#good news for those of you who're interested in this one i guess?

[allgoldenelite]

Translation of various things surrounding DDT 8/25 (Ibushi's return match)

It's a long one, so click to read it all after the cut

On the mic after the match, Ibushi said:

In these 20 years I've been wrestling, there truly were times when I didn't know if I liked pro wrestling or not. Coming back to the DDT ring and being able to have a match here, it really made wrestling seem fun again. But my love for wrestling is still only at 60%. It's not enough for 100%, but from now on I will get into the ring in AEW and DDT and gradually find my own true wrestling style that's fun to me. Endô, let's have a singles match next. I'm always waiting.

Kôroku Yuya:

I was no match that presence that changes the atmosphere of where he is just by being there, or that aura he has. It was a good experience to get a taste of Ibushi Kôta live like that. But I have to defy him, don't I? There are many passionate guys among the rookies in DDT right now that you don't even know about. Remember that. Thank you for the nice inspiration.

During their backstage comments, Ueno and Mao were more critical of Ibushi coming back to DDT. Ueno said:

We're here right now because Ibushi built the history of DDT. But him coming back to DDT is nothing amazing. What is Ibushi going to do in DDT? What are we going to do in the future? That's [what I want you to] look at. I lost but I'll go forward.

And MAO said:

The guys who had their dreams together with Ibushi Kôta, they can't forget the era in which they dreamed together with him, they'll chase after the shadow of that time their entire lives. How do you think we've been feeling when we built our own era after that?! I don't care about Ibushi this Kôta that, but 'that time' is over! We are the now! We lived through the hard times, and even after DDT was picked up by CyberAgent when the numbers were low, they were still a bit low after that—that the numbers are finally looking good again, that's thanks to the era we built! Don't take us for idiots! You middle-aged lot, don't give yourself up to the 'golden star syndrome'. Wake up. We are the current generation.

To which Ibushi said:

A return to DDT after a long time I'm dead tired, but it felt like something nostalgic, something new. I'm going to physically stay a heavyweight for a bit... It was fun, but, well, I don't have any interest at all in the criticism? inferioty complex? of the rest of the roster and I don't want to get involved with that at all, so I'm going to ignore it. It crossed my mind if [he?] is going to do that kind of wrestling again, but Endô has really grown!"

Oh, these people are the aces? I guess they're from a generation I'm not familiar with [typo]. Either way I'm tired of superfluous jealousy so if this repeats I can always fade out, and also please get bigger crowds again, in the future I won't accept that kind [typo] of jealousy even if it's in wrestling. I'll leave I got AEW too"

And then Ueno had this to say (reposted by MAO and Chris):

For me it's not at all like that. Neither myself nor MAO has any kind of criticism of you or feels inferior to you, Ibushi. It's simply about the problem with the stance of those people who share their opinions. If you could, I'd implore you to watch our backstage comments again. I'm sorry it's about us, but please forgive us if our language is rough. I think the fact that [people] feel nostalgic about the DDT that you built under Takagi, and what the current you is going to build in DDT from now on, are two completely different things. Please don't just look at the past, but at DDT as it is now, as a promotion, as the individuals. It's not just about what's happening right now. The present continues a bit into the future. That's our DDT, us who're living in the now. The DDT the way I see it. It's extremely sad to see this as jealousy or inferiority complex or something like that, that's just unfortunate. I'll show [people] everything I've acquired as a human being. I think that if we can't shift our focus because there are other places, then that's the last stop for us as we are now. If you are born of Takagi Sanshirô and wrestling is fun for you to experience, then please experience DDT until you've had enough. Please don't give up on yourself or others. It's all in DDT. If singles are easier to do then let's have one immediately. We're the children of Takagi Sanshirô, so let's enjoy this. It'd be a waste [not to].

Chris:

At the end of the day, pro wrestling is a fight, so if someone snaps at you, you should snap back. I think no one is expressing petty jealousy, and I think if you think that we are then you have a pretty narrow world view. And the people who are blindly agreeing with that kind of misunderstanding aren't helping the situaton, either. DDT is a kind place with kind people, so let's enjoy this together. If it's not from the heart we won't get anything out of it, after all.

Mita Sayoko:

When Endo asked Ibushi, 'Ibushi, do you love pro wrestling' and Ibushi answered in his actual voice, 'I do', I remembered that time in 2013 at the show in Ryôgoku when Dieno and Ibushi, after their singles match, had this back-and-forth: 'Ibushi, why do you wrestle?' 'Because I love it'.

[the actual back-and-forth took place before Ryôgoku, and went like this:]

Dieno: “Thank you very much for so thoroughly and utterly smashing me to pieces for daring to think I could win even a little bit. Oh, damn it! Ibushi, can I ask you something? Why are you wrestling?” Ibushi: “Because it’s fun.” Dieno: “What a coincidence. [I feel so] too. One more, why are you in DDT?” Ibushi: “Because I love it, because I love it here.”

Ibushi also replied to the first post in this thread:

I really was so lost that I weighed in my mind whether I loved it or hated it. A lot of things raced through [my head]. When I asked myself how I would feel if I didn't have pro wrestling anymore right now, I knew definitely that if it went away I would regret it. I've only ever had like, one regret in my life, but this one I would regret! So then I said, "I do [love it]."

[back to Mita:]

Endo belongs to the last generation in DDT who were deeply influenced by Ibushi, and Ibushi's not just the wrestler who inspired him to become a wrestler but 'someone I will always look up to'. I'm really glad that they each came up through an era when pro wrestling is unbelievable and that I could see with my own eyes the day when they could face each other in a DDT ring [after that]."

And then MAO comes along and throws a fastball at these sentimental feelings. When I saw him yell, "You middle-aged lot, don't give yourself up to the 'golden star syndrome'! Do you have any idea how hard we worked since then?! That era is over!", I felt like I couldn't just carelessly say "I want to see a match with Ibushi and the DNA generation after him" anymore,

and furthermore I knew that Ueno, who had lost his championship and had been made to talk about Ibushi only after his match, was [also] thinking, don't take us for idiots, so I trudged home, thinking around in circles about everything.

Dieno on his blog (this was the free part, there is also a paid one):

First, I should say, 'Welcome back'. This is probably putting the assclusion first, but let me talk about what's great about Ibushi in DDT. It's his degree of madness. That he's a psychopath. If you forgive the crass expression, the guy is insane. But because he has an unbelievable talent for wrestling, people pay attention to him, whether it be because of his moves of his physicality or his unique, hard work, and as a result he was successful in major promotions as well, not to speak of how accepted he was. Although he went to a major promotion, his madness didn't fit in there. That's all this is about. We will never know how much Ibushi was worried when he left DDT. Some people maybe even think it wasn't good. Well, a lot happened. Sorry, but I don't care about that. What does he mean to me? That's the only basis by which I judge Ibushi.

So then he returned to DDT yesterday (8/25). He made sure to dress up in madness. I think his injuries and ring rust did have an effect on him. But this was Ibushi at his most 'Bussan' to me. The same way Endô is 'Tecchan' to me. Ibushi was 'Bussan'.

I don't care if he himself agrees or not. If he's going to be a heavyweight wrestler than he's going to get bigger for that and a build a body he can use for that. I think he will adjust that himself in the future. As far as yesterday is concerned, I think it's enough that he showed up as 'Bussan'.

I guess I'll go into detail? This is jumping around in the timeline a bit, but somehow Endô made his challenge after the main event. It feels like before that he was looking at himself and checking what it was that he himself needed right now. Through the match with Ibushi. His question to Ibushi after the match was probably also part of that. In other words 'Do you love pro wrestling?' You get it, right? Tecchan was asking himself that. In reality the answer was already there. Because he was asking that inside a wrestling ring. But for him, that was probably the last piece needed [to make his] challenge. 'I wrestled because I love wrestling. But sometimes it was difficult in wrestling. Would I continue to love wrestling despite that?' That led to him declaring his challenge after the main.

Kôroku. I'm glad he got a taste of Ibushi before the others. I don't know how Ibushi is going to wrestle for DDT in the future. But I could see him wrestling in matchups that are meaningful. Consequently I guess he won't really wrestle those with shorter careers we call rookies. Thus it's a valuable experience that shouldn't be wasted. And on top of that. Of course, I don't know if this is the correct answer. I don't know, but if I had been Kôraku, I think I would've said 'This guy is crazy' during the match. After all, he tried to asphyxiate him. So I get the feeling that he acted in this kind of position in the match. And by doing so [Kôroku] became a key person of the match. But I don't know if it's the correct way to go to repeat that over and over. It changes depending on how you want to be perceived. Wrestling is hard.

Akito controlled the match. At the very least he did for our team. Akito's control of the chaos was very effective when it came to how excessively often it was Ibushi's turn, even though this was his return match after injury. There was a way everyone conducted themselves that was like, 'Everyone wants to see Ibushi in this match.' The nerve of this guy to have this kind of important position in DDT, in deed as well as in name. How upsetting to think that, I thought in admiration.

And actually, me and Ibushi. This is important for this match. I was able to predict the fact that Akito would help 'Ibushi's match' along the way I noted earlier, so here I shoved in my story with Ibushi, as is my nature. I thought I would do it as soon as Ibushi made his entrance. I write about this in more detail in the paid part, but I understand where Ueno and Mao are coming from. I guess you could call it a concern for the "current DDT". That's why I brought my story with Ibushi here. I think the result was worth it. We mustn't go back to 8 years ago, after all. Not just the wrestlers in this match. Every wrestler in DDT right now. The whole of DDT, in a way. And neither should Ibushi. We live in the now, facing the future together with the past. ...This is the kind of thing I will get deeper into in the paid part.

[ring-the-lilybell]

LEVEL 83 - VIPER IN THE VIDRAAL'S SHADOW

Keshkwa: Good to see you, [NAME]. After a lotta asking around, I dug up some new leads on Iq Soq Xmajun. Or at least, I think I did. Keshkwa: Wasn't easy, though. At first, the only stories of interest were about Gridanian poachers dealing in so-called “exotic meats.” Juveniles. In other words, too young and too dead to be what we're after. Keshkwa: That detour notwithstanding, there were a few other tidbits that might be useful. I got my own thoughts on the matter, but I wanna hear yours, too. That alright? Keshkwa: Much obliged. So I hear an adventurer came across a whole bunch of strikingly beautiful red feathers, just outside of town. They ended up giving 'em to some kids, who've been playing with 'em ever since. Keshkwa: More to the point, there was talk of a huge beast with glowing blue eyes, flying off towards a place called the Black Shroud. Keshkwa: Red feathers, blue eyes. Put the two together, and it sounds an awful lot like Iq Soq Xmajun. Keshkwa: Seems it's had enough of Thanalan and picked the Shroud as its new stamping ground. But what's your take on it all? Keshkwa: Ha, I knew you'd agree! After the amount of “mystery meat” I had to sample just to squeeze information outta those butchers at the market, I'm glad it all paid off. Keshkwa: As for our next move, I reckon we oughta take an airship to Gridania. From what I hear, a fella by the name of Gavin over at the Adders' Nest should be able to tell us more. I'll meet you there. Gavin: How might I help? Keshkwa: I'm after a tural vidra─ Ah, I mean, I'm searching for this dangerous creature that's come over from another continent… Gavin: I see… As it happens, I am aware of a beast that matches the description of this Iq Soq Xmajun. Gavin: Our scouts spoke of its blue eyes and red wings─and of its aggressive nature leading it to attack any who dare approach. Keshkwa: So it really is here in the Shroud! And up to no good already. Gavin: Thankfully, there've been no deaths so far, but it's only a matter of time before a merchant or adventurer becomes the first. Keshkwa: I believe Iq Soq Xmajun came here in search of new territory. Thanalan wasn't to its liking, and now it's testing out the Shroud. Gavin: It would appear so… I'll tell the other Adders that you're pursuing the beast, and to lend what assistance they can. I assume that's all right with you? Keshkwa: Yessir, the more the merrier. Slaying the bastard's what matters, and I ain't too proud to accept help when it's offered. So, where was it last seen? Gavin: In the South Shroud. Once you get there, head for Quarrymill and look for Lieutenant Golias. He's leading the search.

Gavin: Remember: Lieutenant Golias at Quarrymill. Best of luck.

Keshkwa: I'm guessing that's Lieutenant Golias, but who're those two? Innocent Stork: I don't believe we've had the pleasure. I gather you too are in pursuit of the creature? Golias: You must be Keshkwa and [NAME]. The Adders' Nest sent word to expect you both. I'm Golias, the officer in charge of this operation. Golias: This is Innocent Stork, who's provided us with vital information. A merchant in her employ spotted the beast on the way back from Ul'dah. Golias: She's also taken the liberty of assembling a team of experts to assist in tracking the target. Innocent Stork: At no small expense, I might add. But compared to the losses my business would suffer were the creature allowed to roam free, I deemed it a worthy investment. Innocent Stork: As our goals are aligned, perhaps you wish to join my experts in the field? If so, you'll find them near Rootslake. I'm sure you'll get along swimmingly. Keshkwa: Looks like we're late to the party. Let's go hear what they have to say.

Innocent Stork: That fellow standing behind me? My bodyguard. One can never be too careful, particularly when traversing known trade routes. Golias: In light of Innocent Stork's considerable generosity, the Twin Adders have decided to let her experts handle the primary search effort in our stead. My men and I will provide support by making inquiries around the settlement and sharing any new information we happen to acquire.

Keshkwa: I'd say we found our experts. Hunt Leader: Fresh meat for the hunt, eh? Order came down to let you tag along, but don't get underfoot. Hunt Leader: We're looking for signs of the creature so our naturalist can predict its movements. We'll then lay traps where it's expected to appear. Keshkwa: Got themselves a proper plan, don't they? Seeing as they're being so accommodating, we may as well join in the search. Keshkwa: Found me a few signs of activity. How about you? Keshkwa: Corpses of grazing animals gouged by monstrous claws? Same here. The size and depth of the wounds are consistent with how Iq Soq Xmajun hunts. Keshkwa: And just like back in Tural, it's killing not just to eat, but also to mark its territory─to show anyone and everyone who's boss… Hunt Leader: There you are. Manage to sniff anything out? Keshkwa: Yessir. Aside from a couple of dung hills, we got some dead wildlife, most likely the work of Iq Soq Xmajun. I reckon it's close, somewhere north of the swamp. Hired Naturalist: We came to the same conclusion. This predator makes no attempt to cover its tracks. Clearly it has survived so long by virtue of its immense proportions and in spite of its diminished intelligence. Keshkwa: You got it all wrong. It left those tracks on purpose, to see how we'd react. Hired Naturalist: Are you saying the beast is testing us? That's absurd. The level of foresight and cunning required to even attempt to do so is far beyond these lesser beings. Hired Naturalist: As for the corpses it left behind, those animals must not have been to its taste. I suggest using fresh cuts of prime livestock as bait, the bloodier the better. Once the creature has been enticed, surrounding and subduing it is but a formality. Keshkwa: Hate to break it to you, but Iq Soq Xmajun's way too clever to fall for that. You're gonna need every trick in the book, and then some. Hired Naturalist: Rest assured, I've considered every eventuality. And even if there was merit to your advice, I will not let it be said that our success was the product of anyone's genius but mine and mine alone. Keshkwa: What difference does it make who came up with what? Hunt Leader: A monetary difference. Innocent Stork offers better rewards based on performance. Hunt Leader: Aye, don't even think about trying to steal our thunder. We're the ones who'll bring her Ick Sock Whatever-Its-Name-Is, not you. Keshkwa: Listen, we're trained to fight large predators like these. If you got any sense, you'll let us take the lead. Hunt Leader: And put our lives in the hands of complete strangers? I think not. There's no place in our strategy for you, so stand aside and await further instructions. Keshkwa: Fine, have it your way. If you're half the hunters you think you are, Iq Soq Xmajun's as good as dead. Right? Keshkwa: C'mon, [NAME], let's leave 'em to it. Nothing good ever came from working with people you can't trust. Even I know that. Hunt Leader: Then it's decided. You two will wait at the southern end of the lower paths. Be ready to give chase in case the beast escapes us─not that it will.

Keshkwa: A viper should be the one to finish off Iq Soq Xmajun. To properly avenge our brother-in-arms. But really, it doesn't matter who does the deed, so long as the beast dies.

Keshkwa: Awful quiet, don't you think? Hired Naturalist: Aaa…aaa…aaagh! Keshkwa: You hear that!? Keshkwa: That must be one of the hunting party! It came from the north─let's move!

Keshkwa: It's bad. Real bad. Hired Naturalist: Unh… Uuuh… Keshkwa: I know it hurts, but please…tell us what happened. Hired Naturalist: It was…watching us… Hired Naturalist: That fresh lamb should draw the target out of hiding. Though…if I lace it with the toxin I brought, success is practically guaranteed. Hunt Leader: Toxin!? We were explicitly told not to kill the beast, in case you'd forgotten. Hired Naturalist: Of course not. It can be used as a sedative. Highly potent, but only lethal if applied in excess. Hired Naturalist: If you lack the stomach for it, I'll do it myself. Naturally, my personal contributions will be detailed in the final report, to ensure credit is given where due. Hunt Leader: What the hells are you playing at!? If it catches wind, the plan's ruined! Hired Marauder: Shouldn't we go after them? Hired Thaumaturge: No, it'll only make things worse. If that bookworm wants to stick his neck out for a few gil more, I say let him. Hunt Leader: What!? No…no! Aaagh! Hired Marauder: Gods have mercy! There it is! Hired Thaumaturge: Stay calm! Nothing's changed…except the bait. Now's our chance! Hired Marauder: Aaagggh! Hired Naturalist: They were screaming… I ran… But I could still hear… Hired Naturalist: You were right. It knew… It knew… Golias: Keshkwa! [NAME]! By the Twelve, what happened here!? Keshkwa: The hunters became the hunted. Golias: I shall see that their remains are recovered and the necessary rites performed. Perhaps you'd be so kind as to return to Quarrymill and share these unfortunate tidings with Innocent Stork.

Keshkwa: Even with the sedatives, they didn't stand a chance… If only I'd talked 'em out of it, this never would've happened. nnocent Stork: I'd anticipated casualties, but it was a massacre. Keshkwa: Iq Soq Xmajun's grown bolder. Before, it only hunted animals, lone travelers─prey it knew it could handle with ease. Keshkwa: Its past brushes with death taught it to be cautious. That's probably why it fled Tural in the first place, too. But it just outwitted a group of armed hunters. Keshkwa: Instead of running away from trouble, the beast went looking for it. This was sport, a game─it was having fun. And now that it's had a taste, it's only gonna want more… Innocent Stork: My poor judgment invited this tragedy. I must make amends. Innocent Stork: Please, allow me to assist you in pursuing the creature. Even without a team of experts at my disposal, I believe my network of contacts will prove useful in gathering vital information. Innocent Stork: Understood. I place my faith in your abilities as vipers. Keshkwa: Appreciate it, ma'am. If you turn up any leads, be sure to let us know. Golias: I'd best return to the Adders' Nest and deliver my report. It's imperative we inform the populace of the threat posed by Iq Soq Xmajun. Golias: Might I ask that you use Quarrymill as your temporary base of operations? Knowing where to find you will make it easier to coordinate our efforts. Keshkwa: Suits me fine. 'Sides, I got plenty to do here, like learn about this neck of the woods and the critters and whatnot. Keshkwa: But while I have you, there's one thing I wanna ask. How'd the “Twin Adders” get their name? Golias: I beg your pardon? What does that have to do with Iq Soq Xmajun? Keshkwa: Nothing really. It's just that us vipers based our fighting arts on snakes, so they're near and dear to our hearts. Might even say we got a reverence for 'em. Golias: Is that so? I suppose we also feel a kinship towards snakes. Golias: The name “Twin Adders” comes from the pair of white snakes on the Gridanian standard, though that imagery predates the city-state's founding. There's more I could tell you, though I fear other matters must take precedence. Keshkwa: Heh, with a history as long as that, we'd be here talking till the 'pacas come home. I'd love to hear more about it, but I understand it'll have to wait. Keshkwa: I'd best get to learning what I can about Iq Soq Xmajun. While I see to that, maybe you oughta squeeze in some more training?

Viper Job Quests - NPC Dialogue

Because I'm still wildly unwell for my new favorite man, I went back through and pulled the NPC dialogue from the Viper job quests so I could more easily reference it. Here be spoilers.

LEVEL 80 - ENTER THE VIPER

Worried Weaver: You're an adventurer, yes? There's a spot of bother over at the Weavers' Guild, and we could use a hand sorting it out. Worried Weaver: We received an order for a full ensemble, but now that the work's been completed, the client refuses to pay. Worried Weaver: Mind you, I had my suspicions from the start. He calls himself a “viper” of all things. In my experience, people who name themselves after snakes are not to be trusted! Worried Weaver: In any case, he carries a pair of swords on his back, and I hate to think what would happen if he started wielding them in anger. Could you head to the guild and smooth things over?

Perplexed Weaver: Despite my best efforts to reason with him, he keeps going on and on about vipers or some such! What am I to do? So-called Viper: Good day to you, stranger. I was hoping I might make the acquaintance of someone a bit rougher 'round the edges─someone who's seen her fair share of action. Could you tell me what prey's worth hunting in these here parts? Perplexed Weaver: Have you any idea what he's talking about? I took no issue with fulfilling his order, but now that it's time for him to pay, it's as though we're talking at cross-purposes! So-called Viper: Likewise, I don't understand why this fella's being so difficult. All I'm asking for is the outfit I ordered and the name of some critters worth killing. So-called Viper: Maybe I oughta explain from the beginning. I'm from Tural, a big ol' continent on the other side of the salt west of here. So-called Viper: You've been there, I reckon? Then you might've seen others who wield the dual blades, or “vipers” as we're traditionally known. So-called Viper: Our duty is to hunt ferocious beasts that endanger the lives of innocent folk. In fact, that's what brought me here. So-called Viper: Thing is, all that fighting and long days on the road ain't been too kind to my gear. Reckoned it was high time I got me a new getup, bespoke and all. Perplexed Weaver: Fascinating, I'm sure, but why do you refuse to pay for your order? And why are you so insistent that I “choose my prey”? So-called Viper: 'Cause how else am I supposed to pay you? Do us a favor, and we'll hunt down any beast you want. That's the code─how we vipers do business. So-called Viper: That so? So you're saying they want something else instead? Perplexed Weaver: Payment commensurate with the skill and materials required. In gil, preferably. So-called Viper: Well, didn't see that one coming. Guess that explains our little misunderstanding. Perplexed Weaver: But surely your countrymen trade in some sort of currency, yes? Or are you vipers so far removed from society as to be unaware of such concepts? So-called Viper: 'Course we know what money is! We ain't no bumpkins! But, uh, when it comes to requisitioning goods and services, I usually rely on the elders to deal with artisans and the like. Which is to say I ain't in the habit of carrying significant sums… Perplexed Weaver: So be it… If your only form of payment is the slaying of beasts, that shall have to do. Perplexed Weaver: As it happens, one of my colleagues in eastern Thanalan reports that merchants carrying our supplies were attacked by a wild fiend. Perplexed Weaver: What's more, the creature is a species of many-headed scalekin, never before seen in this region. It is rumored to have escaped from the Coliseum and has been running rampant ever since. So-called Viper: Scaly? Lotta heads? Alright, you got yourself a deal. Perplexed Weaver: “Deal”? Considering the guild has already fulfilled its end of the bargain, you should count yourself lucky! Still, I'd hate for anything to go awry at this juncture. Perplexed Weaver: Might I ask a favor of you, friend? I'd like you to accompany him and ensure that he attends to the creature as agreed. Besides, I daresay seeing a so-called “viper” at work will be an enlightening experience. Keshkwa: The name's Keshkwa. Pleasure to meet you. Perplexed Weaver: The creature was last seen near Camp Drybone, so I advise you to begin there. Perplexed Weaver: It would appear that viper fellow has already departed for Camp Drybone. I do hope he knows the way, or least has the good sense to ask for directions.

Keshkwa: So this is Camp Drybone, huh? Fitting name. Anyway, you ready to hunt? Keshkwa: What's that look for? Aw, lemme guess, you wanna ask around first and see if anyone can point us in the right direction? Keshkwa: No need. The weaver's friend told me plenty. All we gotta do is track down the beast, which is a viper specialty. Keshkwa: It went after traders carrying tailor's materials. Bolts of cloth and whatnot don't sound none too tasty to me, so I'm guessing it's the merchants themselves the beast had its eye on. Keshkwa: Most predators use their sense of smell to pick out their meals. Scents carry on the wind, so you gotta consider the positions of the rocks and plants to determine how the air tends to flow through an area. Ain't too hard to deduce where a critter's made its lair after you've done all that. Keshkwa: Yep, that's a big 'un. Mean looking, too. Must be wreaking havoc on the food chain, never mind the danger it poses to locals. Well, time to do what a viper does best! Keshkwa: That's that. So, you like the show? Don't play coy─I can see you're intrigued. Keshkwa: But before I spill all my secrets, I got a question for you. Ever heard of a “tural vidraal”? Keshkwa: You have? Then you know they're a rare breed of beast that wields all sorts of powers they got no right having. A threat to every other living thing that has the temerity to breathe in their vicinity. Keshkwa: Because of their long lifespans and unnatural abilities, they were dubbed the “tyrants of Tural”. That's more or less what the name means. Keshkwa: Anyway, someone's gotta hunt the tural vidraal, and that someone is us, the vipers. Keshkwa: Y'know, I've met a fair few adventurers during my time here, but I can tell you're a cut above the rest. Might even have what it takes to be a viper. Keshkwa: If you're interested, I can teach you, on one condition─you'll help me hunt down a tural vidraal that's made its way to Eorzea. What do you say? Keshkwa: Ha! Hell of a thing to ask outta the blue, I know. Just think on it some, will you? Keshkwa: Let's head on back to Ul'dah and tell the weaver fella we're square. The journey'll give you time to consider my offer. Keshkwa: I just gave our weaver friend the good news, and he handed over this set of fancy duds, as promised. Gotta say, it was worth the trouble. Keshkwa: So, about my offer. You ready to become a viper, and protect folks from the nastiest beasts that ever lived? Keshkwa: A mighty fine answer! I'll make a viper of you, just see if I don't! First order of business: lemme give you this here soul crystal. Keshkwa: It contains knowledge of our fighting arts, passed down since ancient times from one generation of vipers to the next. Assuming you've got the knack for it, our skills can be yours, too. Keshkwa: I've also got a fresh set of viper gear for you. The Weavers' Guild wanted to thank you for overseeing our hunt earlier, so they made you your very own outfit. Guess that fella took your measurements by eye or something… Oh, and the blades are a couple of spares I had handy. Keshkwa: Try it all on for size─and let me get a look at you while you're at it.

[wren-of-the-woods]

Well, my Renfri & Jaskier fic has taken on a life of its own -- I'm well over 5k and only maybe a third of the way through the plot. I'm having fun!

[paintball-writes]

Commissioner Gordon to the Rescue!

Paris, Eiffel Tower, 4:34 AM

" Ladybug we can't keep this going! We need help! " a bee -striped heroine's voice is heard from a distance. Abeille .

" While that is true, who is going to help us? The justice league already called us a joke." someone says followed by a sharpening sound. Tatsu .

" Why don't don't we ask Batman? He's the most reasonable one" a calm voice reasons supporting his girlfriend's idea. Serpent .

" Yes, but how are we going to call Batman without ending up in asylum? Bailing ya outta there is hard work ya know?" the spotted armoured heroin asks. Ladybug.

" She's right guys" the quick witted fox hero chimes in. Reynard.

"Why don't we broadcast worldwide news that if Justice League doesn't show up in Paris within 24 hours we'll destroy the world" the usually quiet turtle cladded hero asks. Shellder.

"Yeah right! That way we'll have even more charges." Serpent says glaring at Shellder.

"Hey LB don't you know a police officer there? Afterall you are from there." Abeille asks the once street kid.

"Yes, Bug. You know the old guy. Maybe we can ask for his help." Tatsu asks her girlfriend.

"That's a nice idea. The Commissioner does have contact with Batman! Oooh then we might get to use the Bat Signal! Oh my Kwami, what if he doesn't recognise me?" Ladybug asks.

"He will recognise you Bug!" Shellder chimes in.

"The Bat Signal is real!" Reynard exclaims.

"That's out of the point. Don't get distracted!" Tatsu scolds.

"Ladybug, do you trust him enough to reveal your identity? Cause if you don't he won't believe you either." Serpent reasons.

"I guess. After all he saved my life multiple times." Ladybug answers unsurely.

"Ladybug there's no 'I guess' it's either Yes or No." Serpent says sternly.

"Then I do. I trust him." Ladybug answers firmly.

"Alright then, Yes it is." Abeille says.

"To Gotham we go!" and Reynard jumps off. Returns a minute later. "So, when exactly are we going and where?" he then asks.

"Now, Luks call Jagged and inform him. I'm sure he'll cover for us. Kalki if you may?" Ladybug asks.

"Of course Great guardian, but till Serpent finishes the call can you tell how and when have you been to Gotham?"

"Oh that, I was a street kid with my brother back then. We used to steal for a living. Jason took care of both of us. I was just three when we started living on the streets. Jay was eight. There were a few warehouses where all the street kids lived together. Commissioner Gordon came disguised as an old man and gave the kids blankets. He also anonymously left food for kids. When I figured out that was him I asked him why he didn't report us to the CPS. He answered Kid I know the CPS gives you Pipsqueaks shitty homes. Don't think about it. When I was seven I was kidnapped by Scarecrow. For testing some toxins. He threw me out saying I wasn't good enough. So somehow I found myself in Paris. Without my brother." Ladybug says with tears in her eyes.

"I called Dad and he said Okay because the Sandboy akuma was hard. Five hours particularly, all of your guardians think we're having a sleepover." Serpent says breaking everyone out of their stupor.

"LB, Can I use Kalki this time? Please?" Reynard asks.

"Fine, Here." She says giggling.

Gotham, Police station, 10:52 PM

Gordon POV

The shift is almost over yet I can't help but feel something interesting is about to happen.

Suddenly a blue portal appears. I take out my gun for defence.

"Woah, Woah no need for a gun. We come in peace." The one dressed like a fox answers.

"Who are you? Clarify your purpose!"

"We're heroes of Paris. We come to ask for your help." The one with a katana answers.

"Heroes? In Paris? Since when? I'd say it was a joke, But the portal proves it. Why wasn't the Justice league informed?"

"Slow down a bit, 3 years, Justice league laughed on us, to specify Green Lantern." Striped one? Answers.

"A...Alright, But how can I trust you, For all you could be joker's goons."

"You can trust us, If you don't, you know her you can trust us." The one with harp points to a spotted Ladybug?..

"Okaay, What're your names?"

"Official Introduction Time!" The flute one answers.

"The name's Reynard, Paris's Residential Fox Hero! Fox to meet you!"

"Or Nathaniel Kutzberg"

"The name's Abeille, Bow down Peasants!"

"AKA Chloe Bourgeois"

"I am Serpent, The most Responsible one."

"Or Luka Stone."

"I'm Shellder, Pleasure to meet you."

"Or Marc Anciel"

"Tatsu, Nice to meet you Commissioner, Kagami Trusugi"

"I... I'm Marinette Todd, Hi Commissioner"

"Dear Lord Mari is that really you? What do need my help for?"

"We need to come in Contact with the bats, And can you help me find my brother?"

"Sure Mari, But about your brother you see, He's a Bat too..."

"What?! Seriously?"

Bat Signal, Gotham, 11:13 PM

Red Hood's POV

"Alright we're here Gordon, What's the problem?" Big B asks in his Batman voice.

"We have visitors Batman, They're looking for you." Commiss says. Who in the world would look for Batman?

One by one Teens dressed as animals come out from dark. Drat everyone's just as confused as me.

"Alright who're you playing dress up? Ya know that's dangerous." I ask voicing everyone's curiosity. Suddenly a blue blob attaches to me and starts Giggling.

"Jay-Jay it's me" My eyes start to sting. Only one person calls me that.

"P-Pixie?" I ask unsurely. Pixie nods her head.

"Pixie-Pop it's really you!" I say once i register what's going on.

"I'm never leaving you again Squirt. You're alright! Remind me not to let you alone on streets again, Leave it to Mari for a recipe for trouble!" I tighten my hold on her.

"Hood who's this? Why are they all dressed up?" B. Yeah I forgot he was there as well.

"B, This is Marinette, my little sister. Although I do not know why she and those kids are dressed up."

"Allow me to explain, There's been a super villian in Paris for three years now. These kids are the Heroes there. They came to me First cause they didn't want to get arrested. Green Lantern called them a joke. I know you'd shoo them off, but Bats I saw a Portal open. They came through it. And Jason, Your sister's the team leader!" Gordon explains.

"What! That bitch let me at him! troubling my sister for no good !I, Jason Todd will Skin him"

"Hood! No names at the Field!" Demon Spawn says.

"Relax, She knows."

"Elaborate" B says.

Batcave, Gotham, 8:56 AM

"Gabriel Agreste is Hawkmoth!" Red robin exclaims.

"Ha! Take that Chat! I was right!" Ladybug says.

"Red robin can you do research on one Lila Rossi? She's probably working for him." Abeille says.

Batcave, Gotham, 11:12 AM

"Guys! Emergency meeting!" Red Robin Shouts.

"Lila Rossi wanted psycopath in 3 different countries!"

College Dupont, Paris, 11: 34 AM (Next Day)

"You bitch why did you file a fake report against Lila!" Alya barks out at Marinette.

"My daughter did no such thing." That wasn't Tom Dupain. There stood in all Glory Bruce Wayne himself.

"Yo-Your Daughter?" Alya asks

"Yes, my adoptive daughter, Jason todd-wayne's biological sister."

"Hey Alya don't shoot the messenger, I filed the evidence on behalf of ladybug and her team!"

"What do you mean? Multimouse isn't supposed to be active!" Agreste says.

"Oh, I didn't know that! I mean how do you think your miraculous was taken Chat Noir?"

Gasps were heard.

"It was you!"

"Yes. Now son of a bitch outta my way!"

"What do you mean?"

"Haven't you heard Gabriel Agreste was Hawkmoth."

Andre's Ice Cream, Paris, 12:13 PM

"Well that went better than we thought, right Babe?" Kagami asks her girlfriend.

"Sure did Gami!" Marinette repies.