Akkorokamui [Job/Plot/Hyperion]

Job:

Higanbana stretched herself, her body was feeling funny after all the time she spent inside the cage. Well, she did use the large space within the cage to at least walk around in circle and train her body, but the lack of nutrition that she received from her daily diet was not enough. "Come, Koinu." She would say to her beast, the one who had been accompanying her ever since he stumbled upon her on his way wandering around the area. A dog, a peculiar breed perhaps since he looked so different from a regular dog, made his way out from the bushes and floated right beside the girl.

"Why did you free me, master? Didn't you hear the rumors about me?" The girl chuckled eerily while hugging the floating dog like a little girl bringing along her doll around. The rumors about her were not entirely wrong, yes she killed people, accidentally, but she did hurt some people too even since they caged her. But that was not all, she heard this funny rumor about her that just made no sense. Those stupid parents told their kids that she was some kind of a monster who got cursed after disobeying and disappointing their parents. Like where the actual fuck did the rumor started like that. When those stupid servants made fun of her about that joke,  she was dumbfounded and she wasn't sure on how to react so she only scoff and continued what she was doing at the moment,  enjoying her food.

WC : 254/1500

The weathered man had grown these last years, as new experiences as well as the passage of time had changed him. There was less cruelty in his actions as well as his thoughts, but also he could see it much more clearly in others.

He noticed the beast that kept her company, each a reflection of each other, but Hyperion also his younger self mirrored in each of her features. To be exposed to the elements for as long as she had been. The time had shown on her body, her hair and even in her eyes. She wasn't used to a normal human life anymore. It was too late to protect her heart, but now it was time to mend it.

"I've freed you to make you my servant. And this shall be your first lesson. Do not question your master."

They way he saw it, was that she wouldn't be able to trust him any good intentions from him. So he would have to operate as her master so she would trust that he was selfish and evil. "I need to prop my hand, stand beside me so I may rest it."

"Kina has become a sort of home for me, and I've decided to learn more about the people and the culture. Every bit of information is precious. It seems as if the fisherman are being attacked, so we're here to establish relationships with the fisherman, and learn about the ecology of Kina, amongst other things."

Higan raised an eyebrow after hearing what Hyperion said, she wondered if he experienced something like this before... Or perhaps he was the one who do this to other people. Oh well, whatever it was, Higan was grateful that he freed her from the cage. Although the cat-eared girl sensed that this man seemed like a bad person and she might be involved in something bad, it would be a fair price in exchange of her getting out from the cage. Not only that, Higan wasn't planning to entrust her entire life to this man a hundred percent. Who in the earth would just entrust their life to the person they just met? Must be in idiot.

"Fine." Higan responded to the man's order to not question him. But when he told her to stand beside him so he could rest his hand, the girl tilted her head, wondering about it. Everything he did or said felt strange to Higan, but then again, she lacked of social skill and wasn't up to date to the current trend. Was this the current trend between people right now? Well, she would never knew. But since her new master ordered her to do so, then she had no will to question it and would just do it.

She took a step forward and stood beside her master to let him rest his hand, then she would listen to what he said. "Well, the fisherman are precious for Kina's economy... So if you can get your hand around their neck, it would be good for whatever you intend to do." She put a finger on her chin as something appeared inside her mind, "Ah... The maids were gossipping about Akkorokamui appearance at the sea... Perhaps that's what has been attacking those fishermen."

WC: 558/1500

Hyperion could see the results of the trauma, not only on her skin, but also in her words. Putting his hand at the neck of the hands of fishermen would have been his first choice. As a first instinct, it would've worked almost immediately. What could they do but surrender and obey his commands? But there would become a point where after years of torture and oppression where they would slowly turn into Hyperions or Higan, who truly detested their masters and would sacrifice anything for revenge, even killing themselves out of spite if they had to.

"How did you feel about your old masters when they had their hand at your throat?" He could definitely relate to those feelings and as a slave herself, perhaps she could as well.

With his hand on her head, he would stroke her head. "It's great that you heard about it, good girl." It seemed as if the maids from the estate seemed to finally get comfortable around the girl, and she was paying attention. He had gotten the same information as he had, but via a different method, which filled him with pride.

"So, instead of putting our hands at their necks, we're gonna give them a hand and deal with the Akkorokamui."

WC: 494

"Hm... Anger, I guess. But I know what you mean, funny that you want to actually establish a connection with them." Higan scoffed, the man didn't seem like a type of person that would do something like that. But what he said made Higan had a thought about another point of view, that if he could control them by showing the kindness, they would be a willing slave for him and he wouldn't have to worry about their betrayal or anything. Oh well, but what did she knew?

"And they were never my masters. I am just the unwanted child, the freak of the family." Higanbana's eyes squinted, not happy with what she just said. It felt disgusting for her to mention "family", because they were nothing like a family to her, not even once.

Higanbana had to admit that it felt strange and gross when Hyperion stroke her head and praised her for her knowledge. But instead of lashing out to him and get angry, Higanbana would put up an act. "Aww, thank you for calling me a good girl, master." She beamed the man with the sweetest smile she could form with her lips.

"Oh, right~! Let's go to the beach now. The ugly octopuses would still be there." Higan motioned her hand to summon Koinu closer to her. "Guide us to the beach." As her familiar would begin to float and march forward, Higanbana would follow him. "Hey, you should take me for a walk around the country next time, Master. Glad Koinu knows every roads and paths in the country. Being confined in the cage wasn't fun after all..."

WC :836/1500

Hyperion and Higanbana treaded the sun-baked streets of Kina's harbor, with Koinu as their guide. The salty sea air caressing their faces as they made their way towards the dock. The once despised child, Higanbana seemed to look around in wonder, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling port with a renewed vigor and handle on life, tasting freedom now, having lived in a wooden cage up until recently. This was , in some ways, her first time experiencing the outside world. Hyperion could see the distinction between the feral creature he had brought under his wing and the girl walking beside him.

Shishi, on the other hand, walked with a determined gait, his eyes scanning the boats across the docks for the fishermen he had come to meet. The slaver had heard of their plight, of the Akkorokamui. It was regarded as minor deity that had to be pacified because it had been attacking their boats and stealing their catch, and he had come to offer his aid. He was determined to show Higan that there was more to life than hate and pain.

As they reached the dock, they saw a group of weathered men huddled together, their faces etched with worry and concern. Hyperion approached them, his hand out extended as he introduced himself as Hyperion and his companion by name, assuring the fishermen that the pair were there to help with their issues. The men looked at Higanbana skeptically at first, as if she didn't belong, but as Hyperion spoke charmingly, their expressions softened. Something about his words, despite not even being his voice, seemed to gather their full attention and trust.

Hyperion listened intently as the men told him of their struggles with the octopus monster, of how they had tried everything but to no avail. He thought for a moment, then turned to Higanbana, then back to the fishermen. "Can we borrow a ship?" he said.

WC: 819

The cat-eared girl looked around her surrounding, her gaze was full of curiosity. She wondered to herself how long since the last time she visited this area. It must be years ago, especially when a lot had changed. However she tried to hide her inquisitiveness side and wore a confident smile on her face that might came off as smug kind of smile. Well, now that she had her freedom, she could do anything she wanted right? So now was the right time to put on her friendly mask and fake everything. Her life was based on a drama anyways and being a fake was always her identity.

Higan watched as Hyperion interacted with the fishermen, her smile was still intact on her face but she remained silent. She occassionally give her companion, Koinu, a pet. She let him wrap his tail around her neck and rest on her shoulder as they kept walking towards the dock.

Higanbana thought to herself that Hyperion was a good talker, although she felt a little bit of disgust as she kept watching him doing all the talk, being all friendly with those fuckers. Well, he might seem friendly in the eyes of the troubled fishermen, but Higan was sure he was hiding something darker behind his friendly gesture. She didn't know how to prove that, but lets say her animal instinct kind of reacted to it. But it wasn't like she mind it, it was not her business after all.

The look that the fishermen at the dock gave to her wasn't her favorite, but she was used to that kind of stare already. They looked at her like some kind of strange creature, they felt uneasy with her existence around them... But Higanbana kept her fake smile attached on her face without having any intention of taking it off any time soon. However as Hyperion kept talking to them, Higan noticed how the fishermen started to respect him. Again, inside her mind, she projected the image of her vomitting as the result of watching Hyperion's skilled acting. But they wouldn't be able to tell what she was thinking about because she covered it with a smile.

"Sure thing you can, kind Sir." One of the fishermen quickly ordered the others to prepare a ship for Hyperion and in just several minutes, the ship would be ready.

Higan would step forward, placing herself in front of Hyperion and got into the ship. "Let's go. We have to deal with the Akkorokamui quickly so the fishermen can finally catch some fishes again." She showed a cheerful demeanor, ending her words with a lot of cheerful giggles.

"Blergh."

WC:1290/1500

Higanbana stepped aboard the flimsy vessel, a rowboat that was as long as Shishi was tall, a pair of wooden planks for seats and two pairs of oars. Before Shishi could join his trainee, one of the fishermen would grab hold of his arm. Ready for trouble, perhaps someone doubted him, his reactions were sharp and quick, but what was before him were a pair of fish skewers. A gift from the fisherman whose crows feet would appear as his eyes shrunk as his lips curled. Their was a genuine sense of appreciation from the community who depended on the sustenance of the ocean to support themselves and their familes.




With a final send of from this man and the other fisherman still further along the pier, cheering them on. Shishi would settle himself into the rowboat handing over one of the freshly grilled skewers that had plump, flaky chunks. Their savory aroma seemed to compliment the ocean air around them. Hyperion would take a mouth-watering bite into the belly before picking up a pair of oars, rowing them with equal power to propel the boat into the horizon, suggesting that Higanbana rest.



Shishi and Higanbana set sail towards the open sea, where the monster Akkorokamui was said to reside. He had intended this to be a measure of her ability. It hadn't mattered to Hyperion how she handled the situation, whether by her own strength or any other resource. A sense of excitement brewed in the pit of his stomach as he thought that he would be seeing Higan's first steps, and how she would grow in the future.


As they approached the area where the monster was said to be, the sea grew rougher and the waves grew higher. Shishi could sense the power of the monster and his excitement grew. Regardless, the slaver remained calm and collected on the surface, ready to step into the situation at any moment because he refused to underestimate any foe. He had faced many dangerous creatures before and had learned his lessons.

Shishi remained seated at the ship as he could see a dark, red-tinged silhouette several meters away. They seemed to have the element of surprise as the Akkorokamui was feasting away at some of it's prey.

WC: 1246

As Hyperion offered one of the skewers, Higanbana didn't hesitate to take it. It might be a portion of simple and cheap food for some people. But for someone who had been malnutrition for years, that skewer was a fine and exquisite delicacy. "Thank you, Master." She would show her gratitude to her master before slowly eating the skewer, savoring every bite as if it was her last meal.

Hyperion advised her to get some rest now because he wanted to see some action from her and Koinu whenever the Akkorokamui appeared. "Alright." She would say to her master, didn't really care about the danger of the enemy she would be facing later.

Koinu suddenly let out a growl but Higan could see how her companion pinned his ears to the back. "Don't be nervous, Koinu." Higan petted the floating dog on the head, showing her caring side by trying to calm her dog down. The catgirl looked at the gory scenery in front of her, the large octopus was having lunch, enjoying whatever was being wrapped around the giant tentacles.

Not happy with the presence of uninvited guests, the Akkorokamui flailed its tentacle and swung it toward the boat. Higanbana released a sharp short whistle, signaling Koinu to use his Uketomeru skill. The dog would scale its ability 2 times as commanded by his master and clamped the incoming tentacle with his teeth, stopping the attack.

Higanbana let out three high-pitched whistles, signaling Koinu to use Kamitsuku and to scale it 3 times. The beast floated towards the octopus, fast enough to avoid the incoming tentacles until he reached the head and quickly crunched the chewy skin of the monster. Right after that, the octopus let out a pained cry. The tentacles wriggled around for several seconds before they lost the strength to move due to the bite.

As Koinu floated back, Higanbana would give him another pat on the head. "Good job." She would praise him. The catgirl didn't actually expect that Koinu would be this strong, but perhaps the training that they did together was proven effective after all.

"It died." Higanbana turned around to Hyperion, stating the obvious fate of the tentacle.

WC: 1500+/1500

Magoi: 40/40
Stamina: 90/160

Skills:

BEAST:

Hyperion and Higanbana, accompanied by Koinu, rowed out to sea, determined to rid the waters of the dreaded Akkorokamui. As a test of her abilities, Hyperion tasked Higanbana with defeating the beast on her own. With Koinu's assistance, the pair launched an unexpected and swift attack on the monster, revealing Higanbana's remarkable strength.

Hyperion watched with a sense of pride as Higanbana flawlessly executed her plan, her movements graceful and efficient. The once-fearsome Akkorokamui was no match for the girl and her faithful companion. The water was now calm and serene, a far cry from the tumultuous waves that had once surrounded the guardian spirit.

Hyperion and Higanbana made their way back to shore, greeted by the cheers of the fishermen who had been plagued by the Akkorokamui for far too long. The chief of the fishermen approached Hyperion, a look of gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you, kind sir, for putting the spirit to rest." he said, his voice filled with relief.

Hyperion nodded, his eyes shining with pride. "It was my pleasure," he said, his lips curling into a smile. "But I must give credit where it is due. It was Higanbana and Koinu who were truly responsible for the victory." The fishermen turned to Higanbana, their eyes alight with wonder. They had never suspected a girl to be their savior, and her success had earned her their respect.

Hyperion approached the fishermen, a sense of satisfaction filling him as he delivered the good news. "You may now resume your fishing operations," he said, his voice booming over the sounds of the sea. "The Akkorokamui is no longer a threat to your livelihoods." The fishermen erupted into cheers, grateful for the liberation of their waters.

Hyperion and Higanbana were hailed as heroes, their names sung in songs and passed down through generations as the ones who rid the sea of the fearsome Akkorokamui. Their deeds would always be remembered and their bravery celebrated. And so, Hyperion and Higanbana would return to the estate, their spirits affirmed that they had made a difference in the lives of the fishermen and brought peace to the troubled waters, perhaps a change for the better.

WC: 1500+