Pinchy Passenger

karkinosclaw:

Karkinos felt a nervous twitch pass as Venus jested about a crush, but thankfully the topic didn’t linger… He was still making his greatest effort to swallow his fear of strong females, so the change in topic was welcome so long as it distracted him from exactly who he was visiting with.

“YES, IT IS MOST VALUABLE, I HAVE PURCHASED SPACESHIPS AND EQUIPMENT WITH THE CURRENCY MADE IN TRADING THIS ITEM… AND THE MOST BENEFICIAL PART ABOUT IT IS THAT I ALONE AM THE ONLY ONE ABLE TO PRODUCE IT— WITH THE EXCEPTION PERHAPS OF THE VERY RARE SOLAR OYSTER OF THE NEBULA BELT…”

“I POSSESS THE UNIQUE ABILITY TO CONVERT SOLAR RADIATION, ON WHICH MY BODY IS POWERED, INTO A NEVER BEFORE SEEN LIQUID FORM OF PURIFIED SOLAR ENERGY. THE SIMPLER FUNCTION OF THIS, I’VE FOUND, IS TO USE IT AS A DEVASTATING BUBBLE BEAM WEAPON… BUT IN EXPERIMENTING WITH THE SKILL, I HAVE LEARNED THAT ADDING GRANULARIZED METALS AND MINERALS TO THE INTERNAL ENERGY CONVERSION PROCESS AND HOLDING IT IN FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME— ROUGHLY A FEW ERF WEEKS, THE MINERAL/METAL CATALYST USED WILL RESULT IN A VERY LARGE, VERY DURABLE AND VERY VALUABLE DIAMOND PEARL, ITS SHAPE PRODUCED BY THE BUBBLING PROCESS.”

“A SINGLE ONE FETCHED ME ENOUGH RESOURCES TO TRAVEL ALL THE WAY TO THIS SOLAR SYSTEM FROM THE VERY DISTANT CANCER NEBULA. I ALSO OFFER IT IN BULK AS PAYMENT FOR THE ASSASSINATION OF APOLLO~” He added almost gleefully, it was almost like a repeated marketing phrase he’s coined in his venture of finding someone to slay the starlord.

Oh ho ho, it was just as she thought. He seemed so very nervous when a crush was present and while she never intended to press she couldn’t help but wonder what stimulated such unease and fear. She would find that out over time, she assumed, and if not it would just be something she had to study herself and watch for!

Subject change arrived easily enough and what he spoke of next aroused such curiosity within her. he too used the element of water it seemed, and bubbles no less. That had her simply gushing at such a likeness in fighting. Oh did she want to battle him, play around with him on the field to see what he could do, but even that was something she had to refrain from given how nervous he had reacted to a simple crush comment. Oh, why were men such disappointments some times? 

“My dear sweet Karkinos, I cannot assassinate Apollo, but I can assist you in growing strong again. I hope that will suffice in an everlasting bond between our races. You see, as I too wield the power of forming bubbles only they are far more deadly than those you see on Terra.” She smiled  and bowed her head politely enough. “I will accept this gracious gift and might make further inquiry on such an occasion. A new element in our system would be most welcome, of that I am certain.” She was marveled by the offer despite the urge to ask him to battle to see just what his bubble beam could do! 

Pinchy Passenger

karkinosclaw:

Karkinos rose after Venus, looking back up to meet her gaze and pulling at several neglected muscles in his face to form a smile. “INDEED I HAVE. THIS COSMIC SYSTEM FEELS MUCH MORE INVITING TO STAY IN, KNOWING THAT THERE ARE SUCH FINE KINDRED CRUSTACEAN SPIRITS THRIVING IN THIS STARS’ RAYS.”

“AND WHAT OF YOURSELF, RADIANT LORD OF VENUS? I HOPE MY ROLE AS YOUR GUEST SERVED PLEASANTLY TO YOUR TIME. IF YOU WOULD STILL BE SO GENEROUS AS TO OFFER YOUR  INVALUABLE AID TO THE CAUSE OF MY RECOVERY, PERHAPS I CAN INTEREST YOU IN A UNIQUE TREASURE AS PAYMENT? I CAN PROVIDE YOU AND YOUR PEOPLE WITH A TRADE ITEM THAT WILL FETCH HIGH PRICES IN THE INTERGALACTIC MARKET…”

How simply adorable he was! She felt her own smile grow from her unease into something more true at the attempt and was thankful he had indeed enjoyed himself. Her back turned to the field now she started to move along the walkway towards the teleporters. 

“It amazes me time and again to set eyes on you, you know. I have never expected a distant cousin in my race yet here you are! Of course I want to nurture our relationship as much as I possibly can. Perhaps we won’t mind one another so much.” She had a small laugh at that, knowing how she could butt heads with others if she didn’t agree in the slightest with them. 

“The offer still stands, dear. You need not question my words once they have been spoken. I will stay loyal and stick to them so long as you do not attempt to endanger Lord Sunstar.” It was a promise. “As for myself? You are quite enjoyable and I do wish to keep in your company a bit more that we have finally spoken. Could it be a crush I wonder~?” She was teasing him, her ‘ho ho ho!’ laughter enough of a hint to not take her seriously as she gauged him for a reaction. 

“There is no need for that; however you have me most curious. What is this item you speak of, dear?”

worldofwarfare:

Mars repeats his people’s bland version of a thank you as he opens the box. He was impressed with the quality and fusion of cultures in the clothing, even if the flowing style didn’t quite suit him. It was equally heavy in reds and blues, both mimicking his armor colors and making sure it adhered to the tradition of males wearing cooler colors than females on Venus.

The first thing Mars felt at the reception of the gauntlets was actually nostalgia. He picks one up and examines it carefully, letting his claw clink over the layers of plating. “I remember these,” he says soberly. “The monsters whose hides were used to make them were much larger and more violent before your ancestors began hunting the finest specimens for trophies such as this. The first to wear their hides was the mother of the eighth planet lord, almost one hundred and twenty thousand earth years ago. She wore full body armor made from monsters and offworld leaders she killed with her bare hands, and became widely admired for her strength, hailed as a minor goddess for decades.”

He slips on one of the gauntlets, admiring how the plates separated almost into spikes when he curled his fingers. “She was murdered when her daughter went mad with jealousy at being less worshipped by the people than her. That Stardroid became a dictator so insane our current Saturn seems rational in comparison. She had all records of her mother erased from the planet’s history, down to executing anyone who spoke her name for dozens of generations.” He balls his fist and punches the palm of his other hand, disappointed at the lack of blood drawn from the impact. “It appears the monsters have yet to breed back their initial durability. Nevertheless, I am grateful.”

“I have heard stories,” She commented, refraining from lifting her hand to trace over what was now his. Mars was a funny one and she wasn’t out to rile him up as much as it was always tempting to. “Ever since the planet was rendered with earth quakes and eruptions they haven’t been quite so magnificent and easily reached. That may be the only reason they’re still around as my people crave a hunt much like they do a fight.” Her smile grew a fair amount though it faded at mention of madness, Saturn, and what ultimately happened to her.

“I see. Such a sad thing that happens when power is left in the wrong hands.” She waved her hand through the air, aiming to dismiss the subject as she didn’t want to worry about Saturn’s planet and what it would do to their Lord should.. 

“Perhaps you would like to come hunting with me down on the main land some time?” She tried another topic, her eyes suddenly bright. “That is to say, when your tasks have calmed as well as mine.” She refrained from saying hers weren’t going at all as planned, if only because her heart was truly not set on it. Instead, it remained conflicted; her decision not yet made and Karkinos’ words ringing fresh in her memory often more than not. 

worldofwarfare:

Mars is thankful that he doesn’t have enough experience yet with his avatar to understand how to make facial expressions. His face is as flat as always as his core simmers with resentment at the sight of Apollo’s sun so close to his master’s. He would die before worshiping that harbinger of corruption, two hundred thousand years of bigotry against mated men rooted deeply, firmly, and proudly in his heart. “It is well crafted and gratefully received,” he says as he dons the cloak and clasps Sunstar’s pin to secure it. Apollo’s he leaves in the box, and closes it. That should be sign enough to Venus on his feelings towards the matter. “Far grander quality than Martian claws can weave for such diminutive armor.”

She sighed with relief when he did that, her feelings on the matter having become far more mixed as she reached out to take the box and its pendants with her. She put it to the side, her gaze piercing at the very box as if it threatened her integrity for what she had always known: to love and worship one and only one: their Lord Sunstar. 

“I am glad you approve. One will be made for your other self should there ever come a time when you wish to exchange forms.” She smiled, but it was more forced. 

“This final present is more of a thank you on my behalf than it is a gift to life. You have taught me much and for that I am very thankful dear Mars. We clash all the time. Over and over and I do not think you understand that I hold you in the utmost respect as I did when I was a cadet and as I do now.” She pushed her hands around the box and held it out for him to receive. 

Inside was a set of the finest garb that a male Venusian could ever dream to wear. Woven in colors only meant for those of the highest honor: white, red, gold, and blue, it was made just for him. Made from the finest materials her planet had to offer, it shone with perfection as she would have it no other way. Along with it came a set of honorary gemstones that were made into a clasp to hold a sash across his person. Though the most ornate piece remained hidden inside the folds of fabric. Made of the golden back shells from the creatures that lived in the lava terrain of Ishtar Terra below the Sky Domes, the gauntlet gleamed softly in the sunlight the Sun Temples around them cast about the Domes. Two had been crafted for him in the shape of arm gauntlets. It was a statement in itself, as no males or females were permitted to wear such things with their garb, all but the strongest and high of class. 

“I hope it fits you well. You are always welcome here, dearest Mars.” 

worldofwarfare:

Mars was forced to use Venusian language as there was no word for a woman of high rank in Martian. “Health and Light to you as well, Lady Venus,” he said almost ritualistically with a nod, neglecting to call her ‘cadet’ only due to the formality of their meeting. The nod was in fact a bow, but one so short as to be barely noticeable, illustrating the difference in rank and experience. “I see you insist on marking my age with Lord Terra’s orbit. My birth is not to be celebrated for another half year,” he takes his seat once a servant has pulled out a chair for him, “but I appreciate your tribute nonetheless.” 

She knew that was why he treated her in such a manner out on her planet and for that she was thankful. Sitting, she let him inform her that it was not truly his birthday, but that alone only made her laugh. 

“We are the sister planet to Terra’s so we follow near in the same system… and beside it was more suitable for you, this day and had I not done it now? Well, let’s just say it wouldn’t have fallen at the right time. I am able to offer my tides and tributes now while there is peace on my planet; however that soon might be tested.” 

Once he was comfortable she handed him the first box. Inside was a finely woven cloak that had been dyed a brilliant shade of crimson. The clasps for the cloak were of Lord Sunstar’s emblem but it came with a second pair, one made for Lord Apollo’s emblem as well. Together the two could be broken apart and merged into one, but she had no notion or idea if Sunstar had ordered it for Mars to take up his worship as he had ordered her, thus why it was optional for him. 

“A cloak for you. You’ve always seemed to fancy them so, my God of War.” 

worldofwarfare:

:Ah, children:

:Despite himself Mars stands from the chair and orders the nearest scientist to monitor his communications and alert him if anything important came up. He’d been adding more of those to his personal guard and rather liked it. Unlike his generals they didn’t summon him for permission to eat someone who called them names:

:His seniority and equal rank with Terra get him through Venusian security as though he were their master. Venus is alerted to his presence as soon as he disembarks his ship, en route from the docking station to the capitol:

[Ah old men!! What was with her infatuation with them to begin with? It was true she highly admired Mars and he way of ‘flirting’ was so obnoxious to him that he couldn’t tell that was indeed what it was. Still. She had arranged for the sour puss to have someone celebrate his day of born existence and she was so sure she could have gotten him to come.] What a stupid brute. See if I… 

[That all changed as she flopped before her many mirrors and started to comb out her hair, her lips pinching together as she had even gathered the finest of dishes and the God of War a tribute to some of the finest matches on all of Venus. He needed a distraction for whatever Sunstar had said to him had left him far more bothered than some mere defeat at the hands OF Sunstar.] He can’t sulk forever…! 

[She threw down the mirror, about to rise to go call the entire thing off when she was alerted that he—] He WHAT?! [She barked, the sudden surprise transforming into the utmost glee as she picked up HER mirror with enthusiasm, fluffed up her antennas, adjusted her robes and scuttled to meet him after grabbing  two packages that rest on her bedside.]

What a certain surprise. [She greeted him as she approached him down the stretch of road from the Sun Temple. She bowed in greeting and in respect and as she rose she shifted the presents around.] If you would be seated, I have two things for you, Mars. 

worldofwarfare:

stardroidvenus:

worldofwarfare:

stardroidvenus:

worldofwarfare:

:Normally he’d send her away faster than a general dusty armor, but he had been ordered on numerous occasions to get more acquainted with the new recruits. Even this one with whom he had a rather turbulent history:

If you insist. I have nothing urgent to attend to today.

[This was new!! He wasn’t turning her away and that… was almost as surprising as getting him to respond without being upset.] 

Then come to my planet, dear Mars. I believe coming here will be a nice change for you. 

I said I have no urgent matters to attend, yet Mars needs still my omnipresence while she rebuilds. You will meet me on my personal vessel in orbit or we will not meet at all.

[Rolls her eyes.] Why must you always be like this. 

If her royal transparency is enjoying herself too much to part with her beloved vanity mirror for a day I would gladly send a representative in my stead.

[So it was going to be like that, was it?!] It appears as if the Martian is still sore from such a trifling loss against Lord Sunstar himself. What a shame it must be to counter kindness with sass. 

I believe I liked you more when you acted like a God capable of War— not this petty little worm who sulks with his tail between his legs on his own planet. 

I’ll remember this, Mars. [Click.]

worldofwarfare:

stardroidvenus:

worldofwarfare:

:Normally he’d send her away faster than a general dusty armor, but he had been ordered on numerous occasions to get more acquainted with the new recruits. Even this one with whom he had a rather turbulent history:

If you insist. I have nothing urgent to attend to today.

[This was new!! He wasn’t turning her away and that… was almost as surprising as getting him to respond without being upset.] 

Then come to my planet, dear Mars. I believe coming here will be a nice change for you. 

I said I have no urgent matters to attend, yet Mars needs still my omnipresence while she rebuilds. You will meet me on my personal vessel in orbit or we will not meet at all.

[Rolls her eyes.] Why must you always be like this. 

worldofwarfare:

stardroidvenus replied to your post: Well, well it most certainly has been awhile dear Mars~. How have you been? We really should speak with each other more you know! Tee hee~.

Yes, yes, of course, but you failed to answer my questions. It sounds to me as if you could use a little company!

:Normally he’d send her away faster than a general dusty armor, but he had been ordered on numerous occasions to get more acquainted with the new recruits. Even this one with whom he had a rather turbulent history:

If you insist. I have nothing urgent to attend to today.

[This was new!! He wasn’t turning her away and that… was almost as surprising as getting him to respond without being upset.] 

Then come to my planet, dear Mars. I believe coming here will be a nice change for you. 

Pinchy Passenger

karkinosclaw:

“HM, YES— I’VE SPOKEN BRIEFLY WITH YOUR PLUTO. I HAD HOPED TO ENTICE HIM INTO DESTROYING A PESTILENT ERF SLASH MALE, BUT IT APPEARS THEY’VE BECOME FRIENDS TO SOME DEGREE NOW… HOW INFURIATING. BUT I WILL BE MEETING THE SUNSTAR INEVITABLY, WHETHER OR NOT IT WILL INVOLVE THE ASSASSINATION OF APOLLO IS YET TO BE SEEN.”

“ERF MACHINES LIKE THE FLASH MALE WILL SOMETIMES EAT FRIVOLOUS ERF QUIZINE… MALNUTRITIOUS SEEDBLOSSOMS, MEATS SEVERELY LACKING IN IRON, CURDLED LACTATION FROM THE SAME MEATY BEASTS… NOTHING THAT SO BENEFITS A CANCERIAN.
 WE FEED ON STELLAR RADIATION TO ENERGIZE, METAL DEPOSITS TO BUILD MUSCLE AND PRODUCE HEALTHY MOLTS, AND WATER, BECAUSE… … WATER IS GOOD.” Karkinos nods to himself, he always seemed content going off into his own little world of facts about himself when it came to conversation. “AND WHAT OF VENUSIANS? YOU ALL APPEAR QUITE HEALTHY. PERHAPS I WILL JEER THE MARTIAN ABOUT THAT NEXT— HOW INFERIOR THEIR DIETS ARE TO SUPERIOR RACES.”

“Or you could simply share a greeting with him! There is simply no need to only see him when you go after Lord Apollo, my dear.” It was hard to say how she felt on the matter. Karkinos wouldn’t have gotten away with as much as he had had he been speaking of Lord Sunstar, but Apollo troubled her now, and all she could do was listen to his festering hate that she was still trying to wrap her head around. 

She was alarmed to learn that her Lord might be in danger, but she also had to have faith in him and his choices. Still, she wanted to speak with him on these learned matters as even if he knew of them she had not and he had asked her to learn about Apollo to worship him alongside Sunstar. They were both to lead… such a thing was rather unheard of for her people and was challenging in its own right. 

Her thoughts were plucked easily from her when Karkinos spoke of what foods were best to eat. When he failed to come up with a good reason behind water she broke out into a serenade of giggles and even more when he made to jab at the Martians. Oh ho ho, what a silly little thing Karkinos was. She rather liked that. 

“We drink the golden water our planet produces naturally beneath the clouds that prevent others from seeing it. As for what we eat… the aquatic life that we share the water with, and there are beasts below of which you have never seen! They’re simply a monstrosity but they provide some of the best entrees I have ever tasted. Then there are several fruits we are able to grow from ash fertilizer and oh you must simply try it! As for minerals.. we do not partake in consuming them but there are plenty on the surface thanks to the volcanic activity! You might enjoy a scuttle or two below there. It’s a marvelous adventure!” She sighed as if she were recalling such an incident, and yet the fight was over. Mars had lost and she still wasn’t sure what he hoped to gain from such things. 

“Did you enjoy yourself, dear?” She asked, slowly coming to rise to her feet before focusing on him again, a small smile turning up the corners of her lips.