Post by Atsuko on Feb 11, 2021 11:34:47 GMT
[Thread PL: 486, suppressed to 5 before climbing]
[X-01 Advanced Armor equipped! PL Gains doubled for this thread!]
[Apprentice Guardian's Training Gear equipped! EXP gains doubled for this thread!]
Having sufficiently rested up after her meeting with Korin, Atsuko decided to start climbing up even further. It was certain to be quite the journey, too. As it proved a bit awkward to maneuver around one of the many pillars on the circular platform and then climb up to the rounded roof. The Knight manages the task however, and for her efforts she is rewarded by seeing a long red pole lodged into the top of Korin's Tower, and extending up even higher into the sky.
Well, it wasn't like she could go flying up. Staying true to the challenge at hand, she begins to climb the pole. Far above she can see the makings of a structure. Making out details at this distance proves difficult, especially when she's more focused on not losing her grip and falling. Slowly but surely she does manage to close that gap however, and she's able to make out a ladder that is next to this very thin pole. All she had to do now was get far enough up there to reach it.
One thing was for sure; this place was massive. Far too much for such a thin pole as this to hold it in place. That implied that whatever this was, it was held there by some unknown force. That only begged the question of what could possibly be doing that. It wasn't like she was going to get any answers from other means. She continues her ascent while wracking her mind about the mystery at hand. Fortunately, she manages to reach the ladder. This... Does prove a bit awkward, though.
For one thing, that ladder had a pretty sharp curve with the rounded bottom of this place. Atsuko has to be very, very careful about her climbing here. Fortunately, it wasn't like she was under any great risk or time limit. Slow and steady eventually wins the race, and she manages to put the uphill battle behind her. Now she just has a straight climb up on a solid ladder.
With her resolve as hardened as always, she manages to pull herself up to the top of this long journey. She is rewarded with the sight of very clean marble-like flooring, wondrous architecture that looked nothing like anything else on Earth, and a garden that seemed extremely well cared for. First thing's first, Atsuko makes sure to get her feet planted firmly on this flooring, and moves away from the edge.
Along the way, she does spot an odd sight in the middle of all this wonder; a strange being with pitch black skin. Whoever and whatever he was, he certainly didn't look Human, or... Like any race that the Saiyan had seen or heard about during her adventures. She carefully considers how to proceed in this instance. But the man is the first to speak.
"Hello. It has been quite some time since a visitor has come this far.", he speaks. His tone is soft, and polite. "Might I ask for your name?", he then adds.
Atsuko gives a calm nod. "I am Atsuko Inoue, and you are?", the Saiyan then inquires. The initial shock of the meeting had passed, and she could plainly tell that the man wore a turban with a bright blue jewel, he also wore a dark red vest, gold bands, and baggy white pants. The outfit was finished off with red pointed shoes.
Quite the odd garb that seemed much like the architecture of this place; alien to Earth. Regardless, the man smiles at her question before responding. "I am Mr. Popo. I serve as the attendant to the Guardian of Earth."
Well, that certainly sounded interesting! Naturally, Atsuko was eager to meet this Guardian. "Could I meet the Guardian of Earth?", she asks, getting straight to the point.
"I'm afraid that you must be tested first. Not just anyone can meet with the Guardian of Earth. You must prove yourself capable and trustworthy", he then explains.
Atsuko is naturally disappointed with this, but gives an understanding nod. "What do I have to do?", she then queries.
The man considers this question in silence for a moment. "The task is quite simple, actually.", he begins.
"I wish to test your abilities, you will begin by fighting me.", he then explains.
Atsuko gives a nod showing that she understands. "Alright. I'll do my best!", the Albino Saiyan responds as she then eases into stance.
This prompts Mr. Popo to smile. "I'm certain you will. Should you succeed, you will be able to return to the Lookout much more easily in the future."
This did bring back some memories for the man. But, aside from being nostalgic, there was the little matter of there being a lack of any dedicated warrior fighting in defense of Earth. His task went on regardless, but... He would admit that it would be pretty nice to have someone to fill the role again. But, that was thinking far into the future. This Saiyan would need to do a lot of growing before that was seriously considered.
And even if he was keen on the idea of having someone take over, he wasn't just going to expect the girl to figure it out all on her own. No, far from it. If anyone was going to do it, he would at least make sure that they were prepared for the task. Mr. Popo remains in a calm posture with his hands behind his back. This leads Atsuko to wonder if he was actually ready for this.
"Do I start fighting now?", she asks, a bit of uncertainty in her voice.
Mr. Popo just smiles and gives a nod. This prompts the Saiyan to ease into her fighting stance, and then she surges forward, taking a probing swing at the man! He dodges with ease.
Curious, she couldn't sense his power, but it was clear that he was skilled. The Knight begins to follow up with her attacks, now putting more effort and power into them. But even still he evaded her strikes with such ease that it seemed to have at the very least matched Aya, if not surpass the old master.
Whoever this was, he was the real deal. Atsuko had long since stopped just testing the waters, and was now throwing everything she had at him. The battle had become more intense, with Mr. Popo now defending himself a little more actively. Every now and then he had thrown his own counter into the mix too, which the Saiyan only barely managed to dodge each time that it happened.
Eventually the fighting breaks off for a moment, and Atsuko takes the time to charge a larger blast with Excalibur. Mr. Popo simply stands there and lets her do so. After a considerable length of time of her charging her attack and him just allowing her to do so, she fires it off.
The man opens his mouth wide and swallows the energy whole. Like it hadn't even phased him. After that, he smiles, and calls an end to the training. "I think I have an idea of where you stand now, Atsuko."
He spoke just as calmly as before, as if there weren't a hint of exhaustion. Atsuko, on the other hand, was a fair bit more worn out. "I hope I impressed... I've never felt this outclassed before."
He seems amused by this, but moves to assure her nonetheless. "I have been doing this for many years. Do not lose confidence in your skills.", he states, then pausing briefly. "In fact, you should strive to improve yourself further."
Atsuko relaxed a little, now sitting down as she continued to converse with the strange man. "Well, I'll certainly keep doing that. I can't afford to stop now."
How the Knight carried herself left an impression on Mr. Popo, the girl had shown she was quite dutiful. With a fair bit of potential and plenty of room to grow. He was curious to see how she might improve. She might not compare to the legendary warriors of generations past, but it was intriguing nonetheless. He might have been witnessing another aspiring Defender of Earth.
"In light of your efforts, you have passed the test. You may return to the Lookout -- no need to worry about climbing. You can fly up here now.", he then explains.
Truthfully, this does manage to shock Atsuko. She expected this to be drawn out more. But she had passed just like that? "Well... Thank you, Mr. Popo!", she then responds with a smile.
He proceeds to give a polite bow, and then returns to tending to the garden. But as he does so, he does add one last thing. "You can find the Guardian of Earth in that room.", he gestures to the completely open doorway, and beyond that was the large set of double doors.
Atsuko had been given free reign to explore the Lookout. It felt like quite the privilege. She must have been the first in who knows how long to be granted the right to do so! Nervously, the Knight approaches the doors. She examines them briefly to best ascertain how to open them, only to find that they do so of their own volition.
Inside, she sees a tall, old green-skinned man sitting on the throne. He offers a kind smile to the Knight as she enters the throne room.
"It's good to finally meet you, Atsuko Inoue.", he speaks.
It does throw Atsuko for a bit of a loop, he knows her? Then as if reading her mind, he chuckles.
"I am the Guardian of Earth... I watch over the entire planet. I saw when you first arrived as well.", he continues. "In many ways... You can consider me the god that watches over this world. 'Kami', if you will."
He then settles, before clarifying one last thing. "But... You can call me Dende."
Well. Atsuko wasn't sure what to expect of the Guardian of Earth, but she had to admit that she wasn't expecting this. Despite that fact, he proves to be a pleasant fellow. The two hold a conversation for quite awhile -- Dende not having the opportunity to converse with someone aside from Mr. Popo in quite some time. He relished the new company.
Finally however, he decides to draw attention to more important matters. "I'm sure you're already well aware... But I fear that trouble is coming to Earth. Earth has lost it's defenders.", he admits, the sadness on his face apparent.
"I do have to be careful of how I act, and I've never been much for fighting. But you can consider the Lookout a haven whenever you need it. Maybe one day, I'll reveal more of it's purposes to you.", he then adds.
Atsuko gives a polite bow, and then steps out of the throne room. Honestly, there was so much to go over that she didn't even know where to start! But she had a feeling that if anyone could offer her answers, it was Rumia. She definitely wanted to share this story with the Supreme Kai. It was amazing!
Notes:
Ki Suppression used to suppress her power level before she resumed climbing from Korin's Tower to the Lookout.
