Author pow:
All right, here are responses to reviews:
Guest - I'm glad you like it, thanks for the time btw.
Maken pow:
- Nice place, just as I heard many times. - I told to myself with enthusians as my group went from the ship onto the land of Kuo Kuana, main city of island known as Menagerie.
- Only a trading zone combined with a small port. Actual Kuo Kuana is a minute or two of walk forward from here. - Lowered my expectations Blake, taking the front of our group as if she was a tour guide (I mean, she is from here after all.).
- Sure, lead the way please. - Said Volt, eager to move forward to which we all obeyed.
- So, most of Faunus in the whole Remnant are here and live a best life they can? - Asked Emerald, as we walked throu somewhat busy streets between people of all sorts.
- Yes, this is the one place where everyone can feel safe, no matter who or what they are. - She replied with some sort of falling hope, most likely a side effect of White Fang brutal turn to violence that threaten this status quo.
- Well, we all already know that this island isn't very nice to enhabit because of local wildlife so we can skip that. - Now was Seb's turn to speak. - So where do you... Live... - He stopped talking as we all took a stop at small hill and saw an actual Kuo Kuana in all it's glory. The view before us was a valley filled with small houses and one VERY big house on the middle of it. (And I absolutely mean it, it had a size of atleast six small omes just from the front!).
- So this is Kuo Kuana. - Said Cham, barely holding on his legs out of amazement.
- You of all people are telling me this... - Added Sebastian, not feeling much diffrent.
- Yes, yes it is. - Said Blake with lowered head.
- Having doubts about coming back here or... - I went quickly to try defuse the situation, sensing darker feeling in her.
- Well, we all as a faunus wanted to be equal, but instead were given a remote island and told to do it ourselves. And althrough we did the best we could in making this place our new home where everyone an be welcome, this islans and town is still a reminder that we are not equal... - She said with visible ammoint of grief.
- Whoa, whoa, whoa. I'm stopping you right there. - I went forward and catched her by arms, making her stop. - That's why we're here. If things go even half as succesful as I plan it, this place will be greater than some of Four Kingdoms and be consider equal anyway. - I said with hopeful voice, earning her attention back from dark thoughts. - But enough daydreaming, we have family reunion to assist. - I commanded to the group, moving after Blake right after downhill.
- You're sure? - Blake asked me, losing her grip on my ideas.
- Of course I am, otherwise why should I be so engaged by that? - I asked with joyous tone to lighten her mood.
(A minute of silent walking forward later.)
- Feeling unsure about going back? - I Asked Blake as she stood before door knocker, with me right behind her and everyone else shortly after at low staircase made of stone.
- I um... You got it again. - She nervously switched from hesitance to cherfulness and used the knocker, which maked a noise loid enough to make Blake take a few steps back and bump me as a result.
- I got your back, as promised. - I added in reaction, trying to help her nervousness with medicore result.
Right after I said that, the doors open and revealed a rather short, mid-aged female that was also a cat faunus with brunette hair and pair of cat ears peeking from behind to see who knocked.
- Blake? - She asked in suprise.
- Hi, mom. - Blake replied to her, with her akwardness reachimg critical levels.
- Good morning, Miss Belladonna. - I replied in official manner, mąki g a sidestep to the left to give Blake some space behind in case of whatever.
- My baby girl. - Said woman, quickly going forward and giving her a big hug. Blake was a bit confuse for a while but luckly smiled and gave her own hug shortly after.
- "At least I don't have to help her with talking to her own family right now, kind of neat at this point." - I thought full of hope, but still maintaning a strong, gentke expression on the outside.
- Kali? Who is it? - Asked strong, manly voice from inside the house. Making woman take herself off Blake and turn around. Then in front of us standed a Man at beginning of his second half of life, an absolute man when it comes to the physical side of his body (no doubt on this one). The man quickly turned his face expression from puzzled to very suprised upon seeing who arrived.
Obviousley, being a well mannered people in official moments, all three of us stood outside, waiting for reaction of house owner with various thoughts just for him to hug Blake alongside Kali, giving me enough time to turn around, give my team order to have some free time thanks to me using sigh language and turn back again to greet father of my best friend.
(Around fiveteen minutes later.)
- We were horrified when we heard the news. The Kingdom Of Vale isn't perfect, but it certainly didn't deserve what happened. Oh, we were both so worried. - Kali said to us with shaken face as she sat down to us at the small table where we were already drinking tea in group of four.
- Please, I knew she'd be fine! - Cut in Ghira with calm tone, evidently being ensured in his opinion judging by facts.
- That isn't the slightest bit true. You should have seen him pacing. - Scoffed Kali, almost making both of them argue over their assumptions.
- Well, true or not, it doesn't change the fact that it happen. - I said in judgemental tone, taking attention of all three Belladonnas in the room and taking hołd of the situation.
- What do you mean by that, Mr. Pedington? - Asked me Ghira with insulted look.
- To be truthful Sir Belladonna, Kindgom Of Vale was not a safe country, especially from inside. There was many group who united and let Grimm inside it. - I said, showing off my vast knowledge about the matter and making Cheftian of Menagerie hold himself back.
- What do you mean by that? - Asked Ghira, now confused.
- Criminals, gangsters, traitors within citizens of Vale and students of Beacon Academy, exterminist wing inside White Fang... - Counted Blake, taking her own role in explaining the issue.
- Exterminists inside the White Fang!? Who? - Exclaimed Ghira, now completley taken off balance.
- Group of people willing to brutally force humans into submission as form of returning the favor instead of peacefully negotiating with them who are focused around individual known as Adam Taurus. They basically consider self-defence promoted by Sienna Khan as inefficient and too passive to convince humans. - I informed furious chieftan with as calm face as possible, spotting with a sideways look that Blake was currently busy talking with her mum and making akward face.
- I need ot admitt, you have perfect timing Mr. Pedington. It seems I can ask some people about it here and now. Blake, come with me please. - Said Ghira, as he exit the room with Blake following shortly after.
- This was very agressive for him, he doesn't usually act that way. - Said Kali with a bit of frustration and afraidness.
- We can't blame him for that. He wanted to make peaceful coexistation between faunus and humans but now sees his dream turn into exact opposite. That's also additional reason why I came here with my small team. I still wonder what are they doing right now... - I justified approach of Ghira before his wife and then moved my thoughts to second question and listening to what other people were telling me.
(Somewhere around this time, recreational part of Kuo Kuana)
Volt pow:
- "Okay, let's check the situation." - I told to myself on mind as I looked around the street to see who is where. - "Sebastian and Chan are talking with local shop owners... And they even bother to buy some stuff, great." - I make a positive wince while looking on the right side. - "Now to the left we have... Emerald making influencal friend..." - I thought seeing Emerald talk to two man dressed in expensive traditional suits while moving her hips left and right. - " ...And Lync. Lync is... Making himself popular within lower classes." - I told to myself in disappointment, seeing Lync drinking in a pub with few locals, weeping from ammount of drinks he already finished. - "In worst case I will just make him stick to internal jobs and don't go to town too much." - I ended my individual brainstorm and went to look for building materials.
(Back at Belladonna family house)
- I guess you're right. But still, how will we do it? Faunus currently are more and more preferable towards violent measures. - Said Kali with despair.
- Exacly Mister. How? - Asked me Ghira, now back in the room with Blake.
- Well. - I said with a bit of reserve. - I personally suggest deep changes on our own to keep up with them or at least... Redirection of people's anger. - I added, as Griffon and Ravenoid went from my and Blake pockets and sat on our respective shoulders. - And this friend will help us. - I triumphally added, making both Ghira nad Kali stunned.
- I think I can explain this to them. You have rest of us to worry about. - Said to me Blake, taking out her gauntlet, until nowe hidden under long sleeve of her white coat.
- Got it. - I responded to her, taking my own gauntlet from the jacket sleeve and putti g Teleport ability card into it. - Tell me how it ended please! - I said in a bit too high tone as I was teleported from the room and went onto the eastern suburbs of Kuo Kuana, now in front of the other five squad members.
- How did it went? - Asked me Volt with curious face.
- Preety good, Blake has it handled no problem. - I replied to him, turning around towards the exit from populated area. - We are going to settle ourselves ona a desert east of the Kuo Kuana. The Island has very dangerous wildlife compared to rest of the Remnant but I know we can handle that guys. - I said, moving forward. - Now, let's get moving. - I added to my team, as they followed me to clear the area.
(Around half an hour later.)
Blake pow:
- Hi Blake, how did it went and why are you back so soomln? - I asked my teammate as she joined me deser that my crew just got cleared.
- It went actually good, but you are is need of proof that all those things you're talking about are real. - She answerd me with a sigh of resignation.
- Nothing easier, we will give them exhibition brawl, right guys? - I turned around to ask rest of the team.
- How about we make this brawl between Chan Lee and Emerald? - Said Lync, jumping into discussion with his idea, still being under effect of whatever he drinked back in pub.
- Fine to me. - Answered Emerald without care, cinfindent in herself.
- I'm in! - Chan did the same with enthusiasm.
- So , can this brawl happen here and now? - Asked me Ghira Belladonna from behind, making me turn again to face him.
- Sure it can, but only in large, open space like one we are in right now. Collateral damage is no joke. - Said Volt, giving conditions nedded for proper brawl.
(Timeskip, around a minute later)
- Everybody ready? - I asked whole group, taking the observation stand behind Emerald with Belladonna family at the safe distance, while rest of the group did the same behind Chan.
- Yes! - Both brawling girls replied in unision.
- Go for it then, but remember it's still a sparing match! - I gave last instruction before letting the battle begin.
- Gauntlet, power strike! - Both girls shouted, making time stop in place and battlefield to emerge around all watchers.
- The time... Really did stop. - Said Kali with astonishment, typical reaction for such a event.
- And we haven't even started. - I added with a small smile, informing chieftess of what was about to come.
Narrator pow:
- Gate card set! - Shouted Emerald, throwing her gate card on the flat sand we were all standing on, where it expanded with orange light across the field. - Ready Fly Beetle? - She asked her partner, taking him from her arm into hand.
- The challanges are meant to be overcomed, and my ones are no exception! - Shouted Subterra bakugan in his usual wise style.
- Oh you! - Sqeaked Emerald before taking a throwing stance. - Bakugan brawl! Fly Beetle stand! - She shouted, throwing her bakugan on the field where he opened and revealed his true form of brown beetle.
- Allmighty Terra, give me your unresistible power! - Shouted bakugan, rising above the ground with his proclamation.
- This one looks animalistic. - Pointed out Ghira, still processing how creature like this cam just pop out from the such small ball.
- Most of them are animalistic indeed. - Said Blake, taking the role of explainator. - But some are not. - She added, seeing Chan Lee making her martial arts.
- Bakugan brawl! Fourtress stand! - She said, as four-faced warrior rised from the ground and let out a warcry.
Emerald - 100%, Fly Beetle - 350g
Chan Lee - 100%, Fourtress - 400g
- Like this one, for example. - Blake added the last part to her geniuenly scared dad.
- Abiliy activate! Robust Wave! - Shouted Emerald, loading her card into the gauntlet and loading it in with diagnal arm movement to lock the card in gauntlet.
- Fell the might of the earth! - Shouted Fly Beetle while orange forcefield escaoee from his wings, formed a wall in front of him an went forward to strike Fourtress.
Fly Beetle - 350g = 550g
Fourtress - 400g = 200g
- Abiliy card activate! Face of Rage! - Shouted Chan, countering her opponent ability.
- Face my wrath! - Roared Fourtress at top of his lungs, taking out his swords which covered in flame. Then he put them in diamond shape before his chest, taking the hit with slight problem along the way.
Fourtress - 200g = 400g
- Not enough! Ability activate! - Shouted greenette, loading another ability card into gauntlet. - Buzzing Driver! - She added, while Fly Beetle destabilized frequency with which he moved his wings up and down, causing Fourtress to drop his swords fall on his knees, scream in pain.
- Fourtress - 200g = 0g
- Gate card open! Active Ghost! - Shouted Emerald in triumph, causing Fourtress to explode and return to Chan in ball form.
Chan Lee - 100% = 0%
- Nice one my dear. - Commented with a proud voice Fly Beetle before going back to Emerald's hands.
- This was... Quick but also impressive. - Said Ghira Belladonna as time return to normal. - I say that I'm more than intrested in this bakugan battles. This is like a god's gift to us to fight Grimm! - He commented with a impodmssible to hide astonishment.
- I know Sir, that's why our group took the idea of brawling in the first place. - Maken took his turn to speak up. - And I have very ambitious idea that will change Remnant forever. - He continued with his inner passion reaching maximum. - And I feel obligated to request an important conversation about bakugan right here and now. - He ended, making deadpen that emitated confidence even to people who couldn't see it.
Sebastian pow:
- Well, this is going quick. - Said Volt, seeing Maken and Ghira go away from the group, presumeably for a talk while Blake went with her mother and Emerald on the side, most likely to do the same. - But you might want to talk with Chan a little bit. I have to keep an eye on this one for a while. - He told me and the turned to Lync who just happen to lie on the ground the whole time.
- Right. - I said with a suprise before going forward to Chan who was picking up Fourtress from the ground.
- Hey Chan, you're ok? - I asked her calmly.
- Eeek! Don't scare me like that! - She shouted in suprise and jumped away.
- Sorry, I just need to know if you're right. - I exclaimed in orderly fashion.
- Yeah, yeah, I'm fine, I'm fine seriously. - She chuged a little with sweat on her face.
- "Yup, she's definitely not ok." - I came to unpleasant realisation. - "But why? She wasn't that much concerned about this stuff earlier." - I wondered with my thoughts, lookung for an answer while Chan went to join Emerald and female part of Belladonna family.
- How about we approach her when the time is right? - Asked me Fall Hydranoid from my shoulder.
- I think that'a for the best. I didn't want to be too late for her again but I can't have everything. - I told myself before turning On my feet and walking to Volt and Lync who were busy mumbling about why drinking isn't always a good idea.
Maken pow:
- So let me sum up young man. You want me to use general increase of intrest in bakugans to make Menagerie an actual kingdom? - Asked me Ghira with disbelief.
- Of course I do, Sir. I wouldn't even dare to suggest that otherwise. - I answered him with a confident face, unintentionally starting a question-answer style of dialouge.
- But what about opinions of Four Kingdoms?
- Atlas and Vacuo are too far away, Vale was heavly raided few months ago and barely made progress in recovery so far. And don't make start talking about Mistral please, in this place huntsman are non stop send for suicide missions by corrupted headmaster of Haven Academy. Also, why not make kingom on our own instead of unsucessful pleading the humans? That's the exact reason White Fang went brutal. They just seek pride by more efficient methods than aimless and passive waiting for others to change.
- How am I supposed to convince people about this?
- Simple, words about bakugans are already coursing around Kuo Kuana and perhabs other settlements of Menagerie, so they will naturally want to see it in action.
- And?
- And that's where we unite our powers. You will give me this worthless part of desert we are currently on, then my team will build here while complex for bakugan brawling. After that, we will together announce big tournament in there, you can even add other disciplines like normal fighting or shooting ranges if you want. And at the end of tournament you will use gained momentum and popularity to proclaim Menagerie a kingdom, changing number of these from four to five.
- What about huntsmans? As a kingdom we will need to make an academy and other things.
- Why have huntsmans when we have bakugans? They are way stronger, cost slightly less because of weapon maintenance and brawlers have same loyality as huntsman, they are objectively better. And this complex I want to be build will have role of academy, sice that's where people will train their brawiling skills.
- So what about White Fang?
- They will be thrown at the backseat of internal politics. Losing grip in Menagerie will make them eventually emigrate to four original kingdoms and give you free hands.
- But what I will gain?
- At first, you will move from smile and wave, whatever others do approach to actual kingd of Menagerie who posesses entire Southwest Remnant under his merciful reign, because democracies pretending to be monarchies are stupid. Second, you will gain actual power to make peace with humans just as you wanted. And last, Blake will actually have one worry less. Sshe does want to have faunus as equal to others too.
- Any last words to add Mister?
- I will personally engaged myself in realisation and stay under your hand as heart of loyalist movement. All I need is permissions and coooeration that is characteristic for great allies.
- Seems ambitious and foolproof as all great plans should be. Let's inform others about my verdict here and now so you can go to work. - Said Ghira, finally ending the cycle of questioning.
- Gladly, Sir. - I answered in professional manner as all respectful people do.
- in that case I will go back to my house with rest of family and do necessary parerwork. Feel free to inform your team Mr. Maken. - Said to me chieftan with amused look before going to takę Blake and Kali with himself.
- What do you think Maken, is he really believing you? - Asked me Griffon with unsure tone.
- I think he does. If there is something specific about pacifists then it's that they're usually greatful, especially when you already befriended part of their family. - I said with a slow tilt of my head before going back to my group. An important step was coming and I wanted to be absolutely sure things go just as planned.
