The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden;Sakuro)

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden;Sakuro)

"I've heard that not only orcs, but many factions were getting riled up and eager for battle." Erika replied. "We're not entirely sure what's riling them up, but it's rather interesting that they're all getting antsy at the same time. We're hoping they're just going to fight amongst themselves." Erika claimed.

Though, Erika looked a bit surprised at Aiden's question. "I find it odd that you would use those terms... You make it sound like mamono are like us." Erika said to Aiden. "Some are tamed... Others are kept as pets... The more intelligent ones are used like familiars, so I suppose they're like servants." she explained. "You from a place where monsters are treated like people?" she inquired, seemingly without any malice on her tone, as if none of her thoughts were anything more than an idea on how the world works, and how it's inhabitants were viewed commonly.

 

[Sakuro]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden;Sakuro)

Aiden regarded Erika quietly as she talked about the riled up Mamono and her community's hope to be ignored in the conflicts happening around them. Slowly he shook his head in response, however.

"They won't just fight among themselves. They'll go after human settlements both to bolster their numbers and to deny other's access to those same humans. There is potential for alliances to be forged with friendly factions, but if there is no willingness to do so those Mamono will be forced to do what they must to survive."

The youth stared as his female companion with dark eyes as she went on to talk about her community's stance on the Mamono they kept as pets and servants. There was a mixture of offense and restrain in his disposition. As if she'd just called his best friend a bitch, but out of ignorance.

"Tamed. Pets. Familiars."

He repeated the words, as if to make sure Erika heard what she was saying. As he went on Aiden spoke as one trying to convey another view of the world rather than accusingly.

"It sounds like they are treated as animals, when they are self aware sentient beings. It is like treating another human the way you would an animal because their skin is a different color. How can we expect more powerful Mamono to treat humans better than livestock if we treat any Mamono like an animal?"


He paused a beat before finally responding to Erika's question.

"I know a lot of people that have Mamono ancestry and I've had the chance to meet some friendly Mamono that want to work with humans as something close to equals."

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden;Sakuro)

Erika shrugged. "We will simply do what we have to do to survive the attacks of the savage monsters." she stated.

Then, Aiden's sudden reveal of sympathy for the mamono seemed to strike Erika by surprise. "Listen to yourself, Aiden," she said, claiming to want him to do what he wanted her to do. "Do you think a dragon will ever view humans as equals? How about orcs? Goblins? Harpies fly by and steal humans and their valuables away without asking or talking. They act no better than savages and vermin, so why should we treat them any better? The more less violent mamono get to be fed and have shelter within our care, but we must never allow mamono to rule human life. They're just the same as they always have been for thousands of years, except now they've merely taken on a human appearance due to magic. They're still monsters." Erika explained. "It's the men who forget that fact that end up missing, or as a slave to mamono."

 

[Sakuro]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden;Sakuro)

Aiden gestured dramatically back towards the town, his voice raising in volume as it became spiked with sudden fervor

"If you treat someone like a savage, if they are shown no other way, or given no other options, they will invariable act like a savage and continue to do so. If you will make no effort at friendship, an enemy will always be an enemy. Mamono mentality is certainly alien from ours. That's understandable. Not many have had prolonged exposure to our culture. The reverse is the same."

His hand lowered and he frowned. Equality. That was difficult to measure when some beings were capable of earth shattering power and another person's greatest accomplishment was farming corn.

"As for being equals, in fact, many of us are not going to be equal to powerful creatures like dragons. Just as most people are not the equal of a master mage. But if we can prove our merit in some way, and I've seen some of them are just waiting for us to prove ourselves, that lays a foundation that can be built on. If there is respect, we can treat each other fairly. A relationship can grow from that."

The youth's head shook, his tone firm.

"The succubus magic changed everything. If you see Mamono as either slave or enemy, humanity is without even it's ancient racial allies and pacts. Dwarves, Elves, guardian spirits, and Angels. They're all affected. Even humans themselves. We can't fight everyone. We're a dying race. There is a positive to this. Monsters that in ages past would consume humans have been given an affection for humanity. Many do not understand it and are consumed by baser drives. But it is there and we can use it to build something."

He paused then. Realizing he'd spoken at great length. Perhaps revealing too much. After a moment of stillness Aiden took a step away and moved to gather a few more items he could take back for his craft project.

"These are just words. You asked if I'll be staying, my answer is no. Now you know why."

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden;Sakuro)

Aiden's words made the woman stare at Aiden with a blank expression. Near the end of his preaching, she pulled out an odd magi tool as if to shoot him, before Aiden heard something from behind. A mamono jumped out from the vegetation, leaping to attack both humans before her, with canine ears and tail with claws to match. She fired, and what seemed like a lightning bolt came forth and struck the beast, who fell to the ground and was trembling on the grass.

"You trust them if you want to. They're still depraved monsters. Good Luck, Aiden." said Erika, before walking ahead to further go along her patrol, leaving the disabled canine beast on the ground, shaking from paralyzation.

 

[Sakuro]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden;Sakuro)

Aiden gave the unusual instrument a quizzical look. He didn't have much experience with the exotic magi crafts, so for all he new Erika was showing him a toy from her childhood. He turned though, and seemed ready to tackle Erika out of the way, when the Mamono sprang from the bushes. But Erika had her weapon out and fired it off faster than he could react. The lightning bolt made Aiden jump, straight up, in surprise. Aiden was left staring curiously after the display. The sound of rustling on the grass drew Aiden's attention back to the convulsing canine monster on the ground though.

"Serves you right."

Aiden scolded. Was it tactically sound to leave her there to attack others? Erika didn't seem to think the Mamono was such a threat that she needed to be killed. Part of Aiden said it was best to leave her to her punishment for attacking them. But it was possible the monster could actually end up hurting herself. Or another monster could come along and take advantage of her. With a sigh Aiden dug around in his pack an took out a wadded up old sock.

"This is to keep you from biting off your tongue."

He warned before approaching and crouching down by the canine. Holding onto her with one hand he tried to stuff the sock in her mouth without getting bitten. Then hold her limbs in check so that she didn't hurt herself. Though Aiden had a feeling he was more likely to get hurt than here.

"Its alright. I'm not trying to hurt you. I just don't want you to hurt yourself with all that shaking."

While he said that aloud, Aiden mentally groused you better not try to rape me after this.

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden;Sakuro)

The sock, used to try and stop the wolf from biting her own tongue, was cut down in it's prime by the excessively sharp teeth she possessed. The paralyzation passed after a moment, and the wolf leaned up, spitting the patch of sock she bit off out before looking to Aiden as he held her. Suddenly, she bolted, flipping over and putting some distance between him and her. She let out a low growl, turning to face him. Her legs kicked back like a bull ready to charge. She continued to growl, but her stance was defensive, and she didn't look to be in the best physical condition after getting shocked like that. It seemed she was mostly shaken up by Aiden holding her, though being shocked to the point of temporary paralyzation was likely also a contributing factor.

Her ears twitched, and her tail was high. She seemed to be watching Aiden, and nothing more for the time being, unless he decided to wait for a while and see what she'd do next.

 

[Sakuro]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden;Sakuro)

Aiden gave a grumbling growl when his sock was chomped in two by the sharp teeth of the wolf girl. Wonderful. Now he had to sow his sock in addition to making a bow and some arrows. After the wolf girl stopped shaking, he loosened his grip just before se kicked herself free. Making no effort to restrain her further the youth got to his feet while the woman put some distance between then. He showed no signs of backing down from the feral girl, but instead studied her intently noting the body language. Raised tail. he wasn't surprised to see another woman who thought herself dominant. After his inspection Aiden spoke in a mild mannered tone. Sociable, considering she had attacked him.

"I don't intend to hurt you, as long as you don't try attacking me again. Go ahead, turn around and bend over if you'd like to have a quickie. I have some things to get in order, but I can make time for sex if that's what all this was about. Just don't assume I'll be your life long mate or something silly like that."

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden;Sakuro)

Being told to turn around and bend over didn't seem to sit well with the predator that clearly thought itself dominant. Her growling increased, saliva rolling down her chin as she showed her razor sharp fangs. She began to make feints, snapping forward though pulling back as if to provoke a response from Aiden, then quickly skipping to the side, repositioning, as if to keep him guessing. All in all, it seemed she didn't want to leave, nor be the one to bend over.

 

[Sakuro]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden;Sakuro)

Aiden took up a defensive stance when the wolf approached growling louder with drool glistening teeth bared. he knew wolves were endurance runners. Flight wasn't an option. Not unless her mobility were severely hindered. He didn't give into the goading feints from the she wolf. But then remembered his encounter with Maria in the arena. Mamono didn't respond well to perceived inaction. While avoiding the wolf initially, Aiden lowered his travel pack and thrust a hand inside. Feeling around he found what he was looking for: a bottle of spicy chili pepper powder that he used for cooking. Pulling it out of his pack, and with a steely gaze, he timed the she-wolf's movements. When she was making a feint he shot his hand forwards and sent a cloud of the powder at her face. Eyes, nose, mouth ... all could be sensitive targets for the attack.

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden;Sakuro)

When the wolf made a step forward, the spice came out. The wolf shied away at first, but then began to sniff at the particles in the air, immediately beginning to sneeze and rub her claws at her face in sensitive frustration. Sneezing uncontrollably, the wolf turned tail, fleeing while sneezing constantly, finding that convincing enough to want to leave when her sensitive nose was under attack by the spices.

Aiden was free to react to that how he will. If he let the wolf go, then he'd be free to do what he'd like to

 

[Sakuro]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden;Sakuro)

The spice wielding youth made no effort to chase after the wolf, or otherwise hinder her retreat. He did, however, remember something a little vampire girl had told him. She'd said he was too quick to damn the guilty. This made Aiden wonder how many chances he should reasonably give someone. Now, he could probably give the wolf one more. His lips pursed together tightly for a second, then Aiden opened his mouth and called out to the wolf girl.

"If you be nice, I'll help you."

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden;Sakuro)

Hearing Aiden's words, the wolf seemed to ignore him for a moment, rubbing her face against the ground, rubbing at it, but it seemed whatever was bothering her wouldn't stop. Frustration further condensed, before she seemed to be unable to take it anymore. "Help!" she called out, eager to be cured of the nasal issues.

 

[Sakuro]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden;Sakuro)

Wordlessly he watched the wolf rub her face against the ground with the same morbid curiosity people watched two carts crash into each other at high speeds. Hopefully there wasn't much dew or moisture on the vegetation. That might make it worse by spreading the spicy sting around. Still, he made no move away or towards her until she called for help. At the point he pointed to a spot of ground nearby.

"Sit down."

He instructed before walking over to a tree. Aiden had noticed some drying sap on it while he was gathering supplies. Now he cut at the bark, and a little into the wood, so as to make more sap come to the surface quickly without doing unrepairable damage to the plant. Using a leaf he gathered a healthy measure as well as a few sticks and some moth. Assuming she did as he told and took a seat on the ground Aiden settled down near her and arranged his gathered items before taking out a flask from his pack.

"This is going to be uncomfortable, but it'll take away the sting. Now, tilt your head back and try to hold still. I'm going to pour this in your nose. When I do, you need to inhale sharp and quick."

Slowly he moved a hand towards her head to guide her head and hold it. If she complied he would them drizzle some corn whiskey from back home into each of her nostrils. Reminding her again to inhale sharply.

"Almost done."

He said in a reassuring fashion as he put the top back on his flask and tucked it away. After that he took up one of the thin sticks he had collected, wrapped some moss around it, the slathered it in sugary tree sap.

"I'm going to put this up your nose. It'll be sticky and gooey, but it'll ease the burning and the powder will stick to it so it won't be stuck up there aggravating you as much."

With that warning given he helped the wolf ease her head back again if need been and keep her steady while he shoved the sap covered stick up her nose. He twisted it around, and rubbed the sap along the walls of her nasal cavity before taking the stick out. He repeated the process with the other nose, using a fresh still, moss and sap. When he had finished Aiden regarded the wolf monster a moment to see how the alcohol and sugar were doing.

"Does that feel better?"

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden;Sakuro)

The canine would be sneezing and suffering as Aiden tried to talk to her while making up a solution to the problem he caused her. It seemed she had nothing much to offer his words as he spoke to her, not seeming to have a strong grasp on the human tongue other than the obvious cry for help she made. Such was the nature of wild mamono who distanced themselves from humanity. Their nature as monsters was especially evident in their lack of ability to communicate.

It was when Aiden tried to stick his sap covered stick up her nose that the wolf gave a reaction. She began fighting at first, displaying obvious discomfort towards the act. A bit of encouragement and some attempts at holding her still allowed Aiden to get all the powder out of her nose while the wolf whined, not enjoying the act one bit.

Once Aiden was done, the wolf was still rubbing her nose as he inquired as to whether she was better. She seemed to be suffering less, but the agitation from the powder was still getting to her as she continued to rub her paws against her nose, whining as if convinced there was still a problem. Distracted like that, Aiden had a chance to consider what to do next with the wolf, if anything.

 

[Sakuro]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden;Sakuro)

The youth watched her paw at her nose for a while. No, he didn't seem sorry about what he'd done to her. Even if he offered a remedy. Though he was glad he hadn't the time to craft the black egg he'd considered last night. Aiden had no idea how effective it would have been, and he would have had no means of repairing the damage glass could have done. This, Aiden decided, was better.

"Yes. Its probably going to hurt for a while. Hopefully you learned something from this. Such as not to attack humans unless they're being hostile towards to you."

He stated with a firm disciplinary tone. She might not have been able to understand the words, but animals tended to respond to tone, and Aiden knew wolves did use vocal communication beyond howls and growls. While the wolf woman was busy pawing at her nose Aiden studied her in a thoughtful fashion. Getting up and walking away would be abandoning a potential opportunity. But there were risks, and he wasn't entirely sure how to handle them. Assuming the canine had any inclination towards cooperating. At length Aiden reached his left hand out, moving it towards her head, and petted at her hair/fur.

"Where is your pack, I wonder, and why are you so close to a human settlement?"

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden;Sakuro)

The wolf seemed to ignore his words at first, finding her nose a higher priority. She was sniffling as he moved his hand out. Rather than be pet, her head jolted up, her nose directed at his palm. She seemed most cautious of him, even though his hand would reach her. He'd only be touching her face though. She seemed intent on observing his hand and not letting it out of her eyesight.

 

[Sakuro]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden;Sakuro)

Given the wolf had shifted her head so that her nose was directed at his hand, Aiden wound up petting her nose and cheek. He probably wound up getting some snot and tree sap on his palm as a result. After the first stroke of his petting gesture Aiden stopped and looked at the goo in his palm, then wiped it off on the grass next to him.

"Try not to rub your nose. You'll likely make it worse. Just let your body flush what's left in there out."

On offering his advice Aiden took a gourd of water from his pack, uncorked it, and took a drink. The he offered it to her. Even if she didn't understand him, he decided to talk. There was a chance she could, and just didn't want to talk, or know how to express herself in his language.

"I'm not sure what you were looking for when you attacked me. Maybe you recently left your natal pack and are looking for a mate. But I can't stay in that town, which means I need someone to watch my back out here in the woods. If you're alone, like me, maybe we could watch each other's backs. You'd have to stop attacking me."

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden;Sakuro)

Despite his advice, it seemed she didn't seem intent on ceasing to try and do something about her irritated nose. Though, when Aiden offered her his water, she eagerly snatched it into her paws and downed the contents of it, apparently quite thirsty.

Once she was done, the gourd was left to fall to the ground unless Aiden took it from her, before the wolf jumped up from all fours to put her large paws on Aiden's chest, covering it completely before Aiden would find the wolf licking his face with a wide and wet tongue. It seemed that he'd made a friend perhaps.

 

[Sakuro]

Re: The Idealist and The Tyrant (Aiden;Sakuro)

He watched as the gourd was snatched from his gourd and emptied down the wolf girl's throat. When she'd finished it off Aiden collected the gourd from the ground and was putting it back into his travel pack when the wolf sprang up and put paws to his chest. The young man's initial thought was an attack, but when she started licking his face Aiden realized his face would be covered in blood, not slobber if that were the case.

Aiden paused a moment, thinking about the body language. Face licking was usually an act of submission. He'd never seen a wolf put paws to another's chest, but shoulder mounting was often a dominance display. At length he decided to take it as something in between. While he accepted the licks without protest his face scrunched and twisted, unused to that kind of attention. Then, reflecting on how thirsty the wolf girl was, Aiden placed a hand on her shoulder and tried to speak amidst the lounge bath.

"Are you hungry? I have smoked fish."

Turning to his pack, and dug out some meat that was stored in some wrapping. He took a check off, ate it, then held the rest out to the wolf girl for her to partake. The lick proved effective at keeping Aiden from talking too much, lest he risk getting a mouth full of wolf tongue.