[D3 LA] Floating Battle Carp

[Yasuki Taraka]

"I would agree with that assessment of Bayush-san's flying." The Unicorn had ordered a mixed drink which she sipped casually. She smiled slightly, "I suppose it's true, though only if one is seeking glory in a particular arena. Sometimes one just is there to enjoy an interesting low stakes game while enjoying good company."

Taraka nods.

"Which is very fitting with the island culture." Taraka agrees. "Not every moment in life has to be full throttle. Gliding for awhile helps you appreciate the full throttle moments even more."

She sips her drink.

"We'll make an islander of you yet, Shinjo-san. We just need to find some charming Yasuki to sweep you off your feet and get you to land."

[Shinjo Suh-Hyun]

Taraka nods.

"Which is very fitting with the island culture." Taraka agrees. "Not every moment in life has to be full throttle. Gliding for awhile helps you appreciate the full throttle moments even more."

She sips her drink.

"We'll make an islander of you yet, Shinjo-san. We just need to find some charming Yasuki to sweep you off your feet and get you to land."

"We will see if you say the same thing about me during the race. If it gets...off the ground." She stopped herself from waggling her eyebrows, the pun was still terrible.

Swirling her drink before taking a sip, Suh-Hyun sighed, "How long does the fish survive on land? I was born in the void between the stars. Have lived there. Fought there. Floated in it's vastness. It calls to me and I can't long ignore it. One day I will die out there. Your island is beautiful but this fish must always return to the sea."

[Yasuki Taraka]

"We will see if you say the same thing about me during the race. If it gets...off the ground." She stopped herself from waggling her eyebrows, the pun was still terrible.

Swirling her drink before taking a sip, Suh-Hyun sighed, "How long does the fish survive on land? I was born in the void between the stars. Have lived there. Fought there. Floated in it's vastness. It calls to me and I can't long ignore it. One day I will die out there. Your island is beautiful but this fish must always return to the sea."

Taraka smiled a bit.

"No interest in an aquarium, no matter how nice we make the little castle inside it, hm Shinjo-san?" she offered after another sip of wine. "It's a very Unicorn sentiment. It's the spirit that brought the people of the home world to the stars themselves.

She looked out onto the sea watching the waves roll and break against the hull of the ship.

[Susumu Sumiko]

"That's true. It is the ... extemporaneous aspect of it. Rolling with the punches. Rather than a planned routine. But plenty of dance is impromptu. And there are dance battles! You are right."

"And it is wonderful to see the technique and skill of the other drone pilots, too. Perhaps it is possible to anticipate some of their steps, with careful observation."

"I've been trying to study the techniques of others but they seem very skilled. I've faced Bayushi Senshuken-sama and Miya Kisha-sama, both were naturals with a drone and I was no match for either of them! I'll have to learn quickly to have any chance of winning a single match it seems" Sumiko chuckled "shall we get a drink and watch some of the other battles? I'd be curious to hear of how you're finding the island also beyond finding secret hidden pools for the Crab birds."

[Kakita Haruhi]

"I've been trying to study the techniques of others but they seem very skilled. I've faced Bayushi Senshuken-sama and Miya Kisha-sama, both were naturals with a drone and I was no match for either of them! I'll have to learn quickly to have any chance of winning a single match it seems" Sumiko chuckled "shall we get a drink and watch some of the other battles? I'd be curious to hear of how you're finding the island also beyond finding secret hidden pools for the Crab birds."

"You are only my second duel, so I still have a lot to learn about the pool of competitors. It helps to know who participates so I can follow-up to do more duels."

"A drink sounds perfect! And catching up in general. What have been your favorite places to visit or people to meet, or events to participate in so far?"

[Shinjo Suh-Hyun]

Taraka smiled a bit.

"No interest in an aquarium, no matter how nice we make the little castle inside it, hm Shinjo-san?" she offered after another sip of wine. "It's a very Unicorn sentiment. It's the spirit that brought the people of the home world to the stars themselves.

She looked out onto the sea watching the waves roll and break against the hull of the ship.

"One can still appreciate the little castle at least," Suh-Hyun responded with a smile, hidden by a sip of her own drink, "You know if you ever wanted a break from the island life. You could leverage your piloting and clerical experience for a position on a merchant crew. Sign on for a voyage or two then be back home."

[Susumu Sumiko]

"You are only my second duel, so I still have a lot to learn about the pool of competitors. It helps to know who participates so I can follow-up to do more duels."

"A drink sounds perfect! And catching up in general. What have been your favorite places to visit or people to meet, or events to participate in so far?"

Sumiko nodded with a smile, putting her drone and the flag away carefully before rising and leading Haruhi to the bar. Speaking as she did so.

"There's quite a few competitors now. I think it's into double figures in fact! Quite a few people to challenge, I'm looking forward to seeing how far you soar up the ranks Kakita-sama."

There was a pause while she ordered a green tea, letting Haruhi order before she continued.

"Hmm...I think the events of today were the most interesting. Creating a script, I used a story from my own history in fact just changed slightly to protect names of course. But putting it on paper truly made it look even more crazy than I remember even though I experienced it personally! As for places and people, can I say now and with Kakita-sama? You've been one of my favourite people" she gave the girl a wink "I cannot say there is a favourite place yet though, I haven't seen much beyond the city yet. I'm hoping the weather is better tomorrow so I can visit the volcano proper and then further out."

[Kakita Haruhi]

Sumiko nodded with a smile, putting her drone and the flag away carefully before rising and leading Haruhi to the bar. Speaking as she did so.

"There's quite a few competitors now. I think it's into double figures in fact! Quite a few people to challenge, I'm looking forward to seeing how far you soar up the ranks Kakita-sama."

There was a pause while she ordered a green tea, letting Haruhi order before she continued.

"Hmm...I think the events of today were the most interesting. Creating a script, I used a story from my own history in fact just changed slightly to protect names of course. But putting it on paper truly made it look even more crazy than I remember even though I experienced it personally! As for places and people, can I say now and with Kakita-sama? You've been one of my favourite people" she gave the girl a wink "I cannot say there is a favourite place yet though, I haven't seen much beyond the city yet. I'm hoping the weather is better tomorrow so I can visit the volcano proper and then further out."

She ordered a green tea also, with a floral infusion.

"Oh! I hope your production is chosen, so I might watch it. It sounds fascinating."

"I liked my idea, but I pushed the actor/singer too hard in rehearsal. It was exactly how we would have prepared at school, but he did not have the vocal chops to do so much rehearsal and then perform afterwards without break. He sounded better in rehearsal. But strained and cracking live. I should have realized and built in more breaks and hot tea and just not pushed him so hard."

She sighed.

"Oh, I am so flattered that you would say that. You are the very first person I met here, and I'd wished we had more chance to talk then. Maybe I could visit the volcano with you tomorrow. If the weather permits, and you'd welcome the company. I'm keen to explore and watch for birds. And to visit more with you."

[Yasuki Taraka]

"One can still appreciate the little castle at least," Suh-Hyun responded with a smile, hidden by a sip of her own drink, "You know if you ever wanted a break from the island life. You could leverage your piloting and clerical experience for a position on a merchant crew. Sign on for a voyage or two then be back home."

Taraka watched the waves, reflecting on the Unicorn's words.

"Ah, well, perhaps, Shinjo-san. I do have obligations beyond rent that keep me here. But."

She finished her drink.

"We're all riding along currents much larger than ourselves. Sometimes we swim with them, sometimes we swim against them."

She puts down the glass and picks up her carp.

"And sometimes with enough skill, ingenuity, and grit, we can soar above them, if just for a little while."

[Susumu Sumiko]

She ordered a green tea also, with a floral infusion.

"Oh! I hope your production is chosen, so I might watch it. It sounds fascinating."

"I liked my idea, but I pushed the actor/singer too hard in rehearsal. It was exactly how we would have prepared at school, but he did not have the vocal chops to do so much rehearsal and then perform afterwards without break. He sounded better in rehearsal. But strained and cracking live. I should have realized and built in more breaks and hot tea and just not pushed him so hard."

She sighed.

"Oh, I am so flattered that you would say that. You are the very first person I met here, and I'd wished we had more chance to talk then. Maybe I could visit the volcano with you tomorrow. If the weather permits, and you'd welcome the company. I'm keen to explore and watch for birds. And to visit more with you."

"I hope so too, but I have my suspicions I'll be bringing my story home to the Spider worlds" Sumiko commented with a small frown as she sipped her tea "but it was fun to turn my venture into an action flick. If they confirm they're not using it I'll let you read it also."

There was a tilt of the head, before she smiled brightly.

"What are your plans for tomorrow Kakita-sama? We can go visit the mountain then perhaps have a picnic on the way back if your time isn't claimed by another. Perhaps also speak with Kitsune-sama to see if he's discovered anything as well about this potential secret pond too?"

[Kakita Haruhi]

"I hope so too, but I have my suspicions I'll be bringing my story home to the Spider worlds" Sumiko commented with a small frown as she sipped her tea "but it was fun to turn my venture into an action flick. If they confirm they're not using it I'll let you read it also."

There was a tilt of the head, before she smiled brightly.

"What are your plans for tomorrow Kakita-sama? We can go visit the mountain then perhaps have a picnic on the way back if your time isn't claimed by another. Perhaps also speak with Kitsune-sama to see if he's discovered anything as well about this potential secret pond too?"

"I would love to read it!"

"And my schedule is currently pretty open tomorrow. A mountain trip and picnic sounds delightful. If Kitsune-san is available, we could include him, and if not, I am sure we can find another time to connect. Let me know what time works for you."

"I will also check with my patron if she could make a terminal available for research. I'll keep you posted on that."

[Utaku Itsuka]

After a while, the Utaku gives up on trying to brace her way through the crowd, finds her way to a drink instead, and raises her head to properly observe the competition.

At some point, she looks towards where Taraka and the Shinjo are, gets her comm out of her pocket and types something in.

Snip

Hey, Tacchan! I see you and Shinjo-san have found your way to each other, in more ways than one. That's good to see! Found time to talk about the good things yet?

P.S. A bit late, but if there's still a spot for the Char, do let me know.

Itsuka

Snip

Hi Shinjo-sama, well fought!
Yasuki Taraka-san had mentioned you'd met her. She's a good voice to have at our side to get things off the ground. Let me know if you want me to send a word to her today!

(Also if you feel like flying your drone again)

Utaku Itsuka

[Yasuki Taraka]

After a while, the Utaku gives up on trying to brace her way through the crowd, finds her way to a drink instead, and raises her head to properly observe the competition.

At some point, she looks towards where Taraka and the Shinjo are, gets her comm out of her pocket and types something in.

Taraka was the first to check her communicator. She couldn't help but grin.

"If you'll excuse me Shinjo-san, I suddenly feel the need to go fight another Unicorn." she said with a small bow.


"Alright everyone! I know that most of you are relatively new to Flying Battle Carps, but Utaku-san is not. She's hungry for a challenge, and I intend to see her fed. Get ready to watch The Char take on Coin's Edge!" she announced.

She attached another banner to her carp, and sent it skyward once more.

[Shinjo Suh-Hyun]

snip

"Utaku maidens are far fiercer than Shinjo," Suh-Hyun raised her glass in a mock toast, "Good luck."

She pulls out her communicator and sees the message, and begins typing up her own.

FROM: teamshinjoblastingoff123!!

Just got your message. I'll fight you later if you wish, but do not expect mercy >:D

Yeah Yasuki-san is pretty nice. A little uptight sometimes and pushy at others, but that's a Yasuki for you. She wants to take these battle drones to other worlds, I think that's a neat idea. Though I shudder to think what young station hellions, of which I was obviously never, would do with such devices!

I spoke to her about the race, we had some ideas. I'll share them with you in person. I can grab us lunch sometime and bring it to your office.

Shinjo Suh-Hyun

[Yasuki Taraka]

Sadly, it would turn out that all the luck remained firmly with the Unicorn that evening.

Taraka's starting position left her squarely against the wind. She tried her best to compensate, but no matter which way she twisted and turned, she just couldn't catch a decent breeze:

17

She would finally manage to get into a decent position, but the momentum would keep riding with the Unicorn.

31

And that's how the duel would play out on her side, good solid flying, but nothing that was going to have anyone mistake her for a Unicorn fighter pilot instead of a shopkeeper.

27

[Utaku Itsuka]

Snip

The wind on the Harbourfront, as it turned out, was something the resident Utaku had almost a kind of instinct for, after years on end sensing it to take off day in, day out. That instinct carried her through to an easy first catch.

D3 LA - Char battling Taraka's drone! Piloting/Agi, Utaku bonus, +1k1+3 bonuses from drone. | 8k5+9 ⇒ 45

Taraka's recovery after that was felt, and well-respected by the older pilot. The Char went for a long hoop behind where its banners were positioned, the wide defensive manoeuvre at one point making it look as if her field were open to attack....
... but when the Coin's Edge moved inside and closer, a good lunge even, the Char suddenly changed course and went straight towards Taraka's drone, almost like a cue ball finally aiming for the black 8 in a pool table. That sent the Coin over the edge (...), and the Char was free to loop around and take the second banner.

D3 LA - Char battling Taraka's drone! Piloting/Agi, Utaku bonus, +1k1+3 bonuses from drone. | 8k5+9 ⇒ 42

The third banner started with Tacchan sending the Coin's Edge on a chase itself. Maybe Itsuka would also break her concentration and open up some space for an assault?
The chase was probably an exciting one to watch - they switched positions two, three, four times, almost like a game of tag. But in the end, the Utaku's flying was steadier, the Coin's Edge slowed down a bit more than it should in a couple turns, and the last banner was down.

--------------------------

When the Char descended and perched on Itsuka's hand, she was smiling, a flame flickering on her eyes. She waved to Taraka from a distance, then to Suh-Hyun as well.

TO: teamshinjoblastingoff123!!

Happy to if you're up for it! Today or later, as you prefer.

Taking the carps to other worlds? Hah - I should've expected that was what she meant when she mentioned other heights. That does sound neat, though! If the idea does go back to Shinjo's Grace, please send me a holo of what becomes of it!

Lunch at the Wherever tomorrow or the day after, then?
Or wherever you prefer. I mean... you got it!

Itsuka

[Susumu Sumiko]

"I would love to read it!"

"And my schedule is currently pretty open tomorrow. A mountain trip and picnic sounds delightful. If Kitsune-san is available, we could include him, and if not, I am sure we can find another time to connect. Let me know what time works for you."

"I will also check with my patron if she could make a terminal available for research. I'll keep you posted on that."

"Let's see how the mornings weather is. This morning would have been very...interesting going along a rope bridge in that storm" Sumiko chuckled "I heard there's a convention in the afternoon tomorrow as well in the afternoon so a walk in the mountainside to relax before that would be great as I'm pretty confident Kakita-sama will be popular there. Otherwise after the convention would be great for discussions."

She took out her small phone.

"Do you have a communicator? We can message tomorrow morning to agree a time when the weather decides if it's feeling like rain or shine."

[Kakita Haruhi]

"Let's see how the mornings weather is. This morning would have been very...interesting going along a rope bridge in that storm" Sumiko chuckled "I heard there's a convention in the afternoon tomorrow as well in the afternoon so a walk in the mountainside to relax before that would be great as I'm pretty confident Kakita-sama will be popular there. Otherwise after the convention would be great for discussions."

She took out her small phone.

"Do you have a communicator? We can message tomorrow morning to agree a time when the weather decides if it's feeling like rain or shine."

She exchanged her contact information.

"It may be good to go right after the convention, so we aren't worried about returning just in time. Let's confirm in the morning."

[Susumu Sumiko]

She exchanged her contact information.

"It may be good to go right after the convention, so we aren't worried about returning just in time. Let's confirm in the morning."

"That sounds like a good idea. Assuming we won't be tired from walking all around the convention" Sumiko chuckled "I've been to a few and they can be long long days. Lots of stalls, lots of games. Hopefully lots of plushies, I need to add some more to my collection."