|
Post by Ruko on Sept 1, 2009 21:33:31 GMT -5
Age wandered into the town. He wasn't particularly glad to be stopping in another town, so soon after the last one, but he didn't get enough supplies for winter, because of a few... distractions. He hoped that there would maybe be a job open, because he would need some money soon. He had heard of a place where you could get paid 1000 gillers for fighting, and he was currently thinking of going there. After winter passed.
Sighing, he decided to head straight for a restaurant. After ordering some meat, he cast his eye around, noticing that there was a variety of red and blue bandanas. Soon, he could not contain his curiosity. Walking up to one of the fellows in a blue bandana, he tapped him on the shoulder, ready to ask his question. The man whipped around, a punch headed straight for Age's face. Age dodged it, whipping his foot around to kick the fellow on the side of the face. Chaos ensued.
A massive brawl started between the blue and the red men, with Age right in the middle of it. His red-brown hair whipped as he fought against men from both colors, dominating the floor. He still had yet to take out his sword, and fought with both fists and his feet. Nothing beat fighting from growing up on the streets. The few spectators were currently hiding behind the bar, along with the workers and the owner. Their eyes widened in shock and awe as they studied this unstoppable newcomer. Age was glad, several times, that he had leather gloves, as he had to stop many swords. His shawl, usually found on Kimunkles (think Senri), made him appear bigger than he actually was, and many weapons missed him by hairs. All the while, a grin was plastered on his face. Age was really enjoying this.
|
|
shadowswolf
Soilder
I'm not evil, just up to no good.
Posts: 217
|
Post by shadowswolf on Sept 1, 2009 22:41:06 GMT -5
Ryker leaned against the cold wall and closed his eyes. How would he ever guess he would be here four months ago? He gave a small grin. Finally-he was free. His slave master was long gone, and he would no longer answer to anyone. After traveling town to town, this one felt the most at home. Although he disliked towns in general, he decided it would be for the best. Outside this town, his old master might be searching for him. Even though in Asteria, +anima were free. Still, his old master never obeyed the rules...he shuttered at the mere thought of running across his arch enemy.
"You have to be sly, like a fox. Brave and valiant, like the wolf. Silent but deadly-like the snake. You must know how to play your cards right, my boy. Play the wrong card and your could lose your life."
His late father had often told him that advice. Ryker only need to hear or see something once though, before he had it memorized. In a way, it was a curse. His darkest hours still haunted him, still as vivid-alive. The years his family had suffered under the King, the discrimination his family went through, the hard winters, his time wandering alone-unsure of what to do-lost. The memories of the Market Place and his master, the pain he endured year after year. Then there was his most horrific memory: the night he became a plus anima.
Yells and shouts broke him from his trance.
|
|
|
Post by Ruko on Sept 2, 2009 19:44:41 GMT -5
Little by little, the gangs began surrounding Age, who was tiring quickly. If he didn't get out of here soon, he would be dead for sure. Fighting the first row of invaders out of his way, he kicked and fought his way, trying to closer to the table where he had set his bag. The small formation and organization the gangs had were beginning to disappear quickly, and it was chaos once more.
Managing to snatch his bag from where he had set it on his chair, Age pushed, kicked and punched his way through the crowd. His hair had gotten messy, falling into his eyes, and his bandanna had fallen around his neck. His piercing gray eyes peered around him, looking for a way out. Fighting his way to make a path, Age managed to push through the crowd till only a few stood between him and the door.
Kicking one on the side of the face, and the other between the legs, Age weaved through the crowd, punching the last ones. Finally, he was out. Age broke through to the outside, breathing heavily as he leaned against the outside wall, yells and shouts still coming from inside. That had been exhausting, but exhilerating. Though, he hadn't even had to draw his sword. Still, a grin plastered itself upon his face, and his piercing eyes grew full of laughter.
|
|
shadowswolf
Soilder
I'm not evil, just up to no good.
Posts: 217
|
Post by shadowswolf on Sept 2, 2009 22:52:41 GMT -5
Ryker walked through the dusty town, his head bent low. The sun was beginning to set, the sky afire with color as the earth slipped into a slumber. This was his favorite time of day, that and the sunset. He held his breath as he watched the bright colors in the distance. It was one of the few things Ryker could rely on, could look forward to every day. His life seemed to be a race for survival, nothing stays the same for long.
A mother called her son indoors, her voice alarming him. His fingers twitched, and he fought the sudden compulsion to defend himself. Muscle by muscle, he relaxed. He almost had to laugh at himself.
"Old habits don't die hard, do they?" He asked himself.
Then, across the road, chaos ensued.
|
|
|
Post by Ruko on Sept 3, 2009 16:53:44 GMT -5
Age didn't get to rest for long. Soon, one of the men tumbled out the door. In the fading light Age could see that he had a red bandanna on, and he inwardly cursed that he had a dark blue one. The two groups were obviously fueding gangs, and Age had gotten caught right in the middle of a gang war. The man stumbled to his feet, and stampeeded toward Age.
It was at a time like this when Age wished he had never ditched his staff. True, he could use his sword, but he didn't want to hurt the man. At least, not too badly. These thoughts being processed in a few seconds, as the man hurtled, bent over, toward Age. Age jumped at just the right time, landing square on the man's back. His weight made the man double over, and fall face down in the road. For good measure, Age thumped him on the head with the side of his foot, knocking him out cold, before stepping off of him.
Age knelt down, checking the man's pulse with a gloved hand. He was stable. Nothing to worry about. Straightening back up again, Age cast a glance at the bar, which was becoming steadily quieter and less rowdy. He'd have to find another place to eat.
|
|
shadowswolf
Soilder
I'm not evil, just up to no good.
Posts: 217
|
Post by shadowswolf on Sept 12, 2009 10:46:03 GMT -5
Ryker watched curiously as the fight drew to a close. One of the fighters, wearing a red bandana, dashed off. Ryker couldn't help but smile. This was the perfect place for him. Unsure what to do, Ryker stood where he was. Then, taking in a deep breath, he walked past the injured men and into the bar. The noise immediately died away almost as soon as he entered. They all stared at him.
Finally, someone spoke. "The kid ain't got a mark."
A man with a blue bandana stood. "You new here?"
Ryker narrowed his eyes. "I don't see how its your business."
The first man who spoke, with a tattered red bandana around his neck, pushed his chair aside. "This is our town. Everyone that passes through is our business."
"I don't answer to anyone," snarled Ryker.
The two men didn't say anything. Their bodies were rigid. The blue bandana had gripped the table so that his knuckles had turned white. Ryker moved steadily past the crowd and sat down at the bar.
|
|
|
Post by Ruko on Sept 12, 2009 15:15:58 GMT -5
Age peered curiously back into the bar. It had quieted down, and it appeared as if the blue bandannas had won. Just then, a boy, looking about his age, walked into the bar. He didn't have any bandanna on him, and Age curiously watched the exchange. That kid was gutsy.
Deciding it was safe for him to come in, Age walked in, stiffening slightly as all eyes turned from the boy and to him. Luckily, for once, the dark blue bandanna around his neck spared him from another confrontation. He made his way over, intending to sit by the boy, but a meaty hand rested on his shoulder.
A man with a blue bandanna peered curiously at him. "Hey, kid, I haven't see you before. Are you a new recruit or somethin'? 'Cause I know pretty much everyone that finds their way into my gang."
Age clenched his jaw, not answering. He really didn't want to bring out his sword on this guy, especially because he wouldn't like to kill anyone, but... He met the man's eyes, narrowingly them slightly. "I'm just passing through."
|
|
shadowswolf
Soilder
I'm not evil, just up to no good.
Posts: 217
|
Post by shadowswolf on Sept 14, 2009 19:12:06 GMT -5
Ryker listened to the quick exchange between the boy and the man before turning to the man at the bar.
"What would you like?" asked the gruff man.
"Water."
The man gave me an odd glance, but Ryker ignored him. After paying, Rykerscanned the area. He immediately noticed a boy that looked about his age, wearing a blue bandana. Ryker walked over to him.
|
|
|
Post by Ruko on Sept 14, 2009 21:05:55 GMT -5
(XD you changed from third person to first person halfway through)
The man released Age with a grumble, and walked away. Age watched him with narrow eyes, making sure he wasn't going to turn around and fight. He'd met people like that. They weren't so fun.
He looked around, scouting out the people. Nobody looked like they were ready to fight again. Age sighed in relief internally. Good. He didn't want to fight again tonight. He turned to locate the boy who didn't have a bandanna, but he was already walking up to Age.
Age lifted one eyebrow, crossing his arms. "Yes?"
|
|
shadowswolf
Soilder
I'm not evil, just up to no good.
Posts: 217
|
Post by shadowswolf on Sept 15, 2009 20:52:53 GMT -5
(Dang! I'll keep in 3rd)
"You apart of a gang, right?"
The boy didn't answer.
Ryker paused, not sure what to say next. "I'm passing through, but I thought I would stay a bit. I want to check otu what's going on here. If I like it, I'll stay and join. Otherwise I'll leave."
"You want to join a gang, huh?"
A burly man stood up from a nearby table and walked over. Speechless, Ryker could only stare for a few moments.
"um, just to like, check it out."
|
|
|
Post by Ruko on Oct 4, 2009 18:14:29 GMT -5
Age glared at the man, before answering the boy's question. "No, I'm not part of a gang. And you probably shouldn't. Not unless you want to be stabbed in the back."
The burly man, who was wearing a blue bandanna, as there were no more red's in the bar, grabbed Age by his shirt, hoisting him up into the air. "Take that back, you little brat." Age's eyes narrowed. Within the next few moments, he kicked the man in the gut, and the face, and then landed on his feet about a foot away.
The burly man fell back to the table behind them, breathing heavily. "No, I don't think I will." Age answered scornfully, before turning to the boy. "He's a reason gangs are not to be involved in." Despite the fact they seemed about the same age, the boy acted relatively unexperienced, and naive. Joining a gang... Idiotic move, except for weaklings who need all the protection they could get.
|
|
shadowswolf
Soilder
I'm not evil, just up to no good.
Posts: 217
|
Post by shadowswolf on Nov 2, 2009 19:55:40 GMT -5
"I can handle myself," sneered Ryker. "Life gets dull when you have nothing to do but cause trouble. A gang sounds good to me, mix things up a little."
He didn't let his gaze off the other boy, not willing to turn his back on him. The fallen man stumbled to his feet like a drunk, muttering to himself as he limped out the door. Everyone was watching them carefully, still as statues. Finally, when neither boy spoke, a young man stood.
"If you're look'n for a gang kid, then join us." He tugged at his red bandana.
Another man stood, a blue bandana hanging around his neck. "Go ahead and choose. That is, if you ain't scared. Most kids don't survive a week."
|
|
|
Post by Ruko on Nov 2, 2009 20:06:26 GMT -5
Age rolled his eyes at the boy's idiocy. If he wanted trouble, just pit the gangs against each other, and join the brawl. No need to actually join them. That ties them down in one place, makes you more vulnerable to any enemies you might have. Keeping his steady, level gaze on the other boy, Age listened to the gang members.
"True. Kids wouldn't survive a week. I'm not a child. And, I'm guessing, neither is he." For a fraction of a second, his eyes flitted to both of the members, giving both of them a deadly glare. "Children would not be standing in a bar, now would they?" His level gaze returned to the boy. "Just curious. Are +Anima allowed to join gangs?"
Both of the men stepped backward, a slight fear crossing their faces. "Y-You a +Anima?" the red bandannaed one stammered, looking at Age.
A small smile crossed Age's face, as he ignored their question. "Are +Anima allowed to join gangs? I don't believe that reply answered my question."
|
|
shadowswolf
Soilder
I'm not evil, just up to no good.
Posts: 217
|
Post by shadowswolf on Nov 2, 2009 20:39:38 GMT -5
As soon as the words "plus anima" escaped his lips, Ryker felt his heart skip a beat. Either he was a plus anima himself, dumb enough to reveal his own identity, or he knew Ryker was a anima. Luckily, Ryker managed to act laid back.
"What about plus anima?" said Ryker in a cool voice. He shifted his weight. "Afraid are we? I thought gang leaders were strong, but apparently that isn't the case."
|
|
|
Post by Ruko on Nov 2, 2009 20:46:35 GMT -5
Age's smile grew wider. Well, that boy had taken the bait, hook, line and sinker. He had just wanted to throw off the leaders, but, there were always extra things a sentence could do. So, he was a +Anima. Interesting. You'd think that +Anima would get enough action. Izumi certainly did.
"Gang leaders are all talk and no play. I thought, you know, someone like you would know that." He accented 'someone like you', dropping the hint to the kid that he had figured it out. "What's the point of being afraid of +Anima? They're just normal people..." He smiled, flicking his gaze at the two men. "And half animal, of course."
Age straightened up, before turning to one man, and then the next, finally shifting his never-wavering gaze back to the boy. "So, you still haven't answered my question." His smiled vanished, his face growing serious, as he try to convey without words that joining this gang was foolish. If this boy wanted action, he could come with Age. He got enough every day for a lifetime. "Can +Anima join your gangs? That is, if they want too."
|
|