"You have….strange sleeping arrangements."
The boy could only raise an eyebrow at the statement.
"Four people sleeping in one bed, three out of four are women and one out of three is a child."
It would appear that Ance was talking to herself. He was the only one around as everyone else left to go do whatever they do. It did set out as a good reminder to get more stuff for the warehouse.
Ance turned around and jumped back a bit. Not soon after she immediately calmed down, "Sorry Master, you startled me. I didn't even realize you were here."
He does have a tendency to do that. Just ask some of his teachers they'll tell you a couple of stories. Getting back on track he simply waved a hand at the working maid.
"You don't seem to talk much Master Jordan." Ance pondered a bit too loudly. She realized she said that aloud, "Sorry! I didn't mean to say that aloud. It must be a complicated piece of history that you don't wish to share."
"There is no reason. Simple as that."
"Huh?" It was the maid's turn to raise a brow.
The boy stood up and simply walked out of the small warehouse, leaving a confused maid. He just needed to get some extra stuff for the guild. Granted he did know it was kind of a dick move to do that.
….
After a rather quick request for more beds he was once again walking down the streets of Planeptune. It really wasn't that large once you got the feel of it.
You know what he just realized? He hasn't played video games in over a month. Granted he was having fun delivering things. He'll honestly have to look at whatever games and systems they had in stock.
"There you are." A somewhat familiar voice called to him.
He turned and saw Linda just standing in an alleyway. A small smile adorned her face as she walked up to him. "Been looking all over for you, now let's get some food."
He had a distinct feeling that he'll more than likely pay for it. By all rights he should be able to refuse and say no, but he let her lead the way for some food. He was hungry as well. It is possible that a part of his brain is thinking he might 'get some' in return for this act. If he didn't have a sense of restraint he possibly would've let out a perverted smile.
It actually didn't take long to find a suitable location for the duo to eat. It was just a simple fast food restaurant, nothing much to gush over. Linda was clearly enjoying her food as she was simply wolfing it down. They would eat in silence as neither had anything to say.
Tyler was just thinking into space, not realizing he was staring at Linda.
She raised a brow and stopped eating, "Something you want?"
He blinked a bit, surprised at her question. He shook his head and returned to looking into space. Linda gave a shrug and continued eating. Nothing of note would immediately happen after that, other than a quick farewell of course. Though Linda did mention that she'll find him when she's hungry again.
…..
Tyler gave a long gaze towards the open sea. The boat that he was on was smoothly and steadily drifting along the sea.
Not even immediately after he got back he was told that they had all agreed to head to Leanbox. He was prepared for any possible threats, mostly because he wanted to fill the pages of the grimoire as quickly as he can. To his surprise it was actually a trip to the beach in Leanbox. He didn't even need to ask a question as RED was the one who shouted out, "Mostly to get my levels up with my wifeys also something about relaxing after that serious thing….."
The plan was to take a boat to Leanbox, buy some swimwear, relax and have fun. The only ones who didn't want to go were Lydia and Ance. Lydia didn't want to stray too far from her mother and Ance….. What was her reason again? He kind of forgot when RED wouldn't stop pestering her to come with them. Was it something about being new? Someone had to watch Lydia? Embarrassed to be in a swimsuit?
Whatever the reason was, it's long in the past. He gave a small sigh as he laid back on the bench he was sitting on. The rays of the sun felt warm. Is this why people praise the sun?
He felt another presence sit itself on the same bench he was at. He gave a small glance to his side to see a man who possibly looked in their fifties, perhaps their sixties. He wore a simple green polo shirt and jeans.
"Hey Sonny, beautiful day today isn't it?" The man spoke in an almost cliche old person way, Honestly it reminded him of his grandpa.
The boy gave a nod to the man sitting next to him, to which the man smiled.
"It's good to see youngsters enjoying a beautiful day, this may be an overused phrase, but it reminds me of me when I was young and hip." The man gave a smirk and a snicker escaped his mouth, "Back in my day we didn't have The Guild, when trouble was-a-brewing people solved it and hoped they got a reward out of it." He slipped into a kind of southern old man accent.
The boy smiled at the joke, it wasn't enough to garner a laugh, but it was good.
The man extended his hand towards the boy, "Name's Mark. Recently retired tactician and general for the Leanbox Army, ground forces. Alas my age has made me forget most of my tactics, but I still know how to fight."
The boy grasped the hand of the man named Mark, "Tyler Jordan, your average teenager." He gave the hand a firm shake.
Mark smirked, "You don't look like the type to get all the ladies without even trying."
This time the boy let out a small snort of laughter.
The two would continue to have some small talk with Mark leading the conversations. It was mostly the man reliving some memories of close encounters with monsters, some kind of rivalry with a few seamen, bragged about not having anyone die on him, and was able to meet the Goddess Green Heart herself. Suffice to say this man has lead a full life.
"-anyway I had to spend the day in a prison cell in Lastation, because the cake was poisoned and since I was the one who delivered it I was the main suspect. That was not a fun day, I hope Robin didn't think it was me, because-"
He didn't finish his sentence as the boat made a sudden stop and the two met the floor.
"What the hell? I've seen a tank stop more softer than this." Mark commented as he rubbed his body a bit, "You alright kiddo?"
The boy nodded as he simply stood up and dusted off his clothes.
"Please excuse the sudden stop. It appears that we're being stopped by some sea monsters, nothing too major just a bunch of giant crabs. Anyone who can fight, fight. Anyone who can't get to a safe area until the coast is clear." The female voice of the captain told over the intercom.
"Wait… why are there no defenses for sea monsters?" 'There are sea monsters too?' Tyler asked Mark.
"The sea is relatively safe! No matter, though. I may be old, but I can still fight!" Mark summoned a lance.
'Cool.' The boy still couldn't get over the fact that people are able to pull weapons out of hyperspace. He couldn't, but you know….
The boy just readied his Uzi, not awesomely pulling it out of hyperspace however.
"Pirates off the port bow! No wait, Ninja Pirates off the port bow! Wait! Monster Ninja Pirates off the port bow."
The duo looked out towards the clear ocean to see a wooden ship flying a black flag with a skull on it. It did definitely scream PIRATES!
"It has come to my attention that there are 'Monster Ninja Pirates' near our vicinity! As I said before those who can't fight get to a safe area. All crew I issue out the order to fix bayonets! We're not letting these bastards take this ship!" The captain sounded a bit more alert than when she told about the crabs.
"Well this is going to be interesting. Haven't had a good fight in a long while!" Mark shouted.
The boy turned around to see Mark suddenly in armor. He was decked head to toe in heavy metal platings with an overall green palette. Mark looked menacing as he held his lance and gave it a twirl. Forget monsters this guy was ready to take on an army. Mark took a small step forward and the sounds of the platings clanking together made itself evident. The boy could've sworn that the boat shook a bit with the small step.
A giant crab like creature hopped up to face the fully armored man and swiped a claw at him. A small chink sound could be heard as the claw hopelessly hit the armored man. Mark thrusted the lance straight into the crab's shell and caused it to instantly disappear into pixels.
"Let's go kiddo." Mark simply said as he began to walk towards the possible pirate entryway. The boat did shake every step he took. Forget the pirates and monsters, the boat would be lucky to withstand the armored Mark.
…..
Main Mission 7: Leanbox, HO!
Defend the boat.
Defeat: The boat is sunken, taken over, or something inbetween./ All allies defeated.
Guest fighter: Mark (AKA clutch character for this. If you lose that's on you.)
….
The boy didn't have to do anything really, a bunch of crab monsters show up, then BAM the armored man took care of it!
Oh look a small bird monster. The boy took aim at it and fired a small controlled burst….. Okay that was an actual bird… stop wasting bullets. To his side a small octopus creature hopped up on the rails. Fire started to appear from its circular mouth, but the boy wouldn't let that happen as he did it in just like the bird, at least this time it exploded into pixels.
The two continued on, Mark obviously taking the lead. They happened upon a familiar cow girl finishing off a crab monster with a shotgun. She got onto the back of the creature and unloaded, the creature quickly went down and disappeared into pixels.
"I've seen a bull more aggressive than you." She momentarily took off her cowboy hat to wipe some sweat off her brow. She turned to meet the boy, "Hey kid. Pirates huh? Exciting isn't it? Nisa and RED are currently occupied with some monsters below and helping some civilians get to safety, it'll be a while before they show up."
She took aim towards her side and shot a monster that just hopped up, "Probably a few minutes before they get here, for now let's just deal with these guys." She then shifted her gaze towards the armored Mark, "Howdy, it's nice to meet you. People call me The Courier or T.C if you want to keep it short."
"The name's Mark, retired general and tactician. I may be old, but I can still kick some ass."
T.C gave a small smirk, "I like you."
Hopefully it wouldn't take long for all this to be over and done with. Tyler did have to wonder how things were going back at the warehouse.
…..
Ance was currently sitting down on a hospital chair, looking towards a bed with Lydia and her mother in it. She couldn't help, but smile at the scene before her.
"So a maid, huh?" Madea asked the maid.
Ance nodded her head, "Yep, recently employed too."
Medea smiled as she then picked up her child, "You are starting to become a spoiled little one aren't you?" She pinched her daughter's cheeks, who giggled in return. "Getting your own maid, are they giving you gifts, or perhaps something else?" She gave Lydia a large hug, "Don't worry, Mama will be out sooner or later."
Medea offered a gesture for Ance to come over. She did just that and leaned down to hear Medea whisper in her ear, "Would you mind doing me a favor? Do you mind taking her to Waysub? It's her favorite place to eat."
Ance smiled, "I'll see what I can do."
"Also would you mind getting me some meatballs. The food here isn't extremely likable."
"Okay." Ance smiled and nodded
"Okay, Lydia. Ance here is going to get you some food at Waysub. Make sure to get whatever you like."
Lydia smiled and hopped off the bed, she followed the maid out of the room to get some food, but not before waving a 'bye' of course.
….
After a few minutes of dealing with crab monsters, the pirate ship was nearly on them. The ship was filled to the brim with 'Monster Ninja Pirates' mostly Dogoos' wearing ninja uniforms and pirate hats.
"Yar-goo!"
"Aww, I want to pet them" T.C cooed, before pulling out a rocket launcher.
This reminded the boy that he did have some grenades that needed to be put into a launcher. After a quick bit of fumbling around he loaded one of them into the tube.
T.C fired off first, then him second, resulting in two different explosion's that obviously damaged the opposing ship.
"Yaarrrgh, they be trying to sink us, board them men!" A female voice shouted some commands to the monsters.
A resounding "Yar-goo!" occurred and a bunch of pirates prepared to board the ship they were on.
"The fires of justice shall never be put out!" Nisa jumped out of a doorway and was soon followed by RED.
Without any words to be exchanged Nisa managed to jump across the water and onto the boat filled to the brim with pirate monsters, RED followed suit.
"Yarrgh! They be boarding us!"
Mark gave a hearty laugh, "Those girls are crazy. But that's nothing!"
The armored man twirled his lance and threw it at the boat. To the surprise of the boy and T.C a long chain was on it. The lance made contact with the boat and with one mighty tug from Mark he managed to pull the boat right next to theirs.
They would have no time to think about the amazing spectacle as Mark stepped onto the other boat, taking charge and wiping out many of monster crew. T.C and Tyler's eyes met, each gave a smile and a nod as adrenaline flowed through their veins. They quickly boarded the pirate ship.
It would appear that the crab monsters had an idea to board the pirate ship as well. The crab monsters were fighting against the small party and the Monster Ninja Pirates.
Nisa was kicking monsters left and right, RED was throwing her yo-yos around, Mark was swinging a lance around, T.C was taking out enemies left and right with dual shotguns, and Tyler was also taking out a couple of enemies, making sure to stay behind Mark. Honestly it was kind of fun to the boy, just the right amount of crazy.
After a few minutes of the crazy 'fun' fighting giant tentacles appeared out of the ocean.
"It be the Kraken!"
Everything stopped fighting each other to try and take out the Kraken. It was grabbing monsters left and right, but on a certain few monsters. Dynamite was strapped to the chests of a few monsters, including the captain, and they let out a 'Yargh!' as they were pulled into the depths of the ocean
A few resounding series of explosions underwater later and the tentacles disappeared into pixels. The fighting continued on for several minutes, until there was nothing left of the monsters.
The boy let out a sigh as he slowly walked back towards the boat he was previously on, boarded it, and sat on a bench and slouched down. He gave a small giggle at the situation, if he ever had to admit anything it would be that battle was actually fun. Sure it strangely escalated extremely quickly, but it was the amount of craziness to be considered fun.
A nap would be in order for him as he somewhat comfortably laid down on the bench and lost himself to sleep.
….
Main Mission 7: Complete
….
Well…. Leanbox sure was different. The building were some shade of white and green, but what's up with that one box like structure… it seemed to take a lot of space. The sunny skies and humidity reminded him of a certain place called Florida.
After a quick farewell to Mark, he and the small guild were just walking around Leanbox. Though… uh… it would appear that he has gotten a tad bit lost. One second he was looking at some food in a window the next they were gone.
Meh… he's a big boy he can take care of himself. He did find a pair of swim trunks with a floral pattern, but has no idea where to go. The three others could be anywhere on the island of Leanbox….. Maybe he should've stayed back at Planeptune, he probably would've gotten some game consoles or something like that.
…
This was supposed to be a fun and short chapter. Nothing too serious, may seem out of place, but for me it was fun to do. I wonder how many will get who Mark is a reference to?
No beach for Tyler as he got lost.