[Invite] Attention Seeking

---

    
    What was one supposed to expect of life on Earth? Though there was a great distinction in the people and culture that inhabited the planet in contrast to Namek, the aspect Bass found himself most fascinated by was that of the climate and constant cycle of moon and sun. To truly be immersed in nature and enjoy it for all it was happened to be a pleasure that the young Namekian liked exploiting. One could expect to get intrigued by all the variety of flora and fauna on the planet quite rapidly via reasonable observations of the countryside. Having never been one that enjoyed city life himself he never felt all that much reason to go into the more urbanized regions of the Sleepy East. A place littered with curious and uncommon faces, a luscious region that bore an agrarian lifestyle he considered reminiscent of the Cargo Farmlands. A location which while he didn't necessarily visiting on Namek, considered rather necessary to go back to given an encounter he had with a familiar face. Namek was undergoing a revolution of sorts and as the smoke began to clear, it seemed all the more important to go back home. The volatile state he once knew his birthplace to be in appeared to be leaving with the hunt for the Dragon Balls haven't seemingly not had any significant fights as of recent, at least to his knowledge.


    With little else to do and not much more motivation to remain on the blue marble, the reason for departing became increasingly clear. Training, although an essential part of a Warrior Namekian's lifestyle had been to Bass's detriment neglected for quite some time now. Meditation could only serve the teen for so long before he hit a brick wall. To train and return to his residence at the Mazoku Gravesites would be essential if he were to hope to get any stronger. A various few individuals had told him he did possess a noteworthy level strength but in his heart of hearts he knew the truth personally. At there mere bottom of a pyramid that became increasingly more difficult to climb. There was much to be accomplished if he were to hope to get even a little bit close to the top. Although not obvious just yet, Bass couldn't help but feel that he'd have to go back to where all things began for him. The source of both his life and his combative prowess, Namek itself. Lost in thought, the young Namekian sat in complete silence while he'd ponder just one last time before heading off the planet. His ship armed and raring to go, bits of rust and wear were easily visible on the Namekian spacecraft. Its condition in such a bad shape that one could only wonder if the space-faring machine would actually be capable of interstellar flight. 


    <To return home after having left and abandoned everything with such a rash attitude on my part was a clear mistake, but I wonder. Just what would I be returning to? Its not like I was necessarily a King or any other kind of remarkable figure anyways. Even when I was among the Concordia's ranks I was but a simple soldier. There's no honor in being such a low ranking official, and what of the Guru. I'm positive he's been busy with Steno, Keytar and whoever else that's possibly joined the government. My place among that kind of environment seems a futile but despite that I shouldn't let that get to me anyways. Did Strum not to say to press on and move forward? For his, mine and my father's sake I need to continue on this path I've been forging for myself. The torch has been passed down to me and I shan't let this flame burn out. Having been called into action I cannot simply stand on the sidelines and act like I can't do anything. There is still training to be done and knowledge to acquire. Things might take longer than I thought but if that's what it'll take maybe its better that way. But wait.. Hmm.. never mind then, that sound. That power-level too, I am not alone in this place. Best I keep my guard up. One can never be so sure, be it beast or man alike in this forest, I need be ever mindful.>


    In hurried fashion Bass would turn his head back to see just what happened to be causing all the ruckus. His meditation cut short to better pay attention to what was going on around him. Though his Namekian bloodline did provide him the ability of enhanced hearing, such a sense didn't happen to be the only means of detecting the individual in question. Perceiving the stranger's power-level with a significant level of interest. A person rivaling his strength? Such a man couldn't be taken lightly, friend, foe or otherwise. Earth was a whole new playground entirely and while he hadn't immersed himself all that much with the people, he had received ample amount of advice from his brethren before having left for this planet. Before he could think any further Bass would be met with a new face, a Saiyan of fair physical build and height. Seemingly bearing some measure of moderate combative competence evident by their skill with the application of a ki blade. Upon further inspection the young Namekian saw something that sealed the deal for him, driving him to immediate conclusion. Eyes honing in carefully on the Saiyan Kingdom emblem found on the stranger's chest, thoughts running wild as he tried to make sense of things. <Fascinating, he doesn't strike me as that weak an individual but I must wonder. What has he sought to find on Earth? A soldier, so far from home. There's got to be some kind of reason but is it right of me to ask? Hmm.. I need not create conflict, its almost time for me to head back anyways but still. I do wonder what kind of dialogue I can get out of this man.>


    Bass's demeanor ceased being so serious, returning to a calmer and easygoing facial expression after having been stuck in rumination for quite some time now. Standing himself upright the young Namekian eyed the figure with visible caution, somewhat xenophobic in the manner he stood his ground at a proud height of six feet flat. Arms crossed as he defended his space in the metaphorical sense, meticulous as to not cause any violent action on the person's part. Continuously watchful for a few moments before beginning to actually talk. While he knew not what to say he deemed it better to begin the dialogue than just let awkward tension rise over each other. "Why hello, Saiyan. Seems like you've found my spot, one needn't worry however. I'll be heading back from where I hail in due time. Matters have changed from what I gather and due to such, I must be leaving. Allow me grant you this plot of land. The teen then proceeded to smile, nodding his head while remaining an ever trained glance on Cress. Not too sure what kind of reaction he'd get out of the Saiyan considering their rather abrupt means of encounter. "The name's Bass, Warrior Caste Namekian."

---

  

---

    
    Time was a stream, flowing carefully like a body of water. Though one could predict where it might lead such was never a guarantee, full of many twists and turns as it split off into separate paths for any and everyone who rode along it. Bass hadn't started his day with the mind that he'd be surprised by an encounter such as this, but as all things in life. He'd experience the unexpected, forcefully placed into a dialogue of which he knew not how to progress. Just what was to be said to a man such as he? It wasn't everyday that the young Namekian pursued conversations with Saiyans though on the rare instances that he did, they always happened to be memorable. Colorful characters of every flavor with differing views and opinions on matters. Despite them not being a bunch he admired all that much their sense of culture proved to be a source of great interest. Just how did such a powerful warrior race rise up the ranks in the universe? Did it happen to be one of intelligence or did they appear to possess something beyond the surface? Having never often been around them long enough that kind of a question still managed to bother him dearly.


    There were layers to the Saiyan condition, many of which Bass was still trying to uncover himself. Mind filled with questions concerning the space faring species. War, while not a practice that the young Namekian had taken part in still happened to be one he desired to understand better. Given no other means of finding an answer it grew clear that dialogue would have to be it. The teen would study his target of conversation carefully before re-engaging in this chat. <Funny, I'd have expected a more standoffish characteristic from this individual. Perhaps it is so because he hasn't deemed me worthy of that kind of treatment. This sort is unlike many of the other soldiers, perhaps that strength has something to do with it. Sharper intellect, better conversational ability and improved demeanor around. So is this the elite class Saiyan they speak of? Odd, I saw so little of them on the front-lines. And to have one right in front of me? A definite spectacle this is indeed, boy I do wonder just how they manage to carry such an impressive power-level. While I may not agree with their way of life there does seem to be something worth following in it. Perhaps I've been wrong if only somewhat. Time will tell I suppose, the inevitable is always decided soon enough I feel.> Bass smirked at Cress, bearing the kind of face that suggested some manner of inner reflection. Visage subtly twitching here and there while it became rather obvious that he was having an inner conversation with himself.


    As if on command, the young Namekian snapped backed to reality. Eyes trained on the Saiyan warrior's body, studying every little detail with great fascination. While he knew not to judge a book by its cover, Bass believed that every person's physical appearance told a story. Some complex, others simple but all in all managing to relay some vital information about the individual's properties. With a booming although somewhat withdrawn emotional tone of voice he'd speak aloud. "Oh, so my assumption was right was it? No matter then, I guess that unfortunately forces the conversation to go in a certain direction. I don't know what to make of your kind but as a Namekian myself the topic of the Kingdom can occasionally become a very sore one for me, however for this instance lets forget it. I'm trying to move past that kind of thing due to certain circumstances that've.. enlightened me to so speak." Bass turned his head back and placed a palm on the surface of one of his ship's many legs, grinning with a somewhat sinister expression. "It is my intention to militarize and rejuvenate what Namek has long lost. The Dragon Balls are a risk to the safety of my planet and while I don't have the intention of harming others, its became clear that it may be required for the good of the people and the planet."

---

  

---

    
    What were feelings? Were they representations of one's truest opinions or did they carry a more deceiving and sinister element to them? The mind could easily tell one tale while the heart told another one of remarkably different accuracy. Though they each managed to relay different kinds of information Bass struggled to tell which was one more worth considering. To follow solely the brain alone meant to be a machine, cold and without what made one Namekian. However, on the other side of things to simply blindly be guided by one's emotions meant to fall prey to something that made one an aimless dreamer. Full of aspirations that might never truly be accomplished. There was a battle of the minds underway and to find what he considered the true nature of his being. It'd take a long time before he even understood what he happened to be looking for. Bass's eyes became ever longing as he stared at the insignia on Cress's chest. Bold and in an impressive red color, there lain the Saiyan logo evident for all to see. It wasn't just a badge one wore on their face but an idea that many people fought and gave their lives for. By no means was it a cause he could specifically get behind but their dedication was one he found incredibly admirable. To have such a passion towards something, the young Namekian desired to have something similar.


    <Oh look at how they stand so tall with such a particular air of pride to their form as well. Agents of warfare and comrades of violence yet there is a grace to their way in which they deliver their poison. Would I be wrong to try and emulate that kind of thing too? To have such a courage and eagerness to engage in combat for the sake of one's own planet and people. A nationalism unlike any other I've ever seen before. What does it take to admire one's country to such a degree? To align your will to an ideology even at the cost of death, have I been missing something all this time? I wonder, maybe this is why Namek's behind in this so called race we're in. To lack the will to kill and die for what you believe in, perhaps that's what we've been lacking all along. That certain element of carelessness to do what's necessary, our ways of peace do come at a cost after all..> As he continued to think the trail of thought would be ended in fairly rapid fashion, a comment set the young Namekian's way causing him to get back to the main focus of their encounter. This was a discussion and what kind of person would he be if he didn't keep up his own end of the bargain?


    Laughter began to fill the vicinity with impressive intensity, a simple remark made on Cress's part having managed to drive Bass to great humor in such a short amount of time. After getting back to his senses the young Namekian would gain his composure once again, scratching the back of his head with an expression that blurred the lines between seriousness and a playful element to his character. "Good? That's good you say?! Oh, the irony in that. Perhaps I should be more clear in what I say when I say it especially. I'm not one who's all too fond of your kind or more specifically what the Kingdom's proven itself to be. Maybe its not active malevolence but the consequence of having a military based on Saiyan that's made me sore to the idea of your kind but whatever it may be, I struggle to stand in your very presence. With both this Namekian Dragon Ball hunt and the one previous I've noticed a particular theme that I hope will end soon. Its not your fault however, I don't blame your sort for doing what you do and surely will continue doing. Though given my people are on the receiving side of things I do see problem in it. Being a Namekian trained in the physical discipline I've come to value the art of combat all the more so given the disastrous repercussions of the previous Dragon Ball hunt on Namek."


    The teen sighed, visible signs of discontent formed upon his face as he continued to speak. Taking but a mere moment to breath and find his words yet again before advancing the dialogue. "Exciting? Perhaps, I haven't given it much thought really, but by no means do I have the strength to succeed. I'm unsure what to make of the Kingdom just yet, but right now your group of people seem like a primary galactic threat. Without another force to counteract such a might, it makes things very unstable, at least where I'm from." Bass returned the grin with one of his own, getting ever so slightly cocky while he gazed upon the Saiyan. His powers of ki-sensing coming in handy to properly gauge the level of strength he assumed the individual had. "I'm not too hot myself currently, but an individual of your caliber. I think I could at least hold my own. Anything past that and the odds are heavily stacked against my favor. But what of your plans? What's brought you so far from Vegeta at a time like this?"

---

  

---

    
    Like a sphere of snow quickly racing against the side of a mountain, things were steadily reaching a point of no return. Namekian and Saiyan, Warrior against Warrior. Despite all their differences there were a many characteristics that they still managed to share oddly enough. Though they really weren't alike one another, a many similarities could be seen just through what was for all intents and purposes a small bit of dialogue. Was it really the words they said or the meaning of the discussion hidden in every noun and verb that mattered? Bass was not one to disregard the art of conversation so quickly unless he felt it necessary, given a moment like this one he knew it too important to not just ignore. There were a time for many actions and a place for different decisions but here there'd be no need for such a thing. Very quickly things had already been decided for the two of them and it seemed that any kind of delay would only help to worsen the situation. The indifference that Cress showed Bass concerning the Dragon Ball hunts left the young Namekian with an ever building feeling of rage inside, looking to challenge the Saiyan's statement with a retort of his own. Raising a hand up in the air as if to signify disagreement. Grinning as well while he maintained an ever trained focus on the man, by no means could he afford to show any signs of inner conflict given the state of things now.


    "My life has been both too short and too long for me to believe that these wishes are being used for Namek's so called best interests. My home planet has never been the same ever since those asteroids cleared. The greed and self-interest of the galaxy has made itself clear in the form of the Dragon Ball hunts which have and will continue taking place on Namek. My mind goes back to the hunt previous to the one taking place currently and I can't help but remember all the conflict and pain experienced by all the parties involved. Voluntary or not everyone payed a hefty cost especially those who just happened to be residents on the planet, myself included. Now, what you say may carry some merit I know not what kind of person this Nashua is, however. While many other people have had their needs met via the Dragon Balls your kind included, I can't recall any kind of justice brought to our neck of the woods. I hope no more illusions are made from this point forward but from what I've been seeing there is a pattern afoot and I highly doubt it'll be broken by the kindness of one of your kind. No matter, It is our fault for having misplaced our trust. Our Gurus are and continue to be too kind and caring. The Namekian race needs to break the shackles we've placed upon ourselves. This era of peace has made us weak."


    Bass nodded, his visage losing that once energetic and joyful character it once had in order to assume a more serious expression. Blessed with naturally enhanced hearing, the Namekian wouldn't waste the opportunity to listen to what the Saiyan had to say. Curious as to find out just what the content of the information happened to be, it wasn't often that he got the chance to hear the view of a person which such a dramatically contrasting life as he. Having found so much of what Cress was saying wrong, if not just simply intriguing Bass made no aims to cut him off just yet. Careful mental notes would be written down as every little detail never ceased to fascinate the teen. <I must humble myself and escape from my point of view, as does he so do I, we look through our own eyes for what we think is truth. I have certainly strayed away from the path of righteousness and so here I find the two of us stuck in this ever present subjective mindset. He tells a tale that many other Saiyans do innately, likely without any immediate malicious intent. Don't they understand how hazardous they are? The clout they have and the fear they impose on the rest of the galaxy even. Nay, this is likely a charade I hope this isn't how they seriously take themselves to be.> The young Namekian laughed to himself as quickly as he could manage. There was a lot to take in and he wouldn't be able to tackle all of what was said in one go.


    "..Ah yes, we stand at the precipice of a many encounters. While I do wish to counter some of the claims you've made concerning your kind, it doesn't seem worth the effort. If you hadn't the insight to see it clear for your own sake I'll only be wasting time naturally. Few other people rival the might of the Saiyan Kingdom currently and even fewer have the military might behind them to even help sustain a balance of power in the observable galaxy. No matter, acquiring strength is a noble goal its the only thing that should be of importance anyways. Living and dying, happiness and sorrow, getting to use the Dragon Balls or not, these are all decided by one simple thing. The age of truth and justice is but a myth, power is the sole thing that decides fate. I suppose it doesn't matter where you hail from. What one fights for, that's what counts. I'm still learning" Bass began to assume a combative stance, visibly eager to engage in the art of battle with the Saiyan. "Hmm.. rather fascinating, well, that's a great question. Unless done with purpose I make sure to never to strike first. If physical contest is what you seek it'll be up to you to pursue that kind of thing. I won't be the person to initiate it. You say you like being where action is, how about showing me just where that place is."

---

  

---

    
    There was no mistaking it anymore, any sense of doubt could easily be thrown out of the equation now considering the state of things. Here on the battlefield true resolve would be measured and there'd be no arguments to be had about that fact. Win or lose, live or die in the end the only truth that mattered was strength. Kindness, comrades, love, they all came to pass in the unrelenting and clumsy hand of the universe. Destroying anything in its path without care for what might come near it, as was it, so were those who brought trouble to Namek Bass had come to feel. After having built up such a great rage within himself after so long it all felt like it was coming full circle. To find a foe he could do battle with and on such notice at that? It was a refreshing change of pace he could use after having experienced what he could only deem as an uneventful past few days on Earth so far. Despite him having decided to leave this encounter served as an excellent means of reference for just what he might possibly find again should he decide to return to the blue planet. The young Namekian closed his eyes, remaining ever so silent while he listened to the words of Cress. Careful to not overstep his boundaries while he hear the man's remarks with renewed interest. His expression grew sinister and rather grave as he'd started to make his point made about the matter. 


    "Hefty cost? Mm... our people, their families.. Our great architecture, the beautiful landscape we once knew. They aren't what it once used to be, oh Namek my love, my desire. They had once called it a green planet, but oh.. these days its a harsh crimson. Our Dragon Balls have been a great target on our backs for much too long, its power has been abused and the consequences for having it around have proved to be much too problematic." Bass laughed to himself, taking a moment to catch his composure before talking once again. "I don't know if Namekians can ever be a major player in the galaxy again, I highly doubt it. My kind have proven themselves to be a weak a naive people time and time again. The kind of person Xylo was and the Namekians he had managed to lead are unlike any of the kind we have now. I suppose that's fine however, what I plan to become is something far different than what I am currently. The Namekian condition is a failing machine, change is necessary and very rapidly at that. By a year's time I expect something fundamental to change, some will remain Namekian. Others.. something far different." After the exchange of such information Bass would start to think to himself, pondering over the unspoken aspects of Cress's figure. His facial expressions, the subtle mannerisms to his form. Every specific intonation of the individual's voice, they were all factors to consider in extensive detail.


    "Allies? That's an interesting question, I've never been pushed to such a point yet where I've seen my true allies lay. But to answer in short, no I've not any allies. I'm lone in this effort, yes I do have comrades but they are not those I can depend on in combat. I've begun to wonder if that's a good thing or not, this loneliness has taken a toll on me as of recent." Bass's combative stance assumed a new ferocity as he watched the Saiyan prepare for battle. The hunger for conflict was constantly building within him and he struggled to contain it for so long. Cress's show of technological understanding would be met with equally great caution. Throughout the various months he'd been spectator to the war on Namek there wasn't a day where the use of the blutz waves wasn't present. It became rather obvious that the fight was going to escalate on a massive scale. The size of his opponent would only help to serve as greater incentive to match his opponent's level of strength and size. Stimulating the very nerves in his cells as to increase his stature to a level comparable to that of Cress. Ready to return the show of might with that of his own, eyes now opened while he gazed upon his foe with great regard. "As uncertain as I may be about my power-level I can't afford to just stay on Earth and waste more time. Namek necessitates a property it lacks at the moment. I'm as prepared as I ever will be if it means fighting you. I hope you've steeled yourself enough. On with it, I'm ready for your first blow."

---

  

---

    
    Bass sighed aloud, finding difficulty in paying attention to the words of the Saiyan. Though there were bits he agreed with his view on matters only helped to further create a rift in his heart that he couldn't manage to shake off. His feelings happened to be in a particular place and he didn't know if he'd manage keeping them under wraps for much longer with the small dialogue he was still entertaining with the man. Where they were going, words wouldn't be necessary anymore and he knew it too well. To stare upon an individual who was not on the receiving but delivering end of things concerning Namek's various problems only gave him a sentiment of dislike in his mind the more he thought about it. A place he once called home had unfortunately became overrun with many individuals who brought trouble with them, whether actively or due to the character they carried with them wherever they went. Seeing Cress turn into that infamous gigantic ape had only managed to bring back a memory he had tried to repress for so long now. The battle was only beginning to brew and like a dam he could feel something amass pressure from inside. Ready to burst in a massive fit of rage and power. This would be his first and possibly sole opportunity to get a sense of a Saiyan's skills before it became necessary on the battlefield.


    Without allies nor an army to call upon he'd have to make up for such a massive disadvantage with combative prowess and raw might in his arsenal. It'd been some time since he kept tabs on Namek but to his knowledge there wasn't that many noteworthy fighters capable of lending their support when the time was right. While the path was self imposed he'd still own up to it and prove himself in due time even if it meant taking longer to the reach the top. With a foe as great as Cress, the young Namekian would have to employ at least a moderate degree of strategy. No movements could be wasted nor revealed too soon. What was for this instance considered a friendly bout between two individuals could easily become a messy fight with stakes far higher than just one's pride alone. Bass's face melted into a smile while he looked at the Oozaru with great caution, eyes studying the ape with constant vigilance. Making sure to not let his guard down no matter the cost. Not willing to give his opponent any sort of disregard in the battle that was beginning to go underway. His finesse in the art of battle wasn't where he wanted it to be currently and while he was far from being a master of the practice, some elements of combat were fundamental regardless of one's level of power. He'd sigh as a specific remark made on the Saiyan's part made his conscious travel to a certain recess it didn't go to often.


    "It is always the few that decide the fate of things for the many, I doubt its never not been that way however. A part of me can't help but feel as if that's for best however, the more us Namekians die the more we'll start to care about the problems we've been facing. Slothfulness plagues much of my kind and its time that we pay for our mistakes." Bass began to rise from the ground, feet barely touching the surface it was standing upon as he felt the earth beneath him shake terribly. He'd laugh to himself while he shook a hand at the Saiyan, not too eager to listen in on what the individual had to say. "While your effort to give me advice is appreciated I know not if its worth considering, to follow the ways of your people risks being a mistake. At least in my eyes, take that however you wish." The young Namekian's hands began to approach his own ears, gripping on either of them tightly before they tore clean off. Bits of pulp and tendons would be flayed about at the wounds's entrance in horrific manner. Bass's demeanor started to grow ever maniacal as a greedy look formed on his face. His breathing would get all the more loud and aggressive while he stared at his foe with a glance full of intent. His voice would get fairly raspy and distorted, without the capability of hearing for the time being. There was no reference for how he was supposed to sound anymore. Liberated from the sounds of a person he didn't want to hear at the moment.

"Ｓａｖｅ　ｙｏｕｒ　ｂｒｅａｔｈ."　
"Ｗｏｒｄｓ　ｃａｎ＇ｔ　ｆｉｎｄ　ｕｓ　ｈｅｒｅ　ｌｉｋｅ　ｔｈｉｓ.  "
"Ｉ＇ｖｅ  ｇｏｔｔｅｎ　ｔｉｒｅｄ　ｏｆ　ｄｉａｌｏｇｕｅ."　
"Ｌｅｔ　ｕｓ　ｅｍｂｒａｃｅ　ｃｏｍｂａｔ.  ．"

    With an attack surely to hit him heading his way, the Namekian would be forced to respond to Cress's assault with one of his own. Gathering his ki into a fine point before firing it from his mouth in one go. A crackling wave of yellow energy would shoot from Bass's throat as slight bursts of static starting to fire from the controlled beam. Clashing with the attack to the best of his ability while visibly struggling to hold it at bay. Although he managed to defend against it eventually, their difference in power-level proved to be an unfortunate factor that wasn't leaning in the Namekian's favor.

---

  

---

    
    A considerable amount of silence swept over every inch of his body with the temporary injury placed upon his body. In the absence of one sense grew the presence of his others, he'd have to use them to the best of his ability. Fighting with great purpose given the rather disadvantageous nature of his circumstance. Partly self inflicted, others a simple matter of the conditions in which the fight were taking place in. The importance of battle or more specifically the necessity of power was all that Bass had ever really focused on despite pressing issues concerning the young Namekian. There were things to be done but at the very core of it all he couldn't help but feel that the underlining goal of the cause he was fighting for was merely the acquisition of strength. Something while admittedly selfish happened to be of great relevance given the lack of it on his home planet.


    The maneuver made by Cress wouldn't be disregarded in the slightest, given the lack of actual ki used in this attack repelling the foe would prove to be a simple task. Actual debris, while still a challenge to repel still wouldn't be that hard an obstacle to overcome. The mass of splinters sent his way would be halted with the quick application of ki. Bringing his arms to a close before casting them outwards as a slight gale of wind stunned the pieces of wood in their tracks, bringing them to to the ground in rather rapid manner. Bass stared at Cress carefully, curious to see what the individual's next move would be given the ambiguous efficacy of the attack. There was obviously more than what met the eye, but just what was he missing here? Such was the question he'd have to ask himself.

---