Champions of the Corrupt IC

[Zender_Solarheart]

"Nice to meet you, Dax." Shelby replies with a smile, glad to meet someone on the streets who's decent, for once. Most of the guys she's met outside are either clients, or uppity thugs wanting to mug her...and it should go without saying how the latter group ends up. A well-intending man like Dax is a refreshing change of pace. "I'm heading to the market to deliver a gadget for testing. My client was very specific on where to meet him...and sparing the technical details, it's something that just can't be tested without him actually using it." Of course, she doesn't mention the fact that her "gadget" is actually an artificial hand, but that's something she's choosing to file under "technical details" for this one.

"So Dax, shall we get going?" Shelby comments, while motioning for Dax to follow her over to the Market District. Besides, it's not wise to stay in one spot while gangsters might show up to cause trouble...

[daxtinator396]

Dax smiled back,"Sounds very interesting! How do you make these things? Oh sorry I`m sure you have your secrets! One more question before we go but what kind of walker are you? I know it`s abit personal but if things get hairy in the market I`d like to know what we`re working with. I`m an earth walker." He said as they began to walk towards the market.

[Zender_Solarheart]

In all fairness, Shelby saw that question coming. While there are three major gangs that base themselves around a particular Walker element, not all Walkers are thugs. Her and Dax are among the living proof of that. Still, quite interesting that he'd be an Earth Walker, of all things, as electricity always takes the quickest route to the ground, scientifically speaking. Whatever creator there may be for the universe, he/she certainly seems to have a sense of humor. Anyhow, she answers his question:

"I'm an electric walker...and if you're concerned about my self-defense, don't be. I'm well-trained with my sword, though I prefer using the sheath for a non-lethal approach. That said, if you think I'm good, you should've seen my brother..." Shelby's tone becomes a tad more somber at that last sentence, uttered while they're walking to the market. She really does miss Jered, though what sister wouldn't miss her brother? For her, though, it's become haunting, as his disappearance had no feasible explanation. He's an excellent swordsman, with awe-inspiring Electric Walker skills, and a sharp wit; even if someone had managed to defeat him, the word of it would've circulated at least enough for her to get a hint...and yet, she has nothing to the case. No clues, no potential pieces of evidence, not even a rumor to base a hunch on. It's as if he just...stopped existing one day, for no real reason at all. It doesn't make sense...which is why she continues to look. In fact...

"Hey Dax? I know this may be a bit random, but...have you ever seen this man?" Shelby pulls one of her sketches of Jered out of her backpack, showing it to him. She hopes he's seen him somewhere...or at least heard something about him.

(the sketch, in case people forgot...)

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

[daxtinator396]

Dax nods his head,"Electric walker huh? Sounds good. I`m no fighter but i work hard and I know some basic stuff I was kind of hoping this guy who I`m looking for could teach me. He seemed so competent. He took out those three thugs like they were nothing..." He said and then saw the sketch she showed him,"Sorry Miss I don`t know him... is that your brother? And what kind of walker is he? Maybe we`re looking for the same person. Maybe we`re looking for the same person@" Dax said hopefully giving her that happy smile of his again.

[jayjaycaps]

Claire: (Back Alley District)

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

The tentacle controller laughed. "You're cold? Ask me if I care bitch!" Before you can ask, his hands are pulling your underwear down to your ankles. "The answer is 'no'." His tentacles twirl and writhe, moving down to your nether regions. You feel them center onto your clit, twisting and stimulating it. The men laugh, and you notice a few have hands down their pants, rubbing themselves. "Nobody's coming to save you, lady. Only person dumb enough to stop us would be-" "Stop right there, criminal scum!"

The rapist's turn their heads, panic setting in. The alley way has been blocked off, and standing in the way is a small group of... Gaurds? They aren't your regular Riviana guards, however. These guys have white and gold heavy armor, an orange sun on their chests. They wield no swords, just large, circular white and gold shields. The man in the middle is different from the others. He's taller, bigger, and wears a white cape with gold trimmings. His face is also covered by his white plate helm. You also notice he's the only one with a weapon: a large two handed sword.

"Criminals, I am Jason Agroma, Paragon of Riviana. You have broken the law, and must be brought to justice. As the Harbringer of Justice, I am placing all of you under arrest. Come swiftly and quietly, or prepare to die in the name of honor and glory." Jason's voice is loud, deep and commanding: just listening to him makes you want to stand at attention, or fall in line behind him. And you can tell he's practiced his speech before, despite you having never heard of him. The men holding you clearly have however, as they're all wide eyed and stunned.

After a few beats, sheer terror breaks out amongst your captors. Weapons drawn, they either look for another way out or charge Jason and his men. Both prove to be foolish, as the only way out of the alley is through Jason, and his sword isn't letting anyone past. Moving through the mob, he either slices them up or knocks them out. A few seconds latter, and Jason is towering over you, a pile of unmoving gangsters behind him.

"Citizen. Are you hurt? What did these men do to you?" Jason practically barks at you, clearly not impressed that he has to talk to you.

[jayjaycaps]

Sentari: (Back Alley District, your brothel)

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

As you undo his pants, Lex's hands move under your top, moving their way to your breasts. Once their, he gently gropes them, occasionally pinching your nipples. Lex also starts kissing you harder, more passionately. His pants fall, and you can see the sizable bulge in his boxers. Bigger than most customers you see, from what you can tell.

Outside in the front, you hear some more shouting and banging around. Perhaps some customers getting lost in the moment? Some really rough sex? You can't tell, but your sure your second in command can handle whatever it is.

[jayjaycaps]

Kiku: (Back Alley District)

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

After the word "water", Jason raised his hand, motioning for you to stop talking. "Enough. We will handle it from here, citizen. As you were. Move out!" And with that, Jason and his small legion march through and and around the corner, moving perfectly in time with each other. Once around the corner, you hear shouting, smashing, screaming, and the unmistakable boom of Jason's commands.

Now alone, you notice just how dead the streets are around you. Nothing seems to be moving at all... That is, save for that figure you saw moving quickly out of the corner of your eye down that dark alley way... Probably nothing, right?

[Taria]

Sentari's irritation becomes quiet visable as she clenches her teeth. Lightly pushing Lex aside, she stands up and begins strutting angrly out of her office, still sauntering sexily. Practically growling in anger, Sentari transforms her earing into three icy spike as she pokes her head out towards the direction of the noise. "What in the hell is making all that racket?!"

[SugarCookie]

As the guards run past her, she leans her back against a wall and softly bangs her head on it. "Fucking stupid, fuck, fuck fuck, fuck..." She depressingly chills there for a bit hearing the violence, trying not to picture what is going on. Thinking to herself, she blames herself and rethinks what she could of done.

'I should of went for help, or maybe challenge their leader for his freedom? Gah! What am I thinking, I try to be good, but all I end up doing is fucking up more. I try to save one, now more people are getting hurt, why can't things just be easier? If I had better aim, he probably would've gotten away, and I could of lead those guard guys away...'

Then, off the corner of her eye, she notices something...

'Something moving at the corner of my eye, no one around, memories of my first and only rape are enough to convince me not to take a chance. I'd better run back and see if the firewalker got away'

She quickly gets up, not realizing she slouched down, and turned the corner toward the battle, looking for the firewalker.

[Zender_Solarheart]

Listening to the story about Dax's mysterious rescuer, Shelby can't help but speculate...could that have been...? Probably not; if that was Jered, he would've stuck around to see if he was okay, instead of just taking off like that. Bit of a shame he doesn't know Jered...well, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

"Well, yes...that would be my brother. A while back, he went out on business, but never returned. No witnesses, no fighting, no rumors or gossip...he just...vanished. He's a powerful Electric Walker and swordsman, though, so I doubt he was killed...in fact, I learned my skills from him. I really do miss him, though..."

Seeing Dax's happy smile helps lighten Shelby's mood a little, thankfully. Wiping the single tear from her right eye, she says: "I've rambled long enough. My client's meeting place is just a few blocks away, anyhow." She's always been curious as to why "Mr. E" always wants to meet her where he does: an old diner that doesn't get much business, at least not since the Water Gang gained more ground. Rumor has it that it used to be a hideout for Earth Gangsters, that wanted to duck in and avoid the other gangs' patrols. However, if Mr. E was working with the Earth Walkers, she would've deciphered that by now...and even if he is, it's not like the mechanical hand she has is made for weaponized use, anyhow.

All she has to do now is get to that old diner, without any incidents along the way...

(In other words, if you have an event in mind, Jay, this is where to do it. )

[TheDaughterOfHades14]

Claire stares at Jason with shock. She blinks a few times. "Uh. I'm fine. Thank you sir." she says. She then blushes as she realizes her clothes are either off or torn. She pulls up her clothing and does her best to cover her chest. "Thanks again sir. Uh. I guess I'll be on my way now. Thanks again. Thanks so much sir. From the bottom of my heart." Claire says.

[jayjaycaps]

Sentari: (Back Alley District, your brothel)

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Lex gets up and moves behind you, eager to see what is making the noise as well. He peers over your head standing close behind you, so close that you can feel his bulge rubbing against your buttocks. Looking out the door, you can see... Chaos would be a good word to describe it.

Chairs have been flipped, girls are screaming and running, and several red robed men shouting and ransacking the place, but with one standing in the middle of the room, his arms crossed, watching the men work.. But probably most importantly, the room is on fire. Now outside, you can make out what all the shouting is about. Between the screaming, you hear the men shouting out things along the lines of "Where's Lex? Give us Lex! We want Lex!" You can feel Lex back away behind you, when the 'leader' of the men turns to you. You can't see under his red hood, and his voice is calm and soothing, despite the flames around him.

"You. You are Sentari Omiyashu, owner of this brothel? You are currently housing a man who owes the Red Men a great deal of... Ahh, there you are lex!" The Red Men... You recognize the name as the Fire Walker only gang. You feel Lex slowly back away behind you, back into the room. Everyone has turned to him, and the other robed figures move behind the leader, forming ranks. "Where are you going, Lex? We just have some unfinished business to tend to. Give him to us Sentari, and maybe we'll leave your brothel standing." You can sense the cruel smile under his hood. He doesn't approach you, instead he and his men just stand there amidst the fire.

Due to the fire slowly burning your brothel down, it's pretty damn hot in there... You can already tell this will cause some Elemental Sickness soon.

Ty: (Back Alley District)

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Jason Agroma lets out a sigh from underneath his helm. You can tell he's getting annoyed. "Under Section 2, subsection 3AC of Riviana's Code of Law, "A person commits an assault when (a) without the consent of another person, he applies force intentionally to that other person, directly or indirectly; (b) he attempts or threatens, by an act or a gesture, to apply force to another person." By that definition, you committed a crime. One that could be punishable by death, should I deem it necessary. I trust it won't come to that?" Jason pats the hilt of his broadsword hanging on his belt. "I trust you will cooperate now? I need you to tell me all you can about the man you attacked."

Jason sneered the last part about you attacking the mystery man, as if he doesn't believe it himself. He had said something earlier about the man being a wanted criminal. One thing bothers you though, Jason's sword. The guards of Riviana don't carry swords, they're all White Walkers; they make their own swords using their powers. None of the other men carry swords, they have shields.

Jormag: (Market District)

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

The Gangster pushes through the crowd, getting a closer look. The crowd parts for him and you, knowing how much pull they have around the District. "Nah, shouldn't be a fight. This place is as secure as... Oh. It's them."

Now closer to the center of the crowd, you can see hastily painted on the sides of the doorway various symbols for each Walker type: A mountain for earth, a water droplet for water, a lightning bolt for electricity, ect. Standing in the doorway are two men, brothers you guess, based on how similar they look.
Having everyone's attention, they sing a little song. "Well lookie what we got here brother of mine, it's the same in every town. People with thirsty throats, dry tounges and not a drop of ale to be found. Maybe their not aware that there's really no need for this teary disspair?" "That the key that they need to solve this sad ale shortage you and I will share!" "So take this opportunity, in this here-y community!" "He's Flim!" "He's Flam!" "We're the world famous Flimflam brothers! Travelling salesmen, nonpareil!" It would seem the one with a mustache was Flam, and the shaved one was Flim. The three men holding you hostage are all watching Flim and Flam, if you wanted to escape, now would be a good time.

Adele: (Market District)

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

You are lead through the crowds, towards the other edge of the District. The people seem to part for the red robed man, as if he held some importance around here. As you pass through, two more red robed men join your party, flanking you on each side. Where did they come from? They seemed to blend into the crowd...

Eventually, you make your way to a large building, making up the entire far wall of the Market. Made entirely out of white marble, the building towers over you. All along the top, a red and black banners hang every so often, a flame insignia on each. In front of you is a large set of stairs, with a few more red robed men lounging about on them. They give you no mind as you pass, but the one guarding the door doors. "Hey. Password?" He asks nonchalantly. The man who lead you hear pulls his right sleeve back, showing the guard his wrist. "We are the fire of Riviana." Content with the phrase, the guards opens the large wooden door for you, letting you pass.

Inside, the first thing you notice is the music. It's loud and pounding, with a steady beat. The second thing you notice is the people. There seems to be as many people inside as they're are outside. They're all dancing to the music, their bodies writhing together, they woman very scantily clad... Wait, is this a club?

The more you look, the more the thought is confirmed. These men have brought you to a massive club. You see a grand bar at the end of the room, and a massive wall of alcohol for the patrons. On raised platforms girls are dancing, swinging around poles wearing little to nothing. Men and women watch and dance along, all having a good time. No other robed men are to be seen other than the ones escorting you, yet you can feel several eyes on you. Before you can even think about joining the party goers, you are lead to the side through another door. It is shut behind you, and you hear it lock. Inside it is pitch dark, and two hands are placed on your shoulders. You are half pushed, half lead through the dark, eventually reaching another door. It is unlocked, and you are shoved inside without your escort. You hear the door slam, and relock itself from the outside.

Lounging about the centre of the room, is a shirtless, muscular man and three women around him. He and the girls sit on the floor, with two large lit brazzers being the only light in the room. His body is covered in tattoos, deep red with tribal designs. Seeing you enter, he turns his attention away from his half naked friends. "Ah, Lady Adelphia Kveyna. Please, have a seat. I am Krenko." He motions for you to sit on the floor. "How has your visit to Riviana been, so far? I trust my men haven't...Mishandled you? I gave them strict orders not to. We wouldn't want to damage such a precious person. Tell me, what do you think of my fine city?" Krenko sits up, crossing his legs. The three women leave him alone, eyes fixed on you. Krenko seems calm and relaxed, and you feel all warm and secure when he talks. But the women stare at you with looks of hate and spite, you could almost swear they'd attack you at any moment...

Claire: (Back Alley District)

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Jason grunts. "Yes, yes. Everyone's grateful. As you were, citizen." With that he turns and leaves, his men having handcuffed the gangsters who cornered you, and either lead them or dragged them away.

Now alone, you notice how your clothes are torn. Well, these simply won't do, will they? Wouldn't want to walk around here with your tits hanging out like that. You might get raped...

Kiku: (Back Alley District)

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Around the corner, it seems all hell has broken loose. Jason's men are chasing the Water Walkers all over the place, their white energy swords and hammers out. Jason doesn't do anything, he just stands there, shouting. The Water Walkers try to flee, but are either captured or 'knocked out', from what you can tell.

"I am the law of Riviana! I am the pillar of light and order that upholds this city! To oppose me is to oppose the law, and to bring about your death! Just as you cannot stop the sun from rising, you cannot stop me from bringing order to this city! I am Jason Agroma, Paragon of Riviana! I am the Judge! I am the Jury! I am the Executioner!" Despite Jason being a little too over dramatic, the remaining Walkers running around all immediately drop to the ground as he finishes, hands over their heads. You feel yourself want to do the same, and it takes all of your willpower not to. It's kinda funny how Jason's words can make you feel so powerful and weak, confident and fearful at the same time...

Scanning the street, none of the guards pay any attention to you. They're to busy rounding up the cowering criminals. But over to the side, tucked away in an alley way you see a red robed man hunched over on the ground, holding his face in his hands. Could that be the Fire Walker?

Hermes: (Heart District Sewer System)

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

You begin to climb the ladder, intent on getting out before Elemental Sickness really sets in. But just as you reach the top, you hear someone below...

"Well, lookie what we got here brother of mine! A cute little girl, crawling around the sewers!" "I say! And what on earth for?" Looking down, you see two men. Brothers, you guess, based on how similar they look.
The shaved one looks up at you, and chuckles, "Now my dear, tell me you weren't planning on getting your weapons back looking like that? The guards would snap you up in a heartbeat! You need some help. You need our help." Do you trust these men to help you, or try to go on your own? Better decide quickly, as you have begun to feel dizzy and lightheaded, a sure sign of Elemental Sickness.

Garth: (Market District)

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

As you rush towards the ice blasting Walker, one of the men in between you and your target sticks out his arm, clotheslining your neck. You fall to the ground, and find it difficult to breath. One of the Walkers stands over you, sneering. "Not so tough, are ya, little man?" He spits on your face, the loogy landing on your forehead. They all laugh at you, giving you some time to react.

Shelby and Dax: (Back Alley District, Old Diner)

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Shelby and Dax make it to the diner without any problems. Entering the old building, they are met with the smell of fresh bread baking, and a completely empty diner. That is, empty save for the small group in the back corner.

The waiter at the front looks Shelby up and down, paying no mind to Dax. "Right this way, ma'am." Leading the two of you to the back table, on the one side is a man with a grey robe pulled over his face, and a man in white robes with a gold cross on them; a doctor. You notice that the grey robed man's left hand is visible, his right had hidden under his sleeve. Unless...

"Shelby. You have finished my hand?" The man mumble from under the hood. The doctor looks around nervously, as if expecting something terrible to happen. No one else is in the old diner, and it is terribly quiet... Almost too quiet.

[Taria]

Sentari grimaces disdainfully. These guys must really think her foolish, bringing along fire to a Water Walker's realm. This brothel is decorated all over with water, water is kinda her thing and afterall, she needs to be around it to survive. Her displeasure painfully obvious, Sentaari mutters, "Didn't your mothers ever teach you how to talk politely to a lady?" She raises up her arms to make the water from the large fountain in the center of the room begin spitting water everywhere like an angry sprinkler. Sure, everyone in the room might get wet... but she hopes her customers are intelligent enough to find being wet preferable to being on fire. Where's Blaire when she needs her...

[MiscChaos]

Hermes gives an annoyed look downward towards the two interruptions below. These two do not look like infiltrators or warriors, but they give off a vibe of... she doesn't know. But they feel kind of greasy. She doesn't have long to mull this over, signs of ES making themselves stronger and harder to ignore. "We can talk outside of the damn sewers. The smell is starting to get to me." She lies, moving to get out and into open air. And that have a lot to talk about to. Like how the hell do they know what she's looking for? In what possible way could they help her? Well, if worse comes to worse, she can use them as distractions. A few slaughtered bodies always gets the attention of the guards.

[jayjaycaps]

Hermes: (Heart District Sewers)

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

The two brothers turn to each other and sigh. "As you wish, Hermes. Come along, Flam."

They follow you up and out of the manhole, into the Heart District. Towering over you are grand buildings made out of white marble and pure gold, with flags with Riviana's symbol on them, a gold sun on a white background. You feel yourself calm down a bit, the open air helping your Elemental Sickness wear off.

Before you can truly feel sane again, you are shoved into an alley way by the twins. Huddled in a dark corner, a group of about five guards pass by where you were just standing. Across the alley way, pinned on the wall is a poster with your face on it, the words WANTED: ASYLUM ESCAPEE. $250,00 REWARD, BY ORDER OF JASON ARGOMA underneath.

"See? You're a hot commodity around here, Hermes. You're going to need help if you want to get your stuff back. We can help you." The twins stand and smile at you, their smiles reminding you of something a used wagon salesman might wear. They seem impeccably clean for two guys who were just wandering around the sewers. Looking down at your own clothes, you see that they are splattered with filth, and sewer mystery gunk that you'd rather not figure out what it is...

[KnightVanilla]

And thats what he got for his lack of forsight. It really hurt though. The annoying prick who just spitted on his face and is now laughing above him, hmm what to do. Oh right make him pay. Swinging the blunt end of his Scythe towards his crotch. That should hurt, but to make it count he pulled the other end of the scythe to his head and shot the shaft out. So that should knock him out that just leaves the other three. After getting up he would gather the wind around him to help him avoid any on coming attacks, maybe said a few projectiles back to their owner. With his scythe fully locked in place he waits to react to the next attacker.

[Zender_Solarheart]

Shelby heads over to Mr. E and his doctor, ready to do business. "I have indeed, sir. I still wish there was a better way to test it, though..." Reaching into her backpack, she pulls out the artificial hand, a marvel of technology in its own right. Tweaking that Lectronium nerve-hub has been anything but easy, even for one such as herself. Then again, synthetic limbs aren't something you'd expect to be simple...and really, the challenge is what proves it's worthwhile.

Giving Mr. E a hand - literally - Shelby instructs him on where to hook it up and all, glad that there's at least a doctor around if something were to go wrong. She's never been the type to deal with situations like that...

[MiscChaos]

Hermes has barely got her first breath of clean, open air when it's interrupted by the twins shoving her in an alley. She's about to show the second group today why trying to screw with her against her will is a bad idea when they point out the guards and the wanted poster.

"Damn. People actually care about that shit here." she mutters under her breath, contemplating this new (to her) angle. She's highly suspicious of the two men in front of her, that greasy feeling they give off not having faded even though they just saved her the trouble of having to test the mettle of this town's guards. Especially with them being clean despite going through the sewers like she did. Hermes growls when, no matter how much she thinks on it, she's gonna need help since she doesn't know this town's hiding spots, its shady areas, the places people, and the bodies they carry, can disappear without too much trouble. And she'll need all the shadow she can get to get back into the asylum.

"How do I know you're not settin' me up for a fall? Saving someone, or appearing to, is an easy way to get 'em to lower their guard before stickin' the knife in 'em. And how the hell do you know what I want?"

[daxtinator396]

Dax just follows along for now feeling a little miffed that the attendant had ignored him and instead addressed only Shelby. Well it is her Appointment after all so he can't be but too upset about it. He is just tagging along looking for a mysterious stranger. As they reach the table he nods politely but doesn't speak as he really wasn't supposed to be there but at the doctor's nervous expression he finally asked as Shelby began hooking up Mr. E's hand,"Hey doc why do you look so nervous? We're all alone in here and in a diner so let's calm down a bit okay?" He said the last part with a reassuring smile. Maybe the doc was just worried about the gangs catching wind of what they were doing.

[AsianP3rsuas10n]

Ty stands still, and tries to straighten his posture so he doesnt fall over. Ignoring the aching pain soaring through his body, Ty listens to this huge man in armor.
After the man finishes, Ty whispers under his breathe Yea crimes my ass, what a douche.
Looking up straight afterwards as if he had said nothing at all.

You want me, to tell YOU about this already well-known "Wanted Criminal"? What kind of police force are you? Listen, all I know, is that this guy is some kind of water walker. He's fast, and he hits really damn hard.

Ty's mind scrammbles as he tries to remember everything he could about the man but his mind seemed blank. All he could think about was his stupid head ache and Jason's sword...Wait sword?Ty thinks in his head. He peers over Jason's shoulder and sees that Jason is the only one with a sword.

Wait, how come you carry a sword with you but give your minions, shields? What kind of walker are you?