Hailing the Citadel (Closed)

Well, thought Baalbatos, as he approached, this was quite the welcome. As he came closer, he saw a squad of what seemed to be soldiers, led by a man with short black hair. Interestingly enough, he noted, the man who led them seem to have no life signature. Very interesting, indeed. He'd met a hand full of people in his life who did not radiate life energy, like this man.

The man introduced himself as Baalbatos finally came in range. 'Crane Master Saki', an interesting title. Just what did he mean by Crane Master? Baalbatos raised a hand in greeting. "Thank you, Crane Master," said Baalbatos, "For the warm welcome. And the offer of the tour. I'd be glad to see your citadel and what mysteries it offers. Particularly this market place of yours."

He followed after the man, eager to see just what this Earthling castle might offer him.

Much larger on the inside? Baalbatos had heard that one before. But still, he found it interesting that the fortress had a fashion district. Not something that Baalbatos himself thought was neccesary, but it was not his citadel to command. And, if it brought in business, who could complain about that?

Baalbatos followed the man to the food court. Ah, he thought, food. How very hungry he was. Earth foods especially made his mouth water, as they were quite the delicacy to him. For a moment, he considered excusing himself to go eat, but he did not want to be rude to his host. Who had actually just asked him to tell the man about himself.

"Well," began Baalbatos, "My name is Baalbatos. A pleasure, Crane Master. I consider myself a bit of a... everyman when it comes to trading. I buy and sell as I can, whatever I can, taking advantage of when I can get a good deal on stock."

Baalbatos could have said more. But his interest was now in what the man had said. "Training and teaching?" He asked, "What kind? If I had to assume, it would be tied to your title of 'Crane Master', would it not?"

Baalbatos joined the Crane Master in the food court, sitting with him at the table. Well, he thought, this place was certainly more varied than he thought. It was more like a small city than a fortress. A very impressive city. It seemed that the mechanical Crane master was really in charge of something special here. If Baalbatos were a more petty man, he might be jealous. This citadel was almost like something he was trying to build. Perhaps he would have to take notes while he was here, keep things in mind for his own building in the months and years to come.

The man explained his purpose. Always looking for traders, he said, and this caught Baalbatos's interest. Perhaps he could bring the ship down for a day or two and open it for business, see if he could make any money with it. He was always keeping an eye out for business opportunities like this, and this citadel seemed a decent place to try his luck. Of course, he thought, if the business in Satan City stayed good, he would have no real reason to move.

And he went on to talk about giving the down trodden or the broken a new purpose with his work. A noble goal, thought Baalbatos, but perhaps not an entirely practical one. If Baalbatos knew anything about the kinds of people that the man said he sought out, it was that they were broken. Broken in mind, broken in body, broken in spirit. And, usually, they tended to stay broken. Once a man was broken, thought Baalbatos, it was hard for him to be reforged. He'd seen it before.

The man signaled for a worker to bring them food. How nice, thought Baalbatos, he was just starting to get hungry. And a few drinks never hurt anyone as well. The ki-less man had given him quite the varied platter. Baalbatos licked his lips and reached for one of the chicken balls. "Thank you, friend," he said as he lifted the food to his mouth, "I greatly appreciate the meal."

He began to eat as the man continued to talk. He spoke of evil. Or training. Of allegiance. It was almost kind of funny. Here they were, sitting down to eat, and this man was getting to be all heavy about the world. "My allegiance?" Asked Baalbatos, "Well, for a time, my only allegiance was to myself. Now, I work for an individual, trying to help him reclaim his birthright. Perhaps a hard goal, it's certainly a thankless one, but I think it's a goal well worth it, nonetheless."

But Baalbatos was definitely interested in the training the man was talking about. Not only was Baalbatos always on the prowl for money, he was always on the prowl for a little power as well. He'd speak after listening to the man, who went into his quite interesting history. A human tainted by the waters of Makaii? He raised an eyebrow in interest. That certainly sounded like home, tainting those who come too close to it. But what else interested Baalbatos, was the fact that he'd transitioned into a mechanical man. How interesting, thought Baalbatos, the man has had quite the life.

"You speak of training and martial arts," said Baalbatos, "Tell me more. I'm definitely interested in this school of yours, if you're still looking for students."

"Yes," began Baalbatos, "I so agree that becoming more powerful would be a worthwhile means of achieving this goal." Baalbatos gave the man a small grin. "And," he added, "I assure you that I am not anyone's... 'bitch', as you put it." No, thought Baalbatos, he was much too smart to be somebody else's tool. Or at least he liked to think so. Lord Qrowen might treat him harshly at times, but he was just as important as the Kold Demon in this regard.

"Yes," answer Baalbatos, "I assure you, I know all the basics of combat and energy manipulation. One does not survive Makaii without learning at least some tricks like that."

Baalbatos took a moment to eat, sipping at his rye. Very good, he thought, this Earthling food was very good indeed. He could eat it everyday and never get tired of it. Of course, that probably would not be good for his health.

"So," continued Baalbatos, "I will meet you at these training grounds of yours. If possible, I'd like to start as soon as possible, tomorrow if you can manage, Crane Master. Though, if you take issue with this, please, let me know and I'm more than willing to adjust my schedule."

The man handed Baalbatos a badge. Supposedly, it held the directions to the Crane compound. Baalbatos smiled and nodded, slipping it into the pocket of his cloak. Further more, he handed Baalbatos a series of cards. Credit cards, he noted. Well, thought Baalbatos, this was a pleasant surprise. Again, these went into his cloak. And even more goodies, noted Baalbatos, this time in the form of a small book, which was also deposited into Baalbatos's cloak shortly after. It seemed that they were done here.

Baalbatos rose from his seat and gave the Crane Master a small bow. "Thank you, Crane Master," said Baalbatos, "For everything. I look forward to our training. I'll see you tomorrow."

And with that, Baalbatos made his way out of the Citadel, and it was not long before the demon was back in the air, flying back towards the ship that he called his home.

(Thread exit! I would like PL with heavy weights and LMB, please!)