Dragonball M, Chapter 1: Silent Menace Aproaches!

High above the world, on a building floating in the sky, a young looking woman stands, her eyes glowing as she looks down upon the world. She does not see the clouds or the distant lands below her, nor does she sense the power levels of the earthlings below. Instead, the woman, who long ago took upon herself the name Kami, watches the ever changing weave of the pattern of destiny, fate, and time. Clutching her staff in one hand, the other reaches out, palm outward, and she slowly begins waving it back and forth. Invisible to all but her, Kami's hand slowly begins touching strings here and there, pulling just a tad and pushing others, until finally a series of possibilities begin to emerge.

She smiles.

Soon, the world would begin to change, and if Kami had anything to do with it, her chosen would survive, thrive, and bring out the best chance for Earth, and the universe, to survive.

Releasing her open hand from the weave only she can see, knowing she would pay a heavy price for her meddling, she summons dozens of fluttering silver butterflies. They flit back and forth and she smiles, before speaking softly to them and then gesturing. With a wild dance of speed, they shoot out across the world toward her intended.


Only time would tell, now, what would happen.

____________________________


[B]Start Point 1:[/B]


The massive cruise ship, [I]Capsule of the World[/I], sails gently between Paozu and Kame, it's near 7,000 passengers all laughing and cavorting on their vacations. The ship, the largest in the world, was new and on it's maiden voyage. As part of Capsule Corp's newest ostentation, the ship had launched with ticket sales in the thousands. However, over 500 had been given away in various raffles, drawings, or lotteries, and that is where several (or all) of you may begin. This starting point sets you up as having won a free ticket for a three week luxury cruise from Paozu, to Kame, and up to the North Continent before heading back to Paozu and Capital City.



_______

[B]Start Point 2:[/B]


The streets of [U]Dusk City[/U] were empty. Eerily empty. Dusk City is not a large place, tucked away at the base of a mountain and surrounded by forests, the city boasts only a population of 2,000 or so. Considering it's so out of the way as to be lost amidst Kame's various city states and kingdoms, Dusk City made itself known by exporting a rare mineral from their mountain found only there and two other places. As such, Dusk City remained small, but productive and well off.

Those starting here have just arrived as the sun begins to set. Dusk City cannot easily be reached via car, so most come in via plane or by walking through the forest. Even at this time of year, the streets should have some life in them (if even just the miners at the local taverns), but nothing keys on the ears. The place just seems.......empty.


_______

[B]Start Point 3:[/B]


The explosion that rips through Capital City rocks the surrounding place. First Bank, near the outskirts of the city, has just been robbed! At least two dozens armed men came in, blew the vault, and emptied the place out in record time before starting to get into their getaway vehicles. Those that start here were either in the bank when it happened, or near by on the streets as they saw what happened. Law enforcement has yet to arrive at the scene, and the robbers do seem hostile as they have wounded several civilians.


_______


[B]Start Point 4:[/B]


North Continent is cold, harsh, and uninviting at the best of times. However, civilization does exist here. Usually located on the coast, these small towns and villages are home to a hardy fishing and hunting people. Recently, however, in the small town of Cask there has been a slew of missing people. Trackers, fisherman, hunters, all gone. Cask, sporting a population of 500 or so, is one of the furthest north towns on North Continent, and the loss of over twenty people has begun to hamper their economy as several of them were important to feeding and protecting the village. Those starting here have only arrived within the last week and have started to hear the rumors of all those missing. The most recent one, just today, is a young child named Rose. She was gathering winter berries for her family and simply disappeared.


Have fun, pick your starting point, and lets play!

Flash back


[I][B] Kami... Kami... [U]Kami[/U]!!!![/B][/I]


The voice boomed into existence as a massive monster, four arms, Godzilla/Eva looking thing with wings made of swords. It’s breath was radioactive death. Blasting a city away. Cue seven heroes and a man. A unaging man in a white mask fighting it.


Fierce sonic booms blast country side in their exchanges as in the end six of heroes fell like rocks, their leader approaches his liver and gives a kiss. As he proceeds to grow, Ultra Man style to fight. As the other pierces the monster with a wave motion light saber. The gigantic heroe bear hugs the monster. The explosion contained, the three of them blow up into a self contained explosion as their life forces go into a single rock.
“ Rwargh!!!!!”


He wakes up. In a bed. Win lottery and on a nice cruise ship. His travel weary suit on as he then styles his green gaur before going out to bask in the Sun. He was part of traveling circus but at moment went solo. Curious what will happen.:

[QUOTE=The Chou Lives;3355261]Flash back


[I][B] Kami... Kami... [U]Kami[/U]!!!![/B][/I]


The voice boomed into existence as a massive monster, four arms, Godzilla/Eva looking thing with wings made of swords. It’s breath was radioactive death. Blasting a city away. Cue seven heroes and a man. A unaging man in a white mask fighting it.


Fierce sonic booms blast country side in their exchanges as in the end six of heroes fell like rocks, their leader approaches his liver and gives a kiss. As he proceeds to grow, Ultra Man style to fight. As the other pierces the monster with a wave motion light saber. The gigantic heroe bear hugs the monster. The explosion contained, the three of them blow up into a self contained explosion as their life forces go into a single rock.
“ Rwargh!!!!!”


He wakes up. In a bed. Win lottery and on a nice cruise ship. His travel weary suit on as he then styles his green gaur before going out to bask in the Sun. He was part of traveling circus but at moment went solo. Curious what will happen.:[/QUOTE]

Capsule of the World is vast, and it’s creators spared no expense. While the lottery winners didn’t have the top line rooms, they still had A Class ones fitted out better than most normal homes. A large walk in shower/bath combo, a bed big enough for five, TV the size of a wall, all you could ask for.

For Chou, leaving his room, he finds the hallway littered with passerbys and a few crew as he makes his way either down the hall towards an elevator towards the top deck and the sun, or a staircase down the opposite direction toward the mess hall on this deck.

He decided to go tot he stair case to the mess hall. Making note of how elegant it all is. The mess hall? Because cruises always had free food, supposedly. Was thinking of doing his juggling act on deck for extra coin.


Made note of everyone though, as spirits were high. This made him happy. As for his travel clothes? Element magic to clean and dry.

[QUOTE=Cleric of Hell's Brigade;3355179]

[B]Start Point 4:[/B]


North Continent is cold, harsh, and uninviting at the best of times. However, civilization does exist here. Usually located on the coast, these small towns and villages are home to a hardy fishing and hunting people. Recently, however, in the small town of Cask there has been a slew of missing people. Trackers, fisherman, hunters, all gone. Cask, sporting a population of 500 or so, is one of the furthest north towns on North Continent, and the loss of over twenty people has begun to hamper their economy as several of them were important to feeding and protecting the village. Those starting here have only arrived within the last week and have started to hear the rumors of all those missing. The most recent one, just today, is a young child named Rose. She was gathering winter berries for her family and simply disappeared.
[/QUOTE]

[I]Lead foot forward. Knees and back straight. Now, focus your intention. Breathe.[/I]

Cold steam through pursed lips blew into the frozen north air, soon lost to the darkness. Elbows drawn to his sides, open palms upwards, Ochazuke tensed every fibre of his being as the bitter cold coloured his sharp inhale. He slid a foot backward on the ice and exhaled once more.

He'd been wandered away from the town until his footpath had brought him north away from civilization to a space where he could concentrate. Immediately he'd been interrupted.

A tusked wooly behemoth flashed its maw, for it had spotted opportunity in this wandering fool. As he swung taught arms inward, the beast raised itself on its rear legs announcing its savage challenge. He would have no choice but to meet him.

[I]To uphold our great name, our creed, the fundamental truth of life is etched dark in blood. On the battlefield so you too shall learn to reach out to it.[/I]

Spit-flecked roars echoed through the landscape. He sunk into his stance, spread his ki out into the space around him.

[I]Survival is all that matters.[/I]

_____

Seated at a table by the glow of the fire, he exhaled over deep bowl of stew. Prodding the meat of the declawed paw with a spoon, meat fell off the bone into the steaming broth, flooding his ice-soaked frame with vitality once more.

The people of this town knew how to make use of a fallen bear - and what's more, the frozen fool who'd dragged it across the tundra. Sometimes, perhaps, civilization is not so bad.

[QUOTE=Cleric of Hell's Brigade;3355179]

[B]Start Point 4:[/B]


North Continent is cold, harsh, and uninviting at the best of times. However, civilization does exist here. Usually located on the coast, these small towns and villages are home to a hardy fishing and hunting people. Recently, however, in the small town of Cask there has been a slew of missing people. Trackers, fisherman, hunters, all gone. Cask, sporting a population of 500 or so, is one of the furthest north towns on North Continent, and the loss of over twenty people has begun to hamper their economy as several of them were important to feeding and protecting the village. Those starting here have only arrived within the last week and have started to hear the rumors of all those missing. The most recent one, just today, is a young child named Rose. She was gathering winter berries for her family and simply disappeared.
[/QUOTE]

Wrapping her cloak around her to keep out the chill of the cold mountain air, Meagan pauses in her climb to glance up at the clear blue sky. As tempted as she was to just fly to her destination, that would be cheating. With only one more year to go, finding a Martial Arts Master who could take her skills to a high enough level hasn't been easy so far.

As she traveled she heard rumors of a hermit of the North Continent who was once a legendary warrior. Unfortunately that is all she knew about him or her. Her best chance was to make it to the town of Cask. Hopefully there she will find someone who has more knowledge of this mysterious warrior.

Determined to make the trek on foot, even despite the cold and the rugged terrain, she had already been walking across the continent for nearly two weeks. Stopping now was not an option, so onward she continued.

The mountain was steep, but in time she made it to a high plateau where she paused once again, this time to look out over the distance. It was then that she caught sight of the town of Cask in the far distance. With her destination within sight, Meagan's mood ramped up a notch, as did her step as she made her way down the other side of the mountain and headed for the city. She estimated it would take at least 4 more days to arrive, but she was prepared to walk all night if needed.

[QUOTE=Cleric of Hell's Brigade;3355179]The streets of [U]Dusk City[/U] were empty. Eerily empty. Dusk City is not a large place, tucked away at the base of a mountain and surrounded by forests, the city boasts only a population of 2,000 or so. Considering it's so out of the way as to be lost amidst Kame's various city-states and kingdoms, Dusk City made itself known by exporting a rare mineral from their mountain found only there and two other places. As such, Dusk City remained small, but productive and well off.

Those starting here have just arrived as the sun begins to set. Dusk City cannot easily be reached via car, so most come in via plane or by walking through the forest. Even at this time of year, the streets should have some life in them (if even just the miners at the local taverns), but nothing keys on the ears. The place just seems.......empty.[/QUOTE]

The welcome sign for Dusk City was nothing more than a plank of wood suspended at the apex of the wood and stone archways overlooking the main road in, and yet a keen eye could tell it was something much more. The carvings of the lettering and simple embellishing swirls bordering the edges were expertly done, that much could be told even at this distance. No matter what one's opinion of said sign was, for Ogatan Charco, it was a beautiful sight to behold, as it gave hope to his spirit and the promise of relief to his aching legs and feet. It was a bit shameful, really, even after all of these years as a martial artist and what Tyranno-sensei had called a "short stroll" had turned into a painful trek. His thoughts of embarrassment reminded him of his purpose here. Reaching into his pocket, he withdrew a crumpled piece of paper and quickly unfolded it, revealing a name and address.

[QUOTE][I]"Charco, I will have to postpone your scheduled training, and instead, I want you to go to this address. Recently, I have lost contact with an old friend of mine and I have grown concerned about them. I would go myself, but I fear I can no longer handle such a short stroll in my advanced age..."[/I][/QUOTE]

"...yeah...it's official...Obaa-san tricked me."

That conclusion had been swirling in his mind for the entirety of the day, but now that the fatigue of traveling was settling, the truth was as clear as day. Regardless of whatever deception Tyranno-sensei used against him, he had persevered and made to Dusk City. Now he just had to find this address and...

"..."

Pulling out his ear buds, Charco realized that his surroundings were devoid of any signs of life. All he could hear was the faint sounds of wind and the displaced bumps and beats of the song he had just been listening to. The emptied streets showed no signs of trouble, yet it was as if he had stepped into a ghost town.

[quote][b]Start Point 2:[/b]

The streets of Dusk City were empty. Eerily empty. Dusk City is not a large place, tucked away at the base of a mountain and surrounded by forests, the city boasts only a population of 2,000 or so. Considering it's so out of the way as to be lost amidst Kame's various city states and kingdoms, Dusk City made itself known by exporting a rare mineral from their mountain found only there and two other places. As such, Dusk City remained small, but productive and well off.

Those starting here have just arrived as the sun begins to set. Dusk City cannot easily be reached via car, so most come in via plane or by walking through the forest. Even at this time of year, the streets should have some life in them (if even just the miners at the local taverns), but nothing keys on the ears. The place just seems.......empty.[/quote]

It had taken the woman several weeks of travel on foot, over the mountains and through the expansive wood that served both to isolate and protect; but as she stepped out of the trees, she had finally reached it.

Dusk City.

A mining town, and a place the woman- an Oni, of all things- had dropped everything to visit. And at any other time the name would have meant less than its contents, but it was now; and that made all the difference.

[I]A Sunset in Dusk City.[/i] When she had first made that connection, a smile had tugged at the corners of her mouth. That feeling had come and gone as quick as the dying light, however, when she realized that the only sound that could be heard was her foot falls echoing against the walls of the close together houses. Not even the sound of the city's inhabitants could be heard. The place seemed abandoned.

Steps guided now, by a mix of curiosity and apprehension, the woman made her way down the city's main street, before finally stopping at what she assumed was the nexus.

Pausing for a moment to bask in the silence, hoping for a sound other than her own measured breathing; she raised her voice.

"Hello?"

[QUOTE=The Chou Lives;3355692]He decided to go tot he stair case to the mess hall. Making note of how elegant it all is. The mess hall? Because cruises always had free food, supposedly. Was thinking of doing his juggling act on deck for extra coin.


Made note of everyone though, as spirits were high. This made him happy. As for his travel clothes? Element magic to clean and dry.[/QUOTE]

The ship’s mess hall, on this level, is beyond extravagant. As his ticket was all expenses paid, the buffet’s here were free for him AND he got VIP passes to the front of the line for the rarer dishes. Monster tuna caught fresh this morning, Dino steaks, the works.

[QUOTE=grampagen;3355780][I]Lead foot forward. Knees and back straight. Now, focus your intention. Breathe.[/I]

Cold steam through pursed lips blew into the frozen north air, soon lost to the darkness. Elbows drawn to his sides, open palms upwards, Ochazuke tensed every fibre of his being as the bitter cold coloured his sharp inhale. He slid a foot backward on the ice and exhaled once more.

He'd been wandered away from the town until his footpath had brought him north away from civilization to a space where he could concentrate. Immediately he'd been interrupted.

A tusked wooly behemoth flashed its maw, for it had spotted opportunity in this wandering fool. As he swung taught arms inward, the beast raised itself on its rear legs announcing its savage challenge. He would have no choice but to meet him.

[I]To uphold our great name, our creed, the fundamental truth of life is etched dark in blood. On the battlefield so you too shall learn to reach out to it.[/I]

Spit-flecked roars echoed through the landscape. He sunk into his stance, spread his ki out into the space around him.

[I]Survival is all that matters.[/I]

_____

Seated at a table by the glow of the fire, he exhaled over deep bowl of stew. Prodding the meat of the declawed paw with a spoon, meat fell off the bone into the steaming broth, flooding his ice-soaked frame with vitality once more.

The people of this town knew how to make use of a fallen bear - and what's more, the frozen fool who'd dragged it across the tundra. Sometimes, perhaps, civilization is not so bad.[/QUOTE]

The tavern appreciates the kill, and your room and board should you stay the night is free because of it. As you eat your meal, you hear talk of the missing persons. Apparently, a child went missing today, only hours ago.

[QUOTE=Cleric of Hell's Brigade;3355179][B]Start Point 3:[/B]


The explosion that rips through Capital City rocks the surrounding place. First Bank, near the outskirts of the city, has just been robbed! At least two dozens armed men came in, blew the vault, and emptied the place out in record time before starting to get into their getaway vehicles. Those that start here were either in the bank when it happened, or near by on the streets as they saw what happened. Law enforcement has yet to arrive at the scene, and the robbers do seem hostile as they have wounded several civilians.[/QUOTE]

"Shiro, did you hear that?!" Midori asked, and with a nod Shiro said "It came from the First Bank over there!"

"Let's go check it out, someone probably needs help!" Midori cried, charging toward the bank. With a small sigh and the slightest of smiles, Shiro followed after Midori to help her and protect her if needed. Her 'little sister' was built not just to fight, but fight to protect and help people who are in need. Though that meant during a war against a wannabe dictator and his army, Midori followed that principal no matter where or when. And a bank robbery could definitely be considered such a thing.

Leaping onto the scene with a, what was in her mind, dramatic pose Midori loudly declared "Have no fear civilians, because WE ARE HERE!"

"Indeed." Shiro agreed softly, their lifesign scanners already working to single out the wounded as well as locate the robbers.

[QUOTE=Tami;3355800]Wrapping her cloak around her to keep out the chill of the cold mountain air, Meagan pauses in her climb to glance up at the clear blue sky. As tempted as she was to just fly to her destination, that would be cheating. With only one more year to go, finding a Martial Arts Master who could take her skills to a high enough level hasn't been easy so far.

As she traveled she heard rumors of a hermit of the North Continent who was once a legendary warrior. Unfortunately that is all she knew about him or her. Her best chance was to make it to the town of Cask. Hopefully there she will find someone who has more knowledge of this mysterious warrior.

Determined to make the trek on foot, even despite the cold and the rugged terrain, she had already been walking across the continent for nearly two weeks. Stopping now was not an option, so onward she continued.

The mountain was steep, but in time she made it to a high plateau where she paused once again, this time to look out over the distance. It was then that she caught sight of the town of Cask in the far distance. With her destination within sight, Meagan's mood ramped up a notch, as did her step as she made her way down the other side of the mountain and headed for the city. She estimated it would take at least 4 more days to arrive, but she was prepared to walk all night if needed.[/QUOTE]

Upon your arrival, you take a seat at a local tavern to warm up and enjoy some food from a fresh kill earlier that day. As you warm up, you notice the barkeep and a few others talking about young Rose going missing, being the twentieth person to do so within the last week or so.

[QUOTE=Yun Lao;3355831]The welcome sign for Dusk City was nothing more than a plank of wood suspended at the apex of the wood and stone archways overlooking the main road in, and yet a keen eye could tell it was something much more. The carvings of the lettering and simple embellishing swirls bordering the edges were expertly done, that much could be told even at this distance. No matter what one's opinion of said sign was, for Ogatan Charco, it was a beautiful sight to behold, as it gave hope to his spirit and the promise of relief to his aching legs and feet. It was a bit shameful, really, even after all of these years as a martial artist and what Tyranno-sensei had called a "short stroll" had turned into a painful trek. His thoughts of embarrassment reminded him of his purpose here. Reaching into his pocket, he withdrew a crumpled piece of paper and quickly unfolded it, revealing a name and address.



"...yeah...it's official...Obaa-san tricked me."

That conclusion had been swirling in his mind for the entirety of the day, but now that the fatigue of traveling was settling, the truth was as clear as day. Regardless of whatever deception Tyranno-sensei used against him, he had persevered and made to Dusk City. Now he just had to find this address and...

"..."

Pulling out his ear buds, Charco realized that his surroundings were devoid of any signs of life. All he could hear was the faint sounds of wind and the displaced bumps and beats of the song he had just been listening to. The emptied streets showed no signs of trouble, yet it was as if he had stepped into a ghost town.[/QUOTE]


Everything seems empty. No sound, no nothing beyond the wind. After a few moments, you do hear a women’s voice call out ‘hello’ from near by the Main Street.

[QUOTE=Cthulhu_of_R'lyeh;3355891]It had taken the woman several weeks of travel on foot, over the mountains and through the expansive wood that served both to isolate and protect; but as she stepped out of the trees, she had finally reached it.

Dusk City.

A mining town, and a place the woman- an Oni, of all things- had dropped everything to visit. And at any other time the name would have meant less than its contents, but it was now; and that made all the difference.

[I]A Sunset in Dusk City.[/i] When she had first made that connection, a smile had tugged at the corners of her mouth. That feeling had come and gone as quick as the dying light, however, when she realized that the only sound that could be heard was her foot falls echoing against the walls of the close together houses. Not even the sound of the city's inhabitants could be heard. The place seemed abandoned.

Steps guided now, by a mix of curiosity and apprehension, the woman made her way down the city's main street, before finally stopping at what she assumed was the nexus.

Pausing for a moment to bask in the silence, hoping for a sound other than her own measured breathing; she raised her voice.

"Hello?"[/QUOTE]

Nothing. Just the wind. However, you do hear, just faintly, what sounds like someone walking on a more rugged trail into town not too far away.

[QUOTE=Cleric of Hell's Brigade;3355917]The ship’s mess hall, on this level, is beyond extravagant. As his ticket was all expenses paid, the buffet’s here were free for him AND he got VIP passes to the front of the line for the rarer dishes. Monster tuna caught fresh this morning, Dino steaks, the works.[/QUOTE]

And what a buffet! Zaofan couldn't believe his luck, that he was on the [I]Capsule of the World[/I]. Though his stomach was grumbling, his eyes seemed to grumble even louder, taking in the pure sights of such a beautiful spread. The tray of thousands of scrambled eggs, the various kinds of breakfast sausages, the mountain of bacon, the gigantic pot of seafood congee, various exquisite breads, cheeses, and jams he only found in rich people reality shows. That this dusty, dusky wanderer and explorer would, by chance, find a winning ticket on the ground on his travels, could ever end up in a place like this, informed him that there was indeed a higher force at work, and that it was good to him. He quickly grabbed three plates -- one on his left hand, another resting on his bent left arm, and one more plate on his head for good measure, while his right hand grabbed the tongs of the closest dish and went to work to fill his plates. His slender and athletic frame belied his capacity for good food, but then again, there's only so you can forage as a nomad.