RP: 5th Fleet [Chapter Seven] We're Not In Yamatai Anymore...

"Ara-ara, aren't they hungry?" Kuroneko asked nobody in particular. Having let her own Hobgoblin go, it was now one of the remaining two that the others faced down, and had decided to chase down.

As Yuzuki rapidly spoke mind-to-mind with the other Nekovalkyrja, her steps became long as she bounded across the ground at impressive speed. Seeing the newcomer do this and feeling her words, Aya immediately did the same and was a blur following fast behind her. Leaping, flipping over her prey, Yuzuki's spear stabbed out mid-air, striking down at the armored Hobgoblin. Well trained and drilled, it raised its iron skinned shield high and blocked the attack, but an arrow darted in fast and hard! Rin's shot struck it cleanly in the gut, the bodkin punching through the brigandine's plates and the gambeson underneath. Howling in pain, it fell to its knees, randomly lashing at its attackers like a wounded animal, unable to flee.

Aya, closing in fast from the side, swung at the remaining Hobgoblin with her horse-chopper as it continued to methodically backpedal into the woods. However, her blows struck shield or she was repulsed entirely by its spear - the two handed weapon she held was made for a much smaller creature, and just didn't have the reach she needed! And worse still, the woods were thickening the deeper this fight went.

Not too far away however, a small person spoke up,

"You know, preparing the wagon first is the better tactical decision," Sif pointed out. With Dimitri's decision to hang back and start scavenging, he had already gathered up Aya's dropped sword and another two while Kuroneko proceeded to remove the brigandine from one of the dead Hobgoblins with completely noble intentions.

Quietly annoyed that the thing had been able to respond to her sudden vertical assault as effortlessly as it had Yuzuki's mood dropped slightly; only to be elevated by the welcome sound of tearing flesh and pain. In the same instant her legs came down onto the surface of the thing's shield and she pushed off quickly to give herself some distance from the wounded creature. Settling from her attack Yuzuki watched carefully as she settled into a comfortable half crouch with her shield raised before starting a careful circling motion looking for an opening in her quarry's defences with which to send her spear home.

As she hunted for her opening Yuzuki payed little heed to the chiding of the miniature Neko, as the prime worry in her mind was the creatures returning with more of their kin. A relatively small group of them had caused trouble for those she had stumbled upon, a larger band of them might result in needless fatalities. Hopefully none of them would escape, though should any make it away she supposed she'd have to deal with the problems that would bring later, for now there was only the flailing form before her, and a carefully administered death.

After grabbing the swords, Dimitri picked up a few shields as well, since they were made for smaller creatures, he wondered if they would be cumbersome so after putting everything in the cart, his quickly strapped a shield to his forearm and tested how well he could move his crossbow, hoping it would be a lot like using the shield on a Daisy while firing with both hands.

Either way he put the gear up then untangled the wood from the wheels of the carriage, and made sure the horses were calm. "If we continue on our way at a moderate pace, they shouldn't really be able to catch us I figure."

Rin approached the wounded hobgoblin, but stayed well out of its reach as it howled in pain from the wound in its gut. She kept an arrow knocked and had it aimed at the creature's head. Rin was not sure if the creature would understand her, but perhaps some intel could be gleaned.

"Why did you attack us? Where did you come from?"

Aya opened her mouth to contest Sif's point, but relented. Like Dimitri said, there was a good chance that if they kept up a steady pace they could outrun any would-be avengers. She was also confident the group had made an impression that wouldn't be forgotten any time soon.

"Okay," said Aya finally, resisting the almost instinctive compulsion to add 'Ma'am'. The Neko stopped attacking and allowed the last hobgoblin to widen the gap. Loosening her hold on the horse chopper, she nevertheless brought it with her back to the caravan. An extra weapon or two couldn't hurt, right? She decided to leave Rin to her impromptu interrogation; she seemed to have it under control. At least, if the new Neko didn't kill the hobgoblin first.

Gracefully arcing through the air, Yuzuki landed on her feet like a cat as Rin nocked another arrow, slowly closing in. Shouting at it, demanding from the being, it merely gave the red skinned Neko a bestial growl as it shielded itself from the archer. Backing away as hot blood trickled onto the plants and loamy earth at their feet, it ignored the newest Neko in the group as she circled behind, searching for that perfect strike.

"I was talking to Dimitri," Sif's little feline ears flicked back in annoyance. "While everyone else went to try and finish the last, he was dealing with more logistical matters," she explained, crossing her arms. "Hmph. Gathering loot instead of preparing an escape first. Stupid. If this were Legendary or Nightmare difficulty, we'd be attacked again already." As she said this, Dimitri toyed around with the very same loot that she was referring to. Unfortunately for the young man, he quickly found out that their small round shields were center grip, and not even the kind that had enough room for him to wiggle his arm through.

"My, are you interested in polearms now?" Kuroneko asked Aya as she eyed her holding the horse chopper. The tiger haired Neko was holding one of the Hobgoblin's shields with her hand on the far end, the rim wedged against her hips. It was laden with this and that which she picked up from her opponent, including the brigandine which it wore. "You could try the spear here for something a bit longer, or just go back to your short sword," the older Neko commented; it was unfortunately still stuck in a goblin's head. "I think both would work well with or without their shields. Though, I favor something nice and long myself," she seductively smiled at them.

As though to make her point, Yuzuki saw the very gap she had been looking for thanks to Rin. Rushing in as fast as the wind, her spear thrust forward and bit, the tip striking the edge of an iron square. It didn't penetrate at first, only to tilt it aside within the very leather it was riveted to before shoving in between the armor plates and into the wearer. With a gurgling howl, it bit into its back, sending it toppling over as its lungs filled with blood. However, the other Hobgoblin quickly faded into the woods, the dark gaps in between the green all the more ominous as it did so.

"Dimitri is right that reinforcements shouldn't catch us anytime soon, though I admit they are surprisingly disciplined for bandits." Looking at Rin, she added. "Gathering intel is a good idea, but getting it out of them may have taken some work considering this." The seven inch tall woman had a point though. They fought in a relatively disciplined formation that was likely too much for mere bandits; for whatever reason, they even believed they had the upper hand. A complete falsehood given that there were so many Nekovalkyrja in the party. "Either way, unless you have questions, gather up what you can from their bodies quickly. We should get moving again," Sif ordered them about.

Meanwhile, under the carriage, a pair of goblins lay foaming at the mouth.

Dimitri chuckled some to Sif. "Well I'm not sure you all would run even if it was 'nightmare mode'." He was a little disappointed at the design of the shields, but they still had their uses. While working on the wagon he noticed the goblins underneath and figured it was best not to ask about that or to touch them and just clear the debris out and taking their weapons.

"You know, in games i played, those goblins wouldn't be bandits, but rather the elite goblin soldiers. They do what we consider the work of bandits, but their culture considers them soldiers. Maybe that's why they were so disciplined?" Once everything was done he got back on top of the wagon.

Pulling her spear back Yuzuki watched the dying thing for a moment to ensure that it wasn't going to rally and recover. It was pitiable she supposed thrashing as it drowned itself, still she wasn't sad to see it die. Given the circumstances that she had stumbled upon it had likely deserved its fate. Working the straps of her shield Yuzuki was soon shrugging out of the embrace of her pack and travel gear, placing her spear and shield against the bag before starting on the process of helping to remove the log that had been wedged in the wagon's spokes.

She didn't think it would be too much trouble to toss what they wanted to bring into the wagon once they were capable of mobility again. While it would be a bit of a waste it was better to leave behind the equipment of the enemies should they need to flee, than get butchered due to greed. Noting that she had yet to make any formal introduction Yuzuki grinned a little as visions filled her mind with choirs, sunbeams, and dramatic sparkles. While she accepted that the ideal scenario was unlikely, she at least hoped to make her introduction a bit more interesting than a simple cordial hello.

"I just thought that every weapon we could get our hands on might be useful," said Aya. A sheepish smile crept onto her face. "It's not like we have the cash to buy more right now... but I'll take a shield instead." Kuroneko's innuendo had the effect of making the young blue Neko clam up as she scuttled over to the hobgoblin's body. She retrieved her short sword with a good, hard yank. Still squirming from embarrassment, she filched a shield that looked to be still in serviceable condition and returned to the carriage.

"That's an interesting theory, Dimitri," said Aya to the Nepleslian. "'Course, life isn't a video game... I suppose we'll just have to see what we uncover!"

"Oh, and by the way..." Aya's attention shifted to the new Nekovalkyrja who was helping free the carriage's wheels. "I don't think I ever got your name. Santô Hei Miyamoto Aya at your service!" She grinned and held out a hand for the other woman to shake.

Rin met eyes with the spear-wielding Neko who had dispatched the wounded hobgoblin. She nodded and lowered her bow, placing the unused arrow in her quiver. She knelt and quickly examined the hobgoblin for anything useful, and then headed back over to the carriage.

"How did you come to be in this part of the forest?" Rin asked Yuzuki while she gathered up any other nearby supplies and tossed them into the wagon. She paused and noticed the two goblins laying under the carriage, apparently foaming at the mouth. She pulled out her dagger from her belt and jabbed one of the goblins to make sure they were dead.

Dimitri's comments didn't irritate Sif, but instead, put a smile on her lips. And not the good kind.

It was thin and wry, and looking at him one moment, and then Kuroneko the next; she only got a cheery, happy-go-lucky one and a shrug back from the Tiger Neko. The only impression that the young man could feel was that he'd be abandoned like an unwanted child at the drop of a dime if Sif ever felt like it. Whatever would make her feel like it however, was up for debate. Still, she entertained him a bit longer. "This isn't a game, but the comparisons I make are there for a reason - the point is that some things will be easier, while some are harder, and even more things will be completely different," she pointed out. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, Sif's little chest rose and fell. "We need to take our preconceptions and throw them out the airlock."

As Yuzuki made to remove the obstruction from the wagon, Kuroneko gave off a fine, musical laugh.

"Of course, and there's nothing wrong with that!" she glowed at Aya. As the two made to gather up whatever they could find, they were quickly joined by the new Neko as well. Talking and chatting amongst themselves, the group gathered up three sets of slightly damaged brigandine that were simply too wide for them to wear, two short iron swords, a pair of iron rimmed and center gripped small shields and two horse choppers. Besides this, the three iron spears looked sturdy enough and well made despite their ugly, crude finish, with the same going for the large round strapped shields. Those of course, were damaged.

As they finished up, Sif gestured for them all to get back into the carriage - they couldn't dawdle forever.

"Just grab everything that looks vaguely interesting - we can toss anything we don't like later," she added. Along those lines however, the pouches at the Hobgoblins' belts looked promising.

Dimitri blinked at the expression Sif made, seeing her smile like that sent a shiver down his spine. "Sif...you need to work on your smile." He put his fingers on her tiny cheeks and made her smile more of a happy one. "You'll scare all the guys off if you smile like that when they give you presents." He then got himself into the carriage and waited for everyone to load up.

Pitching the log into the forest well off the side of the road Yuzuki made her way back to the wagon with a grin and a bit of a swagger to her step. Before she gave in to the urge of an introduction the Neko transferred her possessions from the road and into the back of the wagon. Once there she pulled her helmet from her head letting her shoulder length, flowing mane of patchy white and blue hair fall free. Looking over all gathered around with a huge smile painted to her face she cheerfully announced, "Santô Hei Museiosore Yuzuki, Fifth Fleet~"

She paused for dramatic effect before springing into her story, "As you well know, our forces are spread thin across this cheery little planet, so I was deployed all on my lonesome. After all any fine soldier of our cause should be more than capable of handling themselves! I spent my early days gathering information in the local taverns, and lent my talent for song to a bit of coin. I was looking for new leads down a fresh road when I happened upon your merry band. What a surprise it was! To find such fair maidens and a handsome man woefully besieged by hideous creatures! I simply had to help I couldn't bare the thought of such lovely individuals falling prey to those no doubt lecherous beasts! As such I crept through the forest stalking them like prey before rushing into combat to take them by surprise! Woefully they proved more canny than the brutes they seemed and the reinforcement was not nearly as decisive as I had hoped... However! We have all learned, and next time our foes will fall to our flashing blades and seeking missiles in no time~"

She finished almost on the verge of breaking into song, the last note hanging in the air for a moment as she struck a confident pose her toothy grin somewhat uncanny as she held herself for a moment before relaxing and urging cheerfully, "Toss me up the spoils and I'll help settle them in your wagon. Hopefully we won't have to spent too long amongst this grizzly scene."

Rin hopped up into the carriage and put out her hand to help Yuzuki up.

"Santô Hei Maki Rin," she said with a nod. She took her previous spot near the driver's seat, but she kept her bow handy should more local creatures become a problem.

"It's great to meet you, Yuzuki!" Aya's bright green eyes shone with excitement. "I'm pretty sure we would've won regardless, but you sure made the fight way easier!" Aya took this opportunity to get on the carriage. Jokingly, she added, "Remind me never to get on your bad side..."

Sif merely snorted at Dimitri.

"I don't get presents," she quickly pointed out. "There's nothing anyone can buy for me considering my size, and as a result of that, I can also simply fabricate whatever I want with little cost." It was an honest statement that most others likely didn't think about. Being a Mini-Neko, expenses for personal living and luxury were as small as they were, even though they got the same wage as anyone else. Yuzuki's colorful introduction however, drew Sif's gaze next.

"Hora!~" Kuroneko exclaimed. "Is it just me, or do we now have our Sixth Ranger?" she smiled. Despite the pleasantries that everyone else was exchanging however, the Mini-Neko grabbed the reigns, and with surprising strength, spurred the horses into a trot before Yuzuki could climb aboard. "Oh. I suppose not!~" the tiger haired Neko playfully shrugged, both hands turned up into the air. Looking at the rest, she asked, "Are any of you going to help her up?

Trotting along in pursuit of the wagon that had left her behind was a simple enough endeavour. Everything she had been carrying was loaded onto it, even if she was not. All in all she felt weightless. Keeping pace with the horse drawn wagon, Yuzuki hummed a Yuletide tune that made mention of horse drawn sleighs to amuse herself. While the attitude of her miniature sister was a little cold she supposed, Yuzuki was certain that she'd warm soon enough. After all, the others had.

As she followed along her mind wandered wondering after her old friends in the Second Fleet that she had been unfortunately separated from. Even further back she found herself wondering what had become of the other trainees that had dispersed into the Star Army after completing their time at Fort Hankou. So many sisters among the stars. Perhaps she'd see them all again?

Returning her attention to the present Yuzuki continued to follow along, keeping pace with the wagon a smile on her face as she ran. She didn't mind showing a little humility and running along behind the group, after all she had shown up and forced herself upon them. Whether they decided to invite her up eventually, or throw her gear off the back would be telling as to whether she struck out on her own again, or found a new group to befriend and delight.

Dimitri gave Yuzuki a light wave when she introduced herself. "Di...Greco Dimitri." He still was not used to the way YSE citizens introduced themselves with their surname first. Sif's brief contemplation had his attention as well, he might have stepped on a bit of a landmine he felt. He would have to remember that in the future.

Sif's response to Yuzuki was a rather surprising though, and he wasn't sure if she was being comical or serious. After seeing that Sif did not slow down he reached his hand out to Yuzuki. "I guess you're the yellow ranger even though you have blue hair since you're Yuzuki?"

Aya had indeed never considered the upsides of being a Mini-Neko. She had - perhaps naively - thought mostly of the downsides. Of course there would be advantages! Again she felt a little clueless, as though she hadn't already been through the baptism of fire that was actual combat. She nearly fell off the carriage as it suddenly moved forward, though she regained her balance before she had an embarrassing (and painful) pratfall.

She would have proffered her hand to help Yuzuki up if Dimitri hadn't beaten her to it. The current topic nevertheless made Aya's ears perk up. "Well, no matter which ranger Yuzuki is, I betcha Sif is the oh-so-dark, mysterious and brooding one! You know the type, right?" Aya adopted an exaggeratedly grim expression. "What is this 'fun' you speak of? Leave me be, I wish to contemplate the futility of existence!" Her tone was similarly over-the-top, and despite her best efforts she couldn't stop a snort of laughter from escaping her unbidden.

Accepting the offered hand with a cheer, Yuzuki made the Nepleslian's job easy by skipping up and negating her weight for a brief moment making the trip from the ground to the back of the wagon a largely effortless one. Glacial blue eyes bright and sparkling settled on Dimitri before she broke out into a friendly grin thanking him sincerely, "I appreciate the help Greco-san~ I was beginning to fear that you companion was going to let me run clear through the night!"

Connecting the dots of what had been said Yuzuki turned to address Aya, "Ano... Miyamoto-san isn't that a little cruel to say? Just because someone isn't always happy outwardly doesn't mean that they take no joy from life... Perhaps it is comments such as those that lead to her displeased disposition. After all she's probably none too happy that she now has to look after yet another of us larger folk. We're always getting into trouble ne?" She finished with a playful smile and a wink, fluttering her ears in a display of excitement as she settled next to her pack to fish out the throat of the water skin she had been carrying.

After a long moment spent slaking her thirst Yuzuki inquired with a bit of hushed reverence to her tone, "So... Pardon my curiosity, but have you fine Rangers managed to discover anything exciting so far?"