illomened: (crest)

[personal profile] illomened 2022-07-15 09:33 am (UTC)(link)
[Soujirou's just watching all these papers get passed around in the meantime before tugging at Sieghart's arm. With a furrowed brow, he whispers:]

Should I take one, too?

[Lucretia is just over there pressing a thumb to her temple like CHILD PLEASE she is so tired and she already has to deal with so much, suddenly having to protect a kid was not on the to-do list. With that same concerned sternness from before, she looks between Soujirou and Sieghart.]

To be perfectly frank, it would be best if he stayed behind in one of the towns before the checkpoint, or at the checkpoint itself. Our men could take care of him there.

[As for their good friend Bear, Nikaido pipes up with:]

That bear's got a killer nose, but can't see at all. We've got a few things on board that'll buy us enough time to get some distance if it shows up, and a few things that could help cover up the smell.

[But speaking of smell, she'll move out the door after that, grabbing the head to pack away into the barrel before heading out to load them onto the boat. Though hey wait a second--] —Huh? Why are there two of these?

[These lads are really just out here doing whatever the hell, huh.

The paper Sieghart hands over says:
Name: Master Splinter
Age: 50
Travel Permit #: 1989
Rank: Captain
Reason for travel: Transporting a dangerous prisoner of war
]
ercnerd: (20)

[personal profile] ercnerd 2022-07-15 09:48 am (UTC)(link)
[He looks at Soujirou, then at Lucretia—ugh, that costume.]

I told him that he could come with in exchange for leading me this far. Whether he stays behind or with us is his choice. But I'll tell you that he's lighter and faster on his feet than most.

[Not to mention he compensates for the lack of fully functional arms between Sieghart and Aikawa.

So the plan as regards the bear is to run away . . . Sieghart wishes he can give that bear the what for. As for the barrels, he lets Aikawa explain as he grabs an extra slip of paper that he holds out, leaving Soujirou to decide (in more ways than one).
]
illomened: (crest)

[personal profile] illomened 2022-07-15 09:58 am (UTC)(link)
[For sweet lowe who's in walking with a heavy laptop hell: Nikaido and Lucretia both seem 1) a little surprised?? but also 2) relatively understanding of the fact that he just found a body out there who was his BFF. They've lost a lot in this war, after all. He'll be able to take along his buddy; Nikaido will load both barrels into the ship, which already has a few others in the back.

Soujirou does not want to be a 50 year old though, go embrace your new sewer rat identity.

SIEGHART YOUR COSTUME BEEF. Lucretia looks like she has Something To Say about this, but Soujirou pipes up.]


I'm really fast! I won't get in the way or slow anyone down.

[He's snatchin' that paper like lightning without even reading it, holding it in one hand and reaching up to grab Sieghart's sleeve after. Lucretia, sensing that this is a losing battle that they simply don't have the time for, just pinches her nose and SIGHS REAL BIG.]

...Alright. Alright, then. If the situation is any different than we expect, we can revisit this later.

[But for now, the whole gang's up to bat! Lucretia bundles up the things on the table again before starting to move toward the door, herself, extinguishing the lantern on the way.

Also look. Maybe Sieghart can fight the bear! Who knows.]


Are we all ready to go?
decaptych: ([049])

[personal profile] decaptych 2022-07-15 10:03 am (UTC)(link)
Do you think people are gonna believe my name's Splinter? Sounds like a human name...

[ What does that mean? Why don't you ask? Anyway, loaded with knives now and stuff, he'll get up. ]

Alright, we've rested enough. Let's go and get back...
ercnerd: (20)

[personal profile] ercnerd 2022-07-15 10:12 am (UTC)(link)
[His eye twitches almost imperceptibly at the sigh. Sieghart joins Aikawa and the rest on boarding the ship with Soujirou connected to his sleeve. Keeping his eyes on the party ahead, he tilts his head toward the child.]

What does it say?
illomened: (crest)

[personal profile] illomened 2022-07-15 10:22 am (UTC)(link)
[A HUMAN NAME?? WHY DOES SIEGHART SIMPLY IGNORE ALL OF THESE WEIRD THINGS I HATE IT HERE. Neither of the braincelled ladies were close enough to hear that and Soujirou simply does not care, being a child and used to weird things.

Anyway Soujirou looks at the paper and then back at Sieghart before showing it to him.]


I can't read.

[Thanks, sir. The paper says:
Name: Unknown, Alias: Coco Ichibanya LTD.
Age: Unknown
Travel Permit #: Inapplicable
Rank: Inapplicable, Class A Felon
Reason for travel: Death row prisoner slated for Itabashi


Dangerous 9 year old prisoner of war is real.

But onto the boat they go! After they're boarded, Nikaido pushes them away from the dock and back into the current, where the boat gets pulled toward the center of the river. She then moves toward the end, where she can steer.

The boat itself is large enough to fit them all, though it's kind of cramped. They have two lanterns at the front and back. Outside of the barrels in the back quarter, there's not much else of note. Barring either of these clowns doing anything, the trip should actually be a fairly smooth one, though unpleasantly... they might hear the sound of branches snapping off in the distance every so often, seemingly following them at a distance.]
decaptych: ([108])

[personal profile] decaptych 2022-07-15 10:29 am (UTC)(link)
[



]

How about we swap papers, huh?

[ Just... Just a suggestion. He will nudge Sieg a little at the occasional branch splintering sounds, though. ]
ercnerd: (13)

[personal profile] ercnerd 2022-07-15 10:38 am (UTC)(link)
[This . . . is not a good paper for Soujirou if he wants to tag along past Itabashi. There's no way a child can pass for being fifty years old, either.]

No, it works. He can be our excuse for why we look so battered.

[Though he has to wonder who came up with the bright idea of condemning a comrade to death row, unless it's a means of shaving off excess personnel from the delivery team.

Sieghart remains quiet for most of the trip, staring ahead in anticipation of their first destination. He frowns at the nudge; yes, he can hear.

And it's not weird at all for Aikawa to distinguish himself from humans as a Sorcerer, in Sieghart's mind.
]
illomened: (crest)

[personal profile] illomened 2022-07-15 10:59 am (UTC)(link)
[SOUJIROU WHO CAN'T READ ANYTHING and thus has no idea what either paper says just sort of looks between both Sieghart and Aikawa like bzuh??

Fortunately Lucretia steps in with the braincell once more.]


Did you take the Itabashi papers? [Even if no one is looking at her they'll be able to hear the DISAPPROVING FROWN in her voice. WHY can no one do anything right here.] Those were supposed to be taken out. Our men are still over there, but the person who was meant to play that role... [Hm. She trails off, and Nikaido looks troubled for a moment. With a shake of her head, Lucretia continues.] ...The checkpoint itself won't be as much trouble as the random checks that might come after. Once we get through, we can hide him as a stow-away if need be. It's you two who won't be able to get out of it if they ask to see your papers.

[And there's the dock as they speak! Just in time, since the sky is light enough by now that it looks like early sunrise is probably only a half-hour away at most.

There are already a few people waiting there, all dressed in uniforms similar to Sieghart's. But of course, these are friendly faces who will begin to unload the barrels onto a covered cart-wagon nearby. Lucretia disembarks to speak with one of them while Nikaido climbs into the back to help arrange their wares. At the front, there's a little seating area where someone can man the horses, though it looks like there's really only enough room up here for one driver unless they want to get real comfy.

One of the soldiers approaches Aikawa.]


Sir! I've heard a tip that they're distracted with a hunt down by Itabashi's execution grounds, so you shouldn't have any trouble in the first leg of this trip.

[Another approaches Sieghart.]

Which one of you will be handling the horses? [SIEGHART AND HIS ANIMAL BATTLES.]
decaptych: ([039])

[personal profile] decaptych 2022-07-15 11:12 am (UTC)(link)
[ Sometimes... all the boys are stupid and need girls to sort them out. That being said, looking at his papers again... ]

Who wrote these?

[ SERIOUSLY. But anyways, the subtle ignoring of footsteps... he'll continue to keep an eye out just in case.

He also whistles casually when he hears about distraction down in an execution ground.
]

Is that so... do you know what they're hunting for?
ercnerd: (11)

[personal profile] ercnerd 2022-07-15 11:17 am (UTC)(link)
[What he wants to know is why a prisoner of war is named after a limited company!

Sieghart makes a face. Oh, whatever. He's ridden horses into wars; handling them isn't new to him.
]

. . . I will be.
illomened: (crest)

[personal profile] illomened 2022-07-15 11:30 am (UTC)(link)
[No one answers Aikawa's first question because everyone just blacked out and suddenly had all of these shitpost papers and they simply can't question such a divine act. Anyway.

The soldier talking to Sieghart nods, moving to lead him toward the front of the cart. Unsurprisingly, Soujirou tags along.]


Can I be up here with you?

[Sweet, foolish POW.

As for Aikawa, the soldier scratches his chin and says:]
Someone named Vaux Sucksman? Apparently the execution grounds were raided after you went and got the commander. It's all anyone's talking about down there... The guy tricked his way in by making up some weird lie about being a serial kidnapping victim and then broke at least five people's noses for fun, and when they wouldn't give him what he wanted - I heard one guy say it was just to see them all do a funny little dance - he managed to set the whole place on fire with a single match! Weird, right?

[WELL. That sure got out of hand...

Meanwhile, Lucretia finishes up her talk and starts heading toward the back of the cart.]


Are you ready? Let's head out.
decaptych: ([151])

[personal profile] decaptych 2022-07-15 09:58 pm (UTC)(link)
Mmhm?

[ He normally would think this is absolutely hysterical, it's just the circumstances demand he can't be as jovial as he normally would be. He's gloriously good at keeping a straight face anyway. Fascinating. ]

Yeah, let's just keep going. I better not see you falling off that horse, either of you.
ercnerd: (20)

[personal profile] ercnerd 2022-07-15 10:18 pm (UTC)(link)
[Suckswhat? Does he even want to know? Must have been Aikawa's doing.

Led toward the front of the cart, he takes a seat and looks at Soujirou.
]

You're supposed to be our prisoner. It'll make more sense for you to stay in the back with the others.
illomened: (crest)

[personal profile] illomened 2022-07-15 10:50 pm (UTC)(link)
[The soldier just nods at Aikawa's completely normal and not at all suspicious "mmhm" there.]

Just keep an eye out... That guy sounds like a real maniac, you don't want to end up running into him in the middle of this operation.

[Wouldn't that just be terrible, damn.

Anyway, Soujirou just frowns because he has imprinted on Sieghart, his favorite father duck.]


Can't I just hide?

[He doesn't look like he'll put up too much of a fuss, though. If Sieghart insists again, he'll sulkily make his way to the back and Sieghart's free to get the cart moving.

When Aikawa goes to the back of the cart, he'll find a similar set-up to the boat: enough space for a cramped seat for all of them and some barrels, among which are their nasty body ones. Lucretia is sealing the edges with something that smells strongly of flowers, which is a good thing because those barrels are not airtight and they're gonna start stinking up the whole place sooner rather than later. To Aikawa, holding out the jar:]


Do you mind getting the other one?
decaptych: ([102])

[personal profile] decaptych 2022-07-16 02:50 am (UTC)(link)
[ Wow it's just an innocent confirmation 'mmhm?', nothing suspicious here. ]

Well, that's a human name, and I'm a sorcerer, so.

[ Anyway around the back... checking this whole shit out. And taking the jar from Lucretia... ]

... Yeah, sure, I don't mind. I can walk, also, until I actually have to get in. Feels like it's be easier for the horses and less crowded in there until then.
ercnerd: (03)

[personal profile] ercnerd 2022-07-16 02:56 am (UTC)(link)
Hide where? Go and sit with our "Master" over there.

[He gestures in Aikawa's approximate direction at the back of the carriage. Once Soujirou's gone, Sieghart grasps the reins to move the cart along their path. It's been a while since he last rode a horse, but the skill's ingrained in his muscle memory.]
illomened: (crest)

[personal profile] illomened 2022-07-16 03:20 am (UTC)(link)
[One child successfully packed into the back of the cart! Good work, Sieghart. He'll find that the horses are actually quite even-tempered and don't seem to want to kill him, which is a real change from the animals he's run into so far, apparently.

Lucretia considers Aikawa's proposal for a moment, before nodding.]


Alright, yes. We'll be in this section of the trail for another half-mile or so; climb back in once we reach the city banner.

[Aikawa's left to walk! The cart will move at a pace he can keep up with unless Sieghart decides to go ham and full throttle it for some reason.

The path that they're going through has a pretty well-worn track, indicating that carts probably use it pretty often. Makes sense, since it goes to a small dock! That said, they're flanked on both sides by thick forest. The sky is lighter now, and they'll be able to see their surroundings better than before, but it's still a bit difficult to get a good look.

They'll be able to proceed without any incidents for the first few minutes. But then, because nothing can be easy, they'll hear the sound of some branches cracking off in the forest to their left. At the same time, Sieghart will reach a fork in the path.]
decaptych: ([140])

[personal profile] decaptych 2022-07-16 03:37 am (UTC)(link)
[ "Go and sit with him" says Sieghart when Aikawa might just walk besides the cart the entire time??? Hello. Anyway be nice to him Sieghart, the pace can be pretty good given the fact that Aikawa has a very wide stride, but we'll see. His legs are still okay.

This is part of the reason why Aikawa chose to walk outside, though. He's immediately got a knife in his hand, watching out to where the branches crack.
]

We can tell you've been following. Let's make this easy, huh?

[ Aka 'oh god please make this easy'. ]
ercnerd: (13)

[personal profile] ercnerd 2022-07-16 03:43 am (UTC)(link)
[He is injured and still quite feverish, so he is not zipping down the path at full throttle, though the pace is decent in consideration of Aikawa's stride. Also, the child can always sit and keep Aikawa company, but it's not Sieghart's priority with whom he actually takes a seat.

Sieghart assesses the fork. Did the path marked by the map determine a direction here? In any case, he looks over his shoulder to his left at Aikawa's confrontation.
]
illomened: (crest)

[personal profile] illomened 2022-07-16 03:59 am (UTC)(link)
[Soujirou probably does indeed move to sit at the back of the cart so he can pester Aikawa, asking him annoying questions in that pesky kid way like "why are you so tall" and "why do you smell funny". Thanks, child.

As Sieghart assesses the fork, he'll find that both paths look equally worn! Neither seems particularly distinct, unfortunately for his choice-making. As he reaches into his mind palace to consult his memory of the map, he'll recall that the left path was marked as a faster route, but that there was a little question mark symbol beside it, off in the forested area.

As for sweet Aikawa, a cannibal immediately leaps out of the bush to tackle him. That would be so tragic after he escaped the cannibal in the graveyard...

But no, tragically he gets no response! Wrow. He'll hear more branches snapping, though, heading steadily in their direction, though whatever it is is moving at a fairly unrushed pace. And eventually... a rather large bear sticks its noggin out of the foliage! It appears to be sniffing around for something. Hm, funky.]
decaptych: ([136])

[personal profile] decaptych 2022-07-16 04:06 am (UTC)(link)
[ He'll give Soujirou very insane answers like 'I ate a cow when I was twelve' and 'It's a special odour meant to ward off poisonous snakes because I'm not stupid'.

Anyway, yeah, that sure is a bear. I'd ask if it's supposed to be a Japanese grizzly but Aikawa wouldn't know bear types and behaviours. So he's just going to be warily watching, quietly muttering to the cabin crew:
]

We've got a bear with us... not aggressive yet.

[ That being said, he does have his knife out just in case but what happens if he throws a sausage link into the foliage? The ridiculous costume with surprisingly practical applications . . . ]
ercnerd: (16)

[personal profile] ercnerd 2022-07-16 04:14 am (UTC)(link)
[Not stupid, says Vaux Sucksman. All right. Sieghart ignores the jab, partly because he's too tired and wired to do otherwise.

The bear is both a welcome and unwelcome sight. Sieghart is more than happy to repay some of the damage from earlier, but they're on a deadline. They can't waste too much time or passing through Itabashi will be that much harder. He cranes his neck farther toward the carriage in anticipation of its occupants' response.

And then Aikawa throws a sausage link near it. Lovely.
]
illomened: (crest)

[personal profile] illomened 2022-07-16 04:29 am (UTC)(link)
[Soujirou is absolutely delighted by these insane answers and is thoroughly entertained up until they're all rudely interrupted by the BEAR.

Nikaido also pokes her head out once she hears about their new terrible arrival.]


Not aggressive yet is pretty good... Must mean it can't pick up the trail perfectly, but it's definitely following something.

[Lucretia, in the meantime, moves to the front of the cart and over toward some of the barrels there, warily staring out toward the bear and waiting tensely.

As Aikawa throws the sausage, the bear seems to start a little IT CAN'T SEE AND SOMETHING WAS JUST THROWN NEARBY. That said, it does lumber off to go check to see what the mystery UFO was. This buys them a precious few seconds, considering that after it sniffs around in the foliage, it lifts its head toward the cart and starts sniffing in that direction instead of chowing down on tasty snacc.]
decaptych: ([020])

[personal profile] decaptych 2022-07-16 04:39 am (UTC)(link)
[ Yeah there you go Soujirou. But he just turns his head slightly at Nikaido's commentary. ]

The only thing we've got that other people tend to not have are dead bodies in a barrel.

[ Backing up with the cart, knife out in case. ]

Stay inside.

(no subject)

[personal profile] ercnerd - 2022-07-16 05:25 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] illomened - 2022-07-16 06:02 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] decaptych - 2022-07-16 06:40 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] ercnerd - 2022-07-16 06:49 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] illomened - 2022-07-16 07:05 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] decaptych - 2022-07-16 07:23 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] ercnerd - 2022-07-16 07:28 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] illomened - 2022-07-16 07:40 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] decaptych - 2022-07-16 08:15 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] ercnerd - 2022-07-16 08:17 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] illomened - 2022-07-16 08:29 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] decaptych - 2022-07-16 08:33 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] ercnerd - 2022-07-16 08:44 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] illomened - 2022-07-16 09:20 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] decaptych - 2022-07-16 09:24 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] ercnerd - 2022-07-16 09:31 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] illomened - 2022-07-16 09:48 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] decaptych - 2022-07-16 10:02 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] ercnerd - 2022-07-16 10:09 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] illomened - 2022-07-16 10:17 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] decaptych - 2022-07-16 10:34 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] ercnerd - 2022-07-16 10:40 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] illomened - 2022-07-16 10:51 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] decaptych - 2022-07-16 10:59 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] ercnerd - 2022-07-16 11:10 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] illomened - 2022-07-16 11:22 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] decaptych - 2022-07-16 11:29 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] ercnerd - 2022-07-16 11:38 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] illomened - 2022-07-16 11:53 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] decaptych - 2022-07-16 11:57 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] ercnerd - 2022-07-16 12:10 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] illomened - 2022-07-16 12:30 (UTC) - Expand