Chapter 1: This Place is a Dump
All character names were chosen by the random option in Disgaea 3, and 4 for no reason at all. Enjoy
At the edge of a forest near a small town of the Lower world of the Netherworld
A lone Gunner Class hammered down a sign next to a wooden door in a one story building made almost entirely of old, soon to collapse pieces of wood. The sign which read 'Disgaea Guild: OPEN' was the only thing that wasn't over fifty years old, and falling apart, but he got the building at a price which still left him some HL in his pocket so he can't complain.
"Guess it's that time to pick'er up..." the Gunner muttered
Taking a step back to see his new workplace/home, he turned around walking the dirt road that will lead him to his new hometown towards the local Dimensional Gate.
"One of these days I'm gonna have me my own gate like them rich overlords, and demons." the Gunner said to himself.
As he casually walked the dirt trail, the trees providing some shade making the trip cool, and relaxing he couldn't help, but bring up old memories that brought him to this point in life.
(Flashback) at a desert in a town known as 'Who Knows Where'
"You're training is over, get the hell out." An Outlaw class suddenly said
"W-wait what?" the young gunner suddenly asked
"Listen Walker, I've taught everything you need to know to shoot a gun. I've even dressed you up to look as such, I'm done with ye, now git, and follow yer own destiny!" The Outlaw practically ordered
Walker checked his stats, sure enough his titled said Gunner, he had his own Evility, he learned one gun type special, but there was still something off.
"I'm just a level 5! Aren't ya gonna train me to be as strong as you?" Walker asked
"Not my job, all I wanted you to be was a gunner, when I first met ya, you had no title, no skills, no purpose. Ya could have been anything, but you came to me to learn how to shoot like a pro, I did that, the rest is on your own. I can't teach experience." The Outlaw concluded
Before Walker can say anything else his Outlaw teacher interrupted him.
"I'm gonna need your gun before you leave." the Outlaw said
"Huh?" Was Walker's only response
"You see it's mine, you need ta buy yer own, don't get jumped now ya hear." The outlaw said
With that he spoke no more, and literally kicked Walker out of his house, the gun he was carrying somehow unequipped itself, and fell to the floor as Walker crashed through the door. After retrieving the gun off the floor he lazily slumped on a nearby wooden chair, placed his hat over his face, and took a nap. A loud, and obnoxious fly was buzzing around him as he did so, and without taking off his hat he shot the fly out of existence, and resumed his nap.
End of Flashback
Once he snapped out his memories he found himself in the middle of the main, and only road of his new town, a wrecked sign in the corner titled this place 'Anewbie'. To Walker it sounded like something a human might compare to an Egyptian language, and for some reason every time he saw it to he could not help, but feel like a amateur in every way possible. Remembering what he was suppose to be doing he shrugged the feeling off, and continued his quick journey to the local Dimensional Gate. As he did so he saw many demons walking around doing their own business. Several different buildings sandwiched the main road which changed from dirt to pavement with several cracks. He saw demons shopping, talking, bribing, and stealing, the usual stuff, but he did see some unusual things as well. From the corner of his eye he saw what appeared to be a Healer class holding up a cardboard sign which read 'Will Heal for HL', she appeared to be a beggar offering some service, but the way no one was even glancing at her, Walker included it was obvious no one was interested.
"(Asking for sympathy in the Netherworld? What a moron.)" Walker thought to himself
Before their eyes could meet, Walker looked away ignoring, and passing by the poor beggar, then suddenly seeing something jumping over the roofs of the right hand side buildings. A Thief Class carrying a brown bag of who knows what was sprinting with a small grin on her face, whatever she stole she got away with it as there was no one chasing after her...yet.
"(A thief? What an easy class, and he's so feminine looking too.)" Walker scoffed in his thoughts.
He made a note as to where the weapons shop, item shop, armor shop, and local clinic were located as he continued walking, reminding himself to buy himself, and his sister each a gun after he picks her up. He soon saw the building he was after, located almost at the edge of town the building resembled a small airport in the human world except there were no hangars, no planes, no landing tracks, and only a single gate...alright so it's not like a airport at all, but from the things Walker has heard through word of mouth a airport was the closest thing it compared to. He went inside, the building was somewhat busy, small groups of demons waiting for whoever was coming out of the portal next to come out. He looked up seeing the digital sign which told the different locations the demons would be exiting out from, but before he could finish reading what the ticker said, it already began to change to 'Maritsu Evil Academy'.
"(That's the place, made it just in time.)" Walker thought to himself
As he finished his thought a cluster of demons began pouring out of the gate, any demon having to use this mode of transport were obviously too poor to afford their own. He saw demons ranging from Fighters, a Fury Fatalist, and even a Genin which immediately dashed out of the pack, jumped in the air, then disappeared in a cloud of smoke. There were even some monsters such as Green Slime, several Petite Orcs, and a single Prinny which was quickly given the Anewbie welcome for Prinnies by being tossed out the nearest window by a Wood Golem, and blowing up shortly after. As the last demon came out Walker was confused to see that his sister Gunslinger was nowhere to be seen. He was about to leave irritated by this when he felt something tugging his poncho from behind. He quickly turned around, looked down, and saw a Red Mage beaming happily up at him.
"Let go kid." Walker rudely said, pulling his poncho out of the Red Mage's grip
The little mage followed him as Walker left the building.
"Leave me alone, I have no business with the likes of you." Walker said
"But I have business with the likes of you!" The Red Mage squeaked
"Look, I'm not gonna help you just because you're lost, stay out of my sight, before I shoot you where you stand." Walker warned as he walked away
"...But you don't have a gun, silly Walker." The Red Mage cheered
Walker abruptly stopped, did an about face, and stared at the girl with sudden curiosity.
"How do you know I don't have a gun, and better yet, how do you know my name?" Walker quickly asked
"I can just tell you don't, and I've known you since we were little!" The Red Mage declared
"Impossible no one, and I mean no one knew me for that long except my sister-" Walker began
"Eliza?" The Red Mage finished
"H-how do you-...wait a sec..." Walker murmured
"Are you putting two, and two together stupid brother?" The Red Mage squeaked
"Eliza! W-what, it can't be! What happened?" Walker cried out, feeling very flabbergasted
"Well they call me Berry Melon nowadays, and isn't obvious? I reincarnated!" Berry Melon happily declared
"...There are so many questions...so many..." Walker blankly said
"Hm~ maybe we should sit down, and talk it over some dessert. I could go for some cake, or maybe ice-cream, or, or ice-cream cake! Oh~ so hungry~" Berry Melon rapidly said
Walker seeing no other option simply nodded, and went towards the nearest snack shop, after ordering their white, and pink desserts from a very buff, and manly looking Heavy Knight running the small cake shop they found an empty table where Berry Melon began her tales.
"Basically what happened was, while I was at school I saw all these cool, or should I say hot looking mages all playing with fire by burning their homework along with other demons personal stuff, and I wanted to do that. So I guess without thinking I sort of reincarnated...I mean I had enough mana at the time." Berry Melon explained
"When did you reincarnate?" Walker asked
"...Almost as soon as I entered Evil Academy." Berry Melon joyfully declared
"You mean as soon as I sent ya, you went ahead, and transformed yourself?" Walker said
"Pretty much." Berry Melon said soon after she began chewing on a piece of strawberry vanilla ice-cream cake.
"I seem to recall you hating anything too sweet." Walker reminded
"It comes with becoming a Red Mage, in fact that's all we mages ever eat. It adds to our cuteness factor." Berry Melon explained
"Well I suppose having a mage could be useful, what spells have you learn? Can you do that huge firework type specials like them upper folk mages?" Walker asked
"Well~ I can cast fire." Berry Melon answered
"Yeah, and?" Walker asked
"...That's about it." Berry Melon simply answered as she took another fork of cake into her mouth, chewing with her eyes closed, and with a smile to give off that cuteness factor she previously mentioned.
"But you've been in that school for years! What the heck did you do for all that time?" Walker loudly asked
"Om nom nom nom *gulp*, phew~...Let's see, well I ran through the hallways, tossed a prinny, broke several windows, tossed a prinny, pranked my teachers, tossed a prinny, ate cookies, tossed a prinny, played dress up, tossed a prinny, bought new leggings, tossed a prinny, fell in love with Ms. Machiko suddenly, tossed a prinny, caught a glimpse of their overlord, tossed a prinny, and I tossed a prinny." Berry Melon listed
"Did you learn anything, anything at all?" Walker practically begged
"Learning is against the rules there, but I did learn the proper way to toss a prinny to achieve maximum distance, and my aim's pretty sharp if I do say so myself." Berry Melon boasted
"But I paid for your tuition! I expect to see results!" Walker argued
"Tuition? There's no tuition, they don't care who goes in, and out." Berry Melon explained
"B-but she said-" Walker began
He shifted towards his memories to a point in time he was told of said tuition.
Flashback
"So my sister tells me she wants to go to this Evil Academy school, but I don't know squat about it, do you have any clues?" Walker asked his long time friend
"Sure do partner, and I'll be a sweetheart, and tell you right from the start, all ya really need is a little tuition money to start off, and they'll take her in as quick as a fiddle!" The Gunslinger proclaimed very alluringly
"Quit talking all flirty with me! So you're saying if I give them cash they'll take her in right then, and there?" Walker asked
"You betcha!" The Gunslinger said more normally
"Huh, that's seems pretty easy...I like that, alright, I'll just hand her the HL, and let her go on from there." Walker said to himself
"Whoa, whoa there! Um~ here's a thought, why don't you let me handle all that. Don't want to interrupt your training do ya?" The Gunslinger suggested
"Well I guess so...how much is it?" Walker asked
His gunslinger friend smiled broadly.
End of flashback
"That no good varmint, when I see her I'm gonna shoot her on sight!" Walker grumbled under his breath
"Walker? You okay? Do you need a hug?" Berry Melon offered
"No thanks, and for evil's sake can you act your age, you're my big sister after all!" Walker argued
"Well when I'm like this, it's pretty hard to tell, and I don't know about you, but I feel centuries younger!" Berry Melon said
"*Sigh* I see you're done, let's pay the...man, and buy our gear, then I'll show you to our new home, and explain my side of the story." Walker said
"'Kay!" Berry Melon exclaimed
She gave her plate a quick lick, eating some leftover frosting, and left the table. Walker paid for their meal, and the two headed off towards the different shops to buy their weapons, or at least that was the plan anyways, but when they got there...
"Closed! Are you kidding me!" Walker cried out
"Too late huh..." Berry Melon said
"Just you wait sis, one of these days I'll have my own shopkeepers like them rich upper demons, and overlords, you'll see, and I'll force them to stay open 24/7!" Walker assured
"'Kay!' Berry Melon agreed
The armor shop, weapon shop, and item shop were all closed, but the fact that it was dusk made it pretty clear that it was time to close up shop for the day.
"Guess we'll have to try again tomorrow." Berry Melon simply said
Walker moaned in annoyance, and with Berry Melon by his side, the two retreated back towards their home, looking around the streets they saw very little action. Most demons have already left for their own home, their business for the day done, even the lone beggar was nowhere to be seen, and all was mostly quiet.
"Why don't you tell me what you were doing?" Berry Melon suddenly asked
"Sure why not. Where to start though...well basically all I'm trying to do is achieve my dream you could say." Walker answered
"Dream, you? I didn't even know you had dreams, or aspirations. This isn't the place to have such a stupid thought." Berry Melon assured
"Fine let's call it life's goal then! How's about that." Walker quickly argued
"Well what is you 'life's goal' then?" Berry Melon skeptically asked
"I'm gonna make a name of myself by making the most powerful, and respected demon's guild this Netherworld has ever known!" Walker declared
"Pfft-hahahaha~, a-are you crazy, or something brother? Do you even know what a guild is?" Berry Melon asked
"Yeah it's a place where a bunch of people make a club, and you know be cool, and powerful, and stuff." Walker answered
"That's right! A bunch of people! That's the problem! Have you not noticed that you're a Gunner? Don't you know Gunners always go their separate ways. Lone fighters, guns for hire, it's rare enough to see a Gunner partner up with just one! A-and you want to hang out with an entire guild? Bwa-hahaha~!" Berry Melon scoffed
"You don't have to remind me, even I know this is just plain wrong, but I can't help feeling like this is my calling ya know. Kind of like how you suddenly reincarnated into Red Mage." Walker said
"I did it just for the hell of it! You're the weird one." Berry Melon assured
"Well whatever, I see you're at least a level 3. So I guess you were doing some sort of training." Walker said
"Nah~ see this one time after I tossed a prinny I accidentally hit some students, and I guess that counted, or something because I leveled up soon after." Berry Melon explained
"Wait, I don't think it works like that." Walker skeptically said
"I don't question these things I just let them happen." Berry Melon said
"Well then, how about this...why don't you wait until after we start our business to ridicule me." Walker said
Up ahead they saw their new workplace.
"Hey look! Someone forgot to tear down that old building." Berry Melon pointed out
"...That's where we'll be staying." Walker corrected
"Eh! B-but it's so old, and broken down!" Berry Melon complained
"Yeah, you should have seen it before I fixed it up." Walker said
"...That sign has a weird name on it, don't tell me that's what you actually called it?" Berry Melon asked
"Yup, don't know how I came up with it, but somewhere during my fifth, or sixth sarsaparilla it suddenly sprung up, and it's been stuck in my head ever since." Walker explained
Well at least you're still the same bro." Berry Melon half joked
"Can't say the same about you, it's gonna take some getting use to." Walker said
"Besides that, I don't think anyone is gonna hire us if they knew we lived in a dump like that." Berry Melon advised
"It looks better on the inside! Come on I'll show you to your room." Walker said
"I have a room?" Berry Melon asked, suddenly perking up.
"Yeah, there's lots of rooms in there, I think this place was a hotel/restaurant, at some point. The dining hall will also work as our base of operations." Walker explained
"How many rooms?" Berry Melon asked
"Enough, and that's not even counting the storage room at the back, it's empty now, I checked, but with some work we will stuff it with all sorts of treasure." Walker assured
They went inside on the left had side was a curved table most likely used as a station for the hosts to either walk their customers to a table, or to a room. Next to it was a double door which lead to an L-shaped hallway with many doors leading to separate rooms, and each room had their own bathroom. the double doors in front of them lead to the dining room, and kitchen. Most of that room was empty except for a long, rectangle table fitting 5 by 1 seats, five on the sides, and 1 on the top, and bottom. A slide in door lead towards the kitchen, but for now Walker lead Berry Melon to her room in one of the many which were empty. Her room was square, and mostly empty save for a bed, table, and a window, Berry Melon would have to do a lot of work to make herself feel at home. Having two people in her room made it feel crowded, she figured, three, or five would make it feel packed, but she was happy to discover her bathroom came with a small bathtub she could hog to herself.
"All these rooms are the same." Walker explained
"Well it's clean...I guess, I'm surprised you were able to buy this." Berry Melon awkwardly said
"Thanks, I got at a real steal! The owner was too lazy to remodel it, and apparently he didn't want to go anywhere near because he says it's haunted, or something. Kind of the reason why it went out of business, but I've been here practically all day fixing this place up, and I haven't even seen a mouse." Walker said
"If you say so...*Yawn~* I think I'm gonna hit the hay now..." Berry Melon yawned suddenly feeling very sleepy.
"I was gonna do the same, tomorrow we're waking up early, and buy our weapons." Walker said
"G'night!" Berry Melon waved
"Night, Eliza." Walker said
"It's Berry Melon!" Berry Melon corrected, her cheeks puffed in annoyance
"...Right...Berry Melon." Walker awkwardly said as he closed the door behind him.
He then retreated towards his room, and cot, for some undeserved rest, today he didn't accomplish as much as he had hoped for, but tomorrow he'll be expecting some business to turn up.
His natural alarm clock inside his head suddenly woke Walker up, peering through the window he could see rays of light coming from the warm morning sun, he turned his head around to shield his sensitive eyes from the brightness to see an unexpected guest sleeping next to him. Berry Melon was snoozing peacefully in Walker's bed, but knowing his sister this was old news, she's been sneaking towards his bed on several occasions for many years now.
"I thought the whole reincarnation thing would get rid of her sleepwalking..." Walker grumbled
Walker shook his sister, with little success, she wasn't a heavy sleeper, but she was extremely lazy during the morning.
"Wake up, wake up! Come on, you got into my bed again!" Walker exclaimed quite groggily.
As he continued to shake her, Berry Melon finally showed some signs of waking up, her eyes slowly opening, and her arms jutting outwards as she began to stretch them.
"*Y~awn* uh~...bro? What are you doing in my bed...get out..." Berry Melon weakly said
"Wrong! Again! You're in my bed, my room! You've been sleepwalking again." Walker explained as he got out of bed.
"...Oh~o~...huh~...So I have...I guess old habits die hard..." Berry Melon said
"Ya gotta control yourself better sis, I mean it isn't much of a hassle now that you're smaller, but this is still an annoyance Eliza." Walker said
"First off...it's Berry Melon, and second what do you mean by 'now that I'm smaller'? Are you...referring to when I was a...Gunslinger?" Berry Melon groggily said, not really concentrating on what she's saying.
"Well yeah, your proportions are less, and you, you know-wait...I ain't getting into this with you! Go make yourself decent we're getting our weapons." Walker quickly said, changing topics.
"Okay~, but I need a favor." Berry Melon weakly asked
"Shake the sleep out your voice, and face, then we'll talk. Just wash up on the bathroom, and meet me at the dining hall...I gotta splash some water on my face too." Walker said
Not waiting for a reply he closed the door behind him. After he was done cleaning himself, he made his way to the dining hall, taking the nearest seat as he waited for Berry Melon. A couple of minutes have passed, and the double doors open revealing a Berry Melon who still had very messy bed hair, she held a brush that could fix the problem, but for some reason she would explain later, she did not use it.
"You're hair's a mess...well that's no surprise your hair was always a mess." Walker playfully teased
"Yeah, but everyone knows messy hair is cute during early morning hours, then it gets stale by late breakfast, and early afternoon. I want you to help me brush it." Berry Melon practically ordered
"What? I'm no hair stylist, can't you do it yourself?" Walker said
"My tiny arms are too cute, and can't reach all the way." Berry Melon whined as she flailed, and wiggle her arms to express her statement
"*Tch*...fine, fine I'll do it." Walker caved
Berry Melon quickly perked up, and pulled a nearby chair in front of Walker, handed him the brush, then sat down on her seat, her back facing her brother as he began the task of combing the long red hair.
"Don't pull too hard, and give me bald spots...or I'll burn you in your sleep." Berry Melon playfully threatened
"We wouldn't want that." Walker playfully scoffed
"It's a very simple process really...and I can chant the spell so quietly you won't be able to hear it." Berry Melon muttered under her breath
"What was that?" Walker asked
"I was just wondering if maybe, you could...sing me a song while your brushing me?" Berry Melon suddenly asked her face beaming
"Don't push your luck." Walker politely refused
"Oh! Watch the ribbon, if it comes off I'll blow up like a nuke." Berry Melon quickly warned
"Oh, yeah, I read about something like that, it keeps your powers balanced, and under control, or something like that right?" Walker said
"Basically." Berry Melon said
Several minutes have passed, but he was finally done, Berry Melon's hair was as straight as a ruler, and as long as her body was short.
"We'll pick up some food on the way while we're at it, but I'm saving most of our money for our equipment." Walker said as they left the building
"What's that you're carrying with you?" Berry Melon curiously asked, seeing the pale, brownish piece of paper Walker was holding.
"This? I made it myself, it's advertisement for our guild, I'll post this on the local bulletin board, and then people will know where to go to get their troubles fixed." Walker explained
"Hm~ 'Whether face, to face, or mail, or other, you ask for it, we'll do it!' Well it's almost catchy when you read it out loud." Berry Melon said
"Yeah, I got lazy half way through." Walker admitted
"Hey, you know who will be great to really get the most out of our job. That friend of yours back in 'Who Knows Where' she knows how to handle, and make money!" Berry Melon said
"We will not talk about her...ever, for now, she's dead to me." Walker said
"...I'm confused weren't you guys like super close chums?" Berry Melon asked
"Yeah, until I discovered how much of a swindling, cheating, haggling, vermin she was! (Tuition for school my ass!)" Walker exclaimed, then thought
"*Sigh* It's one of those...what do you call them...'love' things isn't it?" Berry Melon teased
"You watch it with that mouth, or I'll smack your behind till it's as red as your hair." Walker warned
"You can't do that, I'm the big sister!" Berry Melon whined
"Just on the inside, no not even, you acted childish all yer life, now you complete the look." Walker said
"I'm not scared, I know you're not like that, you wouldn't hurt me with a feather, family means too much for ya." Berry Melon said
"...There's the shops, let's get this over with." Walker said
The Weapon shop was run by a Fighter, behind him were his rack of very strange, foreign, but powerful array of weapons ranging from swords, to guns. He waved so long to one of his regular customers, but upon seeing Walker, and Berry Melon his waving hand suddenly went limp.
"Hold on laddies...let old Houkuzzo get a look at ya." The shopkeeper said
He paused staring briefly at the his two customers, Walker, and Berry Melon almost felt like they were being sent through an X-Ray.
"Okay! I know what types ye are, let me just pull this wee switch here, and..." Houkuzzo began
He flipped a switch underneath his table, and the rack behind him suddenly rotated several degrees, once it stopped the weapon rack had very different weapons up for sale, if you can even call them such.
"A'iright! Now how can I help you lot? Houkuzzo asked
"You can help by showing us some real firepower! Go back to the rack with the crazy gear!" Walker complained
"*Sigh* Ya must be new here. Listen lad, I'll make this easy for your peanut brain to understand. You...have a zero shopping record here. So you buy what I'm showing, or get lost!" Houkuzzo explained
"You aren't making any sense!" Walker argued
"Your so lucky I'm after your money, or else I would have kicked you out by now. Here's how it works, the more ya buy, the more yer shopping rank goes up. The higher yer rank, the higher quality of weapons you get in return. Got it?" Houkuzzo explained
"...I guess." Walker figured
"Alright good we're getting somewhere, we might git along just fine now. So what'll it be?" Houkuzzo asked
"Well isn't it obvious? I need a gun, and my sis here needs a...whatchamacallit..." Walker began
"Staff." Berry Melon finished
"Yeah, that!" Walker said
"Well fer a customer like you I got just the thing...and here it is!" Houkuzzo said, presenting Walker with a gun
"What the hell is this?" Walker demanded, feeling insulted
"It's a gun, I thought you types knew that." Houkuzzo said
"This isn't a gun! It's a slingshot with a plastic cover that looks like a gun!" Walker corrected
"Buy a few more of those, and I'll show you the real McCoy." Houkuzzo
"Can you at least humor me?" Walker said
"Alright, alright, just give me a sec, I'll get you something...aha! Try this." Houkuzzo said taking back the slingshot, and present Walker with something that's more similar looking to a gun.
"...This is a water pistol." Walker said losing all faith in demon kind
"The newest model from the human world!" Houkuzzo boasted
"...This can't even break the skin, let alone kill my enemies." Walker said blankly
"Not true, you think we demons don't 'tinker' with them guns before we sell em? It ain't the most destructive weapon in all the Netherworld, but trust a shopkeeper, this thing can do more that just get water in yer eyes." Houkuzzo hinted
"It's either this, or..." Walker began
"Or, I have this here gun with a bent barrel." Houkuzzo said presenting a pistol with a small barrel bent almost ninety degrees to the right.
"...I'll take the water pistol." Walker conceded
"Great, and I'll tell ya what, for first time, first serve special, if ya purchase something else right now, I'll throw in this bow free!" Houkuzzo announced, showing off the bow
"It looks like it was made in a kindergarten arts, and crafts." Berry Melon commented, seeing the random glued on glitter it had on it's wood.
"It was!" Houkuzzo mentioned
"The string is made from...thread?" Walker commented
"Soft, wool, thread fiber actually." Houkuzzo corrected
"...I'll take anything that's free. What have you got for my sister?" Walker asked
"Well for the pretty lass I have...this!" Houkuzzo proclaimed presenting Berry Melon with a purple staff with a clear star on top
As Berry Melon held the staff one thing was instantly known.
"It's plastic." Berry Melon deciphered
"100 percent." Houkuzzo assured
"It's a little...dull." Berry Melon awkwardly said
"Not true! Press the wee little button at the center of the stick." Houkuzzo said
Berry Melon did so, the clear star on top flashed with colorful lights inside, and a catchy jingle played for several seconds, then the lights, and tune stopped
"I'll take it!" Berry Melon squeaked
"Now wait a minute! Does that thing even power up her magic?" Walker asked
"Well no, but ye can whack someone with it, and it'll probably sting." Houkuzzo said
"Next!" Walker said
Houkuzzo swiped the staff away from Berry Melon as she pushed the button a second time, the jingle still playing even while it was hanging on the rack.
"Try this one." Houkuzzo presented giving Berry Melon a wooden staff with a oddly shaped hand at the end, the tips of the fingers leaning almost ninety degrees forward.
"What's the story on that one?" Walker asked
"It's a back scratcher used by a powerful witch a long time ago, Some of her magic must have rubbed off on it." Houkuzzo presumed
"Oh~ I can definitely feel something magical...Ah~" Berry Melon said as she tested the staff on her own back.
"...I suppose that's the best you'll offer us." Walker said
"Until you bring yer rank up." Houkuzzo said
"...Thanks for the business." Walker sourly said
"Come again, yur gonna eventually." Houkuzzo reminded
With their new 'weapons' they moved to the shop right next to the weapons shop where they saw a Female Fighter acting as the shop keep. They could see her muttering to herself, and possibly writing things down on something underneath her stand. The armor she was selling ranged from leather plates, fancy magical robes, and a cowboy hat that instantly grabbed Walker's attention. She saw them approach, and quickly stopped whatever she was doing, standing next to her stand, and waited until they got close.
"I see that you two must be new, so let me get a look at you." The shopkeeper said
"Oh, no not this, can you please at least tell me how much that hat co-" Walker began
However before he could finish the shopkeeper flicked a switch, the rack began to spin, and once it stopped they saw some very plain, and very second-hand like armor.
"Your frustration is understandable, but don't cry out, and flip my table." The shopkeeper said
"...There's something about the way you talk...I can't quite put my finger on it." Walker said
"My name is Pamela, and I sell armor, with my gear you can endure far more." Pamela continued
"H-hang on for a minute, give me a second to think." Walker said
"I have time before my shop closes, so I'll just wait by watering my roses." Pamela said
Berry Melon who caught on much faster than her brother decided to secretly test him to see how long it would take him. As her eyes began to wander around her surroundings she came upon a poor beggar she recognized as a Healer, she was on her knees, a cardboard sign in front of her reading 'Will Heal for HL'. She had blotches of dirt on her clothes, and face, but she still had that air of radiance, and beauty that Berry Melon had felt when she saw Ms. Machiko at Maritsu Evil Academy, only it didn't felt as strong compared to hers. As their eyes met, Walker had finally came to a realization
"Why are you rhyming your words?" Walker asked
Berry Melon seeing the conversation may become more interesting now waved at the Healer very briefly, and turned around. Unbeknownst to her, as soon as she did that, the healing beggar had stood up, and continued staring at Berry Melon, and Walker.
"It's fun at times to try, and rhyme, so I try it all the time." Pamela answered
"...What is the color of that fruit over by that food stand?" Walker asked pointing at the oranges on a stand.
Pamela looked briefly at the oranges, and whacked Walker on the head from across her stand.
"Did you come here to buy, or should I make you cry?" Pamela asked
"Alright, alright, what'cha got for us?" Walker asked soothing his injured head by rubbing it
"For you to survive a fatal slash, I present to you this amazing sash!" Pamela presented
She handed Walker a plain white sash with pink letters imprinted on it
"...But I'm not a...'Little Miss Sunshine'" Walker said
"I'll take that!" Berry Melon quickly said swiping the sash away from Walker
"Got anything that won't completely destroy my manhood?" Walker asked
"I see that you are very picky, but I have this suit, though rather itchy." Pamela said presenting Walker with a very rag old suit.
"I saw the price tag on this thing, but don't you think that's a little steep for this? I bet it wasn't that much when it was in perfect condition!" Walker complained
"I am not unfair like that old shoemaker, so try this shirt I made from newspaper." Pamela presented showing Walker a shirt made from old newspapers, just as she had promised
"...I don't like it, the price ain't right, but I'll take the suit to protect me tonight...Crap! Now I'm doing it too, let's leave Berry Melon, now!" Walker said
As Pamela giggled to herself, Berry Melon, and Walker made their way towards the item shop to stock up on necessary healing food, and junk. The poor beggar keeping her distance from them, but continued staring intently at the two.
As they neared the front of the stand they saw no one running it, at first they thought it had closed early, but suddenly a hand shot out from underneath the stand, and slammed against it.
"Have you come to take me out on a leisurely stroll?" a young voice said to them from under the stand
"Whoa there partner we're not here to take you anywhere." Walker said
"And I am not a hand, just a friendly worm with a turtleneck, see? Watch as I crawl." The shopkeeper said as he began moving his hand across the table.
Walker tired of all these antics grabbed the shopkeeper's hand, and yanked, pulling the boy up to meet face to face. It was a star skull by the looks of it, though he had a wide grin, he showed no signs of being happy.
"You! You're like them aren't you! I bet you've come to take my pot of bubble wrap! It's mine, get away from it! Right? Right! Hehehe~" The star skull said
"...I swear not a single normal demon here is there? Did you hit your noggin on something?" Walker asked
"It's pronounced eggnog, and it's fine see, see!" The star skull showed grabbing a glass of eggnog from behind the counter
"Also you are a eggnog!" The star skull later added
"Brother...can I have some cotton candy?" Berry melon asked with her puppy dog eyes.
"Well I suppos-" Walker was about to agree
"Wait! I know what you are! You guys have no rank! You have no purpose with these delicacies, right, yes, of course!" The star skull exclaimed
He flipped the switch behind his counter, laughing maniacally as the snacks, and tasty treats changed to very low budget food, with very little snacks to satisfy.
"For you, I have gum! Lot's of it, as well as some other nick-knacks! You enjoy caterpillar eggs don't you? I'll give them to you in return I would need your HL, I can't take anything else...not even that Little Miss Sunshine sash you have-but I don't want it! Who told you I want it! ?" star skull said
"...So...does that mean you're selling?" Berry Melon asked tilting her head slightly to the right while doing so.
"My name is Lawrence! At least this century it is-hehe~, and yes that means I'm selling! It's okay, you can trust me, good old Claiborne!" Lawrence said
"Didn't you say you're name was Lawrence?" Walker asked
"Who told you?" Lawrence quickly accused
"You did! Now give me some gum, and eggs dammit!" Walker cried out losing his patience
"Okay, okay! I understand! I understand perfectly! Here you go!" Lawrence exclaimed
He practically shoved the food into Walker's hands before he could reach into his pockets to take out the cash. With a little help from Berry Melon they completed their exchanged.
"Come again! Next time I won't be so calm." Lawrence told them as they turned around
"Let's get out of here before he invites for a tea party, or something." Walker whispered to Berry Melon
Ignoring the random accusations from Lawrence as he dealt with another customer, Walker, and Berry Melon began heading into the direction of the town's bulletin board, unaware of their stalking healer still behind them. In a short amount of time they had reached it, sitting near the center of town, at the middle of the road behind a dried fountain with a single statue of a succubus posing seductively as a reminder of that brief moment she had graced their little town, and never returned. Walker placed his ad next to another sign that told of a missing Catsaber, though it appeared fairly old, and torn, it was hard to make out much detail.
"Well that should do it, let's head back to our base, and wait for any customers." Walker said almost sounding excited
"Yeah, because we're gonna be busy all day with job offers." Berry Melon skeptically said
As they turned around they were aware of a silhouette of a person as it quickly hid behind some empty boxes.
"I don't suppose you have anything to do with that?" Walker suddenly asked
"My eyes are too low to the ground because of my cute, petite body, I can't see as well as you so I don't know what you're talking about!" Berry Melon squeaked, all while beaming up at him
"*Sigh* I'll just hope it was nothing..." Walker simply said
They retreated back to their hideout, while Walker was keeping his 'Evil Eye' set on every demon walking past, or following them. Though from what his paranoid eyes have collected it felt as if everyone in town was stalking him, it was next to impossible to discern which one was the actual culprit. However this did not faze either of them because Walker felt safest with a gun, while Berry Melon was just blissfully ignorant. So seeing as how concentrating on so many targets would put too much strain on his eyes, which will only make the inevitable fight more difficult, he decided to relax his eye muscles as Berry Melon was doing by distracting herself with random oddities, and events, primarily focused on seeing a Prinny receive it's 27th 'Welcome to Anewbbie' toss by a passing fighter class.
"I could so throw that Prinny a lot better than that." Berry Melon said to herself
"I was actually thinking of acquiring a Prinny of our own...provided you don't toss it randomly, and cause any structural damage." Walker said
"I can't promise you anything less than broken windows." Was Berry Melon's response
"This is why we can't have nice things." Walker said
As they neared the dirt path leading to home, Walker instinctively went back to scouting mode, watching for any sudden movements, as well as listen for a irregular pattern in their footsteps. Sure enough after listening closely he could identify a third pair of footprints about a yard behind them. He paused for a brief moment, and turned his head back slowly, and upon looking directly behind him he noticed a leafy bush on the right side of the path shake rapidly, then quickly stopped confirming his suspicions of being followed.
"Eliz-" Walker began
"Berry Melon!" Berry Melon corrected
"...Whatever, just keep walking casually..." Walker whispered
"No problem." Berry Melon whispered back
As they continued walking Berry Melon felt it was imperative to begin whistling the catchy tune of her former school's anthem. Walker resisted the urge to facepalm himself as he once again heard the third pair of footprints now steadily closer than before. Not letting sneak the first strike Walker did an about face as quick as a bullet, and aimed his water pistol at the stalker, though he lowered his weapon upon seeing who it was. The frightened stalker was non other than the poor healer beggar, on her knees, holding her chest as she began breathing heavily clearly spooked, and her sign face down on the dirt besides her.
"Hey~ I've seen her. Do you remember me? I waved at you!" Berry Melon excitedly said as she repeated her past action, and waved excitedly at her from behind Walker.
"Aw~ don't tell me you looked her in the eye!" Walker exclaimed with annoyance
"Well that depends on your definition of that..." Berry Melon said seeing the Healer still had her eyes closed.
"You don't look a beggar in the eyes, or else they'll start following you until you give them HL, and I'm not giving a cent to someone who hasn't earned it." Walker assured
Upon hearing this the Healer quickly regained herself, and propped her sign in front of her, still reading 'Will Heal for HL'.
"N-no, no thanks we don't need healing, and we have plenty of food that will take care of any future injuries." Walker assured
The Healer stood still, moving her sign closer to his face.
"Did you hear me the first time! I said you're not needed." Walker said trying to keep his cool
"...Maybe we do." Berry Melon suddenly said
"What? That's crazy talk! Give me one good reason to let her join us!" Walker challenged
Upon hearing this the Healer gently placed her sign to floor, and walked towards Walker. She placed her hands on both of his shoulders, Walker reeled back slightly, but the Healer held her grip on him. Then she swiftly kneed Walker in the groin as hard as she could. The pain was excruciating, Walker shrieked like a girl, and fell in a fetal position holding his family jewels while rolling around, cussing at everything, and everyone he has ever met. Berry Melon covered her ears in a comical, and cute fashion as she saw the Healer doing something else. The Healer's mouth, and cheeks moved ever so slightly, as Walker finally stopped rolling around, and simply stayed in one spot, making it easier to work with him. Then as if adding insult to injury, the Healer spat in his cheeks, the insult caused him to momentarily forget about the stinging sensation, as rage, and anger took control. As he stood up, the spit still on the side of his right cheek he stomped towards the Healer was retracted back, but not quickly enough to escape Walker's grip on her neck, his other hand holding his new gun, and aiming it on her somewhat large forehead.
"W-wait a minute brother! It's not what you think!" Berry Melon quickly said
"I don't care! I'm in pain, there's spit in my face, I'm pissed, and someone's gonna die!" Walker shouted
The Healer was now shaking, and sweating nervously.
As he was about to pull the trigger he noticed a sudden warm sensation coming from the are she spat at him. The saliva on his cheeks glowed, and sparkled weakly before being absorbed by his skin, and at that moment the pain in his man parts quickly disappeared. Feeling suddenly relaxed he loosened his grip on her neck, but held the gun to her head, only this time his finger was not touching the trigger.
"I-I think she was demonstrating her healing capabilities to you. I heard Healers can spit at someone, and it can heal, but they can also perform strong healing spells when fighting...I am so smart!" Berry Melon explained
"So why didn't she just use a healing spell then! ?" Walker asked
"...I guess because we weren't exactly in combat mode...or something?" Berry Melon figured
He turned back towards the Healer who nodded her head profusely as if to say Berry Melon was right. At this point he set her free, and lowered his weapon. The Healer was very relieved, and even smiled as she walked towards her sign, picked it up, and once again placed it in front of her.
"...*Sigh* I guess I owe you an apology, but considering the fact that you gave me a cheap shot, I'll just say we're even." Walker said
The Healer nodded in agreement.
"You don't talk a lot do you?" Berry Melon asked
The Healer shook her head, but also nodded shortly after.
"What does that mean?" Berry Melon asked
The Healer did nothing, instead wiggled her sign as if to say 'get back on topic'.
"Alright, so you're looking for a job then?" Walker asked
She nodded her head
"Can you tell me something about yourself? How long you've been healing, how much can you heal, are you mentally stable?" Walker began asking
The Healer shook, and nodded her head.
"This isn't working, if you really wanted a job you ought to speak up, or maybe you can't is that it?" Walker asked
She nodded
"I still don't know..." Walker said
"Aw come on Walker, don't be that way, besides, what's more important? Someone who can heal, or someone who can talk a lot?" Berry Melon said
He turned towards the Healer who had now clasped her hands together in a praying position, her lower lip quivering, in a vain attempt to give Walker a puppy eye stare despite her eyes still closed.
"Well I won't judge you for that then...Aw~ what the hell, alright fine you can stay with us, but the minute you become useless I'm firing you...and I mean that literally." Walker gave in
The Healer smiled broadly, hopping up, and down with excitement, but still holding her sign.
"Yay new party member! New party member!" Berry Melon declared hopping up, and down with her.
"So what's your name woman?" Walker asked
The Healer stopped hopping, and said nothing, Berry Melon kept hopping now in her own little world.
"...Oh yeah, well you might as well know the name of your employer, and ally. My name's Walker, a gunner class!" Walker introduced himself
"And my name is Elfie, it's such a pleasure to finally speak to you." The Healer suddenly announced, her voice was soft, weak, but very feminine.
"Y-you can talk!" Berry Melon cried out
Elfie turned towards her, and nodded, Berry Melon was quite confused
"It's okay you can talk to me! I want us to be friends!" berry Melon assured
Elfie simply stared at her, wanting to say something, but for some reason couldn't.
"I prefer the term allies." Walker said
"Hey~ why won't you speak to me, but my brother? Do you have a crush on him already?" Berry Melon asked
Elfie's cheeks became rosy as she quickly shook her head.
"I'd like to know that as well, if we're gonna be working together." Walker said
"Oh! Well it's very simple really, I don't talk to strangers so when you introduced yourself to me you weren't a stranger to me anymore. I follow that rule very strictly." Elfie weakly explained
"Aw~ I thought it was romance...Oh! Okay then! My name is Berry Melon! It's nice to meet you!" Berry Melon exclaimed moving her face close to Elfie's.
"Ah! M-my name is Elfie, and it's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance as well." Elfie finally said
"Awesome! She talked to me! Alright!" Berry Melon celebrated
"So give me your stats, real quick." Walker began
"I have my evility, I'm a healer, and I'm...a level 1..." Elfie said feeling disappointed in herself
"Great, well not really. Moving on, anything else you're strict with by any chance?" Walker asked
"There is one other thing, you see I'm very honest, and I know it's looked down upon in most places, but in a way honesty can be even worst than flat out lies." Elfie explained
"Well I don't know about that, but I'll decide that for myself, come on I'll show you to your new home, which will also be your workplace should the need arise." Walker said
"Home~ I'm finally home...p-please do lead virgin." Elfie said
Walker abruptly stopped his trigger finger suddenly acting up as Elfie stifled her mouth from saying anymore, Berry Melon doing the same, but only to contain her laughter.
"...I'm just gonna ignore that last comment, keep your 'honesty' to yourself would you?" Walker grumbled as his itchy trigger finger soon began to fade away.
"Y-yes, sorry I won't be so honest about your lack of a love life from now on." Elfie said
Once again the feeling returned only much weaker, and once again Berry Melon had to stifle herself to keep from laughing out loud.
As they retreated back home, they heard noises coming from their headquarters. A mixture of grunts, laughs, and things being tossed, and breaking upon touching the rough grassy floor. Walker rushed over to his base with Berry Melon, and Elfie closely behind him, and upon seeing it they noticed their front door was broken, and whatever broke into their base was still inside.
"Hey!" Walker roared in sudden anger
For a moment the noises stopped, then the sound of multiple footsteps echoed inside, and from out the front door came 4 Petite Orcs scrambling out of the house, and carelessly began forming a horizontal line as soon as a single Orc Captain began marching out of the building. He looked at the three demons he did not recognized, and snorted in disgust, Walker quickly took offense by this.
"Who the hell do you think you are barging into my base, and wrecking everything!" Walker darkly exclaimed
"Your base?*Snort* this house belongs to the orc clan!*Snort* you can find someplace else to stay!*Snort*!" The Orc Captain explained
"I'm out of a home again..." Elfie muttered sadly, a single teardrop fell from her right eye.
"Well I'm sorry to say, but that's a load of bull, with a capital B, I bought this land fair, and square, and there wasn't any mention of you guys at all!" Walker said
"You must be new here.*Snort*!" The Orc Captain simply said
"You know, I'm really getting tired of people telling me that now..." Walker muttered
"This place use to belong to the Orc Clan until we crashed it after a brutal party!*Snort* So we sold the land to some guy, took the money, and left.*Snort* so when we came back, and saw it fixed we decided to take it back!*Snort*!" The Orc Captain said
"That's too bad because I'm not selling, now get out of my property!" Walker exclaimed
"*Snort* no it's too bad for you!*Snort* because when the orc clan wants something, we simply take it!*Snort* so you get out of our property!*Snort* we're gonna have a party, and you aren't invited!*Snort*!" The Orc Captain said
"...Heh...hehehe~...well looks like we're both on opposite terms. So guess I'm gonna hafta to settle things the old fashion way." Walker announced
He drew his weapon, and went into a battle ready position, his hat, and poncho swaying in the wind even he didn't know was present.
"Elfie right? Time for your test, take this, and back us up in whatever way you can." Walker said tossing the kindergarten toy bow at her.
She caught it, stared curiously at the weak thing, but did not refuse as she too went into battle ready position on Walker's right side.
"I'm not gonna give up my room without a fight!" Berry Melon exclaimed as she too readied her staff, and single spell, she stood on Walker's left side, and ready to go.
The orcs realizing they weren't gonna leave without a fight had rearranged their line into a reverse V shape position. The Orc Captain at the back with two petite orcs one each side, and diagonal from one another. With Walker's fighting challenge accepted he quickly drew out battle plans in his head, though he figured despite being outnumbered they still had a pretty decent chance against them.
End Chapter
I know it's not what you expected, but I'm trying something new here, though I'm sure it's not really. Anyways there's gonna be way more to come, more content, more characters, and an obvious goal to be met, that is of course if you guys find this entertaining enough to be continued...