Let's Cook This Goose

[yuezun]

Type: Video
Sender ID: yuezun (Dongfang Qingcang)
To: general public
Subject: Battle Tactics and the Great Eight-Headed Goose
Warnings: Discussion of a great goose barbecue! Will update if any come up


[Dongfang Qingcang has his shellphone set up so that it will record him standing in front of it from several feet away. His chin is raised imperiously, his expression is nearly empty, and when he speaks, his tone is bored and even. The sun is behind him, creating dramatic lighting.]

This venerable one is the Great Devil and strongest in the Three Realms, Dongfang Qingcang, Moon Supreme of the Moon Tribe. Mortals would know this venerable one as a god.

[A pause so that anyone listening could make of that whatever they willed.]

As with many who have been brought here, this venerable one finds his full power has been sealed and only some has been restored through the tattoos. This would not matter were this venerable one to set himself against any others brought here as his power is still vast and unfathomable to all but a bare few.

[If Cid is listening: Shut up.]

However, this venerable one has found that despite his power, certain creatures that menace the God-Beasts who have provided sanctuary to us all are particularly... tenacious. This venerable one can easily injure the eight-headed beast, but it is an unfortunate truth that it is able to flee before a killing blow can be made.

As such, this venerable one seeks to find others who have control over the power of fire. Heads severed with fire and whose wounds are seared shut do not regrow. But there are eight necks and more heads grow where one had been should the wound not be sealed properly. This venerable one wishes to gather as many who can wield fire as possible in Eltrut, where it will be easiest for any, regardless of alliance to gather and await the eight-headed beast's next attack.

When it comes, this venerable one is willing to lend any who wield fire a measure of his power. Once all who can have been so graced, we will attack as one. We will severe it's heads, seal the roots, and kill it before it has a chance to flee.

[[OOC: This is a set-up post for anyone who wants to participate! The mods have said that Daqiang is okay to power up other fire users for a mass attack on the Goose and that doing so can and will kill it! Daqiang has the ability to transfer energy and fire-based based abilities and spells are easiest for him to power up, take the least amount of energy for the most effect, etc. So if you want to assume/use the Untitled Goose Bounty 2 prompt in your Test Sail top levels/responses or your monthly posts and include either Daqiang having powered a fire user up, or the post-battle victory bbq, you absolutely can. Assume the big battle takes place near the end of the month, is all that I ask. As Daqiang will be expending all of his energy on this and ending up having to spend at least a week in recovery and I want that to happen in January.]]

Comments

[yuezun]

Dongfang Qingcang.

[He corrected, not really expecting her to say it properly. But at least one correction had to be attempted.]

This venerable one is able to pass his energy to others.

[A very common skill in his world that was surprisingly uncommon here.]

[starshower]

[She's going to try really hard to pronounce his name properly...]

Sorry. Dongfang... Qingcang?

[The name hangs as if she's asking him if she got it right. Anyway—]

What does that entail, exactly? The idea of it is sort of new to me.

[yuezun]

Correct.

[He appreciated the effort to try. It was more than most.]

This venerable one will pass energy to you. It is... like pouring water into a vessel. This venerable one's qi is the water. You are the vessel.

[starshower]

[He'll hear her sigh with relief.]

Gotta say, that's pretty neat. So long as it doesn't end up hurting you, or anyone else. I'm guessing you've tested it out so far?

[So he at least knows it works? She hopes??]

[yuezun]

This venerable one has lent his power to another in this world once before. It was successful.

[Very, very successful. Painfully so, even.]

There is no risk of harm to those whom receive it.

[starshower]

Well. That's good to know. So long as everyone involved knows what they're getting into, including you.

[It's said out of genuine concern for him, and herself, but... they all seem to have a common goal here, so she has no reason not to trust him or give him the benefit of the doubt.

And...

There's a pause now, and the question that has been sitting on the tip of her tongue hangs over the silent air for a moment before she finally asks—]

I know this might seem out of nowhere, but... are you some kind of prince or something?

[Is that rude to ask!?!? She hopes not...!]

[yuezun]

...yes.

[What does everyone think Moon Supreme means if not the supreme ruler of the Moon Tribe and it's many clans, counties, and inner tribes? Is it a matter of the translation magic being strange again?]

My younger brother is the crown prince and Chief of the Moon Tribe within the Ninth Youxin County. This venerable one is the Moon Supreme, to whom all kings and lords of Cangyanhai must bow.

[the use of 'my' vs 'this venerable one' is not a mistake]

[starshower]

[He talks like someone right out of a fairy tale... hence her curiosity. So, when he answers without a second thought, she is a bit relieved that he (hopefully???) didn't take offense to it.]

That sounds amazing... What sorts of things does the Moon Supreme do, if you don't mind me asking? Seems like a real fancy title.

[yuezun]

This venerable one is the ruler of Cangyanhai. This venerable one governs and protects his people, leads its army and ensures the lords beneath him do not betray the trust of those that bow to them. The title is not for show.

[The way she asks it sounds a little like she doesn't understand what it means to be a king and thinks the title is just there to be superfluous. It came with actual responsibility and duties. Unlike the fairies of Shuiyuntian, titles in Cangyanhai were earned and kept by those that could do the work required of them.]

[starshower]

[She definitely does not quite understand, having only heard of these sorts of things in books and in movies, but...]

Didn't think it was. I just never imagined I'd meet anyone like that, but I guess this world's full of all kinds of surprises. I know this isn't really the time or place for it, but if you're ever up for telling me more about the Moon Tribe and your people, I'd love to hear it.

[It's just not something that's common on Gaia, if it exists at all. All Tifa knows is her own little world within Midgar's walls and Nibelheim's high peaks that much beyond that is all still a mystery to her.]

[yuezun]

[That... that was the first time he could recall anyone asking to hear more about his people. It made him feel-

It made him feel.

He wasn't sure what the feeling was. But it wasn't a bad one? It was kind of... warm? And made his breath hitch as his heart sped up a little... was this... excitement? Anticipation? It was strangely good.

His lips twitched into an almost-smile as his eyes softened, unable to control his expression for a moment.]

This venerable one...

[He took a breath. Settled his expression. Cleared his throat. Nodded.]

This venerable one will see if he has the time to do so in the coming days.

[starshower]

[Oh. Had she struck something just now? She certainly doesn't miss the way that his expression softens, that twitch of his lip. Tifa is an observant soul, and she wonders what it is that she might have said to make him so...

She doesn't even have a word.

But it's cute.

And he might be able to hear the smile in her own voice, even if he can't see it.]

How about when the goose is down and everything's settled again on Eltrut? You been to any of the taverns around?

[yuezun]

This venerable one does not spend time at the taverns.

[That is to say, he did not make a habit of going places to drink and mostly ate at restaurants when he ate out.]

Is there one you... recommend?

[starshower]

On Eltrut? Well, there's The Minstrel and Cask, which is the most famous one. Pretty busy though, if that's not your scene. I really liked The Modest Boar, a quiet little place tucked in the back streets of Eltrut.

But...! If you're looking for a really nice place, I'd recommend finding your way onto Elah at some point. If you can. The Minstrel's Dance is my favourite.

[yuezun]

This venerable one can find his way to any of the God-Beasts. The Minstrel's Dance will do.

[starshower]

Great! Then name a time and a day and I'll be there. I've got a whole bunch of recommendations for drinks, too, depending on what you like.

[yuezun]

This venerable one will do so after the beast has been defeated.

[He inclined his head politely.]

This venerable one will leave first.

🎀

[starshower]

I'll look forward to it.

[And... just a questioning tilt of her head at his next comment, even if he can't see it. Oh, is he hanging up? A giggle comes from the other side of the phone.]

Take care, Dongfang Qingcang. Maybe I'll see you at the goose.

[And she'll let him leave first.]