after that." KANTAI COLLECTION ADMIRAL FOR A DAY
Captain Hook	"I take some offense to that, madam!" Hook says to Kirishima, "I'm not a warmonger in the slightest. In fact, I don't enjoy fighting much at all. Generally, fighting is a chance to lose. You want to take what isn't yours with the least resistance possible!" He beams. "Now I'm hardly above a proper scuffle but it really isn't something you seek out." He waves his hand at Sarracenia. "No, no, hardly. Please!" White Dragon turns him down. His smile doesn't change. "Worth a try. I am, after all, still looking for a vessel, and people do change their minds, especially people without a past." To Ru he says, "Ah, I am the representative of my people, I'm afraid, since in this particular instance I'm not working for my larger organization. So you've got me for as long as you like!"
Midway	"I understand," Ru nods towards Hook, "Then. We will continue to do business. Until the flotillas are ready."
Captain Hook	"And I should hope beyond!" Hook says cheerily, "You pay quite well and I've plenty of plunder."
Kirishima	"Purpose... Heh. That much, I can certainly relate. Could, these days, but I understand what you mean." Kirishima replies to Ru with another knowing nod, this one actually getting explained while she finds something higher to ninja-teleport up to so she can stand atop it with her scarf billowing in the wind mysteriously. "I've found a purpose among my allies in the Paladins, and as the leader of the IFAS, but... A simpler purpose in life can be just as rewarding, if that is what your heart desires. Perhaps you and your allies simply need the opportunity to make that choice instead of worrying about defense and evasion." "If you seek a representative for such efforts, then..." Kirishima smacks her chest with a resounding clap. "I shall gladly take them under my wing! I will teach them what I know of leadership, of community building, and of the esteemed ninja arts!" She boasts, somehow managing to sound like she's grinning beneath the mask once again while turning to Hook. "My apologies, Captain Hook. The reputation of famous pirates often precedes them, although I never did hear of your legend involving much bodice ripping at all. Or..." She pauses, then taps her chin. "... Well, anything beyond a scuffle with a child and some kind of crocodile? Alligator...?" She's clearly thinking of something else.
Sarracenia	Sarracenia hmms at Hook, then lets the matter drop for now. Perhaps he is one of those pirates that is mostly pirate in name only? She considers the prospect of a flotilla to prove the virtues of joining her. Would sunken warships even want to do normal navy things or frivilous princess things? But, much like Kirishima, she smiles confidently and nods. "And if any wish to see what it is like to live in a normal city doing whatever they want to do, then they are welcome to join me in the Sundew Kingdom. Or even take a temporary place aboard my personal ship! They could perhaps take up a trade for a few days, or if they do want some action I could sponsor trips to the Shrine of Adversity for them! It is a marvelous place where you can fight and train to your heart's content without harming anyone! Except perhaps yourself if you overdo it." Kirishima mentions something about Hook and Sarracenia gasps. "You attack children?!" she exclaims, then pauses. "...I suppose that could be fair. There seem to be many super powered people who are not quite of age yet."
Captain Hook	"Ah...legend." Hook spins his flintlock back into its holster and slides the cutlass away. "I'm afraid I'm not Captain James Hook, the gentleman from the stories, but rather Captain William Hook, though we are cut from the same cloth, as it were, and both of us have faced a Peter Pan of our own." A beat. "Literally, madam, not metaphorically." "But I do have the crocodile clock. And I did lose my hand to a crocodile. And all of that sort of thing."
Midway	Each of the three people present basically immediately puts themself forward as a prospective commander of Ru's offered test flotillas. Which haven't even been assembled yet; she hasn't even asked the other ships for which ones would be willing to go along with it, yet. This results in a Ru that looks...very slightly flustered. Her mind clearly races for a minute before she closes her eyes and inhales, raising her free hand in a 'one moment' sort of gesture. When it lowers, those golden eyes open once more. "I appreciate. Your willingness." She gestures to the uneasy eyes still lurking from the shadows, "But I still...have to ask them. So I will need time." The battleship nods once, "...While I do that. You could spread the word. I do not know who...will agree to do it... But I will probably have more than three flotillas. Assembled. By the time I am done." . . . "There are. A lot of us here." Like, probably more than one building is occupied.
Kirishima	"Really? I wasn't aware there were multiple Captain Hooks and Peters. Very interesting, if... Hm. I don't know how to feel about that, actually, especially because of..." Kirishima murmurs in response to Hook as she strokes her chin through the mask, nodding towards Sarracenia when she mentions the child fights. Her scarf keeps flapping behind her even when the wind starts blowing in another direction entirely. "I may have to take a look at that clock someday, then. You've taken good care of it, I hope." Despite the too-easy joke that can be made there, Kirishima's tone suggests that she's quite literal about the crococlock. Ru's expression draws a curious eyebrow raise from Kirishima, and she lets out something that sounds between a laugh and a loud grunt. "Fret not, Lady Ru! We will need time to prepare our own accommodations as well, and it wouldn't do to steal any of yours away from here on such short notice. It'd go against everything the IFAS stands for, even!" The ninja proclaims, then returns her hand to her chin again. "Then I suppose... Our work here is done for the time being, isn't it? I look forward to hearing the good news!"
Captain Hook	"Oh, it's been cleaned thoroughly at every opportunity, polished, repaired, et cetera. I'm quite fastidious." Hook beams.
Sarracenia	Sarracenia nods in understanding at Ru, then pulls out her phone and makes a call. A short discussion later and the propellers of the airship overhead can be heard before a crate is lowered down via rope. Sarra pulls the crate in through the window, then with a swift kick at the top pops the lid off. Inside is several dozen green mushrooms with big cute black eyes. She takes one out and holds it out to Ru Class. "Here you go, as a congratulations gift! These mushrooms are magical healing items. Just squeeze it or press it against someone's injury and it will poof into a healing cloud! I can't imagine the healthcare is very good in a place like this." she says, giggling just a bit. "And if your group is dedicated to staying here in this city I can arrange for some building supplies and laborers to come assist with repairs! This place really is quite dreary, and who knows if these buildings are structurally sound!" She looks to Hook after that. "I'm afraid I am not familiar with your legend. My world is apparently quite separated from stories common to most Earths. My apologies."
Midway	Ru-Class nods once to Kirishima with a more neutral look on her face, "As I said. Return in. One week. That should be enough time." She glances to Sarracenia to impart the same message, though takes a step back when the princess airlifts in a crate of fungus. "...Very well," she relents, "But this... will not affect my decision." She glances back, jerking her head. One of the destroyers ventures out, its sleek black shell blending in perhaps a bit too much until it's rather close. Ru places her cannon-shield on top of the smaller ship, which turns and stagger-waddles away with it. That same disconnected, static-warped voice echoes from the creature: "---oss---oi---" "Workers-- can wait," Ru admits, "This place. We know. It is safe. And humans do not want it." Turning back, "So. We stay out of the way." . . . She nods once, "You can. Stay if you want. Or proceed. To other missions."
Kirishima	With the timeline decided, Kirishima nods as she shifts her chin-tapping hand to the side of her face, still keeping two fingers up like... Is that even a ninja gesture? She certainly seems to think it is. "Very well. I shall look forward to reconvening with you and yours soon, then. Stay safe until then!" She shouts not just to Ru, but to Hook and Sarracenia and even White Dragon as well. She's actually quite good at projecting her voice, almost as if she's practiced this sort of thing before. And with that, she does a sick backflip before disappearing in a puff of smoke, replaced by a log that clatters to the ground where she once stood. Kirishima herself appears on top of the water right next to that building again, and she starts to shuffle away slowly so as to not make too much noise after her dramatic exit.
Sarracenia	Sarracenia huffs softly. "I didn't supply them as a bribe!" she exclaims, then sighs. "Well, anyway, I cannot simply remain here while you consider. But, I'll try to meet with you again in one week as you requested. I hope you will not hold it against me if I can't, but princesses are very busy people." Kirishima disappears, leaving Sarracenia perplexed and looking around in surprise. "Wha-how did she do that?!" She pokes at the log a few times, amazed at the ninja's skill, then giggles and turns back to Ru. "I'll spread the word that you are not here to cause any harm, Ruru." she says with a smile before grabbing on to the rope that was lowered by her ship. She waves goodbye to Ru Class and Hook, and to White Dragon once she is in view. "Stay out of trouble~" she calls to Hook before she is lifted up.