Shenanigans with Dragon!

[my_belfry_of_fun]

Some meme'ing, some PSL'ing, all shenanigans. Parental Guidance suggested with language and content warnings.

Comments

Summary

[my_belfry_of_fun]

Using the "Explorers for Proxy" setting; all 'crew' are part of a small ship and given missions on behalf of multi-dimensional-semi-omniscient-beings. (Nearly Phenomenal, Semi-Cosmic power if you wanna think of it that way.) They serve as the proxy (eyes and ears and hands and toes and knees and so on) for these beings in exchange for a wish of the person's choosing.

The Exploration Ship Adrastos receives missions mostly from the Being who identifies as Baladeva. Most of these missions have involved extreme circumstances; infiltration, protection of a target in a combat zone, extraction, evacuation. It's not at all clear why Baladeva keeps sending the crew on these missions, and while they've had questions the crew hasn't gained answers. Most of them are good-hearted however, and used to combat, so have been inclined to help while still asking questions.

The Crew of the Adrastos consists of X members. Commanding the ship over all is Justy Ueki Tylor, very easy-going and somewhat happy-go-lucky. His discipline is lax, but an excellent and infallible judge of character. 2nd in command of the ship is Mòrag Ladair, too serious and professional and used to putting her mission or Emperor first before herself. Fortunately Commander Tylor isn't afraid to order her to take a break. Nurse Joy may not be combat-oriented herself, but is used to healing all sorts of injuries and all kinds of beings. Her pokemon help keep her safe and support her so she can support the crew. British wizard George Weasley brings an out of the box and truly magic based viewpoint, coming from a world that's quite a bit different than any of the others. His sense of humor is balanced by his gentle good nature. Rounding out the crew is Trunks Brief, experienced with time-travel and alternate-timelines, grown up too fast and used to being a lone-guardian whether he likes it or not.

Despite some adjustments, and arguments, and hiccups, the first few missions were a success. While the crew has not formed the normal sort of camaraderie and true bonds that get forged in fire, they have managed to find some equilibrium with each other. Squabbles and arguments and pranks, but at least they've learned they can depend on each other in the crises of missions. 6 months so far with missions including protection-and-evacuation, infiltration and extraction. All with fairly clear-cut lines of 'good vs bad' which have added to questions of 'why' and 'what' Baladeva's motivations are.

But it hasn't been easy, and it is time for a break. A full month away from a crowded and small dimension-traveling ship. On a fully equipped space-station with full-range cafeteria, advanced-pocket-dimension rooms stable enough to provide a vacation-experience, and luxury room and board and facilities. Hopefully the time away from high-stress situations will also allow for a deepening of bonds besides simply depending on someone to have one's back.

Sparring isn't a 'vacation'--interruptions.

[my_belfry_of_fun]

Trunks didn't always understand George, but he liked him. Truth be told, as much as Trunks could he 'liked' everyone on the crew. He was quiet, compared to the red-headed wizard. Also compared to Joy, but she was one of those people you liked pretty instantly. Despite that Trunks himself was also serious and focused, he seemed to have an easier time getting along with Commander Tylor than Morag, the 2nd in command. Actually in some ways, she herself reminded Trunks of his father--but mostly in that she was always on. Always serious and focused, always business. Maybe it was just because of the contrast with Tylor.

Certainly in their missions they were all serious, despite George's occasional wicked laugh and tendency to prank. Usually for good ends, and while Trunks hadn't pried--he had caught the other man with a certain look. One that Trunks recognized, and often just kept him silent company for.

That Trunks did recognize that look and knew it well, is probably part of what prompted George to grab him once they'd settled on the station. Dragging him to one of the pocket-dimension rooms, promising to get him to 'loosen up, wizard-style'. Which slightly worried Trunks, but he came along anyways.

George was explaining some kind of game to him, played on broomsticks in the air and with enchanted balls of various kinds, and an opposing team. Trunks wasn't ignorant about sports, but this just seemed crazy to him. Then again a lot of the wizarding world seemed insane to him, which usually made George laugh and grin. "Well the muggle world seems pretty crazy to me too so how's that?" He'd quip back.

The red-head was holding a hefty bat, his broomstick nearby and an open trunk with two large red balls straining against some straps at his feet. Giving Trunks the run-down on what the different roles did, chaser and beater and seeker. "So how hard do those bludgers hit and how much padding do you guys wear again?" Trunks was eyeing the trunk, broom held awkwardly in one hand.

They'd already had the argument about why a broomstick was necessary for this, when Trunks could fly on his own, and faster without one.

"What do you care, Mate--you've taken hits I would've thought could fell a giant." George sounded entirely to cavalier about this... Even if he wasn't wrong in viewing Trunks as a one-man army.

[specialinquisitor]

"My pardon, George."

Mòrag walked into the pocket as if she owned the place, coming to a stop in her military rest posture, hands behind her back. "Not to make a nuisance of myself, but I need to borrow Trunks for a bit. If he's amenable?" she added, glancing the other boy's way with a slight lift of her voice and one eyebrow.

[my_belfry_of_fun]

Both men blinked as the random door appeared in the middle of the pocket, and George let out a soft whistle at their 2nd in Command's change of clothing. "I'm not sure if that's fancy dress or not, Sir, ma'am-sir!" with a playful tone.

Trunks thought it looked more formally-military, if only because of how it was cut. He wouldn't disagree about the fancy part. Then he blinked, "Borrow me? For?" Not that he wasn't amenable, but they were supposed to be on vacation.

"S'only a nuisance if you make it one, Ma'am." George's insistence on the semi-informal title was clearly meant to toe the line between cheeky and not.

[specialinquisitor]

"I've obtained new weapons that are more my style." She ignored the cheek, knowing it was just George's way. "Trunks is the only person who can help me test them. The rest of you are a bit too fragile, I'm afraid."

[my_belfry_of_fun]

"Oi..." George pouted, while Trunks just sighed and reached up to rub at the back of his neck. "I don't think she meant it like that George." Maybe it was that the half-saiyan had worked a bit more closely with the former inquisitor on a few missions. Or that most others didn't seem to really get just how destructive and powerful some of the Wizard's magic was.

"Besides, I thought we were on vacation. I dis-tinct-ly remember Commander Tylor ordering us all to 'have fun'." The red head continued, enunciating clearly. Not upset, and if Trunks wanted to go, George'd still have fun with quidditch. He'd just steal the other man later for a game. Maybe the inquisitor too.

[specialinquisitor]

Powerful and destructive as George might be, his ability to withstand direct physical violence was somewhat lacking.

"I would have fun doing that." She folded her arms over her chest, an amused smile flickering about her face. "I daresay Trunks might as well. I'll make certain not to monopolize him entirely, you have my word."

Progression--Time-skip

[my_belfry_of_fun]

After that first test of her swords and tech, it had been a few days before they'd tried again. Both acting fairly normal, albeit Trunks slightly more withdrawn when they were in a group. No amount of teasing from George got him a verbal answer either--and Tylor didn't seem to be at all worried about it. Joy was either willfully (and politely) oblivious, or actually so. It didn't interfere with the crew's month of rest though, before they were off again on more missions.

A few of which were changes of pace, to outright exploring and mapping, cataloging, collecting information. These given by a new Being instead of Baladeva, one who seemed more curious and almost younger. These missions were dangerous in a different way than their usual kind, if only because they weren't sure just what they'd always be dealing with.

Ganyma seemed to be in favor of heading into the unknown or lesser known areas.

It made for some interesting changes of pace for the crew.

Fortunately, any potential awkwardness between two of the 5 crew members did not interfere with their missions. Not beyond any usual awkwardness that they all experienced at various parts as they grew closer together in some ways. A bit more open, slowly becoming more cohesive than just purely a crew that worked well and was thrown together.

They were actually on their way to another station for another good month of rest and relaxation. This time after a little over 3 months worth of missions almost non-stop. All of them were looking forward to the break, and at least one was planning some 'helpful' mischief along the way.

Pranking for a good cause!

[light_of_willpower]

Trunks was going to have words with that scheming wizard; mostly because if he used his fists he wouldn't guarantee the safety of George's nose. Once he got loose that is.

The damn prankster had caught him unaware with a spell, blindfolded and gagged him, and then done something to the damn ropes because Trunks couldn't break 'em. He'd been trying for the last 10 minutes at least. George had removed the spell as soon as he had Trunks tied up securely. "Sorry Mate, 's for your own good! Promise."

Damn magic.

Which is how Trunks found himself securely tied up from head to toe, leaning against a wall, in the dark. Against metal and wood paneling, and he could guess it was a closet on the ship. Not too far down from the kitchen, his nose told him, between the scent of spices and cleaning supplies.

"Don't worry, you'll be free soon! Just gotta get the right person to do so!" There hadn't been much space in the...whatever it was space...before Trunks was shoved in and the only saving grace was that he wasn't that tall. George had shoved something against his chest and the ropes there, before closing the door and Trunks could feel the other's ki signature receding.

Oh yes, there would be words--and hopefully Trunks could keep his temper so he didn't break either his friends' face OR his wand for this.

[specialinquisitor]

Luckily, he did not need to wait too long. Coaxed in by a glib lie from the wizard, in came Mòrag, casually hitting the lights as she did. The sight before her was so unexpected that even someone as professional and steadfast as she was could do nothing more than gape for a minute.

"Trunks!" she said, and as if the name jolted her to action, she dashed forwards to free him, starting with the gag. Behind her, the door swung shut, and clicked quietly enough that she missed it entirely.

[light_of_willpower]

George had planned this well, as Trunks had let out a groan behind the gag when he sensed the wizard's return via ki. With Morag; which prompted some more struggling against the ropes for any kind of loosening. Which meant his eyes didn't exactly widen, the way Morag's did, but he shook his head 'no' and tried to jerk it towards the door.

He heard a faint chuckle as well as the door clicking quietly shut. Along with the lock engaging, and something else he couldn't quite make out. Probably a spell, but they'd have to find out in a minute.

First though, thanks to Morag removing the gag, Trunks took a deep breath. "What did he tell you, since he didn't ambush you the way he did me." Voice slightly lower, because oh he was starting to get angry.

[specialinquisitor]

"He needed me to get a heavy box from in here." She turned her attention to the knots, next, wondering if she would be able to free him. Clearly something had been done to these ropes to prevent him simply breaking out, though that wouldn't stop her from trying.

[light_of_willpower]

"If you can get my wrists..." Trunks offered, trying to shift a bit so she could see the problem. In addition to tying him from chest to knee, George had managed to get Trunks' arms behind him, wrists bound at the small of his back. It didn't exactly offer him much leverage, not that he was having much luck moving anyways.

Unfortunately, there was not much room at all in the storage space now that they were both in there. Even if he weren't tied up, it would be difficult to avoid contact. Right then Trunks was too frustrated-angry to be too aware of that close-ness.

Second Station: Vacation time then new crew and new ship.

[my_belfry_of_fun]

Despite George's 'prank'--very little seemed to change. In big ways; in smaller ways there were improvements. The wizard didn't regret it at all, even though he had trouble using his left arm without it aching for awhile (and a nice sized bruise on said arm to match). Tylor just gave him sympathy, as he did for all his crew, and no one could tell if he knew what'd happened or not.

Some of it really was an effect of the crew's just having worked together so long now, but Trunks was less quiet and reserved. Including more of that attitude that Morag had seen during sparring. Depending on the topic, he actually got quite animated in a few conversations. Something that pleased her as well as the wizard--glad for his shyer-friend.

Duty-wise, nothing changed just because Morag and Trunks were now testing the waters of a relationship. Both still too new, and somewhat inexperienced, to move too fast despite that having been a fear. The time they spent now often included small things, like hand-holding, or just simply being close with hugs. Definitely some kissing, although Trunks still blushed far too easily and the ship wasn't that big.

But by the end of that week, they had once more arrived at a Station. Also a notice that the Adrastos would be getting an upgrade of sorts, as they would be receiving new crew-members in preparation for more exploring and missions.

[light_of_willpower]

New crew and new ship? Or at least an upgrade? That had Trunks, among others, curious but there was no further information as of yet. In the meantime, they were looking at 2 weeks or so on their own for vacation before dealing with it.

As before, the station was luxuriously equipped compared to their ships. Somewhat nicer quarters (more like a hotel that way), places to eat and re-supply, entertainment... Morag did show Trunks the armory, which had him impressed with it's selections from time and space and multiple dimensions. Plus holding her hand while walking had been very pleasant.

It also had those pocket-dimension rooms, and this time it was Trunks who grabbed Morag for one. More time spent together, as well as that they both just enjoyed the spar. George wisely kept his mouth shut, although Tylor noticed and had chuckled to himself, before murmuring something to the effect of "Have fun you two" and 'ah, love' under his breath.

Trunks was choosing the 'battleground' this time so to speak, having found a pocket-room that still offered them a lot of space, but a few more potential hazards. No flat fields of grass this time, but trees and water nearby, and the rise and fall of the terrain. It was scenic in it's sparseness. He had also brought his sword with him this time.

[specialinquisitor]

Oh, she could tell immediately why he chose this area. Given his ability to fly and his general speed, the terrain favored him. She took that as a compliment, since she had only been improving with her weapons. A challenge would stretch her muscles nicely.

"I'm surprised you bothered to learn a sword, given your strength in hand-to-hand."

[light_of_willpower]

It was a compliment, and he'd figured out a few other things about these rooms. But that could wait, as he wanted her to have fun besides just sparring with him. "I didn't at first. It...it's special." Shy again, but not for his usual reasons. This was something he kept very close to his heart and hadn't told many. She might learn in time.

"I know when he was younger, the greatest hero on my world, Son Goku, used a magic staff. I think he's the only other one among the fighters I've heard about that uses a weapon as well as hand-to-hand."

There's a smile, and hint of challenge, as Trunks met her eyes. "I've noticed you do some hand to hand while you have your sword, mostly in the form of kicks." Which he didn't mind because he kicked too. "Is this at all close to how you fought, when with Brighid?"

[specialinquisitor]

"The interplay between Driver and Blade involves frequent exchanges of weapons, in fact," she said, hands folded behind her back in an at-east posture. "The Driver builds strength and channels the Blade's energy; the Blade unleashes it when it is sufficient. When the bond between them is in perfect tune, both can strike at once, as if they were one being."

[light_of_willpower]

"That would make for quite the partnership." Trunks listened, and was at-ease himself with just his hands at his sides and posture relaxed. "Is it always in close, or do you ever fight from a distance with your Blade?"

Proper "leisure" Time

[my_belfry_of_fun]

Raiding the Station Armory had yielded a new item to help add some challenges to Morag and Trunks' sparring. Which wasn't usually a 'fun' activity but was for them. Namely, he'd found bracelets that dampened his ki. Or similar energy, as George had tried them too and found himself unable to work any kind of spell even with a wand.

Useful and interesting; the couple certainly enjoyed the challenge and testing each other. When they managed to stay focused on actually sparring. It also had provided a good form of 'neutral' ground to allow the pair to become more comfortable. Flirting with each other, and with little touches and kisses. Little pushes, but both aware that this was not something either was used to.

Both were game however for learning.

2 weeks went by fast, and they were introduced to new members of their crew. 4 humanoid-ducks--all children; which wasn't exactly reassuring. An acquaintance of George from the wizarding world, who seemed a bit out there but also very intelligent. A teenage cyborg who was part of a superhero-team back in his own world, and was clearly ready to just roll with whatever was thrown at him.

It would take some adjusting, but that was part of why new crew-mates were being integrated with 2 weeks left on the Station before they all had missions again. Chances for them to have their own space, but also to get to know each other and learn a bit about how they'd all work together.

That 'space' part was important though, so that they could all adjust BEFORE having to depend on each other in a life-or-death situation. Some of them already taking advantage of it already, as Luna and George were comparing notes with Webby and Dewey and Huey, while Louie and Cyborg were comparing notes on disguises and 'cons' of all things. Tylor and Nurse Joy were also seen enjoying some of the comforts of the station. Purely platonically, despite Tylor's flirting.

Morag and Trunks didn't feel guilty then, when 'ordered' to take a proper vacation-date. With a suggestion and arrangements made. Teleporting to a nearby planet that was known for it's resorts and climate similar to Earth Tropics. Yes, 'ordered'--as Tylor had learned by now to phrase it as such for Morag. Bathing suits, proper dinner with each other, spend time playing in the sand and not sparring--try 'normal' stuff. He might've been teasing too, a bit--but he knew Trunks at least had a background reference culturally for this stuff, if not actual experience. The commander wasn't so sure about his 2nd-in-command having the same references.


Compact and sleek suitcases, and things had been set-up to correspond with their 'omnibands' as their ticket and means of entry. The planet itself was Thein, and they were booked 2 rooms for 1 overnight at the Daoung resort. The teleportation had been slightly unnerving, but smooth for all of that--and it was clear that the resort-hotel was used to this type of thing.

Pale yellow-green sky, with an orange-red-brick facade leading into the lobby, there were fountains everywhere, against sandy-colored low furniture and cushions and brick-work. Marble (or something close to it) as well, and many different beings. All corporeal thankfully, and quite a few humanoids.

Soon enough the pair were settled, and it was time to go have 'fun' and proper 'leisure' time.

[specialinquisitor]

Mòrag spent the time getting prepared wondering privately if the Captain was very deliberately assigning them to date, or if he was simply assigning them to do something that they all knew very well the two of them would make into a date. She ultimately decided she would think of it as the latter, because she was inclined to rebel against the former.

They hadn't kept their liaison as secret as they might desire. Little surprise considering George was involved, but it was a little embarrassing all told. Things like this should be kept quiet, she felt, and not made public knowledge. Still... they didn't have much in the way of secrecy anyway...

With her suitcases settled but no certain itinerary decided on, Mòrag stepped over to peer in the open door to Trunks' identical suite. "You're the one more familiar with this sort of thing. What shall we do here?"

[light_of_willpower]

They also hadn't exactly flaunted their liason in front of the rest of the crew either. Honestly the two were fairly discreet, given how new this was for both of them. Even if Trunks didn't necessarily agree that something like this needed to be kept quiet, he didn't feel it was right to flaunt it either.

Their suites were next to each other, but not connected. Fairly nice too, with a small sitting area in addition to the bed, with a walk-in-closet and small vanity area. Each held a spacious shower/bath combination too, with vanity and regular lighting. Trunks was in the process of unpacking, when Morag peered over. "Well, familiar in idea and knowledge, not in experience."

Waving her on in, he worked as he spoke. "It's a resort, so there's likely a pool on site, if we don't want to brave the beach and ocean. I definitely can smell food, and there's probably at least one restaurant on site if not more than one, and a few nearby given this location." Pausing, and taking a break, Trunks turned and offered her a slightly shy grin. "It depends on what you want to do. What do you think you'd like to try?"

[specialinquisitor]

"When you put it like that, I feel I must insist on the ocean. I'd like to become more familiar with one." She'd be doing more of that back home right now, since for the first time in eons Alrest had a true ocean of water. "And I believe they have an exhibit of aquatic animals here as well?"

'Aquarium' wasn't a familiar term for her, either.

[light_of_willpower]

"Not many oceans back home?" Trunks questioned, gentle warmth in his tone and zero judgement. "I can check." Pulling his omni-band off his wrist, it wasn't hard for Trunks to manipulate the device to expand, press a small button, and ask his request.

"Resort attractions and activities please?" A small circle formed in the center of the band, then projected further to become a hologram. Pressing that small button again, "Ocean, Beach, and related information please." The hologram switched from a 3-D representation of the front of the resort, to an overview of the beach, with various lists and information for further links.

"If we're hitting the beach though, we should probably do so in more casual clothes than our uniforms." A few steps over to Morag, and Trunks passed her the Omni-band with one hand, while the other reached for hers to squeeze softly. "Shorts or loose pants that aren't designed for combat, comfy shirts, maybe a hat, and sandals. Also either packing or wearing a swimsuit underneath. I can take care of a bag for both of us, if you want?"

[specialinquisitor]

"Alrest had the Cloud Sea, by the Architect's will," she said, even as she smiled back at him when he took her hand. "It was only recently, with all the changes that came, that he pulled it back and true water, along with true land, because our world. And yes, we require swimsuits. Wearing one under casual clothing will actually feel more comfortable, I think."

She had, on occasion, donned one in the past. He might be surprised to know that.